A Florida man who used to reside in Hackensack could be sentenced to up to a year in Bergen County Jail after smoking marijuana in his home with a pair of convicted burglars.

On July 13, 2012, Hackensack police found 47-year-old Kenard Gowdy smoking marijuana at his former apartment. According to police, Mr. Gowdy was sharing marijuana with his neighbors, Hakeem Chance and Dammen McDuffie.

Hackensack police showed up at the scene to arrest Mr. Chance and Mr. McDuffie as part of an initiative headed by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office. The initiative was aimed at collaring burglary offenders who operated in Englewood, Hackensack, and Teaneck.

According to the prosecutor, Mr. Gowdy did not know that his neighbors were career burglars.

Speaking in Bergen County Superior Court, Mr. Gowdy admitted that he attempted to flush more than an ounce of weed down the toilet.

Mr. Gowdy pleaded guilty to possession of marijuana with intent to distribute.

The penalties for intent to distribute marijuana in New Jersey are set forth by N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5. The statute prohibits the distribution of a controlled dangerous substance (CDS) such as marijuana. If Mr. Gowdy is convicted of distributing just one (1) ounce of marijuana, he could be sentenced to as many as five (5) years in New Jersey State Prison.

Mr. Gowdy is free on $50,000.00 bail while he awaits sentencing.

After Mr. Chance and Mr. McDuffie were arrested, they were charged with burglary, drug possession, weapons offenses, and eluding police. Mr. McDuffie was released after posting $400,000.00 bail. Meanwhile, Mr. Chance remains held in the Bergen County Jail on more than $500,000.00 bail.

To learn more about this case, check out the CliffviewPilot.com article entitled “Former Hackensack Man Faces Year in Jail for Smoking Pot with Career Burglars.“