newjerseynewsroom.com

Jamal Karon Bell of Newark indicted for possession, distribution

A New Jersey state trooper and a Newark man were indicted Tuesday on charges of heroin possession, Attorney General Anne Milgram announced.

The Newark man was also charged with distributing the heroin.

Trooper Jason J. Hanrahan, 32, of Newton and Jamal Karon Bell, 33, of Newark, were each charged with third-degree possession of heroin. Bell was also charged with distribution of heroin within 500 feet of certain public property, as well as distribution of heroin and distribution of heroin within 1,000 feet of a school property, according to state Criminal Justice Director Deborah L. Gramiccioni.

The state grand jury indictment alleges that on Jan. 15, Hanrahan was in possession of less than a half-ounce of heroin. An undercover investigation determined that Bell distributed the heroin to Hanrahan within 1,000 feet of the Newark Christian School and within 500 feet of Boy's Park in Newark. Hanrahan and Bell were arrested immediately following the alleged transaction.

The State Police coordinated the investigation. Supervising Deputy Attorney General Mark Eliades presented the case to the grand jury.

Third-degree crimes carry a maximum sentence of five years in state prison and a fine of up to $15,000.

– TOM HESTER SR., NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM