Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp and Chief of Investigations Stephen F. Wilsn Jr. announce the arrest of several cocaine distributors following a long-term drug investigation that began in June 2018 into the importation and distribution of cocaine into Morris County.
This investigation culminated on Nov. 15th and Nov. 17th, when investigators executed four search warrants resulting in ten arrests and the seizure of over five hundred grams of cocaine, over $10,000 in drug distribution proceeds, and five vehicles utilized in furtherance of drug distribution activity.
The following individuals were arrested as a result of this investigation:
**Abel Mejia-Lara, 37, of North Bergen, NJ, was charged with the following:**
One count of First-Degree Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute
One count of First-Degree Distribution of Cocaine
Three counts of Second-Degree Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine
Three counts of Second-Degree Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute
3counts of Second-Degree Distribution of Cocaine
Four counts of Third-Degree Possession of Cocaine
Officials say Mejia-Lara is currently in custody at the Morris County Correctional Facility pending a Detention Motion.
**Erlin N. Duarte-Oseguero, 27 of West New York, NJ, was charged with the following:**
1 count of First-Degree Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute
1 count of First-Degree Distribution of Cocaine
1 count of Second Degree Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine
2 counts of Second-Degree Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute
2 counts of Second-Degree Distribution of Cocaine
2 counts of Third-Degree Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute
5 counts of Third-Degree Possession of Cocaine
1 count of Third-Degree Distribution of Cocaine
1 count of Fourth-Degree Possession of Paraphernalia with Intent to Distribute
Duarte-Oseguera is currently in custody at the Morris County Correctional Facility pending a Detention Motion.
**Cesar D. Acosta-Shuna, 35, of Union City, NJ, was charged with the following**:
1 count of First-Degree Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute
1 count of First-Degree Distribution of Cocaine
2 counts of Second-Degree Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute
2 counts of Second-Degree Distribution of Cocaine
3 counts of Third-Degree Possession of Cocaine
1 count of Second-Degree Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine
Duarte-Oseguera is currently in custody at the Morris County Correctional Facility pending a Detention Motion.
Walter O. Cabrera-Martinez, 36 of West New York, NJ, was charged with 1 count of third-degree Possession of Cocaine Cabrera-Martinez was released on a Summons Complaint.
**Maria G. Ramos, 36 of West New York, NJ,** was charged with 1 count of Third-Degree Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute and 1 count of Third-Degree Possession of Cocaine Ramos was released on a Summons Complaint.
**Rudy Mendez-Lopez, 20 of Morristown, NJ,** was charged with one count of Third-Degree Possession of Cocaine. Mendez-Lopez is currently in custody at the Morris County Correctional Facility awaiting his First Appearance.
**Gabriella Pieneda, 32 of Morristown, NJ,** was charged with 1 count of Third-Degree Possession of Cocaine. Pieneda is currently in custody at the Morris County Correctional Facility awaiting her First Appearance.
**Yassir Martinez, 40 of Morristown, NJ,** was charged with 1 count of Third-Degree Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute, 1 count of Third-Degree Distribution of Cocaine, 1 count of Third-Degree Possession of Cocaine, 1 count of Fourth-Degree Possession of Paraphernalia with Intent to Distribute Martinez was released on a Summons Complaint.
**Edwin Garcia, 39 of Morristown, NJ**, was charged with 1 count of Third-Degree Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute, 1 count of cocaine-Degree Possession of Cocaie, 1 count of Fourth-Degree Possession of Paraphernalia with Intent to Distribute. Garcia was released on a Summons Complaint.
**Alexander Rodriguez-Bejaran, 43 of Linden, NJ,** was charged with the following:
1 count of Third-Degree Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute
1 count of Third-Degree Possession of Cocaine
1 count of Fourth-Degree Possession of Paraphernalia with Intent to Distribute
Rodriguez-Bejaran was released on a Summons Complaint.
A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent unless or until he/she has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a Court of law.