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BERKELEY TOWNSHIP PD/OCPO BRING POLICING ACTION TO TROUBLED NIEGHBORHOOD

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.