Burlington County Man Receives 20-Year Prison Sentence for Role in Trenton Heroin Trafficking Scheme
On June 14, 2024, in Trenton, N.J., a Burlington County man received a substantial sentence of 245 months (equivalent to 20.4 years) in federal prison for his involvement in a drug trafficking scheme that distributed over one kilogram of heroin in Trenton and its vicinity. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger.
The convicted individual, Jerome Roberts, also known as “Righteous,” aged 53, was found guilty in October 2021 of conspiracy to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin and distribution of 100 grams or more of heroin. The conviction came after a three-week trial presided over by former Chief U.S. District Judge Freda L. Wolfson. The sentence was handed down on June 13, 2024, by U.S. District Judge Georgette Castner in Trenton federal court.
Court documents and trial evidence revealed that between October 2017 and October 2018, Roberts and his associates participated in a significant narcotics conspiracy centered around various locations in Trenton. The operation aimed to profit from the distribution of heroin and other controlled substances. Roberts, along with his co-conspirator Jakir Taylor, sourced regular heroin supplies from David Antonio, referred to as “Papi.” Wiretapped communications indicated plans to acquire a large heroin supply, referred to as the “motherlode,” consisting of up to 1,500 bricks, approximately 1.5 kilograms, for distribution in Trenton. Surveillance and intercepted communications also revealed Roberts’ personal involvement in distributing substantial quantities of heroin to others during the conspiracy.
The investigation leading to the sentencing was credited to special agents from the FBI, Newark Division, Trenton Resident Agency, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Newark Field Division, Trenton Field Office, and various local law enforcement agencies. U.S. Attorney Sellinger acknowledged the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies that contributed to the case.
Moreover, the case was part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) and the FBI’s Greater Trenton Safe Streets Task Force initiative, aimed at combating gang-related activities, violent crimes, and drug distribution in and around the greater Trenton area. The overarching goal of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle major drug trafficking organizations and individuals responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.
In conclusion, the prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Ramey of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Trenton. Co-conspirators Antonio and Taylor had previously pleaded guilty and received substantial prison sentences in connection with their roles in the drug trafficking scheme. Defense counsel Mark A. Berman Esq. from Fair Lawn, New Jersey, represented the convicted individuals in the legal proceedings.
