An Essex County resident has been indicted on charges related to firearms and narcotics, according to an announcement by U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger.
Raishaun Lofton, 30, from Newark, New Jersey, faces multiple charges including possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, intent to distribute fentanyl, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Lofton appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Almonte in Newark federal court and was detained.
The indictment stems from incidents earlier this year. On February 22, law enforcement recovered a privately made firearm without a serial number, nine rounds of 9mm ammunition, 81 glassine envelopes containing fentanyl, and other drug distribution materials from Lofton. Later on April 22, video footage showed Lofton firing another weapon during an argument. A bullet from this incident entered a nearby living room where a family with two children was present. Authorities later recovered the firearm used in the shooting.
Each count of possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon could result in up to 15 years imprisonment and fines reaching $250,000. The charge for intent to distribute fentanyl carries potential penalties of up to 20 years imprisonment and fines up to $1 million. Possessing a firearm in connection with drug trafficking mandates at least five years imprisonment consecutively to other sentences and could lead to life imprisonment with additional fines up to $250,000.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger acknowledged the efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's special agents under Acting Special Agent in Charge Nelson I. Delgado in Newark and the Newark Police Department's officers under Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda for their roles in the investigation leading to these charges.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Eli Jacobs is representing the government in this case. It is important to note that these charges are accusations; Lofton remains presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Defense counsel for Lofton is Tatiana Nnaji, Esq., Assistant Federal Public Defender based in Newark.