Former Flemington Councilman Malik Johnston was sentenced to four years in state prison for distributing cocaine.
Johnston, also known as Pippin J. Folk, was charged with selling cocaine and methamphetamine to an undercover police officer in February 2023. He refused to resign from his council seat and remained in office until the end of his term on December 31 of last year.
Prosecutors said Johnston sold one-half ounce or more of cocaine and one-half ounce or more of methamphetamine and that he intended to distribute the illegal narcotics in Flemington.
“The public needs to hear the message that this conduct will not be tolerated,” said First Assistant Hunterdon County Prosecutor Joseph Paravecchia, who said Johnston “violated the public’s trust.”
Johnston also agreed to pay restitution to the Flemington Democratic Club related to a June 2023 theft charge. He forfeits a motor vehicle and cash seized by police.
Malik has no period of parole ineligibility.
“The Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office takes these cases seriously given the impact of the opioid crisis. These are not victimless crimes,” said Hunterdon County Prosecutor Renee Robeson. “Regardless of what standing you may have in the community, if you sell drugs, you will be held accountable.”
Johnston did not seek re-election, and Democrats retained their two borough council seats