PROSECUTOR’S SPECIAL OPERATIONS GROUP AND THE LAKEWOOD TOWNSHIP POLICE TEAM UP IN LATEST DRUG INVESTIGATION

Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato announced today the culmination of an investigation into drug activity in the Ocean County area.

Detectives from the Prosecutor’s Special Operations Group, Northern Enforcement Unit conducted a cooperative multi agency drug investigation with the Lakewood Township Police Department that resulted in the arrest of two Ocean County residents on various drug charges. During the course of the investigation, Detectives obtained a no knock search warrant for a residence located at 135 Claire Drive, Lakewood Township NJ. Also, during the course of the investigation detectives identified a 2006 Mercedes Benz SUV that was being utilized by Octavius Jenkins, 41, of 135 Claire Road to facilitate his drug distribution activities. During the early evening hours of October 20, 2015 detectives located the 2006 Mercedes Benz being operated by Mr. Jenkins in the area of Route 9 in Toms River. Mr. Jenkins was observed meeting with a subject later identified as Joseph Smith, 35, of Manchester. Both Jenkins and Smith were approached by detectives and subsequently placed under arrest for drug related charges. At the time, Mr. Smith was found to be operating a 1997 green Ford Taurus which was seized pending further investigation. The 2006 Mercedes Benz was also seized.

The no knock search warrant on the Claire Drive residence was executed at approximately 715 pm on Tuesday October 20, 2015 by Detectives from the Prosecutor’s Northern Enforcement Unit, along with members of the Lakewood Township Police Department, and the Lakewood Township Police Emergency Services Unit. As a result, police seized approximately 20 grams of powder cocaine and approximately 27 grams of crack cocaine along with assorted drug paraphernalia including packaging materials. Police also seized approximately $2550 in suspected drug proceeds.

Detectives also executed a search warrant on the 1997 Ford Taurus and located a rifle which was secreted in the trunk area. Both the 1997 Ford Taurus and the 2006 Mercedes Benz were seized pending forfeiture action.

Octavius Jenkins, 41, of 135 Claire Drive, Lakewood Township NJ was arrested and charged with two counts of Possession of cocaine, one count of Distribution of Cocaine, Possession of Cocaine over one half ounce with Intent to Distribute and Possession of drug paraphernalia. The Honorable Superior Court Judge Rochelle Gizinski, JSC set bail at $250,000 cash for Jenkins who was subsequently housed in the Ocean County Jail.

Joseph Smith, age 35 of 1564 Wells Mills Circle, Manchester NJ was arrested and charged with possession of cocaine. Smith was released on a summons.

Assisting in the investigation were members of the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department K-9 Unit, the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department CSI Unit and the Toms River Police Department. The investigation is continuing and additional charges are expected to be filed

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

Octavius Jenkins

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