By: Jeff Sommes
A Burlington County man has been sentenced to more than 17 years in federal prison following a major drug trafficking case that authorities say nearly cost a one-year-old child their life.
According to a statement released by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, 29-year-old Daniel Garcia Jr. of Maple Shade was sentenced to 211 months in prison by Chief U.S. District Judge Renée Marie Bumb in federal court in Camden.
Garcia previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Federal prosecutors said the case took a disturbing turn on June 23, 2024, when Garcia and another individual rushed a one-year-old child to the hospital after the infant became unresponsive, suffered seizures, and struggled to breathe.
Medical testing revealed the child had cocaine in their system—something doctors confirmed was not administered during treatment.
According to medical staff, the child’s symptoms, including cardiac arrest and irregular heart rhythms, were consistent with a cocaine overdose.
The infant’s heart reportedly stopped twice during treatment before doctors were able to revive the child.
While the child was receiving emergency care, authorities said Garcia left the hospital and returned home.
Surveillance footage later showed him removing a laundry bag from his residence, placing it into another vehicle, and parking that car away from his home before returning to the hospital.
A subsequent investigation led law enforcement to execute a search warrant at Garcia’s residence, where they found cash, drug packaging materials, and ammunition.
The following day, authorities searched the vehicle seen in the surveillance footage and uncovered a large-scale drug operation.
According to officials, investigators seized approximately:
• 329 grams of pure methamphetamine
• 767 grams of cocaine
• Hundreds of pills, including oxycodone, alprazolam, and amphetamines
• Marijuana, MDMA, and psychedelic mushrooms
• Drug packaging materials and digital scales
• Three loaded firearms, including two 9mm handguns and a .357 revolver
• More than $150,000 in cash
In total, Garcia agreed to forfeit over $155,000, along with firearms and ammunition recovered during the investigation.
U.S. Attorney Robert J. Frazer said the case highlights the dangers of armed drug trafficking operations.
In addition to his prison sentence, Garcia will serve five years of supervised release following his incarceration.