MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp and Chief of Investigations Stephen F. Wilson Jr. announce the arrest of several cocaine distributors following a long-term drug investigation that began in June 2018 into the importation and distribution of cocaine into Morris County. This investigation culminated on November 15 and November 17, when investigators executed four search warrants resulting in ten arrests and the seizure of over five hundred (500) grams of cocaine, over $10,000 in drug distribution proceeds, and five vehicles utilized in furtherance of drug distribution activity.
The following individuals were arrested as a result of this investigation:
Abel Mejia-Lara, 37, North Bergen, was charged with the following:
- 1 count of First-Degree Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute
- 1 count of First-Degree Distribution of Cocaine
- 3 counts of Second-Degree Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine
- 3 counts of Second-Degree Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute
- 3 counts of Second-Degree Distribution of Cocaine
- 4 counts of Third-Degree Possession of Cocaine
Mejia-Lara is currently in custody at the Morris County Correctional Facility pending a Detention Motion.
Erlin N. Duarte-Oseguero, 27, West New York, was charged with the following:
- 1 count of First-Degree Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute
- 1 count of First-Degree Distribution of Cocaine
- 1 count of Second Degree Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine
- 2 counts of Second-Degree Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute
- 2 counts of Second-Degree Distribution of Cocaine
- 2 counts of Third-Degree Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute
- 5 counts of Third-Degree Possession of Cocaine
- 1 count of Third-Degree Distribution of Cocaine
- 1 count of Fourth-Degree Possession of Paraphernalia with Intent to Distribute
Duarte-Oseguera is currently in custody at the Morris County Correctional Facility pending a Detention Motion.
Cesar D. Acosta-Shuna, 35, Union City was charged with the following:
- 1 count of First-Degree Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute
- 1 count of First-Degree Distribution of Cocaine
- 2 counts of Second-Degree Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute
- 2 counts of Second-Degree Distribution of Cocaine
- 3 counts of Third-Degree Possession of Cocaine
- 1 count of Second-Degree Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine
Duarte-Oseguera is currently in custody at the Morris County Correctional Facility pending a Detention Motion.
Walter O. Cabrera-Martinez, 36, West New York, was charged with the following:
- 1 count of third-degree Possession of Cocaine
Cabrera-Martinez was released on a Summons Complaint.
Maria G. Ramos, 36, of West New York, was charged with the following:
- 1 count of Third-Degree Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute
- 1 count of Third-Degree Possession of Cocaine
Ramos was released on a Summons Complaint.
Rudy Mendez-Lopez, 20, Morristown, was charged with the following:
- 1 count of Third-Degree Possession of Cocaine
Mendez-Lopez is currently in custody at the Morris County Correctional Facility awaiting his First Appearance.
Gabriella Pieneda, 32, Morristown, was charged with the following:
- 1 count of Third-Degree Possession of Cocaine
Pieneda is currently in custody at the Morris County Correctional Facility awaiting her First Appearance.
Yassir Martinez, 40, Morristown, was charged with the following:
- 1 count of Third-Degree Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute
- 1 count of Third-Degree Distribution of Cocaine
- 1 count of Third-Degree Possession of Cocaine
- 1 count of Fourth-Degree Possession of Paraphernalia with Intent to Distribute
Martinez was released on a Summons Complaint.
Edwin Garcia, 39 of Morristown, was charged with the following:
- 1 count of Third-Degree Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute
- 1 count of Third-Degree Possession of Cocaine
- 1 count of Fourth-Degree Possession of Paraphernalia with Intent to Distribute
Garcia was released on a Summons Complaint.
Alexander Rodriguez-Bejaran, 43 of Linden, was charged with the following:
- 1 count of Third-Degree Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute
- 1 count of Third-Degree Possession of Cocaine
- 1 count of Fourth-Degree Possession of Paraphernalia with Intent to Distribute
Rodriguez-Bejaran was released on a Summons Complaint.
Prosecutor Knapp stated: “We are losing too many of our citizens to the disease of addiction. This investigation demonstrates the importance of collaborative law enforcement efforts working together to infiltrate criminal organizations impacting Morris County. Fortunately, the Morris County Narcotics task force, led by the Prosecutor’s Office Special Enforcement Unit, dismantled a drug trafficking group and the investigation resulted in the removal of a significant quantity of cocaine from our community.”
Prosecutor Knapp wishes to thank the following agencies for their assistance and commitment to the Task Force: Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Special Operations Division, Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office, Morris County Sheriff’s Office, Hudson County Sheriff’s Office, New Jersey State Police, Morristown Police Department, West New York Police Department, Morris Township Police Department, Town of Dover Police Department and Morris Plains Police Department.
The investigation and prosecution is being conducted by the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Special Operations Division.
Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
