Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw announced that a Trenton man was sentenced today to life in prison without the possibility of parole for fatally shooting a 26-year-old woman three years ago inside a parked car on Baldwin Lane in the Buckingham Park section of Willingboro Township.
The sentence was handed down in Superior Court in Mount Holly by the Hon. Christopher J. Garrenger, J.S.C., to Devon Woods, 28, who was convicted in October of Felony Murder (First Degree) Murder (First Degree), Robbery (First Degree), Conspiracy to Commit Robbery (Second Degree), Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose (Second Degree), Unlawful Possession of a Weapon (Second Degree) and Certain Persons Not to Have Weapons (Second Degree).
Woods was arrested along with Sam Gore of Willingboro and charged with killing Deasia Ayres of Willingboro in the early morning hours of September 18, 2019. The investigation revealed that Woods fired a handgun into her neck and head as she sat in her Dodge Durango. The motive was robbery.
“I commend everyone who was involved in the investigation and prosecution of this defendant,” Prosecutor Bradshaw said. “This case strongly demonstrates our determination to work closely with our law enforcement partners to combat gun violence and maintain safe neighborhoods for Burlington County residents.”
Gore, 28, faces similar charges to those lodged against Woods. They have been held in the Burlington County Jail in Mount Holly since being arrested a week after the shooting.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant Prosecutor Bob Van Gilst, supervisor of the BCPO Major Crimes Unit, and Assistant Prosecutor Rachel Conte.
The investigation was conducted by detectives from the Prosecutor’s Office and the Willingboro Township Police Department, with assistance from the Burlington County Sheriff’s Office, the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office and the Trenton Police Department. The lead investigators were BCPO Detective Sgt. Tony Luyber and WTPD Detective Sgt. Jason Galiazzi.
Devon Woods, 28, who was convicted in October of Felony Murder (First Degree) Murder (First Degree), Robbery (First Degree), Conspiracy to Commit Robbery (Second Degree), Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose (Second Degree), Unlawful Possession of a Weapon (Second Degree) and Certain Persons Not to Have Weapons (Second Degree) was sentenced today to life in prison without the possibility of parole for fatally shooting a 26-year-old woman three years ago inside a parked car on Baldwin Lane in the Buckingham Park section of Willingboro Township.
Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw announced that a Trenton man was found guilty yesterday of fatally shooting a 26-year-old woman three years ago inside a parked car on Baldwin Lane in the Buckingham Park section of Willingboro Township.
Devon Woods, 28, of the first block of Vine Street, was convicted of Murder (First Degree), Robbery (First Degree), Conspiracy to Commit Robbery (Second Degree), Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose (Second Degree), Unlawful Possession of a Weapon (Second Degree) and Certain Persons Not to Have Weapons (Second Degree).
The Superior Court jury returned the verdict after deliberating for approximately 2½ hours inside the Burlington County Courts Facility in Mount Holly. The Hon. Christopher J. Garrenger, J.S.C., scheduled sentencing for January 6, 2023.
Woods was arrested along with Sam Gore of Willingboro and accused of killing Deasia Ayres of Willingboro in the early morning hours of September 18, 2019.
The investigation revealed that Woods fired a handgun into her neck and head as she sat inside her Dodge Durango. The motive was robbery.
Gore, 28, will be scheduled for trial on similar charges. Gore and Woods have been held in the Burlington County Jail in Mount Holly since being arrested a week after the shooting.
They are being prosecuted by Assistant Prosecutor Bob Van Gilst, supervisor of the BCPO Major Crimes Unit – Violent Crimes Section, and Assistant Prosecutor Rachel Conte.
The investigation was conducted by detectives from the Prosecutor’s Office and the Willingboro Township Police Department Township Police Department, with assistance from the Burlington County Sheriff’s Department, the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office – Jack Kemler, Sheriff and the Trenton, New Jersey Police Department. The lead investigators are BCPO Sgt. Tony Luyber and WTPD Detective Sgt. Jason Galiazzi.
BURLINGTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (BURLINGTON)–Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina and Burlington Township Public Safety Director James Sullivan announced that four Willingboro residents have been charged in connection with the fatal shooting of a 17-year-old male and the wounding of his father in the Walmart parking lot on Route 541 in Burlington Township earlier this month.
Those charged include:
Kayhree Simmons, 19, of Windsor Lane in Willingboro, with Felony Murder (First Degree), Unlawful Possession of a Weapon (Second Degree), Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose (Second Degree), Conspiracy to Commit Robbery (Second Degree), Hindering (Third Degree) and Obstruction (Fourth Degree).
