The attorney for Officer Rajheher Massenburg said she maintains she had no knowledge of the alleged drug enterprise involving her co-defendants, Andrew Jones and Wendy Rhea
East Orange Police Officer Rajheher Massenburg. NEWARK -- An East Orange police officer accused of participating in a drug dealing operation out of her city home is looking to separate her case from her two co-defendants.
Charles Sciarra, the attorney representing Officer Rajheher Massenburg, indicated on Monday during a brief hearing that he would file a motion to sever her case. A hearing on the motion is scheduled for Dec. 4 before Superior Court Judge John Zunic.
Outside the courtroom afterward, Sciarra declined to elaborate on the reasons behind the severance motion.
But Sciarra said Massenburg maintains she had no knowledge of the alleged drug enterprise involving her co-defendants, Andrew Jones and Wendy Rhea.
"My client maintains...she did not know that drugs were being sold by Mr. Jones, who lived with her," Sciarra said.
Sciarra also noted how Massenburg's two young children, including one with autism, lived in the residence.
"With two young children, one with significant disabilities, it's outrageous to think that she would allow that kind of dangerous circumstance to persist," Sciarra said.
MORE: East Orange cop, two others indicted on charges of dealing cocaine out of her home
Massenburg, 36, has been charged with official misconduct and conspiracy to distribute narcotics. An East Orange police officer since 2003, Massenburg has been suspended from her position.
Jones, 38, and Rhea, 49, both of East Orange, are charged with conspiracy to distribute narcotics, multiple counts of distribution of cocaine, and distribution of cocaine within 500 feet of a public park.
Authorities have alleged Jones operated out of and stored narcotics in Massenburg's North Maple Avenue home in East Orange. Jones lived with Massenburg and is the father of her children, authorities said.
On eight different occasions between October and December of 2013, undercover detectives purchased narcotics from Jones, authorities said.
In a raid on the residence, investigators discovered crack cocaine packaged for distribution, and paraphernalia that indicated cocaine was being packaged on the property, among other items, authorities said.
Bill Wichert may be reached at bwichert@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @BillWichertNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
