Camden, New Jersey, is reeling again as federal prosecutors unmask a violent drug trafficking ring tied to street-level distribution of crack cocaine and illegal firearms. Preston J. Thomas, 30, a/k/a “Boo,” of Camden, and Jeffrey Whitaker, 33, a/k/a “Jay,” “Jay Black,” and “Black,” of Collingswood, were indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of drug conspiracy and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
The superseding indictment hits hard: Thomas is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine base and a separate count for firearm possession tied directly to drug operations. Whitaker faces the same drug conspiracy charge, marking him as a key player in the underground network that operated across Camden and its surrounding communities.
The case stems from a long-term takedown led by the FBI’s South Jersey Violent Offender and Gang Task Force. Since the initial complaint on Sept. 9, 2016, investigators have seized narcotics and recovered two handguns stashed by members of the conspiracy. Court-authorized wiretaps on cellphones used by the traffickers captured critical evidence, laying bare the operation’s hierarchy and methods.
Two co-conspirators have already entered guilty pleas. Jason Boyd, 36, a/k/a “Teddy,” “Teddy Reek,” and “Fatboy,” pleaded guilty on Jan. 17, 2017, before U.S. District Judge Jerome B. Simandle. Derek Stallworth, 20, a/k/a “AK” and “A,” of Camden, entered a guilty plea on Dec. 8, 2016. Both face sentencing in federal court—Boyd on April 28, 2017, and Stallworth on March 24, 2017.
Penalties are severe. The drug conspiracy charge carries up to 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine. The firearm count mandates a minimum of five years in prison, to be served consecutively—no leniency, no early release. Federal prosecutors are pushing for maximum accountability, sending a message to street crews testing the law’s limits.
U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman credited the FBI’s South Jersey Resident Agency, Camden County Police, the Prosecutor’s Office, and the N.J. State Police for their relentless work. Assistance also came from the Camden County Sheriff’s Department, Cherry Hill Police, and Homeland Security Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gabriel J. Vidoni. Thomas is represented by Maggie Moy, Assistant Federal Public Defender; Whitaker by Mark Catanzaro, Esq., of Mt. Holly. The defendants remain presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
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Key Facts
- State: New Jersey
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Weapons|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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