By: Richard L. Smith
A Newark man is now facing significant prison time after pleading guilty to multiple firearms and drug trafficking charges, following a federal investigation into illegal weapons and narcotics sales in New Jersey.
According to information released by the U.S. Department of Justice, Carlo M. De Leon De Jesus, 28, of Newark, entered his guilty plea before U.S. District Judge Robert Kirsch in Trenton federal court.
He admitted to four separate charges: dealing firearms without a license, transferring firearms to an out-of-state resident, firearms trafficking, and conspiracy to distribute narcotics.
The charges stem from a series of transactions that occurred between July and September 2023.
During that time, De Leon De Jesus sold various firearms and controlled substances directly to law enforcement agents.
Among the weapons sold were a pistol, a semiautomatic handgun, a short-barrel rifle, and an AK-style rifle.
He also distributed fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine as part of the operation.
Each firearms offense—including dealing without a license and illegally transferring weapons across state lines—carries a potential maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The firearms trafficking charge is punishable by up to 15 years in prison. The narcotics conspiracy charge is the most severe, carrying a possible sentence of up to 20 years and a fine of $1 million.
De Leon De Jesus is scheduled to be sentenced on July 28, 2025.