Union County Man Charged with Possessing Three Firearms and Narcotics

NEWARK, N.J. - A Union County resident was charged with possessing three firearms, as well as possessing with intent to distribute narcotics, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced today.

Orlando Perez, 38, of Elizabeth, New Jersey, is charged by complaint with possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon, and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. Perez appeared by videoconference this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Cathy L. Waldor and was detained.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

On Dec. 10, 2020, law enforcement officers lawfully searched Perez's residence and recovered the following: one .38 caliber Smith and Wesson revolver loaded with five rounds of .38 caliber ammunition; a .45 caliber Harrington and Richardson semiautomatic carbine; a 20 gauge Browning shotgun; three magazines; approximately 1,500 rounds of ammunition; as well as heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine pills, and drug paraphernalia.

The narcotics offense carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison, and a fine of $1 million. The felon in possession of firearms and ammunition charge carries a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000.

Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents and task force officers with the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr. in Newark; and officers of the Elizabeth Police Department, under the direction of Police Director Earl Graves, with the investigation leading to the charges.

The government is represented by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Stacey E. Zyriek Enriquez of the Violent Crimes Unit in Newark.

The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.