Two New Jersey men have been found guilty for their involvement in a drug trafficking organization operating out of Stephen Crane Village, Newark. Acting U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna announced the convictions following a jury trial.
Michael Mayse, 38, from Newark, identified as a leader within the Stephen Crane Drug Trafficking Organization (DTO), was convicted on charges including murder and drug trafficking conspiracy. Gary Shahid, 66, also from Newark and a supplier to the DTO, was convicted of similar offenses related to drug distribution and firearms.
“This Office’s commitment to prosecuting violent crime and serious drug trafficking offenses is unwavering. This case demonstrates the strength of our partnerships with federal, state, and local law enforcement and ensures that serious consequences will follow for these defendants,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna.
The ATF's Special Agent in Charge L.C. Cheeks Jr., emphasized accountability for violent criminals: “ATF remains steadfast in identifying and apprehending those who are terrorizing our neighborhoods with violence and senseless disorder.”
DEA Special Agent in Charge Cheryl Ortiz highlighted the dangerous nature of drug trafficking: “Drug trafficking can be a dangerous and violent game... Today’s conviction against these two members... shows the commitment... to keeping our communities safe.”
Court documents revealed that from February 2019 through February 2020, the DTO operated an open-air drug market at Stephen Crane Village. The group used various methods such as controlled purchases by law enforcement to distribute narcotics like heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine base.
Mayse committed murder within this context over a financial dispute linked to their activities on December 15, 2019.
Potential penalties for these crimes include lengthy prison sentences ranging up to life imprisonment along with substantial fines.
Acting U.S. Attorney Khanna acknowledged multiple agencies involved in this investigation under initiatives like the Newark Violent Crime Initiative (VCI) which aims to combat violent crime collaboratively across various levels of law enforcement.
This case is also part of efforts by Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) targeting high-level criminal organizations threatening national safety through coordinated agency actions.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tracey Agnew and Jason Goldberg represented the government in this matter.
Defense attorneys Thomas Ambrosio represented Gary Shahid while Joel Silberman and Keith Oliver defended Michael Mayse.