Jayviyohn J. Earley, 19, of Echohill Lane in Willingboro, with Felony Murder (First Degree) and Conspiracy to Commit Robbery (Second Degree). Earley also was charged on October 13, 2021, with Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana (Third Degree) and Possession of a Firearm in Relation to a Drug Offense (Second Degree) based on evidence uncovered in the course of the investigation of the Walmart shooting incident.
Kweli L. McCants, 20, of Evergreen Drive in Willingboro, with Conspiracy to Commit Robbery (Second Degree) and Hindering (Third Degree). McCants also was charged on October 14, 2021, with Possession of a Large Capacity Ammunition Magazine (Fourth Degree) and Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (Third Degree) based on evidence uncovered in the course of the investigation of the Walmart shooting incident.
Azza Kamnaksh, 19, of Echohill Lane, Willingboro, with Hindering (Third Degree) and Obstruction (Fourth Degree). Kamnaksh also was charged on October 13, 2021 with Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana (Third Degree) and Possession of a Firearm in Relation to a Drug Offense (Second Degree) based on evidence uncovered in the course of the investigation of the Walmart shooting incident.
Simmons, Earley and McCants are being held in the Burlington County Jail in Mount Holly. Kamnaksh is lodged in the Atlantic County Justice Facility in Mays Landing. Earley was detained pending trial during a hearing today in Superior Court. The other defendants are awaiting detention hearings.
The case will be prepared for presentation to a grand jury for possible indictment.
The investigation began the night of October 7, after officers from the Burlington Township Police Department responded to a report of shots fired in the Walmart parking lot at approximately 10:15 p.m.
Upon arrival, they discovered Dion E. Williams Sr., 44, and his son Albert, 17, both of Hammonton, suffering from gunshot wounds. Both victims were transported to Cooper University Hospital in Camden, where Albert Williams, who was struck in the chest, was pronounced dead. Dion E. Williams Sr. was treated and released.
The investigation, which is continuing, revealed that the parties involved had previously planned to meet in the Walmart parking lot. Upon arrival, there was an argument, followed by gunfire.
The investigation is being conducted by detectives from the Burlington Township Police Department and the Prosecutor’s Office, with assistance from the Willingboro Township Police Department, FBI Trenton – Greater Safe Streets Task Force, Camden County Prosecutor’s Office, Camden County Police Department, Willingboro SWAT Team (Members of Willingboro Police Department and Burlington County Sheriff’s Department), Mount Holly Police Department, and City of Burlington Police Department.
The lead investigators are Prosecutor’s Office Detectives Brian Cunningham and Sean Tait and Burlington Township Detective Steven Cosmo.
All persons are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Alleged Leader Charles M. Willis and Others Charged in 2019 Murder and 2020 Shooting That Left 12-Year-Old Girl in Critical Condition
July 29, 2021
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Acting Attorney General Andrew J. Bruck today announced the indictment of 20 alleged members and associates of the “Get Money Boys” or “GMB,” a violent gang allegedly linked to multiple shootings in Trenton, including a December 2019 murder of a 32-year-old man, the attempted murder of a police officer in February 2020, and a June 2020 shooting that wounded several bystanders on Wood Street, including a 12-year-old girl who was critically injured.
Acting on intelligence from the Trenton Police Department about alleged gun violence by GMB members, the Division of Criminal Justice Gangs & Organized Crime Bureau began investigating the gang and its alleged leader, Charles M. Willis, aka “Charly Wingate” or “Gate,” in late 2019. They collaborated with the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, New Jersey State Police, Trenton Police Department, West Windsor Police Department, Hamilton Police Department, Ewing Police Department, Mercer County Shooting Response Team, and Mercer County Corrections.
The investigation led to numerous arrests last summer as violence linked to GMB escalated during the COVID pandemic, culminating in the June 3, 2020 shooting on Wood Street. Alleged GMB member Davion Fenderson allegedly attempted to murder a man, firing from a car at a crowded porch. The targeted man was only grazed, but gunfire struck three other victims, critically injuring two—a man who was shot in the chest, and the 12-year-old girl, who was shot in the abdomen.
Investigators—who had already arrested Willis and five associates in connection with the December 2019 murder, the attempted murder of the police officer, and another prior shooting—arrested 10 more alleged GMB members beginning two days after the Wood Street shooting.
