By Steve Neavling
ticklethewire.com
Members of a violent criminal street gang in New Jersey were arrested after federal authorities said at least one of them was plotting to murder an FBI plot, WABC reports.
A state, local and federal investigation culminated in the arrests of 71 people allegedly connected to the Grape Street Crips gang. The charges range from drug distribution to weapons offenses.
Authorities said one of the gang members, Corey Batts, plotted to kill an FBI agent while behind bars. He captured photos of the agent from the prison library and sent them to his “cousin,” but prison officials intercepted.
“As this investigation demonstrates, the New Jersey Grape Street Crips are allegedly one of the largest and most dangerous street gangs in Newark as well as a prolific narcotics trafficking organization that floods the streets New Jersey with heroin, cocaine, and crack cocaine,” U.S. Attorney Paul Fishman said. “The narcotics activities that the gang and its associates allegedly engage in directly affect the quality of life of law-abiding citizens who reside in cities and suburbs of northern New Jersey.”
