During the past two years police calls for service increased dramatically at AJ’s Go-Go Bar located at 201 Secaucus Road, Secaucus, NJ. During that period, several aggravated and simple assaults were reported, firearms and other weapons related incidents were reported along with a report of “shots fired” and an overdose in the bathroom of the bar.
It was also alleged that employees of the establishment were promoting prostitution and selling illicit drugs to patrons. The Secaucus Police Department’s Anti-Crime Unit initiated an investigation into these allegations. During the investigation, undercover detectives purchased various quantities of cocaine from different employees of the establishment. Detectives were also offered sex for cash by numerous employees of the premises.
The six-month long investigation culminated on December 14, 2021, when a search of the premises was conducted and nine (9) arrests were made on charges ranging from promoting prostitution to distribution of cocaine. During the search, more than two ounces of suspected cocaine, more than 400 Oxycontin pills, suspected ecstasy, 40 Suboxone strips, more than 25 Alprazolam pills and more than 80 Amphetamine pills were seized. Additionally, more than $40,000.00 in cash was seized as monies believed to have been derived from nefarious activity.
Also during the search, members of the State of New Jersey’s Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control Investigations Bureau and State of New Jersey Division of Taxation conducted inspections of the premises.
“Increasingly in the past two years’ crimes have routinely been committed within AJ’s at an alarming rate,” Chief Dennis Miller said. “I commend the Secaucus Police Anti-Crime Unit under the supervision of Detective Sergeant Giacomo Sallustio for the outcome of this investigation.” “I also want to thank members of the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, Hudson County Sheriff’s Office, Hudson County Regional SWAT Team, Union City Police Department, North Bergen Police Department, State ABC and Taxation for their assistance in this investigation.”
“This is a perfect example of how local, county and state law enforcement agencies can come together in partnership and work to make our communities safe,” said Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez. “I commend the Secaucus Police Department for always ensuring the safety of its citizenry.”
Caroleen Garcia-Garcia, 41, of Bronx, NY was charged with three (3) counts of Engaging in Prostitution [2C;34-1b(8)], three (3) counts of Promoting Prostitution [2C:34-1b(2)] and Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance [2C:35-10a(1)]. Maylin Hechavarria, 30, of Newark was charged with Engaging in Prostitution [2C:34-1b(8)] and Promoting Prostitution [2C:34-1b(2)]. Leidy Munoz-Gomez, 40, of North Bergen was charged with Engaging in Prostitution [2C:34-1b(8)] and Promoting Prostitution [2C:34-1b(2)], four (4) counts of Distribution of Cocaine [2C:35-5b(3)], four (4) counts of Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance [2C:35-10a(1)] and four (4) counts of Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine [2C:5-2/2C:35-5b(3)]. Jason Koch, 52, of Hawthorne was charged with two (2) counts of Promoting Prostitution [2C:34-1b(2)] and Maintaining a Nuisance [2C:33-12c], six (6) counts of Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance [2C:35-10a(1)], Possession with the Intent to Distribute Cocaine [2C:35-5b(2)], Possession with the Intent to Distribute Oxycontin, Suboxone and Amphetamine [2C:35-5b(4)], Possession with the Intent to Distribute Alprazolam [2C:35-5b(13)] and Money Laundering [2C:21-25a]. Carlos Bustamante was charged with four (4) counts of Distribution of Cocaine [2C:35-5b(3)], four (4) counts of Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance [2C:35-10a(1)] and four (4) counts of Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine [2C:5-2/2C:35-5b(3)]. Elizabeth Nauer, 33, of Bayonne was charged with Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance [2C:35-10a(1). Rosanni Reyes, 45, of Belleville was charged with Prostitution [2C:34-1b(8)] and Promoting Prostitution [2C:34-1b(2)]. Jeana Branda, 32, of Secaucus was charged with Unlawful Possession of Knife [2C:39-5(d)]. Frank Lovato, 54, of Wyckoff was charged with Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance [2C:35-10a(1)]. Leidy Munz-Gomez, Jason Koch and Carlos Bustamante were lodged in the Hudson County Jail. These charges are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
