ATLANTIC CITY, NJ — An Atlantic Avenue convenience store was closed after an employee was caught selling narcotics and other illegal goods during work hours. The Atlantic City Police Department arrested Cecil Morgan, 35, on August 16, 2024, following an investigation by detectives from the Division of Special Investigations.

During the surveillance operation, which focused on the distribution and possession of narcotics, Morgan, an employee at the 24-7 Food Mart, was observed repeatedly leaving the counter to speak with customers. During these interactions, Morgan was observed selling narcotics and in possession of a digital scale commonly used in the drug trade. He was also observed selling loose cigarettes to a customer.

Morgan was arrested after leaving the store unattended while customers were still inside. When he was arrested, officers found 12 grams of cocaine and over four grams of marijuana in his possession. A search of the store found numerous cartons of cigarettes and drug paraphernalia.

The New Jersey Department of Financial Services Office of Criminal Investigation and the city’s Department of Licensing & Inspection were notified of the arrest. The store was turned over to one of its owners, Tariq Mehmood, who was charged along with Yasmin Faheem with several tobacco offenses.

Arrested:

• Cecil Morgan, 35, of Atlantic City
  Fees: Possession of CDS (controlled dangerous substances), possession of CDS with intent to distribute, possession of CDS with intent to distribute within 500 feet of a public zone (two counts), and possession of CDS paraphernalia.

Charged:

• Tariq Mehmood, 58, of Egg Harbor Township, NJ
  Fees: Possession of unstamped, out-of-state or counterfeit cigarettes, conducting a cigarette transaction with an unlicensed person, selling loose cigarettes (loosies), and failure to display a New Jersey cigarette retail license.
• Yasmin Faheem, 39, of Atlantic City
  Fees: Possession of unstamped, out-of-state or counterfeit cigarettes, trafficking cigarettes with an unlicensed person, selling cigarettes without a cigarette license, and failure to display a New Jersey cigarette retail license.

Because of these violations, the city served the owners with paperwork suspending the company’s business license and effectively shutting down the business. The investigation is ongoing and further enforcement action may follow.

NEWARK, NJ – The Newark Police Department is asking for the public’s help in identifying a suspect involved in an act of property damage at a Chipotle Mexican Grill on Market Street.

On August 14, 2024, at around midnight, a male suspect was caught on surveillance video kicking and smashing the glass door of Chipotle in the 200 block of Market Street. The suspect, described as having dark skin, medium build, and dreadlocks, was wearing a white shirt, gray pants, and black sneakers at the time of the incident.

Newark Public Safety Director Fritz Fragé is asking anyone with information regarding the suspect’s identity to contact the Newark Police Division’s 24-hour Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-877-NWK-TIPS (1-877-695-8477). All tips are confidential and a reward may be offered for information leading to an arrest.

The Newark Police Department thanks the public for their assistance in identifying the person responsible for this vandalism.

BALTIMORE, MD— A 17-year-old Baltimore County boy was arrested in connection with an armed carjacking that occurred on August 7 in the 3400 block of Greenmount Avenue.

The suspect is said to have approached a 42-year-old victim together with accomplices, demanded his vehicle and indicated that they were armed.

On August 27, detectives found the teen at his Middle River home and arrested him without incident. The teen was transported to the central reception facility where he was charged as an adult with auto theft.