Three employees of the Linden Department of Public Works pleaded not guilty to drug charges during their court appearance today.
Bryan Stigliano's attorney, Peter Weiner said, "He's maintaining his innocence. He's pleaded not guilty."
The other two defendants, Joseph Caplette, 27, and Daniel Brown, 37, - who appeared with no apparent legal representation - also made their first appearance today before Judge Joan Robinson Gross today.
Both men decline to make a comment on the charges.
According to the Union County Prosecutor's Office, an investigation by their office led to charges against three Linden public works employees who they say were caught with bags of cocaine and other drugs Friday morning.
The employees were identified as 42-year-old Bryan Stigliano, 27-year-old Joseph Caplette and 37-year-old Daniel Brown, all Linden residents.
According to reports, authorities seized 14 bags of cocaine, small amounts of Xanax, Oxycodone, and Suboxone, and $175 in cash.
All three individuals were lodged in Union County Jail and each charged with single counts of third-degree possession of cocaine and third-degree possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute. Stigliano additionally was charged with third-degree possession of xanax, oxycodone, and suboxone.
Stigliano and Caplette's bail was set at $25,000, while Brown's bail was set at $35,000.
According to city officials, the three employees have been suspended without pay. However, no other comment was issued regarding the charges.