New York Man Admits Illegally Possessing Cocaine and Fentanyl

NEWARK, N.J. – A New York man today admitted illegally possessing cocaine and fentanyl for distribution, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.

Isidro Fernandez, 35, New York, pleaded guilty to before U.S. District Judge Katharine S. Hayden in Newark federal court to an information charging him with one count of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.

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

On Feb. 26, 2021, law enforcement officers recovered a total of over 5 kilograms of cocaine and over 3 kilograms of fentanyl from a Passaic County residence occupied by Fernandez and from a vehicle that was seen leaving the residence. Fernandez admitted possessing the controlled substances with the intent to distribute.

The narcotics offense carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison, and a fine of $1 million. Sentencing is scheduled for May 2, 2024.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited the New York Drug Enforcement Task Force, which comprises special agents and task force officers of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New York City Police Department, and New York State Police, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Chelsea D. Coleman of the Opioid Abuse Prevention and Enforcement Unit in Newark.