Rockaway Man Arrested in Major Cocaine and Firearm Distribution Operation

Santiago J. Escobar faces multiple charges, including first-degree drug distribution and unlawful possession of a firearm

ROCKAWAY, N.J. – Santiago J. Escobar, 32, of Rockaway Borough, has been arrested and charged with a range of serious offenses related to drug and firearm distribution. Acting Morris County Prosecutor Bradford Seabury, along with local law enforcement officials, announced the arrest following an investigation into Escobar's alleged illegal activities, which took place between April 24 and August 21, 2024.

Escobar is accused of distributing over five ounces of cocaine, a Taurus handgun, and hollow nose bullets in Rockaway. On September 3, 2024, investigators seized approximately 100 grams of cocaine, several pounds of marijuana, over $1,000 in suspected drug proceeds, and paraphernalia used for drug distribution, including scales and baggies.

The charges against Escobar include first-degree possession with intent to distribute cocaine, second-degree conspiracy to distribute cocaine, unlawful possession and sale of a handgun, possession and sale of hollow nose bullets, as well as various drug-related offenses involving cocaine and marijuana. Escobar also faces a money laundering charge for allegedly using the proceeds from drug sales.

Escobar is currently being held at the Morris County Correctional Facility pending a motion for pretrial detention, as per the Criminal Justice Reform Act.

The investigation was a collaborative effort involving multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, Rockaway Borough Police Department, and FBI-Newark Division, among others. Despite the charges, Escobar is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

No arrest photograph will be released in accordance with state law.