Police: Belleville Man Is One of the Leaders of Newark Grape Street Crips

Police have named 26-year-old Kwasi Mack of Belleville – also known by his gang nickname of “Welchs,” - during a massive, 71-person bust involving alleged members of the Newark-based Grape Street Crips on Wednesday.

Authorities allege that Mack is one of the local leaders of the street gang – which was founded in Los Angeles but also operates in New Jersey – and is partly responsible for helping to control drug-trafficking and other illegal activities in various neighborhoods and public-housing complexes in Newark. [See related Patch article]

As part of the recent bust, Mack was charged with two counts of attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, assault with a deadly weapon, heroin conspiracy, using a firearm during a crime of violence and drug trafficking, in addition to a charge for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

In addition to the recent charges, Mack was arrested and charged in connection with a Columbus Day shootout that left six people wounded at the Kemsco Village housing complex in Newark’s Central Ward in 2011.

Mack was also arrested on gun and drug charges in 2013. [See related Patch article]