Eight defendants charged for their roles in heroin, fentanyl and crack cocaine conspiracy

NEWARK, NJ — Eight people were charged for their respective roles in a heroin, fentanyl and crack cocaine distribution organization that sold large quantities of controlled substances in the area of Columbia and South Orange avenues in Newark, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced Oct. 21. Zacqual Lancaster, Maurice Lee, Felix Lesperance, Rodger Busby, Marcellus […]

Man admits distributing crack and heroin in Stephen Crane Village in Newark

NEWARK, NJ — An Essex County man has admitted to distributing and possessing with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine base, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced Sept. 6. Raquan Rawls, aka “Bandz,” 24, of Newark, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge John Michael Vazquez by videoconference to two counts in a superseding indictment […]

Four NJ men charged with fentanyl analogue distribution and money laundering

NEWARK, NJ — Four New Jersey men were charged for their alleged roles in drug-trafficking and money-laundering conspiracies, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced Aug. 11. William Panzera, 49, of North Haledon; Thomas Padovano, 48, and Bartholomew Padovano, 71, both of Newark; and Sean Tighe, 46, of Kearny, are each charged in a second superseding […]

Arrest made in drug death of Newark fire captain

Arrest made in drug death of Newark fire captain

NEWARK, NJ — Acting Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II announced July 29 that Eliasel Baez, 42, of Kearny, was arrested for causing the drug-induced death of Newark Fire Capt. Carlos Rivera. Baez is charged with strict liability drug-induced death for distributing a controlled dangerous substance that caused the death of Rivera. He is […]

Convicted felon admits drug offenses, and possessing three firearms with extended magazines

NEWARK, NJ — A Bloomfield man admitted to possessing quantities of heroin and cocaine that he intended to distribute, and to possessing several firearms, including an AM-15 rifle, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced July 28. Cedric Lewis, 31, of Bloomfield, pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Brian R. Martinotti to a superseding […]

Newark man sentenced to five years in prison for drug distribution

NEWARK, NJ — An Essex County man was sentenced June 30 to five years in prison for conspiring to distribute cocaine base and distributing fentanyl and cocaine base, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced. Marvin Lagrier, aka “Black Jesus,” 40, of Newark, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Madeline Cox Arleo in Newark federal […]

East Orange man admits conspiracy to commit racketeering

NEWARK, NJ — Ali Hill, 29, of East Orange, admitted conspiring to murder a federal witness to protect a drug-trafficking enterprise of which he was a member, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced June 29. Hill pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John Michael Vazquez to one count of a superseding indictment charging him with […]

Newark man sentenced to five years in prison for drug, firearm offenses

NEWARK, NJ — An Essex County man was sentenced on June 22 to five years in prison for his role in a fentanyl conspiracy, and unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced. Jaqua Clayton, aka “Quay,” 23, of Newark, previously pleaded guilty via videoconference before U.S. District Judge Madeline […]

Newark felon convicted on firearms, drug-trafficking charges

NEWARK, NJ — A Newark man was convicted June 15 on weapons and drug charges, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced. Teriek Edwards, 44, was convicted on two counts of possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon; one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin, cocaine and oxycodone; and one count of […]