An Atlantic County man wanted for drug and weapons offenses was apprehended in California, according to an announcement from New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, the Division of Criminal Justice, and the New Jersey State Police.
Jordan P. Ragland, 33, of Absecon, New Jersey, was arrested in Sacramento on September 23, 2025. The arrest was carried out by members of the U.S. Marshals Service Task Force with support from the New Jersey State Police Fugitive Unit. Ragland had been sought since 2021 for charges including maintaining a controlled dangerous substance production facility, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, unlawful possession of an assault firearm, and unlawful possession of a semi-automatic pistol. He was added to the New Jersey State Police Most Wanted List in May 2025.
Attorney General Platkin stated: “No matter how far someone runs, or how long they hide, if we believe they are guilty of a crime, we will not stop until they are brought to justice. Excellent work by our State Police and our law enforcement partners ensured that this defendant is back in New Jersey to face justice for the crimes he is accused of committing.”
DCJ Director Theresa L. Hilton commented: “The defendant in this matter spent years on the run, allegedly to avoid arrest for serious crimes. Our NJSP Fugitive Unit worked with our law enforcement partners to track him down and arrest him. Their tireless pursuit means the people of New Jersey will finally be able to hold this defendant accountable.”
Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police said: “Taking this fugitive into custody is the result of the unwavering persistence of our detectives and our law enforcement partners. This individual—wanted for drug distribution, weapons offenses, and endangering the welfare of a child—posed a serious threat to our communities. He was located all the way in California, a clear reminder that distance will not protect you from accountability. We do not stop, we do not slow down, and we do not let up. When someone on our Most Wanted list threatens the safety of others, distance and state lines will not shield them.”
Authorities said Ragland’s arrest followed a multiagency investigation led by the New Jersey State Police Casino Gaming Bureau with assistance from agencies such as the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. The investigation began in September 2020 and uncovered what officials described as a criminal network involving Ragland who allegedly shipped large quantities of crystal methamphetamine from California to Atlantic City and other locations nationwide.
Ragland and his cousin James P. Wright were indicted by a grand jury on several charges including first-degree possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; two counts of first-degree maintaining or operating a controlled dangerous substance production facility; second-degree possession with intent to distribute fentanyl; two counts of second-degree possession of a weapon during a CDS offense; second-degree unlawful possession of an assault firearm; fourth-degree certain persons not to possess weapons; along with multiple third- and fourth-degree offenses.
Wright was arrested in March 2021 and is currently serving a five-year sentence in New Jersey state prison.
After authorities executed a residential search warrant in 2021, Ragland reportedly fled New Jersey using multiple aliases before being found in Sacramento. Following his arrest there he was extradited back to New Jersey where he is now held at Atlantic County Jail.
Deputy Attorney General Nicole E. Wise is prosecuting the case.
Officials noted that all charges against Ragland are accusations at this stage; he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
