Law and Order

July 29 The Sussex County Grand Jury handed up an indictment against Antonial Swinson, age 35, of Newton, on charges of with third-degree possession of cocaine and fourth-degree hindering the apprehension. The case was investigated by Andover Township Police Officer Richard Then. The investigation began Dec. 31, 2003, as the result of a non-signaled motor vehicle movement followed by Swinson's efforts to not disclose his true identity. The case was presented to the Grand Jury by Assistant Prosecutor Thomas Reed. Arraignment before the Superior Court in Newton will be within the next six weeks. The Sussex County Grand Jury handed up an indictment against Gregory Fasciano, 43, of Dingmans Ferry, Pa., on charges of third-degree possession of heroin and third-degree possession of heroin as an accomplice. The case was investigated by Sparta Township Officer John Lamon, who stopped a vehicle for speeding on Route 15 on Feb. 10. Fasciano was a passenger in the vehicle. The Sussex County Grand Jury handed up an indictment against James H. Clark, 29, of Montague, on a charge of fourth-degree theft of movable property. The case was investigated by New Jersey State Police Officer Martin Herrick. According to the indictment Clark stole a go-cart worth approximately $350 on March 25. The Sussex County Grand Jury handed up an indictment against James H. Clark, 29, of Montague, on two counts of third-degree possession and one count of third-degree accomplice liability for the possession of heroin. The case was investigated by Sparta Police Officer Terrence Mulligan. Clark was a passenger in an automobile stopped on Route 15 on Oct. 29, 2003, which was being operated by a suspended driver. The driver and passenger's demeanors led the officer to question their behavior and the drugs were eventually volunteered. The Sussex County Grand Jury handed up an indictment against Michael P. Contaldi, 22, of Milford, Pa., on charges of third-degree theft of movable property and third-degree possession of heroin. The case was investigated by New Jersey Police Officer Francisco Nobile. According to the indictment, on Oct. 9, 2003, Contaldi stole cash from a woman at the Wantage A & P. The trooper's investigation resulted in the discovery of the drugs. Arraignment before the Superior Court in Newton will be within the next six weeks. The Sussex County Grand Jury handed up an indictment against Robert Galione, 44, of Sussex, on a charge of with fourth-degree aggravated assault. The case was investigated by Det. Michael Tidaback of the Sussex County Sheriffs Department. Galione, while an inmate at the Sussex County Jail, intentionally cut his wrist and then attempted to wipe his blood on the arm of a corrections officer. Arraignment before the Superior Court in Newton will be within the next six weeks. The Sussex County Grand Jury handed up an indictment against William Canning, 22, of Newton, on charges of with third-degree distribution of psilocybin and three counts of fourth-degree distribution of marijuana. The case was investigated by an undercover detective of the Sussex County Narcotics Task Force. August 2 Mark Stanley,38, of Maryland, was sentenced to five days jail, fines of $625 and loss of driver's license for six months. He pled guilty on Aug. 2, 2004, to a disorderly persons offense of possession of drug paraphernalia. Patrick E. Beggan, 36, Sparta, pled guilty to the third-degree charge of terroristic threats. Beggan admitted to the court that on or about Nov. 18, 2003, he had threatened to kill his wife during a domestic violence incident. The case was investigated by the Sparta Township Police Department. Beggan is free on $15,000 bail; he is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 8. Jamie Schneider, 21, of Brick, N.J., pled guilty to a third-degree theft offense and third-degree possession of controlled dangerous substance. Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 1.