CLINTON TOWNSHIP, N.J.
— A 27-year-old man from Manchester, Connecticut, has been arrested and charged with kidnapping and drug trafficking after allegedly forcing an Uber driver to transport him across state lines while carrying over 100 pounds of marijuana, Hunterdon County Prosecutor Renée M. Robeson announced Friday.
Drew A. Earlington faces multiple charges, including first-degree kidnapping, third-degree criminal restraint, first-degree possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
On June 5, New Jersey State Police from the Perryville Station were alerted by Pennsylvania State Police about a suspect who had fled in a vehicle in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania. Authorities said the suspect, later identified as Earlington, arranged for an Uber and coerced the driver to take him to New Jersey in an attempt to evade law enforcement.
During the ride, the Uber driver discreetly contacted police, prompting troopers to conduct a motor vehicle stop. The driver informed troopers that Earlington had loaded multiple bags into the vehicle. A search of the vehicle uncovered duffel bags containing approximately 130 pounds of suspected marijuana.
Investigation confirmed cross-state transport of narcotics
The Pennsylvania State Police confirmed that the same duffel bags were observed in the vehicle Earlington was operating before he fled from their officers. The marijuana was seized as evidence.
Earlington is currently being held at the Warren County Correctional Center and is scheduled for a pretrial detention hearing on June 11 before Judge Christopher J. Garrenger. He is provisionally represented by Herminia Moreira, Esq.
The State is represented by First Assistant Prosecutor Joseph Paravecchia. The case remains under investigation.
