🚨 The Gutter Report: Keemi Balla Arrested — $667,000 in U.S. Treasury Checks and Narcotics Allegedly Recovered in Hackensack Luxury Apartment Raid
Wakimi Joseph, known publicly as Keemi Balla, and Asia Kelly taken into custody following court-authorized search by Hackensack Police Crime Suppression Bureau
Hackensack, New Jersey — Wakimi Joseph, known publicly and widely as Keemi Balla, was arrested alongside Asia Kelly, 39, after Hackensack Police executed a court-authorized search warrant at a luxury apartment on Main Street that investigators allege contained stolen U.S. Treasury checks, narcotics packaged for distribution, and suspected criminal proceeds.
The search was conducted on February 13, 2026, by members of the Hackensack Police Department’s Crime Suppression Bureau, assisted by the Emergency Services Unit. Both Joseph and Kelly were taken into custody at the scene and remanded to the Bergen County Jail, where they remain pending their first court appearance.
✋🏾 Keemi Balla photographed displaying the Mak Balla hand sign inside a luxury apartment setting
🧾 What police say was recovered inside the apartment
According to investigators, detectives recovered:
48 U.S. Treasury checks totaling more than $667,000, issued to other individuals and businesses
Debit and credit cards belonging to other individuals
A fraudulent driver’s license
More than 100 bags of cocaine, packaged in a manner police allege is consistent with distribution
Prescription legend drugs prescribed to other individuals
More than $15,000 in suspected criminal proceeds
Authorities have not publicly disclosed how the Treasury checks were obtained or whether federal agencies are actively participating in the investigation at this time.
💵 Cash bundles displayed on Keemi Balla’s public Instagram account (@mr.nostyliist)
👨🏻⚖️ Charges filed against Keemi Balla and Asia Kelly
Wakimi Joseph, known as Keemi Balla, was charged with:
Second-degree possession of a controlled dangerous substance with intent to distribute
Second-degree money laundering
Second-degree receiving stolen property
Third-degree possession of prescription legend drugs with intent to distribute
Asia Kelly was charged with:
Second-degree possession of a controlled dangerous substance with intent to distribute
Second-degree money laundering
Second-degree receiving stolen property
Second-degree identity theft
Additional related offenses
Police also reported that Kelly had three outstanding warrants at the time of her arrest, including one connected to a forgery case in Massachusetts.
Both defendants remain in custody pending court proceedings.
🚗 Asia Kelly, identified by police as Keemi Balla’s co-defendant, photographed posing in front of a Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon
⚖️ Bail in New Jersey: why no bail amount has been set
New Jersey no longer uses a traditional cash bail system in most criminal cases. Instead of assigning a bail amount, judges determine whether a defendant should be released under supervision or held in custody pending trial.
Keemi Balla and Asia Kelly were remanded to the Bergen County Jail on complaint warrants and are awaiting their first appearance before a judge in Central Judicial Processing Court.
During that hearing, the court will evaluate factors including the severity of the charges, prior criminal history, risk of failing to appear in court, and public safety considerations before deciding whether they will remain detained or be released under conditions.
At this time, neither defendant has been granted release, and both remain in custody awaiting that determination.
📸 Keemi Balla photographed standing in front of a Mercedes luxury vehicle
🧩 Who Keemi Balla is and his ties to the Mak Balla community
Keemi Balla, whose legal name is Wakimi Joseph, has long been publicly associated with Mak Balla–identified circles originating in the Bronx.
His name, public identity, symbolism, and documented presence have tied him to that community for years. The Mak Balla name itself represents a longstanding street identity with roots in Bronx neighborhoods, and individuals connected to that network have remained part of the broader social and cultural landscape of those areas.
His public image—including photographs displaying Mak Balla hand signs and consistent use of the “Balla” name—has contributed to his recognition among those familiar with that community.
His arrest has drawn immediate attention across those same networks, where his identity and name have remained known for years.
🏛️ What happens next
Keemi Balla and Asia Kelly are expected to appear before a judge in Bergen County, where prosecutors will formally present the charges and argue whether they should remain detained or be released pending trial.
The court’s decision will determine their custody status as the case moves forward.
At this stage, all charges remain allegations, and both defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Not for clicks — for clarity.
— Elliott Carterr, LFTG Radio
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