By: Najla Alexander
A Union County man was sentenced to 61 months in prison for illegally possessing fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and oxycodone for distribution and possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger said William Murphy, 45, of Elizabeth, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Madeline Cox Arleo to the information charging him.
According to officials, the charges were 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.
Judge Arleo imposed the sentence today in Newark, federal court officials say.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Authorities said on July 30, 2020, law enforcement officers executed search warrants at Murphy’s residence.
Officials say at the residence, they 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.
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, police say.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Arleo sentenced Murphy to three years of supervised release.
