United States Drug Enforcement Administration

CAMDEN, N.J. – DEA New Jersey Division Special Agent in Charge Susan A. Gibson and U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey Craig Carpenito announced a Camden County, N.J., man today admitted his role in a scheme to possess and distribute crystal methamphetamine.

Mauricio Melendrez, 46, of Blackwood, N.J., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Jerome B. Simandle in Camden federal court to an information charging him one count of attempt to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five grams or more of crystal methamphetamine.

In May 2014, Melendrez arranged for the delivery of a package containing approximately two pounds of crystal methamphetamine stuffed inside a four-slice toaster oven. Before the package could be delivered to its intended address on June 3, 2014, law enforcement seized it. Melendrez later discussed this package of crystal methamphetamine with another individual and stated it had been sent to him by a “cartel,” and that Melendrez still owed the cartel money for the crystal methamphetamine.

U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Susan A. Gibson in Newark, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.

The count to which Melendrez pleaded guilty carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 40 years in prison and a fine of up to $5 million, or twice the gross gain or loss resulting from the offense. Sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 1, 2019.

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