November 1, 2007: Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Esq. and Rockaway Borough Chief of Police Douglas Scheer announce the investigation and subsequent arrests resulting from a dispute which occurred at the Red Carpet Laundromat located on West Main Street in Rockaway Borough.

On October 30, 2007 at approximately 10:40 pm, Rockaway Borough Police received a 911 hang-up call from the Red Carpet Laundromat located on West Main Street in Rockaway Borough. Upon arrival, police observed numerous males gathered around the Laundromat. These individuals began to disperse immediately upon the arrival of the police.

The investigation revealed that a male subject was engaged in an argument with another subject. The dispute was allegedly over a female. It was reported that this male subject displayed a handgun during the dispute.

Witnesses reported that this male subject departed out the front door of the Laundromat. The subject entered the passenger side of a silver Honda Civic. As the vehicle left the scene, Rockaway Borough Police Sergeant Pepperman and Detective Gosden, who were nearby on mischief night patrol, reported that each heard what he believed to be gunfire.

The investigation led the officers to the residence of Jeffrey Lorenzo-Suarez located at 42 Hudson Street, room #3, Dover. Officers came in contact with Mr. Lorenzo-Suarez. A subsequent search at the residence revealed a .22 caliber and .40 caliber handgun as well as a large quantity of cocaine.

Arrested:

Wesley Figueroa of 21 Blackwell Street in Dover, DOB 11/3/85. Figueroa was charged with Possession of CDS (Cocaine) and released ROR. Mr. Figueroa was located at the Laundromat.

Jeffrey Lorenzo-Suarez of 42 Hudson Street room #3, Dover. DOB 3/11/85. Jeffrey Lorenzo-Suarez was charged with: Possession of (CDS) Cocaine; Possession with Intent to Distribute within 1,000 feet of a School Zone; Unlawful Possession of Weapons; Possessing Weapons during a CDS offense; Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Approximately one kilo of cocaine valued in excess of $50,000 was seized. Bail was set at $250,000 no 10% by Judge Phillip Maenza.

Alan Cordero of 10 Palm Road, Dover. DOB 11/16/87. Cordero was charged with: Possession of CDS cocaine; Possession of Marijuana under 50 grams. Cordero was remanded to the Morris County Correctional Facility in lieu of $50,000 no 10% bail which was set by Municipal Court Judge Phillip Maenza. Cordero was located at the Laundromat.

Prosecutor Bianchi Esq., commended members of the Rockaway Borough Police Department for their professionalism and swift actions. In addition to the Rockaway Borough Police Department, the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit along with the Morris County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigation Unit are jointly conducting the investigation. Investigators were also assisted by members of the Dover Police Department.

The investigation is on-going and we are asking anyone with information to contact the Rockaway Borough Police Department at (973) 627-1314, The Morris County Prosecutor's Office Major Crimes Unit at (973) 285-6200 or the Morris County Sheriff's Office CrimeStoppers Program at (973) COP-CALL or 973-267-2255.

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.

Media Contacts:
Captain Jeffrey S. Paul
Agent Robyn D'Onofrio