Fairfield Hotel Investigation Leads to Heroin Distribution Arrest

A drug investigation at a Fairfield hotel has resulted in the arrest of a Paterson man on multiple drug-related charges.

According to the Fairfield Police Department, officers responded on July 12, 2026, around 7:30 a.m. to the Ramada Inn on Two Bridges Road after hotel staff reported finding a bag that allegedly contained a large quantity of heroin packaged for distribution, along with drug paraphernalia.

Officers secured the items and members of the Fairfield Police Special Investigations Unit, including Corporal Jeffrey Dean, continued the investigation to identify the person allegedly connected to the bag.

Authorities say the investigation led to Deshaun Nelson, 50, of Paterson, being identified as the alleged owner of the items. Nelson was charged with:

Possession with intent to distribute heroin Possession of a controlled dangerous substance Possession of drug paraphernalia

Police say Nelson was arrested by the New Jersey State Police and turned over to Fairfield Police for processing before being transported to the Essex County Correctional Facility pending a Superior Court appearance.

All charges are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

Fairfield, Essex County, NJ