NEWARK, NJ – Two men were charged by the Department of Justice for trafficking cocaine and fentanyl in New Jersey this week.
According to U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger, two New Jersey men have been charged with possessing approximately one kilogram of cocaine and approximately 100 grams of fentanyl with the intent to distribute them.
A complaint has been filed against Carlos Ovidio Gonzalez, 35, of Newark, and Hector Martinez, 31, of North Bergen, New Jersey, charging them with conspiracy to distribute and possess cocaine and fentanyl with intent to distribute. Gonzalez is also charged with one count of being a previously convicted felon in possession of three firearms and ammunition. The two were initially detained by U.S. Magistrate Judge Jessica S. Allen after their initial appearance on Dec. 20, 2022, by videoconference.
According to court documents, Gonzalez and Martinez were arrested shortly after they arrived at an agreed-upon location in Kearny to complete their distribution of approximately one kilogram of cocaine and 100 grams of fentanyl on December 19, 2022. A search of Gonzalez’s home and apartment after their arrests also found two loaded firearms, an unloaded firearm, ammunition, drug packaging materials, as well as suspected heroin, cocaine, oxycodone, and Xanax pills.
The defendant was previously convicted of first-degree drug distribution, second-degree possession of weapons during a controlled substance offense, and second-degree possession of a firearm for an unlawful purpose by the Morris County Superior Court in 2009. He was sentenced to 30 years in prison in 2009.
As a consequence of the possession with intent to distribute cocaine and fentanyl offense, a minimum sentence of five years in prison is mandatory, with a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison and a fine of up to $5 million being imposed. The felon in possession of a firearm charge carries a potential maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.