Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes and Paterson Police Chief Troy Oswald announce that based upon an investigation by the Paterson Police Department, in conjunction with the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, Marcus Cortes, 19, from Woodland Park, was arrested on Dec. 17th, in connection with a shooting that took place on Oct. 2nd in the area of 53 Pennington Street in Paterson.
Officials say Cortes is charged with Possession of a Handgun for an Unlawful Purpose, Second Degree; and Unlawful Possession of a Handgun, Second Degree.
According to authorities, on Oct. 2nd at approximately 5:55 p.m. members of the Paterson Police Department were dispatched to the area of 53 Pennington Street on a report of a shooting.
Based on the investigation Cortes was identified as the shooter and was taken into custody.
The sentencing exposure for Mr. Cortes on Second Degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose is 5-10 years New Jersey State Prison with 42 months of parole ineligibility pursuant to the Graves Act; and on Second Degree Unlawful Possession of a Handgun is 5-10 years New Jersey State Prison with a minimum of 42 months before parole eligibility pursuant to the Graves Act.
The State intends to file a motion for Pretrial Detention in this matter that will be heard by a Superior Court Judge on December 21, 2018.
A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.