Shiquwan Johnson, Narcotics and Firearms Related Offenses, New Jersey 2023

NEWARK, N.J. - Three Hudson County men have been charged with narcotics and firearms related offenses in connection with a large-scale drug operation in Jersey City, New Jersey.

Shiquwan Johnson, aka 'Big Shy,' 37, was charged with unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon, possession with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine, and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Johnson, who is associated with a neighborhood street gang that operates around the Bergen Avenue/Lexington Avenue area in Jersey City, faces a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison.

Douglas Sherman, aka 'Dougie,' 40, was charged with maintaining a drug-involved premises. Sherman is also associated with the neighborhood street gang that operates in and around Bergen Avenue and Lexington Avenue in Jersey City.

Perry Capers, aka 'Diddy,' 36, was charged with possession with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine. Capers is also associated with the neighborhood street gang that operates in and around Bergen Avenue and Lexington Avenue in Jersey City. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

All three defendants appeared in court on February 16, 2023, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jessica S. Allen. Johnson and Sherman consented to detention, while Capers was released and placed on home incarceration.

The investigation, which was led by the Jersey City Police Department, revealed multiple stash locations for narcotics and firearms in the apartment building, including inside an apartment unit rented by Sherman. While executing search warrants on February 15, 2023, law enforcement officers recovered hundreds of grams of suspected cocaine and tens of grams of suspected heroin, three firearms, and additional ammunition.

U.S. Attorney Philip Sellinger credited investigators from the Jersey City Police Department, the Department of Homeland Security, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for their assistance in the investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Clara Kim of the Office's OCDETF/Narcotics Unit.

The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-nj/pr/three-hudson-county-men-charged-narcotics-and-firearms-related-offenses-inside-jersey