Drug Trafficking Ring Shut Down In Morris County, 10 Charged

MORRISTOWN, NJ — Ten people are facing charges following the takedown of a massive drug trafficking ring in Morris County, prosecutors announced Friday.

The arrests came after a six-month investigation by authorities into a distribution network that operated in Morristown and other locations throughout Morris County.

During the investigation, authorities executed search warrants at residences on Orchard Street, Clyde Potts Drive, and Clyde Potts Court, as well as five vehicles. Prosecutors said authorities seized controlled dangerous substances (CDS) and drug paraphernalia, as well as more than $15,000 in cash.

To date, the following individuals have been arrested in connection with the investigation, prosecutors said:

• Naire Burnett, 34, of Morristown, is facing eight charges including first-degree leader of a narcotics trafficking network.
• Kasey Montilla, 30, of Morristown, is facing eight charges including first-degree leader of a narcotics trafficking network.
• Deshawn Turpin, 31, of Morristown, is facing seven charges including second-degree conspiracy to distribute CDS.
• Dayvon Rawls, 23, of Morristown, is facing four charges including second-degree conspiracy to distribute CDS.
• Christopher Luke, 23, of Morristown, is facing five charges including second-degree conspiracy to distribute CDS.
• Jamie Cheatham, 37, of Morristown, is facing four charges including second-degree conspiracy to distribute CDS.
• Rebecca Dempster, 28, of Boonton, is facing seven charges including second-degree conspiracy to distribute CDS.
• Alex Gabriel Arguenta Dominguez, 38, of Morristown, is charged with third-degree conspiracy to possess a controlled dangerous substance.
• Samuel McKlin, 62, of Boonton, is charged with third-degree conspiracy to possess a controlled dangerous substance.
• Shane Scarlett, 33, of Dover, is charged with third-degree conspiracy to possess a controlled dangerous substance.

“I applaud the good work of our investigators who have disrupted such a large and organized drug network, operating right here in the heart of Morris County," Sheriff James Gannon said in a statement. "The alleged members were part of a dangerous and organized network that has
caused significant harm to our community."

Burnett, Montilla, Turpin, Rawls, Cheatham, Luke and Dempster remain in custody at the Morris County Correctional Facility pending court proceedings, prosecutors said.

Argueta-Dominguez, Scarlett and McKlin were released pending court appearances.