A Somerset County resident has pleaded guilty to distributing fentanyl and cocaine, actions that led to 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. He 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, Gutierrez distributed fentanyl on June 22, 2022, from his home in Somerset. The distribution occurred on two separate occasions and resulted in the deaths of four individuals. On September 27, 2023, law enforcement arrested Gutierrez and found cocaine in both his vehicle and residence. Gutierrez acknowledged that he intended to distribute the cocaine even after learning about the deaths caused by the earlier fentanyl distribution.
Each count carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. Sentences for each count may be served consecutively. Each charge also includes a potential fine of at least $1 million or twice the gross profits from the offense. After any prison term imposed, supervised release is required.
Sentencing is set for January 13, 2026.
“Acting U.S. Attorney and Special Attorney Habba credited special agents of Homeland Security Investigations Newark, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael McCarthy, with the investigation leading to the charges. He also thanked the North Brunswick Department, under the direction of Chief Joe Battaglia, and Franklin Township Police Department, under the direction of Public Safety Director Quovella Maeweather, for their assistance.”
The case falls under Operation Take Back America, an initiative that brings together resources from various agencies within the Department of Justice to address illegal immigration and dismantle criminal organizations involved in violent crime and drug trafficking. The operation leverages efforts from programs such as Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). OCDETF uses a prosecutor-led approach involving multiple agencies to target high-level criminal groups threatening national security. More information about OCDETF can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The prosecution is handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Vincent D. Romano and Christopher Fell from Newark’s Criminal Division.
Defense attorneys are Anthony Pope and Joseph Alter.
