Joshua V. Burgos
On Friday, May 10, 2024, at approximately 4:42 p.m., Patrol Officers from the Guttenberg Police Department responded to a medical emergency at a private residence in the Town of Guttenberg. Upon arrival, the Patrol Officers found the victim, an 18-year-old woman, who was subsequently pronounced dead at the scene. There were indications of a possible drug overdose, prompting the response of Detectives from the Guttenberg Police Department's Criminal Investigation Unit. On scene, Guttenberg Police Detectives determined that the victim had ingested a substance that led to her death.
The Criminal Investigation Unit of the Guttenberg Police Department launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the victim's death and the related drug activity. After months of investigation, Detectives concluded that the controlled dangerous substance responsible for the victim's death contained Fentanyl. After months of following leads and reviewing evidence, Guttenberg Police Detectives identified Joshua V. Burgos, a 30-year-old from Ridgefield Park, NJ, as the person who distributed the lethal dose of narcotics to the victim.
On Monday, March 2, 2026, Detectives from the Guttenberg Police Department's Criminal Investigation Unit arrested Joshua V. Burgos at a residence in Ridgefield Park, NJ. During the arrest, the Detectives discovered numerous pills of an unknown nature, along with drug paraphernalia and U.S. currency.
As a result of the investigation, Joshua V. Burgos was arrested and charged with first-degree Strict Liability for Drug-Induced Death, N.J.S.A. 2C:35-9. Joshua V. Burgos was remanded to the Hudson County Correctional Center pending his first appearance in Hudson County Superior Court in Jersey City, NJ.
Message from Chief Frank Pelaez: I would like to commend the Detectives of the Guttenberg Police Department's Criminal Investigation Unit for their dedication and hard work in solving this case. Their efforts are truly commendable and reflect a deep commitment to the work they do day in and day out, as well as their determination to keep Guttenberg's residents safe. The work that they did was nothing short of remarkable. I would like to emphasize that the sale of illegal drugs, particularly the distribution of Fentanyl, which has led to numerous tragic and senseless losses of life in this county, will not be tolerated. Those who choose to distribute this harmful substance in Guttenberg can be assured that our Detectives will take all necessary steps to hold them accountable. I would like to thank the Hudson County Prosecutor's Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Wayne Mello, for its assistance in this investigation.
If anyone has any information pertaining to this incident, they are encouraged to contact the Guttenberg Police Department at 201-868-3300 or email:
Det. Andres Lozano - alozano@guttenbergpolice.org
The charges above are merely accusations. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty in a court of law.