Castelluzzo and Atwell, Drug Distribution Conspiracy, New Jersey 2013
TRENTON, N.J. — A brazen drug distribution conspiracy that spanned 29 months has landed two New Jersey men in prison for over 18 years. Christopher Castelluzzo, 31, of Bayonne, New Jersey, was sentenced to 240 months in prison, while his partner, Luke Atwell, 34, of Hamilton, New Jersey, received a 220-month sentence.
The investigation, which began in March 2013, revealed that Castelluzzo and Atwell were partners in a conspiracy to distribute methylone, cocaine, MDMA, and marijuana. The duo was convicted of conspiracy to distribute or possess with intent to distribute the aforementioned substances following a two-week trial.
During the investigation, agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) seized over six kilograms of methylone at a drug mill in East Orange, New Jersey, tied to Castelluzzo and Atwell. A month later, agents of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) seized 2.9 kilograms of methylone that Atwell intended to pick up at the Manville, New Jersey, Post Office.
Agents replaced the package with a dummy package, which Atwell picked up and placed in the car he occupied with Castelluzzo. Following the arrest of both defendants outside the Manville Post Office, agents searched various electronic devices of the defendants and uncovered email communications establishing a drug distribution conspiracy dating back to 2010.
U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman credited special agents of HSI and the DEA for the investigation. In addition to the prison terms, Judge Freda L. Wolfson sentenced both Castelluzzo and Atwell to three years of supervised release.
Castelluzzo was represented by Dawn M. Florio Esq. of New York, while Atwell was represented by Pasquale F. Giannetta Esq. of Wayne, New Jersey.
Christopher Castelluzzo was sentenced on [no date specified] to 240 months in prison.
Luke Atwell was sentenced on [no date specified] to 220 months in prison.
Defendant:
Christopher Castelluzzo
Criminal Charges:
Conspiracy to distribute or possess with intent to distribute methylone, cocaine, MDMA, and marijuana.
City and State:
Bayonne, New Jersey
Exact Date:
March 2013 (investigation began)
Sentence or Outcome:
240 months in prison
Three years of supervised release
Key Facts
- State: New Jersey
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →