November 13, 2015
The leader of the Atlantic City criminal street gang known as the 'Dirty Block' has confessed to his role in a heroin trafficking conspiracy and possessing a firearm as a felon, the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office announced Thursday.
Tyrone Ellis, 33, also known as Rome, pleaded guilty in Trenton federal court to charges including one count of conspiracy to distribute heroin and possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.
As a member of the 'Dirty Block,' Ellis stood accused of supplying a network that allegedly relied on threats, intimidation and violence to control Atlantic City's illegal drug trade. When he was arrested in March 2013, police found a loaded Glock .40 caliber handgun and more than $37,000 in cash from his Vineland residence.
In court, Ellis acknowledged acting as a supplier of pre-packaged heroin to fellow 'Dirty Block' leader Mykal Derry. He also distributed heroin to multiple middlemen who sold and spread the drug throughout Atlantic City and surrounding towns.
The 'Dirty Block' drug conspiracy carries a minimum 5-year prison sentence and a maximum of 40 years, with a maximum potential fine of $5 million. Ellis will be sentenced February 2, 2016.
