An Atlantic City man admitted Monday the he ran a drug-production facility out of a home on Sewell Avenue.
He admitted Monday to running the facility along with possession of heroin/fentanyl with intent to distribute.
Hargrove faces 8½ years in prison under the plea agreement.
His attorney, Troy Archie, successfully argued for Hargrove to be released pending his March 28 sentencing.
Hargrove has already served more than two years in the Atlantic County Justice Facility, Archie argued in asking for Hargrove’s release. He also has caught COVID-19 twice while in the county jail.
Superior Court Judge Bernard DeLury agreed that Hargrove be given the opportunity to get his affairs in order before heading to state prison.
Assistant Prosecutor Allison Eiselen argued against release, saying Hargrove is a career criminal who has continued to repeat his crimes, which date to at least as 1997 drug case. He also has prior weapons convictions, she said.
Hargrove must check in weekly with the court, and has a curfew. If he violates his release, he could face a first-degree sentence. Since he is eligible for an extended term, that could include life, the judge warned him.
