North Jersey Gang Leader Sentenced For Drug Conspiracy

The leader of a northern New Jersey street gang has been sentenced to more than 27 years in prison for his involvement in a large-scale conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine.

Federal prosecutors say 28-year-old Mark Manasse of Irvington heads the Brick City Brims set of the Bloods. He was one of nearly a dozen suspects arrested following a joint investigation by federal, state and local officials that culminated in April 2011.

Federal agents used a confidential source who was able to infiltrate the Irvington-based gang. The agents then intercepted thousands of Manasse's cell phone calls.

Under the sentence imposed Tuesday, Manasse will have to serve five years of supervised release once he's freed from prison and will be barred from associating with any known street gang or organized crime members.

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