Federal Indictments for 24 Booker T Gang Members in Jersey City: DRUGS, FRAUD, AND ARMED ROBBERY
JERSEY CITY, NJ – U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger revealed that twenty-four members of the Booker T Street gang have been charged with a variety of felonies, including drug distribution, armed robbery, and bank fraud. The accused were hauled before U.S. Magistrate Judge James B. Clark III in Newark federal court, with four remaining at large.
The allegations reflect a severe criminal business that operates within Jersey City’s Booker T. Washington Housing Complex. Members and members of the gang are accused of running a narcotics trafficking operation that supplied large amounts of heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine.
Eleven of the defendants are charged with conspiracy to distribute more than 100 grams of heroin, 40 grams of fentanyl, and other quantities of cocaine.
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In addition to drug trafficking, the gang participated in a complex bank fraud operation from December 2022 to May 2024. This plan involves the production, alteration, and deposit of bogus checks, resulting in losses of over $100,000. Fifteen of those arrested have been charged with conspiracy to commit bank fraud.
Additionally, two gang allies, Juan Hemingway and Stephon Murphy, are specifically charged with Hobbs Act robbery and the unauthorized use of a handgun in connection with an armed robbery on May 6, 2024, in which they reportedly stole controlled narcotics from a victim.
The arrests are the result of a coordinated effort by federal, state, and local law enforcement authorities, highlighting the crucial role of interagency collaboration. Law enforcement authorities, including ATF Acting Special Agent Ross A. Marchetti and Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez, reaffirmed their commitment to stopping violent and drug-related activities that endanger public safety.
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These operations are supported by a wide range of agencies, including the IRS Criminal Investigation and the United States Postal Inspection Service, indicating the enormous network of resources available to combat gang-related criminality in New Jersey.