On August 11, 2011 at about 11:30 a.m., Patrolman Kevin Florczak observed a black BMW without a front license plate in violation of 39:3-33 on Warren Avenue and the passenger not wearing a seatbelt in violation of 39:3-76.2(f). An investigation during the motor vehicle stop resulted in the discovery of a large plastic bag containing nine (9) medium size bags – all containing suspected marijuana – and a black metal grinder containing suspected marijuana.
The driver, Guilherme Tavares, age 21 of Elizabeth, was placed under arrest and charged with 2C:35-7.1(a) (distribution of CDS within 500 ft of a park [Michael Mauri Park]), 2C:35-5(b)(11) (distribution of more than 1 oz. of marijuana), and 2C:35-10(a)(3) (possession of more than 50 grams of marijuana). He was transported to Union County Jail in lieu of $25,000.00 bail pending a Union County Superior Court hearing on August 25, 2011.
The passenger, Jovan Sanabia, age 21 of Elizabeth, was charged with 2C:35-7.1(a) (distribution of CDS within 500 ft of a park), 2C:35-5(b)(11) (distribution of more than 1 oz. of marijuana), 2C:35-10(a)(3) (possession of more than 50 grams of marijuana), and 2C:36-2. He was transported to Union County Jail in lieu of $25,000.00 bail pending a Union County Superior Court hearing on August 25, 2011.