LMK Custodian Charged With Marijuana Possession

A senior custodian at was arrested Friday after he was caught carrying more than a quarter pound of marijuana on his way to work, police said.

Angel Manuel Montes, 43, had been selling marijuana to co-workers within the school's maintenance department, said Harrison Police Chief Anthony Marraccini, who added there is "absolutely zero indication" that any of the district's teachers or administrators were involved.

Police said they had been investigating Montes for some time before the arrest, but Marraccini wouldn't provide a specific time frame. The school district was cooperative and helpful during the course of the investigation, Marraccini said.

Montes was initially charged with criminal possession of marijuana in the fourth degree, a class A misdemeanor. Police then executed a search warrant on Montes' home at 9 Dey Street, West Harrison, where they found 20 to 30 bags of marijuana packaged and ready for sale, according to Marraccini. 

"Marijuana cigarettes and remnants were littering the house," said Marraccini.

Montes shares the home with his children, wife and possibly another adult, police said. Three misdemeanor charges of endangering the welfare of a child were added against Montes based on the evidence collected in the home.

Further charges are also possible against other maintenance workers as police continue to evaluate the case, Marraccini said.

Montes was released on $500 bail and is due in Harrison court Aug. 16 for arraignment.