JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Morris County) — A Lake Hopatcong man was arrested following a narcotics investigation that uncovered a cache of firearms and approximately one kilogram of suspected cocaine, Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, and Jefferson Police Chief Paul Castimore announced Friday.
Investigators executed a search warrant on the morning of Nov. 7, 2025, at a residence in the Jefferson Township section of Lake Hopatcong. John B. Scavone, 32, was found inside a bedroom that had allegedly been fortified with a steel door. Authorities said Scavone resisted arrest and attempted to gain control of a law enforcement officer’s patrol rifle. Officers were able to de-escalate the situation without serious injury, and Scavone was detained.
During the search, investigators reportedly found five firearms, including a stolen Glock G26 9mm and a Glock 10mm pistol equipped with a device that converts it into an automatic weapon. Officers also seized a crossbow, high-capacity magazines, armor-piercing ammunition, approximately one kilogram of suspected cocaine, drug paraphernalia indicative of distribution, and nearly $11,000 in cash believed to be narcotics proceeds.
According to the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, Scavone is accused of operating a cocaine distribution network in Morris County between July 1 and Nov. 7, 2025. The investigation was conducted by the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Special Enforcement Unit Task Force, which includes members of the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department, Morristown Police Department, Boonton Police Department, and the Morris County Sheriff’s Office. Assisting agencies included the New Jersey State Police Special Investigations Section North, NJSP TEAMS, Denville Police Department, and Jefferson Police Department.
Scavone has been charged with multiple offenses, including first-degree possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, second-degree conspiracy to distribute cocaine, second-degree possession of a firearm during a CDS offense, second-degree disarming a law enforcement officer, second-degree certain persons not to possess a firearm, second-degree unlawful possession of an assault firearm, third-degree possession of cocaine, third-degree fortification of a structure, third-degree resisting arrest, third-degree receiving stolen property, fourth-degree possession with intent to distribute drug paraphernalia, fourth-degree unlawful possession of a large-capacity ammunition magazine, and fourth-degree possession of a defaced firearm.
Scavone is being held at the Morris County Correctional Facility pending future court proceedings.
