Raquan Rawls, Crack and Heroin Distribution, New Jersey 2023

N.J. Man Pleads Guilty to Crack and Heroin Distribution

Newark, N.J. – In a shocking turn of events, Raquan Rawls, 24, of Newark, New Jersey, pleaded guilty to distributing and possessing with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine base, according to U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger.

Rawls, also known as "Bandz," admitted to selling heroin and cocaine base to an individual while under surveillance by law enforcement on November 21, 2019, and December 13, 2019.

The superseding indictment charges Rawls with two counts: distribution and possession with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine base (Count Eight), and distribution and possession with intent to distribute heroin (Count Nine). Both charges carry a statutory maximum of 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $1 million.

Rawls’ sentencing is scheduled for January 23, 2023. The investigation was part of the Newark Violent Crime Initiative (VCI), a joint effort between state, federal, county, and local law enforcement agencies to combat crime in Newark and surrounding cities.

The case is also part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation, which aims to dismantle high-level criminal organizations threatening the United States.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited a multitude of law enforcement agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Newark Police Department, and the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, for their assistance in the investigation.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracey Agnew of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Trenton.

MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS

Drug Trafficking

Approximately $17,110 in Canadian Currency Seized, Fargo ND, 2021

Nov 15, 2024

Drug Trafficking

Luke Roderick Lowe, Methamphetamine Distribution Conspiracy, Alaska 2016

Oct 18, 2016

Drug Trafficking

Tyrone Pennick, Cocaine Conspiracy, New York 2016

May 31, 2024

Drug Trafficking

Carlos Solorio, Methamphetamine Trafficking, Florida 2023

Feb 6, 2025