16 charged in 2nd takedown of Newark drug-trafficking organization

NEWARK, NJ — Sixteen people were charged Aug. 21 in connection with their alleged roles in a drug-trafficking organization that distributed heroin and crack cocaine in Newark, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced. To date, 27 individuals have been charged in connection to this alleged organization. Anthony Brinson, 27; Kayron Caldwell, 26; Calvin Cheek, 47; Murad […]

Newark/Philadelphia Regional Medicare Fraud Strike Force announced

NEWARK, NJ — Assistant Attorney Gen. Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division announced on Aug. 13 the formation of the Newark/Philadelphia Regional Medicare Fraud Strike Force, a joint law enforcement effort that brings together the resources and expertise of the Health Care Fraud Unit in the Justice Department’s Criminal Division’s Fraud Section, […]

Gang leader and two members convicted of racketeering conspiracy

NEWARK, NJ — Three members of the New Jersey set of the violent street gang “Grape Street Crips” — including its long-time leader — were convicted by a federal jury on July 13 of racketeering conspiracy and a host of murders, shootings and drug trafficking crimes, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito, FBI Special Agent in Charge […]

Montclair man sentenced to 6 years in prison for fraud

NEWARK, NJ — The owner and manager of a New Jersey hedge fund was sentenced July 12 to six years in prison for defrauding two investors of $4 million, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced. Nicholas Lattanzio, 62, of Montclair, was previously convicted on all counts of an indictment charging him with two counts of wire […]

U.S. Attorney prosecutes 5 in NJ for health care fraud

NEWARK, NJ — The largest health care fraud and opioid enforcement action ever taken by the Justice Department resulted in three guilty pleas and two arrests in northern New Jersey, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced on June 28. Additionally, three individuals from South Jersey and Philadelphia were arrested for their alleged involved in a South […]

Leader of Newark Bloods sentences to 45 years in prison

NEWARK, NJ — The leader of one of Newark’s most violent street gangs was sentenced June 12 to 540 months, or 45 years, in prison for his admitted role in five murders, an armed carjacking, an armed robbery of a drug dealer, two counts of assault with a deadly weapon, and drug conspiracy as part […]

Biodiesel fuel co. admits to releasing wastewater into Arthur Kill

NEWARK, NJ — An Elizabeth biodiesel fuel company admitted June 5 to discharging more than 45,000 gallons of wastewater from its commercial biodiesel fuel production facility into the Arthur Kill, a narrow waterway that separates New Jersey from Staten Island, U.S Attorney Craig Carpenito and acting Assistant Attorney Gen. Jeffrey H. Wood announced in a […]