By: Najla Alexander
Authorities in Monmouth County announced that a Hazlet man has admitted to multiple counts of possessing large quantities of narcotics with the intent to distribute, as well as possessing a firearm while committing a drug offense.
Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago stated during a hearing on Monday, March 10, Robert Maldonado, 47, pleaded guilty to first-degree Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS), second-degree Possession of a Firearm in the Course of Committing a Drug Offense and second-degree Possession with Intent to Distribute CDS, before the Honorable Joseph W. Oxley, J.S.C.
As a result of his plea, Maldonado faces 15 years in a New Jersey State Prison and must serve at least 42 months before he is eligible for parole, Monmouth County officials said.
According to MCPO officials, the guilty plea stems from multiple cooperative investigations with members of the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Bayshore Task Force, Hazlet, Keansburg and Middletown Police Departments in 2024.
The initial investigation resulted in a search of Maldonado’s residence in January of 2024, MCPO officials say. During that search, law enforcement recovered a 9mm handgun and multiple controlled dangerous substances, including over 5 ounces of cocaine.
A subsequent investigation led to the execution of a second search warrant at Maldonado’s residence in November of 2024, Monmouth County authorities stated.
During that subsequent search, Monmouth County officials said police recovered an additional half ounce of cocaine, as well as paraphernalia, indicative of the distribution of narcotics.
Maldonado’s sentencing is scheduled for Friday, May 16, 2025, before Judge Oxley, MCPO officials stated.