TRENTON — An Edison man faces a minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and fines for his role in a conspiracy to distribute 140 kilograms of narcotics in New Jersey, according to Acting United States Attorney William Fitzpatrick.
Gemal Singleton, 27, and Siddeeq Q. Williams, 39, of Cranford, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Brian R. Martinotti in Trenton federal court on Nov. 8 to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than one kilogram of heroin and five kilograms of cocaine.
Williams also pleaded guilty to one count of assaulting federal officers.
According to the documents filed in the case and statements made in court, Singleton, Williams, and others arranged for cocaine and heroin to be shipped to New Jersey via tractor trailer.
On Aug. 27, the tractor trailer arrived in New Jersey and law enforcement conducted a vehicle stop after the driver committed several traffic violations, according to the documents.
A subsequent search of the tractor-trailer recovered five large duffel bags containing a total of 56 kilograms of heroin and 85 kilograms of cocaine.
Singleton and Williams admitted that they were supposed to meet the tractor-trailer to collect the narcotics for eventual distribution.
On Aug. 30, law enforcement went to speak with Singleton and Williams.
Williams admitted that when two law enforcement officers operating an undercover vehicle attempted to pull him over, he sped away in a Honda Pilot. He also admitted that during the ensuing pursuit, he rammed the Pilot into the officers’ vehicle and drove away.
The drug conspiracy charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum potential penalty of life in prison, and a $10 million fine.
The charge of assaulting a federal officer carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Sentencing for both defendants is scheduled for Feb. 20, 2018.
Fitzpatrick credited special agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Valerie A. Nickerson in Newark, with the investigation leading to the guilty pleas.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Meredith Williams of the U.S. Attorney’s Office represents the state.
Attorney Robert DeGroot, Newark, represents Singleton and Attorney Jon Kearney, Kearny, represents Williams.
