NEWARK, N.J. - Two West Orange, New Jersey, men are charged with federal narcotics offenses after an investigation revealed a large quantity of methamphetamine and other narcotics in their residence, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced today.
Brian Cheda-Hackembruch, 23, is charged with conspiracy to distribute over 500 grams of methamphetamine and maintaining a drug-involved premises. Eduardo Martinez, 39, is charged with possession of methamphetamine. Both defendants appeared this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Steven C. Mannion in Newark federal court.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
As part of an investigation beginning in May 2019, law enforcement officers observed multiple individuals coming and going from Cheda-Hackembruch’s residence, in a manner consistent with narcotics activity. A search of the residence on July 29, 2019, discovered 4,322.8 grams of methamphetamine, 74 grams of marijuana, 96 fluid ounces of Gamma Butyrolactone (GBL) and bank statements suggesting that Cheda-Hackembruch’s bank account contained over $500,000. Law enforcement searched Martinez’s room and discovered an additional 38 grams of methamphetamine. Officers also located packaging materials, scales, and items consistent with methamphetamine processing.
The count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine carries a maximum penalty of life in prison and a fine of up to $10 million. The count of maintaining a drug-involved premises count carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, a $500,000 fine, and a civil penalty up to $250,000. The count of possession of methamphetamine count carries a maximum penalty of one year in prison and a $100,000 fine.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited officers of the Essex County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Armando Fontoura, with the investigation leading to the charges.
The government is represented by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn Barnes of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Narcotics/OCDETF Unit in Newark.
The charges and allegations in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Defense counsel:
Cheda-Hackembruch: Eric Mark Esq., Newark
Martinez: TBD
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
