September 23, 2014

Distributor for Atlantic City Dirty Block Gang Admits Role in Heroin Trafficking Conspiracy

CAMDEN, NJ—An Atlantic City, New Jersey, man admitted today to engaging in a conspiracy to distribute heroin with Mykal Derry, a leader of the “Dirty Block” criminal street gang that allegedly used threats, intimidation and violence to maintain control of the illegal drug trade in Atlantic City, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.

Aree Toulson, a/k/a “Beyah,” a/k/a “Beyeazz,” 25, of Atlantic City, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Joseph E. Irenas in Camden federal court to a superseding information charging him with one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of public housing, 100 grams or more of heroin.

During the period of the conspiracy Toulson acted as a distributor on behalf of Mykal Derry, 34, of Atlantic City, helping Dirty Block to distribute heroin in and around the public housing apartment complexes of Stanley Holmes, Carver Hall, Schoolhouse, Adams Court and Cedar Court in Atlantic City.

Toulson was arrested on March 26, 2013. According to Toulson’s statements in court, he and others travelled with Mykal Derry to a shooting range in Lakewood, New Jersey, on Oct. 18, 2012, where Toulson – a previously convicted felon – used, possessed, and discharged a firearm. According to filed documents, members of the group also participated in a violent altercation with rival drug traffickers at an Atlantic City casino in December 2012.

The drug conspiracy charge carries a minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum penalty of 80 years in prison, and maximum potential fine of up to $10 million. Sentencing is scheduled for January 16, 2015.

U.S. Attorney Fishman credited special agents of the FBI’s Newark Division, Atlantic City Resident Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Aaron T. Ford; the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor James P. McClain; the Atlantic City Police Department, under the direction of Police Chief Henry White; and the South Jersey Safe Streets Violent Incident and Gang Task Force, with the investigation.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick C. Askin and Justin C. Danilewitz of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Camden.

The charges and allegations against Derry are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Defense counsel: Paul George Esq., Philadelphia