18 Arrested In Multi-County Heroin Ring Bust, MCOP Says

MORRISTOWN, NJ — Following a months-long investigation, 18 people were arrested for their roles in a multi-county heroin ring, Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp said in a statement on Tuesday.

Kevin O. Ruiz, 23, is accused of spearheading the drug ring, which operated across Morris, Sussex, Warren and Bergen counties. He delivered the drugs directly to customers daily, Knapp said, and the customers would distribute the drugs around their towns, including Jefferson and Rockaway.

The investigation began in October 2016. During a 25-day period, Ruiz allegedly sold more than 400 folds of heroin and 130 packages of crack cocaine worth more than $12,000.

A March 17 search of Ruiz's house turned up 210 bags of heroin, 16 bags of crack cocaine, $2,800 cash, a stolen handgun and six cars, Knapp said. Ruiz was charged with 61 counts of drug-related crimes and is on home detention pending a trial.

Prosecutors from the four counties, the Morris County Sheriff's Office, state police and 13 local police departments assisted in the investigation.

A total of 18 people were arrested in connection to the heroin ring, and charges include possession of heroin and intent to distribute heroin:

1. Kevin O. Ruiz, aka "Star," 23, Elmwood Park
2. Jashawn Halloway, aka “Slime," 31, Paterson
3. Charles E. Nassor, 56, Hackensack
4. Keith R. Fitzgerald, 24, Oak Ridge
5. Heather L. Baer, 35, Hackettstown
6. Richard R. Wagner, 44,Andover
7. Richard Copeland, 33, Newton
8. Dana L. Keim, 22, Newton
9. Kelly L. Burnette, 52, Rockaway
10. Garret J. Burnette, 25, Rockaway
11. Sheryl A. Onder, 55, of Seaside
12. Jessica M. Roberts, 35, Mine Hill
13. Jassmine J. Royal, 27, Elmwood Park
14. Melissa K. Gansz, 28, Hopatcong
15. Michael P. Monteverdi, 25, Oak Ridge
16. Markella I. Strongilos, 26, of Sparta
17. Sean H. Meekel, 28, Lake Hopatcong
18. Travis J. Schneider, 29, Vernon

Image via Shutterstock