Joel Schwartz of Ridgewood Charged With Drug Possession with Intent to Distribute

Joel Schwartz of Ridgewood Charged With Drug Possession with Intent to Distribute

Acting Bergen County Prosecutor Gurbir S. Grewal announced the arrest of JOEL T. SCHWARTZ of 463 Hunter Road, Ridgewood, New Jersey on a drug possession charge. This arrest is the result of an investigation conducted by members of the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office Narcotic Task Force under the direction of Chief Carmen MARTINO and the Ridgewood Police Department under the direction of Chief John WARD.

During the month of January in 2016, Joel T. SCHWARTZ was observed by law enforcement personnel selling suspected marijuana out of his residence in Ridgewood, New Jersey on more than one occasion. As a result of those observations, a search warrant was applied for and granted for Mr. SCHWARTZ’S residence.

On February 9, 2016, the aforementioned search warrant was executed by members of the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotic Task Force.

During a search of the residence, approximately one half (1/2) pound of suspected marijuana and $13,518.00 were located and seized. Joel T. SCHWARTZ was placed under arrest without incident at that time.

Joel T. SCHWARTZ was charged with one (1) count of violating N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5A (1)/5B(11) Possession with the Intent to Distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance, namely Marijuana, in a Quantity of One (1) Ounce or More but Less Than Five (5) Pounds, a third degree crime.

Mr. SCHWARTZ was released on his own recognizance, pending a court date at the Central Municipal Court in Hackensack, New Jersey.

Acting Prosecutor Grewal states that this charge is merely an accusation and that the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.