Morris Prosecutor: Ten Charged in Connection with Cocaine Distribution Ring

Published on November 20, 2018

Morris County Narcotics Task Force Make First Degree Drug Arrests

Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp and Chief of Investigations Stephen F. Wilson Jr. announce the arrest of 10 cocaine distributors following a long-term drug investigation that began in June into the importation and distribution of cocaine into Morris County.Morris County Prosecutor's logo

This investigation culminated on November 15 and November 17, when investigators executed four search warrants resulting in ten arrests and the seizure of more than 500 grams of cocaine, more than $10,000 in drug distribution proceeds, and five vehicles utilized in furtherance of drug distribution activity.

The following individuals were arrested as a result of this investigation:

  1. Abel Mejia-Lara, 37 of North Bergen, was charged with the following:
  • 1 count of First-Degree Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute
  • 1 count of First-Degree Distribution of Cocaine
  • 3 counts of Second-Degree Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine
  • 3 counts of Second-Degree Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute
  • 3 counts of Second-Degree Distribution of Cocaine
  • 4 counts of Third-Degree Possession of Cocaine

Mejia-Lara is currently in custody at the Morris County Correctional Facility.

  1. Erlin N. Duarte-Oseguero, 27 of West New York:
  • 1 count of First-Degree Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute
  • 1 count of First-Degree Distribution of Cocaine
  • 1 count of Second Degree Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine
  • 2 counts of Second-Degree Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute
  • 2 counts of Second-Degree Distribution of Cocaine
  • 2 counts of Third-Degree Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute
  • 5 counts of Third-Degree Possession of Cocaine
  • 1 count of Third-Degree Distribution of Cocaine
  • 1 count of Fourth-Degree Possession of Paraphernalia with Intent to Distribute

Duarte-Oseguera is currently in custody at the Morris County Correctional Facility.

  1. Cesar D. Acosta-Shuna, 35 of Union City:
  • 1 count of First-Degree Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute
  • 1 count of First-Degree Distribution of Cocaine
  • 2 counts of Second-Degree Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute
  • 2 counts of Second-Degree Distribution of Cocaine
  • 3 counts of Third-Degree Possession of Cocaine
  • 1 count of Second-Degree Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine

Duarte-Oseguera is currently in custody at the Morris County Correctional Facility.

  1. Walter O. Cabrera-Martinez, 36 of West New York:
  • 1 count of third-degree Possession of Cocaine

Cabrera-Martinez was released on a Summons Complaint.

  1. Maria G. Ramos, 36 of West New York:
  • 1 count of Third-Degree Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute
  • 1 count of Third-Degree Possession of Cocaine

Ramos was released on a Summons Complaint.

  1. Rudy Mendez-Lopez, 20 of Morristown:
  • 1 count of Third-Degree Possession of Cocaine

Mendez-Lopez is currently in custody at the Morris County Correctional Facility.

  1. Gabriella Pieneda, 32 of Morristown:
  • 1 count of Third-Degree Possession of Cocaine

Pieneda is currently in custody at the Morris County Correctional Facility.

  1. Yassir Martinez, 40 of Morristown:
  • 1 count of Third-Degree Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute
  • 1 count of Third-Degree Distribution of Cocaine
  • 1 count of Third-Degree Possession of Cocaine
  • 1 count of Fourth-Degree Possession of Paraphernalia with Intent to Distribute

Martinez was released on a Summons Complaint.

  1. Edwin Garcia, 39 of Morristown:
  • 1 count of Third-Degree Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute
  • 1 count of Third-Degree Possession of Cocaine
  • 1 count of Fourth-Degree Possession of Paraphernalia with Intent to Distribute

Garcia was released on a Summons Complaint.

  1. Alexander Rodriguez-Bejaran, 43 of Linden:
  • 1 count of Third-Degree Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute
  • 1 count of Third-Degree Possession of Cocaine
  • 1 count of Fourth-Degree Possession of Paraphernalia with Intent to Distribute

Rodriguez-Bejaran was released on a Summons Complaint.

(PNG, 39KB)Prosecutor Knapp stated: We are losing too many of our citizens to the disease of addiction. This investigation demonstrates the importance of collaborative law enforcement efforts working together to infiltrate criminal organizations impacting Morris County.

"Fortunately, the Morris County Narcotics task force, led by the Prosecutor's Office Special Enforcement Unit, dismantled a drug trafficking group and the investigation resulted in the removal of a significant quantity of cocaine from our community."

Prosecutor Knapp wishes to thank the following agencies: Morris County Prosecutor's Office Special Operations Division, Hudson County Prosecutor's Office, Sussex County Prosecutor's Office, Morris County Sheriff's Office, Hudson County Sheriff's Office, New Jersey State Police, Morristown Police Department, West New York Police Department, Morris Township Police Department, Town of Dover Police Department and Morris Plains Police Department.

The investigation and prosecution is being conducted by the Morris County Prosecutor's Office Special Operations Division.

Inquiries can be directed to Public Information Officer Peter DiGennaro at 973-829-8159 or pdigennaro@co.morris.nj.us.

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