October 30, 2023 - NEWARK, N.J. – Two California men were each sentenced today to 24 months in prison for conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine in New Jersey and elsewhere, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.

Erik Eduardo Velazquez Bautista, 25, and Jesus Alejandro Rodriguez Velasquez, 27, both of San Diego, California, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Brian R. Martinotti to an informations charging them with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine. Judge Martinotti imposed the sentences today in Newark federal court.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

On Dec. 2, 2021, Velazquez Bautista and Rodriguez Velasquez were driving across the country to deliver narcotics to a purchaser in New York when they were stopped by law enforcement. Law enforcement seized approximately 20 kilograms of methamphetamine and approximately five kilograms of fentanyl. 

In addition to the prison terms, Judge Martinotti sentenced both defendants to three years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New Jersey Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Cheryl Ortiz, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencings.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine M. Romano of the Health Care Fraud Unit in Newark.


DEA file photo
Source: DOJ Release