A Newark man admitted his role in an attempted carjacking in Newark, during which a firearm was discharged, and possessing heroin and cocaine base with intent to distribute, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Federal authorities said Mr. Antwan Malone, 34, of Newark, pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Julien X. Neals to one count of attempted carjacking, one count of using and carrying a firearm, which was brandished, during and in relation to the attempted carjacking; and one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine base.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On February 22, 2021, law enforcement officers responded to the area of the I-78 West entrance ramp and Irvine Turner Boulevard in Newark on a report of an attempted carjacking with a weapon.
They learned that Malone had pulled up beside a BMW M5 SUV that was stopped at a stoplight and blocked the BMW’s ability to enter I-78.
Malone approached the vehicle brandishing a handgun and then pointed the gun at the driver’s face while repeatedly telling the driver to either exit the vehicle or Malone would shoot them.
The driver was able to escape by ramming the BMW into Malone’s vehicle and entering the I-78 entrance ramp.
Malone fired two shots at the BMW.
Malone also admitted today that on January 12, 2021, he possessed cocaine base and heroin with intent to distribute.
The count of attempted carjacking carries a maximum potential sentence of 15 years in prison.
The count of discharging of a firearm during a crime of violence is punishable by a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison, which must run consecutively to any term of imprisonment imposed on any other charges.
The count of possessing heroin and cocaine base with intent to distribute carries a statutory maximum prison sentence of 20 years and a maximum fine of $1 million, twice the gross profits or other proceeds to the defendant, whichever is greater.
Sentencing is scheduled for May 23, 2022.