The Jersey Lawyer

The Jersey Lawyer has uncovered additional criminal complaints filed by the FBI in connection with operation Black Eagle.  The FBI has filed a criminal complaint against Peter Manna and Miguel Almanzar.  In the complaint, the FBI accuses Mr. Manna and Mr. Almanzar of receiving and possessing contraband in violation of 18 U.S.C.  § 2315, distributing contraband cigarettes in violation of 18 U.S.C.  § 2342, and trafficking in counterfeit goods (Nike sneakers) in violation of 18 U.S.C. 2320.  The FBI alleges that the two suspects purchased counterfeit Nike sneakers and contraband cigarettes from an undercover FBI informant on various occasions in Atlantic City, Clifton, Buena, Paterson, and Wayne.  

The FBI also alleges that on one occasion, the two suspects exchanged a .30 caliber M-1 rifle and 132 rounds of ammunition for the counterfeit Nike sneakers and contraband cigarettes.  This lead to an additional charge against these two suspects for unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.  Manna and Almanzar are also being charged with distribution of more than 50 grams of cocaine in violation of 21 U.S.C.  § 841. 

Another complaint has been filed by the FBI as a result of operation Black Eagle against Jason Patrick.  Mr. Patrick is being charged with distribution of methamphetamine in violation of 21 U.S.C.  § 841.  The FBI alleges that the suspect agreed to exchange 22 grams of crystal methamphetamine for two cases of unstamped and untaxed cigarettes (each case contains approximately 12,000 cigarettes) on two occasions.  The transactions allegedly took place in a hotel room in Atlantic City.

Read the main article by Nace Naumoski: FBI Charges 26 in Alleged Balkan Drug Ring.