PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Officer E. Elston was on patrol and observed an improperly parked 2019 Chevrolet Silverado at Red Roof Inn, 855 Route 46, with its engine running on Sunday, January 20 at 11:00 p.m.
He approached the vehicle and saw there was a lone occupant in the passenger seat. He spoke to Derrick Vega, 35, Hopatcong. As he spoke to Mr. Vega, he detected the odor or raw marijuana. While speaking to him, a second male, Pablo Munoz, 33, Charlotte, North Carolina approached Officer Elston and stated he had exited the vehicle to find a room in the hotel. Patrol Officers J. Seeger and J. Garza arrived on scene to assist.
The Officers found that Mr. Munoz had two active warrants for his arrest. He was immediately placed under arrest. Officers continued their investigation and located a loaded handgun, approximately 170 grams of suspected marijuana, a small amount of suspected cocaine, five pills of suspected Ecstasy, and drug paraphernalia inside the vehicle. Mr. Vega was then placed under arrest and found to be in possession of a small amount of suspected marijuana and drug paraphernalia.
Both males were transported to police headquarters for processing. After conferring with the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, they were charged with the following:
Derrick Vega:
• Possession of Less than 50 Grams of Marijuana, a Disorderly Persons Offense
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, a Disorderly Persons Offense
Pablo Munoz:
• 1 count of Second Degree Unlawful Possession of a Handgun
• 1 count of Second Degree Possession of a Firearm while committing a CDS Crime
• 1 count of Third Degree Possession with the Intent to Distribute CDS (Marijuana)
• 1 count of Third Degree Degree Possession of CDS (Cocaine)
• 1 count of Third Degree Degree Possession of CDS (Ecstasy)
• 1 count of Fourth Degree Possession of CDS (Marijuana)
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, a Disorderly Persons Offense
Mr. Vega was released on his own recognizance pending his court date. Mr. Munoz was transported to the Morris County Correctional Facility pending his initial court date.
Editor’s 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.
