For Immediate Release:  October 29, 2021

The Atlantic City Police Department announces the arrest of five men and the recovery of eight firearms during two investigations on October 29, 2021.

At 6:13 AM, patrol officers responded to the 800 block of Maryland Avenue in reference to ShotSpotter alert.  Arriving officers located evidence of gunfire.  Surveillance Center personnel observed several males run into a residence, one armed with a rifle, in the same block.  Patrol officers established a perimeter around the residence and awaited the response of the Emergency Response Team. 

The occupants of the residence voluntarily surrendered to members of the SWAT Team.  A subsequent search warrant resulted in the recovery of a rifle, a machine gun, two handguns, and additional ammunition.  Several of the occupants were released on scene.  Four men, Faraji Blackwell, Adresce Jones, Joshua Maldonado, and Elliot Simmons were transported to the Clayton G. Graham Public Safety Building for investigative purposes.  The men were later charged with various criminal offenses.  

The investigation was led by Detective Darrin Lorady.

At 12:57 PM, members of the SWAT Team and Special Investigations Section executed a court authorized residential search warrant related to the possession and distribution of narcotics in the first block of south Mansion Avenue.  Joaquin DeJesus was arrested after detectives located four firearms, including a rifle and machine gun, more than 32 grams of cocaine, and items used in the distribution of narcotics in the residence.  One of the firearms was reported stolen from Los Angeles, CA.

The two-week investigation was led by Detective James Barrett.

“The investigations today resulted in the recovery of eight deadly firearms from the streets of our community,” said Interim Officer in Charge James A. Sarkos.  “I am thankful that these dangerous weapons have been removed from the hands of violent offenders and that no one was injured during the course of today’s incidents.  The men and women of the Atlantic City Police Department will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that our neighborhoods are safe for our residents.”

ARRESTED:  Faraji Blackwell, 27, of Atlantic City.

CHARGES:  Unlawful possession of a rifle, unlawful possession of a machine gun, unlawful possession of a weapon (two counts), possession of a defaced firearm (two counts), unlawful possession of a ghost gun, possession of a large capacity magazine (two counts), possession of community gun for an unlawful purpose (four counts), possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, tampering with evidence, hindering apprehension, possession of hollow point ammunition, certain person not to possess a weapon, and contempt of court.

ARRESTED:  Adresce Jones, 18, of Atlantic City.

CHARGES:  Unlawful possession of a rifle, unlawful possession of a machine gun, unlawful possession of a weapon (two counts), possession of a defaced firearm (two counts), unlawful possession of a ghost gun, possession of a large capacity magazine (two counts), possession of community gun for an unlawful purpose (four counts), possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, tampering with evidence, hindering apprehension, possession of hollow point ammunition.

ARRESTED:  Joshua Maldonado, 18, of Atlantic City.

CHARGES:  Unlawful possession of a rifle, unlawful possession of a machine gun, unlawful possession of a weapon (two counts), possession of a defaced firearm (two counts), unlawful possession of a ghost gun, possession of a large capacity magazine (two counts), possession of community gun for an unlawful purpose (four counts), possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, tampering with evidence, hindering apprehension, possession of hollow point ammunition.

ARRESTED:  Elliot Simmons, 18, of Atlantic City.

CHARGES:  Unlawful possession of a rifle, unlawful possession of a machine gun, unlawful possession of a weapon (two counts), possession of a defaced firearm (two counts), unlawful possession of a ghost gun, possession of a large capacity magazine (two counts), possession of community gun for an unlawful purpose (four counts), possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, tampering with evidence, hindering apprehension, possession of hollow point ammunition.

ARRESTED:  Joaquin DeJesus, 51, of Atlantic City.

CHARGES:  Unlawful possession of a rifle, unlawful possession of a machine gun, unlawful possession of a weapon (two counts), unlawful possession of a weapon while committing a CDS offense, possession of a large capacity magazine, possession of hollow point ammunition, receiving stolen property, certain person not to possess a weapon, possession of CDS, possession with intent to distribute CDS, possession with intent to distribute CDS within 500 feet of a public zone, and possession of CDS paraphernalia.

All of the males were remanded to the Atlantic County Justice Facility.  Charges are mere accusations, and the accused are considered innocent until proven guilty.

Anyone with information about the distribution of narcotics or weapons possession is urged to contact the Atlantic City Police Department Special Investigations Section at 609-347-5858 or text anonymously to tip411 (847411).  Begin the text with ACPD.

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Alert sent on 10/29/2021 at 6:59PM EDT

To submit a tip via text message text ACPD and your tip to 847411

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