Dover Man Pleads Guilty to Maintaining and Operating a Controlled Dangerous Substance Facility
Published on October 22, 2013
Acting Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp announces that Tishan D. Smith, 27 years old, of Dover, New Jersey, pleaded guilty today to First Degree Maintaining and Operating a Controlled Dangerous Substance Facility.
On May 8, 2013, defendant was arrested after an investigation by the Morris County Prosecutor's Office Narcotics Task Force. This investigation was part of the Morris County Prosecutor's Office's Violent Crime Initiative. Members of law enforcement had determined that the defendant was distributing large amounts of cocaine from his home in Dover, New Jersey. A search warrant was executed at the home which resulted in the seizure of approximately 7 ounces of cocaine, illegal narcotics manufacturing equipment, $3,821.00 in cash, and a loaded semiautomatic handgun. The investigation revealed that the defendant had converted the kitchen area of the home into a cocaine manufacturing facility where bulk quantities of cocaine were diluted, pressed and repackaged for street level sales.
Under the terms of the plea agreement to the First Degree charge, the State will recommend that the defendant be sentenced to 10 years in State Prison with 5 years of parole ineligibility. Defendant will also forfeit $3,821.00 in cash to the State.
Assistant Prosecutor/SDAG Bradford Seabury represented the State in the plea agreement.
The Honorable Robert J. Gilson, J.S.C. presided over the plea. Defendant is scheduled to be sentenced on January 10, 2014.
Acting Prosecutor Knapp thanks Police Chief James Simonetti and the Roxbury Police Department, Task Force Officer Sean Hefferon and the Morris County Prosecutor's Office Narcotics Task Force who assisted in the investigation and resolution of this matter.
Any inquiries can be directed to First Assistant Morris County Prosecutor/SDAG Thomas Zelante at 973-285-6252 or tzelante@co.morris.nj.us.