Tyson Jacobs, Heroin Conspiracy, New Jersey 2020

In a major blow to the heroin trade, a Passaic County man has admitted participating in a heroin conspiracy that spanned over a year. Tyson Jacobs, 21, of Paterson, New Jersey, pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Brian R. Martinotti to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin and one count of knowingly and intentionally distributing heroin.

Jacobs' guilty plea comes after a lengthy investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), which determined that he and his conspirators, all members and associates of the 230 Boys street gang, conspired to distribute narcotics, including heroin and fentanyl, from at least September 2018 through October 1, 2019.

According to documents filed in the case, law enforcement used a variety of investigative techniques, including controlled purchases of narcotics, consensually recorded telephone calls and text messages, physical surveillance, and the analysis of telephone call detail records, to uncover the scope of the conspiracy.

The charges against Jacobs carry significant penalties. The count of conspiracy to distribute at least 100 grams of heroin carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison, as well as a fine of $5 million. The count of distribution of heroin carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $1 million.

Jacobs' sentencing is scheduled for November 23, 2020. The investigation into the 230 Boys street gang is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information about the gang's activities to come forward.

The OCDETF is a nationwide program that aims to dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking, and money laundering organizations. The program is led by the U.S. Attorney's Office and involves a range of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.

In a statement, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito praised the hard work and dedication of the agents and officers involved in the investigation, saying, 'Their efforts have brought a major player in the heroin trade to justice.'

Tyson Jacobs, 21, of Paterson, New Jersey, pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin and knowingly and intentionally distributing heroin.

Defendant: Tyson Jacobs

Criminal Charges: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, and knowingly and intentionally distributing heroin

City and State: Paterson, New Jersey

Date: November 2020

Sentence or Outcome: Sentencing scheduled for November 23, 2020

Dollar Amounts: $5 million fine for conspiracy to distribute at least 100 grams of heroin, $1 million fine for distribution of heroin

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-nj/pr/passaic-county-man-admits-participating-heroin-conspiracy