U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger | U.S. Department of Justice
A man from Mercer County, New Jersey, has been charged with illegal possession of firearms and drugs. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger.
Jose Colon-Matos, 33, residing in Trenton, faces charges including being a felon in possession of two firearms, intending to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, and possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking. Colon-Matos appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Tonianne J. Bongiovanni on January 6, 2025, in Trenton federal court and remains detained pending a hearing set for January 10, 2025.
According to case documents and court statements, law enforcement conducted a search on May 15, 2024. They investigated narcotics activity in Hamilton Township within Mercer County. During the search of an apartment used by Colon-Matos, officers found two loaded firearms—one with an obliterated serial number—alongside quantities of suspected fentanyl and cocaine and approximately $9,000 in cash. Tests by the New Jersey State Police forensic laboratory confirmed the presence of fentanyl and cocaine.
If convicted as a felon in possession of a firearm, Colon-Matos could face up to 15 years in prison with fines reaching $250,000. The drug distribution charges each carry potential penalties of up to 20 years imprisonment and fines up to $1 million. The charge related to firearm possession during drug trafficking carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years which must run consecutively with any other sentences imposed.
The investigation involved special agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation under Acting Special Agent Brian Driscoll's direction in Newark. Additional support came from the Hamilton Township Police Division led by Chief Kenneth R. DeBoskey and the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Garelick is representing the government in this case through the Criminal Division office in Trenton.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger reminded that "the charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations," stressing that "the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty."
Andrea G. Aldana from the Office of the Federal Public Defender serves as defense counsel for Colon-Matos.
