'Bloods' leader faces 20 years behind bars after pleading guilty to dealing drugs in Jersey City and Newark

Tuesday, July 19, 2011, 9:18 AM
By Kate Kowsh/The Jersey Journal


Altariq Gumbs

The leader of a set of the ?Bloods? street gang pleaded guilty yesterday to conspiring to distribute narcotics in Jersey City and Newark, officials said.

Altariq Gumbs, 33 whose aliases include Killer Reek, Reek, Jersey, and Sankofa also pleaded guilty in federal court to bribing a gang member to keep her from cooperating with authorities in a homicide investigation, officials said.

Gumbs admitted that he used an unauthorized cell phone while in an Arizona state prison to direct gang members to sell heroin and wire him the proceeds from October through December 2008, U.S. Attorney Paul Fishman said.

He also admitted bribing a gang member to recant a statement she made to authorities regarding a homicide, then ordering a physical assault on her, according to the U.S. Attorney?s Office.

Gumbs faces up to 20 years behind bars and a $250,000 fine when sentenced on Oct. 19.