New York Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl Distribution and Resisting Arrest in New Jersey

Miguel Nuñez, 50, faces substantial prison time and fines after admitting to intent to distribute fentanyl and endangering law enforcement officers in Elizabeth, NJ.

In a significant legal development, Miguel Nuñez, a 50-year-old Bronx resident, pleaded guilty to charges related to the possession and intent to distribute fentanyl, as well as resisting arrest with a deadly weapon. The admission came yesterday before U.S. District Judge Kevin McNulty at the Newark federal court, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.

The Case Unfolds

On March 24, 2021, Nuñez and his accomplice, Jesus Higuera-Parra, 28, of Ontario, California, traveled from New York City to Elizabeth, New Jersey, with the intent to distribute the potent opioid fentanyl. As they arrived for the illicit exchange, members of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) intercepted them. Nuñez, who was driving the vehicle, engaged in a risky attempt to evade capture, ultimately colliding with a DEA vehicle.

Consequences for the Offenders

The narcotics-related offense to which Nuñez pleaded guilty carries stringent penalties, including a mandatory minimum of five years and a maximum of 40 years in prison, along with a potential fine of up to $5 million. Additionally, for resisting and impeding officers, Nuñez could face another 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. His sentencing is scheduled for January 23, 2023.

Higuera-Parra, the other individual involved, had previously entered a guilty plea for possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute and is awaiting his sentence.

Acknowledgment of Law Enforcement Efforts

U.S. Attorney Sellinger extended his appreciation to the dedicated members of the DEA, particularly crediting Special Agent in Charge Cheryl Ortiz in Newark, for their thorough investigation leading to the guilty plea.

The prosecution is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ray Mateo of the Opioid Abuse Prevention and Enforcement Unit and Benjamin Levin of the National Security Unit.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against the opioid crisis and emphasizes the risks that law enforcement officers face daily to keep the community safe.