By: Yuritza Arroyo
Federal authorities announced that a Union County man today admitted illegally possessing fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and oxycodone for distribution and possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
According to federal officials, William Murphy, 45, of Elizabeth, pleaded guilty 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, 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.
Documents filed in this case and statements made in court state on July 30, 2020, law enforcement officers executed search warrants at Murphy’s residence and found oxycodone pills; knotted bags containing mixtures of cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl; a digital scale; a money counter; numerous empty vacuum sealed bags; and approximately $13,000 in cash.
According to court documents, the officers also recovered a 9mm Taurus handgun loaded with 12 rounds of 9mm ammunition, a magazine loaded with 12 rounds of 9mm ammunition, and a box containing 50 rounds of 9mm ammunition.
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.
Authorities say 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 July 20.