Suspected Atlantic City Human Trafficker Gets 15 Years for Fentanyl in Tropicana Guestroom

A New Jersey man awaiting trial for human trafficking and forcing women into prostitution has been sentenced to 15 years in prison by an Atlantic County Superior Court Judge. That’s after police found 100 bags of fentanyl in his room at the Tropicana Atlantic City.

Tahir Gregory, 41, described by the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office as “a persistent offender,” was found guilty of possession of a controlled dangerous substance, possession with intent to distribute, and possession with intent to distribute near certain public property. He must serve at least seven and a half years before he is eligible for parole.

Alleged pimp Gregory was under investigation for human trafficking by the Atlantic County Major Crimes Unit and the FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force. He was arrested when law enforcement raided his room at the Tropicana on Feb 3, 2017. Police found the fentanyl along with drug paraphernalia in a safe in the room, according to court filings.

Women and Children Exploited 

“This defendant persistently threatened the welfare of women and children in our community for far too long,” Atlantic County Prosecutor Damon G. Tyner said in an official statement. “He preyed on their weaknesses and vulnerabilities. I want to thank our law enforcement partners for ensuring that he will no longer have the ability to harm victims for the foreseeable future.”

Gregory was indicted on four counts of human trafficking on December 19, 2017. Prosecutors say he coerced two women into prostitution through violence and drugs.

During his drug trial, the jury was permitted to hear of Gregory’s prior record, which included multiple convictions for selling drugs, plus resisting arrest, promoting child prostitution, aggravated assault, and throwing bodily fluids at a correctional officer.

Risky Business

Atlantic City has experienced a spiraling drug problem in recent years. The casinos have been clear about where they feel the blame lies. At this year’s Greater Atlantic City Chamber business forum in January, six execs from the Atlantic City’s nine casinos said the city needed greater social and economic revitalization.

The consensus was that “neglectful politicians” were hampering the casinos’ efforts to transform the city into a family-friendly destination.

The Tropicana hit the headlines just last week, July 20, when three men were stabbed in an early morning melee on the casino floor. Four men were arrested and later charged — including one who had been stabbed — and crack cocaine was found at the scene.

In February 2016, “the Trop” was evacuated because of fire when a makeshift meth lab in one of the guestrooms exploded.