NEWS RELEASE

NEWS RELEASE

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Essex County Sheriff’s Office

NEWS RELEASE

October 31, 2018

Contact: Sheriff Armando Fontoura (973) 621-4105

Newark – A suspected drug dealer was arrested this morning by Essex County sheriff’s detectives on weapons and narcotics charges

Sheriff Armando Fontoura stated that as part of on-going investigations into open-air drug trafficking in Newark’s North Ward his department’s Bureau of Narcotics staged an undercover surveillance operation at the intersection of Delavan Avenue and Broadway on Wednesday.

“At this location, Quinton McKie, 25 of Newark, was observed loitering in the area,” Sheriff Fontoura said.  “He was soon approached by Rhonda Sheffield, 55, also of Newark.  After a brief conversation, McKie walked over to his parked 2017 Nissan Versa and removed an item from the car which he exchanged with Sheffield for cash.”

Sheffield was followed from the scene and was found to be in possession on one vial of ‘crack’ cocaine.  She was placed under arrest.

“Back at the scene, our officers then announced their presence and detained McKie as his vehicle was searched,” Fontoura added.  “Inside the car our detectives discovered a fully loaded, .45 caliber, Tanfoglio semi-automatic handgun, an additional 27 vials of ‘crack’ cocaine, and plastic bottles, containing 161 Xanax tablets.  The suspect was also in possession of $76 in alleged drug proceeds.”

The street value of the narcotics is approximately $4,000.

McKie was charged with the sale and distribution of a controlled dangerous substance, two counts each of possession of CDS, possession of CDS with intent to distribute and possession of CDS with intent to distribute within 1000 feet of Broadway Elementary School.  McKie was also charged with the unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon while committing a CDS crime and possession of a weapon by a convicted felon.

McKie was lodged at the county jail where he awaits a bail hearing on today’s arrest.  Sheffield was issued a summons for possession of CDS and released in her own recognizance.  She will be arraigned at a later date.