Wharton Man Charged with Aggravated Assault and Weapons Offenses

Published on May 23, 2021

Acting Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Morris County, Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Chief of Detectives Christoph Kimker, Sheriff James Gannon, Rockaway Township Police Chief Martin McParland, Morris Township Police Chief Mark DiCarlo, Dover Police Chief Johnathan Delaney, and Wharton Police Chief David Young announce the arrest of Steven Retana, 21, of Wharton.

Retana was apprehended on Saturday May 22, 2021 at an address in Morris Township after an investigation into multiple incidents involving the use and possession of a handgun. The initial investigation started after a report that Retana allegedly threatened and pointed a handgun at an individual in Dover on or about May 10, 2021. Authorities were once again investigating Retana for a similar incident that occurred on the evening of May 21, 2021 in Rockaway Township. In this incident, Retana was again suspected of making threats and pointing a handgun at another person. At the time of his arrest, Retana was found to be in possession of a handgun. The defendant was apprehended on Saturday, May 22 at a residence on Lindsley Drive in Morris Township.

Retana was charged with two counts of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, two counts of Possession of a Weapon for Unlawful Purpose, two counts of Aggravated Assault, for allegedly pointing a firearm, and two counts of Terroristic Threats, along with additional counts of Certain Persons not to Possess Firearms, all stemming from the May 10, 2021 and May 21 incidents. The defendant was transferred to the Morris County Correctional Facility pending a court appearance.

Acting Prosecutor Carroll would like to thank all of the agencies who played a role in investigating, locating and apprehending this individual.

A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, this defendant is presumed innocent until he is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Inquiries concerning this press release should be directed to Public Information Officer Meghan Knab at [email protected] or by phone at 973-829-8159.   

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