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Clinton Township [learn more] [website] |
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1370 Route 31 North Annandale, NJ 08801 |
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| The Township of Clinton lies a little to the northeast of the center of Hunterdon County. It was formed from Lebanon Township in 1841. A portion of the Township was separated off in 1871 to form High Bridge. At the same time a portion of Tewksbury Township was annexed to Clinton Township. Rich limestone deposits assured good farmland throughout the Township. Clinton Township is a growing, rural-suburban community of approximately 4,200 homes and is located in Hunterdon County, 40 miles due west of Newark International Airport. Interstate highway 78 bisects the township and links New York City to Pennsylvania and points west. The township is being transformed from a farming community to a bedroom community for corporate professionals. Farms still share the countryside with lovely neighborhoods and corporate complexes. Community leaders have set a goal to plan for growth that balances preservation of rural character with commercial development. | |
FOR PRESS RELEASE
Date: July 14, 2009
From: Lieutenant Ryan Melsky
Agency: The Clinton Township Police Department
Marijuana Charge
On Thursday, July 9, at approximately 1:10 pm, Patrolman Lawrence Anthes stopped a vehicle operated by Kristin Pagan, age 25, of Bronx, NY on Interstate 78 West near Route 31 after a computer inquiry revealed that the vehicle's registration was suspended. During the stop, Ptl. Anthes observed indication of marijuana use and soon discovered twelve (12) dime bags of marijuana. As a result, passenger Joselin Espada, age 29, of New York, NY was arrested and charged with Possession of Under 50 Grams of Marijuana. In addition, Ms. Pagan was issued motor vehicle summonses for Driving a Suspended Vehicle and Failure to Keep Right. Both were released ROR.
Warrant Arrest
On Thursday, July 9, Sergeant Marc Strauss and Detective Thomas Hash responded to the Somerset County Jail where they arrested Walsh Rivera 3rd, age unknown, of Plainfield, for a $700.xx motor vehicle warrant that originated out of Clinton Township for a prior Driving While Suspended charge. When he was unable to post the necessary bail, Mr. Rivera was transported to the Hunterdon County Jail.
Drug Arrest/Endangering The Welfare of Children
On Thursday, July 9, at approximately 9:45 pm, officers from the Clinton Township Police Department along with Detectives from the Hunterdon County Prosecutor's Office arrested Antwan Laberth, age 23 and Sameerah Burney, age 21, both of Newark, on Center Street after determining that the two had just completed a drug transaction. While arresting the two, officers discovered a six year-old girl and a three year-old boy inside of the vehicle. Officers confiscated approximately sixty-five (65) bags of heroin and approximately fifteen (15) vials of cocaine during the incident.
As a result, Mr. Laberth was charged with Possession of Heroin with Intent to Distribute, Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute, Endangering the Welfare of Children, and Conspiracy. Bail was set at $50,000.xx. When he was unable to post the necessary bail, Mr. Laberth was transported to the Hunterdon County Jail.
Ms. Burney was charged with Conspiracy and Endangering the Welfare of Children. She was later released ROR.
Police notified the New Jersey Division of Youth and Family Services and the children were later released to a family member.
Gas Line Ruptured/Homes Evacuated
On Friday, July 10, at approximately 11:45 am, police received a report of a gas line that was struck and leaking on Lexington Road. Upon arrival, officers learned that a contractor was performing work in the area when they hit a gas line. The contractor in charge stated that the gas line was not marked. As a result, Patrolman Sean Ross evacuated the area and contacted the gas company. The scene was turned over to the fire company upon its arrival.
Marijuana/Prescription Drugs
On Friday, July 10, at approximately 11:25 am, Patrolman Joseph SanGiovanni stopped a vehicle operated by Preston Scott, age 27, of Morrisville, PA on Route 31 North at Walnut Pond Drive after a computer inquiry revealed that the vehicle's registration expired in April 2008. During the stop, Ptl. SanGiovanni determined that Mr. Scott's driving privileges were suspended. He soon found Mr. Scott to be in possession of a bag of marijuana and approximately six (6) prescription pills for which he did not have a prescription. As a result, Ptl. SanGiovanni arrested Mr. Scott and charged him with Possession of Under 50 Grams of Marijuana, Unlawful Possession of a Prescription Legend Drug, Operating a Motor Vehicle While In Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance, Driving While Suspended, and Driving An Expired Vehicle. He was released ROR.
Identity Theft
On Friday, July 10, at approximately 3:50 pm, a township resident reported receiving a message from her accountant confirming that she performed a wire transfer of twenty-four thousand dollars ($24,000.xx) from her bank account to JP Morgan Chase. The victim advised that she did not request this transfer and was soon advised that the transfer was eventually sent to Bill Brown Ford, Inc. in Livonia, MI for the purchase of a vehicle. Both the victim and Clinton Township Police have been in touch with Bill Brown Ford, Inc. A suspect has been developed. Clinton Township officers are in contact with the Livonia, MI police department.
The filing of criminal charges is merely one step in the process of determining a person's guilt. All persons mentioned in this press release are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
