*FLEMINGTON, NJ – A former councilman from Flemington, NJ was sentenced to state prison for distributing cocaine. Hunterdon County Prosecutor Renée M. Robeson announced the sentencing of Malik D. Johnston, also known as Pippin J. Folk, on Friday.
Johnston, 48, was sentenced by the Honorable Christopher J. Garrenger, J.S.C. to a four-year state prison term with no parole eligibility. He also forfeited a motor vehicle and US currency seized during the narcotics investigation and paid restitution to the Flemington Democratic Club related to a dismissed theft charge from June 2, 2023.
During the court proceedings, First Assistant Prosecutor Joseph Paravecchia emphasized the importance of public trust, stating, “The public needs to hear the message that this conduct will not be tolerated… [Mr. Johnston] violated the public’s trust.” Prosecutor Robeson also highlighted the serious impact of illegal narcotics activity in Hunterdon County, mentioning the ongoing efforts to combat the opioid crisis and hold offenders accountable regardless of their community standing.
The case stemmed from a joint investigation by the Hunterdon County Prosecutor
