As gang membership increases in New Jersey, arrests of gang members and leaders will also increase.  These cases are difficult from a defense perspective because the stigma of belonging to a gang, on some occasions totally false, will have an impact on plea negotiations and sentencing.

Over the past week in Middlesex County, the following men were arrested and identified as alleged members of the Latin Kings street gang: John Jiminez and Sfand Rajazadeh of Carteret. Both were charged with distribution of controlled dangerous substances.  The following men were arrested and identified as a member of the Bloods gang: Ahmed Dempsey Simpson of New Brunswick (charges of drug distribution, distribution of drugs on public property, possession of drugs and possession of a handgun);  Tyrone Taylor of Woodbridge; David Roman of Perth Amboy; Johnny Elliot  of Carteret; and Jamar Carpenter of Perth Amboy, (all for distribution of drugs); and Marcus Vasquez of Perth Amboy for possession of a weapon.

Lakay Lewis of New Brunswick was identified as an alleged member of a gang known as the 5 Percenters.  He was charged with three counts of drug distribution including on public property and possession of a handgun.

Danny Soto of Carteret was identified as an alleged member of Netas.  He was charged with distribution and possession of drugs.

Story is here.