March 12, 2003
Trenton,
NJ — A five-week investigation led by the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Special
Investigations Unit (SIU) resulted in two arrests and the seizure of $4,000
worth of powder cocaine, two guns and a 1994 Cadillac Deville, Prosecutor Daniel
G. Giaquinto announced today.
The
investigation was prompted by information received by the prosecutor’s office
that Peter Martino, 23, of the 500 block of Cypress Lane, Hamilton, was
distributing powder cocaine to individuals in Hamilton and Trenton.
Monday evening at approximately 9 p.m., SIU detectives, led by Lt. Al
Paglione, located Martino at a bar on Caroline Avenue in Trenton.
Upon leaving the bar, Martino was arrested along with Michael Marlin, 37,
of the first block of Fireside Circle, Columbus.
A search of the suspects turned up two grams of powder cocaine and a
Glock 9mm semiautomatic handgun on Marlin, a retired corrections officer, and
approximately six grams of powder cocaine on Martino.
Search warrants were subsequently executed for Martino’s vehicle and Cypress Lane residence. During a search of the premises, officers located 40 grams of powder cocaine in the pantry and a 40 caliber Tarus with a defaced serial number in the master bedroom.
Martino
was charged with various drug distribution and possession offenses, as well as
weapons charges. He is being held
in the Mercer County Correction Center in lieu of $50,000 bail. Marlin was charged with possession of a controlled dangerous
substance and released on his own recognizance.
Members
of the state Division of Criminal Justice, the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office,
the Lawrence Township Police Department and the Hamilton Township Police
Department’s Narcotics Unit assisted.
Despite having been charged, every defendant is presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.