By: Najla Alexander
Authorities in Ocean County announced that on February 16, 2024, Pedro Reyes-Sevilla, 32, of Kenilworth, pled guilty to Possession of Five Ounces or More of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute before the Honorable Guy P. Ryan, P.J.Cr.P.
Officials stated in connection with an investigation that took place during the month of January 2021 in Union and Ocean Counties.
At the time of his sentencing on April 12, 2024, the State will be seeking a term of ten years in New Jersey State Prison, officials say.
Officials said a two-week-long investigation in January 2021 conducted by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, United States Drug Enforcement Administration - High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas-Monmouth/Ocean Post of Duty (HIDTA/MOPOD) Group 5, Union County Prosecutor’s Office Street Crimes Unit, and Lakewood Township Police Department Street Crimes Unit, revealed that Reyes-Sevilla was distributing cocaine in the Ocean County area.
Authorities say on January 27, 2021, Detectives from the aforementioned law enforcement agencies established stationary and mobile surveillance on Reyes-Sevilla.
According to officials, on that date, Detectives observed Reyes-Sevilla leave the Elizabeth area and travel to Lakewood.
Based upon observations made of Reyes-Sevilla while he was in Elizabeth, Detectives effectuated a motor vehicle stop in Lakewood, officials say.
Reyes-Sevilla thereafter consented to a search of his motor vehicle.
Officials said as a result, Detectives recovered more than one kilogram of cocaine. Reyes-Sevilla was taken into custody without incident at the scene.
He was transported to the Ocean County Jail and subsequently released as a consequence of New Jersey Bail Reform, officials said.
According to officials, on December 1, 2022, Reyes-Sevilla was arrested again in Union County on unrelated charges and has been detained in the Union County Jail since that date.