Bronx man sentenced after trying to distribute fentanyl in Elizabeth, New Jersey

Elizabeth

By: Richard L. Smith

A Bronx, New York, man was sentenced today to 70 months in prison for possessing fentanyl with intent to distribute and resisting arrest with a deadly weapon, announced United States Attorney Philip R. .Sellinger.

According to federal officials, Miguel Nuñez, 50, of the Bronx, New York, previously pleaded guilty to one count of possessing 40 grams of fentanyl with the intent to distribute and one count of resisting and obstructing officers with a deadly or dangerous weapon.

The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Julien X. Neals in federal court in Newark.

According to court documents and affidavits, on March 24, 2021, Nuñez and Jesus Higuera-Parra, 28, of Ontario, California, drove from New York to Elizabeth, New Jersey, with the intent to distribute fentanyl.

When they arrived to meet the buyer, they were approached by members of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

Nuñez, who was driving, put the car in reverse in an attempt to flee, resulting in a collision with a DEA vehicle.

In addition to the prison term, Judge Neals sentenced Nuñez to four years of supervised release.

Higuera-Parra previously pleaded guilty to possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute and is awaiting sentencing.

This case highlights the ongoing efforts of local, state and federal authorities to combat the distribution of dangerous narcotics and hold offenders accountable.