SUSSEX COUNTY PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE
Jan. 23
Ramon Torres, 20, of Vernon was sentenced to three years of probation, seven days in jail, credit for time served and $1,205 in fines.
He pleaded guilty on Oct. 6, 2014, to the third-degree crime of distribution of a controlled dangerous substance.
He admitted to selling MDMA to an individual cooperating with the Sussex County Gangs, Guns and Narcotics Task Force on June 11, 2014, in Vernon. The matter also was investigated by Vernon Ptl. Gentle and Det. Fitzgerald.
Hector Mercado, 41, of Newton was sentenced to 5 years in state prison with 27 months of parole ineligibility, 500 days jail credit for time served, a six-month loss of his driver's license and $1,205 in fines.
He pleaded guilty on Nov. 17, 2014, to the third-degree crime of distribution of a controlled dangerous substance.
He admitted to distributing heroin in Newton on Sept. 20, 2013, to an individual cooperating with the Sussex County Gangs, Guns and Narcotics Task Force.
Christopher Pereira, 40, of Sussex Borough was sentenced to 3 years of probation and ordered to pay restitution, fines and fees.
He pleaded guilty on Sept. 16, 2013, to burglary and criminal mischief, both third degree crimes.
He admitted that on Dec. 1, 2011, in the Township of Hardyston, he entered Web-Cote Industries and damaged property.
Jan. 26
Michael J. Dean, Jr., 22, of Hopatcong, pleaded guilty to third-degree possession of a controlled dangerous sbustance.
Sentencing is scheduled for March 27.
In pleading guilty, Dean admitted to being in possession of Heroin during a motor vehicle stop in Hopatcong on April 9, 2014.
Steven Hill, 65, of Newton pleaded guilty to the third-degree crime of distribution of a controlled dangerous substance.
Sentencing is scheduled for March 27.
He admitted to selling heroin to an individual cooperating with the Sussex County Gangs, Guns and Narcotics Task Force in Newton on Oct. 22, 2014.
Jan. 30
Renea Dibenedetto, 38, of Hardyston was sentenced to 3 years in state prison with 250 days credit for time served and $1,205 in court fines.
She pleaded guilty on Nov. 10, 2014, to the third degree crime of possession of a controlled dangerous substance.
She admitted to possessing heroin in Hardyston Township on Jan. 17, 2014.
Feb. 6
Quincy Swinson, 28, of Sussex Borough was sentenced to 2 years probation on condition he complete 50 hours of community service, pay court fines and restitution of $374.49 to the victim.
He pleaded guilty on Dec. 8, 2014, to fourth-degree theft.
In October, the defendant stole a cell phone from an employee at Brother’s Pizzeria. He was caught on the restaurant’s surveillance taking the phone.
Feb. 9
Matthew K. Lucenti, 24, of Stockholm pleaded guilty to Count One of an indictment handed up on Oct. 6, 2012, charging him with death by auto, a crime of the second degree.
On Oct. 6, 2014, Lucenti was operating his motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol in the Township of Hardyston. At approximately 3 a.m., he crashed the vehicle on Route 94, killing his occupant and friend. M.B.
In addition, Lucenti pleaded guilty to the disorderly person’s offense of failure to make lawful disposition of a controlled dangerous sbstance to wit, cocaine. That offense occurred on Aug. 15, 2013, in the Township of Sparta.
Sentencing is scheduled for April 10.