By: Richard L. Smith
Kenneth Strickland, 57, of New Brunswick, New Jersey, was convicted for his involvement in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and heroin, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced Tuesday. 
Strickland was found guilty on July 29, 2024, of all six counts in a superseding indictment, including one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and 100 grams or more of heroin, and five counts of distribution and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
The guilty verdict came after less than two hours of jury deliberation following an eight-day trial before U.S. District Judge Brian R. Martinotti in Newark federal court.
Court documents and trial evidence revealed that from November 12, 2019, through June 30, 2020, Strickland was part of a drug trafficking organization that distributed large quantities of fentanyl in Paterson, New Brunswick, and other areas of New Jersey.
During this period, Strickland conducted 16 drug sales to an undercover police officer, selling brick quantities of fentanyl stamped with labels such as “MY SHADOW,” “DEATH ROW,” and “VENOM.”
It was discovered that Strickland sourced his drug supply from the trafficking organization and sold it to multiple other customers across New Jersey.
On June 30, 2020, law enforcement conducted lawful searches of locations in Paterson and Passaic linked to the drug trafficking organization, recovering more than 350 additional grams of fentanyl and drug paraphernalia, including stamping tools matching those found on the fentanyl sold by Strickland.
The conspiracy charge involving 400 grams or more of fentanyl carries a minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, along with a $10 million fine.
Each charge of distribution and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $1 million.
Sentencing is scheduled for December 12, 2024.
