TCNJ Fires Diving Coach After Arrest For Selling Fentanyl

CHERRY HILL, NJ — A Cherry Hill woman who was arrested along with her son for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, heroin, cocaine and marijuana in South Jersey has been fired as a diving coach at The College of New Jersey.

Candace Gottlieb, 59, is charged by complaint with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and marijuana. She was a decorated diving coach at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ), but has been terminated from her part-time position, according to Luke Sacks, Head Media Relations Officer at TCNJ.

“Candace Gottlieb was a part-time employee who worked a limited number of hours as a men’s and women’s diving coach,” Sacks said. “TCNJ has terminated its contract with her effective immediately. The College of New Jersey was not contacted by law enforcement as part of its investigation and has no reason to believe that Candace Gottlieb was doing anything on TCNJ's campus other than the duties for which she was hired.”

She produced 20 NCAA Division III qualifiers who have earned 32 All-America awards during her 23 years as coach, according to her profile on the college's website. That’s over now, following her arrest over the weekend. She has been detained following a hearing that took place in Camden federal court on Tuesday.

In addition to her arrest, her 27-year-old son Tyler was arrested in California over the weekend. He is charged by complaint with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and marijuana.

See related: Cherry Hill Woman, Son Sold Fentanyl Using Fake Prescriptions: AG

Authorities said they seized $67,760 from Tyler Gottlieb as he was about to board a flight to California from Philadelphia International Airport in March. During an ensuing investigation, the FBI said it obtained 802 counterfeit prescription pills from the mother and son.

Of those counterfeit prescriptions, 200 have been confirmed to contain fentanyl and heroin, according to documents filed in the case and statements made in court. The remaining pills are believed to also contain fentanyl and heroin.

The FBI said it also purchased cocaine in a deal arranged by Tyler Gottlieb, seized about 40 pounds of marijuana sent by Tyler Gottlieb to New Jersey through the mail, and obtained samples of cocaine and marijuana from Candace Gottlieb.

Federal and local law enforcement executed a search warrant at their home on June 1. During the search, detectives said they seized about 6,600 additional counterfeit prescription pills suspected of containing fentanyl and heroin, along with cocaine and marijuana packaged for distribution.

They said they also seized two handguns and about $2,000 in cash from the home. Candace Gottlieb was arrested at this time.

Another raid took place at a second home connected to Tyler Gottlieb on June 2, authorities said. During that search, investigators said they seized six more firearms, including an AK-47 assault rifle, a shotgun, 1,000 rounds of ammunition, high-capacity ammunition magazines, and two handguns. Investigators said they also seized marijuana and packaging materials.

Tyler Gottlieb was arrested on June 1. He is awaiting an appearance in federal court in California with an anticipated appearance to follow in New Jersey on a date yet to be determined.

The drug trafficking conspiracy charges carry a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $5 million fine.

The attached image of Candace Gottlieb was posted on tcnjathletics.com