By: Richard L. Smith
A Montclair man was sentenced to four life terms in federal prison for orchestrating three murders and operating a major drug trafficking network, according to a statement released by the U.S. Department of Justice.
Michael Healy, 44, was convicted last year following a four-week trial in Newark federal court. 
Jurors found Healy guilty of racketeering conspiracy, narcotics distribution, multiple murders tied to his drug operation, and related firearms offenses.
U.S. District Judge Michael E. Farbiarz handed down the sentence on April 23, 2025.
Federal prosecutors said Healy ran a violent drug enterprise, using threats and murder to protect his criminal operations.
In 2018, after learning that a member of his organization was cooperating with law enforcement, Healy ordered members of the Bloods street gang in East Orange to kill the informant.
The gang mistakenly killed an innocent bystander first before later murdering the intended target while he was walking his dog in Bloomfield.
Believing another associate posed a risk, Healy personally shot and killed a third victim in Newark just weeks later.
Authorities said Healy’s drug enterprise, which operated between California and New Jersey, trafficked large quantities of cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, and marijuana.
Drugs were moved across state lines using hidden compartments in vehicles, private planes, and even through the U.S. Postal Service.
"Michael Healy orchestrated multiple murders to silence threats against his operation," said U.S. Attorney Alina Habba. "His sentence ensures he will no longer endanger the community."
FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Terence Reilly added that Healy "used his power to destroy communities" and will now spend the rest of his life behind bars.
In total, Healy received four life sentences and an additional 360 months in prison, reflecting the severity of his crimes.