Two men, apparently friends, were arrested for aggravated assault after they got into a fight while drinking, said police. According to Detective Bureau Lt. Christopher Brignola, Hamit Hubey, 39, of Little Falls and Carlos Escobar, 48, of North Bergen were arrested on Oct. 9 at 2:52 p.m.
Brignola said an officer patrolling the area that afternoon was waved down by an individual who said two men were fighting nearby on Bergen Turnpike. When he arrived on the scene, he witnessed a man, who appeared to be bleeding from a head injury, on the ground.
Police said that upon investigation, they learned that both men had been “drinking a bit” earlier when Hubey reportedly said something about Escobar’s girlfriend. An argument ensued, and Hubey allegedly suggested they “take it outside.” Before heading outdoors, Escobar allegedly took a knife with him, said police.
After Hubey told Escobar to “fight like a man,” Escobar allegedly threw the knife on the ground, but then Hubey allegedly pulled out a collapsible baton and began to strike his friend’s head, said police.
“Escobar received nine staples to his head, and he broke his pinky.” – Christopher Brignola
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Both men were charged with aggravated assault, unlawful possession of a weapon, and possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose.
Judge Nino Falcone did not award bail to Hubey, who was transported to Hudson County Jail in Kearny. Escobar was released on his own recognizance.
Four busted for drug trafficking, money laundering
According to the U.S. Attorney Paul Fishman, four men, two from Hudson County, were arrested and charged with conspiracy to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
Kenneth “Ninja” Martin, 41, of North Bergen; Michael Vacchiano, 46, of Weehawken; William Mabey Sr., 72, of Montville; and Chris Rosenvinge, 32, of Parlin, were arrested on Oct. 6 by federal agents, who seized 100 kilograms of marijuana and more than $2 million in cash. The four were members of a drug trafficking organization (DTO), said the complaint.
According to the complaint, the four allegedly organized marijuana to be illegally produced at a property in Miranda, Calif. and then had it shipped to multiple addresses in New York and New Jersey via U.S. Mail. Each package contained around 20 pounds of the drug, which was then collected by Vacchiano and others before being transported to his Weehawken address. Marijuana was then allegedly distributed out of his garage. They then allegedly sent most of the money they earned via U.S. Mail and other services back to California.
According to the complaint, law enforcement officials witnessed Vacchiano allegedly distribute marijuana from his apartment, and observed him and others allegedly collecting packages.
From January through September 2010, there were more than 200 suspected marijuana parcels shipped from California to addresses in the New Jersey and New York area controlled by the group, said the complaint. Law enforcement officials said that they intercepted four of the parcels, which were each valued between $100,000 and $300,000.
According to the complaint, Martin admitted to living with one of the defendants, as well as being employed by members of the group.
“Law enforcement investigation also revealed that Kenneth Martin was engaged in high-value currency transactions associated with members of the DTO who principally reside in California,” the complaint states.
If convicted, the maximum drug penalty for each is 40 years in prison, with a five-year minimum and a fine of $2 million or twice the gross gain resulting in the offence. The maximum sentence for the money laundering charge is 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of twice the gross gain.
Fishman praised the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, special agents of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and the special agents of the IRS, for the multi-state effort.
Tricia Tirella may be reached at TriciaT@hudsonreporter.com.