On Monday, Oct. 19, 2026, Jonathan G. Lopez, 35, from Pleasantville, NJ, pleaded guilty to second-degree possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance in front of the Honorable Ralph Palone, J.S.C. The plea calls for a sentence of five years in New Jersey State Prison.
On Dec. 8, 2025, Atlantic City Police Department officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for motor vehicle violations. Lopez was a passenger in the vehicle. During the motor vehicle stop a police narcotics K-9 gave a positive indication for the odor of narcotics.
Upon searching the vehicle, officers found a bag containing a large quantity of controlled dangerous substances on the passenger side floor of the vehicle. Lopez took full ownership of the controlled dangerous substances in the vehicle and admitted to having more drugs on his person. Lopez was taken into custody, and a lab report later determined the controlled dangerous substances consisted of cocaine and fentanyl.
Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 22, 2026.
Assistant Prosecutor Brian Read represents the State in this matter.
