FBI Drug Sting Nabs East Hanover Man, Authorities Say

A 37-year-old East Hanover resident has been charged with distributing cocaine after he allegedly met an undercover FBI informant at a restaurant in Essex County and sold him an eighth of an ounce of the drug for $3,200, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office and court documents.

The alleged cocaine deal took place in January 2010.

FBI Agent Benjamin Mininger signed a complaint against the defendant, Carmen T. Martucci, on Monday. Martucci already was in jail for an unrelated matter, authorities said.

Martucci is charged with distribution of cocaine and possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, authorities said. He could face 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine if he is found guilty, the U.S. Attorney's Office said.

Mininger signed a separate complaint against eight other defendants on Monday, which also relied on information and conversations recorded by the FBI informant.

Those defendants were charged with conspiracy to commit cargo theft and conspiracy to transport stolen property in interstate commerce in connection with an alleged million-dollar cigarette heist.

Authorities said the informant provided federal agents with information and evidence over multiple years about members and associates of La Cosa Nostra.