By: Richard L. Smith
Ricky Hubbard, a 46-year-old Newark resident, has been given a substantial sentence of 228 months in federal prison for his involvement in drug trafficking, illegal firearm possession, and using a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger made the announcement, marking a significant milestone in this pursuit of justice.
Federal officials said Hubbard's conviction was secured on March 13, 2023, following a rigorous four-day trial presided over by U.S. District Judge Kevin McNulty.
He faced a single count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl, and another count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Judge McNulty, after careful consideration, imposed the lengthy sentence in Newark federal court on this day.
The case's records and trial evidence revealed a critical sequence of events:
On November 6, 2019, law enforcement officers conducted a traffic stop on Hubbard's vehicle in Union, New Jersey.
A subsequent search uncovered a concealed compartment within the car, revealing Hubbard's possession of more than 369 doses of cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl carefully packaged for distribution.
Additionally, officers found drug-packaging materials and a loaded 9mm Taurus handgun, equipped with seven rounds of ammunition, including one in the chamber.
In addition to the substantial prison term, Judge McNulty handed down an additional five-year period of supervised release for Ricky Hubbard.
This sentence serves as a stern reminder of the consequences that individuals involved in drug trafficking and illegal firearm possession may face under the law.