The July 23, 2021 indictment charges all 20 defendants with first-degree racketeering. Fenderson was directly indicted for attempted murder and aggravated assault in the Wood Street shooting, and the indictment also charges Willis with those offenses for allegedly ordering the shooting. In addition, On February 12, 2020, GMB members allegedly shot at two men, causing them to crash their car, and when a police officer pursued the GMB members, they allegedly fired at him. The officer was not hit. Those men and Willis are charged with attempted murder and aggravated assault in the shooting involving the two civilians.
“We can and must end gun violence in New Jersey, and this latest indictment reflects our commitment to doing so,” said Acting Attorney General Bruck. “We are using every tool and resource at our disposal to keep the residents of New Jersey safe.”
“The Division of Criminal Justice and its partners acted with a sense of urgency when they arrested members of this gang last summer as violence escalated,” said Director Lyndsay V. Ruotolo of the Division of Criminal Justice. “Because of the intelligence-driven investigation we had conducted, we were prepared to act swiftly to protect Trenton residents. This indictment is an important next step in our efforts to keep the community safe by keeping these alleged gang members behind bars.”
“The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office is extremely proud of major collaborative investigations such as the one that led to these indictments,” said Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri. “When we all partner together to stop the criminal activities that threaten the safety of our citizens, we send a message to these violent gang members that their destruction won’t be tolerated in our communities.”
“We remain steadfast in our commitment to our law enforcement partners and the residents of Trenton to continue to aggressively pursue violent criminals and criminal organizations whose actions far too often have tragic and unintended consequences—like the shooting of an innocent 12-year-old child,” said Colonel Patrick Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “Today’s indictments are the first step to ensuring that those responsible are held accountable.”
It is alleged that the Get Money Boys, under the leadership of Willis, controlled heroin and cocaine distribution in the area around the Oakland Street Apartments in Trenton. Willis allegedly gave orders to lower ranking GMB members to carry out acts of violence against rivals on behalf of the gang. In addition to being charged with other defendants in first-degree counts of murder, attempted murder, and conspiracy to commit murder, Willis is charged with first-degree leader of a narcotics trafficking network and first-degree promoting organized street crime.
Many of the defendants face narcotics and/or weapons offenses. In addition, the 61-count indictment charges defendants in connection with the following shootings:
Sept. 17, 2019 Shooting. Shaiquan Hearns is charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault, and weapons offenses for allegedly shooting a man in the leg in the early morning hours of Sept. 17, 2019 on Lamberton Street in Trenton.
Dec. 27, 2019 Murder of Michael Barnes. Michael Barnes, 32, was shot in the face on Commonwealth Avenue in Trenton on the night of Dec. 27. Davion Fenderson, Willis, Hearns, and Richard Fenderson are charged with murder.
Feb. 12, 2020 Shooting of Civilians and Attempted Murder of Police Officer. On Feb. 12, GMB members allegedly shot at two men, causing them to crash their car. When a police officer pursued the GMB members, they allegedly fired at him. He was not hit. Hearns, Dion Battle, and Yahonatan Salter are charged with attempted murder and aggravated assault in the shooting involving the officer. Those men and Willis are charged with attempted murder and aggravated assault in the shooting involving the two civilians.
May 1, 2020 Shooting. On the night of May 1, 2020, five GMB members allegedly opened fire on a group of individuals on Sanhican Drive in Trenton, wounding two men. Willis, Shawn Anderson, Bobby Hood, Zaire Jackson, and David Williams are charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault, and weapons offenses in that shooting.
The state grand jury indictment is posted online at
The indictment charges the following defendants with first-degree racketeering and other offenses:
Charles M. Willis, 28, of Willingboro, N.J.
Shaiquan Hearns, 22, of Trenton, N.J.
Davion Fenderson, 27, of Trenton, N.J.
Richard Fenderson, 33, of Trenton, N.J.
Bobby Hood, 29, of Trenton, N.J.
Dion Battle, 29, of Trenton, N.J.
Yahonatan Salter, 29, of Trenton, N.J.
Shawn Anderson, 23, of Trenton, N.J.
Zaire Jackson, 26, of Trenton, N.J.
David Williams, 29, of Camden, N.J.
Dahquay Poole, 18, of Trenton, N.J.
Tre Whetstone, 27, of Trenton, N.J.
Charles J. Willis (Willis’ father), 50, of Lawrenceville, N.J.
Fredrick Eutsey, 46, of Ewing, N.J.
John M. Colvin Jr., 24, of Trenton, N.J.
Laurence Green, 45, of Trenton, N.J.
Briana Blue, 24, of Princeton, N.J.
