BERGEN COUNTY NARCOTICS INVESTIGATION RESULTS IN FOUR ARRESTS IN CONNECTION WITH AN ILLEGAL MARIJUANA DISPENSARY
" Jamie Costanzo, Michael Delmoral, Vincent Scarpulla, & Richard Walenty Charged With Maintaining A Controlled Dangerous Substance Production Facility."
September 22, 2021 By John Elberger Reporting For: Englebrook Independent News,
GARFIELD, NJ.- On Monday, September 20, 2021 Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella announced the arrests of Jamie Costanzo, 40, of Wallington, New Jersey, Michael Delmoral, 40, of Wallington, New Jersey, Vincent Scarpulla, 32, of Toms River, New Jersey, and Richard Walenty, 49, of Toms River, New Jersey on Drug Related Offenses.
The arrests are the result of an investigation conducted by The Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office under the direction of Chief Jason Love and The Garfield Police Department under the direction of Chief Raymond Kovach.
During July 2021, an investigation initiated by The Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotic Task Force and The Garfield Police Department revealed that a Storefront Business named “THC JARZ” located at 517 River Road, Garfield, New Jersey, was operating as an Illegal Marijuana Dispensary selling recreational marijuana and various THC products to the general public.
Additionally, Detectives learned that Jamie Costanzo was reporting herself to be the owner and operator of the business, and that Vincent Scarpulla and Richard Walenty were employees of the Illegal Dispensary.
During the course of this investigation, Undercover Detectives from the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office Narcotics Task Force purchased marijuana and other THC products from Mr. Scarpulla and Mr. Walenty at The THC JARZ Dispensary.
On Friday, September 16, 2021, Detectives from The Bergen County Prosecutor's Office Narcotics Task Force, The Garfield Police Department, and The South Hackensack Police Department executed a court authorized search warrant at The THC JARZ Dispensary where Detectives located and seized a substantial amount of Marijuana, THC Edibles, THC Wax and Oil, and approximately $15,000.00.
Detectives also executed a court authorized search warrant at Ms. Costanzo's and Michael Delmoral's residence in Wallington, New Jersey, which led to seizure of approximately one additional pound of Marijuana and Drug Paraphernalia consistent with distribution.
Pursuant to the investigation, Ms. Costanzo, Vincent Scarpulla, Richard Walenty, and Michael Delmoral were all arrested without incident.
Ms. Costanzo was Charged with One Count of First Degree Maintaining a Controlled Dangerous Substance Production Facility; One Count of First Degree Possession with Intent to Distribute Hashish Oil; One Count of Third Degree Money Laundering; and Two Counts of Third Degree Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana.
Mr. Scarpulla was Charged with One Count of First Degree Maintaining a Controlled Dangerous Substance Production Facility; One Count of First Degree Possession with Intent to Distribute Hashish Oil; One Count of Third Degree Money Laundering; One Count of Third Degree Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana; and One Count of Third Degree Distribution of Marijuana.
Mr. Walenty was Charged with One Count of First Degree Maintaining a Controlled Dangerous Substance Production Facility; One Count of First Degree Possession with Intent to Distribute Hashish Oil; One Count of Third Degree Money Laundering; One Count of Third Degree Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana; and Two Counts of Third Degree Distribution of Marijuana and Hash Oil.
Mr. Delmoral was Charged with One Count of Third Degree Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana. Mr. Delmoral was processed and released on a summons.
Ms. Costanzo, Mr. Scarpulla, and Mr. Walenty were processed on the Charges and were remanded to The Bergen County Jail pending their first appearances in Central Judicial Processing Court in Hackensack, New Jersey.
Prosecutor Musella said, “Despite the recent changes to New Jersey’s marijuana laws, the unregulated sale of marijuana and THC products remains illegal. We encourage the public to be mindful of the law and to report such sales to local law enforcement.”
" The Rules Of The Court Require Us To Include A Statement, Which States: The Charges Outlined In This Publication Are Merely Accusations And The Defendant And Or Defendants Are Presumed Innocent Unless And Until Proven Guilty Beyond Reasonable Doubt."
FILED UNDER SEPTEMBER 22, 2021: LAW, BERGEN: