3 Atlantic City, NJ, men head to prison for drug distribution

Three men from Atlantic City are headed to prison for dealing drugs.

The Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office says late last week,

• 33-year-old Alvin Whittaker was sentenced to an aggregate term of ten years in state prison after he pleaded guilty to first-degree possession of five ounces or more of cocaine with the intent to distribute and fourth-degree contempt of a drug offender restraining order.

• 31-year-old Juan Howard was sentenced to five years after pleading guilty to second-degree conspiracy to distribute five ounces or more of cocaine.

• 34-year-old James Clegg also received five years for second-degree conspiracy to distribute five ounces or more of cocaine and third-degree possession of heroin with intent to distribute in a school zone.

On November 8th, 2023, detectives with the Atlantic City Police Department were conducting surveillance in the area of Carver Hall. They say Clegg was seen entering an apartment while Whittaker was outside in a vehicle counting money.

After Clegg exited the apartment, he entered the vehicle with Whittaker, and they drove away. A motor vehicle stop was conducted which led to the recovery of approximately 50 folds of heroin in Clegg’s pocket. The folds were stamped 'Gorilla.' Additionally, a search of the vehicle revealed approximately $8,434 in U.S. currency.

During that traffic stop, Howard arrived at the scene and was arrested on an active warrant; during a search, cops found approximately $1,020 in cash.

ACPD officers then searched the apartment where they saw Clegg coming and going and inside they found over five ounces of cocaine, over 10,000 folds of heroin stamped “Gorilla,” and assorted paraphernalia commonly used for packaging drugs for sale.

Through surveillance video and other investigation, police determined that Whittaker, Clegg, and Howard were using the apartment in furtherance of a conspiracy to distribute heroin and cocaine.