Hackettstown Man, 2 Others Busted for Heroin Distribution, Cops Say

A Hackettstown man was arrested and charged on multiple drug counts Thursday after a weeks-long undercover narcotics investigation by the Warren County Prosecutor’s Office.

Melvin Tunstall Jr., 40, was arrested with two others in a Belvidere apartment where police found 100 bags of heroin with a street value of approximately $1,000; a small amount of crack-cocaine; and miscellaneous illegal prescription pills as well as $200 in cash, Prosecutor Richard Burke announced.

A minor was removed from the apartment by the Department of Children Protection and Permanency, Burke said.

Tunstall was charged with possession of less than one half ounce of heroin and possession with intent to distribute heroin.

Receiving the same charges was Christina Batista, 29, of the Bronx, New York, Burke said. The third person, James Childs, 49, of Belvidere, was charged with possession of less than half an ounce of heroin, possession with intent to distribute heroin, and distribution of heroin.

All three were lodged in the Warren County Correctional Facility in lieu of $75,000 bail, cash only.