A two-month-long burglary investigation by the Cranford Police Department has resulted in burglary and narcotics charges being filed against three men.

In December 2011, Cranford Police Department detectives identified a link between local burglaries and a suspected heroin distribution ring operating in Cranford Township. Cranford detectives identified several suspects and initiated a detailed investigation. Following an undercover surveillance operation in the area of several commercial burglaries on Jan. 17, 2012, detectives stopped and arrested James Mattis, 21, of Cranford. He was charged with two counts of distribution of a controlled dangerous substance (heroin and cocaine), third
degree crimes, as well as distribution of a controlled dangerous substance in a school zone (St. Michael’s School).

Mattis was committed to the Union County Jail in lieu of $10,000 bail and all charges are pending in New Jersey Superior Court of Union County.

While investigating the same series of commercial burglaries to a North Avenue East business, as well as a Denman Road residence, Detectives Michael Andrews, John Swandrak, Robert Montague and Ryan Greco developed evidence and obtained an arrest warrant for Clifford Andrews, 28 of Cranford, charging him with three counts of burglary and three counts of theft. On Jan. 17, 2011, detectives located Andrews traveling in a vehicle operated by Michael Pascale, 46, of Rockaway. During the stop of that vehicle, Andrews and Pascale were found to be in possession of more than 100 paper folds of suspected heroin.

Andrews was also found to be in possession of suspected crack cocaine. In addition to the burglary and theft charges, Andrews was charged with distribution of a controlled dangerous substance (heroin), two counts of possession of a controlled dangerous substance (heroin and cocaine),
and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was committed to the Union County jail in lieu of $50,000 bail. Pascale was charged with distribution of a controlled dangerous substance (heroin), possession of a controlled dangerous substance (heroin) and possession of drug paraphernalia. All charges are pending in New Jersey Superior Court in Union County.

Additional investigation by Detective Michael Andrews led to James Mattis being positively linked to one of the previous burglaries. On Jan. 19, Cranford detectives responded to the Union County Jail and served Mattis with an additional arrest warrant charging him with burglary. Bail on the burglary charge was set at $15,000. All charges are pending in New Jersey Superior Court.

The investigation is ongoing, and Cranford detectives are still investigating possible links between the arrested parties and other burglaries that have occurred in Cranford over the past three months.

Cranford Police Chief Eric G. Mason noted a frequent correlation between narcotics offenses and other serious crimes. He also commended the detectives involved for their persistence and extensive efforts.

“According to the latest available figures, only 12.4 percent of burglaries are solved nationwide,” he said. “Once again, Cranford detectives have defied that statistic and eliminated a threat to our community. In addition to the property crimes that were solved, a considerable amount of narcotics destined for distribution in our neighborhoods has been intercepted. These crimes affect innocent people and we will remain dedicated to eradicating them from Cranford.”