U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger | U.S. Department of Justice
U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger | U.S. Department of Justice
A man from California has admitted to charges related to fentanyl distribution in Bergen County, New Jersey. Timothy Alan Blank, aged 55, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Evelyn Padin in Newark federal court. The charge involved possession with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of fentanyl.
The incident dates back to March 8, 2024, when law enforcement stopped Blank while he was driving in Bergen County and found the drug concealed in his vehicle. The legal consequences for this charge could include a maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $1 million. Blank's sentencing is set for March 11, 2024.
U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger credited several agencies for their role in the investigation that led to Blank's guilty plea. These include Homeland Security Investigations Newark under Acting Special Agent in Charge Spiros Karabinas, Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations, the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office, the Fort Lee Police Department, and the FBI Los Angeles Field Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Vincent D. Romano from the Criminal Division in Newark is representing the government in this case.