A Newark man who was previously convicted of federal heroin distribution charges was indicted today with drug distribution and firearms crimes, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Authorities charged Jihad Garrett, 34, with possession of heroin with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm in the course of committing that drug crime, and being a previously convicted felon in possession of a handgun.
Officials said he’s scheduled to make his initial appearance next week before U.S. Magistrate Judge Cathy Waldor in Newark federal court.
According to the indictment:
Garrett was charged in connection with the Feb. 23, 2018, seizure of a vehicle he was driving. Newark police subsequently recovered from the vehicle 500 packets of heroin that were prepared for distribution and a .40 caliber handgun loaded with seven rounds of ammunition. Garrett was convicted in 2012 in Newark federal court on heroin distribution charges and was sentenced to 74 months in prison.
The current heroin distribution charge carries a maximum of 20 years in prison; the count of possession of a firearm during the drug offense carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and a maximum term of life in prison that must be served upon completion of the drug offense.
The charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm carries a maximum term of 10 years in prison.
The charges and allegations in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.