HANOVER TOWNSHIP, NJ — Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll, alongside Chief of Detectives Robert McNally and Hanover Township Police Chief Michael Loock, announced the filing of a first-degree charge against 26-year-old Anthony Q. Dello-Russo of Cedar Knolls, New Jersey. This charge, Strict Liability for Drug-Induced Death, stems from a fatal overdose incident in Whippany, Hanover Township, in February.
On February 16, emergency services were dispatched to a Whippany residence following reports of an unconscious male. The victim, identified as 28-year-old T.H., was declared deceased at the scene. The Morris County Medical Examiner’s Office attributed T.H.’s death to the combined effects of cocaine, fentanyl, and acetyl fentanyl.
Investigations led authorities to allege that Dello-Russo distributed the lethal substances to T.H. in Hanover on February 15. The charges against Dello-Russo include first-degree Strict Liability for Drug-Induced Death, under N.J.S. 2C:35-9, effective December 26. This statute holds individuals accountable for any death resulting from the distribution of certain controlled substances. A first-degree crime, this charge carries a maximum penalty of twenty years in state prison, with a mandatory minimum of 85% of the term served under the No Early Release Act.
Additionally, Dello-Russo faces charges for third-degree Distribution and Possession of Controlled Dangerous Substances related to the overdose. These are separate from earlier charges on December 8, which include second-degree Intent to Distribute Cocaine, third-degree Possession of Cocaine, second-degree Intent to Distribute Marijuana, third-degree Possession of Marijuana, and third-degree Money Laundering. These earlier charges are connected to the seizure of suspected cocaine, over five pounds of marijuana, and over $51,000 from Dello-Russo’s residence.