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Heroin Bust Yields Six Arrests at Hopatcong Home

Five men, one teen girl found with heroin during search, police say.

 

Five men and one teen girl were arrested and charged with possession of heroin Wednesday after authorities from three different agencies descended upon a Hopatcong home, Lt. Thomas Kmetz said.

Hopatcong and Roxbury police, along with the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit, conducted a search warrant on a home owned by Eleanor Leonard after a joint investigation suspected the residence had heroin in it, Kmetz said.

When authorities arrived, they found Hopatcong residents Joseph Leonard, 28; John Leonard, 25; John Mckevitt, 23; and Chelsea Pruden, 19, all in the home and in possession of 33 folds of heroin, Kmetz said.

An arrest warrant had been issued for Joseph Leonard, Kmetz said.

After conducting a search of the home, authorities were unable to find one more suspect with an arrest warrant, Scott August, 32, of Hopatcong, Kmetz said. Authorities had information of the vehicle August may be driving in, and found it being operated by Stephen Sabtello, 21, of Ogdensburg, Kmetz said.

Ogdensburg had just returned with 10 bags of heroin in his possession, Kmetz said, but August was not in the car with him.

Later in the day, however, August was found at the Leonard residence and arrested, Kmetz said.

Eleanor Leonard is being charged for maintaining a nuisance at her residence.

Joseph Leonard is charged with three counts of possession of heroin, two counts of possession with intent to distribute heroin, two counts of distribution of heroin, conspiracy to possess heroin, and conspiracy to possess heroin with the intent to distribute. He was lodged in the Sussex County Jail in lieu of $20,000 bail.

John Leonard was charged with possession of heroin and lodged in the Sussex County Jail in lieu of $10,000 bail.

Scott August was charged with possession of heroin, possession of heroin with intent to distribute, distribution of heroin, conspiracy to possess heroin with intent to distribute, conspiracy to distribute heroin, and resisting arrest. He was lodged in the Sussex County Jail in lieu of $20,000 bail.

John Mckevitt was charged with possession of heroin and resisting arrest. He was lodged in the Sussex County Jail in lieu of $10,000 bail.

Chelsea Pruden was charged with possession of heroin on a summons complaint.

Stephen Sabtello was charged with possession of heroin on a summons complaint.

For questions about this post, email jason.koestenblatt@patch.com.

Related Topics: Heroin and Hopatcong police

Observer

1:29 pm on Friday, February 22, 2013

"Book 'em Danno!" and this time throw away the key. Please, no sob stories about broken homes, troubled childhoods, or "all they need is a hug."

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Jessica

9:28 pm on Friday, February 22, 2013

Posting as the mayor is really poor taste.

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Kelly Joe

12:30 pm on Saturday, February 23, 2013

People wake up there is a heroin epidemic in your back yard! Kids are overdosing on a daily bases! Addicts come from all walks of life. Good families, broken, homes, plenty of money and no money. Heron is cheap and here in the suburbs and it kills more than guns. So crawwlout of your hole, ook around and try to help make a difference not criticize. One day it could be your child! Never say Never!!

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Mom Average

9:45 am on Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Could not agree more Kelly Joe! This is indeed an epidemic and is affecting SO MANY young folks...I guarantee everyone who follows the Patch has someone in their life affected by this (whether they realize it or not! ) Could be your neighbors kid, your kid, your grandchild, your nephew, the one who used to babysit your kids.....What this community needs is more support and education to help those that fall to this devil called Heroin. Stop judging and start helping! Its not just those who are on SKID ROW getting addicted.

naabt

12:30 pm on Saturday, February 23, 2013

Get help for heroin and painkiller addictions in a doctor’s office with the prescription medication buprenorphine. Go to TreatmentMatch.org - a nonprofit organization providing a free and confidential way to find certified doctors who can help. Learn more about bupe at naabt.org

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Brian Garland

12:30 pm on Saturday, February 23, 2013

Aren't some of these guys out on bail from Operation Roxicong? are they just allowed to walk around and continue to sell Drugs to People?

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speedyspeed

10:57 am on Sunday, February 24, 2013

Yep! Gives you an idea of just how broken the justice system is...

BIGBAT

10:37 am on Monday, March 4, 2013

Better off just legalise it! With no opportunity in the collapsed economy, drugs are the opiate of the would-be working class. Look at Europe ... no hassles for dope and much less crime ... why not here too?

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