Newark, New Jersey – A 43-year-old man from Essex County was found guilty last week of orchestrating three murders and engaging in a large-scale narcotics operation. Michael Healy of Montclair was convicted by a federal jury on charges including racketeering conspiracy, drug distribution conspiracy, and conspiring to murder a federal witness, among others. The verdict came after a four-week trial before U.S. District Judge Michael E. Farbiarz.
“Heartlessly, Michael Healy ordered multiple murders to protect his drug operation and continue distributing dangerous narcotics,” said U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger. He further added, “His callous acts resulted in the unnecessary deaths of three individuals and posed a significant threat to the community.”
According to court documents and trial evidence, in February 2018, Healy discovered that a member of his drug trafficking group was cooperating with law enforcement. He ordered associates to kill the informant, leading to the fatal shooting of an innocent bystander mistakenly identified as the informant. When realizing their error, Healy instructed his associates to complete the intended target’s murder, which occurred in March 2018.
Additionally, in April 2018, believing that another member of his enterprise was a threat, Healy personally executed the individual in Newark. Healy’s drug trafficking organization, operational since around 2012, transported significant amounts of illegal substances between California and New Jersey using various methods like private aircraft, vehicles with hidden compartments, and the postal service.
Members of Healy’s criminal group, found to be involved in the murders, have previously pleaded guilty and received lengthy prison sentences. Sentencing for Healy is scheduled for October 1, 2024, with potential penalties of life imprisonment for several charges, including murder in aid of racketeering and conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.
The successful prosecution of Healy was attributed to the collaborative efforts of various law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, Newark Police Department, and Essex County Prosecutor’s Office. The trial saw Senior Trial Counsel Robert L. Frazer and Assistant U.S. Attorney Samantha C. Fasanello representing the government, with defense counsel provided by Stephen Turano and Thomas Ambrosio.
The case exemplifies the coordinated efforts of law enforcement to dismantle dangerous criminal enterprises and hold those responsible for heinous crimes accountable. The sentencing of Michael Healy will mark a significant step in ensuring justice for the victims of his violent actions and the affected community.