NEWARK, N.J. — This is an official press release from the U.S. Department of Justice (USAO - New Jersey), published as received.

NEWARK, N.J. – A Cumberland County, New Jersey, man pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.

Oscar J. Gonzalez, 37, of Vineland, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John Michael Vazquez to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl.

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

From Jan. 20, 2020, through Jan. 26, 2020, Gonzalez conspired with others to distribute kilograms of cocaine. On Jan. 25, 2020, he agreed to purchase kilograms of cocaine and, pursuant to that agreement, traveled to a location in Union County, New Jersey, to obtain the cocaine. He brought with him approximately $24,000 in cash, in order to pay for one kilogram of cocaine. Once at that location, he was arrested and charged with conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. 

While on release in connection with that case, Gonzalez agreed to distribute five kilograms of fentanyl. On April 24, 2020, Gonzalez arranged for another individual to deliver the fentanyl to a location in Monmouth County, New Jersey. Law enforcement officers seized the fentanyl from Gonzalez’ conspirator, and Gonzalez was arrested.

The count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison, a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison, and a fine of up to $5 million. The count of possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, and a fine of up to $10 million. Sentencing is scheduled for April 21, 2021.

U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito credited special agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent Susan A. Gibson in Newark, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea. 

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Francesca Liquori, of the Organized Crime and Gangs Unit.