Lake Hopatcong Man Pleads Guilty to Heroin Distribution Conspiracy
Published on November 18, 2013
Acting Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp announces that John A. Davieau, 55 years old, of Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey pleaded guilty today to Second Degree Conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute greater than 1/2oz of heroin.
In pleading guilty, the defendant admitted to conspiring with others to distribute in excess of 1900 individual folds (doses) of heroin between July 22, 2013 and August 6, 2013.
The multi-agency six-month long investigation that was initiated based upon criminal information received by the Hopatcong Police Department concluded in August, 2013 with the arrest of seven individuals for various heroin possession and distribution charges. The investigation was spearheaded by the Morris County Prosecutor's Office, Special Enforcement Unit under the leadership of Captain Daniel DeGroot and Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Bradford Seabury, with the assistance of several other law enforcement agencies. In addition to the arrests, the investigation culminated in the execution of several search warrants, the seizure of 10 bricks of heroin (500 doses), 6 vehicles used by the defendants during the illegal activity and $23,000 in proceeds from drug sales.
Under the terms of the plea agreement to the Second Degree charge, the State will recommend that Davieau be sentenced to 5 years in New Jersey State Prison. Davieau also agreed to civil forfeiture in excess of $55,000 dollars and a 2008 Dodge Durango.
Supervising Assistant Prosecutor/SDAG Bradford Seabury represented the State in the plea agreement.
The Honorable Mary Gibbons Whipple, J.S.C. presided over the plea. The defendant is scheduled to be sentenced on February 28, 2014.
Acting Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp wishes to thank the Morris County Narcotics Task Force, the Hopatcong Borough, Roxbury Township, Mount Arlington, Mount Olive, Florham Park, Wharton and Morristown Police Departments, the Morris County Sheriff's Office Special Services Division and the Essex County Prosecutor's Office VIPER Bureau for their roles in the investigation and resolution of this matter.
Any inquiries can be directed to First Assistant Morris County Prosecutor/SDAG Thomas Zelante at 973-285-6252 or tzelante@co.morris.nj.us.