46-year-old Edgar Jesus Avila Alvarado of the Bronx, New York, was sentenced to 59 months in prison on drug charges, including conspiracy to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl. United States District Attorney for New Jersey Philip R. Sellinger announced the news in a press release where he acknowledged the Drug Enforcement Agency's New York Division for conducting another successful investigation.

Have you been arrested on drug charges in New Jersey? A conviction could result in serious consequences. That's especially true if you are facing charges like distribution or conspiracy to distribute drugs. Prosecutors may seek sentencing enhancements or upgrade your case to the federal level. However, being charged doesn't have to mean you will be convicted. It matters who represents you. Call the Lento Law Firm Criminal Defense Team at 888-535-3686 or contact us online today.

A Multi-State Fentanyl Conspiracy

Avila Alvarado's arrest sprung out of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. Officers observed him leave a New York City apartment with a duffle bag and get into a car. They pulled the car over and found roughly three kilograms of fentanyl in Avila Alvarado's duffle bag during a vehicle search. The officers then discovered Avila Alvarado was going to deliver the fentanyl to New Jersey.

A subsequent search of Avila Alvarado's New York City residence turned up four more kilograms of fentanyl, which brought the total amount of drugs in his case to 7.4 kilograms. The quantity of drugs Avila-Alvarado was caught in possession of and the fact he had planned to deliver a portion of them to New Jersey led to federal charges of drug distribution and conspiracy.

Avila Alvarado would eventually plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute a controlled substance with a “detectable amount of fentanyl.” He entered the plea in the Camden, New Jersey, U.S. District Court of Judge Renee Marie Bumb. Judge Bumb sentenced Avila Alvarado to 59 months of confinement plus three years of federal supervision after his release.

Other Consequences of the Conviction

Mr. Avila Alvarado will feel the negative consequences of his guilty plea long after he completes his prison sentence. He has lost his right to possess firearms and vote. That's in addition to being barred from holding certain professional licenses and knowing his conviction will appear on routine background checks.

The Lento Law Firm Can Fight Federal and State Drug Charges in New Jersey

Being arrested for even a misdemeanor drug offense can completely derail your life. A conviction could cost more than your freedom. You could also lose your eligibility to receive financial aid for college and hold certain professional licenses. You deserve quality legal representation whenever your future is on the line, and the Lento Law Firm can give it to you. Call the Lento Law Firm Criminal Defense Team at 888-535-3686 or contact us online today!