Azmar Carter, Drug Trafficking and Possession of Firearms, New Jersey 2021

Azmar Carter, a convicted felon, has admitted to distributing cocaine, possessing firearms, and heroin trafficking in Essex County, New Jersey.

In a superseding information, Azmar Carter, 32, of East Orange, pleaded guilty to two counts of distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon, and possession with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court, law enforcement began investigating a drug trafficking organization in 2021, which operates primarily in and around Orange, New Jersey. Carter distributed cocaine to law enforcement in May and July 2021. On August 18, 2021, law enforcement searched Carter’s residence and car in East Orange, New Jersey and recovered the following items: one Draco AK 47 rifle; one Smith and Wesson AR rifle; one .40 caliber pistol; ninety-four rounds of associated ammunition; a distribution quantity of heroin and cocaine; and approximately $7,177.00.

The drug trafficking offenses carry a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison, and a fine of $1 million. The possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon offense carries a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison, and a maximum fine of $250,000.

Sentencing is scheduled for April 30, 2024.

U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger credited special agents and members of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Newark Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge L.C. Cheeks, Jr.; members of the Orange Police Department, under the direction of Police Director Todd Warren, Chief Vincent Vitiello and Captain Brian Mooney; members of the Elizabeth Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police Giacomo Sacca and Police Director Earl J. Graves; members of the East Orange Police Department, under the direction of Chief Phyllis Bindi; member of the Newark Police Department, under the direction of Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda and Chief of Police Sharonda Morris; and the Belleville Police Department, under the direction of Chief Mark Minichini, with the investigation leading to the charges and arrests.

This case is part of Operation Orange, which is a part of the Newark Violent Crime Initiative (VCI), formed in August 2017 by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, and the City of Newark’s Department of Public Safety to combat violent crime in and around Newark.

Defendant: Azmar Carter

Charges: Distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon, and possession with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine

City and State: East Orange, New Jersey

Crime Date: May 2021 (distribution of cocaine), July 2021 (distribution of cocaine), and August 18, 2021 (search of residence and car)

Sentence: Sentencing scheduled for April 30, 2024

Fine: Up to $1 million for drug trafficking offenses and up to $250,000 for possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-nj/pr/essex-county-convicted-felon-admits-drug-trafficking-and-possession-firearms-including