Narik "Spaz" Wilson, 26, has been arrested and charged with two counts of being a felon in possession of firearms. He is alleged to be the leader of the Sex Money Murder set of the Bloods street gang that waged a "street war" against a rival gang.
Wilson allegedly possessed an assault rifle and shotgun on April 28, as well as eight firearms including two assault rifles and two shotguns on July 18, according to U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman. He was charged on Aug. 26.
Law enforcement personnel had received information that Wilson and the other gang members were hiding guns in vacant apartments in Newark.
On April 28, law enforcement officers conducted a search at one of these apartments, finding an assault rifle, a shotgun, and a semi-automatic pistol, as well as hundreds of rounds of various types of ammunition, a mask, and heroin. On July 18, law enforcement searched another vacant apartment, finding eight firearms, including two assault rifles, two shotguns, and other semi-automatic weapons, along with over 100 rounds of various types of ammunition, two ski masks, and cocaine.
After the seizures, Wilson told a confidential witness that he was at war with a rival gang and that law enforcement had seized his firearms from the apartments. Wilson also stated that he was attempting to acquire more guns.
Ballistics analyses demonstrated that two firearms seized on July 18 were linked to a double homicide in Newark in 2010 and a homicide in Newark in 2011. Analyses also linked seized weapons to 10 other shootings in Newark in 2010 and 2011.
The charges in the complaint each carry a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The Newark Police Department assisted with the investigation.