Jury Finds Paterson Defendant Guilty Of Trafficking Fentanyl & Cocaine While Armed
Monday, March 2, 2026, 7:20 A.M. ET. 3 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,
NEWARK, NJ.- A Passaic County, New Jersey, man has been convicted in federal court on multiple narcotics and firearms charges following a three-day jury trial in Newark, federal authorities announced.
David Reams, 37, of Paterson, New Jersey, was found guilty on January 27, 2026, of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition by a Convicted Felon, Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl and Cocaine, and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime. The verdict was returned before U.S. District Judge Stanley R. Chesler in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey.
Senior Counsel Philip Lamparello announced the conviction.
Following the jury returning their findings of guilt, Judge Chesler accepted the verdict and scheduled sentencing for June 30, 2026, in the Federal Court in Newark, New Jersey.
Arrest And Trial Evidence;
According to documents filed in the case and statements made in court, the charges stem from a May 6, 2024, incident in Paterson.
Members of the Paterson Police Department observed Reams engaging in movements consistent with the possession of a firearm. When detectives attempted to stop him, authorities said Reams attempted to flee the scene.
Police Officers ultimately apprehended Reams and recovered a 9-millimeter semi-automatic pistol loaded with an extended magazine. Detectives also seized more than 450 individual doses of fentanyl and crack cocaine from his person.
At trial, federal prosecutors argued that the quantity and packaging of the narcotics were consistent with distribution activity rather than personal use. Prosecutors further contended that the firearm was possessed in furtherance of drug trafficking.
Prior Federal Conviction;
Court records indicate that Reams had previously been convicted in 2017 in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.
Judge Chesler sentenced him at that time to 103 months in federal prison.
Under federal law, individuals convicted of felony offenses are prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
Potential Sentencing Exposure;
Reams faces significant statutory penalties at sentencing:
- Felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition: Up to 15 years’ imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.
- Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances: Up to 20 years’ imprisonment and a $1 million fine.
- Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime: A mandatory minimum sentence of five years’ imprisonment, which must run consecutively to any other sentence imposed, up to life imprisonment, and a maximum fine of $250,000.
Because the firearm-in-furtherance charge carries a mandatory consecutive sentence, any prison term imposed on that count will be added to the sentence for the other convictions.
Investigating Agencies;
Senior Counsel Lamparello credited special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Thomas Kalogiros, as well as the Paterson Police Department under the direction of Officer in Charge Patrick Murray, with conducting the investigation that led to the conviction.
Sentencing Scheduled;
Reams is scheduled for sentencing on June 30, 2026. The court will consider the advisory federal sentencing guidelines, statutory requirements, and arguments from both the government and defense counsel before imposing the sentence.
Editor’s Note:
This article was written by Art Fletcher, Executive Editor, and is based on official statements released by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey and on court records filed in federal court in Newark.
