NEWTON, N.J. (Sussex County) — Three people were arrested following a narcotics investigation in Newton after police said officers observed a suspected hand-to-hand drug transaction in a parking lot along Sparta Avenue, according to police.
Members of the Newton Police Department’s Detective Bureau and the Sussex County Gangs, Guns, and Narcotics Task Force conducted the investigation, which resulted in the arrests on June 26.
Police identified those arrested as Bryant Taft, 48, of Paterson; Gina Thornton, 38, of Vernon; and Kiyanna Duncan, 36, of Newark.
According to police, officers observed a suspected hand-to-hand narcotics transaction before taking the three individuals into custody. Police said suspected cocaine was recovered during the investigation.
Taft was charged with manufacturing, distributing or dispensing a controlled dangerous substance, possession of a controlled dangerous substance, and conspiracy to commit distribution of a controlled dangerous substance.
Thornton was charged with manufacturing, distributing or dispensing a controlled dangerous substance, possession of a controlled dangerous substance, and endangering the welfare of a child.
Duncan was charged with manufacturing, distributing or dispensing a controlled dangerous substance and criminal liability for another’s conduct.
According to police, Taft and Thornton were lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility pending court proceedings. Duncan was released on a summons pending a future court appearance in accordance with New Jersey’s criminal justice reform procedures.