Tameka Flemming, 31, of Trenton, N.J.
Ashley Jones, 31, of Trenton, N.J.
Brittani Mims, 32, of Trenton, N.J.
Acting Attorney General Bruck commended all of the prosecutors, detectives, investigators and officers who participated in the investigation for the Division of Criminal Justice, Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, New Jersey State Police, Trenton Police Department, Trenton Shooting Response Team, and New Jersey Department of Corrections.
Deputy Attorneys General Cassandra Montalto and Jaclyn Poulton presented the indictment to the state grand jury for the Division of Criminal Justice Gangs & Organized Crime Bureau, under the supervision of Deputy Bureau Chief Cassandra Montalto, Bureau Chief Lauren Scarpa Yfantis, and DCJ Deputy Director Annmarie Taggart.
The detectives who conducted the investigation for the Division of Criminal Justice are Lt. Brian Woolston, Sgt. Kevin Gannon, Detective Scott Caponi, former Detective Zachary Grey, and other members of the Gangs & Organized Crime Central Squad, under the supervision of former Lt. Brian Bruton, Deputy Chief of Detectives Frederic Moore, and Chief of Detectives Weldon Powell.
First-degree murder carries a sentence of life in state prison, including 30 years of parole ineligibility, while the first-degree charges of attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder carry a sentence of 10 to 30 years in state prison. The other first-degree charges carry a sentence of 10 to 20 years in prison and fine of up to $200,000. The racketeering charge carries a period of parole ineligibility equal to 85 percent of the sentence imposed.
Second-degree crimes carry a sentence of five to 10 years in state prison and a fine of up to $150,000. Possession of a weapon as a convicted felon carries a mandatory period of parole ineligibility of five years, and unlawful possession of a weapon carries a mandatory period of parole ineligibility equal to one-third to one-half of the sentence imposed or three years, whichever is greater. Third-degree crimes carry a sentence of three to five years in state prison and a fine of up to $15,000.
The charges are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri announced today that the Mercer County Homicide Task Force has arrested and charged three men for the August 9, 2020 double homicide on Centre Street in Trenton.
Darnell Davis, 19, of Willingboro, Tyzir Hamilton, 19, of Trenton, and Treizon Thompson, 20, of Trenton, are each charged with two counts of first-degree murder, one count of second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, one count of second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon and one count of first-degree conspiracy. The three men were all taken into custody on Tuesday in Trenton. The prosecutor’s office has filed motions to detain all three defendants.
The charges are the result of an investigation by the Mercer County Homicide Task Force. Prosecutor Onofri praised the investigative work of the HTF and thanked the public for the assistance provided during the investigation. “For weeks, detectives have methodically pieced the puzzle together, identifying the vehicle and all three suspects. But the help of the public in solving this double homicide was instrumental. It allowed us to follow leads from the very beginning, helping to point investigators in the right direction and allowing them to connect the dots.”
“Now more than ever, we need the community to work with us,” Prosecutor Onofri continued, referencing Tuesday night’s shooting that left an eight year old and a 16 year old dead. “This homicide case, along with recent sex assault cases, have been successfully solved by us all working together for justice, and I encourage the public to continue communication with law enforcement.”
On August 9, 2020, at approximately 7:30 a.m., patrol officers with the Trenton Police Department responded to the area of 300 Centre Street for a shooting in progress. Upon arrival, officers located the first victim, William Irizarry, 18, lying on the street in the area of 339 Centre Street. He had sustained multiple gunshot wounds throughout his body and was pronounced dead at the scene. The second victim, Julius Vargas, 18, was located inside a corner market with a gunshot wound. Vargas was transported to the hospital for treatment, however, succumbed to his injuries a short time later.
The Trenton Police Crime Scene Unit photographed and processed the scene. Approximately 24 9mm shell casings were located. The scene inside of the market was also photographed and processed, and blood and several individual bags of suspected heroin were discovered.
According to the affidavit, HTF detectives were able to locate a witness and numerous cameras in the area of the shooting. A suspect vehicle was identified as a black Chrysler 300 with PA plates, along with two shooters, described as two black males wearing all black clothing and black ski masks. The black Chrysler 300 is seen circling the area before the shooting, then parking and watching the victims for several minutes as they stood on the corner with others. When the suspect vehicle drives up to the corner and stops, two shooters, later identified as Hamilton and Thompson, exit. Both run toward the victims, firing multiple gunshots. The driver, later identified as Davis, remains in the car. Hamilton and Thompson then chase after Irizarry as he runs into the street, continuing to shoot at him. When Irizarry falls to ground after suffering a gunshot wound, they both continue to shoot at him as he lays on the ground. Afterward, Hamilton and Thompson return to the suspect vehicle, which flees.
