Newark gang member pleads guilty to racketeering charges — Prison security fence. Barbed wire security fence. Razor wire jail fence. Barrier border. Boundary security wall. Prison for arrest criminals or terrorists. Private area. Military zone concept.

NEWARK, NJ — Elijah Williams, known as “Lil Smith,” a 24-year-old member of the Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips gang, has pleaded guilty to charges of RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations) conspiracy. The admission came during a hearing before U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton in Newark federal court.

U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced the plea, highlighting the severe impact of Williams’ actions, which included violent crimes and drug trafficking. “Williams murdered and injured rival gang members and left a trail of blood. He now faces spending the rest of his life behind bars,” said Sellinger. This case underscores a significant cooperative law enforcement effort to combat the ongoing problems of drugs and violence plaguing the streets.

Special Agent in Charge Cheryl Ortiz of the DEA New Jersey Field Division and ATF Special Agent in Charge Bryan Miller both remarked on the collaborative efforts that led to Williams’ guilty plea, noting the importance of removing such violent criminals from the community to save lives and enhance public safety.

Court documents reveal that from 2015 to September 22, 2022, Williams was involved in numerous acts of violence and controlled substance distribution. Notably, on September 25, 2018, in Newark, he attempted to murder four individuals, leaving one paralyzed. Another incident on March 20, 2019, in Irvington, New Jersey, involved Williams fatally shooting a person in retaliation for the murder of a Rollin’ 60s member and associate.

Williams is scheduled for sentencing on September 4, 2024, where he faces a maximum sentence of life in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. The case represents a crucial victory in the ongoing battle against organized crime and gang violence in New Jersey.

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