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Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato and Chief Karin DiMichele today announced the arrest of Jason Andrew Scala, 47, of the 14 Bedeviere Court, Berkeley Township.  Scala is charged with Possession of Control Dangerous Substance, Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine, Possession with the Intent to Use Drug Paraphernalia, Possession with the Intent to Use a Hypodermic Needle.

The arrest took place on January 23rd 2018, at approximately 8:50 pm, when members of the Berkeley Township Detective Bureau along with members of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, executed a court authorized search warrant on the Bedeviere Court address in the Holiday City section of Berkeley Township.  The warrant was the result of an ongoing narcotics distribution investigation, as well as, other quality of life matters that were reported by concerned area citizens.

It was suspected that the home was being used as what is commonly referred to as a “crack house” a location used by multiple nonresidents and transients for the purpose of using narcotics as well as distributing them.  Prostitution was also alleged to have occurred at this home.  Further, this home was used as unlicensed tattoo parlor.  The home quickly drew the attention of the otherwise quiet neighborhood residents because of the high vehicle and foot traffic.

The execution of the warrant located a quantity of cocaine accompanied by material used to manufacture, package and distribute cocaine within the residence.  In addition, prescription pills, marijuana and suspected heroin were also located within the residence.  The partnering agencies subsequently arrested Jason Scala on the above charges.  Scala is remanded to the Ocean County Jail.

Berkeley Detective Michael O’Connor and Ocean County Prosecutors Detective Alex Bromley were the lead investigators.  Berkeley PD Detective Sergeant Peter La Rocca, Detective Joseph Santoro, Detective Michael Riccardelli, Detective William Somers, OCPO Dets. Denis Mitchell and Anthony Carrington III also assisted with the investigation. Assisting in the execution of the search warrant was the Berkeley Township Patrol Division, the Ocean Gate Detective Bureau, the Ocean County Regional SWAT Team and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department.

Residents are reminded that they can report suspicious activity to the Berkeley Township Detective Bureau TIP Line by calling 732-341-1132 Ext 611.  Tips can be anonymous.

The media and public are reminded that criminal charges are merely accusations and that these defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The media and public are reminded that criminal charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.  Follow the Office of the Ocean County Prosecutor online at Twitter and Facebook.  The social media links provided are for reference only.  The OCPO does not endorse any non-governmental websites, companies or applications.  For additional information visit our website at oceancountyprosecutor.org.  Please send all press inquiries to Al Della Fave 732-288-7616 (OFFICE) 732-814-7347 (CELL) and [email protected]

With (5) five of the (7) seven deaths on New Jersey roadways during last year’s Thanksgiving holiday weekend involving passengers in vehicles, Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato today announced stepped up DWI/Traffic enforcement this Thanksgiving.  The enforcement effort will concentrated throughout the Ocean County area and consist of numerous checkpoints/roving patrols searching for impaired drivers.  In making his announcement, Prosecutor Coronato reminded drivers that Thanksgiving is a time for thanks, not mourning avoidable tragedies caused by irresponsible drivers.

Prosecutor Coronato stated, “Last year the majority of deaths came to passengers riding in vehicles.  Drivers must remember the safety of their passengers and others depends solely on their commitment to drive responsibility.  The Thanksgiving holiday is for celebrating family and loved ones. We beg those who get behind the wheel this holiday to drive responsibly and make smart choices to assure this holiday remains a time for celebration and not mourning.”

Beyond targeting inattentive and aggressive drivers, the detail will also focus on detecting, educating, deterring, arresting, and vigorously prosecuting impaired drivers.  The program targets those under the influence of alcohol, but in response to Ocean County’s drug crisis also utilizes an addition of two Drug Recognition Experts at each check point to detect those under the influence of narcotics.  The county also oversees a countywide call out system for DRE’s to respond and assist agencies in conducting evaluations of subjects suspected to be operating a motor vehicle under the influence of narcotics.  During the 2016 Thanksgiving holiday weekend (2) two of (6) six fatal accidents involved drugs or alcohol.

Prosecutor Coronato concluded by stating, “The last three years have seen a steady increase in New Jersey roadway deaths – 480 deaths in 2015, 534 in 2016, and 540 deaths to date in 2017.  These statistics are tremendously tragic and unacceptable.  Thankfully, Ocean County had no fatalities during the 2016 Thanksgiving holiday.  The dedicated law enforcement officers of our county will spend their holiday away from family trying to repeat that zero fatality weekend.  Please do your part by simply driving safely.”

