A West New York police dispatcher, retired detective, and a Hudson County corrections officer were among seven charged by the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office in a large-scale narcotics bust.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
The investigation led to the seizure of over four kilograms of suspected cocaine, two handguns, seven vehicles, and more than $70,000 in cash, Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez said in a statement.
During the early morning hours of Thursday, July 17th, law enforcement officers from the HCPO executed search warrants at multiple locations in North Bergen, West New York, and Union City.
During the operation, officers arrested seven individuals and uncovered a narcotics production facility. The street value of the recovered narcotics is over $150,000.
The following individuals were arrested:
• Alfredo Diaz, 50, of Union City, is charged with leading a narcotics network, maintaining a controlled dangerous substance production facility, two counts of conspiracy to distribute (cocaine), conspiracy to possess (cocaine), two counts of endangering the welfare of a child, conspiracy to commit official misconduct, two counts of possession with the intent
to distribute (cocaine), three counts of possession with the intent to distribute (cocaine) within 1,000 feet of a school, two counts of possession with the intent to distribute (cocaine) within 500 feet of public property, two counts of unlawful possession of a weapon, crimes of the second degree; two counts of possession with the intent to distribute (cocaine), two counts of possession of a weapon while committing a CDS offense, certain persons not to possess a weapon (firearm), possession of hollow point bullets, possession of drug paraphernalia, receiving stolen property (firearm), and three counts of money laundering.
• Ileana Hernandez, 56, a dispatcher with West New York Police Department, is charged with official misconduct, pattern of official misconduct, conspiracy to commit official misconduct, and conspiracy to distribute CDS (cocaine).
• Edwin Martinez, 39, of North Bergen, is charged with possession with the intent to distribute (cocaine), possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a weapon (firearm) while committing a CDS offense, unlawful possession of a weapon, certain persons not to possess a weapon (firearm), two counts of conspiracy to distribute (cocaine), possession of hollow point bullets, possession with the intent to distribute (cocaine) within 500 feet of public property, possession with the intent to distribute (cocaine) within 1,000 feet of a school, and receiving stolen property (firearm).
• Daniel Diaz, 28, of West New York, is charged with conspiracy to distribute (cocaine), possession with the intent to distribute (cocaine), possession with the intent to distribute (cocaine) within 1,000 feet of a school, and possession with the intent to distribute (cocaine) within 500 feet of public property.
• Thomas Mannion, 60, a retired West New York police detective and longtime PBA president, is charged with conspiracy to distribute (cocaine).
• Marquis Santiago, 33, Hudson County corrections officer, is charged with conspiracy to possess a controlled dangerous substance (cocaine).
• Cristian Cortez, 55 of Englewood, is charged with conspiracy to distribute (cocaine).
This investigation is active and ongoing, Suarez added.
This afternoon, West New York Police Director Henry Codina said in a statement that Hernando had been suspended pending the outcome of the HCPO investigation.
“Effective immediately, Ms. Hernandez has been suspended from duty pending the outcome of the criminal proceedings. The West New York Police Department is fully cooperating with the Prosecutor’s Office and will continue to support a thorough and impartial investigation,” he noted.
“Let me be clear, we do not and will not condone this type of behavior from any member of our department, sworn or civilian. Such conduct is in direct conflict with the values, integrity, and professionalism expected of those entrusted with public service.”
Editor’s note: This story has been updated with a comment from West New York Police Director Henry Codina.
Wow. If true, throw the book at them. WNY PD has a history of corruption sorry to say.
Which recent former WNY Mayor chose TM as a running mate in 2023?
We know it’s Roque the POS that he is , he should have been in jail like Menendez is right now the whole town is screwed. Let’s take a Quick Look since 1982 only a Cuban Mayor has been in charge of west New York I guess the Cuban Mafia does exist . It’s time for change people .
You are stupid. Defino was Italian not cuban.
mannion is the halfwit who once proudly stated there are no gangs in west new york. The three cuban stooges should all be in prison with ricky retardo menendez. sires, sal vega and roque. Babalouuuuu!
Mannion set up that Dispatcher girl to get off the Hook. She was a Fool and sold out to a crooked retired cop Mannion with out knowing it. She was looking for love and got burned probably. To Bad.
Mannion was always a Dirty flake PO. POS!