United States Drug Enforcement Administration

NEWARK, N.J. - Carl J. Kotowski, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Jersey Division and William E. Fitzpatrick, Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey announced an Irvington, New Jersey, man who distributed multiple kilograms of crack-cocaine and powder cocaine was sentenced today to 108 months in prison.

Kenneth Hammond, aka “Saleem,” 49, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Katharine S. Hayden to superseding information charging him with one count of conspiracy to distribute 280 grams or more of crack-cocaine.  Judge Hayden imposed the sentence today in Newark federal court.

Hammond supervised a drug trafficking organization that employed multiple associates, including Antonio Bivens, aka “Mo,” 44, also of Irvington.  Hammond also stored and distributed multiple kilograms of crack-cocaine and powder cocaine in two residences that he owned in Irvington.  In November 2015, law enforcement officers raided Hammond’s residences and seized approximately two kilograms of crack-cocaine and 12 kilograms of powder cocaine.

In addition to the prison term, Judge Hayden sentenced Hammond to five years of supervised release. Bivens previously pleaded guilty to his role in the conspiracy and is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Hayden on June 27, 2017.

Acting U.S. Attorney Fitzpatrick credited special agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Carl J. Kotowski, with the investigation.