For Immediate Release:
July 24, 2023

Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella announced the arrests of WESLEY CORDOVA (DOB: 10/08/1978); single; unemployed) of 947 Alpine Drive, Teaneck, NJ and WILLIAM VARGAS (DOB: 10/08/1978; single; unemployed) of 8639 102nd Street, Ozone Park, NY on narcotics and money laundering offenses. The arrests are the result of an investigation conducted by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office under the direction of Chief Jason Love.

On July 21, 2023, an investigation by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotic Task Force revealed that WESLEY CORDOVA and WILLIAM VARGAS were involved in the transportation of narcotics and bulk U.S. currency derived from criminal activity through Bergen County. During the investigation, a search was conducted on a vehicle operated by VARGAS in Fort Lee, NJ. That search resulted in the seizure of heroin and fentanyl from an electronically operated aftermarket hidden compartment.

A motor vehicle stop was also conducted on a vehicle operated by CORDOVA in Fort Lee, NJ. A search warrant was executed on the vehicle operated by CORDOVA, which resulted in the seizure of a stun gun and prescription legend drugs. A subsequent search warrant was executed at CORDOVA’s residence, which resulted in the seizure of approximately $206,980.00 in cash.

As a result of the investigation, CORDOVA and VARGAS were arrested at the scenes.

WESLEY CORDOVA was charged with second-degree money laundering, N.J.S.A. 2C:21-25a; fourth-degree possession of a stun gun, 2C:39-3h, and third-degree possession with the intent to distribute prescription legend drugs 2C:35-10.5a(3).

WILLIAM VARGAS was charged with third-degree possession of heroin, N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(1) and third-degree possession of fentanyl, N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(1).

Both men were remanded to the Bergen County Jail pending their first appearances in Central Judicial Processing Court in Hackensack, NJ.

Prosecutor Musella states that the charges are merely accusations and that the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable
doubt.