Paterson Man with Multiple Felony Convictions Admits to Illegally Possessing Firearms, Ammunition, Fentanyl, And Cocaine

NEWARK, N.J. - A Paterson, New Jersey man admitted to illegally possessing two firearms and ammunition, possessing fentanyl and cocaine with intent to distribute, and distributing cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Alina Habba.

Lamont Baker, 33, of Paterson, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Claire C. Cecchi in Newark federal court to four counts of a Superseding Indictment charging him with one count of unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon, one count of possession of fentanyl and cocaine with intent to distribute, and two counts of distribution of cocaine.

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

On September 14, 2022 and September 20, 2022, law enforcement conducted controlled purchases of cocaine from Baker. On those dates, Baker traveled from his residence to a predetermined location to sell cocaine.

On September 29, 2022, law enforcement searched Baker's residence and car, and recovered two firearms (including one with a defaced serial number), ammunition (including hollow point rounds), fentanyl, and cocaine, along with several hundred dollars in U.S. currency and materials used to package, store, and transport drugs for distribution. In 2008, Baker was convicted for his participation in a robbery and in 2021, he was convicted of aggravated assault with a firearm.

The count of unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Each count of possession of fentanyl and cocaine with intent to distribute, and distribution of cocaine, carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for September 17, 2025.

U.S. Attorney Habba credited special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), under the direction of Special Agent in Charge L.C. Cheeks Jr. for the investigation leading to the guilty plea.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Specht of the Special Prosecutions Division.

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Defense counsel: Christopher Adams, Newark, N.J.