Acting Essex County Prosecutor Robert D. Laurino today announced Jose Colon, 19, of Newark has been arrested on narcotics possession and distribution charges.
Detectives from the Prosecutor’s VIPER Unit, the major narcotics unit of the Prosecutor’s Office, developed intelligence that Colon was distributing cocaine in the North Ward of Newark and initiated an investigation. After establishing surveillance in the area of Colon’s apartment on Summer Avenue, detectives subsequently searched Colon’s apartment and an adjacent apartment which Colon was using to stash drugs.
Colon was arrested on June 3, 2010 after he was found in possession of approximately 70 grams of cocaine, over 250 glassine envelopes of heroin and more than 60 ecstasy tablets. A small amount of marijuana and package materials were also recovered along with $4,000 in cash. The drugs were in the stash apartment.
Colon was charged with possession of cocaine, heroin, and ecstasy; possession of those narcotics with intent to distribute; and possession with intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of a school. The charges will be presented to a grand jury.
If convicted, Colon faces a possible ten year sentence on the second degree possession with intent to distribute charge, according to Deputy Chief Assistant Prosecutor Thomas S. Fennelly of the VIPER Unit. Bail for Colon was set at $150,000 by the Honorable James Rothschild, J.S.C.
Colon is currently being held at the Essex County Correctional Facility.
Detectives Robert O’Neal and Joseph DiLauri of the VIPER Unit were the primary case agents. The investigation was supervised by Captain Thomas A. Kelly of the VIPER Unit.
The charges are mere accusations. All defendants are presumed innocent unless or until they are found guilty in a court of law.
