Essex County Men Face Charges for Illegal Firearms Trafficking and Drug Conspiracy

U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger Announces Charges Against Two Newark Residents for Unlicensed Firearm Dealing and Fentanyl Conspiracy; Defendants Detained in Federal Court

Morristown, NJ — Two men from Essex County, New Jersey, have been formally charged with unlicensed firearms dealing and trafficking in interstate commerce. One defendant faces an additional charge related to a drug conspiracy involving fentanyl, according to U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger.

Carlo M. De Leon De Jesus, 26, and Victor Gonzalez, 36, both of Newark, have been charged with multiple counts, including dealing firearms without a license, transferring firearms to out-of-state residents, and firearms trafficking. De Jesus is also charged with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. Both men appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael A. Hammer in Newark federal court and were detained pending further proceedings.

The Details:
Court documents and in-court statements indicate that from July to September 2023, De Jesus allegedly sold four firearms, including two rifles and a semi-automatic handgun. He is also accused of selling a substance that tested positive for fentanyl. Gonzalez, on the other hand, allegedly sold a firearm with no serial number in September 2023.

Legal Repercussions:
The charges of dealing firearms without a license and transferring firearms to out-of-state residents carry maximum penalties of five years in prison and fines up to $250,000. Firearms trafficking is punishable by up to 15 years in prison and similar financial penalties. Additionally, the charge of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl against De Jesus carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger commended the collaborative efforts of multiple agencies for the investigation, specifically naming special agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and Homeland Security Investigations in Newark.

The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Barry O’Connell of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF)/Narcotics Unit in Newark.

It's important to note that these charges are merely accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

For Morris County and Morristown residents, these charges underline the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies to curb illegal firearms trafficking and drug-related activities that could have a spillover effect on neighboring communities.