Burlington County Man Charged with Drug and Firearm Crimes

CAMDEN, N.J. - A Burlington County, New Jersey, man has been charged with drug and firearm offenses, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.

Daniel Garcia Jr., 27, of Maple Shade, is charged by complaint with possession with intent to distribute over 50 grams of methamphetamine and possession of firearms by a convicted felon. His initial court appearance will be scheduled for a later date.

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

On June 23, 2024, at approximately 12:35 p.m., Garcia and another individual rushed a minor to the hospital because the minor was not breathing, was having seizures, drooling, and unresponsive. The minor was treated at the hospital and was later flown to a children's hospital, where care continued. Drug screening tests for the minor were positive for benzodiazepine, fentanyl, and cocaine. Medical personnel at the children's hospital informed law enforcement officers that the minor had been administered benzodiazepine and fentanyl during treatment, but that cocaine had not been administered. A doctor at the children's hospital also informed law enforcement officers that the minor's symptoms, including seizure, cardiac arrest, and cardiac arrythmia, were all symptoms of a cocaine overdose.

On June 24, 2024, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Garcia's residence and found cash, drug packaging paraphernalia and an envelope containing both 9mm and .357 magnum ammunition. On June 25, 2024, a search of a vehicle that Garcia had been seen operating revealed a laundry bag that contained $150,000 cash, 329.1 grams of methamphetamine, 767 grams of cocaine, 41 amphetamine tablets, 102 alprazolam tablets, 272 oxycodone tablets, 2.6 grams of MDMA powder, 1,341 grams of marijuana, 9.9 grams of psilocin and psilocybin mushrooms, 192 grams of crystalline cutting agents commonly used for illegal drug preparation, three digital scales, drug packaging material, two 9mm handguns and a .357 magnum revolver. The three firearms were loaded. Law enforcement officers also reviewed surveillance video from the apartment complex that showed Garcia returning to the apartment after leaving the hospital and placing the laundry bag inside the trunk of the vehicle.

The charge of possession with intent to distribute over 50g of methamphetamine carries a minimum statutory term of 10 years, a maximum statutory term of life, and a maximum fine of $10 million. The charge of being a felon in possession of firearms carries a maximum statutory term of 15 years and a maximum fine of $250,000.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Cheryl Ortiz, with the investigation. U.S. Attorney Sellinger also thanked the Burlington County Prosecutor's Office, under the direction of Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw, and the Maple Shade Police Department, under the direction of Chief Christopher Fletcher.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew B. Johns of the Criminal Division in Camden.

The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.