Antoine Hawkins, a 31-year-old resident of Newark, Essex County, has admitted to his role in two separate shootings, possession of illegal firearms, and the intention to distribute heroin, according to U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger.
Antoine Hawkins, a resident of Newark, made a significant legal development by entering a guilty plea to multiple charges. These charges include two counts of ammunition possession by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, possession with intent to distribute heroin, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. The plea was made on November 28, 2023, before U.S. District Judge Katharine S. Hayden.
Hawkins is facing charges in relation to two shooting incidents that occurred in August 2020. Video surveillance footage captured him firing a gun on a street in Newark, resulting in an injury to a victim who thankfully survived. Further evidence, including ballistics, connected Hawkins to another shooting. In September 2020, during a police encounter, a 9-millimeter pistol with an extended magazine and heroin were found in Hawkins’s possession.
During the search of Hawkins’s residence, more incriminating evidence was discovered, including a large number of heroin envelopes and additional ammunition. These findings could lead to severe consequences for Hawkins, potentially resulting in a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison for firearm and ammunition charges, a mandatory minimum of five years for the firearm related to drug trafficking, and a possible 20-year imprisonment for the narcotics offenses.
The sentencing, scheduled for April 2, 2024, may lead to severe consequences, such as substantial imprisonment and substantial financial penalties.
This case is part of the broader Violent Crime Initiative (VCI) in Newark. The VCI is a collaborative effort involving federal, state, county, and city agencies to combat violent crime in the area. Established in August 2017, the initiative aims to prosecute violent offenders and improve community safety.
The government is being represented in this case by Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Levin, who is emphasizing the continuous efforts to reduce violent and drug-related crimes in Newark and its neighboring areas. This case has shed light on the successful cooperation between different law enforcement agencies, such as the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, the Newark Department of Public Safety, and federal entities like the Drug Enforcement Administration and Homeland Security Investigations.
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