Further investigation revealed that a black Chrysler 300 was stolen out of Bensalem, Pennsylvania, on August 3, 2020, and seen on an automated license plate reader camera in the area of Pennington Avenue and Reservoir Street in Trenton on August 4. Detectives were able to partially match the license plate of the suspect vehicle to that of the stolen vehicle out of Bensalem.
The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office Computer Crimes Unit conducted a physical search and forensic examination of Irizarry’s cell phone, pursuant to a search warrant, and a photo was found that Irizarry posted on his Facebook page disrespecting the H-Block gang. Detectives continued to monitor multiple public social media posts throughout the month of August of numerous H-Block gang members talking about the murders of Irizarry and Vargas, taunting and threatening friends and family of the victims. They also referenced Irizarry disrespecting the H-Block gang prior to being murdered.
On September 1, 2020, while on surveillance during another investigation, HTF detectives observed the black Chrysler 300 with Pennsylvania plates driving in the area of Perry and Southard streets in Trenton. While detectives were attempting to identify the occupants, the vehicle took off at a high rate of speed and a pursuit ensued. The pursuit came to an end on Reservoir Street near Frazier Street, where the vehicle crashed into a telephone pole and the occupants subsequently escaped on foot. Area surveillance footage shows the vehicle crash into the pole. Two black males exited the vehicle through the front passenger door, both wearing all black with their hoods up. The black males fled on Reservoir Street toward Frazier Street and subsequently made a right onto Frazier Street toward Pennington Avenue, then out of sight. One of the black males had what appeared to be a black handgun in his right hand.
A search warrant was obtained for the vehicle and detectives located a fully-loaded, 9mm Taurus handgun under the driver’s seat. The handgun was submitted to the New Jersey State Police Laboratory and identified as one of the guns used in the murders of Irizarry and Vargas. Further investigation revealed another witness who was able to identify Davis, Hamilton and Thompson as being responsible for the deaths of Irizarry and Vargas.
During Tuesday’s arrests of the three suspects, additional search warrants were executed in relation to the investigation and two more guns were located. Prosecutor Onofri thanked the Mercer County Homicide Task Force, his Special Investigations Unit, the U.S. Marshals NY/NJ Regional Fugitive Task Force, and the Mercer County Tactical Response Team, under the leadership of Mercer County Sheriff Jack Kemler, for their assistance.
Despite having been charged, every defendant is presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Treizon Thompson, 20, of Trenton
Tyzir Hamilton, 19, of Trenton
Darnell Davis, 19, of Willingboro
Darnell Davis, 19, of Willingboro, Tyzir Hamilton, 19, of Trenton, and Treizon Thompson, 20, of Trenton, are each charged with two counts of first-degree murder, one count of second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, one count of second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon and one count of first-degree conspiracy.
Charges Include Murder of 32-Year-Old Man, Attempted Murder of Police Officer
June 16, 2020
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal today announced first-degree criminal charges against 16 alleged members and associates of the “Get Money Boys” or “GMB,” a violent street gang linked to multiple shootings, including the December 2019 murder of Michael Barnes, a 32-year-old Trenton man, and the February 2020 attempted murder of a police officer. Fifteen GMB members and associates, including its alleged leader, Charles Willis, 27, are charged with first-degree racketeering, and 10 GMB members, including Willis, are charged with either murder, attempted murder, or conspiracy to commit murder. As alleged in court documents, Willis and GMB engaged in violent criminal conduct in furtherance of their heroin and cocaine distribution activities in the area of the Oakland Street Apartments in Trenton. GMB Members have been charged in connection with the following shootings:
Sept. 17, 2019 Shooting. Shaiquan Hearns, 21, is charged with attempted murder for allegedly shooting a man in the leg in the early morning hours of Sept. 17, 2019 on Lamberton Street in Trenton.
Dec. 27, 2019 Murder of Michael Barnes. Michael Barnes, 32, was shot in the face on Commonwealth Avenue in Trenton on the night of Dec. 27. Davion Fenderson, 25, is charged with the murder, and Willis, Hearns, Bobby Hood, 28, and Jayshawn Fisher, 26, are charged with conspiracy to commit murder.
