A Paterson man has admitted to illegally possessing firearms, ammunition, and narcotics as part of multiple felony charges. U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced that Lamont Baker, 33, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Claire C. Cecchi in Newark. The case involved one count of unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon, one possession of fentanyl and cocaine with intent to distribute, and two counts of cocaine distribution.
Court documents revealed that Baker conducted cocaine sales on September 14 and September 20, 2022. Authorities later searched his residence and vehicle on September 29, recovering two firearms, including one with a defaced serial number, ammunition, fentanyl, cocaine, currency, and drug packaging materials.
His criminal history includes a 2008 robbery conviction and a 2021 aggravated assault conviction involving a firearm.
Each charge of drug-related activity carries a potential 20-year sentence and fine of up to $1 million. The firearms charge may result in a maximum penalty of 15 years' imprisonment and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is set for September 17, 2025.
The investigation, leading to Baker's guilty plea, was credited to special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), under Special Agent in Charge L.C. Cheeks Jr. The prosecution is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Specht of the Special Prosecutions Division.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence nationwide. The Department of Justice emphasizes principles such as building community trust, strategic enforcement, and supporting violence-prevention organizations under this initiative.
Defense counsel for Baker is Christopher Adams of Newark, N.J.
