July 10, 2024
TRENTON, N.J. – A Monmouth County, New Jersey, man was sentenced today to 120 months in prison for illegally possessing methamphetamine for distribution and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Dywann Pugh, 44, of Asbury Park, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty before former-U.S. District Judge Peter G. Sheridan to one count of possession with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. U.S. District Judge Zahid N. Quraishi imposed the sentence today in Trenton federal court.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On Nov. 21, 2022, law enforcement executed search warrants at Pugh’s residence and discovered over three kilograms of methamphetamine; over three kilograms of cocaine; approximately 150 grams of fentanyl; approximately $19,000 in cash; and various drug distribution paraphernalia, including a pill press and approximately seven kilograms of cutting agents used in connection with the processing of drugs. Law enforcement also recovered a Hi-Point .380 caliber pistol loaded with six rounds of ammunition.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Quraishi sentenced Pugh to five years of supervised release. Judge Sheridan previously ordered Pugh to forfeit the firearm and ammunition that law enforcement seized.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Cheryl Ortiz; Homeland Security Investigations Newark, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge William S. Walker, and the Neptune Township Police Department, under the direction of Chief Anthony Gualario, with the investigation leading to the sentencing.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Belgiovine of the Criminal Division in Trenton.
23-261
Defense counsel: Abraham N. Basch Esq., Freehold, New Jersey
Photo by EKATERINA BOLOVTSOVA on Pexels.com