Gang Member Sentenced to 28 Years in Prison for Racketeering
NEWARK, N.J. – A member of the Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips gang was sentenced today to 336 months in prison for his role in a racketeering conspiracy, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Elijah Williams, aka “Lil Smith,” 24, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton in Newark federal court to a superseding indictment that charged him with Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) conspiracy.
“Elijah Williams brazenly shot multiple rival gang members, murdering one, paralyzing another, and leaving a trail of blood. Gang shootings jeopardize the safety of innocent residents in our communities and make the public less safe. The sentence handed down today ensures that Williams will spend decades behind bars, away from the streets he terrorized. This result was achieved through the hard work of many law enforcement partners in our Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force, and we will continue our laser focus on battling the scourge of drugs and violence on our streets.” – U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger
“Drug trafficking can be a dangerous and violent game, often entangled with the deadly consequences,” Special Agent in Charge Cheryl Ortiz of the DEA New Jersey Field Division said. “Today’s sentencing of Elijah Williams, who repeatedly used violence when operating his criminal enterprise, shows the commitment the DEA and our law enforcement partners have when making sure those responsible for these types of violent crimes face the consequences for their actions.”
“The investigation and prosecution of this individual as well as the sentence imposed illustrates the seriousness of this crime,” Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Special Agent in Charge L.C. Cheeks Jr. said. “ATF is dedicated to working with our federal, state, and local partners to hold violent offenders accountable, make a collaborative impact, and secure the safety of our communities.”
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From 2015 through Sept. 22, 2022, Williams was a member of the Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips, a criminal enterprise responsible for acts of violence and the distribution of controlled substances in the District of New Jersey and elsewhere. On Sept. 25, 2018, in Newark, Williams attempted to murder rival gang members and associates by shooting at four individuals, one of whom was paralyzed. On March 20, 2019, in Irvington, New Jersey, Williams fatally shot another person, in retaliation for the murder of a member and associate of the Rollin’ 60s.
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