NEWARK, NJ – U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today that Carlo M. De Leon De Jesus, 26, and Victor Gonzalez, 36, both residents of Newark, are facing charges related to unlicensed firearms dealing and trafficking firearms across state lines.
De Jesus is also charged with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. Both defendants were presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael A. Hammer in federal court and have been detained.
According to case documents and court statements, De Jesus is charged with four counts. These include dealing firearms without a license, transferring firearms to out-of-state residents, firearms trafficking, and conspiracy to distribute fentanyl between July and September. Gonzalez sold a firearm without a serial number in September.
The offenses of dealing firearms without a license and transferring firearms to an out-of-state resident can lead to a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000, or twice the financial gain or loss involved. Firearms trafficking can result in up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000, or twice the financial gain or loss. Conspiracy to distribute controlled substances is punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million.
The investigation leading to the charges was conducted by special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms and Explosives, Newark Field Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Bryan Miller, and special agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration in Newark, directed by Special Agent in Charge Cheryl Ortiz. The prosecution is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Barry O’Connell of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force in Newark.