Somerset County Man Convicted of Drug Trafficking, Possession of Firearms in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking, and Illegal Possession of Firearms

TRENTON, N.J. - A Somerset County, New Jersey, man was convicted of drug trafficking, possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking, and illegal possession of firearms, U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced.

Malachi A. Muhammad, 50, of Somerset, was convicted of one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and heroin, and one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. Muhammad was also convicted of one count of possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and one count of unlawful possession of firearms by a convicted felon. Muhammad was convicted following a one-week trial before U.S. District Judge Georgette Castner in Trenton federal court. The jury deliberated less than two hours before returning the guilty verdicts.

"This verdict underscores our commitment to keeping guns out of the hands of drug traffickers and dangerous drugs like methamphetamine, fentanyl, heroin and cocaine out of our communities. My message is clear: if you jeopardize the safety and security of New Jerseyans, we will hold you accountable. Our office and our law enforcement partners won't rest until we do."

- U.S. Attorney Alina Habba

"This conviction is an example of ATF's dedication to working with our state and local partners in identifying, investigating, and apprehending criminals who prey upon innocent citizens and lessen the quality of life in our neighborhoods through the trafficking of narcotics and the illegal possession and use of firearms, said Newark ATF Special Agent in Charge L.C. Cheeks, Jr. "This is a reminder that there is no safe haven for those that wreak havoc or contribute to crime in our communities. ATF will never waver in our commitment to protecting the people we serve and public safety."

According to documents filed in this case and the evidence at trial:

On August 19, 2021, officers from the Lawrence Township Police Department responded to the southbound lanes of Route 1 near the Quaker Bridge Mall in response to calls from concerned citizens about a car stopped in the middle of the highway. Officers found Muhammad, the only occupant and driver of the car, initially unresponsive and believed him to be asleep or experiencing a medical emergency. After officers were able to arouse Muhammad, they noticed the handle of a handgun in between his legs. Officers removed Muhammad from the vehicle, and he was placed under arrest. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed 91 pills of methamphetamine, 468 wax folds of fentanyl and heroin, 5 bags of cocaine, and five additional firearms, including two semi-automatic rifles, and over 150 rounds of ammunition.

The drug trafficking charges each carry maximum penalties of up to 20 years in prison and fines of up to $1,000,000. The firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years imprisonment, which must be served consecutively to any other term of imprisonment, a maximum penalty of life imprisonment, and a fine of up to $250,000. The unlawful possession of a firearm charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $250,000. Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.

U.S. Attorney Habba credited special agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) under the direction of Special Agent in Charge L.C. Cheeks, Jr., the Lawrence Township Police Department, under the direction of Interim Chief Kevin Reading, the New Jersey State Police, under the direction of Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, and the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone, with the investigation leading to the guilty verdict.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracey A. Agnew and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Garelick of the U.S. Attorney's Office Criminal Division in Trenton.

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