Eleven Alleged Members and Associates of the Grape Street Crips Charged with Firearm or Drug Offenses

NEWARK, NJ—Ten men and one woman alleged to be part of or associated with the Grape Street Crips criminal street gang in Newark, New Jersey were charged today with federal firearms or drug offenses, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent In Charge Michael B. Ward announced.

Four defendants were arrested last night and this morning by agents of the FBI and officers of the Safe Streets Task Force; three defendants were previously arrested or are in custody on unrelated charges; four defendants remain at large. The six defendants currently in federal custody are scheduled to appear at 2:30 p.m. before United States Magistrate Judge Esther Salas.

Seven men—Gerral Ingram, (a.k.a “Rell”), 19; William Inzar, (a.k.a “Ill Will”), 21, Jahrod Kearney, (a.k.a. “Spazz”), 22, Ahmod Bruton, (a.k.a. “Snap”), 34, and Wade Bruton, (a.k.a “Buggs”), 22, all of Newark, New Jersey; Danny Joseph, 26, of Irvington, New Jersey; and Khayri McMillan, (a.k.a. “Kah”), 25, of Verona, New Jersey—are charged with conspiracy to sell firearms without federal firearms licenses. According to the Complaint filed in Newark federal court, the defendants sold 16 firearms, including semi-automatic rifles with attached bayonets, and shotguns with sawed-off barrels.

Ingram allegedly served as the primary point of contact for the illegal gun sales, while his codefendants met with and transported the buyer to prearranged secluded locations, stored and retrieved the firearms, or handled the money in furtherance of the conspiracy.

If convicted, each of the defendants charged with firearms distribution conspiracy faces a maximum potential penalty of five years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000.

Marquis Works, (a.k.a. “Freak”), 25, Rasheed Smith, (a.k.a “Weed”), 19, Stevie Buckuse, (a.k.a. “Black”), 34, and Laquana T. Hill, 29, all of Newark, New Jersey, are charged in a separate criminal Complaint with conspiracy to sell crack cocaine.

If convicted, each of the defendants charged with crack distribution conspiracy faces a statutory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, a statutory maximum sentence of life, and a maximum fine of $4 million.

U.S. Attorney Fishman stated: “I want to be clear—this case isn’t just about going after the members and associates of the Grape Street Crips. These cases reiterate the collective resolve of federal, state, and local law enforcement to root these gangs out of our communities. It is a priority for this Office and the Department of Justice.”

Special Agent in Charge Ward stated: “It is important that the public understands that the FBI Safe Streets Task Force remains vigilant in its efforts to thwart the criminal activities of gangs and their negative impact on the community,” said Ward. “Dismantling this gun trafficking ring is only a single step of an ongoing process. I commend and thank all of the law enforcement agencies who partner with us in this effort and we encourage the public to join us in the fight and report any information of concern.”

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Wade Bruton, Ahmod Bruton, William Inzar, or Laquana T. Hill is encouraged to call the FBI at 973-792-3000. Citizens are reminded they should never attempt to apprehend a fugitive themselves. Citizens should call 911 in an emergency.

Fishman credited Special Agents and Task Force Officers of the FBI Violent Crimes CriminalEnterprise Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael B. Ward, inNewark, as well as the members of the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, for the ongoing investigationleading to the Complaints.

In determining an actual sentence, the judge to whom the case is assigned would, upon aconviction, consult the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide appropriatesentencing ranges that take into account the severity and characteristics of the offense, thedefendant’s criminal history, if any, and other factors. The judge, however, would not be bound by those guidelines in determining a sentence. Parole has been abolished in the federal system. Defendants who are given custodial terms must serve nearly all that time.

The charges and allegations contained in the Complaints are merely accusations and thedefendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The government is represented by Assistant United States Attorney Rodney Villazor.