Prosecutors say searches connected to Juan Gomez uncovered cocaine, methamphetamine, prescription drugs, nearly $6,000 and two firearms, including one reported stolen
MAYS LANDING, N.J. — An Egg Harbor City man has pleaded guilty to drug distribution and weapons charges stemming from two separate investigations that included the seizure of cocaine, methamphetamine and two firearms.
Juan Gomez, 24, pleaded guilty Sept. 21 to possession of a controlled dangerous substance with intent to distribute on two separate occasions and possession of a handgun while in the course of distributing drugs, according to the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office.
Under the plea agreement, Gomez faces two consecutive five-year terms in New Jersey State Prison, for an aggregate recommended sentence of 10 years. The first five-year term carries a one-year period of parole ineligibility, according to prosecutors.
Drugs, Guns and Nearly $6,000 Seized
The first case stems from a March 3, 2025, investigation into what authorities described as Gomez's drug distribution operation.
Law enforcement searched two residences suspected of being used as part of that operation and recovered two firearms along with several types of controlled dangerous substances packaged for individual street-level sale, prosecutors said.
Authorities reported seizing 96 grams of cocaine, 39 grams of methamphetamine, 27 alprazolam pills and 50 Suboxone films.
Investigators also recovered $5,952 in cash.
One of the handguns had been reported stolen from North Carolina, according to the Prosecutor's Office.
Gomez was arrested following the searches but was later released on the charges.
Second Arrest Followed Alleged Drug Transaction
A little more than two months later, on May 14, 2025, law enforcement officers observed Gomez engage in what prosecutors described as a drug transaction.
Officers subsequently stopped Gomez and found him in possession of eight grams of methamphetamine and one gram of cocaine, according to the Prosecutor's Office.
The two cases ultimately resulted in Monday's guilty plea.
The investigations were conducted by the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office with assistance from the respective local police departments.
The 10-year prison term is part of Gomez's plea agreement and will not become his sentence unless imposed by the court.
