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After a six-month investigation, 31 people, including several known gang members, a city police officer and two Asbury Park juveniles were charged in connection with violent street crimes and firearms offenses during a police dragnet, according to a news release from the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office.

In an effort focused on addressing the number of violent street crimes and firearms authorities began “Operation Dead End” last summer in the city. The investigation discovered members of the “Crips” and “Bloods” street gangs regularly conspired to commit several different firearms-related offenses on two dead end streets in Asbury Park, Dewiitt Avenue and Jersey Street in the Washington Village Public Housing Complex.

The operation resulted in 28 arrests out of 31 people charged, including 16-year veteran Asbury Park police officer Keith German, 45, who faces charges of official misconduct and unauthorized access of a computer database. The remaining three are still at-large.

Offenses include unlawfully possessing firearms and transferring guns among various members of the criminal organization.

In addition, the investigation also found members of the criminal organization distributed narcotics, including crack cocaine, heroin, and a synthetic substance known as “molly,” a form of Ecstasy, and further revealed members of the criminal enterprise acted together on numerous occasions to commit organized thefts, burglaries, and at least one robbery involving firearms.

All of the defendants arrested were remanded to the Monmouth County Correctional Institution in lieu of bail, set by Monmouth County Superior Court Judge Francis J. Vernoia, P.J.Cr.

This case is being prosecuted by Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Matthew Bogner, of the Major Crimes Unit, and Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Michael Costanzo, of the Narcotics and Criminal Enterprises Division.

The following is a press release from the Monmouth County Prosecutors Office:

Thirty-one people, including several known members of criminal street gangs operating in the area of the city and a city police officer, were charged in a large sweep by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office and other law enforcement agencies as part of an ongoing investigation, Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni announced.

The six-month investigation, dubbed “Operation Dead End,” began last summer in conjunction with other efforts focused on stemming violent street crimes and firearms offenses in Asbury Park. During the investigation, members of the “Crips” and “Bloods” criminal street gangs and their conspirators based their criminal activities out of two dead end streets in Asbury Park – Dewitt Avenue, as well as a dead end section of Jersey Street in the Washington Village Public Housing Complex.

The investigation discovered members of the criminal organization regularly conspired to commit several different firearms-related offenses, including unlawfully possessing firearms and transferring guns among various members of the criminal organization. The investigation also found members of the criminal organization distributed narcotics, including crack cocaine, heroin, and a synthetic substance known as “molly,” a form of Ecstasy, and further revealed members of the criminal enterprise acted together on numerous occasions to commit organized thefts, burglaries, and at least one robbery involving firearms.

Furthermore, as a result of the investigation, Patrolman Keith German, 45, of Tinton Falls, a 16-year veteran officer of the Asbury Park Police Department, was arrested and charged with official misconduct and unauthorized access of a computer database.

Overall, “Operation Dead End” resulted in the arrest of 28 of the 31 defendants charged in connection with the six-month investigation.

All of the defendants arrested were remanded to the Monmouth County Correctional Institution in lieu of bail, set by Monmouth County Superior Court Judge Francis J. Vernoia, P.J.Cr.

Two of the leaders of the criminal enterprise – James Fair and Altyreek Leonard, both of Asbury Park – conspired with several other members of the criminal enterprise, to distribute heroin, crack cocaine and “molly” in the Asbury Park area. Fair and Leonard were also charged with promoting organized street crime for their roles in directing others to commit crimes. Fair was also charged with endangering the welfare of a child.

The other members of the criminal enterprise include: Harry Clayton, 33; Haneef Walker, 21, Ciara Williams, 21, Latoria Butler, 22, Clarence Jackson 3rd, 25, Todd Howard, 22, Latoya Tatum, 28, Jashawn Mack, 26, all of Asbury Park; Shamere Reid, 20, and Imere Meredith 20, both of Neptune; Todd Ewart, 31, and Amanda Howland, 22, both of Neptune City; Deron Anglin, 27, of Newark; and two juveniles.

These defendants were charged with racketeering conspiracy for their involvement in the ongoing criminal enterprise. Leonard and Butler were additionally charged with using a juvenile to commit a crime.

Several defendants were charged with shoplifting and shoplifting conspiracy, while others were charged with theft. In addition, numerous defendants were charged with conspiracy to distribute a CDS and other distribution of CDS-related offenses.

