By Jeff Sommes
Federal authorities reported that a Paterson man admitted illegally possessing fentanyl for distribution and possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
According to U.S. Federal officials, Jessie Mayfield, 59, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Evelyn Padin in Newark federal court to an information charging him with one count of being a previously convicted felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, one count of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On August 24, 2021, Mayfield possessed a quantity of fentanyl that was packaged for distribution with the intent to sell it. He also had a Ruger .22 caliber pistol and a box containing 95 .22 caliber long rifle cartridges.
The narcotics offense carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison, and a fine of $1 million.
The count of being a felon possessing a firearm and ammunition carries a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison.
The count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime carries a statutory mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, which must run consecutively to any other sentence imposed, and a maximum potential penalty of life in prison.
Each firearm count carries a maximum fine of $250,000. Sentencing is scheduled for March 28, 2023.