Rockaway Township Man Arrested For Allegedly Maintaining a Controlled Dangerous Substance Production Facility
Published on May 15, 2013
Acting Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp and Rockaway Township Police Chief Walt Ardin announce the arrest of Darren V. Kent, 52 years old, of Rockaway Township, New Jersey for the alleged maintaining of a controlled dangerous substance production facility.
On May 14, 2013, the Rockaway Township Police Department responded to a 911 call at Sanders Road in Rockaway Township, New Jersey made by Darren Kent after he discovered his wife, Donna Kent, age 56, within the residence. She was declared dead at the scene. The Morris County Medical Examiner conducted an autopsy. The cause and manner of death is pending. There is no indication of any foul play in Donna Kent's death.
The Morris County Prosecutor's Office Major Crimes Unit and the Morris County Sheriff's Office responded to the location to assist in the death investigation. Upon arrival, detectives became aware of the odor of raw marijuana. The detectives immediately applied for and received a search warrant for the home. The warrant was authorized by the Honorable David H. Ironson, J.S.C. The Office of the Morris County Prosecutor has also moved to forfeit items seized during the investigation.
Pursuant to the search warrant, the Morris County Prosecutor's Office Narcotics Task Force in conjunction with the Rockaway Township Police Department and the Morris County Sheriff's Office conducted a search of the home and began a narcotics investigation. A large-scale sophisticated indoor marijuana grow was discovered within the residence. It included a lighting system, an irrigation system and a ventilation system. Quantities of harvested marijuana, packaging material, fertilizer, and other drug paraphernalia were also found. Over thirty marijuana plants were located within the residence, some behind false walls in hidden rooms. Additionally, over $10,000 cash and three firearms (one handgun and two shotguns) were seized. The estimated street value for a harvested yield of marijuana at the location is approximately $94,000.00.
Defendant is charged with one count of First Degree Maintaining a Controlled Dangerous Substance Production Facility by maintaining a premises for the manufacture of marijuana of greater than ten marijuana plants; one count of Second Degree Possession of more than ten but less than fifty marijuana plants with the intent to distribute and/or manufacture; and three counts of Second Degree Possession of a Firearm while committing a controlled dangerous substance offense.
The Honorable Gerald Smith, J.M.C. set bail at $300,000 and required a source hearing. Defendant was committed to the Morris County Correctional Facility in lieu of bail.
Acting Prosecutor Knapp stated We greatly appreciate the coordinated efforts of all involved law enforcement agencies in this cooperative investigation. It is this type of team work that best serves the public.
Acting Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp and Chief Walt Ardin wish to thank the Rockaway Township Police Department, the Morris County Sheriff's Office, and the Morris County Prosecutor's Office Major Crimes Unit and Narcotics Task Force in effectuating this arrest.
A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until he or she has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Any inquiries can be directed to First Assistant Morris County Prosecutor/SDAG Thomas Zelante at 973-285-6252 or tzelante@co.morris.nj.us.