Jennifer Bland

By Cecilia Levine From Daily Voice

A Bergen County woman who allegedly gave officers her sister’s name during a traffic stop was arrested after police found drugs in the vehicle, authorities said.

At approximately 4 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 3, New Milford Officer Dan O’Neill conducted a motor vehicle stop just over the border into River Edge on Kinderkamack Road for violations, according to Police Chief Brian Clancy.

While speaking with the driver and passenger, O’Neill recognized the passenger from previous law enforcement encounters as Jennifer Bland, 39, of New Milford, Clancy said. When asked to identify herself, Bland reportedly stated her name was Nicole Bland, her sister, who is two years older, according to Clancy.

An on-scene investigation by O’Neill, Sgt. Boinski, and River Edge Officer Ryan Reilly turned up drugs and drug paraphernalia inside the vehicle, police said.

Detective Jeff Compesi assisted in confirming Bland’s identity using intelligence and photos from previous law enforcement encounters, according to Clancy. Bland was charged with hindering, possession of prescription legend drugs, and possession of drug paraphernalia, police said.

It was also determined that Bland had two outstanding warrants — one from Bergen County and another from Passaic County, authorities said. She was transported and turned over to the Bergen County Jail.

The driver, a 41-year-old New Milford man, was released from the scene with a motor vehicle summons and two written warnings, according to police.

Court records show Bland has prior offenses out of Bloomfield, Clifton, and Wayne, including shoplifting, leaving the scene of an accident, and drug-related charges.