The checkpoint program, which is funded in part by the Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety, will be conducted by local police agencies in conjunction with Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office and Sheriff’s Department K-9 Unit focusing on both intoxicated and drug impaired drivers.  The program is operated/coordinated by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Vehicular Homicide Unit under the direction of Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Michael Weatherstone.

Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato, Stafford Township Police Chief Thomas Dellane and Little Egg Harbor Township Chief Richard Buzby announced today the culmination of an investigation into drug activity in the Southern Ocean County area.

Detectives from the Prosecutor’s Special Operations Group, Northern Enforcement Unit conducted a cooperative investigation with the Stafford Township Police Department Drug Enforcement Unit and Little Egg Harbor Township Police Department Drug Enforcement Unit that resulted in the arrest of three Ocean County residents on various drug charges.

On Thursday, April 6, 2017, as a result of a month long investigation, members of the partnering agencies established stationary / mobile surveillance in the area of the 2 Hannah Place, Little Egg Harbor, New Jersey in preparation to execute a court authorized search warrants for the residence and a vehicle, described as a black 2001 Ford Taurus.  Prior to the execution of the search warrant, investigating Detectives observed a vehicle arrive at the target residence and observed what appeared to be a narcotics related exchange between the operator of the vehicle and Brandon Marino.  As the vehicle departed from the residence, investigating Detectives maintained constant surveillance of the vehicle and initiated a motor vehicle stop on Route 9 in Little Egg Harbor, New Jersey.  As a result of a Consent to Search of a white Ford Mustang, investigating Detectives seized approximately $2700 in U.S currency.  The operator of the Mustang was identified as Patrick Farrell.

Additionally, investigating Detectives observed Marino exit the target residence and depart the area in the black Ford Taurus.  A motor vehicle stop was initiated by Little Egg Harbor Police Department, at which time both Marino and the vehicle was secured and transported back to the residence.  Upon arrival at the residence, investigating Detectives executed the search warrant on the target residence.  Upon searching the residence, quantities of cocaine, marijuana, U.S currency and paraphernalia were seized.

As a result of the above information Marino, Farrell and Leighann Brown were placed under arrest and transported to the Little Egg Harbor Township Police Department where they were processed and subsequently released from the Little Egg Harbor Township Police Department pending future court proceedings.  During processing additional information was developed indicating Farrell was in possession of additional quantities of marijuana and U.S currency at his residence located at 249 Division Lane, Berlin, New Jersey.  After a consent to search Farrell and Brown were transported to their residence of 249 Division Lane, Berlin, New Jersey.  Members of the Berlin Township Police Department arrived to assist.  As a result of the search of the residence, Investigating Detectives seized additional quantities of marijuana, THC wax, THC brownies, U.S currency and drug paraphernalia.

As a result, Brandon Marino, 22, of Berlin, NJ, was charged with the following:

• Possession of CDS with Intent to Distribute (over one (1) ounce or more of marijuana), Possession of CDS (marijuana over 50 grams), Possession of CDS (under ½ ounce of cocaine), and Possession of drug paraphernalia

Patrick Farrell, 21, of Berlin, NJ, was charged with the following, per the investigation in Little Egg Harbor:

• Possession of CDS with Intent to Distribute (over one (1) ounce or more of marijuana), Distribution of CDS (over one (1) ounce or more of marijuana), Possession of CDS (marijuana over 50 grams). Additional charges for Berlin Township Investigation are pending presentation to the Grand Jury.

Leighann Brown, 19, of Berlin, NJ, was charged with the following, per the investigation in Little Egg Harbor:

• Conspiracy to Possess CDS with Intent to Distribute (over one (1) ounce or more of marijuana). Additional charges for Berlin Township Investigation are pending presentation to the Grand Jury.

All three subjects were released from the Little Egg Harbor Township Police Department pending future court proceedings.  The media and public are reminded that criminal charges are merely accusations and that these defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

​Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato and Little Egg Harbor Township Police Chief Richard Buzby today announced the arrest of Christopher Wilson, 20, of Little Egg Harbor Township, NJ, for 2nd degree Attempted Sexual Assault and 3rd degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child.

