A notorious drug dealer from Times Square, Johnny Perez, has been released from prison after having his sentence commuted by former President Joe Biden. Perez, who is 32 years old and goes by the nickname "Ghost," was part of a significant drug operation that was dismantled by law enforcement in 2021. His early release is part of a broader initiative by Biden, who commuted the sentences of nearly 2,500 federal inmates on January 17, just before leaving office.
Federal records indicate that Perez was originally sentenced to eight years in prison for his role in a crack cocaine distribution operation that reportedly generated around $10,000 a week. This operation was described by authorities as a "24-hour open air bazaar" located at the busy intersection of 43rd Street and Eighth Avenue in New York City. The operation was so organized that it operated in shifts, with different groups of dealers selling drugs throughout the day and night.
The 2021 raid that led to Perez’s arrest involved multiple law enforcement agencies, including the NYPD and federal agents, who apprehended eight individuals involved in the drug trade. Alongside Perez, his co-defendant Aaron Starks received a six-year sentence, while two other associates, Sekou Simpson and Davon Mial, were sentenced to 3.5 years and just over two years, respectively. All four had their sentences commuted by Biden.
Critics of the commutation have voiced concerns about the implications of releasing individuals involved in serious drug trafficking. A law enforcement source expressed frustration, suggesting that the current criminal justice perspective often overlooks the impact that these dealers have on communities, particularly on those struggling with addiction and poverty.
In addition to the commutations, Biden also pardoned 39 individuals during his final days in office, further highlighting his administration’s approach to criminal justice reform. The U.S. Bureau of Prisons has not provided additional details regarding the status of the other individuals involved in the Times Square drug operation.
As Johnny Perez adjusts to life outside of prison, the conversation around criminal justice reform and its effects on public safety continues to be a contentious issue in the United States.