July 30, 3008: Today, a Morris County Grand Jury returned an indictment charging three defendants, James C. Coates III, age 24, of Long Valley; Zachary Toomey, age 26 of Long Valley; and John A. O'Connell, age 24 of Long Valley.

Toomey is charged with:

One Count of First Degree Maintaining or Operating a Controlled Dangerous Substance Facility,

One Count of Second Degree Possession of Controlled Dangerous Substance with Intent to Distribute,

One Count of Second Degree Conspiracy to Possess Controlled Dangerous Substance with the Intent to Distribute,

One Count of Second Degree Conspiracy to Maintain a Controlled Dangerous Substance Production Facility,

One Count of Fourth Degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance,

One Count of Fourth Degree Conspiracy to Possess a Controlled Dangerous Substance

Toomey is being held at the Morris County Correctional Facility in lieu of $250,000.00 bail.

Coates is charged with:

One Count of First Degree Maintaining or Operating a Controlled Dangerous Substance Facility,

One Count of Second Degree Possession of Controlled Dangerous Substance with Intent to Distribute,

One Count of Second Degree Conspiracy to Possess Controlled Dangerous Substance with the Intent to Distribute,

One Count of Second Degree Conspiracy to Maintain a Controlled Dangerous Substance Production Facility,

One Count of Fourth Degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance,

One Count of Fourth Degree Conspiracy to Possess a Controlled Dangerous Substance

Coates previously posted $150,000.00 bail.

O'Connell is charged with:

One Count of First Degree Maintaining or Operating a Controlled Dangerous Substance Facility,

One Count of Second Degree Possession of Controlled Dangerous Substance with Intent to Distribute,

One Count of Second Degree Conspiracy to Possess Controlled Dangerous Substance with the Intent to Distribute,

One Count of Second Degree Conspiracy to Maintain a Controlled Dangerous Substance Production Facility,

One Count of Fourth Degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance,

One Count of Fourth Degree Conspiracy to Possess a Controlled Dangerous Substance

O'Connell previously posted $250,000.00 bail.

On February 8, 2008, members of the Washington Township Police Department were contacted by Hackettstown Regional Medical Center regarding an individual who required medical attention for stab wounds. While officers were interviewing the victim, a second individual was admitted to the hospital due to a stab wound. A subsequent investigation into the incident resulted in members of the Morris County Prosecutor's Office, Washington Township Police Department, and Morris County Sheriff's Office applying for a search warrant for the residence of Zachary Toomey, John Coates, III , and John A. O'Connell located at 16A Fairmount Road in Long Valley.

On February 9, 2008, at approximately 8:45 am, members of the Morris County Prosecutor's Office, Washington Township Police Department, and Morris County Sheriff's Office executed the court authorized search warrant. Upon entry into the residence it was determined that a marijuana production facility was located within the attic of the residence.

A sentence for a second degree aggravated assault carries a New Jersey State Prison sentence of between five (5) and ten (10) years of which 85% of that time must be served per the No Early Release Act. Additionally, the sentence for maintaining or operating a controlled dangerous substance facility, a crime of the first degree, carries a New Jersey State Prison sentence of between ten (10) and twenty (20) years. Further, the sentence for the crime of maintaining or operating a controlled dangerous substance facility requires a period of parole ineligibility per State v. Brimage.

Despite these pending charges, every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt following a jury trial at which the defendant has all of his rights guaranteed by the U.S. and New Jersey Constitutions and relevant state law.

The case is being handled by Assistant Prosecutor Kelley Lavery, Esq. Toomey is represented by Steven Roth of Roth & Associates. Coates is represented by James L. Pfeiffer of Pfeiffer, Bruno, Minott & DeEsch. O'Connell is represented by Alexander R. Pagano of Green & Pagano, LLP.

The investigation is on-going and we are asking anyone with information to contact the Morris County Prosecutor's Office at (973) 285-6200, the Washington Township Police Department at (908) 876-3232 or the Morris County Sheriff's Office CrimeStopper Program at (973) COP-CALL or 973- 267-2255.

Media Contact: Agent Robyn D'Onofrio