January 26, 2022
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Trenton Police Director (TPD) Steve E. Wilson today announced a successful drug enforcement operation at the Budget Inn Hotel resulting in 12 arrests as well as the seizure of more than 100 narcotic doses and $1,700 in suspected drug proceeds.
At approximately 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 22, 2022, the Daytime Task Force along with Trenton SWAT executed search warrants at the Budget Inn Hotel located at 590 New York Avenue in Trenton. Several targets fled into different rooms and allegedly destroyed evidence by flushing narcotics in the bathrooms. Consent searches were also conducted in two rooms based upon illegal drug activity observed during pre-raid surveillance.
Once secured, a systematic search of target locations was conducted which resulted in more than 100 narcotic doses and $1,715 in U.S. Currency being seized.
The investigation was carried out following numerous complaints of rampant drug use that were brought to the attention the TPD, the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office and the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office.
The charges include heroin and crack distribution, tampering with evidence and possession with intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of a School. The following people were arrested in this operation:
- Kenneth Rivera, 28, of Trenton
- Robert Rivera, 30, of Trenton
- Gikoli Walitho, 32, of Ewing
- Justin Rey, 28, of Trenton
- Shanelle Harris, 41, of Trenton
- Elizabeth Atland, 38, of Trenton
- Toni Johnson, 28, of Trenton
- Frederick Ganie, 51, of Trenton
- Paul Allen, 45, of Trenton
- Rayshawn Burton, 41, of Trenton
- Ronnie Glanton, 37, of Trenton
- Kevin Reeves, 39, of Trenton
In a separate operation, Xaview Colon, 20 and Bashawn Newton, 28, of Trenton and Jennifer Halcomb, 39, of Maple Shade, N.J., were arrested on Jan. 19, 2022 and charged with weapon and drug offenses after TPD Street Crimes Unit detectives observed a suspected narcotics transaction. Further investigation revealed Colon to be in possession of a handgun with a high-capacity magazine and a large quantity of heroin. During the investigation, Bashawn Newton and Jennifer Halcomb were also found to be in possession of significant quantities of heroin.
These charges and allegations are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
