In Cedar Grove: Prescription Fraud, Marijuana Arrest, Found Bicycle

Editor’s Note: The following incidents are taken directly from the Cedar Grove police blotter, which may not include the full scope of police activity in the area. All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

On Friday, June 12, at 9:13 p.m., police recovered a bicycle found abandoned on Highview Terrace near Bowden Road. The bicycle, a beige Trek Mountain Bike, is being stored at police headquarters pending the location of its owner.

On Saturday, June 13, at 12:37 a.m., Ptl. Raymond Cassella investigated an occupied suspicious vehicle in the Community Park after the posted curfew. As the officer spoke to the operator, he detected the odor of burnt marijuana emanating from the vehicle. A subsequent investigation resulted in the arrest of the 32 year-old operator, Gary M. Jacob of Cedar Grove, after he was found to be in possession of CDS marijuana (under 50g) and drug paraphernalia (a glass pipe). Jacob was processed on the charges at police headquarters and released pending a Municipal Court appearance.

On Saturday, June 13, police arrested a Township woman on charges of prescription fraud and possession of stolen property. The arrest of 25 year-old Melissa G. Hernandez followed a 10:02 a.m. report from the CVS Pharmacy at 387 Pompton Avenue that a woman was attempting to obtain the Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS) Oxycodone by means of a forged, stolen prescription. The pharmacist reported the woman had just left the store and was leaving the scene in a Honda Civic. Ptl. Jose Rodriguez located and stopped the vehicle, identifying Hernandez as the involved woman. Subsequent investigation revealed the defendant had stolen several blank prescriptions from a Mount Olive doctor and had forged them in an attempt to obtain the CDS. Hernandez was processed on all charges at police headquarters and released pending a June 24, 2015 Superior Court Arraignment in Newark.

On Saturday, June 13, at 5:31 p.m., police arrested a Township man on charges he was operating a motor vehicle while his NJ driving privileges were both expired and under suspension. The 39 year-old defendant, Francis J. Kovats, was processed on the charges at police headquarters and released pending a Municipal Court appearance. Ptl. Joseph Russomanno was the arresting officer.