WCNYH

Crane Operators Revoked for Distributing Oxycodone to Other Longshoremen and Using Oxycodone on the Piers

August 25, 2014

           Today, the Commission unanimously ordered the revocation of the registrations of brothers Jason and Dino Picinich as longshoremen. Both brothers operated cranes at Global Terminal & Container Services, LLC, in Bayonne, New Jersey.

           Following hearings, an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) found that, on various dates in 2010-2013, Jason and Dino Picinich illegally possessed, used, and distributed oxycodone. Evidence presented during the hearings indicated that Jason and Dino Picinich obtained oxycodone from various sources, including other longshoremen and a pill mill operated by an associate of the Genovese Crime Family. They both used oxycodone on days when they operated cranes moving tons of cargo. In addition, they distributed the drugs to other longshoremen employed in Bayonne. In his opinion, the ALJ wrote that both brothers represented a danger to the public peace or safety because of their use of drugs and distribution of same to longshoremen who “performed dangerous operations on the piers.” The AJL recommended the revocation of the registrations of Jason and Dino Picinich as longshoremen. The Commission concurred and revoked said registrations.

           Jason and Dino Picinich are two of five longshoremen, all members of ILA Local 1588, charged in conspiracies to distribute or possess oxycodone. The related hearing of Virgilio Maldonado, the president of ILA Local 1588, resulted in the revocation of his registration as a longshoreman. Maldonado had obtained oxycodone from a crane operator who was a co-conspirator of Jason and Dino Picinich. Although aware that the co-conspirator was using and distributing oxycodone, Maldonado failed to take official action, in violation of his fiduciary duty to ILA Local 1588 and its members. He further violated his fiduciary duty by taking no action when he believed that his co-conspirator reported to work as a crane operator under the influence of oxycodone, thereby placing members of ILA Local 1588 and others in potential danger.

            Decisions regarding two related hearings of longshoremen for distribution, possession, or use of oxycodone are pending.

            The revocation proceedings were the product of an investigation by the Leonia, New Jersey Police Department and the Waterfront Commission.