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Operation “Silk City Sweep” Results in Arrest of Paterson Man for Drug Possession


Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes and United States Marshal for the District of New Jersey Juan Mattos Jr., today announced the results of week-long targeted operation, “Silk City Sweep,” which took place from July 12 – 16, 2021, and served as an effort to reduce violent crime within Passaic County. Operation Silk City was a short-term initiative which utilized a blended approach of investigative resources and law enforcement strategies. Through a cooperative effort with multiple local, State, and Federal participating agencies, intelligence was gathered regarding several hundred criminal offenders within the county. Utilizing targeted warrant enforcement, criminal intelligence gathering and dissemination, and narcotics and weapons trafficking investigations, the operation focused on removing violent offenders from the streets. Overall, Operation Silk City resulted in 291 warrants cleared, 133 arrests, and the seizure of several firearms, large quantities of suspected cocaine and drug packaging paraphernalia. As a result, these arrests and seizures significantly disrupted or dismantled criminal enterprises within the county. In addition, investigators from the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office and U.S. Marshals Service identified over 25 convicted sex offenders within Passaic County with active warrants for failing to register or update their registration status. Many of which who have since departed the state and failed to register elsewhere. Currently, one offender has been charged and arrested federally and several additional investigations for violations of the Adam Walsh Act have been initiated with more to come. Operation “Silk City Sweep” was a combined effort by multiple law enforcement agencies, which targeted fugitive cases from various jurisdictions that had a violent offender and a Passaic County nexus, with a primary focus given to the city of Paterson. Prior to attempting any arrests, each warrant was validated as active. United States Marshal for the District of New Jersey, Juan Mattos, Jr., said: “The resounding success of this counter gang operation is the direct result of the far-reaching collaborative investigative efforts by the U.S. Marshals Service, Passaic County Prosecutor’s and Sheriff’s Offices, and our state, local, and federal task force partners. I’m extremely proud of the steadfast tenacity these men and women put forth to make this operation such a success. These law enforcement professionals put their lives on the line every day to make sure these dangerous fugitives were taken off the streets and have provided some much-deserved relief to communities that have been plagued by violence and gang activity. Operation Silk City was a text-book example of interagency collaboration at its very best!” Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes said, “Operation Silk City Sweep” is the latest example of local, state and federal law enforcement partnerships that come together unified in purpose and effort to hold offenders accountable. The Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office will continue to work to ensure public safety in the City of Paterson and in Passaic County. Many thanks to Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, U.S. Marshals New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force, Passaic County Sheriff’s Office, New Jersey Department of Corrections, New Jersey State Police, Customs and Border Protection Special Response Team and the entirety of our law enforcement partners throughout Passaic County for their cooperation and assistance throughout this week-long operation. A collective effort from members of Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics, Gangs and Violent Crimes Task Force, in conjunction with the U.S. Marshals, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and Passaic County Sheriff’s Department resulted in the issuance of search warrants for a residence in the city of Passaic and a vehicle operated by Tydel Clark. Upon executing the search warrants, detectives recovered over 28 pounds of suspected cocaine with an estimated street value of $720,500.00 as well as various items used to package cocaine for distribution. As a result, Tydel Clark, age 31 of Paterson, New Jersey has been charged with the following; First Degree Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine; First Degree Maintaining a Controlled Dangerous Substance Production Facility; Second Degree Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine; Second Degree Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine within 500 feet of a Public Park; Third Degree Possession of Cocaine; Third Degree Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine within 1000 feet of a School; and Fourth Degree Drug Paraphernalia. The first-degree charges carry a maximum sentence of twenty years in prison. The second-degree charges carry a maximum sentence of ten years in prison. The third-degree charges carry a maximum sentence of five years in prison, and the fourth-degree charge carries a maximum sentence of eighteen months in prison. Clark has been released on pre-trial monitoring pending the disposition of the charges against him, which have been referred to the Grand Jury for consideration. A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. For media inquiries regarding the charges against Mr. Clark, contact Senior Assistant Prosecutor In-Charge Allan Nawrocki of the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office at anawrocki@passaiccountynj.org or at (973) 837-7768.


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