Atlantic City Man Admits to Role in Drug Trafficking Ring Involving Dirty Block Gang

An Atlantic City man has admitted to his role in a conspiracy to distribute heroin with Mykal Derry, a leader of the “Dirty Block” criminal street gang that allegedly used threats, intimidation and violence to maintain control of the illegal drug trade in the City, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced on Tuesday.

Aree Toulson, a/k/a “Beyah,” a/k/a “Beyeazz,” 25, pleaded guilty to a superseding information charging him with one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of public housing, 100 grams or more of heroin.

Toulson admitted to acting as a distributor for Derry, 34, of Atlantic City, helping Dirty Block to distribute heroin in and around the public housing apartment complexes of Stanley Holmes, Carver Hall, Schoolhouse, Adams Court and Cedar Court in Atlantic City.

Toulson was arrested on March 26, 2013. He was one of 25 people associated with the gang that was arrested in pre-dawn raids that day.

According to Toulson’s statements in court, he and others travelled with Derry to a shooting range in Lakewood on Oct. 18, 2012. While there, Toulson – a previously convicted felon – used, possessed, and discharged a firearm.

According to filed documents, members of the group also participated in a violent altercation with rival drug traffickers at an Atlantic City casino in December of 2012.

The drug conspiracy charge carries a minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum penalty of 80 years in prison, and maximum potential fine of up to $10 million.

Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 16, 2015.