Acting Essex County Prosecutor Robert D. Laurino today announced the arrest of Jermaine McMillian, 37, of Newark on first degree narcotics charges. Detectives from the Prosecutor’s VIPER Unit, the major narcotics unit of the Prosecutor’s Office, developed criminal intelligence that McMillian was distributing cocaine in the South Ward of Newark.
The investigation resulted in the arrest of McMillian on April 29, 2010. At the time of the arrest McMillian was found in possession of cocaine. A subsequent search of his residence resulted in the seizure of an additional half kilo of cocaine and more than $12,500 in cash. The $12,500 was seized as drug proceeds and the Prosecutor’s Office will begin forfeiture proceedings
McMillian was charged with first degree possession of cocaine with intent to distribute; second degree possession of cocaine with intent to distribute within 500 feet of public property; and third degree possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of a school. The street value of the cocaine is estimated to be $25,000, according to Deputy Chief Assistant Prosecutor Thomas S. Fennelly.
If convicted of first degree possession with intent to distribution, McMillian faces a 20-year sentence, according to Fennelly.
Bail for McMillian was set at $500,000 by the Honorable Michael A. Petrolle, J.S.C. McMillian is being held at the Essex County Correctional Facility. The case will be presented to a grand jury.
Acting Prosecutor Laurino commended VIPER Unit Detectives Robert O’Neal and Joseph DiLauri, the primary case agents, and Capt. Thomas Kelly who supervised the investigation.
Not withstanding the charges, all defendants are presumed innocent until they plead guilty or are proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
