By: Richard L. Smith
Morris County authorities have announced the arrest of Santiago J. Escobar, 32, of Rockaway Borough, following a months-long investigation into his involvement in the distribution of controlled substances and illegal firearms.
The arrest was made on September 3, 2024, after a detailed operation led by Acting Morris County Prosecutor Bradford Seabury, Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, and Rockaway Borough Police Chief Conrad Pepperman.
Escobar is accused of distributing over five ounces of cocaine, a handgun, and hollow-point bullets in Rockaway between April and August of 2024.
Investigators seized approximately 100 grams of cocaine, several pounds of marijuana, over $1,000 in suspected drug proceeds, as well as drug paraphernalia such as scales and baggies used for distribution.
As a result of the investigation, Escobar faces multiple charges, including possession with intent to distribute cocaine, conspiracy to distribute, unlawful possession and sale of a handgun, possession of hollow-point bullets, and money laundering. In total, he is charged with several first, second, third, and fourth-degree offenses related to the distribution of drugs and firearms.
Escobar is currently being held at the Morris County Correctional Facility while awaiting a pretrial detention hearing under the Criminal Justice Reform Act.
The investigation remains ongoing.