Glen Rock High School Student Charged With Heroin Distribution

A Glen Rock High School senior was arrested Tuesday at the school on charges of heroin distribution, according to borough police.

Glen Rock Police said a lengthy investigation led to the arrest of 18-year-old Tristan Rodas at the school on Tuesday. He was charged with two counts of possession of a controlled dangerous substance with intent to distribute (heroin), possession of marijuana under 50 grams, possession of drug paraphernalia, and employing a juvenile in the commission of a crime.

According to Glen Rock Detective James Calaski, a search of Rodas' bedroom revealed marijuana, narcotics paraphernalia and a "large" amount of cash.

The investigation further revealed Rodas involved a juvenile in an alleged drug deal, police said. The juvenile does not attend Glen Rock High School and has been cooperative with authorities, Calaski said.

Rodas did not have heroin on him when he was arrested at school on Tuesday, according to Calaski. "The heroin charges were a result of our investigation," he remarked.

The teen was remanded to Bergen County Jail in Hackensack on $100,000 bail with no 10 percent option. The arrest stemmed from a joint investigation between Glen Rock police and the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office's Narcotics Task Force.

Heroin has been a major focus for law enforcement authorities in recent months. A sweep by the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office yielded more than 100 arrests county-wide.

"There have been numerous ODs (overdoses) throughout Bergen County. It's definitely a problem," Calaski said. "It's a problem that we're involved with head-on. It's definitely something we try to keep out of town. We want the Glen Rock police to have a reputation that if you have heroin, don't come here."

Glen Rock Superintendent Paula Valenti said she could not comment on the arrest of Rodas, citing an active police investigation.

Valenti said the district takes a proactive approach to prevent drug use, adding that the student assistance counselor and guidance counselors are available to provide services for students and families needing help with drug-related issues.

This report was last updated at 5:10 p.m. Wednesday to include comments from Detective James Calaski.