Suspected Britt-Young connection indicted on drug, weapons counts

The man suspected of fueling the Britt-Young DTO drug network in Ocean and Monmouth Counties could spend anywhrere from 10 years to life in prison if he's convicted of the most serious of five federal charges.

Thomas Shannon, aka "Cuzzo," 36, of Jersey City, was indicted on federal counts, according to information from the office of New Jersey U.S. Attorney Paul Fishman. He was arrested March 20, 2014. Of the 20 originally charged, 15 have taken guilty pleas.

Cuzzo is charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine and more than a kilogram of heroin, possession with intent to distribute heorin and cocaine, unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and engaging in a monetary transaction in criminally derived property.

The organization allegedly was headed by Robert Britt, aka "True," and Rufus Young, aka "Equan," "E-Money," and "Kintock."

Investigators say Shannon bought some of the contraband from contacts in California, who sent them to a co-conspirator in Perth Amboy for transfer to him. He allegedly moved the drugs to stash houses in Asbury Park and Long Branch for packaging, stamping and distribution.

Shannon and others are accused of financing the operation by depositing cash in third-party bank accounts that originated in California. Shannon maintained contact with a number of wireless phones, through calls and texts, and developing code such as "Kristine" when referring to cocaine, investigators said.

He is also accused of holding firearms including a Smith and Wesson .38-caliber revolver and a Sturm, Ruger & Company .40-caliber handgun.

The conspiracy count translates to a minimum of 10 years and a maximum of life in prison on conviction, plus a $10 million fine. The possession count carries a punishment of five to 40 years and a $5 million fine. Unlawful firearms possession has a penalty of up to 10 years and a $250,000 fine. Firearms possession in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense carries a possible penalty of five years to life, which must be served consecutively to sentences for underlying drug violations. The monetary transaction penalty is 10 years maximum and a $250,000 fine.