DRUG ENFORCEMENT TAKES NO HOLIDAY IN OCEAN COUNTY WITH MAJOR THANKSGIVING DAY MARIJUANA BUST
Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato announced today the culmination of an investigation into drug activity impacting the Ocean County area.
Detectives from the Prosecutor’s Special Operations Group, Northern Enforcement Unit conducted a three-month long investigation resulting in the seizure of a large amount of marijuana and cash. As a result, an Idaho man now faces multiple charges.
Detectives from the Prosecutor’s Special Operations Group, Northern Enforcement Unit conducted an investigation into a major marijuana distributor from Idaho. The investigation identified David L. Lincoln age 65 of Ketchum, Idaho as being an alleged supplier of large amounts of marijuana. During the course of the investigation detective’s learned that Mr. Lincoln allegedly travels across the country to locations on the east coast to include Ocean County delivering large amounts of marijuana. Detectives learned that Mr. Lincoln utilizes a red 1997 Jeep Cherokee and a small towable pop-up camper to store and deliver quantities of marijuana. During the morning hours of Thursday, November 24, 2016, Prosecutor’s Detectives from the Special Operations Group, members of the Jackson Township Police Department and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department K-9 Unit located the 1997 Jeep Cherokee and towable camper traveling in the area of Houston Avenue in Jackson Township. Prosecutor’s Detectives with the assistance of the Jackson Township Police Department conducted a motor vehicle stop on the Jeep Cherokee and camper. The driver was identified as David L. Lincoln of Ketchum, Idaho. Mr. Lincoln was subsequently placed under arrest and transported to the Jackson Township Police Department.
Detectives obtained search warrants for the 1997 Jeep Cherokee and the towable pop-up camper. As a result of the investigation and the execution of the search warrants, police seized approximately 52 pounds of marijuana along with approximately $118,000 dollars in cash. Detectives with the Prosecutor’s Financial Crimes Unit located bank accounts utilized by Mr. Lincoln to facilitate his illegal activity.
Detectives with the Financial Crimes Unit seized said accounts. The seized marijuana has an approximate street value of $150,000 dollars. Police also seized the 1997 Jeep Cherokee and the pop-up camper pending forfeiture proceedings. Mr. Lincoln was subsequently processed and housed in the Ocean County Jail in lieu of bail. Detectives with the Prosecutor’s Special Operations Group are continuing their investigation through the holiday weekend.
Ocean County Prosecutor’s Captain Jack Sramaty, who serves as the Commander of the Prosecutor’s Special Operations Group, praised the efforts of all the detectives involved in this investigation stating, “The dedication and commitment of the Detectives of both the Special Operations Group and the Financial Crimes Unit are second to none. As a team, the Prosecutor’s Office will continue to follow Prosecutor Coronato,s mandates by relentlessly identifying, investigating and prosecuting the dealers who are operating in and around Ocean County.”
In addition to the Prosecutor’s Detectives from the Special Operations Group and the Financial Crimes Unit, members of the Jackson Township Police Department and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department K-9 Unit participated and assisted in this investigation.
The following individuals were arrested and charged:
David L. Lincoln, age 65, 747 Paintbrush Lane, Ketchum Idaho was arrested and charged with Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Marijuana over Twenty Five Pounds with Intent to Distribute, Conspiracy to Distribute over Twenty Five Pounds of Marijuana and Financial Facilitation (Money Laundering). The Honorable Superior Court Judge Rochelle Gizinski JSC. set bail on Mr. Lincoln totaling $575,000 no ten percent. Mr. Lincoln was subsequently lodged in the Ocean County Jail.
The media and public are reminded that criminal charges are merely accusations and that these defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.