Jhan Carlos Capellan Maldonado, Heroin and Fentanyl Distribution, New Jersey 2018

A Bronx, New York man has admitted to distributing heroin and fentanyl into New Jersey from two drug mills in the Bronx, causing the death of a 15-month-old child.

Jhan Carlos Capellan Maldonado, 35, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Esther Salas in Newark federal court to a superseding information charging him with one count of distributing heroin and fentanyl from a drug mill in the Bronx in December 2018.

Capellan Maldonado admitted that his distribution of fentanyl caused the death of a 15-month-old child.

He also pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl from a separate drug mill in the Bronx in February 2019.

Six other individuals – Reimon Genao Rosario, 27; Dilson Vazquez Genao, 27; Eddie Urena Rodriguez, 39; Francisco Mercedes Gil, 35; Daury Contreras Ulerio, aka “Majimbou,” 38; and Jose Antonio Vazquez Pena, aka “Tono,” 51 – also of the Bronx, all have previously pleaded guilty to the same charge before Judge Salas.

“The defendant admitted organizing and running a drug distribution operation that prepared and packaged deadly fentanyl and heroin for sale in New Jersey. The defendant’s drug mill directly led to the death of a toddler who was present inside the apartment where this poison was being prepared for distribution. This defendant will now face justice for his role in leading this drug trafficking organization and for causing the death of this 15-month-old child. The fentanyl epidemic has caused enormous pain and suffering to our communities, including the death of the child in this case. This office is committed to combatting this scourge and holding accountable those who traffic in this poison.”

U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger

The defendant’s guilty plea comes after law enforcement officers learned that Capellan Maldonado was again using an apartment in Bronx to store, mix, and package heroin and fentanyl in distribution quantities in February 2019. Seven individuals, including Capellan Maldonado and six other defendants, were found inside the apartment and attempted to escape out a window. All but one – Reimon Genao Rosario – were apprehended and arrested by law enforcement officers waiting outside.

Defendant: Jhan Carlos Capellan Maldonado

Criminal Charges: One count of distributing heroin and fentanyl from a drug mill in the Bronx in December 2018, and one count of conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl from a separate drug mill in the Bronx in February 2019

City and State: Bronx, New York

Exact Date: December 2018 and February 2019

Sentence or Outcome: Capellan Maldonado pleaded guilty and is currently awaiting sentencing

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