Two Pennsylvania Residents Indicted After Bernards Arrest On Drug and Firearms Possession Charges

Two Pennsylvania residents who faced various drug and firearms possession charges following a May 15 motor vehicle stop in Bernards Township were on Wednesday indicted on those charges in Somerville.

A Somerset County Grand Jury returned the indictment against James Copeland, 24, of Allentown, Pa. and Amanda Johns, 23, of Summit, Pa., according to a release from Somerset County Prosecutor Geoffrey D. Soriano.

The press release said Copeland and Johns were indicted on charges of possession of more than five ounces of cocaine with the intent to distribute, first degree; possession of more than one-half ounce of methylenedioxymethamphetamine (ecstasy) with the intent to distribute, second degree; possession of heroin with the intent to distribute, third degree; unlawful possession of a handgun, second degree; and possession of a firearm while possessing a controlled dangerous substance with the intent to distribute, second degree.

Soriano said a Bernards Township police officer had on May 15 conducted a motor vehicle stop of a Lincoln Navigator with Pennsylvania license plates for motor vehicle violations. Johns allegedly was driving, with Copeland in the front seat, and neither was in possession of a valid driver's license, the prosecutor's release said.

After reportedly obtaining consent from Copeland, the registered owner, to search the vehicle, police allegedly discovered a hidden compartment where the passenger side airbag should have been located that authorities say was filled with illegal drugs and a weapon.

According to authorities and the accusations against the two, inside the compartment was one bag containing of 5.4 ounces of cocaine, one bag containing 71 methylenedioxymethamphetamine (ecstasy) pills, one bag containing 41 glassine envelopes of heroin, a loaded .38 caliber Smith and Wesson revolver, and a Ziploc bag with four additional bullets.

The state was represented in the case by Assistant Prosecutor Robert Hawkes, the prosecutor's release said.