Somerset County gang activity is real, officials say

Suzanne Russell
Courier News and Home News Tribune
Edwin Torres, investigative agency with the New Jersey Commission of Investigation

SOMERVILLE - Gang activity is real, and it's in Somerset County.

There are subsets of the Sex Money Murder, Latin Kings, Crips and MS-13 gangs, and they all have tattoos as merit badges, officials said. 

That was the message delivered Tuesday to parents, guardians and professionals who work with children and families during a Somerset County Youth Services Commission workshop on gang activity in New Jersey.

"But you have power, and your power is the ability to talk with kids and listen. The power that gangs have is their ability to recruit and listen to kids when no one else will listen. Your power is exactly the same," said Special Agent Edwin Torres, investigative agent with the New Jersey Commission of Investigation. "That opens up doors when you ask questions."

Somerset County Prosecutor's Office Detective Scott Tallmadge described an investigation he worked on in April in Franklin Township in which about $20,000 in cash and 900 grams of cocaine was found in the dishwasher of a two-bedroom condo where drug activity was allegedly taking place.

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He said the case had a twist, in that paperwork also found in the home included lessons on becoming a member of the Latin Kings street gang.

Tallmadge said he also found information linked to Muslim services. Torres said sometimes gang members go to Muslim services in an effort to learn Arabic so that others won't be able to read their communications.

Tallmadge said he and Somerset County Sheriff's Office Detective Giacomo Crismale met with an incarcerated MS-13 gang member who told them he had done business with the Latin Kings, a rival gang. The law enforcement officers also learned that when MS-13 members are facing police pressure in North Jersey communities they head to Somerset County, particularly North Plainfield neighboring Plainfield, to hide out.

He said there are motorcycle gangs in the area. Outlaws, Hell's Angles, Pagans and Low Riders have all been seen in Somerset County. 

Torres gave a detailed overview of gang activity in New Jersey describing how most gangs in the state are narcotics based organizations, but there also has been a rise in youth gangs in neighborhoods interested in building a reputation through violence.

He said kids join gangs to be noticed and to have a sense of belonging.

"Everyone wants to belong to something," he said.

Changes in behavior, truancy, grades declining, new friends, a street nicknames, using hand signs and physical injuries are all warning signs that a kid may be involved with a gang, he said.

He said gang graffiti has been replaced in large part by Instagram photos with hashtags to the local town, like #NWK  for Newark or #TNT for Trenton.

"That's how gangs gain popularity," Torres said.

Audience at the youth services workshop on gang activity in New Jersey at the Somerset County Human Services Building in Somerville.

Torres said rap artist Cardi B, whose latest album went platinum, has been vocal about her affiliation with the Bloods gang. He was appalled when he saw a photo of the artist with one of former President Obama's daughters. 

"When you look at her album and listen to the words, almost every word is discussing drugs with the Bloods," Torres said. "This is a huge influence on our kids."

Tallmadge added even sports figures have ties with gangs. He said a former NFL running back's brother heads up a deadly gang in Arkansas and some athletes on television have gang tattoos.

"Its all over the place, you see it on main stream media and here in Somerville," he said.

Gang affiliation has extend beyond just wearing certain colors. He said certain brands like Reebok, are now used to symbolize Respect Each and Every Blood OK, and New Balance symbolizes Notorious Bloods. Some sports teams also are used to symbolize certain gang affiliations.

"Human trafficking is a huge part of the gang world," said Torres, adding girls and boys, ages 12 to 14, especially those who are part of the LGBT community, are often targeted. Ads are often found in Instagram.

Dawn Flanders, a juvenile detective with the Franklin Township Police Department, teaches the Gang Resistance Education And Training (GREAT) program in the school district, in which students learn the ramifications of being involved in gangs, as well as how to resolve conflicts, make good decisions and become a positive member of the community.

"If I can save one kid or prevent them or stop them from joining a gang, that's all that matters," said Flanders, who has talked to kids about not throwing gang signs in their yearbook photos.

Torres said the gang affiliation isn't limited to the Bloods, Crips, Latin Kings and MS-13, noting there also has been a rise of hate groups that have grown stronger in the state.

Residents who see the signs and symbols of gang activity in their community are urged to contact law enforcement so they can research the new trends in gang activity.

Staff Writer Suzanne Russell: 732-565-7335; srussell@mycentraljersey.com