FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:  Raymond Worrall

PHONE:  (201) 795-6400 Ext. 6737

EMAIL:  rworrall@hcpo.org

DATE:  Friday, June 14, 2019

PROSECUTOR SUAREZ ANNOUNCES MULTIPLE ARRESTS IN GANG TASK FORCE OPERATION; ADDITIONAL ARRESTS EXPECTED

Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez has released the following information:

On Wednesday, June 12, 2019, following a seven-week investigation, the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Gang Task Force along with officers from several partnering law enforcement agencies involved in the Jersey City Violent Crime Initiative executed multiple search warrants and arrest warrants. Approximately 100 law enforcement officers were involved in the operation.

There were a total of seven search warrants executed on Wednesday. Four search warrants were executed on residences in Jersey City, one search warrant was executed on a residence in Lyndhurst and two search warrants were executed on vehicles.

“The primary focus of this investigation was the arrest of individuals associated with Jersey City’s most violent gangs,” said Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez. “The seven-week investigation was a joint venture between the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Gang Task Force, the FBI, the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office and the Jersey City Police Department as a part of the Jersey City Violent Crime Initiative. The collaboration of these agencies and the positive results of this operation are an indication of how law enforcement agencies can work together for the benefit of the residents of Hudson County.”

Kashawn Cason, age 21, of Jersey City, has been arrested and charged with Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance (Heroin) in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:5-2 and 2C:35-5; Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance (Cocaine) in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:5-2 and 2C:35-5; Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance (Marijuana) in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:5-2 and 2C:35-5; and Conspiracy to Unlawfully Possess a Firearm in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5; Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4; Unlawful Possession of a Weapon in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5; Committing a Drug Offense While Possessing a Firearm in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4.1; Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (Cocaine) in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a; Possession With Intent to Distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance (Heroin/Cocaine) in violation of 2C:35-5b; Possession with the Intent to Distribute within 1000 feet of School Property in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-7a; Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (Marijuana) in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a; Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance With Intent to Distribute in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5b; and Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10.

Sean Crawford, age 56, of Jersey City, has been arrested and charged with Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance (Heroin) in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:5-2 and 2C:35-5.

Richard Lloyd, age 20, of Jersey City, has been arrested and charged with Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance (Marijuana) in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:5-2 and 2C:35-5; Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (Cocaine) in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a; Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (Cocaine) with Intent to Distribute in violation of  N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5b; Possession with the Intent to Distribute within 1000 feet of School Property in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-7a; Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (Marijuana) with Intent to Distribute in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5b; Possession With the Intent to Distribute Ecstasy in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5b(5).

Samantha Burke, age 27, of Jersey City, has been arrested and charged with Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance (Cocaine) in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:5-2 and 2C:35-5; Possession of Prescription Legend Drugs in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10; Distribution of a Controlled Dangerous Substance in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5; Possession with the Intent to Distribute within 1000 feet of School Property in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-7a; Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a.

Qualesha Burrows, age 22, of Jersey City, has been arrested and charged with Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance (Heroin) in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:5-2 and 2C:35-5.

Quaneesha Washington, age 28, of Lyndhurst, has been arrested and charged with Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance (Heroin) in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:5-2 and 2C:35-5.

All of the arrests were made without incident.

Additional arrest warrants have been issued including one for the arrest of Hassan Mosby, age 39, of Lyndhurst. Mosby has been charged with Leader of a Narcotics Trafficking Network in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-3; Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance (Heroin) in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:5-2 and 2C:35-5; Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance (Cocaine) in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:5-2 and 2C:35-5; Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance (Marijuana) in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:5-2 and 2C:35-5; and Conspiracy to Unlawfully Possess a Firearm in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5.

The search warrants led to the recovery of cocaine, heroin, marijuana, ecstasy, pharmaceutical grade pills and approximately $6,500 in U.S. currency. In addition, four vehicles, one handgun and various amounts of handgun ammunition were recovered.

Prosecutor Esther Suarez credited Hudson County Regional SWAT and the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit for assisting with the arrests.

The above charges are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. R.P.C.3.6(b)(6).