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Press Release

California Man Admits Possessing With Intent To Distribute 29 Kilograms Of Methamphetamine

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of New Jersey

TRENTON, N.J. – A South Gate, California, man today admitted his intent to distribute over 29 kilograms of methamphetamine that was hidden in a tractor trailer he was driving, Acting U.S. Attorney William E. Fitzpatrick announced.

Tomas Lopez Beltran, 45, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Brian R. Martinotti in Trenton federal court to an information charging him with one count of possession with intent to distribute more than 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.

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

On Oct. 28, 2016, law enforcement lawfully searched a tractor trailer driven by Beltran and recovered approximately 29 kilograms of methamphetamine and $73,500 in cash from a concealed compartment located inside the cab of the trailer. Beltran admitted today that he intended to distribute the methamphetamine and cash to an individual in Georgia.

The count of possession with intent to distribute more than 500 grams or more of methamphetamine carries a minimum potential penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum potential penalty of life in prison. Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.

Acting U.S. Attorney Fitzpatrick credited special agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Carl J. Kotowski in Newark, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elaine K. Lou and Karen D. Stringer of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Newark.

Defense counsel: David Holman, Esq., Assistant Federal Public Defender, Newark

Updated April 10, 2017

Topic
Drug Trafficking
Press Release Number: 17-111