Nine charged in $100,000 drug sweep

NEWARK, NJ — Acting Essex County Prosecutor Robert D. Laurino announced Aug. 13 that nine people were charged and more than $100,000 in cash and drugs were seized after warrants were executed in East Orange, Newark and Irvington.

A total of $114,497 was seized. Approximately 33 grams of cocaine with an approximate street value of $870 and 43.4 grams of heroin valued at $1,332 were seized.

Altariq Wagner, 30, of Irvington, was arrested and charged with possession of cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, conspiracy, resisting arrest, criminal mischief, hindering and distribution within 1,000 feet of public housing.

Dyshir Gray, 26, of Newark, was arrested and charged with possession of cocaine, possession with intent to distribute, possession with intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of public housing, conspiracy, fleeing, resisting arrest, possession of heroin, possession of heroin within 500 feet of public housing and selling to an undercover detective within 1,000 feet of a school.

John Durant Jr., 43, of East Orange, was arrested and charged with distribution of heroin to an undercover detective, distribution of heroin to an undercover detective within 1,000 feet of a school and distribution of heroin to an undercover detective within 500 feet of public housing.

Darryl Burger, 57, of East Orange, was arrested and charged with possession of heroin and possession with intent to distribute.

Walter Lowery, 50, of East Orange, was arrested and charged with possession of heroin, possession of heroin within 500 feet of public housing, possession with the intent to distribute, possession of heroin within 1,000 feet of a public school, distribution of heroin to an undercover detective, distribution of heroin to an undercover detective within 500 feet of public housing and distribution of heroin to an undercover detective within 1,000 feet of a public school.

Rashon Peterson, 34, of Newark, was arrested and charged with possession of cocaine and contempt.

Darlene Burger, 51, of East Orange, was arrested and charged with possession of heroin and possession of heroin with the intent to distribute.

Anthony Harris, 48, of Newark, was arrested and charged with failure to turn over a controlled dangerous substance to a law enforcement officer.

Khasif Parrish, 34, of Newark, was arrested and charged with distribution of heroin to an undercover detective within 500 feet of public property and distribution of heroin to an undercover detective within 1,000 feet of a public school.

And Michael Jones, 34, of Newark, who remains at large, has been charged with distribution of cocaine to an undercover detective, distribution of cocaine to an undercover detective within 500 feet of public property and distribution of cocaine to an undercover detective within 1,000 feet of a public school.

The investigation and arrests were carried out with the assistance of the Newark, East Orange and Irvington police departments.

These charges are merely accusations; all defendants are presumed innocent unless or until they enter a guilty plea or are found guilty in a court of law.