Passaic County felon Jessie Mayfield, 59, of Paterson, New Jersey, was slapped with federal charges after a routine parole check uncovered a stash of drugs, cash, and a loaded firearm inside his home — evidence prosecutors say ties him directly to ongoing drug distribution.
On August 24, 2021, state parole officers arrived at Mayfield’s residence for a supervised visit and immediately spotted red flags: a large sum of cash in mixed denominations spread across his bed and incriminating text messages on his phone referencing drug deals. That triggered a warrant-backed search that peeled back the layers of a suspected street-level narcotics operation.
Inside the home, authorities seized a clear Ziploc bag containing 115 wax-folds of a powdery substance believed to be a controlled dangerous drug, a stockpile of empty plastic vials, and a digital scale — a hallmark tool of drug dealers. A handwritten notebook detailed dates and times of transactions, further cementing the case. But the most damning find? A loaded Ruger .22 caliber semi-automatic pistol with a box of 95 Winchester rounds nearby.
Mayfield now faces three federal counts: being a previously convicted felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The drug charge alone carries up to 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine. The firearm-in-furtherance count mandates a minimum of five years behind bars — consecutive to any other sentence — and could stretch to life.
The investigation was a joint punch from the New Jersey State Parole Board, the Paterson Police Department under Director Jerry Speziale and Police Chief Ibrahim Baycora, and federal agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), led by Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey L. Matthews. The case was brought by Assistant U.S. Attorney Dong Joo Lee of the Violent Crimes Unit in Newark.
The charges against Jessie Mayfield are still allegations. He is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. His initial appearance is scheduled for a date to be determined in federal court in Newark.
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Key Facts
- State: New Jersey
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
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