37°
Eduardo Martinez "has maintained from the get-go that he was not involved in the production or distribution of meth," attorney Jef Henninger of Clifton said Wednesday.
Last week Essex County Sheriff's officers spearheaded a search at a home on Lorelei Road in West Orange. Authorities say they recovered methamphetamine with a street value of about $1 million, drug-production materials and other items in the raid.
Brian Cheda Hackembruch, 23, was arrested and charged with possession, possession with intent to distribute, maintaining a drug-production facility, maintaining a fortified drug premises, weapons charges and other offenses. He was subsequently charged by the U.S. Attorney's office as well.
Martinez, 39, who authorities said also lived in the home, was arrested in Maplewood the day after the raid. Henninger said Wednesday state charges against Martinez have been dropped but he still faces a federal charge of possession of methamphetamine.
Henninger said Martinez is innocent of that charge as well.
"We look forward to working with the government to resolve the possession charge," he said.
Asked whether Martinez was a resident of the home or if he was aware of the alleged activities there, Henninger said the focus of his efforts so far have been to get Martinez out of jail. He was expected to be released Wednesday, Henninger added.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Northern Highlands and receive free news updates.
