Two Men Charged With Conspiracy To Distribute Cocaine
NEWARK, N.J. - - Carl J. Kotowski, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Jersey Division and Paul J. Fishman, U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey announced two men appeared in federal court to face distribution conspiracy and possession charges after law enforcement found over two kilograms of cocaine and heroin in their possession.
Hasan J. Johnson, 37, of Chester, Pennsylvania, and Jose D. Martinez, 50, of Palisades Park, New Jersey, are each charged by complaint with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. Martinez is also charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and 100 grams or more of heroin. Both defendants were arrested on November 28, and appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Joseph A. Dickson in Newark federal court.
On November 28, 2016, Johnson was pulled over after committing several traffic violations. During the ensuing stop, Johnson gave consent to search the vehicle. Afterwards, law enforcement officers allegedly found approximately one kilogram of cocaine in the bag.
A search warrant was later obtained for a residence in Palisades Park related to the investigation. As a result of the search Martinez was found to be in possession a package containing another kilogram of cocaine, as well as 694 grams of heroin. Both the conspiracy and possession charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a potential maximum penalty of 40 years in prison, and a $5 million fine.
