Acting Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri announced today that a two-month investigation by the Mercer County Narcotics Task Force investigation concluded on Tuesday with eight arrests, and the seizure of $28,160 in cash and more than $110,000 in drugs.
Onofri stated that at approximately 10 a.m. on Thursday, April 27, the targets of the investigation, Julian Gonzalez and Matthew McGovern, were secured on the front porch of McGovern’s residence on Mario Drive in Hamilton. Numerous search warrants were subsequently executed in Hamilton and Trenton by officers with the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office, the New Jersey State Police, the U.S. Marshals Service, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration HIDTA, the state Division of Criminal Justice, and the Hamilton and Trenton police, under the command of Lt. Mike Novembre.
A search of Gonzalez revealed $831, five decks of heroin, three grams of cocaine and two Endocet pills. A 2009 Lexus was seized as drug proceeds. A search of McGovern’s residence revealed approximately 1,000 decks of heroin, approximately 190 grams of powder cocaine, 28 diazepam pills, $358, a digital scale and packaging material.
During the execution of a search warrant at 729 Second Street, Trenton, officers encountered four females, Amanda Carmona, Cynthia Vasquez, Coraly Henriquez and Margarita Torres, in the basement packaging heroin for distribution. The women observed officers executing the warrant via a camera/surveillance system and attempted to flush a quantity of heroin. A search of the basement revealed approximately 1,243 decks of heroin, 80 grams of raw heroin, $164 and drug paraphernalia, including a strainer, stamps, scotch tape, digital scales, glassine packets and rubber bands. An additional amount of raw heroin and decks of heroin were located in the trap of the toilet. Two vehicles were seized as drug proceeds. During the search, Rafael Soto, who resides at the property, arrived and was placed under arrest.
A search of 682 Centre Street, Trenton, revealed four grams of raw heroin, $9,236, ammunition, 32 grams of powder cocaine, 16 amphetamine pills, an empty kilogram wrapper and drug paraphernalia. Two vehicles were seized as drug proceeds. A search of Freddy Carrera, who was located inside, revealed a gram of powder cocaine and $680.
A search of 22 Grady Road, Apartment A, Hamilton, revealed $16,800 in a safe. Twenty decks of heroin in a cooler full of rice were located in the trunk of a 2003 Lincoln Continental that was located in front of the premises.
A search of the front first floor apartment at 1513 Hamilton Avenue, Hamilton, revealed approximately 229 grams of powder cocaine, approximately 400 decks of heroin, three oxycodone pills, $165 and drug paraphernalia in Julian Gonzalez’ bedroom.
Lt. Mike Novembre, commander of the MCNTF, said that the approximate street value of the seized drugs is $114,610.
Julian Gonzalez (DOB 3/28/90) is charged with seven counts of possession of CDS, five counts of possession with the intent to distribute, five counts of possession with the intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of a school, maintaining/operating a drug manufacturing facility, fortified premises and three counts of possession of drug paraphernalia. He is being held in lieu of $600,000 cash only bail.
Matthew McGovern (DOB 7/25/81) is charged with three counts of possession of CDS, three counts of possession with the intent to distribute, three counts of possession with the intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of a school is charged with possession of CDS, possession with the intent to distribute, possession with the intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of a school and possession of drug paraphernalia. Bail was set at $250,000 cash or bond.
Freddy Carrera (DOB 6/24/85), of Trenton, is charged with three counts of possession of CDS, two counts of possession with the intent to distribute, possession with the intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of a school and possession with the intent to distribute within 500 feet of a park. Bail was set at $50,000 cash or bond.
Amanda Carmona (DOB 12/12/73), of Trenton, is charged with possession of CDS, possession with the intent to distribute, possession with the intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of a school, maintaining/operating a drug manufacturing facility, fortified premises and possession of drug paraphernalia. Bail was set at $200,000 cash or bond.
Cynthia Vasquez (DOB 3/17/89), of Trenton, is charged with possession of CDS, possession with the intent to distribute, possession with the intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of a school, maintaining/operating a drug manufacturing facility, fortified premises and possession of drug paraphernalia. Bail was set at $200,000 cash or bond.
Coraly Henriquez (DOB 1/3/96), of Trenton, is charged with possession of CDS, possession with the intent to distribute, possession with the intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of a school, maintaining/operating a drug manufacturing facility, fortified premises and possession of drug paraphernalia. Bail was set at $200,000 cash or bond.
Margarita Torres (DOB 6/8/72), of Trenton, is charged with possession of CDS, possession with the intent to distribute, possession with the intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of a school, maintaining/operating a drug manufacturing facility, fortified premises and possession of drug paraphernalia. Bail was set at $200,000 cash or bond.
Rafael Soto (DOB 1/30/73), of Trenton, is charged with possession of CDS, possession with the intent to distribute, possession with the intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of a school, maintaining/operating a drug manufacturing facility, fortified premises and possession of drug paraphernalia. Bail was set at $200,000 cash or bond.
Despite having been charged, every defendant is presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
