PATERSON, NEW JERSEY – Justin Ranko, a 22-year-old Paterson resident, was arrested on March 7, 2023, after previously escaping police custody on February 16, 2023. Ranko was initially being processed at Paterson PD headquarters for possession of a controlled dangerous substance when he escaped, resulting in a third-degree escape charge.

During Operation Helping Hand, detectives from the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office apprehended Ranko, who initially provided a false name. He now faces additional charges, including third-degree hindering apprehension, third-degree possession of a controlled dangerous substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia, a disorderly person’s offense.

Ranko could face a prison sentence of up to 5 years for each third-degree charge, and up to 6 months in jail for the disorderly persons offense. He remains in custody pending a pretrial detention hearing.

Defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. For additional information contact the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office at (973) 837-7656.