Morris County Prosecutor Recognized as Prosecutor of Year by NJNEOA

Published on June 21, 2023

Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll was recognized as Prosecutor of the Year by the New Jersey Narcotics Enforcement Officers Association (NJNEOA). The award was presented at NJNEOA’s annual awards luncheon at the Caesar’s Hotel in Atlantic City on Thursday, June 15, 2023.

The 2023 Narcotics Training Conference was held from June 12, 2023 through June 16. The five-day conference is held annually and included seminars this year on undercover operations, fighting the stigma around cannabis use disorder, cartels/gang trend briefings, and related topics.

The NJNEOA was organized to encourage mutual cooperation when it comes to the issue of enforcement concerning drug abuse, and to exchange ideas, conduct seminars to educate those involved in the abatement of the illegal narcotic trade. The association has more than 2000 members who have joined the association, representing federal, state, county and municipal law enforcement, as well as private industry, the professions, education and government.

In addition, the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Special Enforcement Unit was recognized for an operation that led to the arrest of individuals on drug distribution charges, and the seizure of over 300 grams of cocaine, $14,000 in U.S. currency, and drug distribution materials.

Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon was also recognized as Sheriff of the Year.

During his oversight of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, Prosecutor Carroll has focused on renewing and strengthening relationships with our municipal law enforcement partners, which in turn enabled the Special Enforcement Unit to staff its Narcotics Task Force with motivated officers from the local police departments. These officers learned how to investigate for-profit drug distributors, bringing these skills bring back to their agencies. During his law enforcement career, Prosecutor Carroll worked on numerous task forces with federal, state, county and municipal agencies, and translated that experience to strengthening and supporting the mission of the Narcotics Task Force. The Special Enforcement Unit went from zero task force officers to six in 2022.

Prosecutor Carroll understands the multi- dimensional approach to investigations that requires an investment/maintenance of technology and infrastructure, and that investment in the form of training, retaining qualified staff, and new tools will result in state-of-the-art equipment and capable personnel to carry out its mission. Prosecutor Carroll also continues to recognize the importance of community access to Narcan to combat the opioid epidemic that has plagued the community.

The NTF strives to investigate fentanyl and heroin distributors and provide resources to prosecute fatal overdoses and strict liability cases, where appropriate. During his tenure, multiple defendants have been charged with strict liability for a drug-induced death.

Prosecutor Carroll said, “I am deeply honored and humbled to receive this most prestigious award especially from the NJNEOA. Successful prosecutions are made through dedicated men and women working tirelessly and diligently to make the cases that need to be made. It bears repeating that your members operate in the most high-risk investigations and demonstrate the courage and perseverance that is the hallmark of your profession. I accept this award for all those members of my office, for those serving in our Morris County Narcotics Task Force, the Morris County Sheriff's Office and Sheriff James Gannon and for all Morris County law enforcement, and indeed for all of you who have dedicated your careers to relentlessly fighting the scourge of illegal drugs and the related crimes they spawn in our nation.”

Media inquiries concerning this press release should be directed to mknab@co.morris.nj.us.

Photos: Prosecutor Robert Carroll accepts the Prosecutor of the Year award.

NJNEOA 2nd Vice President George Snowden and Prosecutor Carroll.

MCPO Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, Sgt. James Bruno, Captain Steven Brylinski, Sheriff James Gannon, Chief Assistant Prosecutor Brad Seabury, Captain Jan-Michael Monrad, Prosecutor Robert Carroll.