Downtown Newark Heroin And Oxycodone Dealer Pleads Guilty To Drug Distribution Conspiracy

NEWARK, N.J. – A Newark man today admitted distributing large quantities of heroin in and around downtown Newark, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced today.

Jarez Baron a/k/a “Little Bro,” 28, of Newark, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Jose L. Linares in Newark federal court to a superseding information charging him with conspiracy to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.

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

Between February 2013 and August 7, 2013, Baron conspired with others to distribute large quantities of heroin and oxycodone out of a downtown Newark clothing store called Ballas Boutique. Over the course of the conspiracy, Baron and others sold drugs out of Ballas Boutique to a confidential source more than 35 times. The majority of the sales were audio and video recorded.

Additionally, law enforcement intercepted conversations of Baron and his conspirators pursuant to court orders. The intercepted conversations revealed that Baron and other employees sold drugs for Lamont Vaughn at Ballas Boutique.

On Aug. 7, 2013, law enforcement officers executed arrest and search warrants at Ballas Boutique and at Vaughn and Baron’s home in Newark. Among the items recovered were dozens of oxycodone pills, two firearms, and a large amount of cash.

The conspiracy charge carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine. Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 21, 2016.

Vaughn previously pleaded guilty on June 22, 2016, to conspiracy to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin and oxycodone and to being a felon in possession of two firearms.

U.S. Attorney Fishman credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Timothy Gallagher in Newark, as well as the N.J. State Police Street Gangs North Unit with the investigation leading to today’s plea.

The government is represented by Special Litigation Counsel Margaret Ann Mahoney and Assistant U.S. Attorney Francisco J. Navarro of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Newark.

Defense counsel: Frank Arleo, Esq.