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 Venezuelan man has been charged in connection with possessing with intent to distribute over two kilograms of black tar heroin, U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced.
Reinaldo Rafael Belisario Mendoza (“Mendoza”), 29, of Venezuela, was charged by complaint with one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin. Mendoza appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge James B. Clark, III in Newark federal court on May 29, 2025, and was detained.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
In May 2025, law enforcement officials received information that Mendoza was engaged in narcotics trafficking in New Jersey. On May 28, 2025, Mendoza met with a prospective buyer to sell two kilograms of heroin that he had stored in the trunk of his vehicle. Mendoza drove to the sale with an adult and two minor family members in the car.
The heroin distribution count carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, maximum potential penalty of life in prison, and a $10 million fine.
U.S. Attorney Habba credited special agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) New York Division’s Special Agent in Charge Frank Tarentino, with the investigation leads to the arrest.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica R. Ecker of the Criminal Division in Newark.
The charge and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Defense counsel: Adalgiza Nunez, Esq.