Feb. 12, 2020 Shooting of Civilians and Attempted Murder of Police Officer. On Feb. 12, GMB members allegedly shot at two men, causing them to crash their car. When a police officer pursued the GMB members, they allegedly fired at him. He was not hit. Hearns, Dion Battle, 28, and Yahonatan Salter, 28 were charged on Feb. 12 with attempted murder in the shooting involving the officer. Those men and Willis are now charged with attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder in the shooting involving the two civilian victims.
May 1, 2020 Shooting. On the night of May 1, 2020, five GMB members allegedly opened fire on a group of individuals on Sanhican Drive in Trenton, wounding two men. Willis, Hood, David Williams, 28, Shawn Anderson, 21, and Zaire Jackson, 24, are charged with attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder in that shooting.
“Gang violence has taken the lives of too many young people in Trenton, and the Get Money Boys have been a major contributor to that violence,” said Attorney General Grewal. “We will continue doing everything we can to make our capital city safe for its residents.” “But we also know that arrests alone won’t stop the cycle of gang involvement, violence, and incarceration,” continued Attorney General Grewal. “That is why we plan to work closely with the community in the coming months to develop programs that have the power to turn young people away from the false glamor of gang life and show them a healthy and positive path forward.” “Through this collaborative investigation, we charged 16 alleged members and associates of this violent gang with first-degree charges carrying lengthy prison sentences,” said Director Veronica Allende of the Division of Criminal Justice. “Each time we take down a dangerous gang like this one, we make Trenton safer for residents and for the law enforcement officers who work heroically every day to protect them.” “These individuals have threatened Trenton’s hard working, law abiding citizens with their guns and drugs for too long. They pose a danger to the entire community, not just gang members, and I am extremely proud of the collective efforts and hard work of all of the agencies involved in this investigation,” Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri said. “My office will continue to work with state and local law enforcement to arrest and prosecute those assaulting our cities with acts of violence. We also intend to work with Attorney General Grewal and the community to cultivate programs and solutions that will give our youth population an alternative to gangs, drugs and violence.” “Street gangs like the Get Money Boys tear apart communities through their drug trade, violence, and murder, and by actively recruiting impressionable young people,” said Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “Our involvement will not stop with these arrests. We will continue to work cooperatively with our partners in the community to develop programs that present positive alternatives for the youth of our capital city.” The complaint charging Willis with conspiracy to murder Michael Barnes alleges that in 2019, Willis and other GMB members began targeting Barnes and that Willis threatened Barnes’ life on social media. It further alleges that Willis ordered GMB members to actively hunt for Barnes and kill him. It is alleged that Fenderson committed the murder at Willis’s direction on Dec. 27, 2019. When Willis was arrested at his home on June 2, 2020 in Willingboro with his girlfriend, DayshaM. Brown, 24, detectives seized a defaced firearm – which allegedly was within access of a toddler who lives in the home – and an illegal large capacity magazine. Willis and Brown were each charged with second-degree endangering the welfare of a child, fourth-degree possession of a defaced firearm, and fourth-degree possession of a large capacity magazine. Willis also was charged with possession of a weapon as a convicted felon. Additional details about the Feb. 12 attempted murder of a police officer and related charges are provided in the press release at this link: https://www.nj.gov/oag/newsreleases20/pr20200213b.html
In that incident, a Hamilton Township police officer assigned to the New Jersey State Police Crime Suppression Central Unit Task Force observed a shooting in progress in the area of West State Street and Parkside Avenue in Trenton. The officer, who was operating an unmarked vehicle, followed the suspect vehicle to the area of the Oakland Park Apartments on Coolidge Avenue, where he was fired upon by the occupants of the vehicle. Three guns were seized from defendants during the course of this investigation. On May 31, 2020, detectives executed a search warrant for a storage unit in Hamilton, Mercer County, rented by defendant Briana Blue, 22, where they seized 254 bricks of heroin, consisting of approximately 12,700 individual doses packaged in wax folds that were stamped with the brands “Dope Dick” and “Fruit Loops.” On the same date, detectives executed a search warrant for a car rented by defendant Tre Whetstone, 26, and seized 130 bricks of heroin, or approximately 6,500 doses, bearing the same stamps. The following 16 alleged GMB members and associates have been charged as indicated: Charles M. Willis, 27, of Willingboro, N.J.
First-degree Racketeering
First- Degree Conspiracy to Commit Murder – Michael Barnes
First- Degree Conspiracy to Commit Murder – Michael Barnes
First-Degree Murder of Michael Barnes
Frederick Eustsey, 45, of Ewing, N.J.
