2 Guilty In 'Drug Conspiracy' Involving Newark Youth Center: Feds

NEWARK, NJ — Two men have admitted their roles in a “drug trafficking conspiracy” that involved a youth recreation center in Newark, federal authorities recently announced.

Rahim Jackson pleaded guilty Friday to conspiracy to distribute heroin, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Arthur Hardy pleaded guilty on Dec. 9 to conspiracy to distribute heroin and possession of heroin.

Prosecutors released the following statement about the case:

“The G-Shine set of the Bloods street gang operate at the Broadway Townhomes in Newark, in a residential neighborhood a short distance from two elementary schools and a high school. The organization’s leaders obtained their supply of narcotics, including heroin and fentanyl, from Jackson and Hardy, who delivered the narcotics either personally or through drug runners. The investigation revealed that, on numerous occasions, large narcotics deliveries took place in or around the Rotunda Recreation and Wellness Center on Clifton Avenue, where Jackson was employed and where Hardy was the director. These individuals also used the Rotunda Recreation and Wellness Center to stash narcotics and narcotics proceeds.”

Prosecutors said the count to which Jackson pleaded guilty is punishable by a minimum of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life in prison. The counts to which Hardy pleaded guilty are punishable by a minimum of five years in prison and a maximum of 40 years in prison.

Jackson’s sentencing is scheduled for April 18, 2022. Hardy’s sentencing is scheduled for April 14, 2022.

• See related article: Drug Ring Busted At Newark Youth Recreation Center, Feds Say

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