September 26, 2018, East Orange, NJ: Following leads in an ongoing public safety investigation into illegal drug distribution, East Orange’s newly re-established Violent Crime Task Force arrested three East Orange men in connection with a drug-dealing operation allegedly being conducted out of a senior building in the city, police officials said.
On September 20, 2018, police executed two search warrants — one at 220 Prospect Street and one on a seized vehicle. Inside the seized vehicle, police discovered large quantities of controlled dangerous substances and cash. More than 217 grams of marijuana, 140 vials of cocaine, and $1,200 in cash were recovered at the scene.
Robert Smith, 76, of East Orange, was arrested and charged with distribution of a controlled dangerous substance (CDS), possession of CDS, and possession of CDS with intent to distribute near school property. Stebbin Anderson, 56, of East Orange, and Vincent Moore, 46, of East Orange, were each arrested and charged with possession of CDS.
“I would like to commend the men and women of this department for their excellent work as part of this investigation,” said Police Chief Phyllis L. Bindi. “East Orange has seen an unprecedented drop in crime in recent years due to the dedication of our officers to keeping dangerous drugs and guns out of our community. Today is one of many steps toward providing a safer environment for our city’s families.”
Under the leadership of Public Safety Liaison José Cordero, the Violent Crimes Task Force was re-established to aggressively target “hot spots” and to address issues of community concern. The task force had been disbanded since April 2016, but was re-deployed this past August. Compared to this time last year, overall crime is down 19% and violent crime is down 25.4%, and officials are hoping this trend continues.
Mayor Ted R. Green experienced firsthand the effectiveness of the increased community policing effort when he rode along with police during a recent tour.
On September 12, 2018, police were alerted that a 2016 Range Rover stolen from Boonton, NJ was travelling through the city. Detectives observed two males walk away from the vehicle in the area of North 12th Street and 6th Avenue in the City of Newark and approached the men at North 14th Street and William Street in the City of East Orange.
As detectives identified themselves, one juvenile attempted to flee. Following a foot pursuit, the suspect was eventually apprehended and found to be in possession of a defaced .45 caliber handgun. He was arrested and charged with possession of a handgun, a defaced weapon, obstruction of a governmental function, eluding, and receiving stolen property.
Police also arrested Ali Mikal, 18, of East Orange, who was charged with eluding and receiving stolen property.
“I have a whole new appreciation for the hard work and dedication of our police officers,” said Mayor Green. “Time moves quickly and one split second or one wrong decision can change the entire course of how an incident ends. Our officers put their lives on the line everyday and I am always going to continue to support any efforts that help to keep both our officers and our community safe.”
Both investigations are active and ongoing. Individuals with information relevant to this or any other crime are urged to contact the East Orange Police Department’s 24/7 Confidential Tips Line at (973) 266-5041.
For additional information, please contact East Orange Police Department Public Information Officer Captain Maurice Boyd at (973) 266-5009 or via e-mail at mboyd@njeopd.com.
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