Paterson Police apprehended a city man who they say was turned over to them by his mother. Police had been conducting surveillance in the area of East 31stStreet and 14thAve when twenty-two (22) year old Marquis Wedderburn drove up and parked his car on the dead end of East 31stStreet. According to police, Wedderburn allegedly exited his car and walked up to 14th Avenue where he approached a beige car and had trouble opening the passenger door as he fumbled with the key. Wedderburn then allegedly dropped a bundle of heroin on the ground. Detectives immediately tried to arrest the 22 year old, however, he took off running into a backyard on 14thAvenue. As he was running, he discarded 450 glassine envelopes containing heroin (street value of $3,200). He got away.
Paterson Detectives conducted a brief investigation in the area and determined that Wedderburn lived at 405 15thAvenue. A man named Orret T. Mcbean 27, of Paterson, met police at Wedderburn’s house and began screaming expletives at the officers and shouting that Wedderburn was not inside the house. Moments later, Wedderburn’s mother exited the residence and informed police that Wedderburn, was in fact, inside the house, and detectives were escorted into the house. Wedderburn was subsequently charged with six (6) drug offenses and resisting arrest by flight. Click here to read more at www.PatersonTimes.com.
In a case like this, where an individual is found to be in possession of a large quantity of drugs, they are likely charged not only with possession, but also distribution. The State of New Jersey takes heroin cases very seriously. Heroin is a schedule I narcotic, and if you are convicted of manufacturing, dispensing, or distributing heroin, in a quantity of five ounces or more, (a crime of the First Degree) you face a term of between 10 and 20 years in New Jersey State Prison. A fine of up to $500,000.00 may be imposed; If you are convicted of distributing a quantity of one-half ounce or more but less than five ounces (a crime of the Second Degree) you face a term of incarceration between 5 and 10 years in New Jersey State Prison; if you are convicted of distributing a quantity of less than one-half ounce (a crime of the Third Degree) you face a term of incarceration between 3 and 5 years in New Jersey State Prison except that a fine of up to $75,000.00 may be imposed.
If you find yourself in the situation that you are charged with distributing heroin, you should contact a lawyer immediately to ensure that your rights are protected in court, especially given the possible prison sentence. Criminal Defense Lawyer, Alissa D. Hascup is a former Morris County Prosecutor, and she is experienced in successfully representing individuals charged with the most serious drug offenses through out the State of New Jersey in towns like Paterson, Clifton, and Totowa. Contact her office for a free consultation about your case. She is available 24/7 at 862-257-1200.