Tyan Harvey, 21, of Newark, and Alvin Durham, 25, of Roselle, were both charged with unlawful possession of a handgun. Several defendants were charged with conspiracy to possess a controlled dangerous substance for conspiring to purchase narcotics, including the following individuals: Randy Stokes, 35, of the Ocean Grove section of Neptune; William Hunter III, 24, of Wall Township, and Rogerio Pereira, 29, of Long Branch.

Several individuals were previously arrested during the investigation for possession of a controlled dangerous substance: Jane Brown, 62, of Neptune Township; Roccal Gilmore, 41, of Spotswood; Brittany Collora, 23, of the Ocean Grove section of Neptune Township; and Jammara Kemp, 24, of South River.

Three fugitives were arrested as part of the sweep, including: Jaszhark Rogers, 27, of Washington Avenue in Asbury Park and a known member of the G-Shine set of the “Bloods” criminal street gang; and Tyrice Berry, 21, of Fisher avenue in Neptune Township; and Anthony Esdaile, 31, of Steiner Avenue in Neptune City. During his arrest, Berry was found to be in possession of a CDS and was charged with several narcotics-related offenses. Rogers was located in Greensboro, North Carolina, with the assistance of the United States Marshal’s Service.

Four firearms – a shotgun and three handguns; two vehicles used in support of the criminal enterprise; and quantities of cocaine, heroin, marijuana, and molly were seized during the course of the investigation.

The following individuals remain at-large as of today:

• Shakri Prince, 20, of Willow Drive in Ocean Township. He is facing charges of second degree Shoplifting – Organized Retail Theft Enterprise, third degree Shoplifting, and second degree Conspiracy.

• Shamere Reid, 20, of Myrtle Avenue in Neptune. He is facing charges of first degree Racketeering Conspiracy, first degree Armed Robbery, second degree Unlawful Possession of a Handgun, second degree Possession of a Firearm for an Unlawful Purpose, second degree Possession of a Community Gun, and second degree Conspiracy.

• Alvin Durham, 25, of Sharon Avenue in Roselle. He is facing charges of second degree Unlawful Possession of a Handgun.

The investigation into the criminal activities of this criminal enterprise remains active and ongoing, and members of the public with information regarding criminal activity by any of these individuals should contact Detective Keith Finkelstein of the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office at 1-800-533-7443.

Gramiccioni credited numerous law enforcement agencies for their assistance in this investigation:

The Asbury Park Police Department; Aberdeen Police Department; Atlantic Highlands Police Department; Avon Police Department; Brielle Police Department; Deal Police Department; Freehold Township Police Department; Hazlet Township Police Department; Howell Township Police Department; Keansburg Police Department; Long Branch Police Department; Marlboro Township Police Department; Neptune Township Police Department; Neptune City Police Department; Ocean Township Police Department; Sea Bright Police Department; Spring Lake Heights Police Department; Tinton Falls Police Department; Wall Township Police Department; West Long Branch Police Department; the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office; United States Marshal’s Service; United States Drug Enforcement Administration; and United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms.

This case is being prosecuted by Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Matthew Bogner, of the Major Crimes Unit, and Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Michael Costanzo, of the Narcotics and Criminal Enterprises Division.

The following individuals were charged in connection with “Operation Dead End.” Some of those charged do not appear below because the charges pending against them are delineated elsewhere in this release:

James Fair, who is turning 26 years old today, of 8th Avenue in Asbury Park and a known member of the Neighborhood Bloods set of the “Bloods” criminal street gang, is charged with first degree Racketeering Conspiracy, first degree Promoting Organized Street Crime, first degree Armed Robbery, second degree Unlawful Possession of a Handgun, second degree Possession of a Firearm for an Unlawful Purpose, second degree Possession of a Community Gun, second degree Certain Person not to Possess a Weapon, third degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance, third degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance with Intent to Distribute, third degree Distribution of a Controlled Dangerous Substance, third degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance with Intent to Distribute within 1,000 feet of a School, third degree Distribution of a Controlled Dangerous Substance within 1,000 feet of a School, second degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance with Intent to Distribute within 500 Feet of a Public Housing Facility, second degree Distribution of a Controlled Dangerous Substance within 500 Feet of a Public Housing Facility, second degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child, second degree Theft, third degree Shoplifting, second degree Shoplifting – Organized Retail Theft Enterprise, and second degree Conspiracy. He is being held in MCCI on $580,000 bail with no option to post 10 percent and a bail source hearing required.

