Convicted NYC drug dealer who ran Times Square operation out of prison after Biden commutation

Johnny “Ghost” Perez, a convicted drug dealer, was arrested for being involved in a continuous crack cocaine operation in Times Square, New York City. His federal prison sentence was shortened in January by then-President Joe Biden.

Following his arrest in 2021, Perez, aged 32, was sentenced to eight years in prison. He was among 2,500 federal inmates who had their sentences commuted by Biden on Jan. 17, as reported by the Justice Department.

Perez was rounded up with other drug dealers in a raid by local and federal authorities.

U.S. President Joe Biden

Former President Joe Biden provided $80 billion in additional funding to the IRS. (Jacquelyn Martin/AP/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York revealed that the operation involved different individuals selling drugs throughout the day and night. One group would work from late morning to late afternoon, while another set of offenders took over during the evening and nighttime hours, according to a press release issued at the time of the arrests.

“Although there was no set composition of defendants for the two shifts, defendant Aaron Starks was often present and overseeing the first shift, and defendant Johnny Perez was often present and overseeing the second shift,” a DOJ news release said at the time of Perez’s arrest. 

Perez was sentenced to eight years in prison, and Starks was given a sentence of six years before Biden reduced their sentences. 

Crack cocaine pictured in a bag

A bag of crack cocaine seized from a Times Square drug dealing operation. (NYPD)

Fox News Digital has reached out to the Bureau of Prisons. 

More than 3,000 people were pardoned or had their sentences commuted by Biden in the final days of his presidency. Some were issued to his own family members, such as James Biden, Hunter Biden and Valerie Biden-Owens.

You May Also Like
Southwest Airlines flight bound for Mexico returns to Houston after 'engine issue'

Southwest Airlines flight heading to Mexico returns to Houston due to engine problem

A Southwest Airlines flight bound for Los Cabos, Mexico, Thursday morning returned…
Peter Krause Talks Leaving ‘9-1-1’ And Bobby’s Heartbreaking Death On ‘Good Morning America’: “I Will Miss Everybody Dearly”

Peter Krause discusses his departure from ‘9-1-1’ and Bobby’s tragic death on ‘Good Morning America’: “I will deeply miss everyone”

The popular TV show 9-1-1 surprised its fans when they decided to…
Cambodian Day of Remembrance: Gathering held at Ravenswood Cambodian American Heritage Museum to mark 50 years since genocide

“Commemorating 50 Years Since Genocide: Cambodian Day of Remembrance Event at Ravenswood Cambodian American Heritage Museum”

CHICAGO (WLS) — Fifty years ago, a culture and its people were…
Trump's four-word reaction when informed his total ban on birthright citizenship could be closer to reality

Trump’s brief response to news about progress on his ban on birthright citizenship

President Donald Trump was ecstatic on Thursday when the Supreme Court decided to hear his…
Chicago crime: Police issue warning for string of armed robberies targeting construction, repair crews in Gresham

Chicago Police Warn of Armed Robberies Targeting Construction and Repair Crews in Gresham

CHICAGO (WLS) — Chicago police have issued a warning for construction and…
'Health' food contaminated with E. coli sparks major nationwide outbreak with one dead and 90 sick

“Recent Nationwide Outbreak of E. coli Traced Back to ‘Health’ Food, One Fatality and 90 Illnesses Reported”

A strain of E. coli lurking in lettuce has sickened 89 people…
FSU shooter IDed, used Sheriff Deputy mom's weapon in killing: police

Identified: Shooter at FSU Used Sheriff Deputy Mom’s Weapon in Tragic Incident

Two people were killed, and six others were injured in a shooting…
At least 1 dead after school bus overturns on Interstate 77 in Chester County, South Carolina, officials say

Fatal Crash: School Bus Overturns on Interstate 77 in Chester County, South Carolina

CHESTER COUNTY, S.C. — At least one person is dead after a…
'What the f*** is Elon doing there?' Donald Trump 'blocks Musk from top secret China briefing' after the Tesla boss 'annoys White House staff'

Donald Trump prevents Elon Musk from attending a confidential meeting in China as the Tesla CEO reportedly upsets White House employees.

According to reports, Donald Trump prevented Elon Musk from joining a confidential…
Hedge fund guru dubbed the new Warren Buffett buys stake in troubled US company... and shares soar 100%

“Prominent Hedge Fund Manager, Touted as the Next Warren Buffett, Invests in Struggling US Firm Leading to 100% Surge in Share Price”

Billionaire investor Bill Ackman has made a surprise move into the car…
‘9-1-1’ Fans Are In Disbelief Over Devastating Main Character Death: “I Literally Can’t Stop Crying”

Fans of the show ‘9-1-1’ are shocked by the heartbreaking death of a major character: “I can’t help but cry.”

9-1-1 fans are officially in a state of emergency. Prior to the…
Italy's Meloni will test her mettle as EU-US bridge when she meets Trump in Washington

Meloni of Italy to showcase her diplomatic skills as a bridge between EU and US in meeting with Trump in Washington

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni will have a significant opportunity to act…