PROSECUTOR’S SPECIAL OPERATIONS GROUP JOINS FORCES WITH LACEY TOWNSHIP POLICE IN LATEST DRUG INVESTIGATION

Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato and Lacey Township Police Chief Michael DiBella announced today the culmination of an investigation into drug activity impacting the southern Ocean County area.

Detectives from the Prosecutor’s Special Operations Group, Southern Enforcement Unit conducted a cooperative narcotics investigation with the Lacey Township Police Department that resulted in the arrest of two Lacey residents.

Detectives from the Prosecutor’s Special Operations Group, Southern Enforcement Unit and the Lacey Township Police Department conducted a short term cooperative investigation that resulted in the arrest of two Lacey residents on various drug charges. During the course of the investigation Detectives from the Prosecutor’s Southern Enforcement Unit and the Lacey Township Police Department identified a residence in Lacey Township, specifically 214 Haines Street, Forked River NJ as being utilized by Theodore J. Vansanten age 32 to store and distribute quantities of heroin. Police also identified a 2012 blue Nissan Sentra as also being utilized by Mr. Vansanten to further his illicit drug distribution activities.

On July 22, 2016 at approximately 9:45 pm members of the Prosecutor’s Southern Enforcement Unit, the Lacey Township Police Department along with members of the Ocean County Regional SWAT Team executed a no knock search warrant at 214 East Haines Street, Forked River. Detectives also executed a search warrant on the 2012 Nissan Sentra. As a result quantities of heroin, suboxone and anabolic steroids were recovered. Police also seized approximately $600 in cash. The 2012 Nissan Sentra was also seized pending forfeiture proceedings.

The following individual was arrested and charged:

Theodore J. Vansanten, age 32 214 Haines Street, Forked River NJ was arrested and charged with (2) Counts of Possession of Heroin, (2) Counts of Possession of Heroin with Intent to Distribute and (2) Counts of Distribution of Heroin. Ocean County Superior Court Judge Wendel E. Daniels P.J.Cr.P JSC set bail at $25,000, no ten percent. Mr. Vansanten was subsequently housed in the Ocean County Jail.

Theodore J. Vansanten

Jason A. Fiorvante, age 28 214 East Haines Street, Forked River NJ was arrested and charged with Possession of Suboxone and Possession of Anabolic Steroids. Mr. Fiorvante was released on a summons.

Jason A. Fiorvante

The investigation is continuing and additional charges are expected to be issued regarding this investigation.

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