An employee of the Paterson Public Works department who is also the grandson of a former Paterson Councilwoman is currently facing numerous drug-related charges as well as charges for unlawful possession of a weapon, according to Captain Troy Oswald, the head of the Paterson Police narcotics unit.
Officers from the Paterson Police Department arrested 31-year-old Paterson resident Tauheeb Waller at approximately 7 p.m. on Friday, January 31st after discovering him in possession of crack cocaine, heroin, and a loaded handgun. The charges followed a search of his apartment, located on the second floor of a home on Lawrence Place in Paterson, which he currently shares with former Paterson Councilwoman Vera Ames-Garnes.
Both Waller and Ames-Garnes have served the city of Paterson, with Waller employed by the Department of Public Works since 2005 and Ames-Garnes having served on the Paterson city council for over 25 years. Authorities have confirmed that Ames-Garnes is in no way connected to the recent charges against her grandson.
Per reports, police recovered 657 packets of heroin as well as 82 grams of crack cocaine, the value of which has been estimated to total over $7,000. The heroin packets were reportedly broken into $10 increments, while the crack was valued at $820. In addition, officers retrieved $3,998 in cash in connection with alleged drug distribution, a loaded .45 Magnum handgun, and hollow-point bullets.
Waller is now facing charges for possession of heroin, possession of cocaine, possession of heroin with intent to distribute, possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance within 500 feet of certain public property, and unlawful possession of a weapon.
Of all of the crimes for which he is accused, possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance within 500 feet of certain public property, which in this case was a public park, is considered among the most serious under New Jersey Law. Offenses of this kind, governed under N.J.S.A. 2C:35-7.1, are classified as crimes of the second degree, which are punishable by a term of incarceration ranging from 5 to 10 years in New Jersey State Prison.
Clearly, Waller will be subject to severe consequences if he is ultimately convicted of the charges against him.
For more information pertaining to this case, access the following article: Former Paterson official’s grandson charged with drug dealing
