Seven Arrested on Narcotics Charges

Published on April 15, 2014

Acting Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp announces the arrests of seven individuals involved in a sophisticated multi-drug distribution enterprise and the seizure of approximately $205,000.00 in drug proceeds and large quantities of controlled dangerous substances after an eight month investigation.  The Special Enforcement Unit of the Morris County Prosecutor's Office initiated an investigation into the operation that was determined to have shipped large multi-pound quantities of high quality marijuana from California.  The marijuana was determined to have been shipped to different co-conspirators' residences throughout Morris County.  As the investigation unfolded, it was learned that the network was also involved in the distribution of other drugs as well, specifically heroin, cocaine, prescription legend drugs and MDMA, more commonly known as Ecstasy.  As a result of the long-term investigation that was conducted with the invaluable assistance of a variety of local, county and federal law enforcement agencies, Acting Prosecutor Knapp announced the arrests of Lee Vonner, 45 years old, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Matthew Fusco, 27 years old, and Jonathan Bellar, 33 years old, both of Parsippany; Derek Eakins, 30 years old, of Rockaway Township; and Edwin Flores, 33 years old, of Dover.  Two other individuals were arrested for simple possession of marijuana.
Acting Prosecutor Knapp reported that on April 10, 2014, the Morris County Prosecutor's Office, along with the assistance of the Bordentown Police Department, arrested Lee Vonner for drug law violations when he was found in possession of approximately 18 pounds of marijuana in his Cadillac Escalade.
On April 11, 2014, the continuing investigation resulted in additional arrests. Matthew Fusco was charged with Distribution, Possession and Possession with Intent to Distribute CDS marijuana in amount over 5 pounds but less than 25 pounds. Derek Eakins was charged with Possession, Possession with Intent to Distribute CDS marijuana in an amount over 5 pounds but less than 25 pounds, and Possession with Intent to Distribute CDS within 1000 feet of School Property.  Jonathan Bellar, who was found to be in possession of two stun guns, was charged with Possession and Possession with Intent to Distribute CDS heroin in an amount over 5 ounces, Possession and Possession with Intent to Distribute CDS marijuana in an amount over 5 pounds but less than 25 pounds, Weapons Possession and Financial Facilitation of Criminal Activity (Money Laundering). Edwin Flores was charged with Possession and Possession with Intent to Distribute CDS cocaine in an amount over ½ ounce but less than 5 ounces.
The investigation resulted in the seizures of approximately 65 pounds of high quality marijuana, in excess of 5 ounces of heroin already packaged for street-level distribution, in excess of ½ ounce of cocaine, drug paraphernalia commonly utilized in the packaging and distribution of drugs and money counting machines. In addition, the investigation resulted in the seizure of two vehicles, a 2007 Cadillac Escalade registered to Vonner and a 2009 Lexus IS250 registered to Fusco.
This investigation is still active and ongoing.  Accordingly, anyone with information relating to this investigation is urged to contact the Morris County Prosecutor's Office Special Enforcement Unit at 973-285-6300.
The investigation was led by Sergeant Harrison Dillard and Detective/Supervisor Joseph Costello of the Morris County Prosecutor's Office.  Acting Prosecutor Fredric Knapp would like to thank the Bordentown Police Department, the Rockaway Borough Police Department, the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department, the Mount Olive Police Department, the Roxbury Police Department, the Hopatcong Police Department, the Morris County Sheriff's Office, the Dover Police Department, the Denville Police Department,  the New Jersey State Police, United States Department of Homeland Security, the United States Postal Inspector Service and the members of the Morris County Prosecutor's Office whose efforts contributed to this arrest.
Acting Prosecutor Knapp stated, This investigation revealed the tremendous illicit profits that drug distributors generate in dealing drugs.  This particular enterprise was especially dangerous in that a whole host of illegal drugs were made available for sale.  It is this type of aggressive investigation and prosecution of not only the drug laws, but also the criminal forfeiture laws, that must be employed to effectively attack this epidemic.
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 can be directed to First Assistant Morris County Prosecutor/SDAG Thomas Zelante at 973-285-6252 or tzelante@co.morris.nj.us.
 
 
 
 
Lee Vonner
 
 
 
 
Matthew Fusco
Derek Eakins
Edwin Flores
Jonathan Bellar

 
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