Trenton, N.J. – Police Director Steve E. Wilson today announced another successful joint operation with Recovery Advocates of America along with several recent weapon and drug enforcement actions, resulting in the seizure of two handguns, more than 5,600 narcotics doses and over $9,300 in suspected drug proceeds.
On Dec. 9, 2021, the Daytime Task Force partnered with Recovery Advocates of America to set up an outreach post on 127 Perry Street at Street Church Ministries. Members of the Task Force met with representatives from the outreach program to discuss different resources that are available for the homeless and those with alcohol and drug addictions.
Following the meeting, Task Force officers went to the intersections where panhandlers are known to frequent. The officers also spent time on foot locating homeless camp sites and abandoned buildings to meet with individuals struggling with various addictions. As a result of these interactions, officers convinced 25 people to seek assistance and provided them with transportation to the outreach post. They were provided with food and drinks in a warm setting where they spent time meeting with representatives from the Recovery Advocates of America.
This initiative was sparked after the success of the previous operation in November on S. Broad Street. The councilors reported that all of the people that were checked into various programs as a result of that event are still in recovery and doing well.
This effort is part of a two-pronged TPD effort to improve quality of life in the city. Efforts to reduce the presence of dangerous guns and narcotics in city neighborhoods continue to move forward:
- Erisol Roman, 48, Jose M. Roman, 49 and Jessica Rivera, 31, of Trenton, were arrested on Jan. 7, 2022 and charged with drug and warrant related offenses. Violent Crime Unit Detectives learned that Erisol Roman was in possession of a large amount of heroin and relocated his operation to 111 Ferry Street. After a foot pursuit at the location, he was apprehended by police. After the three defendants were arrested, officers found 102 bricks – 5,100 decks of heroin – along with $8,632 in suspected drug proceeds.
- Lamar Tillman, 31, of Trenton, was arrested on Dec. 21, 2021 and charged with weapon and drug offenses following a search warrant executed by the TPD Daytime Task Force. Tillman was allegedly observed by law enforcement making hand-to-hand narcotics sales and was found with 126 decks of heroin, 18 grams of crack cocaine, and a .38 caliber handgun.
- Jaquai Harrell, 20, of Trenton, was arrested on Jan. 6, 2022, and charged with drug offenses during a Daytime Task Force investigation in South Trenton following numerous open-air drug deal complaints. Officers stopped Harrell in his vehicle in the area of 65 Asbury Street and found 31 grams of crack cocaine, 250 decks of heroin, and $1,051 in cash.
- Jared K. Roberts, of Trenton, was arrested on Jan. 12, 2022 and charged with weapon and drug offenses near a gas station at 410 Greenwood Avenue during an investigation of numerous narcotics reports in the area. Roberts was found in possession of a 9mm firearm in his car, along with crack cocaine.
- Aida L. Ortiz, 52 and Lawrence A. Ausmore, 47, of Trenton, were arrested on Jan. 13, 2022, and charged with drug offenses after they were found with 70 decks of heroin and several grams of crack cocaine within 1,000 feet of a school.
- Carthen J. Ellis-Glanton, 26, of Trenton, was arrested on Jan. 13, 2022 and charged with weapons offenses after Violent Crimes Detectives executed a motor vehicle stop. During the stop, officers observed Ellis-Glanton manipulating a heavy object in his jacket pocket, which resembled the outline of a handgun. Detectives attempted to remove Ellis-Glanton from the vehicle and a struggle ensued. Ellis-Glanton was ultimately restrained and placed under arrest. Both his vehicle and the .40 caliber handgun with hollow-point rounds in his possession were confiscated.
These charges and allegations are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.