A man has been arrested on charges of possession with the intent to distribute narcotics and drug distribution.

Jesus A. Cantillo, 39, of Paterson, was taken into custody on Thursday, following an investigation into the death of Lance Kerness, 38, of Westwood, who was found deceased in a private residence on May 2. Kerness was discovered by first responders after a 911 call reported an unconscious and unresponsive adult male at approximately 4:38 p.m. He was pronounced dead at the scene, with indicators of a possible drug overdose noted.

The Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotic Task Force and the Westwood Police Department launched an investigation, which revealed that Cantillo had distributed narcotics to the victim. A search warrant executed at Cantillo’s Paterson residence led to the discovery of various narcotics, including suspected fentanyl, cocaine, and marijuana.

Cantillo has been charged with first-degree possession with the intent to distribute cocaine, second-degree possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl, third-degree distribution of cocaine, and third-degree possession with the intent to distribute marijuana. He is currently held at the Bergen County Jail pending a first appearance in Central Judicial Processing Court in Hackensack.