Department of Justice
For Immediate Release
Cumberland County Man Admits Methamphetamine Distribution
CAMDEN, N.J. – A Cumberland County, New Jersey, man today admitted his role in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
Joan Benitez, 41, of Millville, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Robert B. Kugler in Camden federal court to an information charging him with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute at least 50 grams of methamphetamine.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On numerous occasions between Jan. 22, 2020, and Sept. 9, 2020, Benitez sold crystalized methamphetamine, also called “ice,” as part of a conspiracy to distribute those drugs. Benitez distributed approximately 1.7 kilograms of “ice” in furtherance of the conspiracy.
The count of conspiracy to which Benitez pleaded guilty is punishable by a maximum sentenced of life in prison and a maximum $10 million fine. Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 20, 2021.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the FBI of the Newark Field Office, Atlantic City Resident Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr., with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea. She also thanked the New Jersey State Police, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office, the Atlantic County Sheriff’s Office, the Pleasantville Police Department, and the Atlantic City Police Department, for their assistance in the investigation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Johns of the Criminal Division in Camden.