JEFFERSON, NJ — A Lake Hopatcong man faces multiple charges after authorities seized approximately one kilogram of suspected cocaine and five firearms during a search warrant execution on Nov. 7.
John B. Scavone, 32, of Lake Hopatcong, was arrested following the morning operation at a residence in the Jefferson Township section of Lake Hopatcong, according to Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, and Jefferson Police Chief Paul Castimore.
Investigators found Scavone inside a bedroom that had allegedly been fortified with a steel door.
Upon entry, Scavone resisted arrest with physical force and attempted to gain control of a law enforcement officer’s patrol rifle, authorities said.
Officers de-escalated the situation without serious injury and detained Scavone.
Law enforcement observed numerous surveillance cameras both inside and outside the residence.
The search resulted in the seizure of five firearms, including a stolen Glock G26 9mm and a Glock 10mm charged as an assault firearm due to an attached “switch” that allows the weapon to be fired at an automatic rate of fire.
Investigators also seized a crossbow, high-capacity magazines, armor-piercing ammunition, drug paraphernalia indicative of controlled dangerous substance distribution, and nearly $11,000 in U.S. currency alleged to be narcotic proceeds.
Authorities allege Scavone operated a cocaine distribution network in Morris County between July 1 and Nov. 7.
The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Special Enforcement Unit Task Force carried out the investigation with assistance from multiple agencies including New Jersey State Police, Denville Police Department, and Jefferson Police Department.
Scavone faces charges including first-degree possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, second-degree conspiracy to distribute cocaine, second-degree possession of a firearm during a CDS offense, second-degree disarming a law enforcement officer, and multiple other weapons and drug-related offenses.
He has been detained in the Morris County Correctional Facility pending future court proceedings.
