NEWS

24 arrested in Morris drug-trafficking sweep

William Westhoven
@WWesthoven

A three-month investigation by Morris County law enforcement resulted in the arrests of 24 people charged with supplying heroin and cocaine in Morristown, Victory Gardens, Dover and vicinity.

An organizational chart of suspects arrested in a drug sweep March 13-14.

Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp  announced the coordinated arrests of several alleged drug traffickers by members of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Special Enforcement Unit and detectives with the Morristown Bureau of Police.

Several court-ordered search and arrest warrants were executed Sunday and Monday throughout Morris and Passaic counties by members of the Narcotics Task Force, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Response Team, the Passaic County Sheriff’s Department SWAT team and the New Jersey State Police TEAMS Unit.

​All but two of the suspects caught in the sweep resided in Morris County, according to a statement issued by Knapp on Friday.

With the arrests came the seizure of more than 1,400 individual folds of heroin, approximately 55 grams of cocaine, various packaging and drug distribution related material, more than $33,500 in U.S. currency, handgun ammunition and 11 motor vehicles.

The investigation started in December, when members of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Special Enforcement Unit and detectives with the Morristown Bureau of Police received information regarding cocaine and heroin distribution by "multiple members of the Washington family," according to the statement.

Four suspects by that name — Ronald G. Washington (aka “Trank”), 56, of Dover, George R. Washington (aka “GW”), 51, of Morristown, Michael A. Washington (aka “Raheem”), 54, of Dover,  and Robert L. Washington (aka “Robbie”), 49, of Morristown, were arrested, charged and identified by the prosecutor's office as "distributors" in the alleged drug-trafficking network.

Topping the organizational chart was Prentice Melton (aka “Prince”), 47, of Clifton.

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The investigation by members of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Special Enforcement Unit/Narcotics Task Force learned that Ronald G. Washington and his brother George Washington allegedly were obtaining a significant supply of heroin and cocaine from a source in Passaic County. The cocaine and heroin was imported into and sold throughout Morris County, Kanpp said.

“This investigation uncovered a prolific drug trafficking network that distributed cocaine and heroin on the streets of Morris County," Knapp wrote in the arrest statement. "The widespread distribution of heroin has a detrimental impact on the lives of all citizens of Morris County. It remains a priority of this office to target those offenders responsible for spreading this deadly narcotic drug throughout our communities."

Among the 20 other suspects charged, all but two face drug charges including at least one third-degree conspiracy count. They include the following:

• Deborah A. Jones (aka “Auntie”), 61, of Dover

• Derrell A. Jones, 31, of Dover

• David W. Jones (aka “Bones”), 58, of Dover

• Randy Gwaltney (aka “Pee Wee”), 44, of Dover

• William A. Bryant, Jr., 50, of Morristown

• Gregory Blayer, 34, of Flanders

• Otis L. Davis, 57, of Morristown

• Andrew W. Mistkowski,  50, of Randolph

• Jennie E. Maccario, 36, of Hopatcong

• Jessica L. Debonis, 30, of Flanders (currently at-large with bail set at $10,000)

• Melissa A. Lapinski, 36, of Budd Lake

• Richard J. Hillabrant, 45, of Rockaway

• Korey E. Holloway, 41, of Morristown

• Carla J. Forgione, 44, of Rockaway

• Sheyne V. Jordan, 45, of Rockaway

• Marcelo Fabian, 44, of Dover

• Stephen Rudolph, 59, of Glen Gardner

• Lauren M. Ellis-White, 52, of Dover

• Brandon L. White, 22, Dover

Ashon J. Hackett-Taylor, 22, of Morristown.

Two others arrested in the sweep, Brandon L. White, 22, of Dover and Ashon J. Hackett-Taylor, 22, of Morristown, were charged with a disorderly persons charge of possession of less than 50 grams of marijuana, and were released on their own recognizance.

The investigation and prosecution is being conducted by the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Special Operations Division. Task Force Officer Edward Zienowicz of the Morris County Narcotics Task Force and Detective Scott Pino of the Morristown Bureau of Police were the lead investigators. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant Prosecutor Erin Callahan.

Staff Writer William Westhoven: 973-917-9242; wwesthoven@GannettNJ.com.

