By: Najla Alexander
Authorities in Hudson County announced that on Tuesday, August 19, members of the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Task Force and Internal Affairs Unit arrested a North Bergen woman in connection with an ongoing narcotics investigation.
Acting Hudson County Prosecutor Wayne Mello stated that to date, the investigation has resulted in 15 arrests and the seizure of over 4 kilograms of suspected cocaine, two handguns, and more than $70,000 in cash.
Melissa Brown, 50, is charged with Conspiracy to Distribute (cocaine), a crime of the second degree, and Conspiracy to Possess (cocaine), a crime of the third degree, HCPO officials say.
Hudson County authorities said she was arrested at the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office in Secaucus and transported to Hudson County Correctional Facility pending her first court appearance.
During the early morning hours of Thursday, July 17, law enforcement officers from the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office executed search warrants at multiple locations in North Bergen, West New York, and Union City, according to Hudson County officials.
During the operation, HCPO officials said, officers arrested seven individuals – including a dispatcher with the West New York Police Department, a retired Detective from the West New York Police Department, and a Hudson County Correctional Police Officer – and uncovered a narcotics production facility.
The street value of the recovered narcotics is over $150,000, Hudson County officials stated.
The following individuals initially arrested are:
-Alfredo Diaz, 50, of Union City, is charged with leading a Narcotics Network, Maintaining a Controlled Dangerous Substance Production Facility, two counts of Conspiracy to Distribute (cocaine), Conspiracy to Possess (cocaine), two counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, Conspiracy to Commit Official Misconduct, two counts of Possession with the Intent to Distribute (cocaine), three counts of Possession with the Intent to Distribute (cocaine) within 1,000 Feet of a School, two counts of Possession with the Intent to Distribute (cocaine) within 500 Feet of Public Property, two counts of Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, two counts of Possession with the Intent to Distribute (cocaine), two counts of Possession of a Weapon while Committing a CDS Offense, Certain Persons not to Possess a Weapon (firearm), Possession of Hollow Point Bullets, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, a disorderly persons offense; Receiving Stolen Property (firearm), and three counts of Money Laundering.
-Ileana Hernandez, 56, a dispatcher with the West New York Police Department, is charged with Official Misconduct, Pattern of Official Misconduct, Conspiracy to Commit Official Misconduct, and Conspiracy to Distribute (cocaine).
-Edwin Martinez, 39, of North Bergen, is charged with Possession with the Intent to Distribute (cocaine), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, a disorderly persons offense, Possession of a Weapon (firearm) While Committing a CDS Offense, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon (firearm), Certain Persons not to Possess a Weapon (firearm), two counts of Conspiracy to Distribute (cocaine), Possession of Hollow Point Bullets, Possession with the Intent to Distribute (cocaine) within 500 Feet of Public Property, Possession with the Intent to Distribute (cocaine) within 1,000 Feet of a School, and Receiving Stolen Property (firearm).
-Daniel Diaz, 28, of West New York, is charged with Conspiracy to Distribute (cocaine), Possession with the Intent to Distribute (cocaine), Possession with the Intent to Distribute (cocaine) within 1,000 Feet of a School, and Possession with the Intent to Distribute (cocaine) within 500 Feet of Public Property.
-Thomas Mannion, 60, a retired West New York Police Detective, is charged with Conspiracy to Distribute (cocaine).
-Marquis Santiago, 33, Hudson County Correctional Police Officer, is charged with Conspiracy to Possess a Controlled Dangerous Substance (cocaine).
-Cristian Cortez, 55, of Englewood, is charged with Conspiracy to Distribute (cocaine).
As part of the ongoing investigation, the following individuals were arrested between July 28, 2025, and August 4, 2025:
-Jorge Delgado, 44, a security guard with the Town of West New York, is charged with Conspiracy to Possess (cocaine).
-Johann Messina, 57, a laborer with the Town of West New York, is charged with Conspiracy to Possess (cocaine).
-Carlos Begueria, 49, an employee with the West New York Parking Authority, is charged with Conspiracy to Possess (cocaine).
-Dean Mannion, 61, of North Bergen, is charged with Conspiracy to Possess (cocaine.
-Steven Betancourt, 43, of West New York, is charged with Conspiracy to Possess (cocaine).
-Priscilla Acevedo, 44, of North Bergen, is charged with Conspiracy to Possess (cocaine).
-Christopher Orellana, 46, a North Bergen Police Department Detective, is charged with one count of Conspiracy to Possess (cocaine).
Hudson County officials said this investigation is active and ongoing.