09-26-2002 -- Thomas, Marshaun -- Guilty Plea -- News Release

Jersey City Gang Member Pleads Guilty to Racketeering; Admits Murder, Bank Robbery

NEWARK - A Jersey City man pleaded guilty today to murder and bank robbery as part of an organized criminal enterprise involving a Jersey City gang named Van Nostrand Soldiers Out Politicking, or VSOP, the U.S. Attorney, Christopher J. Christie, announced.

The guilty plea from Marshaun Thomas, 24, ends a two-year investigation into the criminal activities of VSOP, whose members originally created the gang to raise money for a Jersey City rap group named The Wrong, according to Assistant U.S. Attorney Marc A. Agnifilo

Thomas admitted that, after its creation, VSOP quickly turned into a criminal enterprise that made money through robbery and other crimes. Seven other VSOP members already have pleaded guilty to violent crimes and firearms offenses.

"This was a violent man involved with an outlaw group of individuals," Christie said. "This prosecution has removed some very dangerous people from the streets of Jersey City."

Thomas entered his plea before U.S. District Judge Katharine S. Hayden, who set sentencing for Dec. 19. Thomas pleaded guilty to a one-count information charging racketeering, and faces a sentence of life in prison. Thomas is currently serving jail time on a state drug offense and will remain in custody until his sentencing.

Thomas admitted that on Aug. 12, 1998, he shot and killed a young Jersey City man, Alex Irizarry, while Thomas tried to rob him. (Alex Irizarry had no relation to Elvis Irizarry, who was convicted last year in federal court in connection with several organized crime murders.) Thomas admitted that he and three other VSOP members were in a car on that day and decided to rob a group of individuals on a Jersey City street corner. Thomas admitted that he approached the group, and when the victim turned in his direction, he shot him.

Thomas also admitted that on Oct. 30, 2000, he and another person robbed the PNC Bank in the Journal Square section of Jersey City at gun point. After the robbery, in which Thomas was armed with a handgun, the robbery proceeds were split between Thomas, the other robber and two VSOP members who drove the getaway car from the bank, Thomas admitted.

Thomas admitted that he committed these and other crimes as part of his membership in the VSOP criminal organization.

The Government had previously accepted guilty pleas to violent crimes and firearms offenses from seven other members and associates of VSOP, all of whom are residents of Jersey City.

In April, 2001, VSOP members Rajon Stridiron, George Sanchez and Reggie Garbutt pleaded guilty to robbery and use of a firearm in connection with the armed robbery of a check-cashing establishment called Checks Cashed Etc. in Jersey City. In March 2001 VSOP associate Jermaine Speaks pleaded guilty to bank robbery in connection with the PNC Bank robbery. In May 2001, VSOP member Willie Smith pleaded guilty to bank robbery and use of a firearm in connection with the PNC Bank robbery. In November 2001, VSOP member Stanley Powell pleaded guilty to bank robbery and use of a firearm in connection with PNC Bank robbery. In April 2002, VSOP associate Jamal Trice pleaded guilty to possession of a weapon as a convicted felon.

Christie credited Special Agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Louie F. Allen. Christie also gave special thanks to the Hudson County Prosecutor's Office and Jersey City Police Department for their assistance in the investigation.

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Defense Attorney: Timothy Donohue, Esq. West Orange