By: Richard L. Smith
A Trenton man faces multiple federal charges after being found in possession of firearms and large quantities of fentanyl and cocaine, according to information released by the U.S. Department of Justice.
Jose Colon-Matos, 33, was charged with being a felon in possession of two firearms, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, and possession of firearms in connection with drug trafficking. Colon-Matos appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Tonianne J. Bongiovanni in Trenton federal court on January 6, 2025.
He remains in custody pending a detention hearing set for January 10, 2025.
Court records and statements indicate that on May 15, 2024, law enforcement conducted a court-authorized search of an apartment linked to Colon-Matos in Hamilton Township, Mercer County.
Officers recovered two loaded firearms, one with a defaced serial number, along with distribution quantities of fentanyl and cocaine.
Approximately $9,000 in cash was also seized from a safe in the apartment.
Subsequent testing by the New Jersey State Police confirmed the presence of fentanyl and cocaine.
Colon-Matos faces significant penalties if convicted. The charge of felon in possession of a firearm carries a maximum sentence of 15 years and a $250,000 fine.
The drug distribution charges could result in up to 20 years in prison and fines of up to $1 million for each count.
The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey.