The former American Idol star from the Jersey Shore is making headlines once again. Antonella Barba of Point Pleasant Beach, NJ is now facing federal charges for dealing heroin.
Barba, 31, was arrested in October 2018 in Norfolk, Virginia, for heroin possession.
Although she denies knowing it was there, authorities discovered heroin in her rental car. Barba was charged with one count of possession of more than 100 grams of heroin with intent to distribute.
Since Oct. 27, Barba has been out on a $50,000 secured bond on charges from the state.
Now, the Office of the Norfolk Commonwealth’s Attorney dropped state drug dealing charges against her and Barba faces federal charges instead.
If convicted, she faces a minimum of five years, and up to 40 years, in prison, with a $500,000 fine.
Barba’s attorney anticipates a detention hearing will be scheduled for Friday, Feb. 15.
