Union County, NJ, Man Sentenced For Illegally Possessing Gun, Drug Trafficking

Federal authorities say a man from North Jersey has been sentenced for illegally possessing fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and oxycodone for distribution and possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.

45-year-old William Murphy of Elizabeth had previously pleaded guilty to one count of being a previously convicted felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, one count of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

On Thursday, Murphy was sentenced to 61 months, or about five years, in prison.

According to court documents,

On July 30, 2020, law enforcement officers executed search warrants at Murphy’s residence and found oxycodone pills; knotted bags containing mixtures of cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl; a digital scale; a money counter; numerous empty vacuum sealed bags; and approximately $13,000 in cash. The officers also recovered a 9mm Taurus handgun, loaded with 12 rounds of 9mm ammunition, a magazine loaded with 12 rounds of 9mm ammunition, and a box containing 50 rounds of 9mm ammunition.

In addition to the prison term, Murphy was also sentenced to three years of supervised release.