Firearm Investigation In Somerset County Results in the Arrests Of Two Elizabeth Residents

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.

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