Altyreek Leonard, 20, of Springwood Avenue in Asbury Park and a known member of the Sex Money Murder set of the “Bloods” criminal street gang is charged with first degree Racketeering Conspiracy, first degree Promoting Organized Street Crime, second degree Unlawful Possession of a Handgun, second degree Possession of a Firearm for an Unlawful Purpose, second degree Possession of a Community Gun, third degree Unlawful Transfer or Sale of Firearms, first degree Use of a Juvenile to Commit a Criminal Offense, third degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance, third degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance with Intent to Distribute, third degree Distribution of a Controlled Dangerous Substance, and second degree Conspiracy. He is being held at MCCI on $515,000 bail with no option to post 10 percent and a bail source hearing required.

Deron Anglin, 27, of Lanark Avenue in Newark and a known member of the Sex Money Murder set of the “Bloods” criminal street gang, is charged with first degree Racketeering Conspiracy, second degree Unlawful Possession of a Handgun, and second degree Conspiracy. He is being held in the Monmouth County Correctional Institution (MCCI), Freehold Township, on $400,000 bail with no option to post 10 percent.

Harry Clayton Jr., 33, of Anelve Avenue in Neptune, is charged with first degree Racketeering Conspiracy, third degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance, third degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance with Intent to Distribute, third degree Distribution of a Controlled Dangerous Substance, third degree Shoplifting, second degree Shoplifting – Organized Retail Theft Enterprise, and second degree Conspiracy. He is being held in MCCI on $430,000 bail with no 10 percent option and a bail source hearing required.

Latoria Butler, 22, of Sunset Avenue in Asbury Park and a known associate of the 47 Neighborhood set of the “Crips” criminal street gang, is charged with first degree Racketeering Conspiracy, second degree Unlawful Possession of a Handgun, second degree Possession of a Firearm for an Unlawful Purpose, second degree Unlawful Possession of a Community Gun, first degree Use of Juvenile to Commit a Crime, second degree Conspiracy, and third degree Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance. She is being held in MCCI on $255,000 bail with no option to post 10 percent.

Todd Ewart, 32, of East Shadow Lawn Drive in Neptune and a known associate of the “Bloods” criminal street gang, is charged with first degree Racketeering Conspiracy, second degree Conspiracy to Possess a Handgun, and third degree Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance. He is being held in MCCI on $400,000 bail with no option to post 10 percent.

Tyan Harvey, 21, of Arsdale Place in Newark and a known member of the Fruit Town Brim set of the “Bloods” criminal street gang, is charged with Second Degree Unlawful Possession of a Handgun. He is being held in MCCI on $100,000 bail with no option to post ten percent.

Todd Howard, 22, of Asbury Park Village in Asbury Park and a known member of the 47 Neighborhood set of the “Crips” criminal street gang, is charged with first degree Racketeering Conspiracy, second degree Unlawful Possession of a Handgun, second degree Conspiracy to Possess of a Handgun, and third degree Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance. He is being held at MCCI on $405,000 bail with no option to post 10 percent.

Amanda Howland, 22, of Ridge Avenue in Neptune City, is charged with first degree Racketeering Conspiracy, third degree Conspiracy to Possess a Controlled Dangerous Substance, and third degree Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance. She is being held at MCCI on $305,000 bail with no option to post 10 percent.

William Hunter III, 24, of Hadley Court in Wall Township, is charged with third degree Conspiracy to Possess a Controlled Dangerous Substance and being held at MCCI on $25,000 bail with no option to post 10 percent.

Clarence Jackson 3rd, 25, of 5th Avenue in Asbury Park and a known member of the 47 Neighborhood set of the “Crips” criminal street gang, is charged with first degree Racketeering Conspiracy; third degree Shoplifting, second degree Shoplifting – Organized Retail Theft Enterprise, and second degree Conspiracy. He s being held at MCCI on $410,000 bail with no option to post 10 percent.

Jashawn Mack, 25, of Ocean Park Avenue in Bradley Beach, is charged with first degree Racketeering Conspiracy, second degree Theft, second degree Conspiracy, and third degree Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance. He is being held at MCCI on $405,000 bail with no option to post 10 percent.

Imere Meredith, 20, of Fabio court in Neptune Township and a known member of the Fruit Town Brim set of the “Bloods” criminal street gang, is charged with first degree Racketeering Conspiracy, third degree Conspiracy to Possess a Controlled Dangerous Substance, and second degree Conspiracy to Possess a Handgun. He is being held at MCCI on $400,000 bail with no option to post 10 percent.

