A Burlington County man accused of running a marijuana business out of his Pleasantville tobacco storefront could face life in prison.
Melvin Marrero, 43, was order held in jail last week, after a detention hearing in which his significant criminal history played a major roll.
He was sentenced to 16 years in prison in 2007, as a result of a case that involved cocaine, heroin, marijuana and possession of a 9mm Markarov, according to court documents obtained by BreakingAC.
Marrero’s prior criminal history makes him eligible for an extended term in prison on the first-degree charges of running a drug manufacturing facility, the prosecutor pointed out.
Judge Pam D’Arcy ultimately agree, ordering him detained as his case goes through the courts.
Marrero was released in 2016, and has led a law-abiding life since, attorney Ken Aita told the judge during last week’s hearing.
The “stay-at-home dad” lives in Marlton with fiancé and two of his four children, Aita said. “He’s a family man.”
It was the business outside the home that caused issues, according to the case laid out by Assistant Prosecutor Harlee Stein.
The Gas Station at 18 N. Main St. is licensed to carry tobacco products.
But in the backroom guarded by two pit bulls there was a marijuana production facility that advertised itself online, Stein said.
There was $620 in a safe and more than five pounds of product, according to the affidavit.
Aita questioned that amount, saying how it seems to include edibles, which would increase the total weight unfairly.
The Ga$ Station Herbs website, which is under Loud Pack Buds, advertises gummies and THC-laced snacks like cookies and chips along with specials that include $60 for two $40 eighths of marijuana.
The address is listed as 61 N. Main St., which is the same building, according to police.
It’s within 1,000 feet of the Washington Avenue Elementary School and 500 feet of the Pleasantville Public Library, right across from the Police Station.
The site offers those ordering the option of having it delivered or curbside pickup.
The pickup is listed as seven miles from the store, at 300 Atlantic Ave. in Atlantic City.
Atlantic City police could not confirm any resulting investigation there.
Police were tipped off to the alleged happenings on Main Street.
When they raided the place May 23, Christian Mezquita and Jesus Marrero were at the store.
Melvin Marrero then turned himself in, which his attorney said proves he would not try to obstruct the case if released and would show up to court.
But the judge ordered him held.
