Men from Hamilton arrested on multiple drug charges

An accident in a graveyard resulted in the arrest of two men from Hamilton on drug charges.

Juan Diaz, 21, of Hamilton, was charged with driving while intoxicated, driving while intoxicated in a school zone, refusal to submit breath samples, driving an uninsured vehicle, reckless driving, defiant trespassing, possession of marijuana under 50 grams, possession with intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of a controlled dangerous substance in a motor vehicle on July 24. 

Also charged was his passenger, Michael Ordonez, 21, of Hamilton, who was charged with possession of marijuana under 50 grams, possession with intent to distribute, defiant trespassing, and possession of drug paraphernalia. 

Police said they saw a vehicle in the cemetery on Mercer Street at 6:05 a.m. that had struck a grave marker and appeared to be stuck.

Police said they smelled alcohol on the breath of the driver, Diaz, who failed field sobriety tests.  Police said while talking to Ordonez they smelled burnt marijuana and noticed some green material on the passenger seat.  A search of the vehicle revealed a pipe with burnt marijuana residue along with a backpack containing 18 individual bags of marijuana, packed for distribution. 

At the station the driver refused to submit breath samples and was found to have a $240 active warrant issued by South Plainfield Municipal Court. Bail was set at $20,000 with 10 percent for Diaz, who was later released upon posting bail.  Ordonez was charged and released on summons complaints.