Somerset Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing Fentanyl Linked to Four Overdose Deaths

Mauricio Gutierrez, 52, faces up to 80 years in prison after admitting to drug distribution resulting in fatalities and intent to distribute cocaine despite knowing the consequences.

A Somerset County man has admitted to distributing fentanyl that led to the deaths of four individuals, as well as possessing cocaine with the intent to distribute it, federal authorities announced on Wednesday.

Mauricio Gutierrez, 52, of Somerset, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Zahid N. Quraishi in Trenton federal court to a four-count Information charging him with two counts of distribution and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, and two counts of possession with intent to distribute cocaine.

Fatal Fentanyl Distribution

According to court documents and statements made during the hearing, Gutierrez distributed fentanyl on two separate occasions from his residence in Somerset on the evening of June 22, 2022. These distributions directly resulted in the deaths of four individuals. The identities of the deceased have not been publicly released.

More than a year later, on September 27, 2023, law enforcement arrested Gutierrez. During the arrest, authorities recovered cocaine stored both in his personal vehicle and at his residence. Gutierrez admitted in court that, despite knowing his earlier fentanyl distribution had resulted in four deaths, he still intended to distribute the cocaine found in his possession.

Each of the four charges carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Sentences on each count may run consecutively, exposing Gutierrez to a potential total sentence of up to 80 years. Each count also includes a potential fine of up to $1 million or twice the gross proceeds of the offense, whichever is greater. Following any term of incarceration, Gutierrez must also serve a supervised release term.

Sentencing is currently scheduled for January 13, 2026.

Multi-Agency Investigation

The investigation was conducted as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program, a federal initiative aimed at dismantling high-level criminal organizations through coordinated efforts among law enforcement agencies.

Federal authorities credited the investigation to Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Newark, led by Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael McCarthy. Additional support came from the North Brunswick Police Department and the Franklin Township Police Department.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Vincent D. Romano and Christopher Fell of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Newark.

More information about the OCDETF program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.