Probe Into New Jersey Street Gang Ends With 71 Arrests
NEWARK, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Federal prosecutors say a long-running investigation into a New Jersey street gang has ended with the arrests of 71 people on charges ranging from violence to drug-trafficking.
The investigation targeted the New Jersey set of the Grape Street Crips in Newark.
Probe Into New Jersey Street Gang Ends With Arrests
Federal officials said the gang is responsible for heroin, cocaine and crack trafficking, as well as the violence in numerous neighborhoods and public housing that goes with it, 1010 WINS' Carol D'Auria reported.
U.S. Attorney Paul Fishman on Wednesday announced charges against 50 gang members and associates, along with 21 other defendants who were previously charged with conducting illegal activities in various neighborhoods and public housing in Newark.
Defendant Corey Batts is accused of plotting to kill an FBI agent.
"He solicited the help of someone else to get pictures of the agents into the hands of associates who could carry out the murder," Fishman said.
As CBS2's Christine Sloan reported, the government alleged that Batts obtained a surveillance photo of the agent through pre-trial discovery material which all inmates are entitled to.
He then allegedly tried to pass it along to a fellow gang member.
"Unfortunately for him the individual he sought turned out to be an informant who was taping the conversations," Fishman said.
Others are also charged with witness intimidation.
"Gang members used several social media accounts to put the word out that individuals who cooperated with law enforcement or testified against gang members would be targeted for violence or murder," Fishman said.
Federal officials said the Grape Street Crips has been completely dismantled in Newark, but acknowledge replacements might be ready to fill in.
"Quite simply put, we dismantled this organization from head to toe," DEA spokesman, Carl Kotowski said.
The U.S. Attorney said more than two dozen members of the gang are still on the loose, among them is likely their leader.
Gang members allegedly used the initials KAR short for 'Kill All Rivals' on social media to threaten anyone that got in their way.
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