Uzi-Style And Ghost Guns, Drugs Recovered By Somerset County Investigators

SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ — Two people were arrested and a slew of guns, bullets, drugs, and cash were recovered following a Somerset County firearms investigation, announced Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald.

Dalvin G. Javier Sanchez, 23, of Elizabeth, and Javier M. Criado, 22, of Elizabeth, were both arrested following house searches in Union County.

On May 7, at around 8:30 p.m., members of the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Organized Crime and Narcotics Task Force, along with members of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Elizabeth Police Department Emergency Services Unit and Elizabeth Police Department Narcotics Unit were concluding a firearm investigation at homes on Magnolia Avenue and Murray Street in Elizabeth.

Following the investigation, authorities obtained two Superior Court-ordered search warrants at the homes. The investigation yielded the seizure of eight handguns, including an Uzi-style handgun, a ghost gun, and a stolen handgun, along with eight high-capacity magazines and hollow point ammunition, said McDonald.

In addition, 12 pounds of marijuana and a sum of United States currency were also seized as illegal proceeds, said McDonald.

Dalvin G. Javier Sanchez was arrested and charged with four counts of second-degree possession of firearm, fourth-degree possession of hollow point ammunition, second-degree possession of an assault firearm, five counts of second-degree possession and illegal sale of a firearm, fourth-degree defaced firearm, third-degree receiving stolen property, two counts of fourth-degree possession of high-capacity magazine, fourth-degree eluding and third-degree possession with intent to distributemarijuana.

Javier M. Criado was arrested and charged with second-degree distribution with intent to distribute marijuana, two counts of second-degree possession of a firearm while committing a CDS offense, four counts of fourth-degree possession of a high-capacity magazine, five counts of second-degree possession and illegal sale of a firearm, second-degree possession of an assault firearm, third-degree receiving stolen property, fourth-degree conspiracy, two counts of second-degree possession of firearm, second-degree eluding, second-degree aggravated assault, and third-degree possession with intent to distribute marijuana.

Javier-Sanchez and Criado were lodged in the Somerset County Jail pending a court appearance.

Anyone with information relating to this investigation is asked to contact the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office Organized Crime and Narcotics Task Force 908-231-7100 or via the STOPit app. The STOPit app allows citizens to provide anonymous reports including videos and photos. STOPit can be downloaded to your smart phone for free at the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, access code: SOMERSETNJ.

Information can also be provided through the Somerset County Crime Stoppers’ Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477). All anonymous STOPit reports, and Crime Stopper tips will be kept confidential.

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