NEWARK, N.J. – Miguel Nuñez, a 50-year-old resident of Bronx, New York, pleaded guilty to possessing fentanyl with intent to distribute and resisting arrest. The plea was entered before U.S. District Judge Kevin McNulty in Newark federal court.
On March 24, 2021, Nuñez and Jesus Higuera-Parra, 28, of Ontario, California, drove to Elizabeth, New Jersey, intending to distribute fentanyl.
Upon arrival, they were approached by members of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Nuñez, who was driving, reversed his vehicle in an attempt to evade law enforcement, resulting in a collision with a DEA vehicle.
Nuñez now faces a mandatory minimum of five years in prison, a maximum of 40 years, and a fine of up to $5 million for the narcotics offense. The charge of resisting and impeding officers carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000. Sentencing is scheduled for January 23.
Higuera-Parra had previously pleaded guilty to possessing fentanyl with intent to distribute and is awaiting sentencing. The investigation was led by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Cheryl Ortiz in Newark.