The Secaucus Police Department arrested nine people connected to a massive drug and prostitution ring at AJ’s Go-Go Bar, Police Chief Dennis Miller said.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“Increasingly in the past two years’ crimes have routinely been committed within AJ’s at an alarming rate. I commend the Secaucus Police Anti-Crime Unit under the supervision of Detective Sergeant Giacomo Sallustio for the outcome of this investigation,” said Miller.
“I also want to thank members of the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, Hudson County Sheriff’s Office, Hudson County Regional SWAT Team, Union City Police Department, North Bergen Police Department, State ABC and Taxation for their assistance in this investigation.”
The six-month long investigation culminated yesterday, when a search of the premises was conducted and nine arrests were made on charges ranging from promoting prostitution to distribution of cocaine, Miller said in a statement.
During the search, more than two ounces of suspected cocaine, more than 400 Oxycontin pills, suspected ecstasy, 40 Suboxone strips, more than 25 Alprazolam pills and more than 80 Amphetamine pills were seized.
Additionally, more than $40,000 in cash was seized as monies believed to have been derived from nefarious activity.
Also during the search, members of the State of New Jersey’s Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control Investigations Bureau and State of New Jersey Division of Taxation conducted inspections of the premises.
“This is a perfect example of how local, county and state law enforcement agencies can come together in partnership and work to make our communities safe,” added Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez.
“I commend the Secaucus Police Department for always ensuring the safety of its citizenry.”
Caroleen Garcia-Garcia, 41, of Bronx, NY was charged with three counts of engaging in prostitution, three counts of promoting prostitution, and possession of a controlled dangerous substance.
Maylin Hechavarria, 30, of Newark was charged with engaging in prostitution and promoting prostitution.
Leidy Munoz-Gomez, 40, of North Bergen was charged with engaging in prostitution and promoting prostitution, four counts of distribution of cocaine, four counts of possession of a controlled dangerous substance and four counts of conspiracy to distribute cocaine.
Jason Koch, 52, of Hawthorne was charged with two counts of promoting prostitution and maintaining a nuisance, six counts of possession of a CDS, possession with the intent to distribute cocaine, possession with the intent to distribute Oxycontin, Suboxone and Amphetamine, possession with the intent to distribute Alprazolam and money laundering.
Carlos Bustamante was charged with four counts of distribution of cocaine, four counts of possession of CDS and four counts of conspiracy to distribute cocaine.
Elizabeth Nauer, 33, of Bayonne was charged with possession of CDS.
Rosanni Reyes, 45, of Belleville, was charged with prostitution and promoting prostitution.
Jeana Branda, 32, of Secaucus was charged with unlawful possession of knife.
Finally, Frank Lovato, 54, of Wyckoff was charged with possession of CDS.
Leidy Munz-Gomez, Jason Koch and Carlos Bustamante were processed and lodged in the Hudson County Correctional Facility, authorities said.
