JEFFERSON: Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, and Jefferson Police Chief Paul Castimore confirmed an arrest following a narcotics investigation that led to the recovery of firearms and approximately one kilogram of suspected cocaine.
On the morning of Thursday, November 7, investigators executed a search warrant at a residence in the Lake Hopatcong section of Jefferson Township. Inside, officers located John B. Scavone, 32, who was found in a bedroom allegedly fortified with a steel door. Upon entry, Scavone resisted arrest and attempted to gain control of a law enforcement officer’s patrol rifle. Officers de-escalated the situation without serious injury, and Scavone was taken into custody.
During the search, law enforcement discovered multiple surveillance cameras throughout the residence. The search resulted in the seizure of:
- Five firearms, including a stolen Glock G26 9mm and a Glock 10mm modified with a “switch,” making it capable of automatic fire
- A crossbow
- High-capacity magazines
- Armor-piercing ammunition
- Approximately one kilogram of suspected cocaine
- Drug paraphernalia consistent with narcotics distribution
- Nearly $11,000 in cash, alleged to be drug proceeds
Investigators allege that Scavone operated a cocaine distribution network in Morris County from July 1, 2025, through November 7, 2025.
The investigation was conducted by the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Special Enforcement Unit Task Force, which includes members of the Parsippany-Troy Hills, Morristown, and Boonton Police Departments, along with the Morris County Sheriff’s Office. Assisting agencies included the New Jersey State Police Special Investigations Section North, NJSP TEAMS (Technical Emergency and Mission Specialists), Denville Police Department, and Jefferson Police Department.
Charges Against John B. Scavone, 32, of Lake Hopatcong
- Possession of 5 ounces or more of CDS (cocaine) with intent to distribute – 1st degree (N.J.S. 2C:35-5A(1)B(1))
- Conspiracy to distribute CDS (cocaine) – 2nd degree (N.J.S. 2C:5-2A(1)/2C:35-5A(1)B(1))
- Possession of a firearm during the course of a CDS offense – 2nd degree (N.J.S. 2C:39-4.1A)
- Disarming a law enforcement officer – 2nd degree (N.J.S. 2C:12-11(A))
- Certain persons not to possess a firearm – 2nd degree (N.J.S. 2C:39-7(B)(1))
- Unlawful possession of an assault firearm – 2nd degree (N.J.S. 2C:39-5(F))
- Possession of CDS (cocaine) – 3rd degree (N.J.S. 2C:35-10A(1))
- Fortification of a structure – 3rd degree (N.J.S. 2C:35-4.1(C))
- Resisting arrest – 3rd degree (N.J.S. 2C:29-2(a)(3)(a))
- Receiving stolen property – 3rd degree (N.J.S. 2C:20-7(a))
- Possession with intent to distribute drug paraphernalia – 4th degree (N.J.S. 2C:36-3)
- Unlawful possession of a large-capacity ammunition magazine – 4th degree (N.J.S. 2C:39-3(j))
- Possession of a defaced firearm – 4th degree (N.J.S. 2C:39-3(d))
The defendant is currently detained at the Morris County Correctional Facility pending future court proceedings.
Editor’s Note: The court’s rules require us to include a statement that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and/or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
