Cops Say Essex County Marijuana Bust Is Among Area's 'Largest Ever'

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — During what some authorities in Essex County are calling one of the county’s “largest seizures of marijuana,” police seized 1,470 budding cannabis plants from an East Orange garage that doubled as a “sophisticated indoor marijuana farm.”

According to East Orange city officials, police discovered the marijuana plants in a four-car garage shortly after 9 a.m. on May 18 after responding to the report of an incident in the backyard of a single-family home near Soverel Park and Springdale Avenue.

Authorities estimated the marijuana had a street value of $2.95 million.

Police arrested Sherline Dare, 37, and charged her with Maintaining a CDS Production Facility, Distribution of CDS, Possession with Intent to Distribute, Possession of over 50 Marijuana Plants, Distribution within 1,000 Feet of a School, Distribution within 500 Feet of a Public Park and Conspiracy.

Police have issued a warrant for Dare’s husband Densley Lawrence, 41, for the same charges. He remains at-large, authorities stated Monday. Anyone with information about his location can call the EOPD Tips Hotline at (973) 266-5041.

Police also arrested Gregory Rutty, 56, also was arrested after officers found a smaller amount of marijuana and $1,736 in cash in his truck, which was parked on the street in front of the home. Authorities charged Rutty with Possession of CDS (marijuana, under 50 grams).

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