Ex-convict in Burlington County charged with drug and firearms offenses

A Burlington County man convicted of drug and firearms offenses in 2019 is back in court on similar charges.

According to U.S. Attorney Philip Sellinger, law enforcement officials learned of the defendant's alleged actions after he showed up at a hospital with a minor who had overdosed on cocaine.

Sellinger announced Tuesday that Daniel Garcia, 27, of Maple Shade, was charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm as a convicted felon.

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On June 23, Garcia and another person took a minor to the hospital because the minor was not breathing and unresponsive. A drug test revealed that the minor tested positive for cocaine.

The next day, officers executed a search warrant at Garcia's home and found cash, a gun, ammunition and drug packaging paraphernalia, according to officers. A day later, a search of the vehicle Garcia was driving found a laundry bag containing $150,000 cash, three loaded guns, drug packaging materials and an array of illegal drugs, including meth, cocaine and MDMA, officials said.

During the investigation, surveillance video was seen showing Garcia returning to an apartment after leaving the hospital and placing the bag containing the money in the trunk of his vehicle.

According to the complaint, Garcia pleaded guilty in January 2019 to possession with intent to distribute drugs and possession of a firearm during the commission of a drug trafficking offense. In March 2019, Garcia was sentenced to five years in prison for the crimes.

The new methamphetamine charge carries a prison sentence and a maximum fine of $10 million. The firearm charge carries a maximum sentence of 15 years and a maximum fine of $250,000.

A court date has yet to be scheduled.

Information about Garcia's attorney was not immediately available.

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