Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes announces the results of a long-term investigation
of the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics, Gangs, and Violent Crimes Task Force in
conjunction with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tabacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Paterson
Police Department from January of 2022 until June of 2023, which resulted in multiple arrests
and both Federal and State charges.
The long-term investigation focused on the narcotics distribution network within the 4th ward of
Paterson. Specifically, individuals connected to the “UpTop” organization who are the primary
drivers of violence within the 4th ward of Paterson. From March of 2023 through June of 2023,
11 firearms were recovered during the operation.
As part of the long-term investigation, with assistance from the United States Secret Service,
New York Field Office, Quadir Cox, 31-years-old from Paterson, was arrested and charged with
an October 12, 2022 shooting. Mr. Cox was charged with First Degree Attempted Murder,
Second Degree Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, Second Degree Possession of a Weapon for
an Unlawful Purpose, and Second-Degree Certain Person not to Possess a Weapon.
Jamal Ricks, 35 years-old Paterson, NJ, Ronald Taylor 29 years-old Paterson, NJ, Malachi Fields
28 years-old Paterson, NJ, Quashawn Gatlin, 42 years-old Paterson, NJ, Qwashon Pipkin, 35
years-old, Paterson, NJ, Jvon Pough 27 years-old, Paterson, NJ, Daniel Morgan, 29 years-old
Paterson, NJ, and Knowledge Samuels, 34 years-old, Paterson, NJ were all charged with Third
Conspiracy to Distribute Marijuana.
Elijah Samuels, 32 years-old, Schnecksville, NJ, Nathaniel Brunson 33 years-old, Paterson, NJ,
Shaquor Williams, 29 years-old Paterson, NJ, and Qwashon Pipkin 35 years-old, Paterson were
charged with Third Degree Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Dangerous Substances.
Additionally, at the time of his arrest. Mr. Brunson had heroin on his person and was charged
with Third Degree Possession of Controlled Dangerous Substance, Third Degree Possession with
the Intent to Distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance, Third Degree Possession with the
Intent to Distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance within 1000’ of School Property, and
Second-Degree Possession with the Intent to Distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance
within 500’ of a Public Park.
On June 29, 2023, while executing arrest warrants for the above-mentioned individuals, the
Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics, Gangs, and Violent Crimes Task Force, were able
to identify Naazier Thorne, 20 years-old of Paterson, New Jersey who threw a Smith and Wesson
M&P 15 assault firearm, including two (2) 30 round magazines and 46 rounds of body armor
piercing ammunition out of a window. Mr. Thorne was charged with Second Degree Unlawful
Possession of an Assault Firearm, Fourth Degree High-Capacity Magazines, and Fourth Degree
Possession of Body Armor Breaching Bullets.
Moreover Michael Harris, 36 years-old of Paterson, New Jersey, was found to be in possession
of heroin, marijuana, and various packaging materials. Mr. Harris was ultimately charged with
Third Degree Possession of Controlled Dangerous Substance, First Degree Possession with the
Intent to Distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance, Third Degree Possession with the Intent
to Distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance within 1000’ of School Property, Fourth Degree
Possession of Marijuana, Third Degree Possession of Marijuana with the Intent to Distribute, and
Third Degree Possession of Marijuana with the Intent to Distribute within 1000’ of School
Property.
These results would not have been possible without the coordinated effort by law enforcement
agencies working collaboratively to ensure our residents safety. The assisting agencies include
the Paterson Police Department, United States Secret Service-New York Field Office, US
Marshals Service, Passaic County Sheriff’s Office, New Jersey State Police, Drug Enforcement
Agency, US Postal Inspection Service, New Jersey State Parole, Wayne Police Department,
Hawthorne Police Department, Woodland Park Police Department, North Haledon Police
Department, Clifton Police Department, and Passaic Police Department.
A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite these accusations, defendants are
presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
