Absecon Man Admits Distributing More Than One Kilogram of Heroin in Atlantic County

CAMDEN – An Absecon man pleaded guilty today to a one-count Information charging him with distribution of more than one kilogram of heroin at various locations throughout Atlantic County, U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Christie announced.

Christopher Snow, 30, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Jerome B. Simandle to one count of distribution and possession with intent to distribute more than one kilogram of heroin.

The charge contained in the Information to which Snow pleaded guilty, stems from a long-term investigation into heroin sales in the Atlantic County area by members of the South Jersey Violent Incident/Gang Task Force. Snow was arrested on a federal warrant on Oct. 21, 2005, in Northfield. He has been held in detention since his arrest. Judge Simandle ordered his continued detention pending sentencing, which is scheduled for July 14.

At his plea hearing, Snow admitted that from January 2004 until February 2005, he sold heroin to numerous individuals on many occasions. Snow admitted he conducted heroin transactions at prearranged locations which included restaurants, movie theaters, shopping malls, and apartment complexes in Atlantic County.

Snow admitted that during the time period covered in the Information, he sold a total of more than one kilogram of heroin.

The one count of distribution and possession with intent to distribute more than one kilogram of heroin carries a statutory maximum penalty of life imprisonment, a statutory mandatory minimum prison sentence of 10 years, and a fine of up to $4 million.

Christie credited the investigative member agencies of the South Jersey Violent Incident/Gang Task Force for their work in developing the case. The member agencies include: The FBI Atlantic City Resident Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Leslie G. Wiser, Jr.; Detectives with the Atlantic City Police Department, under the direction of Acting Chief John J. Mooney; Detectives with the Egg Harbor Township Police Department, under the direction of Chief John J. Coyle; and Detectives with the Pleasantville Police Department, under the direction of Chief Duane Comeaux.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Allen Harberg, Jr. of the Criminal Division in Camden.