An Essex County resident has been charged with multiple offenses, including possession of a firearm as a felon and intent to distribute controlled substances. Michael Weaver, 38, from Irvington, New Jersey, faces these charges following a superseding indictment. His arraignment is pending before U.S. District Judge Claire C. Cecchi in Newark federal court.
Weaver's criminal record includes convictions for robbery, aggravated assault, unlawful weapons possession, and drug trafficking in Essex County. Consequently, he is charged under the Armed Career Criminal Act, which imposes a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years. Overall, the charges against Weaver could result in a minimum of 20 years and potentially up to life imprisonment if convicted. Each charge also carries a maximum fine of $250,000.
Acting U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna acknowledged the investigative efforts of several agencies: the Federal Bureau of Investigation under Acting Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly; the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office led by Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II and Chief Mitchell G. McGuire; and the Newark Police Department directed by Emanuel Miranda.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Stern from the Opioid Abuse Prevention and Enforcement Unit in Newark represents the government in this case.
It is important to note that all charges mentioned are accusations at this stage, and Weaver is presumed innocent until proven guilty.