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Saddle Brook Man Receives 10-Year Sentence for Role in Fatal Overdose
David Pezak Convicted Under Strict Liability Law for Drug-Induced Death in Pequannock, Morris County Prosecution Announces.
[Morristown, NJ] – In a landmark case emphasizing New Jersey's stringent stance against drug-related fatalities, David Pezak, 35, previously a resident of Saddle Brook, Bergen County, has been sentenced to a decade in state prison. This sentencing follows his guilty plea for a first-degree charge of Strict Liability for Drug-Induced Death and additional drug possession charges, as announced by Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll.
On December 13, 2023, Pezak admitted guilt to the charge of Strict Liability for a Drug-Induced Death, a first-degree crime, and third-degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS). His sentencing, held on January 12, 2024, led to a 10-year term in New Jersey State Prison under the No Early Release Act, concurrent with a 5-year sentence, including 2 years without parole eligibility, for CDS possession. Judge Ralph Amirata, J.S.C. handed down this sentence.
The case traces back to November 15, 2021, when law enforcement was alerted to an unresponsive female, later identified as A.C., in a Pequannock Township home. A.C. was pronounced dead at the scene, and the Morris County Medical Examiner's Office attributed her death to a lethal mix of Fentanyl, Amphetamine, Carisoprodol, and Clonazepam.
Investigations revealed that Pezak, alongside an unnamed accomplice, allegedly distributed narcotics to A.C. in Paterson, New Jersey, on the day of her death. It's alleged that A.C.'s fatal overdose was a direct result of the drugs obtained through her interaction with Pezak.
Pezak faced multiple charges, including first-degree Strict Liability for Drug-Induced Death, third-degree Conspiracy to Distribute, third-degree Distribution of a CDS, third-degree Possession of a CDS, and a disorderly persons offense for Possession of CDS Paraphernalia.
Under New Jersey law, the Strict Liability for Drug-Induced Death statute holds individuals accountable for any death resulting from substances they manufacture, distribute, or dispense. In line with the Criminal Justice Reform Act, Pezak was detained at the Morris County Correctional Facility throughout the legal proceedings.
This case was a collaborative effort among several law enforcement agencies, including the Pequannock Township and Saddle Brook Police Departments, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit.
Prosecutor Carroll underscored the unwavering commitment of Morris County's law enforcement to prosecute those responsible for drug-related deaths. "We are losing too many lives to these deadly poisons," Carroll stated, warning drug dealers of the grave risks associated with the distribution of substances like heroin and fentanyl.
