An area man has pleaded guilty to multiple counts of possessing large quantities of cocaine and other drugs, with the intent to distribute, and a firearm, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced on Wednesday.

During a hearing on Monday, March 10, Robert Maldonado, 47, of Hazlet, pleaded guilty to: first-degree possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance (CDS/cocaine); second-degree possession of a firearm in the course of committing a drug offense; and second-degree possession with intent to distribute CDS.

As a result of his plea, Maldonado will likely face 15 years in a NJ state prison and must serve at least 42 months before he is eligible for parole.

Maldonado’s sentencing is scheduled for Friday, May 16, before Judge Oxley.

The guilty plea stems from multiple cooperative investigations with members of the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Bayshore Task Force, Hazlet, Keansburg and Middletown Police Departments in 2024.

The initial investigation resulted in a search of Maldonado’s residence in January of 2024. During that search, authorities found a 9mm handgun and multiple controlled dangerous substances, including more than five ounces of cocaine. 

A subsequent investigation led to the execution of a second search warrant at Maldonado’s home in November of 2024.  During that search, police recovered an additional half ounce of cocaine, as well as paraphernalia indicative of the distribution of narcotics.

— Edited press release from the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office

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