NEWARK, N.J. – Five members of a gang linked to the Marion Gardens Housing Complex in Jersey City have admitted to a series of racketeering, violent crimes, drug trafficking, and firearms offenses, announced U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger.

This week, Jervon Morris, Kevin Williams, Jakeem Gibson-Madison, K’shawn Jackson, and Terick Rogers entered guilty pleas before U.S. District Judge Claire C. Cecchi in Newark federal court. The charges encompass racketeering conspiracy and related crimes, reflecting their involvement in a gang that has significantly impacted the safety and security of their community.

According to court documents and statements made during the proceedings, these defendants are associated with a street gang that not only trafficked in narcotics like cocaine and heroin but also engaged in recurrent violent activities targeting rival gang members and others. 

Their criminal activities included several high-profile incidents:

• Morris and Williams were implicated in the murder of an individual on July 28, 2011, in Jersey City.
• On November 5, 2017, gang associates shot a victim in Jersey City, demonstrating the ongoing violence.
• Assaults and shootings continued with various members partaking in violent acts through 2018 and 2019, including a shooting incident that injured five people during a memorial celebration.
• The group also engaged in retaliatory violence against rival gang members, which escalated to attempted murder.

The sentencing for Morris and Gibson-Madison is scheduled for August 20, 2024, while Rogers and Williams will be sentenced the following day, and K’Shawn Jackson on August 22, 2024.

The successful outcome of this case stems from the collaborative efforts of the FBI, the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Jersey City Police Department, under the Jersey City Violent Crime Initiative, established in 2018. This initiative underscores the commitment of federal and local agencies to curb violent crime in Jersey City.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Desiree Grace, Chief of the Criminal Division for the District of New Jersey, is representing the government in this significant prosecution.