Ex-Con Sentenced to Over 15 Years for Drug Trafficking and Ammunition Possession

Jaquan Picott, 30, will serve 190 months in federal prison for distributing fentanyl and illegally possessing ammunition after a multi-agency investigation across Mercer and Ocean counties.

A Trenton man has been sentenced to 190 months in federal prison following convictions for drug trafficking and illegal possession of ammunition, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced this week.

Jaquan Picott, 30, of Trenton, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Trenton to two felony charges: possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and possession of ammunition by a convicted felon. The sentence was handed down by Judge Zahid N. Quraishi, with both counts ordered to run concurrently.

According to court documents and statements made during proceedings, Picott was the subject of a federal investigation beginning in December 2022, involving the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Between December 2022 and April 2023, investigators determined that Picott had sold approximately 450 grams of fentanyl, along with unserialized firearms, known as “ghost guns,” and ammunition across Mercer and Ocean counties.

He was arrested on June 1, 2023, but later absconded from pre-trial supervision in December 2024. He remained at large for several months before being apprehended on June 27, 2025, by the U.S. Marshals Service New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force (NY/NJ RFTF).

The NY/NJ RFTF, established in 2002, focuses on the location and capture of violent fugitives and has played a central role in regional law enforcement operations.

“We will not tolerate drug traffickers who poison our community with fentanyl. This sentence reflects our commitment to holding accountable those who seek to flood our neighborhoods with deadly drugs. And if you run to avoid justice, know that we and our law enforcement partners will find you to face your fate.” - Acting U.S. Attorney and Special Attorney Alina Habba

Picott received 190 months for fentanyl distribution and 180 months for illegal possession of ammunition. Because the sentences are to run concurrently, the total prison time is 190 months — just under 16 years.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard G. Shephard of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Trenton.

Credit for the investigation was extended to the FBI Newark Division, led by Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy, the ATF Newark Field Division, under Special Agent in Charge L.C. Cheeks, Jr., and the U.S. Marshals Service, led by Marshal Juan Mattos Jr..

The case highlights ongoing federal efforts to combat fentanyl trafficking and unauthorized firearms distribution across New Jersey communities.