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CA Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl Distribution in New Jersey
The guilty plea addresses a significant narcotics seizure in Bergen County, potentially averting a public health disaster.
NEWARK, NJ — Timothy Alan Blank, a 55-year-old from California, has admitted to federal charges of possessing with intent to distribute over five kilograms of fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid. The plea was entered before U.S. District Judge Evelyn Padin in Newark federal court, as announced by U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger.
Details of the Arrest
The arrest occurred on March 8, 2024, when Blank was stopped by law enforcement while driving in Bergen County, New Jersey. During the stop, officers discovered the fentanyl hidden within his vehicle. The substantial quantity indicates a significant trafficking operation, with Blank transporting the drug across state lines.
Legal Implications and Sentencing
Blank faces severe penalties for his actions, reflecting the seriousness of the offense given the opioid's high potential for addiction and overdose. The charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $1 million. Sentencing is scheduled for March 11, 2024, providing a swift conclusion to the legal proceedings.
Investigative Efforts and Acknowledgments
U.S. Attorney Sellinger extended his gratitude to the various agencies involved in the successful apprehension and prosecution of Blank. Homeland Security Investigations Newark, under the leadership of Acting Special Agent in Charge Spiros Karabinas, spearheaded the investigation. Additional support was provided by Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations, the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office, the Fort Lee Police Department, and the FBI Los Angeles Field Office, demonstrating effective interagency cooperation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Vincent D. Romano of the Criminal Division in Newark is representing the government in this case.
This case highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in combating the fentanyl crisis, which continues to pose a significant threat to public health and safety across the United States.
