Erica Festino (a.k.a. Erika Potente)
In June 2023, the Secaucus Police Anti-Crime Unit began conducting an extensive investigation into the illegal sale of narcotics to patrons of Secaucus hotels. The investigation led to six arrests and the seizure of over five ounces of methamphetamine, Fentanyl pills, over 480 grams of suspected Fentanyl and cocaine, detailed previously in a release in September 2023.
During that narcotics investigation it became known that one of the members of this illicit drug distribution ring was kidnapped at knifepoint on June 25, 2023 in Jersey City, since he owed Erica Festino a.k.a. Erika Potente money, another member of this illicit drug distribution ring. The victim was bound and driven around Hudson County in the back of a U-haul truck, driven by Louis Governara, for hours and robbed of cash and personal items. The victim was ultimately released by the kidnappers. Roberto Lascano was also involved in the kidnapping.
On October 20, 2023 Detectives from the Secaucus Police Anti-Crime Unit, Secaucus Police K-9 Unit, North Bergen Police Department and Jersey City Police Department Major Case Unit went to the residence of Erica Festino a.k.a. Erika Potente in North Bergen to arrest her on a warrant for the kidnapping and robbery.
After her arrest, a court-authorized search of Erica Festino’s a.k.a. Erika Potente’s residence, located on Palisade Avenue in North Bergen, was conducted. During the search, a significant quantity of suspected methamphetamine, Gamma Hydroxybutyrate, Adderall, Ritalin and Clonazepam and drug paraphernalia were seized. Additionally, numerous fraudulent items, specifically credit cards, identifications, ledgers with banking information, mail and social security cards relating to over 100 victims, were seized throughout the residence. Allison Chavez, Roman Shapiro and Paige Rosado were also placed under arrest inside the residence.
“I am so proud of the work of the Secaucus Police Departments Anti-Crime Unit and their continued motivation to work a case until its full conclusion,” Chief Dennis Miller said. “I am also, appreciative of the assistance given by the Jersey City and North Bergen Police Departments.”
Erica Festino a.k.a. Erica Potente, 47, of North Bergen was charged with Kidnapping [2C:13-1], Robbery [2C:15-1], Conspiracy to Commit Robbery [2C:5-2/2C:15-1], Possession with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine [2C:35-5b(9)(a), Possession of CDS [2C:35-10a(1)], Possession with the Intent to Distribute Drug Paraphernalia [2C:36-3] Trafficking in Personal Identifying Information of Another [2C:21-17.3b(2)] and Credit Card Theft [2C:21-6c(1)]. She was lodged in the Hudson County Jail.
Louis P. Governara, 49, of Jersey City is wanted on the charges of Kidnapping [2C:13-1], Robbery [2C:15-1], Conspiracy to Commit Robbery [2C:5-2/2C:15-1].
Roberto Lascano, 37, of West New York is wanted on the charges of Kidnapping [2C:13-1], Robbery [2C:15-1], Conspiracy to Commit Robbery [2C:5-2/2C:15-1].
Allison Chavez, 24, of Brooklyn NY was charged with Possession of Gamma Hydroxybutyrate [2C:35-10.2], Trafficking in Personal Identifying Information of Another [2C:21-17.3b(2)], Credit Card Theft [2C:21-6c(1)] and Conspiracy to Commit Trafficking in Personal Identifying Information of Another [2C:5-2/2C:21-17.3b(2)]. She was released pending her appearance in Court.
Roman Shapiro, 43, of Fort Lee was charged with Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance [2C:35-10a(1)] and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia [2C:36-2]. He was released pending her appearance in Court.
Paige Rosado, 31, of Brooklyn NY was charged with Trafficking in Personal Identifying Information of Another [2C:21-17.3b(2)], Credit Card Theft [2C:21-6c(1)] and Conspiracy to Commit Trafficking in Personal Identifying Information of Another [2C:5-2/2C:21-17.3b(2)]. She was released pending her appearance in Court.
These charges are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Tips can be made by calling (201) 330-2049, emailed to spdtips@secaucusnjpolice.gov or submitted anonymously through the department’s website at www.secaucuspolice.org. These charges are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.