17 From Hoboken Arrested, Crack Cocaine Seized In Drug Investigation: Police

HOBOKEN, NJ — Twenty-four suspects, including 17 from Hoboken and five from Jersey City, were arrested after a two-month police investigation into drug activity near one Hoboken street corner, police said.

Police also seized 105.6 grams of heroin, 35.6 grams of crack cocaine, and $688 in cash believed to have been proceeds of illegal drug sales, police said.

Police said they arrested the suspects after residents complained about drug activity near Third and Jackson streets. The area is in the neighborhood of the Hoboken Housing Authority projects (pictured below) and a few blocks from the border with Jersey City.

Besides the 22 suspects from Hoboken and Jersey City, one of those arrested is from Union City and one is from West New York, police said.

“These arrests are the direct result of residents speaking up. We hear your concerns, and we will continue to take action to address them,” said Chief Stephen Aguiar on Monday. “Illegal drugs do not belong in Hoboken, and the Hoboken Police Department will not tolerate any illegal activity that puts our community at risk or impacts quality of life. I thank and commend those who came forward to report these crimes."

During the investigation, which began in early April, detectives used unmarked vehicles and plainclothes officers to surveil the area, they said.

Nine of those arrested face more serious charges related to drug distribution within 500 feet of public housing, and distribution within 1,000 feet of a school, police said.

They include, according to police:

Distribution Suspects
• Michael Bates, 36, of Hoboken
• Julian Braxton, 30, of Hoboken
• Jaden Crandell, 23, of Hoboken
• Tyrone Miles, 44, of Hoboken
• Jordan Perez, 30, of Jersey City
• Spencer Perez, 30, of Hoboken
• Raffaelle Spadavecchia, 25, of Hoboken
• Justin Villafane, 20, of Hoboken
•Jamal Pittman, 49, of Hoboken

If convicted of the most serious charges, those on the list face up to 10 years in prison, police said.

Fifteen others were also arrested and charged with lesser crimes such as possession, said police, including:

• Michael Dubreuil, 61, of Jersey City
• Luis Dutan-Pinguil, 25, of West New York
• Marcus Jackson, 51, of Jersey City
• Calvesia King, 25, of Hoboken
• Richard Medina, 59, of Jersey City
• Antonio Melendez, 55, of Hoboken
• Jose Mongon, 48, of Hoboken
• Edgar Najera, 30, of Hoboken
• Jose Najera, 26, of Hoboken
• Phillip Realpe, 50, of Jersey City
• Anthony Rhodes, 62, of Hoboken
• John Robles, 55, of Hoboken
• Otoniel Roman, 37 of Union City
• Domingo Santiago, 63, of Hoboken
• Jacob Smith, 29, of Hoboken

Police encouraged residents to continue reporting suspicious activity by calling (201) 420-2100, "preferably as the activity is taking place," they noted.

In an emergency, always call 9-1-1, they said.