TWO MANASSAS, VA. MEN ARRESTED ON WEAPONS AND NARCOTIC RELATED OFFENSES
" Richards Mercedes-Avila & Hector B. Mercedes-Cedeno Both From Manassas Were Arrested & Charged After A Motor Vehicle Stop On The New Jersey Turnpike."
September 14, 2021 By Art Fletcher Reporting For: Englebrook Independent News,
LEONIA, NJ.- On Monday, September 13, 2021 Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella announced the arrests of Richards Mercedes-Avila, 24, and Hector B. Mercedes-Cedeno, 37, both men from Manassas, VA on drug and firearm related offenses. These arrests are the result of an investigation conducted by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office under the direction of Chief Jason Love.
On Wednesday, September 8, 2021, Members of The Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Task Force conducted a motor vehicle stop on a white Nissan Murano as it was traveling on Interstate 95 North in the area of Leonia, New Jersey.
A search of the vehicle revealed an aftermarket electronic hidden compartment located in the center console. The hidden compartment contained a drug press and a 9mm handgun and magazine loaded with hollow nose bullets. The occupants of the vehicle, Mr. Mercedes-Avila and Mr. Mercedes-Cedeno were arrested on the scene without incident.
Mr. Mercedes-Avila and Mr. Mercedes-Cedeno were each charged with One Count of Second Degree Unlawful Possession of a Firearm; One Count of Fourth Degree Possession of Hollow Point Bullets; and One Count of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, specifically a drug press, a disorderly persons offense.
Mr. Mercedes-Avila and Mr. Mercedes-Cedeno were remanded to the Bergen County Jail pending their first appearances in Central Judicial Processing Court in Hackensack, New Jersey.
" 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 14, 2021: LAW, BERGEN: