Essex County Man Admits Fentanyl, Cocaine, and Firearms Charges

NEWARK, N.J. – An Essex County, New Jersey, man today admitted possessing with intent to distribute over five kilograms of fentanyl and four kilograms of cocaine, and possessing six firearms as a convicted felon, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.

Carlos Santiago, 49, of East Orange, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Michael Farbiarz in Newark federal court to possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, and possession of firearms by a convicted felon.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

On Oct. 24, 2022, federal agents encountered Santiago as he was moving controlled substances from a storage unit to his vehicle in Newark. Santiago was arrested after law enforcement located several kilograms of fentanyl and cocaine, as well as one firearm, in Santiago’s storage unit. Law enforcement searched Santiago’s residence in East Orange and located several additional kilograms of fentanyl and cocaine, and five other firearms. Santiago had previously been convicted, in New Jersey Superior Court, Essex County, of a drug offense and resisting arrest.

The count of distribution of 400 grams or more of fentanyl carries a mandatory minimum term of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life imprisonment, and a $10 million fine. The count of distribution of 500 grams or more of cocaine carries a mandatory minimum term of five years in prison, a maximum of 40 years in prison, and a $5 million fine. The count of possession of firearms by a convicted felon carries a maximum term of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 5, 2024.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Cheryl Ortiz in Newark, and special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Bryan Miller, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn Barnes, Chief of the OCDETF/Narcotics Unit in Newark.