On August 19, 2024, at around 7:50 a.m., Florham Park Officer Nick Cotterell conducted a regular traffic stop on Columbia Turnpike near James Street due to multiple observed motor vehicle violations. One of the issues identified was an expired and suspicious-looking temporary registration displayed on the vehicle.
Officer Cotterell uncovered fraudulent activity during the roadside investigation. It was determined that the temporary registration and proof of insurance provided by the driver were counterfeit. Upon further investigation, a search of the suspect revealed the discovery and subsequent seizure of a significant amount of suspected cocaine.
A 41-year-old man from Newark who was driving without a license was apprehended at the scene. He was taken into custody and brought to Police Headquarters for processing. Additionally, his vehicle was later towed from the road.
The suspect faced charges for a variety of crimes and motor vehicle offenses, which included:
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- Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (3rd-degree crime, 2C:35-10a(1))
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (Disorderly person offense, 2C:36-2A)
- Possession of a Counterfeit Registration Plate (4th-degree crime, 2C:28-7A(2))
- Uttering a Counterfeit Insurance Document (4th-degree crime, 2C:21-2.3B)
- Failure to Keep Right (Motor vehicle offense)
- Fraudulent Use of a Registration (Motor vehicle offense)
- Fictitious Plates on a Vehicle (Motor vehicle offense)
- Operating a Motor Vehicle While Possessing a Controlled Dangerous Substance (Motor vehicle offense)
- Unregistered Vehicle (Motor vehicle offense)
- Uninsured Vehicle (Motor vehicle offense)
- Uninspected Vehicle (Motor vehicle offense)
- Unlicensed Driver (Motor vehicle offense)
The person was summoned and is set to appear in Morris County Superior Court for a hearing related to the charges.
Editors Note: According to the court’s rules, it is necessary for us to state that the charges mentioned in this publication are only accusations. The defendant or defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
