Father, Son Busted in Alleged Narcotics Distribution Racket

A Cedar Grove man and his teenage son were arrested this week and charged with possessing and selling a variety of drugs including marijuana, steroids, amphetamine and prescription painkillers, following a lengthy investigation, Police said Thursday.

Mark N. Benevento, 50, owner of the Wood's Dog House hot dog stand on Bloomfield Avenue in Verona, and his 18-year-old son, Mark J. Benevento, a Cedar Grove High School student, were both arrested on Tuesday, May 24 after police searched the hot dog stand and a Stevens Avenue apartment in Cedar Grove where the two men live. Police said drugs were being distributed out of both locations.

Despite the evidence seized by police, which included nearly $5,000 in cash and narcotics, the elder Benevento when reached by phone today said there is a perfectly logical explanation for everything.

The prescription bottles, Benevento said, were legitimate prescriptions for a back condition. The steroids, he said, were ordered by his son on the Internet "a couple of years ago."

"You can order anything on the Internet," he said.

The hypodermic needles, he said, were used to administer vitamin B-12 shots, and had been in his closet "for years."

As for the money seized during his son's arrest, Benevento said the money was being saved by his son to pay for his prom.

Beneventos claims are refuted by evidence released by police today, which includes a photograph of the seized drugs and cash.

Cedar Grove Police Chief Richard Vanderstreet said the arrests were an example of the benefits of police departments working together.

"We have an excellent relationship with Verona and the other surrounding towns. When you're dealing with people using or selling illegal drugs, they generally do so without regard for borders or jurisdictions, so it's very important for local police departments to work in concert with each-other. We will continue to work together in this regard."

Police said following a two month investigation with officers from Verona, Cedar Grove, and Montclair State University, the elder Benevento was charged with possession and sale of the highly addictive prescription painkiller, Oxycodone, and possession of Suboxone, a drug used to treat opiate addiction. They said he was also found to be in possession of amphetamine, anabolic steroids and hypodermic needles. He was released after posting a $75,000 bond, and is scheduled to be arraigned at Newark Superior Court on June 1.

The younger Benevento was charged with sale and possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia, including scales and packaging material. He was processed and released pending arraignment in Superior Court on June 1.

In addition to the drugs and cash recovered by police, they also seized a 2006 Chevrolet Impala that was used as part of the distribution operation, police said.

Benevento said the police investigation into his home and his business was based on "misinformation" and constituted "a waste of resources."

"Twelve cops barged in here like they were looking for the kingpin. What they were looking for and what they found were two completely different things. They looked a tad disappointed," he said.

Benevento said he was not guilty, and was planning on fighting all charges.

"In these small towns where they're strapped for cash, they're wasting time and resources on this?"