Acting Essex County Prosecutor Robert D. Laurino today announced that detectives from the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office VIPER Unit arrested Leroy Stedmon Peters, 31, of Newark and charged him with drug and weapons offenses.
Peters was arrested today after detectives developed information that he would be in possession of cocaine. Detectives conducted a motor vehicle stop and discovered Peters in possession of approximately 100 grams of cocaine. A subsequent search of his residence in the South Ward of Newark resulted in the seizure of additional cocaine, heroin and marijuana. Detectives also recovered six handguns from the residence.
The estimated street value of the narcotics seized is in excess of $25,000, according to Deputy Chief Assistant Prosecutor Thomas S. Fennelly, who added that Peters faces a potential sentence of 20 years in prison if convicted of the charges.
Acting Prosecutor Laurino commended the detectives involved and noted that detectives from the prosecutor’s office have been very active in the South Ward of Newark, in and around Route 78, and will continue stepped up efforts in that area.
Peters is being held at the Essex County Correctional Facility pending an initial court appearance in the Essex County Central Judicial Processing Court early next week.
These charges are mere accusations. All defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.
