FLEMINGTON BOROUGH, NJ (Hunterdon County) – A former Flemington Borough councilman pleads guilty to distributing cocaine, according to Hunterdon County Prosecutor Renée M. Robeson.
Malik D. Johnston, a/k/a Pippin J. Folk, 48, of Flemington pleaded guilty Wednesday before the Honorable Christopher J. Garrenger, J.S.C. to one count of second-degree distribution of cocaine, Robeson said.
Under the terms of the plea agreement, the State will recommend that Johnston be sentenced to a 5 year state prison term. Additionally, he has agreed to both forfeit a motor vehicle and US currency that were seized as illegal assets relating to the narcotics investigation.
On diverse dates in January and February 2023 in Raritan Township, Johnston sold one half-ounce or more of cocaine and one half-ounce or more of methamphetamine to an undercover police officer, Robeson said.
A further investigation revealed Johnston to be in possession of one half-ounce or more of cocaine and one half-ounce or more of methamphetamine with intent to distribute while in Flemington Borough, Robeson said.
Johnston would also pay restitution to the Flemington Democratic Club relating to a theft charge from June 2, 2023, which the State has agreed to dismiss as part of a global resolution of his cases, Robeson said.
At the time, Johnston allegedly withdrew $1,000 in cash from the Flemington Democratic Club’s bank account at a branch in Bridgewater Township. At the time of the transaction, Mr. Johnston was a former officer of the Club, who did not have permission to make the cash withdrawal and keep the funds, Robeson said.
He is scheduled to be sentenced on August 30.
Johnston is represented by Christopher J. Vaccaro, Esq. on the narcotics case and by Daniel W. Frascella III, Esq. on the theft case. First Assistant Prosecutor Joseph Paravecchia represents the State.
