NEWARK -- A drug wholesaler for the Grape Street Crips in Newark pleaded guilty to racketeering and drug trafficking charges on Tuesday, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman said. 

James S. Gutierrez, known as "Bad News," pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Madeline Cox Arleo for his role in distributing crack-cocaine in the city, authorities said.

The Crips control drug trafficking in various parts of Newark, according to authorities. Gutierrez and others accepted orders and supplied drugs to other gang members and distributors, authorities said. 

Fishman's office said gang members used "community guns" that were easily accessible to protect their territory. 

During the investigation, authorities recovered several weapons including a .410 caliber assault rifle, a .45 caliber Thompson semi-automatic carbine, a 7.62 caliber assault rifle and other semi-automatic handguns. 

Under Gutierrez's plea, he will be sentenced to between 10 and 14 years in prison, and five years of supervised release, officials said. He will be sentenced May 22. 

Members of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, FBI, Essex County Sheriff's Office, Essex County Prosecutors Office and Newark Police helped in the investigation.

Karen Yi may be reached at kyi@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter at @karen_yi or on Facebook. 

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