Prosecutor Knapp, Special Enforcement Unit Detectives Receive Honors
Published on June 09, 2017
The New Jersey Narcotic Enforcement Officers Association (NJNEOA) held its Awards Ceremony on Thursday, June 8, 2017 in Atlantic City. Numerous state, federal, county and local law enforcement officers were honored with meritorious service awards by the Association at this annual event.
Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp was honored as Prosecutor of the Year at this program and was presented with a plaque by Niten Daniels, the Association Awards Chairman and Board member. Lieutenant Felix Pacheco of the Hudson County Prosecutor's Office, President of the Association introduced Prosecutor Knapp along with other honorees.
Prosecutor Knapp acknowledged that he was honored and humbled to receive this recognition by the Narcotic Officers Association. We have made narcotics enforcement a priority under my administration and will continue to do so.
Knapp also praised the work of Chief Assistant Prosecutor Bradford Seabury, Deputy Chief Stephen Wilson, Captain Brian Keane, Lieutenant Edward Jones, Sergeant Joseph Costello, Detective / Supervisor James Bruno, Detective Lydia Negron, Detective James Atoche, Task Force Officer (TFO) Edward Zienowicz, TFO Lucas Echeverri, TFO George Tsimpedis and TFO Scott Pino who also received awards for meritorious services.
The Morris County Prosecutor's Office Special Enforcement Unit was honored for its work involving the arrest of Kevin L. Ruiz and 15 other persons on heroin and other narcotics distribution charges earlier this year.
Our Special Enforcement Unit continues to partner with our state and municipal law enforcement officers to bring for-profit drug dealers to justice, Knapp said.
The unit and its members were cited for their role in a co-op electronic surveillance investigation that culminated in the March 17 arrest of Ruiz along with 15 other individuals in three counties for numerous drug charges, including 25 counts of conspiracy to possess a controlled dangerous substance and 23 counts of conspiracy to possess a controlled dangerous substance with intent to distribute.
NJNEOA is a non-profit organization founded by law enforcement officers in 1965 to combat drug abuse. The association strives to recognize individuals who have exhibited a high degree of professionalism, integrity, and dedication above and beyond the call of duty.
For further information, contact [email protected].