Mahwah Man Claims Drugs Were His, Not Mother's

A Mahwah man who cops say was arrested on drug charges with his mother over the weekend is speaking out about the arrest.

According to Mahwah Police Chief Jim Batelli, David N. Peluso, 27, and his mother, Shari Grogan, 52, were arrested Friday night after cops found a brick of heroin, Xanax, and hypodermic needles in their car.

The two were initially pulled over by Mahwah Officer Eric Larsen for a motor vehicle violation on Linden Street, Batelli said. However, when talking with the mother and son, "Larsen, who is a certified Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) observed traits consistent with narcotic use and inconsistent statements," prompting him to get permission to search the car, Batelli said.

Both were charged with possession and possession with intent to distribute, Batelli said.

In an interview with NorthJersey.com Sunday, Peluso admits that the heroin was his, but says that his mother did not know that he had drugs in her Ford Fusion. 

Peluso told the paper he wanted to clear his mother's name.

He also denies that he intended to sell the heroin, the report said.

“I don’t sell drugs,” Peluso told NorthJersey.com.

“I’m a heroin addict. She [Grogan] had nothing to do with anything.” 

According to Batelli, the two were released of their own recognizance and are scheduled to appear in court on May 13.