By: Najla Alexander
Authorities in Atlantic County announced that on Thursday, November 30, 2023, Lenardo Caro, 31, of Atlantic City, NJ, pleaded guilty before the Honorable W. Todd Miller, J.S.C., to unlawful possession of a handgun without a permit.
Officials stated that under the terms of his plea agreement, Caro is expected to be sentenced to six years in New Jersey State Prison with 42 months of parole ineligibility pursuant to the Graves Act.
According to officials, his co-defendant, Robert Caro-Green, 33, also of Atlantic City, previously pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a handgun without a permit on October 19, 2023.
Authorities say he is also expected to be sentenced to six years in New Jersey State Prison with 42 months of parole ineligibility.
On September 24, 2021, officials said the Atlantic City Special Investigations Unit and Atlantic City SWAT members executed a no-knock search warrant at 1536 Mediterranean Avenue in Atlantic City.
Upon arriving at the location, officials say, Atlantic City SWAT personnel immediately encountered Robert Caro-Green and Lenardo Caro.
Officials said upon searching the residence, law enforcement located one black Polymer 80 “Ghost Gun” loaded with live ammunition under the living room sofa.
While continuing the search in the upstairs part of the residence, law enforcement located one black Tec-9 machine gun, which was defaced, and one black Polymer 80 9mm “Ghost Gun,” officials say.
In addition, officials stated law enforcement located two extended handgun magazines loaded with live ammunition, two compact-sized magazines loaded with live ammunition, and boxes of ammunition.
According to officials, concluding the search of the residence, law enforcement located handgun molding kits, heat sealer bags, a heat sealer machine, CDS paraphernalia, and a safe containing a large amount of marijuana.
Sentencing for Caro-Green will be held on January 18, 2023, and Caro’s sentencing will take place on February 14, 2023, officials said.
Officials say both defendants were released from jail pending their sentencing over the State’s objection.