By: Richard L. Smith
On Wednesday, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger reported the sentencing of Juan Carlos Merced Moreno, also known as "Samuel," a 45-year-old man from Manhattan, New York.
Federal officials said Moreno was convicted of taking part in a conspiracy to distribute dangerous drugs, including fentanyl, methamphetamine, and heroin, in various locations in New Jersey.
The sentencing came after Moreno pleaded guilty through a videoconference on December 20, 2022, before U.S. District Judge Claire C. Cecchi.
According to federal officials, he was charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute substantial quantities of illicit substances.
Specifically, the charges included 40 grams or more of fentanyl, 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and 100 grams or more of heroin.
On July 25, 2023, in Newark federal court, Judge Cecchi handed down a significant sentence of 132 months in federal prison for Moreno's involvement in the drug conspiracy.
The court documents and statements made during the trial revealed that Moreno confessed to his actions during the period between November 2020 and January 2021.
He openly admitted to conspiring with others to distribute and possess these dangerous drugs, with some of the activities occurring at locations in Manhattan. Federal authorities revealed that some of the illegal substances were transported to New Jersey as part of the illicit operation.
In addition to the lengthy prison term, Judge Cecchi imposed an additional four-year period of supervised release for Moreno.
This will serve as an extended period of scrutiny following his release from prison, intended to monitor and guide his reintegration into society.