5th Man Pleads Guilty In Large Scale South Jersey Drug Ring: USAO

A Camden man has admitted to his role in large scale drug trafficking ring operating in the City of Camden, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.

Rajai Gaines, a/k/a “Jigga,” 36, pleaded guilty to a superseding information charging him with possessing with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base, Carpenito said. Gaines was one of 10 people arrested as part of the drug ring in June of last year. An 11th person was arrested last month.

Gaines admitted that he and two other men met to prepare and package more than 300 grams of crack cocaine for distribution, according to documents filed in the case and statements made in court.

During that meeting, the three men were arrested by law enforcement that executed a search warrant at the location in which they were holding the meeting. Detectives said a large amount of crack, packaging materials, and drug paraphernalia were also seized during the search.

Gaines faces a mandatory minimum term of five years and a maximum of 40 years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 7. He is the fifth person to plead guilty in the scheme.

On March 26, Karim Johnson a/k/a “Chicky,” 38, and Daron Suiter, 23, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base. They also admitted to distributing furanyl fentanyl to customers in Camden. They both face a mandatory minimum term of five years in prison when they are sentenced on July 10.

On March 12, George Williams, 43, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute furanyl fentanyl. His sentencing is scheduled for June 18.

On March 5, Latoya Whealton a/k/a “Toya,” 33, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base. She also accepted responsibility for distributing furanyl fentanyl and heroin to customers in Camden. She faces a mandatory minimum term of five years in prison at her sentencing on June 11.

Charges remain pending against John Gunther a/k/a “Critty,” 34, and Taleaf Gunther a/k/a “Leafy” and “L,” 32, as well as alleged members William Roland a/k/a “Chill,” 36, Mark Campbell a/k/a “D” and "Diz,” 38, Malcolm McCoy, 27, and Davon Leak, 19. The charges and allegations against these defendants are merely accusations, and they are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Authorities said John Gunther and Taleaf Gunther obtained large amounts of the drugs and readied them to be sold on the streets. Campbell is accused of supplying bulk quantities of crack cocaine to members of the organization.

They are accused of providing crack cocaine and heroin to other members of the group to be sold to customers. They also collected the money and oversaw the daily sales and operation of the organization, according to authorities.

The FBI-led investigation made use of surveillance, confidential informants, cooperating witnesses, more than 20 controlled drug purchases, record checks, a GPS vehicle tracker, and multiple telephone wiretaps to uncover the operations of the drug trafficking organization. The investigation ultimately led to the seizure of over 300 grams of crack cocaine, quantities of furanyl fentanyl and heroin, a firearm, and drug paraphernalia.

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