SWAT Arrest 3 Family Members At Alleged Hoboken Drug Hotspot

HOBOKEN, NJ — SWAT officers entered a Hoboken apartment Thursday morning and arrested five people – including three members of the same family – who are accused of running a drug hotspot in the city, authorities said.

The arrests took place after detectives from the Hoboken Police Department conducted a 45-day investigation into alleged narcotic sales at an apartment at 310 Jackson Street, authorities announced Friday.

The investigation began after Hoboken detectives got information from community members via the HPD anonymous tip line about the ongoing sale of illegal narcotics at the residence. The sales were allegedly taking place “at all hours of the day and night,” callers said.

Hoboken detectives eventually determined that Randell Richardson, 42, with the help of other family members, was using the apartment to sell drugs, authorities stated.

The ensuing police investigation lasted about a month-and-a-half, and resulted in a search warrant being granted for the third-floor apartment where the alleged drug sales were taking place, police said.

At that point, the Hudson County Regional Swat Team was contacted and became the lead in the tactical operation, working in cooperation with the Hoboken ESU, investigators and the Hudson County sheriff’s K-9 unit, the Hoboken Police Department stated.

On Jan. 31, more than 20 officers executed a search warrant at 310 Jackson Street. SWAT officers entered the apartment and rendered it safe for backup officers. While inside the apartment, Randell Richardson, as well as his family members, Cathy Y. Richardson, 61, and Eric Richardson, 20, were secured and placed under arrest, police said.

Jericka Martinez, 26, of Hoboken, was also arrested during the sweep at the apartment, police said.

After securing the apartment, police found and seized a black, Taurus .380 caliber handgun and a loaded magazine with hollow-point bullets. Police also seized 60 bags of heroin, “several bags” of crack-cocaine and marijuana, “CDS paraphernalia” and $500 in cash believed to be proceeds from illegal drug sales, authorities said.

Police also searched a second nearby apartment that was supposed to be vacant, finding Stephen S. White, 50, of Hoboken, on the premises and in possession of marijuana, authorities said.

Hoboken police processed the five arrestees and transported them to the Hudson County Correctional Facility.

Authorities charged Randell Richardson, Eric Richardson and Cathy Richardson with offenses including unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of CDS with intent to distribute (heroin, crack-cocaine, marijuana) and maintaining a fortified premises.

Eric Richardson was also charged with two counts of bail jumping.

Authorities charged Jerika Martinez with offenses including unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of CDS with intent to distribute (heroin, crack-cocaine, marijuana), maintaining a fortified premises and two counts of bail jumping.

Authorities charged Stephen White with burglary, possession of CDS (marijuana) and possession of drug paraphernalia.

“I am proud of the work that was performed by the Hoboken Police department’s Investigations Bureau that halts an operation of alleged drug distribution of multiple drugs including heroin and most importantly taking another illegal gun off the streets,” Hoboken Police Chief Ken Ferrante said.

“I am most satisfied that the Hudson County Regional SWAT along with the Hoboken Police emergency Service Unit was able to complete this operation with total control and professionalism, where no suspects, civilians or officers were injured,” Ferrante added.

The Hoboken Police Department’s anonymous tip line is (201) 420-2111.

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