FLORHAM PARK — An investigation by Florham Park police at a college campus resulted in the seizure of a loaded “ghost gun,” a high-capacity magazine, and a significant quantity of marijuana, along with evidence of suspected drug distribution, authorities said.
Police said members of the Detective Bureau began investigating on January 14 after receiving information regarding possible firearm possession and illegal drug distribution on campus. Working in coordination with the school’s security team, detectives secured a dormitory room where they recovered what was described as a significant quantity of unregulated marijuana, materials consistent with drug distribution, and a loaded handgun.
The firearm was identified as a “ghost gun,” an unserialized and unregistered weapon that is illegal to possess in New Jersey. A loaded high-capacity ammunition magazine, as defined by state law, was also recovered.
The suspect, Shawn Alexander, 21, of Willingboro, was taken into custody without incident. Police credited the campus security force for its cooperation during the investigation and identified Detective Sgt. Jeremy Rachel and Detectives Chris Heredia and Nick Grande as the officers involved.
Alexander faces multiple charges, including unlawful possession of a handgun; possession of a weapon while committing a controlled dangerous substance offense; possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose; possession of a firearm without a serial number; unlawful possession of a weapon on the grounds of an educational institution; possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance; illegal possession of a high-capacity ammunition magazine; two counts of possession of controlled dangerous substances involving more than six ounces of marijuana and more than 17 grams of hashish; and possession with intent to use drug paraphernalia.
Police said Alexander was lodged at the Morris County Correctional Facility pending a detention hearing before a Superior Court judge.
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.
