A federal jury in Newark convicted three men for their involvement in a violent racketeering conspiracy, which included the murders of three individuals and firearms offenses.
The men, Myron Williams, 31, of Newark, Khalil Kelley, 25, and Roger Pickett, 24, both of Jersey City, now face mandatory life sentences following the conviction.
The charges stemmed from their roles as members of a neighborhood street gang affiliated with the Marion Gardens Housing Complex in Jersey City.
According to federal prosecutors, since 2013, Williams, Kelley, and Pickett committed multiple violent crimes, including three murders.
The prosecution presented evidence that linked the defendants to the deaths of three victims, all of whom were killed as part of the gang’s criminal activities.
Williams was convicted of several charges, including racketeering conspiracy, murder in aid of racketeering, and firearms-related offenses. Kelley and Pickett were similarly convicted, with Pickett also facing charges of Hobbs Act robbery in addition to the other charges. Kelley and Pickett were specifically linked to two of the murders, while Williams was connected to all three.
The murders occurred on March 29, 2021, November 20, 2021, and November 1, 2022. In each case, the defendants lured their victims using social media, impersonating friends or acquaintances to gain the victims’ trust before ambushing them.
One of the murders was part of a robbery during a narcotics transaction. Investigators also documented numerous drug transactions linked to the gang during a months-long investigation.
The convictions were announced by U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger, who highlighted the impact of the case on public safety in the Jersey City area.
“These three Marion street gang members brazenly committed three murders in the name of their gang,” Sellinger said, emphasizing that the convictions demonstrate the commitment to prosecuting violent criminals.
Eight other individuals originally were indicted with Williams, Kelley, and Pickett. All have since pleaded guilty for their roles in the racketeering enterprise.
The investigation was part of the Jersey City Violent Crime Initiative (VCI), a collaborative effort involving federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies aimed at reducing violence in Jersey City.
The case was investigated by the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Jersey City Police Department, and other agencies.
The racketeering conspiracy charge carries a potential life sentence and a fine of up to $10 million. Sentencing for the three defendants is scheduled for April 22, 2025.
Eight other individuals who were initially indicted in connection with the case have pleaded guilty to various charges related to the conspiracy.
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