Federal authorities have apprehended 264 wanted individuals in New Jersey, part of an initiative called “Operation Apex Hammer.” This operation targets suspects involved in serious crimes, such as murder, robbery, and sexual offenses, including some illegal immigrants.
The arrests include 17 suspected murderers and 95 gang members, among others accused of various violent and sexual crimes, according to federal officials.
Former US representative Alina Haba remarked on the collaboration between federal, state, and local law enforcement as a “great success” in tackling violent crime and enhancing public safety.
“We handle multiple cases simultaneously to resolve issues swiftly,” Haba noted. “Violent crime is the top priority—it’s apparent this administration is focused on it.” She made these comments in June regarding the operation.
According to police sources, at least two of the suspects are illegal immigrants. The arrested individuals collectively had around 2,625 prior arrests, averaging about ten each.
Lorenzo Benitez, a 54-year-old illegal immigrant from Guatemala, was arrested in Plainfield on June 4. He faces several charges of sexual assault stemming from incidents in Keenesburg.
Darling Franco Guzman, a 25-year-old illegal immigrant from Honduras, was taken into custody in Trenton on June 10. He had been sought for allegedly attempting to rob and sexually assault a 12-year-old girl in Baltimore County.
The operation rounded up 264 significant criminals, including murderers and gang members, as it involved a partnership of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
The suspects’ criminal activities varied broadly, from theft and sexual assault to drive-by shootings.
On June 13, Stephen Bullock, 32, was arrested for allegedly luring and sexually assaulting a 76-year-old woman in Camden County. Moreover, Sean Davis, 38, was apprehended in Brooklyn for a murder that took place in Trenton in 2024.
Authorities were searching for Lewis Duval Zimenez, 31, who had been involved in an incident where he ran over a police officer in South Brunswick. Trasuf Bennett, 20, along with an unnamed juvenile accomplice, was arrested on June 19 for the drive-by shooting murder of a 20-year-old in Millville.
Francisco Lewis, 67, was also involved; he faced charges related to sexual assault, making threats of terrorism, and endangering the welfare of a child. His arrest occurred on June 20 in Bayonne.
Additionally, during the operation, officers confiscated 14 illegal firearms.
