A Guttenberg man was busted with special K, a popular 80s club drug, while hosting a house party with 15 to 20 guests, a DJ, and alcoholic beverages – in violation of the state’s emergency orders – state authorities announced this evening.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
Guillermo F. Garcia-Guzman, 27, of Guttenberg, was charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance (CDS) (ketamine), a third-degree crime, and violating the emergency orders on May 18th, New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal and New Jersey State Police Superintendent Col. Patrick Callahan announced.
Guttenberg police responded to Garcia-Guzman’s apartment on the 100 block of 70th Street due to a noise complaint. Upon arrival, officers observed 15 to 20 people inside with a DJ, CDS, and alcoholic beverages, officials said.
“We’re cracking down on those who jeopardize public health and undermine public safety,†Grewal said in a statement.
“Those who choose to ignore the law and selfishly place others at risk will face swift law enforcement action,” Callahan added.
Violation of the emergency orders is a disorderly persons offense carrying a sentence of up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. Such violations are charged by summons, without arrest.
Additionally, since the state of emergency was declared on March 9th, at least 36 people have been charged with second-degree terroristic threats during an emergency for spitting, coughing, or otherwise threatening to deliberately expose officers, medical personnel, or others to COVID-19.
In a separate incident, Jose A. Morales, Jr., 24, of Kearny, was charged with making terroristic threats during an emergency (a second-degree crime), aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, and throwing bodily fluids (both third-degree crimes) on the evening of May 16.
Morales was also charged with receiving stolen property, a vehicle, in connection with the incident, and violating the emergency orders, police said.
When Morales was taken into custody by Kearny police, he allegedly indicated twice that he had coronavirus and spat at an officer.
Second-degree offenses carry a sentence of five to 10 years in state prison and a fine of up to $150,000, while third-degree charges carry a sentence of three to five years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000.
Finally, fourth-degree charges carry a sentence of up to 18 months in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
