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SOMERVILLE, N.J. - Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald, Somerset County
Prosecutor’s Office Chief of County Detectives Francisco Roman Jr., the Bureau of Alcohol,
Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Newark Field Division, Special Agent in Charge L.C.
Cheeks Jr., and Elizabeth Police Department Chief of Police Giacomo Sacca announced the
arrest of Dalvin G. Javier Sanchez, age 23, Elizabeth, N.J., and Javier M. Criado, age 22,
Elizabeth, N.J.
Prosecutor McDonald stated that on May 7, 2025, at approximately 8:30 p.m., members of the
Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Organized Crime and Narcotics Task Force along with
members of the ATF, the Elizabeth Police Department Emergency Services Unit and Elizabeth
Police Department Narcotics Unit were concluding a firearm investigation at residences located
on Magnolia Avenue and Murray Street in Elizabeth, New Jersey.
The result of this investigation led to the execution of two Superior Court ordered search
warrants at the aforementioned residences. The investigation yielded the seizure of eight (8)
handguns, including an Uzi style handgun, a ghost gun, and a stolen handgun, along with eight
(8) high-capacity magazines and hollow point ammunition. In addition, twelve (12) pounds of
marijuana, and a sum of United States currency was also seized as illegal proceeds.
Defendant Dalvin G. Javier Sanchez was arrested and charged with four counts of 2 nd degree
possession of firearm, 4 th degree possession of hollow point ammunition, 2 nd degree possession of
an assault firearm, five counts of 2 nd degree possession and illegal sale of firearm, 4 th degree
defaced firearm, 3 rd degree receiving stolen property, two counts of 4 th degree possession of high-
capacity magazine, 4 th degree eluding and 3 rd degree possession with intent to distribute
marijuana.
Defendant Javier M. Criado was arrested and charged with 2 nd degree distribution with intent to
distribute marijuana, two counts of 2 nd degree possession of firearm while committing a CDS
offense, four counts of 4 th degree possession of a high-capacity magazine, five counts of 2 nd
degree possession and illegal sale of firearm, 2 nd degree possession of an assault firearm, 3 rd
degree receiving stolen property, 4 th degree conspiracy, two counts of 2 nd degree possession of
firearm, 2 nd degree eluding, 2 nd degree aggravated assault, and 3 rd degree possession with intent to
distribute marijuana. Defendants Dalvin G. Javier-Sanchez and Javier M. Criado were lodged in
the Somerset County Jail pending a court appearance.
Prosecutor McDonald, Chief Roman, SAC L.C. Cheeks Jr. and Chief Sacca request anyone with
information relating to this investigation to contact the Somerset County Prosecutors Office
Organized Crime and Narcotics Task Force (908) 231-7100 or via the STOPit app. The STOPit
app allows citizens to provide anonymous reports including videos and photos. STOPit can be
downloaded to your smart phone for free at the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, access
code: SOMERSETNJ. Information can also be provided through the Somerset County Crime
Stoppers’ Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477). All anonymous STOPit reports, and Crime
Stopper tips will be kept confidential.
NOTE: The charges are merely an accusation, and the defendants are presumed
innocent until proven guilty.