Freehold Man Admits Role In Cross-State Gun Trafficking Scheme

FREEHOLD, NJ — A Freehold man pleaded guilty to selling firearms as part of a cross-state conspiracy, as well as drugs, according to Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig said.

Enrique Quijada, 24, aka “El Enano 13,” aka “Kike,” pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to engage in firearms trafficking, one count of possession of a firearm by an alien unlawfully present in the United States, and one count of distribution of cocaine.

Quijada was part of a conspiracy that spanned from Florida to New Jersey, according to Honig.

Jacquelyn DeJesus allegedly worked as the "straw purchaser" of firearms in Florida. Manuel Espinosa-Ozoria (the supposed leader) and DeJesus then transported the firearms to Monmouth County, where Quijada and others sold them.

Rodriguez-Valpais sold a .223 caliber semi-automatic rifle to Quijada, who in turn sold the rifle to an individual working at the direction and supervision of the FBI, Honig said.

The Freehold man also admitted selling cocaine to an individual working at the direction and supervision of the FBI.

If found guilty, he faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the firearms charge, 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the possession charge and 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine for the cocaine charge.

His sentencing is scheduled for April 5, 2022.

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