POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA WITH INTENT TO DISTRIBUTE

On Tuesday, May 27th 2014 at approximately 940pm Officers Gregory Kimbro, Jr and Robert Littlejohn were conducting general patrol activities on the Palisades Interstate Parkway. During this time they entered the Sunoco Gas Station (located on the northbound side of the Parkway in the Englewood Cliffs NJ Section) and observed a black Jeep improperly parked with a person leaving the vehicle and entering the convenience store of the gas station. They stopped and approached the vehicle to ascertain if any other occupants were in the vehicle who could move it but found it unoccupied. Prior to returning to their car to await the return of the operator, they detected a strong odor of raw Marijuana emanating from a rear open window on the vehicle.

The suspected operator returned to the vehicle and confirmed that he was driving. Officers observed that he may be under the influence of narcotics and presented a strong odor of Marijuana coming from his person. Officer Kimbro conducted a search of the operator, now identified as Mr. Christopher Zawodney-Brownell, and discovered rolling papers. Mr. Zawodney was placed into custody for under the influence and drug paraphernalia. Mr. Zawodney denied consent to search the vehicle on the scene and the officers then impounded the vehicle pending a search warrant application. Mr. Zawodney advised that he was coming from New York City after Memorial Day weekend and heading back to his home.

Upon being granted the search warrant, Officers Kimbro and Littlejohn conducted a search of the vehicle at police headquarters. During the search, they located 2 large duffel bags in the rear of the vehicle which contained a total of 41 pounds of Marijuana in 36 individually vacuumed sealed bags. Officers also located a book bag which contained a total of $40,526 in cash inside as well as pepper spray in the center console. The street value of the Marijuana is estimated at $196,800.00.

Operator:

Christopher A. Zawodny-Brownell 28 year old W/M from Rensselaer NY

Charges:

2C:35-10A3 Possession of Marijuana over 50 grams
2C:35-5B10 Possession of Marijuana with intent to distribute
2C:35-10B Under the influence of narcotics
2C:36-2 Possession of drug paraphernalia
2C:39-5D possession of a weapon
2C:39-4.1C possession of a weapon while committing narcotic offenses

Bail was set at $100,000 with a pending court appearance of May 29th 2014