Wanted Berkeley Woman Nabbed During Traffic Stop: Police

Manchester, NJ — A Berkeley Township woman who was wanted on an outstanding warrant for a parole violation is now facing drug possession and hindering charges after a motor vehicle stop in Manchester last Friday.

Catherine L. Derosa, 31, of Davenport Road, is facing counts of heroin possession and cocaine possession, Capt. Todd Malland said Wednesday.

Derosa was a passenger in a car driven by Joseph Patalano, 75, of Davenport Road, Malland said, when Patalano's car, a 2015 Honda Accord, was pulled over after he failed to signal a turn on Northampton Boulevard.

During the motor vehicle stop, conducted by members of the Manchester Township Police Narcotics Enforcement Team, officers observed drug paraphernalia, consistent with heroin, in plain view, Malland said.

That led to a search of the vehicle, he said, and subsequent investigation found that Derosa was concealing quantities of crack cocaine on herself, Malland said.

In addition, while at the scene Derosa gave officers a different name to avoid being arrested on an active no-bail warrant for a probation violation out of Ocean County. Derosa was arrested and transported to Manchester Police headquarters.

At headquarters, Derosa was found to be in possession of quantities of heroin, Malland said.

She was charged with possession of crack cocaine, possession of heroin and hindering her apprehension by providing false information to police, Malland said.

The driver was not arrested in connection with the incident, he said.

Derosa is being held without bail at the Ocean County Jail, according to jail records.

The Manchester Township Police K-9 unit also assisted with the investigation, Malland said.

Residents are reminded that drug related tips can be reported to the Manchester Police anonymously at 732-657-6111 or online via the department’s website, www.manchesterpolicenj.com, by clicking the “Tip Line” link.

Catherine Derosa, via Ocean County Corrections Department