Detectives seize $15,000 worth of heroin from Paterson drug dealer’s residence, says sheriff
By Jonathan Greene
Published: July 28, 2021
Detectives arrested an alleged drug dealer and two of his buyers on Tuesday, according to Passaic County Sheriff Richard Berdnik. They also raided the alleged dealer’s residence on Lakeview Avenue in Paterson, seizing almost 1,500 glassine envelopes of heroin.
Jeffery Ellerbee, 28, of Paterson; Leah Romanelli, 33, of Cedar Knolls; Jonathan Press, 37, of Morristown, were arrested on drug charges.
Ellerbee was observed engaging in drug sales with Press and Romanelli at the intersection of Vernon Avenue and East Second Street in Clifton.
Detectives followed the two alleged buyers, Romanelli and Press, and arrested them on drug charges. They also arrested Ellerbee, the alleged dealer. He had $691 in suspected drug proceeds in his possession.
A search of Ellerbee’s residence yielded 1,490 glassine envelopes of heroin and another $194. Value of the drugs seized is $15,000, authorities said.
Ellerbee was charged with numerous drug possession and distribution offenses. Romanelli and Knolls were charged with drug possession and released. Ellerbee is being held at the Passaic County Jail.