Gilbert Colome Jr.
Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes announces that based upon an investigation by the
Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics, Gangs, and Violent Crimes Task Force Gilbert
Colome Jr., a thirty-eight (38) year old male from Paterson, NJ was arrested and charged with
Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (third degree); Possession of a Controlled
Dangerous Substance with Intent to Distribute (first degree); Possession of a Controlled
Dangerous substance with Intent to Distribute (second degree); Distribution of a Controlled
Dangerous Substance (third degree); Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance with the
Intent to Distribute within 1000 feet of School Property (third degree); and Possession of
Controlled Dangerous Substance Paraphernalia (disorderly persons).
The investigation originated in January 2025, focusing on the distribution of cocaine and other
controlled dangerous substances in the cities of Paterson and Passaic. Based on the results of the
investigation, search warrants for a residence in Paterson, a residence in East Rutherford, as well
as two motor vehicles were executed on July 15, 2025. The search of the vehicles and the
residence in Paterson resulted in the seizure of approximately 3 kilograms of cocaine, numerous
extasy pills, and approximately $91,000 in cash. Additionally, various drug packaging materials
were recovered at the residence in East Rutherford. As a result of the evidence seized during the
execution of the search warrants, Gilbert Colome Jr. was arrested and charged accordingly.
During the investigation, the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office was assisted by the Haledon
Police Department, the Passaic Police Department, the Clifton Police Department, the Bergen
County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Task Force, and the East Rutherford Police Department.
The investigation remains active and ongoing. More information will be released once it
becomes available.
The sentencing exposure on each third degree offense is 3 to 5 years in New Jersey State Prison,
and the second degree offense it is 5 to 10 years in New Jersey State Prison, and for the first
degree offense it is 10 to 20 years in New Jersey State Prison.
On July 16, 2025, Mr. Colome appeared for his first appearance at the Passaic County Central
Judicial Processing Court, at which time he was released from custody on pretrial monitoring
pending trial.
A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendant is
presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office asks anyone with additional information about this
incident to contact us on our tips line at 1-877-370-PCPO or tips@passaiccountynj.org
