Two Men Charged With Conspiracy To Distribute Cocaine

NEWARK, N.J. – Two men appeared in federal court today to face distribution conspiracy and possession charges after law enforcement found over two kilograms of cocaine and heroin in their possession, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.

Hasan J. Johnson, 37, of Chester, Pennsylvania, and Jose D. Martinez, 50, of Palisades Park, New Jersey, are each charged by complaint with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. Martinez is also charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and 100 grams or more of heroin. Both defendants were arrested last night and appeared this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Joseph A. Dickson in Newark federal court.

According to the complaint:

On Nov. 28, 2016, Johnson – who was observed by law enforcement officers leaving a residence in Palisades Park with a bag – was pulled over after committing several traffic violations. During the ensuing stop, Johnson gave consent to search the vehicle. Afterwards, law enforcement officers allegedly found approximately one kilogram of cocaine in the bag. 

Later that night, law enforcement obtained a search warrant for the Palisades Park residence. When they entered the New Jersey Residence they found Martinez in possession a package containing another kilogram of cocaine, as well as 694 grams of heroin.           

Both the conspiracy and possession charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a potential maximum penalty of 40 years in prison, and a $5 million fine.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Meredith Williams of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Narcotics/OCDETF Unit in Newark.

U.S. Attorney Fishman credited the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)’s New Jersey Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Carl J. Kotowski, with the investigation leading to the charges.