Complete list of charges:

Prentice Melton (aka “Prince”), 47, Clifton:

1 Count of Conspiracy to Possess Heroin (3rd Degree)

1 Count of Conspiracy to Possess Cocaine (3rd Degree)

1 Count of Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Heroin, greater than ½ oz. (2nd Degree)

2 Counts of Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine, greater than ½ oz. (2nd Degree)

1 Count of Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin, greater than ½ oz. (2nd Degree)

2 Counts of Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine, greater than ½ oz. (2nd Degree)

2 Counts of Possession of Cocaine (3rd Degree)

2 Counts of Possession of Heroin (3rd Degree)

1 Count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine, less than ½ oz. (3rd Degree)

2 Counts of Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin, less than ½ oz. (3rd Degree)

1 Count of Distribution of Cocaine, less than ½ oz. (3rd Degree)

1 Count of Distribution of Heroin, less than ½ oz. (3rd Degree)

1 Count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine, within 500 feet of a public park (2nd Degree)

1 Count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin, within 500 feet of a public park (2nd Degree)

1 Count of Distribution of Cocaine, within 500 feet of a public park (2nd Degree)

1 Count of Distribution of Heroin, within 500 feet of a public park (2nd Degree)

1 Count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine, greater than ½ oz. (2nd Degree)

Melton was lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility on $200,000 no 10% bail.

Ronald G. Washington (aka “Trank”), 56, of Dover:

1 Count of Conspiracy to Possess Heroin (3rd Degree)

1 Count of Conspiracy to Possess Cocaine (3rd Degree)

1 Count of Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Heroin, greater than ½ oz. (2nd Degree)

1 Count of Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine, greater than ½ oz. (2nd Degree)

1 Count of Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine, greater than ½ oz. (2nd Degree)

1 Count of Possession of Heroin (3rd Degree)

1 Count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin, greater than ½ oz.  (2nd Degree)

1 Count of Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Heroin, greater than ½ oz. (2nd degree)

Washington was lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility on $250,000 no 10% bail.

George R. Washington (aka “GW”), 51, of Morristown:

1 Count of Conspiracy to Possess Heroin (3rd Degree)

1 Count of Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Heroin, greater than ½ oz. (2nd Degree)

2 Counts of Conspiracy to Possess Cocaine (3rd Degree)

2 Counts of Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine, greater than ½ oz. (2nd Degree)

1 Count of Possession of Cocaine (3rd Degree)

1 Count of Possession of Heroin (3rd Degree)

1 Count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine, less than ½ oz. (3rd Degree)

1 Count of Possession with Intent to Distribute, Heroin, less than ½ oz. (3rd Degree)

1 Count of Distribution of Cocaine, less than ½ oz. (3rd Degree)

1 Count of Possession with Intent to Distribute, Cocaine, within 500 feet of a public park (2nd Degree)

1 Count of Distribution of Cocaine, within 500 feet of a public park (2nd Degree)

1 Count of Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine, less than ½ oz. (3rd Degree)

Washington was lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility on $250,000 no 10% bail.

Michael A. Washington (aka “Raheem”), 54, of Dover:

1 Count of Possession of Heroin, less than ½ oz. (3rd Degree)

1 Count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin, less than ½ oz. (3rd Degree)

1 Count of Distribution of Heroin, less than ½ oz. (3rd Degree)

1 Count of Possession of Heroin (3rd Degree)

1 Count of Possession with Intent to Distribute, Heroin, greater than ½ oz.  (2nd Degree)

1 Count of Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Heroin, greater than ½ oz. (2nd degree)

Washington was lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility on $100,000 no 10% bail.

Robert L. Washington (aka “Robbie”), 49, of Morristown:

1 Count of Possession of Heroin, less than ½ oz. (3rd Degree)

1 Count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin, less than ½ oz. (3rd Degree)

1 Count of Distribution of Heroin, less than ½ oz. (3rd Degree)

1 Count of Distribution of Heroin within 500 feet of Public Park, less than ½ oz. (2nd Degree)

Washington was lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility on $100,000 no 10% bail.

Deborah A. Jones (aka “Auntie”), 61, of Dover:

1 Count of Conspiracy to Possess Heroin (3rd Degree)

1 Count of Conspiracy to Possess Heroin with Intent to Distribute, greater than ½ oz. (2nd Degree)

1 Count of Possession of Heroin (3rd Degree)

1 Count of Possession with Intent to Distribute, Heroin, greater than ½ oz. (2nd Degree)

1 Count of Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Heroin, greater than ½ oz. (2nd degree)

Jones was lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility on $100,000 no 10% bail.

