Partners In Drug Distribution Conspiracy Each Sentenced To More Than 18 Years In Prison

TRENTON, N.J. – Two New Jersey men who were partners in a 29-month drug distribution conspiracy involving cocaine, marijuana, ecstasy and methylone were each sentenced to more than 18 years in prison, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.

Christopher Castelluzzo, 31, of Bayonne, New Jersey, was sentenced today to 240 months in prison. Luke Atwell, 34, of Hamilton, New Jersey, was sentenced yesterday to 220 months in prison. Both defendants were convicted of conspiracy to distribute or possess with intent to distribute methylone, cocaine, MDMA, and marijuana following a two-week trial before U.S. District Judge Freda L. Wolfson, who imposed the sentences in Trenton federal court.

According to documents filed in this case and the evidence at trial:

Atwell and Castelluzzo were partners in a drug dealing conspiracy that spanned 29 months. In March 2013, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) conducted an investigation resulting in the seizure of more than six kilograms of methylone at a drug mill in East Orange, New Jersey, that was tied to Atwell and Castelluzzo.

About a month later, in April 2013, agents of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), seized 2.9 kilograms of methylone that Atwell intended to pick up at the Manville, New Jersey, Post Office. Agents replaced the package with a dummy package, which Atwell picked up and placed in the car he occupied with Castelluzzo. Following the arrest of both defendants outside the Manville Post Office, agents searched various electronic devices of the defendants and uncovered email communications establishing a drug distribution conspiracy dating back to 2010.

In addition to the prison terms, Judge Wolfson sentenced both Atwell and Castelluzzo to three years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Fishman credited special agents of HSI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Terence S. Opiola, and special agents of the DEA, New Jersey Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Carl J. Kotowski, for the investigation.

Defense counsel:

Castelluzzo: Dawn M. Florio Esq., New York

Atwell: Pasquale F. Giannetta Esq., Wayne