Two weeks ago, a Hopatcong man driving through Hackettstown was stopped by police and arrested for marijuana possession.

Shortly before midnight on May 24, a Hackettstown police officer observed a vehicle driving on Bilby Road with a rear license plate light that was burnt out. The officer stopped the vehicle and spoke with the driver, 22-year-old Hopatcong resident Xavier Gonzalez. During the course of the officer’s investigation of the vehicle, he determined that Mr. Gonzalez was in possession of a bag containing marijuana and pipes containing marijuana residue.

Police charged Mr. Gonzalez with possession of more than 50 grams of marijuana.

In New Jersey, the penalties for marijuana possession depend on the amount of marijuana found on the person. According to N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10, if a person possesses more than 50 grams of marijuana, he or she can be charged with a fourth degree felony. In this case, Mr. Gonzalez could be looking at up to 18 months in jail and a fine of $25,000.00.

According to police, Mr. Gonzalez was released from custody pending a court appearance in Hackettstown Municipal Court.

For more information, see the LehighValleyLive.com article entitled “Hopatcong Resident Charged with Possession of Marijuana, Hackettstown Police Say.“