By: Najla Alexander
NJ authorities announced that an Essex County man has been arrested on drug and weapons charges.
U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger stated William Elliot, 42, of Newark, is charged by complaint with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge André M. Espinosa in Newark federal court on March 7, 2024, and was detained, officials say.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Officials stated that on March 6, law enforcement officers responded to Elliot’s residence and executed lawful searches of his residence and two vehicles, recovering over 40 grams of fentanyl labeled “GMA” and “SRT,” over 300 grams of cocaine, ammunition, and a Ruger Model P94 .40 caliber firearm.
Authorities say the count of being a felon in possession of a weapon is punishable by a maximum of 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greatest.
The count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine is punishable by a statutory minimum of five years in prison, a maximum of 40 years in prison, and a fine of $5 million, or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greatest, officials said.
Officials say the count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug crime is punishable by a mandatory minimum of five years in prison, a maximum of life in prison, and a fine of $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greatest.
According to officials, the charges carry a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 10 years.