Morris County Narcotics Task Force Arrests Duo Responsible For Maintaining or Operating a Controlled Dangerous Substance Facility In Morris County

Published on May 13, 2016

Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp and Parsippany Police Department Chief of Police Paul Philipps announce the arrest of two (2) individuals for conspiracy, possession of a controlled dangerous substance with the intent to distribute and maintaining or operating a controlled dangerous substance production facility in Morris County. During the month of April 2016, members of the Parsippany Police Department received information concerning the belief that a residence within the community was being utilized as a grow house to manufacture marijuana. The investigation resulted in the seizure of over fifty (50) marijuana plants and illegal narcotics manufacturing equipment from within the home that had been converted into a Controlled Dangerous Substance Production Facility.

The following individuals were arrested on May 10, 2016 as a result of this investigation:

Barton Harris, age 58 of Morris Plains, NJ, was charged with the following:

1 count of first-degree Maintaining or Operating a Controlled Dangerous Substance Facility (more than ten (10) marijuana plants).

1 count of first-degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance with the Intent to Distribute (more than fifty (50) marijuana plants).

1 count of second-degree Conspiracy to Maintain a Controlled Dangerous Substance Facility (more than ten (10) marijuana plants)

Bail was set at $200,000, no 10% option with a bail source hearing required.

Matthew Greist, age 40 of Morris Plains, NJ, was charged with the following:

1 count of first-degree Maintaining or Operating a Controlled Dangerous Substance Facility (more than ten (10) marijuana plants).

1 count of first-degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance with the Intent to Distribute (more than fifty (50) marijuana plants).

1 count of second-degree Conspiracy to Maintain a Controlled Dangerous Substance Facility (more than ten (10) marijuana plants)

1 count of third-degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance with the Intent to Distribute (marijuana).

Bail was set at $200,000, no 10% option with a bail source hearing required.

Both individuals were lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility in default of bail.

Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp stated: The Morris County Narcotics Task Force will continue its commitment to work hand in hand with each municipality in the County to target these drug manufacturers distributing illegal controlled dangerous substances. Prosecutor Knapp continues to urge the citizens of Morris County to report any information regarding illegal drug activity and any criminal activity within our community.

Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp wishes to thank the Morris County Prosecutor's Office Special Enforcement Unit (Narcotics Task Force) and commended the cooperative efforts of all agencies involved, including the Parsippany Police Department, for their efforts related to this investigation. This investigation was led by the Parsippany Police Department's Special Enforcement Unit under the command of Detective Sergeant Thomas Lesiak. This case will be prosecuted by Assistant Prosecutor Noelle Fiorentino.

A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until he or she has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Any inquiries regarding this Media Release can be directed to Agent Paul Merkler at [email protected].