Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone announced that 11 individuals have been charged for their alleged involvement in a large-scale narcotics distribution ring that operated in Middlesex and Union counties.
On March 15, Terrence Barker, 37, of Edison, was charged with first-degree leader of a narcotics trafficking network, first-degree promoting organized street crime, first-degree distribution of heroin, first-degree distribution of cocaine, first-degree maintaining a narcotics production facility, second-degree conspiracy to distribute cocaine, first-degree possession with intent to distribute cocaine, third-degree financial facilitation of criminal activity, second-degree eluding, second-degree aggravated assault while eluding, third-degree aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, and second-degree endangering the welfare of children, according to information provided by Ciccone’s office on March 24.
Along with Barker, Jermaine Pennant, 36, of Plainfield; Henry Alvin II, 35, of Plainfield; Rukaiyah Green, 31, of Edison; Shawn Heyward, 32, of Piscataway; Brianna Thompson, 27, of Springfield; Francois Skyers, 33, of South Plainfield; Larry Lowery, 31, of Plainfield; Michael Lowery, 36, of Dunellen; Umoja Fortney, 25, of Piscataway; and Cheyenne Floyd, 28, of Springfield, were also charged with various drug distribution-related offenses, according to the statement.
The investigation conducted by the Narcotics Task Force of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office in conjunction with the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office, the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Edison and Piscataway police departments resulted in the execution of over 20 search warrants across Middlesex and Union counties, according to the statement.
The searches resulted in the recovery of over two kilograms of suspected cocaine, over one kilogram of suspected heroin, approximately 149 grams of fentanyl, 70 grams of Oxycodone, one loaded Smith and Wesson revolver and over $120,000 in suspected drug proceeds, according to the statement.
The seizures prevented tens of thousands of doses of dangerous drugs from reaching the hands of individuals suffering from addiction, according to the statement.
As authorities attempted to take Barker into custody, Barker rammed his vehicle into an Edison police vehicle, causing bodily injury to an officer, according to officials. The officer was treated for minor injuries at a local hospital.
Barker, Alvin and Michael Lowery were detained following a detention hearing in the Middlesex County Superior Court on March 23. Larry Lowery and Jermaine Pennant had yet to be arrested as of press time.
The investigation is active and continuing. Anyone with information should call Sgt. Erik Larsen of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at 732-745-5977.