NETCONG BOROUGH, N.J. (Morris County) — Two Pennsylvania residents have pleaded guilty in connection with a narcotics case stemming from a 2024 traffic stop in Netcong, according to the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office.
Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally and Netcong Borough Police Chief Anthony Coppolella announced that Shirl Moody, 61, of Hazleton, Pennsylvania, and Brian Schwab, 47, of Hazleton, Pennsylvania, entered guilty pleas related to the investigation.
Authorities said the case began Aug. 3, 2024, when a Netcong police officer on routine patrol stopped a Chevrolet sedan traveling on Route 183 North after determining the vehicle had an expired registration.
During the stop, police conducted a consent search of the vehicle and discovered a plastic bag containing suspected cocaine, officials said. Subsequent testing confirmed the substance was cocaine, and investigators determined Moody was Schwab’s drug supplier.
Both were arrested and charged with first-degree possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, second-degree conspiracy and third-degree possession of a controlled dangerous substance, authorities said.
Investigators later found additional evidence of drug distribution on Moody’s cellphone.
On Aug. 4, 2025, Schwab pleaded guilty before Superior Court Judge Ralph E. Amirata to second-degree conspiracy and third-degree possession of a controlled dangerous substance. Under the plea agreement, Schwab faces five years in New Jersey state prison on the conspiracy charge, concurrent with three years on the possession charge, and agreed to testify against Moody.
On March 4, 2026, Moody pleaded guilty to an amended charge of second-degree possession with intent to distribute cocaine, prosecutors said.
Moody is scheduled to be sentenced May 8, 2026, when the state is expected to recommend a sentence of eight years in state prison. Schwab is scheduled to be sentenced March 13, 2026.
Carroll said the case resulted from collaboration between local and county law enforcement.
“This resolution was the result of excellent police work by members of the Netcong Borough Police Department and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Special Enforcement Unit,” Carroll said. “Morris County law enforcement remains committed to removing dangerous narcotics from our streets and bringing accountability to those who seek to endanger our community.”
