Morris County Law Enforcement Dismantles Cocaine Distribution Network in Morristown

MORRISTOWN, NJ – A large-scale drug distribution network operating throughout Morris County has been dismantled following a joint law enforcement investigation that led to the arrest of eleven individuals and the seizure of controlled dangerous substances (CDS), drug paraphernalia, and over $15,000 in U.S. currency.

Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, Morris County Sheriff James Gannon, Morristown Police Chief Darnell Richardson, and FBI Newark Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Terence G. Reilly announced the arrests, which followed the execution of search warrants at three Morristown residences on Orchard Street, Clyde Potts Drive, and Clyde Potts Court, as well as five vehicles on February 27, 2025.

Authorities allege that the individuals arrested were part of a coordinated narcotics distribution network, with a significant concentration of activity in Morristown.

Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll said, “This is a continuing investigation into what we allege is a well-organized drug distribution network, centered in Morristown. These arrests are the result of a six-month-long cooperative operation between the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, Morris County Sheriff’s Office, Morristown Police Department, Newark FBI, and assisting agencies. Cooperative investigations of this nature targeting criminal organizations are vital, and are an efficient use of intelligence and resources. I thank Sheriff Gannon, FBI SAC Reilly, and Morristown Police Chief Richardson for their efforts in supporting this important investigation. I want to especially commend MCPO Lt. James Bruno, MCPO Sgt. Jimmy Atoche, and Morristown Police Det. Scott Weaver for their efforts in this investigation, and Chief Assistant Prosecutor Brad Seabury and Senior Assistant Prosecutor Erin Callahan for their legal and investigational guidance.”

The following individuals were arrested and charged as part of the operation:

Alleged Leaders of the Network

• Naire Burnett, 34, of Morristown – Charged with leading a narcotics trafficking network (1st degree), employing a juvenile in a CDS distribution scheme (2nd degree), conspiracy to distribute CDS (2nd degree), possession with intent to distribute CDS (2nd degree), conspiracy to commit money laundering (3rd degree), and additional charges.
• Kasey Montilla, 30, of Morristown – Charged with leading a narcotics trafficking network (1st degree), employing a juvenile in a CDS distribution scheme (2nd degree), conspiracy to distribute CDS (2nd degree), possession with intent to distribute CDS (2nd degree), conspiracy to commit money laundering (3rd degree), and additional charges.

Other Key Defendants in the Network

• Deshawn Turpin, 31, of Morristown – Charged with employing a juvenile in a CDS distribution scheme (2nd degree), conspiracy to distribute CDS (2nd degree), and money laundering-related offenses.
• Dayvon Rawls, 23, of Morristown – Charged with employing a juvenile in a CDS distribution scheme (2nd degree), conspiracy to distribute CDS (2nd degree), and conspiracy to commit money laundering (3rd degree).
• Christopher Luke, 23, of Morristown – Charged with employing a juvenile in a CDS distribution scheme (2nd degree), conspiracy to distribute CDS (2nd degree), and money laundering-related offenses.
• Jamie Cheatham, 37, of Morristown – Charged with employing a juvenile in a CDS distribution scheme (2nd degree), conspiracy to distribute CDS (2nd degree), and conspiracy to commit money laundering (3rd degree).
• Rebecca Dempster, 28, of Boonton – Charged with employing a juvenile in a CDS distribution scheme (2nd degree), conspiracy to distribute CDS (2nd degree), possession with intent to distribute CDS (2nd degree), and money laundering-related offenses.

Individuals Charged with Conspiracy to Possess CDS

• Alex Gabriel Arguenta Dominguez, 38, of Morristown – Charged with conspiracy to possess CDS (3rd degree).
• Samuel McKlin, 62, of Boonton – Charged with conspiracy to possess CDS (3rd degree).
• Shane Scarlett, 33, of Dover – Charged with conspiracy to possess CDS (3rd degree).

Burnett, Montilla, Turpin, Rawls, Cheatham, Luke, and Dempster remain in custody at the Morris County Correctional Facility, pending court proceedings.

Arguenta-Dominguez, Scarlett, and McKlin were charged on a summons complaint, processed, and released pending their upcoming court appearances.

Morristown Police Chief Darnell Richardson said, “The Morristown Bureau of Police and its dedicated officers remain steadfast in our commitment to safeguarding our community and addressing concerns that impact the quality of life of our residents. In response to multiple complaints, we initiated a joint operation with the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, Morris County Sheriff’s Office, and our law enforcement partners to target these criminal activities. This collaborative effort underscores our unwavering dedication to keeping our streets safe and ensuring that those who seek to harm our community are held accountable.”

The takedown was a coordinated effort involving multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Special Operations Division Tactical Team, Morris County Sheriff’s Emergency Response Team (SERT), Morristown Police, FBI Newark, Morris Township Police, Morris Plains Police, Dover Police, and Parsippany-Troy Hills Police.

Morris County Sheriff James Gannon said, “I applaud the good work of our investigators who have disrupted such a large and organized drug network, operating right here in the heart of Morris County. The alleged members were part of a dangerous and organized network that has caused significant harm to our community. Morris County is fortunate to have forged such strong partnerships between its law enforcement agencies, which is vital to stopping the spread of drug trafficking and ensuring the safety of all residents.”

Morristown Police Chief Darnell Richardson urged residents to remain vigilant and report any concerns regarding illegal activity or quality-of-life issues to authorities by calling 973-538-2200.

This investigation remains ongoing, and officials have not ruled out additional arrests or charges as law enforcement continues efforts to curb drug-related crime in the region.

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