March 1, 2001
Trenton,
NJ — A month-long investigation led by the Mercer County Prosecutor’s
Special Investigations Unit (SIU) resulted in three arrests and the seizure of
drugs and an assault weapon, Prosecutor Daniel G. Giaquinto announced today.
At
approximately 2:15 p.m. today, search warrants were simultaneously executed at
multiple locations in Trenton: 37 Marion Avenue; 26 Christoph Avenue; 28
Christoph Avenue; and 44 Christoph Avenue.
As a result, nine ounces of phencyclidine (PCP) was seized, along with a
fully-loaded Tec-9 assault weapon. The
estimated street value of the seized PCP is more than $10,000.
“The
seizure of the assault weapon demonstrates just how dangerous and lucrative the
PCP trade is,” Giaquinto said. “Everyone,
including the community at large, is at risk.”
The
investigation began about a month ago when SIU, led by Lt. Al Paglione, received
information that Kevin Green AKA Star, 24, of 37 Marion Avenue, had the market
for PCP distribution in the area of Stuyvesant Avenue locked down.
Former market kings “The Suicide Posse” were brought down by SIU
about a year ago, and Green took over.
Green
was utilizing vacant houses on Christoph Avenue for PCP distribution. He frequently arrived between 1 and 3 p.m., with buyers
already lined up.
Since
information from multiple sources indicated that Green was usually armed, and
locating weapons during the searches was probable, SIU enlisted the assistance
of the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Response Team (SERT).
During
the search of 44 Christoph Avenue, a Tec-9 assault weapon loaded with a 30-round
magazine was found under the porch alongside hundreds of rounds of ammunition, a
bulletproof vest, and two high-capacity magazines.
Packaging materials and numerous boxes of Newport cigarettes were found
inside the residence and seven one-ounce bottles of PCP were found in the
backyard hidden under debris.
According
to Lt. Paglione, PCP is commonly distributed one of two ways: in glass bottles
or “sticks.” Sticks are made by
dipping the end of a cigarette into PCP.
The
search of 26 Christoph Avenue found two one-ounce bottles of PCP in the
basement, along with many boxes of Newport cigarettes, glass bottles and other
packaging materials.
The
search of Green’s residence produced $6,000 in cash, a small amount of
marijuana, glass bottles and other packaging materials, and a box with
instructions for a Tec-9 assault weapon.
Green
was arrested on the front porch of 28 Christoph Avenue.
His 1991 Acura was also seized.
“The
fact that these seizures took place without incident or injury is a credit to
the professionalism and training of SIU and SERT,” Giaquinto said.
Green
is charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance; possession with
the intent to distribute; possession with the intent to distribute with 1000
feet of a school; possession of an assault weapon; and possession of a weapon
while in commission of narcotics violations.
Green is being held at the Mercer County Corrections Center in lieu of
$300,000 bail. He was convicted in
mid-January of this year for possession of a weapon and possession of a firearm
by a convicted felon and was out on bail awaiting sentencing.
Also
arrested were Shaneika L. McDaniels, 21, of 37 Marion Avenue and Reginald
Leonard, 26, of
28 Christoph Avenue. McDaniels is
charged with possession of marijuana under 50 grams and possession of narcotic
paraphernalia. Leonard was lodged
on outstanding warrants.
Despite
having been charged, every defendant is presumed innocent until found guilty
beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.