MAYS LANDING, N.J. — Twin brothers from Atlantic City pleaded guilty Monday to leading a narcotics trafficking network and weapons offenses following a sweeping multi-agency investigation known as “Operation Florida Keys,” according to the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office.
Justin and Joseph Suarez, both 40, admitted to charges of first-degree Leader of a Narcotics Trafficking Network and Possession of a Handgun for an Unlawful Purpose. In exchange for their guilty pleas, prosecutors will recommend a 28-year sentence with 14 years of parole ineligibility for Joseph Suarez and a 25-year sentence with 12 years of parole ineligibility for Justin Suarez.
The pleas followed a two-year investigation that culminated on November 14, 2022, with the execution of approximately 20 search warrants across Atlantic County. Investigators recovered over 40,000 folds of fentanyl packaged for sale, 5.6 ounces of crack cocaine, more than $85,000 in cash, and two firearms. The Suarez brothers were identified as the central figures in the drug operation centered on South Florida Avenue in Atlantic City.
Justin Suarez was enrolled in Atlantic County’s Recovery Court program at the time of the investigation. He is expected to receive a concurrent sentence for violating its terms. Joseph Suarez coordinated multiple drug deliveries, including one intercepted from Philadelphia that resulted in the arrests of Jose R. Perez-Paredes, 31, and Yoao Jerez Tejada, 29. Both men pleaded guilty and received sentences of seven and five years, respectively.
Operation Florida Keys dismantles regional narcotics network
Investigators also tracked Orlando Perez, 39, of New York, who was caught delivering fentanyl from the Bronx to Joseph Suarez. Perez was arrested after a traffic stop led to the discovery of $5,800 and over 4,000 folds of fentanyl. He pleaded guilty and is expected to serve three years in state prison.
Arcadia Ridley, 34, of Pleasantville, stored and delivered fentanyl for Joseph Suarez. A search of her home recovered nearly 17,000 folds of fentanyl and a loaded handgun. She pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing under a five-year plea agreement. Joseph Suarez admitted during his plea that the firearm belonged to him and was used in furtherance of the drug operation.
A separate search of a stash house used by Justin Suarez led to the recovery of a stolen, loaded 9mm handgun with a high-capacity magazine. DNA evidence tied the weapon to Justin Suarez, who acknowledged possessing it for drug distribution.
Their mother, Terria Acosta, 57, also pleaded guilty to financial facilitation of criminal activity. She was caught with over $44,000 in drug proceeds and is expected to receive a four-year sentence. Investigators linked her to drug money transactions through intercepted calls and surveillance.
Network members face lengthy sentences for distribution and weapons crimes
Additional members of the Suarez operation also pleaded guilty. Howard Cubbage, 60, stored and sold fentanyl from his apartment, where police found 15,000 folds of fentanyl and cash. He is expected to serve 10 years in prison with five years of parole ineligibility. Roderick Holsey, 35, was sentenced to seven years for possessing an untraceable handgun recovered from Cubbage’s home.
Keith Potter, 63, and James DiMeo, 61, admitted to conspiracy charges and are expected to serve county jail time as part of probationary sentences. A search of DiMeo’s apartment revealed over 4,000 folds of fentanyl stamped “True Religion.”
Safiyah Hauser, 38, stored drugs and held a handgun for Justin Suarez. She pleaded guilty and faces a seven-year sentence. Maurice Braxton, 36, who was filmed assaulting a man at Joseph Suarez’s direction, is already serving a seven-year sentence for conspiracy, weapons offenses, and aggravated assault.
Multi-agency investigation coordinated by state and federal authorities
The investigation was conducted by the Atlantic City Police Department, the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, among others. Detective Christopher Dodson, Resident Agent Frank Deerr, and Sergeant Chad Meyers led the investigation.
Assistant Prosecutor Chris D’Esposito of the Gangs, Guns, and Narcotics Unit is handling prosecution of all defendants.
Two brothers at the top of a sprawling Atlantic City drug ring now face decades in prison after pleading guilty to leading the fentanyl and firearms operation.
