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Repeat Offender Illegally Possessed Firearms, Ammunition, Fentanyl, And Cocaine
Repeat offender admits to distributing cocaine and possessing fentanyl, firearms, and ammunition in violation of federal law.
A 33-year-old Paterson man with multiple felony convictions has pleaded guilty in federal court to a series of firearms and narcotics offenses, including the illegal possession of fentanyl, cocaine, two firearms, and ammunition. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Alina Habba on Tuesday.
Lamont Baker admitted his guilt before U.S. District Judge Claire C. Cecchi in Newark, entering a plea to four charges outlined in a Superseding Indictment. These include one count of unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon, one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, and two counts of cocaine distribution.
According to federal court documents and statements made during the proceedings, Baker sold cocaine on two separate occasions—September 14 and September 20, 2022—during controlled purchases arranged by law enforcement. On each occasion, he allegedly traveled from his home to a prearranged location to carry out the transactions.
On September 29, 2022, authorities executed a search of Baker’s residence and vehicle. The search resulted in the seizure of two firearms—one of which had a defaced serial number—along with hollow point ammunition, quantities of fentanyl and cocaine, several hundred dollars in cash, and drug paraphernalia consistent with distribution activities.
Baker’s prior convictions include a 2008 robbery and a 2021 aggravated assault involving a firearm, making his possession of firearms a violation of federal law under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g).
The firearm charge carries a maximum potential sentence of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Each of the narcotics-related charges carries a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Sentencing is scheduled for September 17, 2025.
The investigation was conducted by special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), led by Special Agent in Charge L.C. Cheeks Jr. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Specht of the Special Prosecutions Division.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a nationwide initiative aimed at reducing violent crime through coordinated efforts among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. The U.S. Department of Justice relaunched its PSN strategy in May 2021 to emphasize community trust, prevention, and targeted enforcement.