Derrell A. Jones, 31, of Dover:

1 Count of Possession of Marijuana, more than 50 grams (4th Degree)

1 Count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, more than 1 ounce but less than 5 pounds (3rd Degree)

1 Count of Possession of Heroin (3rd Degree)

1 Count of Possession with Intent to Distribute, Heroin, greater than ½ oz. (2nd Degree)

1 Count of Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Heroin, greater than ½ oz. (2nd degree)

Jones was lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility on $2,500 no 10% bail.

David W. Jones (aka “Bones”), 58, of Dover:

1 Count of Possession of Heroin, less than ½ oz. (3rd Degree)

1 Count of Possession of Heroin (3rd Degree)

1 Count of Possession with Intent to Distribute, Heroin, greater than ½ oz. (2nd Degree)

1 Count of Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Heroin, greater than ½ oz. (2nd degree)

Jones was lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility on $20,000 no 10% bail.

Randy Gwaltney (aka “Pee Wee”), 44, of Dover:

1 Count of Conspiracy to Possess Cocaine (3rd Degree)

1 Count of Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine, less than ½ oz. (3rd Degree)

Gwaltney was lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility on $50,000 no 10% bail.

William A. Bryant, Jr., 50, of Morristown:

1 Count of Conspiracy to Possess Heroin (3rd Degree)

1 Count of Conspiracy to Possess Heroin with Intent to Distribute, greater than ½ oz. (2nd Degree)

Bryant, Jr. was lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility.  His bail has been set at $100,000 no 10%.

Gregory Blayer, 34, of Flanders:

1 Count of Conspiracy to Possess Heroin (3rd Degree)

Blayer was lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility on $10,000 no 10% bail.

Otis L. Davis, 57, of Morristown:

1 Count of Conspiracy to Possess Heroin (3rd Degree)

Davis was lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility on $10,000 with 10% option bail.

Andrew W. Mistkowski, 50, of Randolph:

1 Count of Conspiracy to Possess Heroin (3rd Degree)

Mistkowski was lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility on $5,000 with 10% option bail.

Jennie E. Maccario, 36, of Hopatcong:

1 Count of Conspiracy to Possess Heroin (3rd Degree)

Maccario was lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility on $10,000 with a 10% option bail.

Jessica L. Debonis, 30, of Flanders:

1 Count of Conspiracy to Possess Heroin (3rd Degree)

Debonis is currently at-large.  Her bail has been set at $10,000 with a 10% option bail.

Melissa A. Lapinski, 36, of Budd Lake:

1 Count of Conspiracy to Possess Heroin (3rd Degree)

Lapinski was lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility on $10,000 with 10% option bail.

Richard J. Hillabrant, 45, of Rockaway:

1 Count of Conspiracy to Possess Heroin (3rd Degree)

Hillabrant was lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility on $10,000 with 10% option bail.

Korey E. Holloway, 41, of Morristown:

1 Count of Conspiracy to Possess Heroin (3rd Degree)

Holloway was lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility on $10,000 with 10% option bail.

Carla J. Forgione, 44, of Rockaway:

1 Count of Conspiracy to Possess Heroin (3rd Degree)

Forgione was lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility on $5,000 with 10% option bail.

Sheyne V. Jordan, 45, of Rockaway:

1 Count of Conspiracy to Possess Heroin (3rd Degree)

Jordan was lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility on $7,500 with 10% option bail.

Marcelo Fabian, 44, of Dover:

1 Count of Conspiracy to Possess Heroin (3rd Degree)

Fabian was lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility on $10,000 no 10% bail.

Stephen Rudolph, 59, of Glen Gardner:

1 Count of Conspiracy to Possess Cocaine (3rd Degree)

1 Count of Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine, less than ½ oz. (3rd Degree)

Rudolph was lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility.  His bail has been set at $5,000 with no 10% option bail.

Lauren M. Ellis-White, 52, of Dover:

1 Count of Conspiracy to Possess Cocaine (3rd Degree)

1 Count of Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine, less than ½ oz. (3rd Degree)

1 Count of Possession of Cocaine (3rd Degree)

1 Count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine, less than ½ oz. (3rd Degree)

White was lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility.  Her bail has been set at $7,500 with no 10% option bail.

Brandon L. White, 22, Dover for:

1 Count of Possession of Marijuana, less than 50 grams (Disorderly Persons)

White was released on his own recognizance.

Ashon J. Hackett-Taylor, 22, of Morristown for:

1 Count of Possession of Marijuana, less than 50 grams (Disorderly Persons)

Hackett-Taylor was released on his own recognizance.

Source: Morris County Prosecutor's Office