Bronx Man Pleads Guilty in Heroin, Fentanyl Distribution Causing Toddler's Death

Tragic Case Highlights the Deadly Impact of Fentanyl on Communities, as Bronx Drug Mills Linked to New Jersey Overdose

MORRISTOWN, NJ – Jhan Carlos Capellan Maldonado, a 35-year-old Bronx man, has admitted to his role in distributing heroin and fentanyl from two drug mills in the Bronx, which tragically resulted in the death of a 15-month-old child. This admission was announced by U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger following Capellan Maldonado's guilty plea in Newark federal court.

Capellan Maldonado pleaded guilty to distributing heroin and fentanyl in December 2018, and to conspiracy to distribute a significant amount of fentanyl in February 2019. His actions were directly linked to the toddler's death, a devastating reminder of the opioid crisis's reach and impact. Six other individuals from the Bronx also pleaded guilty to related charges.

During an operation in December 2018, Capellan Maldonado, along with four employees, was preparing narcotics for distribution in New Jersey when the child, present in the apartment, ingested fentanyl and died. In February 2019, law enforcement discovered another drug mill operated by Capellan Maldonado, resulting in seven arrests and the recovery of nearly a kilogram of fentanyl.

The case, investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Newark and the Drug Enforcement Administration, New York Division, underscores the ongoing battle against drug trafficking and its tragic consequences. Capellan Maldonado faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for the first count and a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison for the second count, with sentencing scheduled for June 24, 2024.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason S. Gould, Chief of the Health Care Fraud Unit in Newark, represents the government in this critical case, highlighting the severity of the opioid epidemic and the urgent need for effective law enforcement and community awareness efforts.