Newark – Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray and Newark Public Safety Director Anthony F. Ambrose announced today that seven individuals were arrested at three locations in Newark and Irvington as part of a major ongoing drug investigation led by the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Task Force which includes detectives from the Newark Police Department.
Authorities said a total of 124.32 grams of heroin (3,885 glassine envelops), with an estimated street value of $24,000, was seized along with cash, hollow point bullets and bullet proof vests.
“The arrests today are an indication of the importance this office and the Newark Police Department put on combating illegal drug sales in Essex County,’’ said Acting Prosecutor Murray.
“The seizure of this large amount of heroin, packaged for distribution, removes a significant quantity of heroin from the amount available for sale on the street.’’
Newark Public Safety Director Ambrose commended the Task Force.
“This is an outstanding coordinated, partnership aimed at dismantling the drug trade in the city of Newark, ‘’ Director Ambrose said.
Those arrested include the following:
Altariq Wagner, 28, of Newark was charged with conspiracy, distribution of heroin and distribution within 1,000 feet of a school. Bail for Wagner was set at $50,000 cash or bond.
Jerrez Wagner, 26, of Irvington was arrested and charged with possession of heroin, possession of heroin with the intent to distribute, possession of heroin within 1,000 feet of a school. His bail was set at $125,000 cash only.
Reginald Jones, 42, of Newark was charged with conspiracy, possession of heroin, possession of heroin with intent to distribute, possession of heroin within 1,000 feet of a school and possession of hollow point bullets. In addition two bulletproof vests were seized. Jones’ bail was set at $75,000 cash or bond.
Steven Moultrie, 50, of Newark was charged with possession of heroin, possession of heroin with intent to distribute, possession of heroin within 1,000 feet of a school and hindering apprehension. He was released with a summons.
Latoya Jones, 35, of Newark was arrested on an outstanding East Orange Public Department warrant. She was released on her own recognizance.
Yoko Negron, 45, of Newark was charged with possession of heroin, possession of heroin with intent to distribute, possession of heroin within 1,000 feet of a school and possession of hollow point bullets.
She summonsed, released and is scheduled to appear in court at a later date.
Jose A. Chavez, 29, of Newark was charged with possession of heroin, possession of heroin with intent to distribute, possession of heroin within 1,000 feet of a school and possession of hollow point bullets. He was summonsed, released, and is scheduled to appear in court at a later date.
The investigation is active and ongoing.
These are accusations.
All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they enter a guilty plea or are found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.