By: Richard L. Smith
A Newark resident was convicted on drug and weapon charges, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced Tuesday.
A federal jury convicted Ricky Hubbard, 45, on March 13, 2023, following a four-day trial before U.S. District Judge Kevin McNulty on one count each of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; possession with intent to distribute cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
According to documents in this case and evidence at trial:
On November 6, 2019, law enforcement officers pulled over Hubbard’s car in Union, New Jersey. Inside a secret compartment, Hubbard possessed 369 doses of cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl packaged for distribution; drug-packaging materials; and a 9mm Taurus handgun loaded with seven rounds of ammunition, including one in the chamber.
The firearm possession charge carries a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000.
The drug trafficking charge carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $1 million.
Possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime charge carries a minimum sentence of five years in prison, a maximum potential penalty of life in prison, and a maximum fine of $250,000.
Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.