Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes announces that Tyian Edwards, 32, of Paterson, was found guilty after a jury trial before the Honorable Joseph A. Portelli, J.S.C., of four counts of drug related offenses.
The State presented evidence at the trial that, on April 3, 2014, at approximately 2:44 pm, narcotics detectives from the Paterson Police Department were conducting an investigation in the area of 50-52 Rosa Parks Boulevard. Detectives observed a female handing Edwards paper currency and in exchange, Edwards reached into his waistband and handed the female small object(s).
When detectives approached, Edwards was arrested and found with possession of fifteen baggies of marijuana stamped with a black eight ball and $175.
The female was also arrested and found in possession of two baggies of marijuana stamped with a black eight ball. The distribution occurred within only one city block of Public School #10.
The Passaic County jury convicted Edwards today of four counts of distribution of a controlled dangerous substance, distribution of a controlled dangerous substance within 1000 feet of school property, possession of a controlled dangerous substance with the intent to distribute, and possession of a controlled dangerous substance with the intent to distribute within 1000 feet of school property.
His sentencing is scheduled for March 10, 2017 before Judge Portelli.
Following the guilty verdict, Judge Portelli granted the State’s motion to remand the defendant to the Passaic County Jail pending sentence.
Edwards is mandatory extended term eligible and faces a maximum of 10 years in State Prison.