Roosevelt Dante Harris, 39, of Asbury Park, New Jersey, admitted today to being a felon in possession of a firearm during a violent drive-by shooting that terrorized the streets of Asbury Park in 2016. The guilty plea, entered in Trenton federal court, marks a critical breakthrough in a case that exposed illegal gun trafficking from South Carolina into New Jersey.
Harris pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Peter G. Sheridan to a single count of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. The charge stems from events on November 24, 2016, when Harris drove a black minivan through Asbury Park while another man opened fire from the passenger seat. Hidden behind the glove compartment: a loaded Taurus PT709 Slim 9 mm pistol, later tied directly to Harris.
Court documents reveal Harris orchestrated the illegal acquisition of not one, but three firearms, including the 9 mm used during the drive-by. Just three days before the shooting, Harris accompanied an associate to a South Carolina gun dealer, where the associate purchased the weapons on his behalf. Harris then transported the arsenal across state lines, violating federal law at every turn.
Despite multiple prior felony convictions in Monmouth County, Harris showed no hesitation in arming himself and placing lethal weapons within reach during a high-speed, armed assault. While Harris did not pull the trigger, prosecutors emphasized his role as the driver and firearm possessor—actions that carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The investigation was a joint effort by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), under Special Agent in Charge John B. Devito; the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, led by Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni; and the Asbury Park Police Department, under Deputy Chief David Kelso. The Lakewood Police Department also provided crucial support.
Sentencing is scheduled for May 14, 2018. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elisa T. Wiygul. Harris is represented by Andrea D. Bergman, Esq., Assistant Federal Public Defender in Trenton. The case number is 18-051.
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Key Facts
- State: New Jersey
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
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