Trenton Heroin Ring: ‘Meech’ & ‘T-Rod’ Fall

TRENTON, N.J. – Two Trenton men are facing serious time after admitting their roles in a large-scale heroin distribution network that flooded the city and surrounding areas with the deadly drug. Keith Hunter, a/k/a “Meech,” 24, and Thomas Rogers, a/k/a “Herb,” a/k/a “T-Rod,” 23, both pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges, effectively turning on the ‘Abdullah DTO’ and offering a glimpse into its operation.

Hunter entered his guilty plea before U.S. District Judge Freda L. Wolfson on charges of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin. Rogers, who pleaded guilty on March 29, 2017, also faces the same charge. Crucially, both men admitted to possessing at least one firearm while participating in the illicit enterprise – a detail that will undoubtedly factor into their sentencing.

The pair were initially swept up in a December 2016 crackdown targeting ten members of the “Abdullah DTO,” named after alleged kingpin Ishmael Abdullah. Law enforcement described the organization as a sophisticated operation, utilizing prepaid phones, stash houses, and coded language to evade detection. The investigation, spearheaded by the Greater Trenton Safe Streets Task Force, uncovered evidence suggesting Abdullah was responsible for sourcing significant quantities of heroin, funneling it through Hunter, Rogers, and other conspirators for street-level distribution.

According to court documents, the trafficking operation centered around the Spring and Passaic Streets area of Trenton from June 2015 through December 2016. Investigators employed a range of tactics – wiretaps, controlled buys, confidential informants – to build their case. The evidence paints a picture of a well-organized network, with members sharing access to multiple firearms to protect their operation and intimidate rivals. Torres-Mezquita and Sanchez were identified as heroin suppliers to the DTO.

Both Hunter and Rogers are now looking at a mandatory minimum of five years behind bars, with a potential maximum sentence of 40 years and a hefty $5 million fine. Sentencing is scheduled for July 7, 2017, for Hunter and July 10, 2017, for Rogers. While they’re the first to plead guilty, authorities indicate the investigation remains ongoing, and further indictments are possible.

Acting U.S. Attorney William E. Fitzpatrick credited a massive collaborative effort for bringing these defendants to justice. The investigation involved agents from the FBI, ATF, Trenton Police, Princeton Police, Ewing Police, Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, and multiple other federal and state agencies. The relentless work of the Greater Trenton Safe Streets Task Force sends a clear message: drug trafficking will not be tolerated, and those who profit from addiction will be held accountable.