A North Jersey-based gang member accused of gunning down a rival near Irvington High School in 2019 pleaded guilty Monday, federal prosecutors said.
Elijah Williams, aka “Lil Smith,” 24, pleaded guilty in Newark federal court to Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations conspiracy, the U.S. Attorney’s Office District of New Jersey said in a release.
Williams was a member of the Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips gang from 2015 through Sept. 22, 2022, the office said.
The gang is responsible for acts of violence and the distribution of controlled substances in the state and elsewhere, investigators said.
On Sept. 25, 2018, in Newark, Williams attempted to kill rival gang members and associates by shooting at four people, one of whom was paralyzed, authorities said.
On March 20, 2019, in Irvington, Williams shot a member of the Jungle Boys gang near the high school, authorities said. He was suspected of killing a member of the Rollin’ 60s in 2017, an indictment said. The indictment did not identify the victim.
“The guilty plea from a member of the Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips gang is a result of the collaborative effort DEA New Jersey has with our law enforcement partners effectively targeting those organizations and individuals poisoning and destroying our communities,” Special Agent in Charge Cheryl Ortiz of the DEA New Jersey Field Division said in a statement. “Removing these individuals and their illicit narcotics saves lives and prevents deaths.”
Williams now faces a maximum sentence of life in prison and a fine up to $250,00 when he is sentenced on Sept. 4, the office said.
Stories by Chris Sheldon
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Chris Sheldon may be reached at csheldon@njadvancemedia.com.