A Somerset County resident has pleaded guilty to distributing fentanyl and cocaine, resulting in the deaths of four people. Mauricio Gutierrez, 52, of Somerset, New Jersey, entered his plea before U.S. District Judge Zahid N. Quraishi in Trenton federal court.
Gutierrez admitted to two counts of distribution and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, as well as two counts of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. According to court documents and statements made during proceedings, on June 22, 2022, Gutierrez distributed fentanyl from his home in Somerset on two occasions. These actions led to the deaths of four individuals.
On September 27, 2023, law enforcement arrested Gutierrez and found cocaine stored in both his vehicle and residence. Despite knowing about the earlier fatalities linked to his fentanyl distribution, Gutierrez admitted he still intended to distribute the seized cocaine at a later date.
Each count carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. Sentences may be served consecutively. The charges also include potential fines up to $1 million or twice the gross profits from the offenses. Any prison term will be followed by supervised release.
Sentencing is set for January 13, 2026.
Acting U.S. Attorney and Special Attorney Alina Habba credited Homeland Security Investigations Newark for leading the investigation under Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael McCarthy. Additional assistance came from the North Brunswick Department led by Chief Joe Battaglia and Franklin Township Police Department under Public Safety Director Quovella Maeweather.
"This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN)."
The prosecution is part of ongoing efforts by Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operations aimed at disrupting high-level criminal organizations through a coordinated approach involving multiple agencies. More information about OCDETF can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Vincent D. Romano and Christopher Fell are representing the government in this case.
Defense counsel includes Anthony Pope and Joseph Alter.
