Newark, N.J. – Jose Migel Cleto, 65, a Manhattan resident, was handed time served—25 months in prison—for distributing and possessing fentanyl with intent to distribute, according to U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger.
Cleto entered a guilty plea before Judge Madeline Cox Arleo in Newark federal court for one count of distribution and possession of fentanyl-laden substances. Court documents and statements revealed that in April 2022, Cleto peddled over 400 grams of the deadly drug to an unsuspecting buyer at a Fort Lee parking lot.
The investigation leading to Cleto’s conviction was credited to special agents of Homeland Security Investigations Newark, led by Acting Special Agent in Charge William S. Walker. Assistant U.S. Attorney Vincent D. Romano represented the government in this case.
With the sentence now behind him, Cleto has become just another statistic in New Jersey’s relentless battle against drug trafficking. The grim tally of lives lost to fentanyl continues to rise, and law enforcement remains committed to dismantling the networks that profit from this deadly trade.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the perils posed by illegal drugs and the unwavering dedication of federal agents in combating them. As communities across New Jersey continue to grapple with the fentanyl crisis, efforts to crack down on dealers like Cleto are more crucial than ever.
For those seeking justice against drug traffickers, the successful prosecution of Jose Migel Cleto stands as a testament to the tireless work of federal law enforcement agencies and their unwavering commitment to protect the public from the dangers of fentanyl.
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Key Facts
- State: New Jersey
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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