Two Dozen New Jersey Street Gang Members Busted for Drug Trafficking (2024)

J.C. Penney has announced plans to close four of its store locations across multiple states in the upcoming months. The department store chain communicated via email that these closures are set to occur before September 22. Affected locations include the Shoppes at Bel Air in Mobile, Alabama; Sikes Senter in Wichita Falls, Texas; Elm Plaza in Waterville, Maine; and a delayed closure in 2025 at the Westfield Annapolis Mall in Annapolis, Maryland.

New Jersey Closure and Opening Previously Announced

This announcement follows a recent closure at the Wayne Towne Center in Wayne, New Jersey, although J.C. Penney simultaneously opened a new store at the Willowbrook Mall, owned by Brookfield, directly across the street. For the locations facing closure, the company cited challenges in maintaining lease terms and finding suitable new locations within the market.

In a broader context, J.C. Penney is amidst a turnaround effort, contrasting with Macy’s more aggressive strategy which includes shutting 150 stores over three years and revamping 50 others. David Simon, CEO of Simon Property Group, which co-owns J.C. Penney with Brookfield Properties, mentioned last month that the chain is not likely to close many stores, suggesting potential for expansion.

What is the future of J.C. Penny?

The strategy reflects a cautious approach as the retailer has not ventured significantly into off-mall locations, unlike its competitors. The recent financial performance indicates a downturn, with net sales in the latest quarter down 5.9% year over year and net income falling 8.9%.

J.C. Penney's store closures are part of an ongoing adjustment to the retail environment, influenced by changing consumer preferences and the economic landscape. The company expressed gratitude to its associates and customers of the affected stores and invited them to visit other locations or shop online.

PHILADELPHIA, PA - The Philadelphia Police Department is seeking public assistance to locate Brooklyn Wilson, a 16-year-old reported missing since Thursday. Brooklyn was last seen at approximately 5 PM at her residence on the 1500 block of Arch Street.

Described as 5’3” tall and weighing 170 pounds, Brooklyn has brown eyes and auburn hair. She was last seen wearing a white t-shirt, light blue sweatpants, and light gray New Balance sneakers.

Anyone with information about Brooklyn's whereabouts is urged to contact the Central Detective Division at 215-686-3093. The police and her family are seeking the public’s help to ensure her safe return.

PHILADELPHIA, PA - A man was critically injured in a shooting incident on Wednesday afternoon near 58th and Sansom Streets in the 18th District. The victim, identified only as "John Doe" and believed to be between 25 and 35 years old, suffered gunshot wounds to his right forearm and chest.

The incident occurred at approximately 5:07 PM. Following the shooting, the victim was transported by private vehicle to Presbyterian Hospital, where he was listed in critical condition.

As of now, no weapons have been recovered, and no arrests have been made. The Philadelphia Police's Shooting Investigation Group is actively investigating the scene.

Authorities urge anyone with information to come forward as the investigation continues.

TRENTON, NJ - Jerome Roberts, a 53-year-old man from Burlington County, New Jersey, has been sentenced to over 20 years in prison for his involvement in a major heroin trafficking operation. U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced the sentencing, which took place on Wednesday, with Roberts receiving 245 months in federal prison.

Roberts, also known as "Righteous," was convicted in October 2021 of conspiracy to distribute and distribution of significant quantities of heroin. His trial, presided over by then-Chief U.S. District Judge Freda L. Wolfson, concluded after three weeks. The sentencing was conducted by U.S. District Judge Georgette Castner in Trenton federal court.

From October 2017 to October 2018, Roberts, along with Jakir Taylor and David Antonio, orchestrated a drug distribution network across various Trenton streets. The group was accused of planning to distribute up to 1.5 kilograms of heroin. Surveillance and wiretaps indicated Roberts managed the acquisition and redistribution of hundreds of bricks of heroin.

The operation culminated in coordinated arrests on October 25, 2018, where law enforcement seized over 1.4 kilograms of heroin from Antonio's residence. The arrests involved multiple law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, ATF, and several local police departments.

BRONX, NY - A theft occurred at a Boost Mobile store located at 75 Westchester Square on Tuesday, where a man stole two Apple iPhone 15 Pro cellphones.

The incident took place at approximately 5:29 PM.

The suspect, described as a male with a dark complexion and dreadlocks, entered the establishment and removed the phones from behind the register. He is approximately 6 feet tall, weighs around 150 pounds, and has a slim build. The individual was last observed wearing a black t-shirt, blue jeans, black sneakers, a black scarf, and a black fanny pack.

He fled the scene on foot, heading westbound on East Tremont Avenue. No injuries were reported in connection with the theft.

Police are seeking assistance in identifying the suspect and are asking anyone with information to come forward. The investigation is ongoing.

PHILADELPHIA, PA - A 19-year-old male was critically injured after being shot in the chest inside a bedroom on West Thompson Street. The incident occurred at around 6:39 PM on a third-floor bedroom of a building located on the 5400 block.

Police responded to the scene and transported the victim to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center where he remains in critical condition. As of now, no weapons have been recovered, and no arrests have been made in connection with the shooting.

Authorities are actively investigating the circ*mstances surrounding the incident. The Shooting Investigation Group is leading the ongoing investigation.

Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available. The police urge anyone with information to come forward to assist with the investigation.