Crime & Safety

Atlantic City Gang "Enforcer" Pleads Guilty to Heroin Trafficking

Shaamel Spencer pleaded guilty to drug trafficking and possession of a weapon by a convicted felon.

An Atlantic City man pleaded guilty to his participation in a conspiracy to distribute heroin with the “Dirty Block” criminal street gang hat allegedly used threats, intimidation and violence to maintain control of the illegal drug trade in Atlantic City, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced on Monday.

Shaamel Spencer, a.k.a. “Buck,” 30, pleaded guilty in Camden federal court to a superseding information charging him with one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, and one count of being a previously convicted felon in possession of a firearm.

Spencer acted as the enforcer on behalf of Mykal Derry, 33, of Atlantic City, according to documents filed in the case and statements made in court. His role was to control the heroin trafficking trade in and around the public housing apartment complexes of Stanley Holmes, Carver Hall, Schoolhouse, Adams Court and Cedar Court in Atlantic City.

Find out what's happening in Gallowaywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

He also assisted in the distribution of heroin to Dirty Block customers.

He was arrested on Oct. 30, 2012, and was found to be in possession of a firearm at the time of the arrest. He was subsequently charged on Feb. 12, 2013 with being a previously convicted felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

Find out what's happening in Gallowaywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

A search warrant executed at Spencer’s residence at the time of his arrest revealed approximately $4,500 in suspected drug proceeds, as well as a 9mm semi-automatic handgun and approximately 44 rounds of 9mm ammunition.

Spencer and other members of the Dirty Block gang – a number of them previously convicted felons – travelled to a shooting range in Lakewood, N.J., where they were photographed firing handguns.

As part of his guilty plea, Spencer admitted to distributing heroin. He also admitted to being a previously convicted felon who possessed firearms and ammunition, and that specifically, he took a handgun to an Atlantic City casino where he believed Derry was involved in a violent fight with his rivals. Spencer also agreed to forfeit the proceeds of his drug trafficking as well as his firearms and ammunition.

The drug conspiracy charge carries a minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum potential penalty of 40 years in prison, and maximum $5 million fine. The felon-in- possession charge carries a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for July 22.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.