A New York City woman was convicted on federal drug charges after prosecutors said she sold fentanyl in Paterson and was arrested while returning to the city with nearly 500 grams more.
Naomi Hernandez, 34, was convicted on Aug. 26 of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and conspiracy to distribute fentanyl following a one-week trial in Newark federal court.
Prosecutors said Hernandez met a confidential source working with the Drug Enforcement Administration twice in Paterson in April 2020 to provide fentanyl samples.
On May 11, she sold the source 98.6 grams for $5,500.
Authorities arrested Hernandez two days later while she traveled from upper Manhattan to Paterson for another planned sale. Investigators seized 499.6 grams of fentanyl intended for a $45,000 transaction.
Hernandez faces 10 years to life in prison on each count. Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 12, 2027.