Sparta Man Survives Heroin Overdose, Faces Numerous Drug Charges

A Sparta man is in the Sussex County Jail on a probation violation after overdosing on heroin and needing to be revived, Sparta Township Police reported.

Jeffrey S. Mathesius II, 29, was found by family members  lying in the bathroom unconscious and unresponsive, said Lt. John-Paul Beebe. When Officer Brian Hassloch arrived, a relative was administering CPR to Mathesius, who 
was choking from an obstructed airway, Beebe said. After the officer stepped in to clear the obstruction, the man gradually regained consciousness, Beebe said. 

Paramedics from the Sparta First Aid Squad took Mathesius to St. Clare’s in Sussex and then to the Newton Medical Center for treatment.

Beebe said police found in Mathesius' bathroom an empty hypodermic needle on the floor along with a metal spoon. A single glassine fold commonly used to package heroin was found floating in the toilet, Beebe said. The lieutenant said these items were seized and later logged into evidence.
 
Mathesius was later charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, illegal possession of a hypodermic needle and being under the influence of heroin. Beebe said he also had a no-bail warrant from Newton Superior Court for a probation violation.

After being released several hours later from the hospital, Mathesius was remanded to the Sussex County Jail.