Two Men Charged With Drug and Firearm Violations

On March 12, 2020, a Newark Police Officer conducted a traffic stop, in the 1100 block of South College Avenue, of a vehicle occupied by two suspects who were believed to be involved in illegal drug transactions.  Upon police contact, both subjects were taken into custody without incident.  They were identified as Marquis Martin-Hair, 21, of Bear and Mark Clarke, 21, of Newark.  During a search of Clarke incident to the arrest, he was found to be in possession of a handgun, prescription pills and a small amount of  marijuana.  During a search of Martin-Hair incident to the arrest, he was also found in possession of prescription pills and a small amount of marijuana.

A search of the vehicle revealed paraphernalia used to package drugs for sale.

Pursuant to a search warrant, officers then conducted a search of a nearby hotel room that had been rented by the suspects.  The search revealed additional marijuana packaged for sale, along with a prescription medication bottle whose label had been scraped away.

Both suspects were transported to Newark Police headquarters where they were charged with the below offenses.  They appeared before Justice of the Peace Court #2 by video. Martin- Hair was released on $11,500 unsecured bail and Clarke was released on $26,500 unsecured bail.

Each suspect was charged with the following offenses:

Clarke:

• Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony
  
• Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited
• Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon
• Possession With Intent to Deliver Drugs (3 counts)
• Conspiracy Second Degree
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Martin-Hair:

• Possession With Intent to Deliver Drugs (3 counts)
• Conspiracy Second Degree
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia