Authorities charge 18 alleged Bloods gang members with racketeering, distributing drugs

TRENTON — Street gangs are constantly evolving enterprises. When leaders are arrested, others take their place. So when a State Police investigation broke up the Nine Trey set of the Bloods in 2006, members formed three separate groups.

Today, police circled back around to help finish the job, arresting members of one of those groups, the 9-3 Headbusters gang, in morning raids.

Five people were captured, and five more are being sought. Charges were filed against eight more already in prison, including the gang’s alleged “godfather.”

Authorities said Anderson ran the gang from behind the walls of the maximum security New Jersey State Prison in Trenton, where he is serving time for assault and drugs. Outside of prison, the gang operated in Newark, Jersey City, Paterson and New Brunswick, they said.

The case against Anderson and the Headbusters began three years ago, when investigators began listening in on calls he made using prison landlines, said Ray Rossi, chief investigator in Corrections’ Special Investigations Division.

Police continued to gather evidence over the years.

“The pursuit of these gangs has been relentless,” Attorney General Paula Dow said at a press conference. “The troopers and law enforcement officers showed great courage and professionalism.”

Authorities said some information helped prevent other crimes like a potential armed robbery in Jersey City in August 2008. Three alleged gang members were caught in a stolen vehicle with a sawed-off shotgun, ammo and a face mask, said State Police Major Matt Wilson.

The case led to raids today morning, when five alleged gang members and associates were arrested Charges include racketeering and drug distribution.

The three alleged leaders were also charged with promoting organized street crime, a new category of crime created with a January 2008 law.

Outside of prison walls, the gang operated in Newark, Jersey City, New Brunswick and Paterson, authorities said.

“We’re continuing to strike at the root of gang activity,” Wilson said.

Rossi said it’s too soon to say how the charges will affect gang activity on the streets and within the prison system.

“There’s always going to be somebody to take their place,” he said. “Only time will tell if this particular set of the Bloods will continue to operate.”