NEWARK, N.J. — A Paterson man admitted in federal court to conspiring to distribute fentanyl and possessing the drug with intent to distribute, U.S. Attorney Habba announced Tuesday.
Angelo Restituyo-Garcia, 34, pleaded guilty before Senior U.S. District Judge Katharine S. Hayden to two counts: conspiracy to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and possession with intent to distribute the same amount, both federal offenses under Title 21.
Federal prosecutors said Restituyo-Garcia worked with others between March and May 2020 to traffic fentanyl. On May 1, 2020, he delivered nearly 500 pills of compressed fentanyl weighing over 50 grams in exchange for $2,750.
Both charges carry a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison, with a maximum potential penalty of 40 years and a $5 million fine.
Sentencing set for October
Sentencing is scheduled for October 1 before Judge Hayden in Newark federal court.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Newark Division, led by Special Agent in Charge Cheryl Ortiz, and the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, led by Prosecutor Camelia Valdes.
Officials did not release information about any co-conspirators or additional charges stemming from the case.
Restituyo-Garcia admitted to delivering over 50 grams of fentanyl as part of a trafficking scheme disrupted by federal agents.
