By: Richard L. Smith
Federal officials said Sean Tighe, 48, of Kearny, has pleaded guilty to charges related to his involvement in a major drug trafficking organization.
U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced that Tighe admitted his role in the importation and distribution of hundreds of kilograms of fentanyl analogues among other controlled substances.
The plea was entered before U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton in Newark federal court.
Tighe faced a second superseding indictment, which charged him with drug trafficking conspiracy and international promotional money laundering conspiracy.
Court documents and statements made during the proceedings reveal that from March 2014 through September 2020, Tighe, alongside his co-conspirators, orchestrated the importation and distribution of various controlled substances.
These included fentanyl, its analogs, synthetic cathinones known as "bath salts," such as ethylone, and ketamine.
The operation involved placing orders with suppliers based in China, with the intent to distribute these dangerous substances within New Jersey.
Tighe also admitted to receiving controlled substances and analogs, which were then pressed into small pills for further distribution.
Financial transactions were a key component of this illicit operation. Tighe acknowledged his responsibility for transferring at least $14,000 to China between April and June 2014 to pay for the imported drugs.
These payments were made through international wire transfers, often involving others recruited for this purpose.
The charge of drug trafficking conspiracy against Tighe carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, with the possibility of life imprisonment, as well as a $10 million fine.
The international promotional money laundering conspiracy charge comes with a maximum potential sentence of 20 years in prison and a $500,000 fine.
Tighe's sentencing is scheduled for November 19, 2024, marking a critical step toward accountability and justice in this case.