The Secaucus Police Department has announced four more arrests, while two others remain at large, related to an investigation into a methamphetamine and fentanyl ring that began in June, Chief Dennis Miller said.
By John Heinis/Hudosn County View
The investigation led to six arrests and the seizure of over five ounces of methamphetamine, fentanyl pills, over 480 grams of suspected Fentanyl and cocaine, which the Secaucus PD announced in September.
During that narcotics investigation it became known that one of the members of this illicit drug distribution ring was kidnapped at knifepoint on June 25th in Jersey City, since he owed Erica Festino – also known as Erika Potente – money, another member of this drug distribution ring.
The victim was bound and driven around Hudson County in the back of a U-haul truck, driven by Louis Governara, for hours and robbed of cash and personal items.
The victim was ultimately released by the kidnappers and Roberto Lascano was also involved in the kidnapping.
On October 20th, detectives from the Secaucus Police Anti-Crime Unit, Secaucus Police K-9 Unit, North Bergen Police Department and Jersey City Police Department Major Case Unit went to the residence of Festino in North Bergen to arrest her on a warrant for the kidnapping and robbery.
After her arrest, a court-authorized search of her home, located on Palisade Avenue in North Bergen, was conducted.
During the search, a significant quantity of suspected methamphetamine, Gamma Hydroxybutyrate, Adderall, Ritalin and Clonazepam and drug paraphernalia were seized, Miller said in a statement.
Additionally, numerous fraudulent items, specifically credit cards, identifications, ledgers with banking information, mail and social security cards relating to over 100 victims, were seized throughout the residence.
Allison Chavez, Roman Shapiro and Paige Rosado were also placed under arrest inside the residence. Lascano and Governara remain at large.
Governara, 49, of Jersey City, and Lascano, 37, of West New York, are both wanted on the charges of kidnapping, robbery, and conspiracy to commit robbery.
“I am so proud of the work of the Secaucus Police Departments Anti-Crime Unit and their continued motivation to work a case until its full conclusion. I am also, appreciative of the assistance given by the Jersey City and North Bergen Police Departments,” Miller added.
Festino, 47, of North Bergen was charged with kidnapping, robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery, possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a controlled dangerous substance, possession with the intent to distribute drug paraphernalia, trafficking in personal identifying information of another, and credit card theft.
As a result, she was remanded to the Hudson County Correctional Facility.
Chavez, 24, of Brooklyn, NY, was charged with possession of Gamma Hydroxybutyrate, trafficking in personal identifying information of another, credit card theft, and conspiracy to commit trafficking in personal identifying information of another. She was released pending her appearance in court.
Shapiro, 43, of Fort Lee, was charged with possession of CDS and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was released pending her appearance in Court.
Finally, Rosado, 31, of Brooklyn, NY, was charged with trafficking in personal identifying information of another, credit card theft, and conspiracy to commit trafficking in personal identifying information of another.
They were all released pending their first court appearances, noted Miller.
Tips can be made by calling (201) 330-2049, emailed to spdtips@secaucusnjpolice.gov or submitted anonymously through the department’s website.
