Newark, New Jersey – In a significant blow to the state’s narcotics trade, Carlos Santiago, a 50-year-old man from East Orange, New Jersey, was sentenced to 143 months in prison for possessing with intent to distribute over five kilograms of fentanyl and four kilograms of cocaine.
On October 24, 2022, federal agents encountered Santiago as he was moving controlled substances from a storage unit to his vehicle in Newark. During the encounter, law enforcement located several kilograms of fentanyl and cocaine, as well as one firearm, in Santiago’s storage unit.
A subsequent search of Santiago’s residence in East Orange uncovered several additional kilograms of fentanyl and cocaine, and five other firearms. It was revealed that Santiago had previously been convicted, in New Jersey Superior Court, Essex County, of a drug offense and resisting arrest.
The sentence, handed down by U.S. District Judge Michael Farbiarz in Newark federal court, also includes five years of supervised release. In addition to the prison term, Judge Farbiarz imposed the sentence today.
U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger credited special agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Cheryl Ortiz in Newark, and special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Thomas Greco, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sam Thypin-Bermeo of the General Crimes Unit in Newark.
Santiago pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, and possession of firearms by a convicted felon.
This case is a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle against narcotics trafficking in New Jersey. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this developing story and provide updates as more information becomes available.
Related Federal Cases
- Five Essex County Men Charged In Heroin Distribution Ring, New Jersey 2015 · New York
- Jhan Carlos Capellan Maldonado, Heroin and Fentanyl Trafficking, New Jersey 2018 · New York
- Ernesto Adon Martinez, Fentanyl Trafficking, New Jersey 2024 · New Hampshire
- John Wellman, Crack Cocaine Trafficking, New Jersey 2017 · California
- Luis Aponte, Fentanyl Trafficking, New Jersey 2019 · Alabama
Key Facts
- State: New Jersey
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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