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.

JEFFERSON — The Jefferson Township High School Marching Band Parents Association, Inc. has kicked off its annual Holiday Wreath Sale, with all proceeds directly supporting the Marching Band Scholarship Program.

This cherished community tradition not only brings festive spirit to local homes but also helps fund scholarships for talented student musicians who dedicate countless hours to performances, competitions, and community events throughout the year.

Residents can pre-order wreaths now through November 27, with pickup scheduled for Saturday, December 6, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. during Christmas in the Village at Lake Vision Church (formerly St. Gabriel’s), 132 Milton Road, Oak Ridge.

Each handcrafted wreath captures the holiday spirit and symbolizes the community’s continued support for Jefferson’s young musicians. Funds raised through the sale play an important role in recognizing student achievement and sustaining the marching band’s legacy of excellence.

“Your support helps us celebrate and invest in our amazing student musicians,” the organization shared. “Together, we’re making this season merry, bright, and full of music.”

Orders can be placed online by clicking here.

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — In the early morning hours of Saturday, September 6, Jefferson Township Police Officer Matthew Johnson conducted a motor vehicle stop that led to the arrest of a local man for driving while intoxicated.

According to police reports, Officer Johnson was on routine patrol when he observed a gray 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt traveling north on Route 15 in an erratic manner. The vehicle was seen drifting between lanes, crossing the fog line, and driving approximately ten miles per hour below the speed limit. The officer initiated a traffic stop after the driver pulled onto the shoulder along Route 181.

The driver, identified as Carlos Jaramillo-Masias, 35, of Hopatcong, appeared disoriented and was slow to provide identification. Instead of a driver’s license, Jaramillo-Masias presented a library card and an AAA membership card belonging to other individuals. Officer Johnson noted the strong odor of alcohol, slurred speech, and fumbling movements during the interaction.

After further questioning, the officer conducted a series of field sobriety tests, which Jaramillo-Masias did not perform as instructed. He exhibited multiple signs of impairment, including lack of balance, bloodshot and watery eyes, and difficulty following directions. He was subsequently placed under arrest for suspected driving while intoxicated.

Jaramillo-Masias was transported to the Sparta Police Department by Officer Adam Riley, where he submitted breath samples resulting in a blood alcohol concentration of .13%, exceeding the legal limit in New Jersey. His vehicle was impounded by Richie’s Auto Wreckers for the mandatory 12-hour hold period.

He was issued multiple summonses, including:

• Driving While Intoxicated (39:4-50)
• Reckless Driving (39:4-96)
• Failure to Maintain Lane (39:4-88)
• Failure to Possess Driver’s License (39:3-29A)

Jaramillo-Masias was later released to a responsible adult.

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.