Essex County Felon Convicted of Drug Trafficking, Firearm Possession, and Possessing a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking

NEWARK, N.J. – An Essex County, New Jersey, man was convicted on drug and weapon charges, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.

Ricky Hubbard, 45, of Newark, was convicted on March 13, 2023, following a four-day trial before U.S. District Judge Kevin McNulty on one count each of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; possession with intent to distribute cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. 

According to documents in this case and evidence at trial:

On Nov. 6, 2019, law enforcement officers pulled over Hubbard’s car in Union, New Jersey. Inside a secret compartment, Hubbard possessed 369 doses of cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl packaged for distribution; drug-packaging materials; and a 9mm Taurus handgun loaded with seven rounds of ammunition, including one in the chamber. 

The firearm possession charge carries a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000. The drug trafficking charge carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $1 million. The possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime charge carries a minimum sentence of five years in prison, a maximum potential penalty of life in prison, and a maximum fine of $250,000.  Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark; the Union Township Police Department, under the direction of Police Director Chris Donnelly; the Union County Prosecutor’s Office under the direction of Prosecutor William A. Daniel, and the Union County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Union County Sheriff Peter D. Corvelli Jr., with the investigation leading to the conviction.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Olta Bejleri and Emma Spiro of the Criminal Division in Newark.