Fatal Drug Overdose Of Westwood Man, 38, Leads To Charges For Paterson Man

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — A Paterson man has been arrested on drug charges after an investigation into the May overdose death of a Westwood man, prosecutors said Friday.

Jesus Cantillo, 39, of Paterson, was arrested Thursday on drug distribution charges, said the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office.

Prosecutors say that on Thursday, May 2, at approximately 4:38 p.m., the Westwood Police Department responded to a 911 call reporting an adult male who was unconscious and unresponsive in a private residence.

Lance Kerness, 38, of Westwood, was found by first responders and pronounced dead.

"Indicators of a possible drug overdose were noted, and detectives from the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotic Task Force were notified," prosecutors said.

An investigation determined that Cantillo gave drugs to Kerness, prosecutors said.

On Thursday, a search warrant was executed at Cantillo's Paterson home.

Prosecutors found suspected fentanyl, cocaine, and marijuana, they said.

Cantillo was charged with first-degree possession with the intent to distribute cocaine, second-degree possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl, third-degree distribution of cocaine, and third-degree possession with the intent to distribute marijuana.

Cantillo was brought to the Bergen County Jail pending a first appearance in Central Judicial Processing Court in Hackensack.

"The investigation into the fatal dose of narcotics ingested by the victim remains ongoing and additional charges are possible," prosecutors said.