First-degree Racketeering
Second-Degree Conspiracy to Distribute CDS
John Colvin, 23, of Trenton, N.J.
First-degree Racketeering
Second-Degree Conspiracy to Distribute CDS
David Williams, 28, of Camden, N.J.
First-degree Racketeering
First-degree Attempted Murder – May 1 Shooting
First-Degree Conspiracy to Commit Murder – May 1 Shooting
Second Degree Aggravated Assault
Second-Degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose
Second-Degree Unlawful Possession of a Weapon
Second-Degree Possession of Weapon as Convicted Felon
Second- Degree Solicitation, Recruitment of Juveniles to Join a Street Gang
Zaire Jackson, 25, of Trenton, N.J.
First-degree Racketeering
First-degree Attempted Murder – May 1 Shooting
First-Degree Conspiracy to Commit Murder – May 1 Shooting
Second Degree Aggravated Assault
Second-Degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose
Second-Degree Unlawful Possession of a Weapon
Shawn Anderson, 21, of Trenton, N.J.
First-degree Racketeering
First-degree Attempted Murder – May 1 Shooting
First-Degree Conspiracy to Commit Murder – May 1 Shooting
Second Degree Aggravated Assault
Second-Degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose
Second-Degree Unlawful Possession of a Weapon
Juvenile Male, 17, of Trenton, N.J.
First-degree Racketeering
First-Degree Conspiracy to Commit Murder – May 1 Shooting
Jayshawn Fisher, 26, of Trenton, N.J.
First- Degree Conspiracy to Commit Murder – Michael Barnes
Briana Blue, 22, of Princeton, N.J.
First-degree Racketeering
Second-Degree Conspiracy to Distribute CDS
First-Degree Possession with Intent to Distribute CDS
Willis, Hearns, Salter, Battle, Colvin, and Fisher were previously in jail and were served with the charges outlined above while in jail. The other 10 defendants were arrested since June 5. Attorney General Grewal commended all of the prosecutors, detectives, investigators and officers who participated in the investigation for the Division of Criminal Justice, Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, New Jersey State Police, Trenton Police Department, Trenton Shooting Response Team, and New Jersey Department of Corrections. Deputy Attorneys General Cassandra Montalto and Mohammad Mahmood are the lead prosecutors for the Division of Criminal Justice Gangs & Organized Crime Bureau, under the supervision of Bureau Chief Lauren Scarpa Yfantis and Deputy Bureau Chief Erik Daab. The detectives who conducted the investigation for the Division of Criminal Justice are Sgt. Brian Woolston, Sgt. Kevin Gannon, Detective Scott Caponi, Detective Zachary Grey, and other members of the Gangs & Organized Crime Central Squad, under the supervision of Lt. Brian Bruton, Deputy Chief of Detectives Frederic Moore, and Chief of Detectives Weldon Powell. Attorney General Grewal also thanked the following agencies that assisted with arrests and execution of search warrants: Hamilton Township Police Department, Ewing Township Police Department, West Windsor Police Department, Falls Township Police Department (Pennsylvania), U.S. Marshals Service New Jersey/New York Regional Fugitive Task Force, and Mercer County Tactical Response Team. First-degree murder carries a sentence of life in state prison, including 30 years of parole ineligibility, while the first-degree charges of attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder carry a sentence of 10 to 30 years in state prison. The other first-degree charges carry a sentence of 10 to 20 years in prison and fine of up to $200,000. The racketeering charges carry a period of parole ineligibility equal to 85 percent of the sentence imposed. Second-degree crimes carry a sentence of five to 10 years in state prison and a fine of up to $150,000. Possession of a weapon as a convicted felon carries a mandatory period of parole ineligibility of five years, and unlawful possession of a weapon carries a mandatory period of parole ineligibility equal to one-third to one-half of the sentence imposed or three years, whichever is greater. Third-degree crimes carry a sentence of three to five years in state prison and a fine of up to $15,000. The charges are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Defense AttorneysFor Tre Whetstone: John Furlong, Esq., Furlong & Krasny, Ewing, N.J.For Shawn Anderson: Arun Lavine, Esq., Lawrenceville, N.J.For Shaiquan Hearns: Mark Fury, Esq., Mount Holly, N.J.For Dion Battle: Rukiya Blackwell, Esq., Mount Holly, N.J. A number of defendants are currently represented by the Public Defender’s Office.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–The New Jersey State Police have arrested Osmar Terron, 37, of Trenton, N.J. and Marquis Dixon, 25, of Willingboro, N.J., for allegedly attempting to purchase a 2019 Mercedes GLS450 ,valued at $70,150, with fraudulent documents.
