Trenton, N.J. - The New Jersey State Police Weapons Trafficking Unit, along with Trenton Police Department arrested eight people on gun related charges. The investigation, dubbed “Operation Gravedigger,” began in March of 2012 and targeted illegal firearm sales in the city of Trenton. During the investigation, detectives seized 16 guns including five assault rifles, five handguns, three shotguns, and three rifles. One of the assault rifles included a 90 round drum magazine. Each weapon seized was loaded or included ammunition.

All of the suspects involved in the investigation sold one or more guns to an undercover detective or operative. The transactions took place on Hamilton Avenue in Trenton, near two local funeral homes, hence the name “Operation Gravedigger.” The gun sellers were not part of an organized group, and operated independently.

"These individuals allegedly were trafficking guns to anyone willing to pay their price, and they evidently didn't care what violence would be inflicted with their deadly wares," said Attorney General Jeffrey S. Chiesa. "Through cooperative investigations spearheaded by the State Police and involving strong partners like the Trenton Police Department, we're stepping up our efforts to halt the proliferation of guns and gun violence in urban communities throughout New Jersey."

"Those willing to illegally transfer guns to criminals share the responsibility with those who pull the trigger when those guns are used to shoot people," said Colonel Rick Fuentes, Superintendent of the State Police. "The arrests made as a result of the cooperative investigation reaffirm the commitment of the State Police and the Trenton Police Department to remove illegal firearms from the streets."

"The success of Operation Gravedigger is attributed to the collaborative efforts between the New Jersey State Police and the Trenton Police Department. I commend all the individuals involved in the success of the operation and I am grateful for the support and commitment provided by Colonel Rick Fuentes. The Trenton Police Department is moving in a new direction and will continue to work collaboratively with other law enforcement agencies to make the City of Trenton a safer place," said Trenton Police Director Ralph Rivera.

The following individuals have been placed under arrest with the assistance of the Trenton Police Department and New Jersey Parole and are being held at the Mercer County Jail with $100,000 cash bail:

Tyron Jordan, 25, Trenton, NJ	Conspiracy to sell/transfer a weapon	Weapons Sold: The following weapons were sold with Maurice Blackstone Raven .25 caliber handgun Bernadelli .380 caliber handgun Bryco .380 caliber handgun Enfield .303 rifle
Maurice Blackstone, 21, Trenton, NJ	Unlawful Use or Transfer of Firearms Unlawful Possession of Weapon Certain Persons Not to have Firearms Possession of Weapons for Unlawful Purpose Possession of Large Capacity Magazines Possession of Hollow Point Bullets	Weapons Sold: Savage 12 gauge shotgun Raven .25 caliber handgun Bernadelli .380 caliber handgun Bryco .380 handgun Enfield .303 rifle WASR AK-47 assault rifle
Keon Jefferson, 29, Trenton, NJ	Conspiracy to sell/transfer a weapon	Weapons Sold: The following weapons were sold with Maurice Blackstone Smith and Wesson .38 caliber revolver Savage 12 gauge shotgun
Shaquille Nance, 19, Trenton, NJ	Unlawful Use or Transfer of Firearms Unlawful Possession of Weapon Possession of Weapons for Unlawful Purpose	Weapons Sold: Winchester 12 gauge shotgun
Jameel Harris, 31, Trenton, NJ	Unlawful Use or Transfer of Firearms Unlawful Possession of Weapon Certain Persons Not to have Firearms Possession of Weapons for Unlawful Purpose Possession of Large Capacity Magazines	Weapons Sold: Olympic Arms AR-15 assault rifle
Sam Gonzalez, 23, Trenton, NJ	Unlawful Use or Transfer of Firearms Unlawful Possession of Weapon Certain Persons Not to have Firearms Possession of Weapons for Unlawful Purpose	Weapons Sold: .380 caliber Mauser handgun
Michael Barnes, 25, Trenton, NJ	Unlawful Use or Transfer of Firearms Unlawful Possession of Weapon Certain Persons Not to have Firearms Possession of Weapons for Unlawful Purpose	Weapons Sold: .38 caliber Taurus revolver
Robert Kearse, 27, Trenton, NJ	Unlawful Use or Transfer of Firearms Unlawful Possession of Weapons Certain Persons Not to Have Firearms Possession of Weapons for Unlawful Purpose Possession of Assault Firearm Possession of Large Capacity Magazines	Weapons Sold: Marlin 30/30 Rifle WASR AK-47 assault rifle

Bail for those arrested was set at $100,000 full cash.

The case will be prosecuted by the Division of Criminal Justice under the Office of the Attorney General.

Charges are merely accusations and the suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty.

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Photo note: The weapons seized during this investigation included assault rifles similar to the ones in the attached photo. The assault rifle with the round drum magazine is an AR-15 and the other is an AK-47 type assault rifle.

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