Rockaway Borough Man Charged For Large-Scale Narcotics & Firearms Distribution Operation
Thursday, September 5, 2024, 6:35 A.M. ET. 2 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,
ROCKAWAY, NJ.- Following a months-long investigation into cocaine and marijuana distribution throughout the Morris County area, specifically Rockaway, New Jersey. On Tuesday, September 3, 2024, a 32-year-old Rockaway Borough man was taken into custody and charged with multiple narcotics offenses and firearm charges.
According to Acting Morris County Prosecutor Bradford Seabury, following a months-long investigation, Santiago J. Escobar, 32, of Rockaway Borough, was charged on by complaints which allege that between April 24, 2024, and August 21, 2024, Escobar distributed over five ounces of cocaine, a Taurus handgun, and hollow point bullets in Rockaway.
On Tuesday, as a result of the investigation, On Tuesday, September 3, 2024, 100 grams of cocaine, several pounds of Marijuana, over $1000 of cash, scales, and baggies consistent with narcotics distribution were seized by investigators, and Escobar was taken into custody and charged.
Escobar Charged
Accordingly, following being arrested, Escobar was formally charged with one count of first-degree Possession with Intent to Distribute Five Ounces or More of Cocaine; one count of second-degree Conspiracy to Distribute Five Ounces or More of Cocaine; one count of second-degree Unlawful Possession of a Handgun; one count of fourth-degree Unlawful Sale of a Handgun; one count of fourth-degree Possession of Hollow Point Ammunition; one count of fourth-degree Unlawful Sale of Hollow Point Ammunition; six counts of second-degree Possession with Intent to Distribute One-Half Ounce, but Less than Five Ounces of Cocaine; five counts of second-degree Distribution of Cocaine; six counts of third-degree Possession of Cocaine; one count of third-degree Possession with Intent to Distribute More than One Ounce but Less than Five Pounds of Marijuana; one count of fourth-degree Possession of More than Six Ounces of Marijuana; one count of fourth-degree Possession of Drug Paraphernalia with Intent to Distribute; and one count of third-degree Money Laundering.
Remains Behind Bars
Escobar was processed on the charges and was remanded to the Morris County Correctional Facility pending future court proceedings in Morris County Superior Court in Morristown, New Jersey.
Acting Prosecutor Bradford Seabury wishes to thank the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Special Investigations Unit, Rockaway Borough Police Department, Town of Boonton Police Department, Morristown Police Department, Roxbury Township Police Department, Dover Police Department, FBI Newark Division, and the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, who worked jointly on this investigation.
“The rules of the court require us to include a statement that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.”
