California Man Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine Trafficking in New Jersey

The admission follows an extensive multi-agency investigation.

NEW JERSEY – Aaron Joseph, a 41-year-old from Los Angeles, California, has pleaded guilty to his involvement in a drug trafficking conspiracy that transported approximately 1.9 kilograms of methamphetamine from California to New Jersey. The plea was entered before U.S. District Judge Renee Marie Bumb in federal court in Camden, announced U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger.

From October 2020 to July 2022, Joseph orchestrated the shipment of methamphetamine-laced pills across the country to associates in Camden County, New Jersey, who then distributed the drugs locally. Payments for these shipments were made through Cash App, including a significant transaction on February 14, 2022, when Joseph sent a package containing 5,100 pills.

This conspiracy charge carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine. Sentencing for Joseph is scheduled for September 3, 2024.

The successful apprehension and prosecution of Joseph were the result of a collaborative effort involving the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark; Homeland Security Investigations Newark, led by Acting Special Agent in Charge William S. Walker; and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, overseen by Inspector in Charge Christopher A. Nielsen, Philadelphia Division.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph McFarlane of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Camden is handling the case, emphasizing the effectiveness of interagency cooperation in tackling cross-state narcotics operations.