The New Jersey State Police have charged eight suspects for various weapons and drug offenses during a month-long investigation that led to the seizure of $117,620 worth of drugs and multiple weapons including a “ghost gun” in Cumberland County officials said.
A ghost gun is a firearm that is assembled from various parts that are not imprinted with a serial number and registered with a federally licensed manufacturer, making them difficult for law enforcement to trace.
While investigating the distribution of narcotics in Cumberland County, troopers from the State Police Metro South Unit obtained information that Jermina Lewis, 48, of Bridgeton, N.J. was distributing crack cocaine in the area according to police. Through various investigative means, troopers determined that Lewis was operating out of two residences in Fairfield Township and Bridgeton City.
On June 29, troopers from the New Jersey State Police Metro South Unit, along with members of the State Police T.E.A.M.S. South & Central Units, K-9 Unit, Troop “A” Criminal Investigation Office, and Troop “A” Tactical Patrol Unit executed search warrants at the residences and on a BMW sedan located at the Fairfield Township residence.
Officials said as a result of the searches, troopers seized more than 21 pounds of marijuana, more than a pound of crack cocaine, 41 oxycodone pills, 7.7 ounces of methamphetamine, heroin, 7 handguns, 1 ghost gun rifle, 1 sawed-off shotgun, a handgun conversion kit, more than 1,300 rounds of ammunition, 8 high-capacity magazines, 3 ballistic vests, drug paraphernalia, and more than $38,000 cash.
The following suspects have been charged:
Jermina Lewis, 48, of Bridgeton, N.J.
Distribution of CDS
Possession of CDS
Possession of paraphernalia
Possession of a firearm during a CDS offense
Possession of a high-capacity magazine
Possession of a sawed-off shotgun
Certain persons not to possess weapons
Unlawful possession of a ghost gun
Possession of an firearm
Endangering the welfare of a child
Sanya Lawrence, 30 of Bridgeton, N.J.
Distribution of CDS
Possession of CDS
Possession of paraphernalia
Possession of a firearm during a CDS offense
Possession of a high-capacity magazine
Possession of a sawed-off shotgun
Unlawful possession of a ghost gun
Possession of an firearm
Endangering the welfare of a child
Prince Samuels, 56, of Bridgeton, N.J.
Distribution of CDS
Possession of CDS
Dihmere Hadden, 28, of Bridgeton, N.J.
Possession of CDS
Distribution of CDS
Possession of a firearm during a CDS offense
Desmond Samuels, 53, of Bridgeton N.J.
Possession of CDS
Distribution of CDS
Possession of a firearm during a CDS offense
Certain persons not to possess weapons
Desmond Donaldson Jr., 30, of Upper Deerfield, N.J.
Possession of CDS
Distribution of CDS
Possession of a firearm during a CDS offense
Ricardo Martin, 40, of Bridgeton, N.J.
Possession of CDS
Distribution of CDS
Possession of paraphernalia
Possession of a firearm during a CDS offense
Certain persons not to possess weapons
Tampering with evidence
Cleve Murray, 64, of Bridgeton, N.J.
Possession of CDS
Distribution of CDS
Possession of a high-capacity magazine
Possession of CDS paraphernalia
Jermina Lewis, Ricardo Martin, Desmond Samuels, Dihmere Hadden, and Desmond Donaldson Jr. were lodged in the Cumberland County Jail pending a detention hearing. Sanya Lawrence was lodged in Camden County Jail pending a detention hearing. Prince Samuels and Cleve Murray were released pending a future court date.
“New Jersey residents deserve to live in communities free of drug trafficking and the dangers it brings,” said Acting Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin. “By identifying and dismantling criminal drug networks like this one, we are not just ridding affected communities of dangerous narcotics, we’re removing illegal guns from the streets and making our neighborhoods safer.”
“As a result of this investigation, our detectives have undoubtedly made the Cumberland County and surrounding areas safer by preventing these drugs from reaching the communities and removing guns from the streets,” said Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “Our dedication to keeping our residents and visitors of New Jersey safe is always going to be our top priority. Therefore, we remain committed to holding offenders accountable who terrorize our neighborhoods with gun violence and illicit drug activity.”
