NEWARK, NJ — A Newark man has been indicted on multiple firearms and narcotics charges, including possession of a firearm in connection with drug trafficking, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced Wednesday.

Raishaun Lofton, 30, of Newark, was charged with possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, possession of ammunition by a convicted felon, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Lofton appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Almonte in Newark federal court and was ordered detained.

According to court filings, Lofton was arrested on February 22, 2024, during an investigation in which officers recovered a privately made firearm without a serial number, nine rounds of 9mm ammunition, 81 glassine envelopes containing fentanyl, and plastic jugs commonly used in drug distribution. Two months later, on April 22, surveillance footage allegedly showed Lofton firing another firearm during an argument. One of the bullets entered the living room of a nearby home where a family with two children was watching a movie. No injuries were reported, and law enforcement later recovered the firearm Lofton discharged.

If convicted, Lofton faces severe penalties. Each of the firearms and ammunition possession charges carries up to 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The fentanyl distribution charge carries a maximum of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine. The firearm possession in furtherance of drug trafficking charge includes a mandatory minimum sentence of five years, which must run consecutively to other sentences, and a maximum of life in prison.

The investigation was conducted by special agents of the FBI and officers and detectives of the Newark Police Department.

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