Freehold man pleads guilty to involvement in interstate gun trafficking
FREEHOLD - A borough man has admitted to participating in a gun trafficking operation in Florida and New Jersey, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig said.
Enrique Quijada, 24, pleaded guilty via videoconference last Friday to conspiracy to engage in firearms trafficking, possession of a firearm by an alien unlawfully present in the United States and distribution of cocaine, the U.S. District Court of New Jersey said.
Quijada, also known as “El Enano 13,” and “Kike,” was charged following an investigation into a gun trafficking conspiracy that involved individuals purchasing weapons in Florida and reselling them in Monmouth County, officials said.
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Quijada bought a .223 caliber semi-automatic rifle in Florida and resold it to a person in Monmouth County working under the direction of the FBI, according to authorities.
He also admitted to selling cocaine to an FBI informant, authorities said.
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Three additional members of the gun trafficking conspiracy — Javier Rodriguez-Valpais, of Marlboro, Waldin Espinosa-Ozoria of Freehold and Jacquelyn DeJesus of Bartow, Florida — previously pleaded guilty in connection with the case. Charges are pending against another suspect, Manuel Espinosa-Ozoria, also of Bartow, Honig said.
Quijada’s sentencing is scheduled for April 5, 2022.
Nicolas Fernandes is the early morning breaking news reporter. A lifelong New Jersey resident, he has previously worked as a features writer and sports reporter. Contact him at 732-540-4401 or nfernandes@gannettnj.com
This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Freehold man admits guilt in interstate gun trafficking operation
