A member of the Rollin' 60s Neighborhood Crips gang pleaded guilty to multiple charges in January. He's scheduled to be sentenced in May 2025.

Racketeering charges, often referred to as RICO charges after the federal law, carry serious penalties. In New Jersey, first-degree convictions carry prison sentences of up to 20 years.

If you're facing racketeering charges in New Jersey, the Lento Law Firm Criminal Defense Team can help. We work with clients throughout New Jersey to help them build evidence-based cases that help protect their lives and their futures. Contact us using this form or by calling us at 888-535-3686.

Conspiracy and Drug Trafficking

Jason “Freak” Franklin was a leader of the Rollin' 60s. He ordered members to commit violent acts, including a hit on a rival gang member and other acts of retaliation. His guilty plea also covered his role in drug trafficking.

Franklin's membership in the gang dates to at least 2015. According to prosecutors, the Rollin' 60s and their associates controlled certain neighborhoods and public housing complexes in Newark and Irvington. They engaged in drug trafficking and other criminal activities in these areas.

New Jersey Racketeering

Individuals may be charged with racketeering under state or federal laws. The federal law, known as the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO), is why you often hear the term RICO in the context of racketeering and organized crime.

In New Jersey, racketeering isn't a specific crime. Instead, it's a crime committed as part of a pattern of unlawful activity committed by a group, such as a gang. It may involve one crime or, as seen in Franklin's case, several crimes.

Examples of crimes that can lead to racketeering charges in New Jersey:

• Murder
• Kidnapping
• Gambling
• Robbery
• Bribery
• Extortion
• Arson
• Promoting prostitution
• Unlawful use, manufacture, or purchase of firearms
• Distribution of illegal drugs
• Usury, or collecting an unlawful debt
• Money laundering and other white-collar crimes

This isn't an exhaustive list. The state also incorporates any crimes listed as racketeering activity by the federal government.

These crimes don't have to be committed in New Jersey to be relevant to racketeering charges. New Jersey's law states that similar crimes committed in other states can be included.

Prosecutors can look at crimes committed over a ten-year period. They have the burden of showing that at least two crimes were committed and weren't isolated incidents. They must show that these crimes were connected because they involved similar groups, participants, victims, or methods.

New Jersey does allow prosecutors to introduce evidence of previous racketeering activity as part of their case. Individuals who are convicted may be required to forfeit assets, especially any property or money gained through committing a crime.

Defend Your Future

Racketeering charges are serious and carry significant penalties if convicted. Individuals facing allegations of racketeering need to be proactive in building a defense.

If you're facing racketeering charges, contact the Lento Law Firm Criminal Defense Team. We know New Jersey, and we work hard to protect our clients' rights. Contact us using this form or by calling us at 888-535-3686.