Two men have been arrested in Hackensack on Weapons & Heroin Charges

Hackensack Police Charge two men with Possession of Handgun & Heroin

The Hackensack Police Department discovers drugs (heroin) and a handgun (9mm) after conducting a routine traffic stop. Initial reports indicate that early Sunday morning a Hackensack police officer pulled over a Newark resident for failing to maintain a lane. It is unclear under what basis the officer searched the Defendant’s car but a subsequent search of the said vehicle revealed heroin and a stolen 9mm handgun.

As a result of their discovery, the officers arrested both the driver and the passenger. The driver of the vehicle has been identified as Sharod Purkett, of Newark and the passenger as Daniel Verrecchia, of West Vernon. Both defendant’s have been charged with possession of a controlled substance (“CDS”) (i.e. Heroin), unlawful possession of a weapon (i.e. 9mm handgun), certain persons not to possess a weapon and receiving stolen property. They are both currently in the Bergen County Jail and bail has been set at $50,000 with no 10% option for each.

The unlawful possession of a weapon charge is a second degree felony in New Jersey. A conviction for a second degree felony carries with it a potential ten (10) year prison sentence. Also, pursuant to the Graves Act, the Defendant’s must serve a mandatory term of parole ineligibility before they could become eligible for parole. The Graves Act was enacted by the legislature approximately eight years ago in a effort to curb gang violence. In addition, the certain persons offense also carries with it a mandatory term of imprisonment and a parole ineligibility period as well. Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2C:39-7b(1), the mandatory minimum term of parole ineligibility is five (5) years. 

As you can tell these are very serious charges in New Jersey. If you or someone you know has been charged with a criminal offense in Bergen County you should seek an experienced Bergen County Criminal Defense Firm. The Law Offices of John Marshall has over 100 years of combined experience on staff, including over twenty-five years of combined prosecuting experience. If you or someone you know has been charged with drug possession, drug distribution, handgun possession, robbery or aggravated assault we can help. If you have any further questions please contact any one of our Bergen County Offices for a free initial consultation with one of our criminal defense attorneys.