​The arrest stems from an investigation by Ocean County Prosecutor’s Special Victims Unit Detective Stephanie Bayha and Little Egg Harbor Township Police Detective Joel Mahr. The partnering agencies’ investigation, which began in December of 2016, alleges that Wilson offered the 12 year old female victim a gaming system in return for sexual favors.

​Yesterday (1/19), Sr. Assistant Prosecutor Christine Lento approved the above charges and Christopher Wilson was arrested. Nicole’s Order (No contact with victim) was implemented by Judge Patricia B. Roe J.S.C. and Wilson was housed in the Ocean County Jail. As of 01-01-2017, under the new bail reform law there is no monetary bail. The defendant is being detained at Ocean County Jail pending further court action.
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​The media and public are reminded that criminal charges are merely accusations and that the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

CHRISTOPHER WILSON

Follow the Office of the Ocean County Prosecutor online at Twitter and Facebook.  The social media links provided are for reference only.  The OCPO does not endorse any non-governmental websites, companies or applications.  For additional information visit our website at oceancountyprosecutor.org.

The attached surveillance video was captured on the evening of January 5th as the Delta gas station located on Dover Road in South Toms River was robbed at gun point. We ask anyone with information to please contact South Toms River Police Detective Mike Schneidt at 732-349-6914 x117.

Follow the Office of the Ocean County Prosecutor online at Twitter and Facebook.  The social media links provided are for reference only.  The OCPO does not endorse any non-governmental websites, companies or applications.  For additional information visit our website at oceancountyprosecutor.org.

Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato and Stafford Township Police Chief Joseph Giberson announced today the arrest of Dennis Ayala, 56, of Manahawkin, NJ. Ayala was arrested and charged with Possession of a Firearm for an Unlawful Purpose, Unlawful Possession/Sale of a Firearm, and Pawnbroker Selling Firearms. The Honorable Superior Court Judge Patricia Roe, J.S.C. set bail at $150,000 no ten percent.

Detectives from the Stafford Township Police Department along with members of the Prosecutor’s Special Operations Group, Southern Enforcement Unit conducted a seven month cooperative multi agency undercover investigation into the illegal sale of firearms as well as illegal fencing of stolen property from a pawn shop known as Shore Discount Bedding/Shore Gold and Pawn located at 440 East Bay Avenue, Manahawkin, NJ. The investigation, which involved the illegal sale of a firearm as well as numerous undocumented pawn transactions, led the partnering agencies to the home of Dennis Ayala, 433 Mermaid Avenue in Manahawkin. Detectives previously identified Mr. Ayala as the owner and operator of Shore Gold and Pawn.

During the early morning hours of Wednesday July 22, 2015, Detectives from the Prosecutor’s Southern Enforcement Unit, along with members of the Stafford Township Police Department located Mr. Ayala while operating a black 2010 Ford Expedition in the Ocean Acres section of Stafford Township. A motor vehicle stop was conducted on the Expedition and Mr. Ayala was placed under arrest on the above weapons charges. Detectives executed search warrants on the Expedition, Ayala’s Mermaid Avenue residence, and Shore Discount Furniture & Bedding/Shore Gold & Pawn at 440 East Bay Avenue in Manahawkin. As a result of the investigation and the execution of the search warrants, police seized quantities of anabolic steroids, three handguns – specifically a .38 caliber revolver, which was found to be stolen, two semi-automatic 9mm handguns along with assorted handgun ammunition. Police also seized approximately $5000 in suspected illegal proceeds. During the course of the investigation the 2010 black Ford Expedition which was identified as being used to facilitate the illegal activities of Mr. Ayala was seized pending forfeiture actions.

The investigation is continuing and additional arrests and charges are expected. The lead investigator is Det. Stephen Fessler of the Stafford Township Police Department. Anyone with information concerning illegal activities at Shore Discount Furniture and Bedding/Shore Gold and Pawn are asked to call Det. Fessler at 609-597-1189 Ext. 8447.

The media and public are reminded that criminal charges are merely accusations and that the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

 

 

Follow the Office of the Ocean County Prosecutor online at Twitter and Facebook. The social media links provided are for reference only. The OCPO does not endorse any non-governmental websites, companies or applications.  For additional information visit our website at oceancountyprosecutor.org.