Sheriff's K-9 search results in seizure of heroin brick
Arrested: Christopher Kotz, age 30 and Johnathan DeLucchi, age 23, both of Hopatcong, NJ.
On September 2, 2011, Sheriff’s Officer Kieran McMorrow and Sheriff’s K-9 Atlas were assigned to assist the Hopatcong Police Department which was conducting a DWI traffic checkpoint.
Sheriff’s Officer McMorrow utilized K-9 Atlas to search several vehicles stopped at the checkpoint. One of the vehicles searched was occupied by Kotz and DeLucchi. Further investigation of that vehicle revealed a “brick” consisting of approximately 50 bags of heroin and a hypodermic syringe hidden behind the glove compartment. Both Kotz and DeLucchi were immediately taken into custody by Hopatcong Police.
Kotz and DeLucchi, both charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance, are currently lodged in the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility in lieu of $15,000 bail.