An Arizona man was sentenced to 46 months in prison for conspiring to distribute fentanyl and for possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl in a case investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Newark, N.J. – Jose Manuel Ramos Lemus, 51, a citizen of Mexico residing in Arizona, previously pleaded guilty to an indictment charging him with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl before U.S. District Judge Claire C. Cecchi.
According to documents filed in the case and statements made in court, Ramos Lemus arrived at the Jersey Gardens Mall on July 6, 2019, to meet with a confidential source. In the parking lot of the mall, Lemus assured the source that he had five kilograms of China White heroin for distribution. However, upon leaving the vehicle, Ramos Lemus returned with a duffle bag containing five kilograms of fentanyl and was subsequently arrested.
Ramos Lemus’s prison term was imposed by videoconference and included three years of supervised release. Assistant United States Attorney Lauren E. Repole represented the government in the case.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent Susan A. Gibson. Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig credited the DEA for the investigation leading to today’s sentencing.
Ramos Lemus, a citizen of Mexico, was residing in Arizona at the time of his arrest and sentencing. The case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat fentanyl distribution and the dangers associated with this highly addictive and deadly substance.
The fentanyl conspiracy charges brought against Ramos Lemus carried a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, and he was also charged with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, which carried a sentence of up to 20 years in prison. However, the court ultimately imposed a sentence of 46 months in prison, along with three years of supervised release.
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Key Facts
- State: New Jersey
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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