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. – Two California men admitted conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine in New Jersey and elsewhere, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.
Erik Eduardo Velazquez Bautista, 25, of San Diego, California, pleaded guilty by videoconference today before U.S. District Judge Brian R. Martinotti to an information charging him with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine. Jesus Alejandro Rodriguez Velasquez, 27, also of San Diego, California, pleaded guilty on March 2, 2023, to the same offense before Judge Martinotti by videoconference.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On Dec. 2, 2021, Velazquez Bautista and Rodriguez Velasquez were driving across the country to deliver narcotics to a purchaser in New York when they were stopped by law enforcement. Law enforcement seized approximately 20 kilograms of methamphetamine and approximately five kilograms of fentanyl.
Velazquez Bautista and Rodriguez Velasquez each face a maximum punishment of 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of up to $1 million. Sentencing for Rodriguez Velasquez is scheduled for July 11, 2023; sentencing for Velazquez Bautista is scheduled for July 18, 2923.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New Jersey Division, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Daniel J. Kafafian, with the investigation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine M. Romano of the Health Care Fraud Unit in Newark.
