Ex-Con Charged with Heroin Distribution, Accused of Drug Crime near Jersey City School

A Jersey City NJ man has been charged with heroin distribution near a local school and a local library.

According to law enforcement, the 32-year-old suspect, who lives on Randolph Avenue in Jersey City, NJ, was caught with a large amount of heroin while walking in the area of School 29. Since the suspect was allegedly within 1,000 feet of the school, which is located at 123 Claremont Avenue, he faces enhanced penalties.

Additionally, the suspect reportedly attempted to sell two bags of heroin within 500 feet of a local library, the Glenn D. Cunningham Public Library located on Martin Luther King Drive in Jersey City, New Jersey. As a result, the suspect is subject to even greater penalties than he would ordinarily face for heroin possession or heroin distribution.

The suspect, who was allegedly apprehended by law enforcement while carrying 10 bags of suspected heroin, has been charged with a number of drug crimes, including possession with intent to distribute heroin, distribution of heroin, distribution of heroin within 1,000 feet of school property, and possession of heroin within 500 feet of public property.

Complicating things for the suspect is the fact that he reportedly has a prior criminal record, including a past conviction for drug distribution, as well as possession of a controlled dangerous substance (CDS) near school property.

Depending on the weight of heroin involved in this case, the suspect could be subject to severe penalties. As set forth by N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5, possession of five ounces or more of heroin with intent to distribute is a first degree felony and carries a potential penalty of 5-10 years in New Jersey State Prison.

After being placed under arrest and processed in Jersey City, the suspect was transported to the Hudson County Correctional Facility in Kearny, NJ. A judge in Central Judicial Processing Court in Jersey City later set the suspect’s bail at $50,000, with no 10-percent cash option. This means the suspect will have to post the entire $50K bail amount in cash in order to secure his release before trial.

For additional information about this drug distribution case, see the following article: $50K Bail for Jersey City Drug Offender Facing New Charges