NEWARK, N.J. – On Thursday, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced that fifteen individuals, associated with a Paterson-based street gang, have been charged for their roles in a narcotics distribution conspiracy. The substances involved include heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine.
Eleven of the defendants were arrested and are scheduled to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Cathy L. Waldor in Newark federal court. Two defendants were already in state custody, while two remain at large.
All defendants are charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute the aforementioned controlled substances. Some defendants also face weapons offenses.
The UpTop street gang, based in the Fourth Ward of Paterson, allegedly includes all defendants.
They are involved in the distribution of controlled substances. Jamal Ricks and Rahjohn Leary, high-ranking members of UpTop, worked with other conspirators to control the drug trade. Marquis Turner and Quajamir Price are charged with using firearms in connection with the gang’s drug activities.