By: Richard L. Smith
A Newark man has been convicted in federal court on charges related to illegal firearm possession and drug trafficking, authorities announced.
According to a statement released by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, 38-year-old Mookadean Cheeseboro was found guilty by a federal jury on February 11, 2026, following a three-day trial.
The verdict was returned in Newark federal court before Madeline Cox Arleo.
Cheeseboro was convicted of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, as well as possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine.
Federal prosecutors said the case stems from a December 20, 2021 investigation conducted by members of the New Jersey State Police.
Authorities were executing a search warrant when troopers observed Cheeseboro engaged in drug trafficking activity.
During the investigation, detectives searched Cheeseboro and allegedly recovered 74 doses of cocaine and fentanyl that had been packaged for distribution. Officers also located a key connected to a nearby vehicle.
When detectives searched the vehicle, they discovered a .380-caliber handgun along with approximately 30 rounds of ammunition. 
According to court records, Cheeseboro later admitted in a post-arrest statement that the narcotics belonged to him and that he kept the firearm for protection.
The conviction for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon carries a potential maximum sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison, along with a possible fine of up to $250,000. Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.