As police were investigating inside the apartment, individuals were approaching the door seeking to buy drugs, police said
By: Courtney Gross
In what could be an example of crime and gang activity spreading beyond Trenton’s borders, Princeton Borough Police charged several men late Friday with crimes related to the distribution of crack and marijuana following an extensive investigation.
As Trenton Police and Mercer County officials crack down on drug and gang activity, borough police Lt. Dennis McManimon said crime has been filtering through the Princeton area. And this spread was clear on Clay Street on Friday, he said, after a police raid revealed a large-scale drug distribution hub in Princeton.
"What I suspect, and the county suspects, is that these were Trenton-based individuals … and they came up here because there was a market for it," Lt. McManimon said. "This is clearly indicative of gang activity," he added.
At approximately 8:50 p.m. Friday, police said they searched a residence on Clay Street in the borough’s public housing complex. Members of the Bloods, a gang active throughout the Trenton area, had allegedly been visiting the residence to deal drugs to residents of the Princeton area.
As police were searching the Clay Street apartment, Lt. McManimon said, individuals were approaching the door to purchase drugs that resulted in additional arrests.
"Other individuals showed up ready to do business," the lieutenant said. "It was an open-air market."
During the search, he added, a "significant amount" of pre-packaged crack cocaine was found in the residence, along with marijuana, drug paraphernalia and cash.
Police would not comment on the total amount of drugs found.
Lt. McManimon said the investigation by the Princeton Borough Police Department in conjunction with the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office occurred following numerous complaints from area residents.
At least three of the six men arrested Friday are believed to be Bloods members, the lieutenant said. Because of Trenton’s crackdown and a gang’s ability to be transient, Lt. McManimon added, this type of activity spreads to Princeton.
Aaron "Gunz" Carter, 28, of Trenton and Gene Thornton, 24, of Trenton were arrested during the execution of the search warrant, police said.
Mr. Carter was charged with maintaining a nuisance and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Mr. Thornton was charged with possession of cocaine, possession of a controlled dangerous substance with intent to distribute, possession of a controlled dangerous substance with an intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of a school zone, possession of a controlled dangerous substance with intent to distribute within 500 feet of public housing, maintaining a nuisance, and possession of drug paraphernalia and hindering apprehension.
Following the initial search, four other individuals were arrested.
Reginald "Fat Joe" Carter, 32, of Trenton and Steven Silvis, 30, of Trenton were charged with possession of cocaine, possession of a controlled dangerous substance with the intent to distribute, possession of a controlled dangerous substance with intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of a school zone and possession of a controlled dangerous substance with intent to distribute within 500 feet of public housing.
In addition to the drug charges, Mr. Carter was also wanted by the Bucks County Sheriff’s Department for assault, police said.
Mr. Silvis was also charged with resisting arrest, tampering with evidence and possession of marijuana.
Mr. Silvis, Mr. Carter and Mr. Thornton were held in default of $50,000 bail.
Torry J. Childs, 30, of Hamilton was charged with obstruction and Juan Mendez, 22, of Princeton was charged with loitering to commit a controlled dangerous substance offense and tampering with public records.
Mr. Carter, Mr. Childs, and Mr. Mendez were all later released.

