NARCOTICS INVESTIGATION LEADS TO NUMEROUS ARRESTS FOR DRUG DISTRIBUTION

[Chief M Richards]

For the past several months, the Newton Police Department and the Sussex County Guns, Gangs & Narcotics Task Force conducted a cooperative undercover narcotics investigation that resulted in 13 individuals being arrested for narcotics related offenses.  The investigation was based on ongoing Patrol Officer and witness observations and intelligence developed from overdose reports and informants.  The following individuals were arrested in and around various multi-dwelling buildings/residences in Town and they were charged with the following offenses on the dates indicated below:

 

AUGUST 22, 2015

·         David L. Halls, 26 year old male, no physical address, was charged with Distribution of a Controlled Dangerous Substance [16 grams of heroin], N.J.S. 2C:35-5a(1)b(2) a Second Degree Crime, and Distribution of a Controlled Dangerous Substance [heroin] within 500 feet of a Public Park, N.J.S. 2C:35-7.1a a Second Degree Crime.  Halls was lodged in the Sussex County Jail in default of $150,000 bail that was set by the Honorable Thomas J. Critchley, Jr., JSC.

 

AUGUST 26, 2015

·         Bret T. Jennings, 22 year old male from Franklin, NJ, was charged with two counts of Distribution of a Controlled Dangerous Substance [heroin], N.J.S. 2C:35-5a(1)b(3) a Third Degree Crime.  Jennings was lodged in the Sussex County Jail on a warrant for Violation of Parole.

 

·         Briana C. Mattson, a 21 year old female from Franklin, NJ, was charged with two counts of Aiding and Abetting in the Distribution of a Controlled Dangerous Substance [heroin], N.J.S. 2C:2-6c(1)(b) of 2C:35-5a(1)b(3), a Third Degree Crime.  Mattson was issued with a Complaint Summons.

 

SEPTEMBER 14, 2015

·         Jack J. Elston, Jr., a 37 year old male from Newton, NJ, was charged with Distribution of a Controlled Dangerous Substance [heroin], N.J.S. 2C:35-5a(1)b(3) a Third Degree Crime.  Elston, Jr. was issued a Complaint Summons.

 

·         Steven C. Hill, a 65 year male from Newton, NJ, was charged with Distribution of a Controlled Dangerous Substance [heroin], N.J.S. 2C:35-5a(1)b(3) a Third Degree Crime.  Hill was lodged in the Sussex County Jail in default of $20,000 bail that was set by Judge James Devine, JMC.

 

·         Joseph McGlinch, a 31 year old male from Newton, NJ, was charged with Distribution of a Controlled Dangerous Substance [heroin], N.J.S. 2C:35-5a(1)b(3) a Third Degree Crime, and Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance [heroin], N.J.S. 2C:35-10a a Third Degree Crime.  McGlinch was lodged in the Sussex County Jail in default of $10,000 bail that was set by Judge James Devine.

 

·         Gerald W. Nystrand, Jr., a 49 year old male from Newton, NJ, was charged with Distribution of a Controlled Dangerous Substance [heroin], N.J.S. 2C:35-5a(1)b(3) a Third Degree Crime, and Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance [heroin], N.J.S. 2C:35-10a a Third Degree Crime.  Nystrand Jr., was lodged in the Sussex County Jail in default of $10,000 bail that was set by Judge James Devine.

 

·         David J. Vanskiver, 27 year old male from Newton, NJ, was charged with Aiding and Abetting in the Distribution of a Controlled Dangerous Substance [heroin], N.J.S. 2C:2-6c(1)(b) of 2C:35-5a(1)b(3) a Third Degree Crime, and Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance [heroin], N.J.S. 2C:35-10a a Third Degree Crime.  Vanskiver was issued a Complaint Summons.

 

SEPTEMBER 16, 2015

·         Andrew K. Gribble, a 24 year old male from Hardwick, NJ, was charged with Distribution of a Controlled Dangerous Substance [heroin], N.J.S. 2C:35-5a(1)b(3) a Third Degree Crime.  Gribble was issued a Complaint Summons.

 

OCTOBER 7, 2015

·         Laura A. Davis, a 24 year old female from Newton, NJ, was charged with Distribution of a Controlled Dangerous Substance [heroin] within 500 feet of a Public Park, N.J.S. 2C:35-7.1a a Third Degree Crime.  Davis was issued with a Complaint Summons.

 

·         Dale Davis, a 58 year old male from Newton, NJ, was charged with Distribution of a Controlled Dangerous Substance [prescription narcotic pain medication], N.J.S. 2C:35-5a(1)b(3) a Third Degree Crime.  Davis was issued with a Complaint Summons.

 

OCTOBER 22, 2015

·         Kenneth Rivas, a 29 year old male from Newton, NJ, was charged with Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance [heroin], N.J.S. 2C:35-10a a Third Degree Crime.  Rivas was issued a Complaint Summons.

 

·         Sherry L. Hill, a 26 year old female from Newton, NJ, was charged with Distribution of a Controlled Dangerous Substance [heroin and prescription medication], N.J.S. 2C:35-5a(1)b(3) a Third Degree Crime, two counts of Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance [heroin and prescription medication], N.J.S. 2C:35-10a a Third Degree Crime, and Possession of an Emergency Communications Receiver (possessing police radio scanner during commission of a crime), N.J.S. 2C:33-22 a Fourth Degree Crime.  Hill was lodged in the Sussex County Jail without bail as authorized by Hon. Judge John E. Mulhern, JMC.

 

As a result of the investigation, approximately 20 grams of heroin, which equates to about 400 bags, were seized in total during the investigation.  Additionally, approximately $6500 in US currency was seized from the subjects as proceeds from sales of controlled dangerous substances. 

 

Patrol Officers and Detectives continue to work cooperatively with Task Force Detectives to monitor illicit activity and identify suspects.  Anyone with information is urged to contact the Newton Police Department at (973)383-2525 or submit tips anonymously by texting 274637 with keyword NEWTON.