NEWARK, N.J. – William Murphy, 45, of Elizabeth, New Jersey, is facing a lengthy federal prison sentence after admitting today to a multi-faceted criminal enterprise involving the trafficking of deadly narcotics and the illegal possession of a loaded handgun. Murphy pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Madeline Cox Arleo, effectively ending a case that exposed a significant drug operation in Union County.
The bust originated with a July 30, 2020 raid on Murphy’s Elizabeth residence. Federal and local law enforcement discovered a veritable drug dealer’s toolkit: oxycodone pills, knotted bags packed with mixtures of cocaine, heroin, and the increasingly lethal synthetic opioid fentanyl. Investigators also found a digital scale for weighing narcotics, a money counter – tallying a substantial $13,000 in cash – and a supply of vacuum-sealed bags typically used for packaging drugs for street distribution.
But the narcotics weren’t the only contraband seized. Officers also recovered a 9mm Taurus handgun, loaded with 12 rounds. An additional magazine containing another 12 rounds, and a box holding 50 more 9mm rounds, were also discovered, painting a clear picture of Murphy’s intent to protect his illicit business with deadly force. The discovery sealed the charge of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Murphy admitted to one count of being a previously convicted felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, a charge that already carries a significant penalty. He also pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute the controlled substances. The combination of these charges, coupled with the firearm enhancement, means Murphy is looking at a potential prison sentence that could span decades.
The narcotics offense alone carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine. The firearm charge carries a maximum of 10 years behind bars. However, the most damning aspect is the mandatory minimum five-year sentence for possessing a firearm during drug trafficking – a sentence that must be served consecutively to any other sentence imposed. This could translate to a life sentence, depending on the judge’s discretion.
U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger commended the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Newark Field Division, led by Special Agent in Charge Bryan Miller, and the Elizabeth Police Department, under Chief Giacomo Sacca, for their collaborative investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dong Joo Lee of the Narcotics/Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force Unit is prosecuting the case. Sentencing is scheduled for July 20, 2023, leaving Murphy to await his fate.
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Key Facts
- Agency: ATF
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Weapons|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Press Release
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