HUNTERDON COUNTY, N.J. — A Hunterdon County man is accused of multiple firearms and narcotics offenses after a motor vehicle stop earlier this month allegedly led to the discovery of illegal drugs, weapons, and ammunition, authorities announced.
According to Hunterdon County Prosecutor Renée M. Robeson, 55-year-old Scott M. Hopkins of Alexandria Township was arrested July 14 following a joint investigation by the Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Task Force, the New Jersey State Police Strategic Investigations Unit – Central, and the NJSP Kingwood Station.
Hopkins was stopped by police, and officers determined he was in possession of cocaine. Authorities then executed search warrants on Hopkins, his vehicle, and his residence. The searches uncovered additional amounts of methamphetamine, cocaine, counterfeit fentanyl pills, and multiple loaded firearms, including a Smith & Wesson handgun, a FNH pistol, a JC Higgins .22-caliber rifle, and a Savage Arms rifle. Officers also recovered ammunition, including hollow-point rounds, and drug paraphernalia such as a digital scale, grinder, and packaging materials.
Investigators noted that Hopkins is currently under a final restraining order that prohibits him from possessing firearms under the Domestic Violence Act.
Hopkins is charged with first-degree possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute; three counts of second-degree possession of a firearm during the commission of a controlled dangerous substance (CDS) offense; second-degree possession with intent to distribute cocaine; third-degree possession with intent to distribute fentanyl; third-degree certain persons not to have firearms; third-degree possession of materials to create an explosive device; third-degree possession of hollow-point ammunition; and three counts of fourth-degree possession of CDS paraphernalia.
Hopkins appeared before Superior Court Judge Christopher J. Garrenger on July 31 and is currently being held at the Warren County Jail. He is scheduled for a pre-indictment conference on August 15.
First-degree charges may result in criminal penalties including, but not limited to, a term of imprisonment between 10 and 20 years and a fine up to $200,000. Second-degree charges may result in criminal penalties including, but not limited to, a term of imprisonment between 5 and 10 years and a fine of up to $150,000. Third-degree charges may result in criminal penalties including, but not limited to, a term of imprisonment between 3 and 5 years and a fine not to exceed $15,000. Fourth-degree charges may result in criminal penalties including, but not limited to, a term of imprisonment up to 18 months and a fine not to exceed $10,000.
He is represented by attorney Herminia Moriera. The State is represented by First Assistant Prosecutor Joseph Paravecchia.
