A Newark man, Shaheed Blake, known by several aliases including "Sha Gotti," was sentenced to 168 months in prison for leading a drug trafficking organization. The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge Evelyn Padin in Newark, New Jersey. Blake's sentencing marks the conclusion of a case involving 26 defendants.
The drug operation distributed significant quantities of heroin and crack cocaine in Newark and used firearms for protection. Acting U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna announced the sentencing, emphasizing the extensive nature of the criminal enterprise.
Blake's co-defendants received various sentences ranging from 30 to 168 months in prison. Among them were Anderson Hutchinson, Jabaar Blake, Jason Colon, and Keyenn Rodgers, who were sentenced to lengthy terms for their roles in the organization.
The investigation that led to these convictions was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), alongside the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Newark Police Department. The group operated under the name "CKarter Boys," affiliated with the Bloods gang.
Their operations included selling drugs from fortified houses near residential areas and a public school in Newark. The group generated substantial daily revenue from narcotics sales at these locations.
Acting U.S. Attorney Khanna credited several law enforcement agencies for their collaboration in this case as part of initiatives like the Newark Violent Crime Initiative (VCI) and an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Desiree Grace, Olta Bejleri, and Jake A. Nasar represented the government in this prosecution.
