Virginia Man Convicted in New Jersey for Fentanyl Distribution

Djavon Holland faces up to 40 years in prison after a federal jury in Trenton found him guilty of narcotics trafficking.

In a significant drug enforcement operation, Djavon Holland, 37, from Virginia, has been convicted of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, according to U.S. Attorney Philip Sellinger. The conviction occurred on April 15, 2024, following a federal jury trial presided over by U.S. District Judge Peter G. Sheridan in Trenton, New Jersey.

The case against Holland stemmed from an investigation that began in August 2021. Law enforcement officials were tipped off about Holland's narcotics activities in Virginia and New Jersey. A pivotal moment in the investigation came on August 12, 2021, when Holland was recorded selling fentanyl to a confidential informant cooperating with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office.

The evidence presented at trial detailed how Holland made several trips to New Jersey, engaging in the sale of fentanyl on multiple occasions. These activities have led to his conviction on two counts of possession with intent to distribute the powerful opioid, with each count carrying a significant penalty. The minimum sentence for each offense is five years, while the maximum could extend to 40 years, alongside potential fines of up to $5 million.

Sentencing for Holland is expected to be scheduled at a later date. The successful conviction highlights the collaborative efforts of the ATF, under Acting Special Agent in Charge Rossin Marchetti, and the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, led by Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Megan N. Linares and Jenny Chung from Newark's Criminal Division represented the government in this case.