Hazleton Pair Plead Guilty To Narcotics Charges Stemming From 2024 Netcong Traffic Stop That Uncovered Cocaine Distribution Scheme

Sunday, March 8, 2026, 9:30 A.M. ET. 3 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,

NETCONG, NJ.- Two Pennsylvania residents are facing potential prison sentences after admitting their roles in a cocaine distribution case uncovered during a traffic stop in Morris County, according to county prosecutors.

     Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, and Chief Anthony Coppolella of the Netcong Borough Police Department announced that Shirl Moody, 61, of Hazleton, Pennsylvania, and Brian Schwab, 47, also of Hazleton, have pleaded guilty in connection with a 2024 narcotics investigation originating in the Borough of Netcong, New Jersey.

     The case began on August 3, 2024, when Patrolman Dominic Hink of the Netcong Borough Police Department conducted a motor vehicle stop while on routine patrol. Authorities said Hink observed a Chevrolet sedan traveling northbound on Route 183 in Netcong with an expired vehicle registration, prompting the traffic stop.

     During the encounter, officers obtained consent to search the vehicle, which led to the discovery of a plastic bag containing a substance suspected to be cocaine. Subsequent laboratory testing confirmed the substance was cocaine, prosecutors said.

     Investigators determined that Moody was supplying the drugs to Schwab, identifying Moody as Schwab’s drug dealer during the course of the investigation.

     Both defendants were placed under arrest and charged with multiple offenses, including:

• First-degree Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance
• Second-degree Conspiracy
• Third-degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance

     Authorities said additional evidence was uncovered during the investigation, including digital evidence found on Moody’s cellphone that indicated involvement in drug distribution activity.

     Court records show that Schwab entered guilty pleas on August 4, 2025, before Superior Court Judge Ralph E. Amirata, J.S.C. Schwab admitted guilt to second-degree conspiracy and third-degree possession of a controlled dangerous substance.

     Under the terms of the plea agreement, Schwab’s guilty plea was entered in exchange for a recommended sentence of five years in New Jersey State Prison on the conspiracy charge, to run concurrently with a three-year prison term on the possession charge. As part of the agreement, Schwab also agreed to testify against Moody at trial if necessary.

     Moody later resolved the case before trial. On March 4, 2026, Moody pleaded guilty to an amended charge of second-degree possession with intent to distribute cocaine.

     Prosecutors indicated that Moody’s plea agreement calls for the State to recommend an eight-year sentence in New Jersey State Prison when she appears for sentencing.

     Moody is scheduled to be sentenced on May 8, 2026, while Schwab’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 13, 2026, according to court records.

     In announcing the guilty pleas, Prosecutor Carroll credited local law enforcement officers and investigators who handled the case.

     “This resolution was the result of excellent police work by members of the Netcong Borough Police Department and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Special Enforcement Unit, with a special commendation to Patrolman Dominic Hink for his extensive efforts during this case,” Carroll said in a statement.

     Carroll added that authorities remain focused on addressing narcotics distribution in Morris County.

     “Morris County law enforcement remains committed to removing dangerous narcotics from our streets and bringing accountability to those who seek to endanger our community,” the prosecutor said.

     The investigation involved members of the Netcong Borough Police Department and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Special Enforcement Unit.

Editor’s Note:

The charges described in this article stem from guilty pleas entered in Morris County Superior Court. Sentences recommended by prosecutors as part of plea agreements remain subject to final approval by the court at the time of sentencing. Englebrook Independent News reports on criminal proceedings based on official statements, court records, and verified law enforcement releases.