Venezuelan National Charged With Distributing Black Tar Heroin
Thursday, June 5, 2025, 12:45 P.M. ET. 2 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,
NEWARK, NJ.- A 29-year-old Venezuelan national illegally residing in the New York/New Jersey area will remain detained after being charged last Wednesday in connection with possessing and distributing over two kilograms of black tar heroin.
According to U.S. Attorney Alina Habba, Reinaldo Rafael Belisario Mendoza, 29, of Venezuela, was charged by federal criminal complaint with one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin. Mendoza made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge James B. Clark, III, in Federal Court in Newark, New Jersey, on May 29, 2025, and was ordered detained.
According To Charging Information Filed In The Complaint
According to the charging information filed in the criminal complaint, in May 2025, law enforcement officials received information that was engaged in narcotics trafficking in the Northern New Jersey area. On May 28, 2025, Mendoza met with a prospective buyer to sell two kilograms of heroin that was stored in the trunk of his vehicle. Mendoza drove to the prearranged meeting location with another adult and two minor family members in the car.
If Convicted At Trial, Mendoza Faces Up To Life In Federal Prison
If convicted on the charge, Mendoza faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life in federal prison and a fine of up to $10 million. At sentencing, upon a finding of guilt, a U.S. District Court Judge will determine the term of imprisonment based on the seriousness of the offense and Mendoza’s prior criminal history. Upon completion of any sentence imposed, Mendoza will face immediate deportation proceedings and be removed from the United States.
“The rules of the federal court require us to include a statement that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.”
