Reported Jersey City Gang Members Charged in Drug Distribution

NEWARK, NJ – Two Jersey City men have been charged for their involvement in a neighborhood street gang that distributed cocaine and heroin, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced earlier this week..

Anthony Phillips, 31, also known as "Ant" or "Little Ant," and Shannon Tisdale, 32, known as "Doonk," were arrested and charged for their roles in drug distribution. Phillips appeared before U.S. Magistrate Michael A. Hammer in Newark federal court on June 6, 2024, and remains in custody. He was initially charged on April 30, 2024, with conspiring to distribute heroin and cocaine alongside Tisdale. Additional charges against Phillips include possession with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

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Phillips has a prior conviction for aggravated manslaughter in connection with a shooting in Jersey City, for which he was sentenced to 13 years in prison. He was released on parole on March 14, 2024.

Tisdale was detained after appearing before U.S. Magistrate Leda Dunn Wettre in Newark federal court on May 17, 2024.

The charges stem from an investigation that began in December 2023, focusing on narcotics distribution around Lexington and Bergen avenues in Jersey City. This area is known for the activities of "Lex Mob," a local street gang. On April 24, 2024, law enforcement reportedly observed Tisdale and Phillips distributing drugs in the Lexington area. When officers approached, both men attempted to flee. During the pursuit, Phillips is said to have discarded a loaded firearm before being apprehended. Authorities recovered the firearm, along with 12 containers of suspected cocaine and 13 bags of suspected heroin from Phillips.

Phillips faces a maximum of 15 years in prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, a mandatory minimum of five years for possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and up to 20 years for drug distribution and conspiracy charges. Tisdale also faces a maximum of 20 years in prison for his involvement in the drug distribution conspiracy.

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