On Thursday, May 21, detectives from the New Jersey State Police Motor Vehicle Crimes North Unit were made aware of a suspicious transaction at a car dealership in Woodbridge Township, Middlesex County.
State Police detectives, along with Woodbridge Township Police Department, responded to the dealership and discovered Terron and Dixon attempting to purchase the Mercedes with a fraudulent Pennsylvannia driver’s license.
During the investigation, detectives also discovered that Terron and Dixon were in possession of multiple fraudulent documents. They were arrested without incident.
Marquis Dixon and Osmar Terron were charged with conspiracy to commit theft by deception. Terron was also charged with theft by deception and possession of fraudulent documents. They were lodged in Middlesex County Jail pending a bail detention hearing.
Charges are mere accusations and the accused are considered innocent until proven guilty.
Marquis Dixon, 25, of Willingboro, NJ
Osmar Terron, 37, of Trenton, NJ
The New Jersey State Police have arrested Osmar Terron, 37, of Trenton, N.J. and Marquis Dixon, 25, of Willingboro, N.J., for allegedly attempting to purchase a 2019 Mercedes GLS450 ,valued at $70,150, with fraudulent documents.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Three members of a Burlington County drug-trafficking organization have admitted their roles in a conspiracy to distribute a variety of illegal substances, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced today.
Jerrod Epps, 35, of Medford, New Jersey, pleaded guilty today before U.S. Senior District Judge Anne E. Thompson to an information charging him with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine. Teron Huggins, 42, of Mount Laurel, New Jersey, pleaded guilty on May 14, 2020, to an information charging him with two counts of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine. Talib Conway, 39, of Philadelphia, pleaded guilty on May 8, 2020, to an information charging him with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine, conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 28 grams of crack cocaine, and conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 100 grams of heroin.
According to documents filed in the case and statements made in court:
Between July 2019 and September 2019, the defendants engaged in a narcotics conspiracy that operated primarily in municipalities throughout Burlington County – including Willingboro, Burlington City, Burlington Township, Bordentown Township, Edgewater Park, Pemberton and Mount Laurel – and which sought to profit from the distribution of cocaine, crack cocaine, and heroin. Through the interception of telephone calls and text messages pursuant to court-authorized wiretap orders, and other investigative techniques, law enforcement learned that defendants obtained regular supplies of cocaine and other substances from conspirators in the Burlington County and Philadelphia areas and then redistributed cocaine, crack cocaine, and heroin, to other conspirators, distributors, sub-dealers, and end users. Law enforcement officers intercepted numerous communications by and between the conspirators regarding such issues as cocaine, crack cocaine, and heroin quality and availability, pricing, packaging, quantity, and customer satisfaction.
The counts of conspiracy to distribute at least 28 grams of crack cocaine and conspiracy to distribute more than 100 grams of heroin to which Conway pleaded guilty each carry a statutory mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison, a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison, and a maximum fine of $5 million. The count of distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine to which Conway pleaded guilty carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $1 million. The counts of conspiracy to distribute cocaine to which Huggins pleaded guilty each carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $1 million. The count of conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine to which Epps pleaded guilty carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $1 million. Sentencing for all three defendants is scheduled for Sept. 30, 2020.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the FBI, Newark Division, Trenton Resident Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Gregory W. Ehrie; special agents of ATF Newark Field Division, Trenton Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Charlie J. Patterson; detectives of the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Scott Coffina; officers of the Burlington Township Police Department, under the direction of Director of Public Safety Bruce Painter; officers of the Willingboro Police Department, under the direction of Director of Public Safety Kinamo Lomon; officers of the Burlington City Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police John Fine; officers of the Florence Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police Brian Boldizar; officers of the Bordentown Township Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police Brian Pesche; officers of the Edgewater Park Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police Robert Hess; officers of the Mount Laurel Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police Stephen Reidener; officers of the Ewing Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police John Stemler; officers of the Westampton Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police Stephen Ent; and officers of the Trenton Police Department, under the direction of Director Sheilah Coley with the investigation leading to the guilty pleas.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Martha K. Nye of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Trenton, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew B. Johns of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Camden.
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Defense counsel: Conway: Teri Lodge Esq., Marlton, New Jersey Huggins: David Oakley Esq., Princeton, New Jersey Epps: Edward Borden Esq., Cherry Hill, New Jersey
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