Newark Man Arrested for Multiple Offenses Following Traffic Stop

On August 19, 2024, at approximately 7:50 a.m., Florham Park Officer Nick Cotterell of conducted a routine traffic stop on Columbia Turnpike near James Street for several observed motor vehicle violations. Among the issues was an expired and suspicious-looking temporary registration displayed on the vehicle.

During the roadside investigation, Officer Cotterell discovered that the temporary registration had been fraudulently created, and the proof of insurance presented by the driver was also found counterfeit. Further investigation led to a search of the suspect, during which a quantity of illegal drugs, suspected to be cocaine, was discovered and seized.

The driver, a 41-year-old male from Newark, was found to be unlicensed. He was arrested at the scene and transported to Police Headquarters for processing. His vehicle was subsequently towed from the roadway.

The suspect was charged with multiple crimes and motor vehicle offenses, including:

• 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 individual was released on a summons and is scheduled to appear in Morris County Superior Court for a hearing regarding the charges.

Editors 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 reasonable doubt.