A mother who was arrested and charged along with her son for their alleged roles in a drug trafficking conspiracy appeared in Camden federal court today for a detention hearing, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Officials said Candace Gottlieb, 59, of Cherry Hill, is charged by complaint with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and marijuana. Following her appearance, she was detained without bail. Her son, Tyler Gottlieb, 27, was arrested in California and is charged by complaint with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and marijuana.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Candace Gottlieb and her son were arrested following a federal investigation into trafficking counterfeit prescription opioid pills containing fentanyl and heroin, as well as cocaine and marijuana.
Officials said in March 2018, federal law enforcement officers seized $67,760 from Tyler Gottlieb as he was about to board a flight to California from Philadelphia International Airport. In the months that followed, the FBI obtained 802 counterfeit prescription pills from Tyler and Candace Gottlieb, 200 of which have been confirmed to contain fentanyl and heroin.
The remaining pills are believed to also contain fentanyl and heroin. The FBI also allegedly purchased cocaine in a transaction orchestrated by Tyler Gottlieb, seized approximately 40 pounds of marijuana sent by Tyler Gottlieb to New Jersey through the mail, and obtained samples of cocaine and marijuana from Candace Gottlieb.
However on June 1st, federal and local law enforcement executed a search warrant at Tyler and Candace Gottlieb’s New Jersey residence and seized approximately 6,600 additional counterfeit prescription pills suspected of containing fentanyl and heroin, along with cocaine and marijuana packaged for distribution. Investigators also located and seized two handguns from inside the home and approximately $2,000 in cash.
In the early morning hours of June 2, 2018, federal and local law enforcement executed a second search warrant at another residence connected to Tyler Gottlieb. During that search, investigators seized six more firearms, including an AK-47 assault rifle, a shotgun, 1,000 rounds of ammunition, high-capacity ammunition magazines, and two handguns. Investigators also seized marijuana and packaging materials.
Authorities arrested Candace Gottlieb on June 1st, in conjunction with the search of her home and was detained following her arrest. Federal and local law enforcement arrested Tyler Gottlieb in California on June 1, 2018. Tyler Gottlieb is awaiting an appearance in federal court in California with an anticipated appearance to follow in New Jersey on a date yet to be determined.
The drug trafficking conspiracy charges carry a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $5 million fine.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaints are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.