Back in July of 2020, Theodore N. Stephens, II, Prosecutor for Essex County, stated that the Honorable James L. Jukes, Judge of the Superior Court, sentenced Elias Serrano, 51, of Newark, to eight years in New Jersey State Prison.
In addition to being sentenced to eight years in prison for possessing heroin with the intent to sell it within 500 feet of public housing, Serrano was also sentenced to five years in prison for possession with the purpose to sell crack cocaine, five years for possession with the intent to sell cocaine within 1,000 feet of school grounds, and five years for possession of a stolen car. The sentences will run simultaneously. Serrano is not eligible for release until he has served four years in New Jersey State Prison.
Serrano also acknowledged to having forty-five (45) decks of heroin with the purpose to sell within 500 feet of Wynona Lipman Gardens, twenty-four (24) vials of cocaine with the intent to sell within 1,000 feet of Franklin Elementary School, and possession of a stolen 2008 Hyundai Sonata at his guilty plea on May 8.
On June 14, 2018, the Newark Police was notified that Serrano was selling drugs from his residence, according to Assistant Prosecutor Donato D’Angelo. Officers entered the residence after obtaining a search order for the premises and discovered 114 vials of crack cocaine from the kitchen and bedroom.
Assistant Prosecutor D’Angelo stated how the defendant put children, families, and entire communities in the Newark region at risk of serious harm by selling these highly dangerous drugs. He applauded the Newark Police for all their efforts for keeping the neighborhood safe due to their actions saving people’s lives.
