South Brunswick Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing Bath Salts

A township man pleaded guilty Tuesday to participating in drug distribution ring that purchased illegal “bath salts” from China to be distributed in New Jersey.

Jason Oliveira, 24, pleaded guilty to a second-degree charge of distribution of methylone, which is a designer stimulant sold under the name “bath salts,” according to the Attorney General's Office.

Oliveira admitted to directing 250 grams of methylone be delivered to a cooperating witness as part of a New Jersey State Police investigation, according to the Attorney General. Under a plea agreement, it will be recommended that Oliveira be sentenced to eight years in state prison. He will be eligible for parole in 3 ½ years.

Oliveira was among seven people charged last year by the New Jersey State Police after an investigation into a ring that was obtaining methylone from China via the Internet and selling the dangerous drug on the streets of New Jersey, according to the Attorney General.

On June 20, another South Brunswick resident, Ferencz Takacs, 26, pleaded guilty to second-degree possession of methylone with intent to distribute. Takacs is facing five years in prison under the plea agreement.

Oliveira's sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 19.