Atlantic City Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Distribution and Firearms Possession

An Atlantic City man plead guilty to illegally distributing oxycodone pills and possession of a firearm while being a convicted felon, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced on Tuesday, March 18.

Eugene Brown, 71, and Giuseppe A. Scordato, 47, of Hamilton Township, Mercer County, entered guilty pleas on Tuesday.

Brown plead guilty to an Information charging him with one count distribution of oxycodone and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, Fishman said.

He admitted to possession of a .22 caliber semi-automatic pistol on July 20, 2012, in Atlantic County. That offense is punishable by 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Scordato plead guilty to an Information charging him with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute oxycodone, according to Fishman.

According to documents filed in the case and statements made in court, Scordato obtained to oxycodone-based pills three restaurant owners in Trenton between November of 2011 and July of 2012. The restaurant named was JoJo's Steakhouse, and the owners named were Joseph Giorgianni, Mary Manfredo and Charles Hall III. Giorgianni's Clubhouse, located next to JoJo's, was also named.

Scordato would sell the pills and remit the money to the two establishments in exchange for a portion of the proceeds from those sales.

Brown admitted that on May 12, 2012, he delivered Endocet pills, which are oxycodone based, from Atlantic City to Trenton. He said he delivered the pills to Hall III for payment. He said he also previously gave pills to Hall in Atlantic City and Camden.

Drug conspiracy and distribution charges carry with them a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine.

Brown's sentencing is scheduled for June 26. Scordato's sentencing is scheduled for June 25.