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Daniel Garcia Jr., 27, was charged with possession with intent to distribute over 50 grams of methamphetamine and possession of firearms by a convicted felon, New Jersey's U.S. Attorney Philip Sellinger said in a news release on Tuesday, Sept. 24.
According to court documents and statements, Garcia and another person rushed the child to the hospital on Sunday, June 23. The child wasn't breathing, was having seizures, was drooling, and was unresponsive.
After treatment at the first hospital, the child was airlifted to a children’s hospital. Drug screenings showed the child tested positive for benzodiazepine, fentanyl, and cocaine.
Medical staff at the children's hospital said the child was given benzodiazepine and fentanyl during treatment, but not cocaine. A doctor said the child's seizure, cardiac arrest, and cardiac arrhythmia were all symptoms of a cocaine overdose.
Police executed a search warrant at Garcia's apartment on Monday, June 24. Officers discovered an envelope with ammunition for 9mm and .357 Magnum guns.
An SUV that Garcia had been seen driving was searched the next day. Investigators seized more than 329 grams of meth, 767 grams of cocaine, 272 oxycodone tablets, 102 alprazolam tablets, 41 amphetamine tablets, 9.9 grams of psilocin and psilocybin mushrooms, 2.6 grams of MDMA powder, 1,341 grams of marijuana, 192 grams of crystalline cutting agents used for drugs, three digital scales, and drug packaging material.
The search also uncovered two loaded 9mm guns, a loaded .357 Magnum revolver, and $150,000 in the laundry bag. Surveillance video from the apartment complex showed Garcia putting the laundry bag in the SUV's trunk when he returned to the apartment after leaving the hospital.
In January 2019, Garcia pleaded guilty in Camden County Superior Court to possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and possession of a firearm while committing a drug trafficking offense. He was sentenced in March 2019 to five years in prison.
Garcia faces between 10 years and life in prison if convicted of the meth charge and a fine of up to $10 million. The gun possession charge carries a sentence of up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
Garcia's first court appearance hasn't been scheduled as of press time.
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