New York Man Sentenced for Distributing Fentanyl in New Jersey

Jose Migel Cleto receives 25-month prison sentence for fentanyl distribution in Fort Lee.

NEWARK, N.J. – Jose Migel Cleto, 65, of Manhattan, New York, was sentenced to time already served—25 months in prison—for distribution and possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today. Cleto previously pleaded guilty to the charges before U.S. District Judge Madeline Cox Arleo in Newark federal court.

According to court documents and statements, in April 2022, Cleto distributed and possessed with the intent to distribute 400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl to an individual in a commercial parking lot in Fort Lee, New Jersey.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of Homeland Security Investigations Newark, led by Acting Special Agent in Charge William S. Walker, for the investigation leading to Cleto's sentencing.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Vincent D. Romano of the OCDETF Unit in Newark.