October 1, 2008: A Morris County Jury convicted Scranton, Pennsylvania resident Raymonte Love, 31, of:

One Count of First Degree Possession of CDS (Cocaine) with the Intent to Distribute

One Count of Third Degree Possession of CDS (Cocaine)

The verdict followed a 3 day trial before the Honorable Thomas V. Manahan, J.S.C. in Morristown, New Jersey. Love faces a maximum possible custodial sentence of 20 years in New Jersey State Prison when he is sentenced on November 14, 2008.

Prosecutor Bianchi stated "Today the jury has spoken and justice has been served. The message is loud and clear that the police and Morris County Prosecutor's Office will vigorously arrest and prosecute those who sell and deliver the poison of drugs into our community. This first degree conviction again serves notice to the criminals in our county that they will be dealt with harshly for their transgressions and that they will serve many years behind bars to think about their actions."

Testimony at trial revealed that on June 7, 2006, a vehicle that the defendant was a passenger in was stopped for a speeding violation by Patrolman Joseph Abrusci of the Mount Olive Police Department. A subsequent search of the vehicle found over 10 ounces of cocaine in the trunk of the vehicle. Testimony also revealed that the defendant traveled from Pennsylvania to New York to pick up the cocaine when the vehicle was stopped.

Assistant Prosecutor Peter Foy, Esq.. prosecuted the case for the State. Love was represented by Severiano Lisboa, Esq., of Hackensack. Love's bail of $75,000.00 was revoked.

Media Contact: Agent Robyn D'Onofrio