Rogerio “Roger” Pereira, 29, of Murray Lane in Neptune Township, is charged with third degree Conspiracy to Possess a Controlled Dangerous Substance. He was released on $30,000 bail.

Randy Stokes, 35, of 12th Avenue in Belmar, is charged with third degree Conspiracy to Possess a Controlled Dangerous Substance. He is being held at MCCI on $25,000 bail.

Latoya Tatum, 27, of Washington Avenue in Asbury Park, is charged with first degree Racketeering Conspiracy, third degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance with Intent to Distribute, third degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance with Intent to Distribute within 1,000 feet of a School, second degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance with Intent to Distribute over half an ounce, second degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance with Intent to Distribute within 500 Feet of a Public Housing Facility, and second degree Conspiracy. She is being held at MCCI on $155,000 bail with no option to post 10 percent.

Haneef Walker, 21, of Washington Avenue in Asbury Park and a known member of the 47 Neighborhood set of the “Crips” criminal street gang, is charged with first degree Racketeering Conspiracy, first degree Armed Robbery, second degree Unlawful Possession of a Handgun, second degree Possession of a Firearm for an Unlawful Purpose, second degree Possession of a Community Gun, third degree Shoplifting, second degree Shoplifting – Organized Retail Theft Enterprise, and second degree Conspiracy. He is being held at MCCI on $415,000 bail with no option to post 10 percent.

Ciara Williams, 21, of 8th Avenue in Asbury Park and a known associate of the Neighborhood Bloods set of the “Bloods” criminal street gang, is charged with first degree Racketeering Conspiracy, third degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance, third degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance with Intent to Distribute, third degree Distribution of a Controlled Dangerous Substance, third degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance with Intent to Distribute within 1,000 feet of a School, third degree Distribution of a Controlled Dangerous Substance within 1,000 feet of a School, third degree Shoplifting, second degree Shoplifting – Organized Retail Theft Enterprise, and second degree Conspiracy. She is being held at MCCI on $410,000 bail with no option to post 10 percent.

The charges brought as a result of Operation “Dead End” carry the following state prison sentences:

First degree offenses:

Racketeering Conspiracy – up to 20 years.

Promoting Organized Street Crime – consecutive 15 to 30 years prison.

Armed Robbery – up to 20 years.

Use of a Juvenile to Commit a Crime – up to 20 years.

Second Degree offenses:

Unlawful Possession of a Firearm – up to 10 years.

Possession of a Firearm for an Unlawful Purpose – up to 10 years.

Possession of a Community Gun – up to 10 years.

Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS) w/ Intent to Distribute – up to 10 years.

Possession of a CDS with Intent to Distribute within 500’ of Public Housing – up to 10 years.

Distribution of a CDS Within 500 Feet of Public Housing – up to 10 years.

Theft – up to 10 years.

Shoplifting – up to 10 years.

Endangering the Welfare of a Child – up to 10 years.

Official Misconduct – up to 10 years.

Unauthorized Access of a Computer Database – up to 10 years.

Third degree offenses:

Unlawful Transfer or Sale of a Firearm – up to 5 years.

Possession of a CDS with Intent to Distribute within 1000 Feet of School Property – up to 5 years.

Distribution of a CDS within 1000 Feet of School property – up to 5 years.

Possession of a CDS with Intent to Distribute – up to 5 years.

Distribution of a CDS – up to 5 years.

Possession of a CDS – up to 5 years.

Shoplifting – up to 5 years.

Fourth degree offense:

Unlawful Transfer or Sale of a Firearm – up to 18 months.

Two juveniles – both 17-year-old males – have been charged in connection with “Operation Dead End”:

• Juvenile No. 1, of Asbury Park and a known member of the 47 Neighborhood set of the “Crips” criminal street gang, is charged with first degree Racketeering Conspiracy, second degree Unlawful Possession of a Handgun, second degree Possession of a Community Gun, and second degree Conspiracy.

• Juvenile No. 2, of Manalapan and a known member of the Fruit Town Brim set of the “Bloods” criminal street gang, is charged with first degree Racketeering Conspiracy, second degree Possession of a Firearm for an Unlawful Purpose, second degree Unlawful Possession of a Handgun, second degree Possession of a Community Gun, third degree Hindering the Apprehension of Another, and second degree Conspiracy.

Despite these charges, every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, following a trial at which the defendant has all of the trial rights guaranteed by the United States Constitution and State law.

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