Sayreville Assistant Coach Busted With Steroids In Bridgewater

A Hillsborough K-9 dog was called in on Sunday when Sayreville defensive coordinator Charles Garcia was busted with steroids during a traffic stop in Bridgewater.

Garcia was said to be occupying a Dodge 2013 Pick-up truck that “yielded past criminal activity” outside of a Bridgewater motel before he was later pulled over on Rt. 22 West near Commons Way.

According to the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office:

Somerset County Prosecutor Geoffrey D. Soriano and Bridgewater Township Chief of Police Manny Caravella announce the arrest of Charlie F. Garcia, age 38, of Waverly Place, South Plainfield, New Jersey.

Prosecutor Soriano states that on September 26, 2014, at approximately 8:41 p.m. Bridgewater Patrol Officer Kevin Florczak, while conducting a property check, observed a Dodge 2013 pickup truck parked in a motel parking lot that has yielded past criminal activity.

The vehicle was running and occupied by an individual who was later identified as Charlie Garcia. After the patrol vehicle passed defendant Garcia’s pickup, the defendant proceeded towards the exit of the parking lot.

As the patrol vehicle followed the pickup, defendant Garcia made an abrupt “u-turn” and returned to the motel parking lot. A short time later, Officer Florczak observed the pickup enter U.S. Hwy. Route 22 West.

Subsequent to observing motor vehicle infractions, including most notably an improper lane change, Officer Florczak conducted a motor vehicle stop on Rt. 22 West near Commons Way.

When questioned, defendant Garcia gave a conflicting report as to his previous whereabouts and activity which was witnessed earlier by the officer.

Hillsborough Township Police Officer Chris Englehardt and his K-9 “Kondro” responded. The K-9 conducted an exterior scan of the vehicle and gave positive alerts for CDS in both the driver and passenger doors. After being advised of the Kondro’s findings defendant Garcia gave officers consent to search his vehicle.

The search resulted in the seizure of a plastic white bag containing 2 sealed boxes of steroids each containing 400mg. and 14 individually sealed and capped syringes.

Defendant Garcia was charged with Possession of C.D.S. (Steroids), 3rd Degree and Possession of Hypodermic Needles, a Disorderly Person Offense.

Defendant Garcia was also issued traffic summonses for 39:3-10 - Operating a Vehicle with an Expired Driver’s License, 39:4-126- Failure to Signal a Lane Change and 39:4-49.1 Possession of CDS in a Motor Vehicle.

Defendant Garcia was released on his own recognizance. His first court appearance is scheduled for October 10, 2014.