OPERATION SNOWBALL SHUTTERS FREEHOLD BOROUGH COCAINE DISTRIBUTION RING

Drug Network was Moving 1/3 of Kilogram of Cocaine a Week in Freehold

Nine members of a Freehold Borough cocaine distribution ring were arrested yesterday, after a nine-month investigation.  The group was moving approximately one-third of a kilogram of cocaine a week, announced Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni.

The investigation dubbed, “Operation Snowball,” and led by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Narcotics Office and Criminal Enterprise Unit, culminated with the arrest of Hugo Hernandez, as the leader of a narcotics trafficking enterprise, who was based primarily in the downtown Freehold Borough area.

Four search warrants in Freehold Borough, and one search warrant in New Brunswick, were simultaneously executed on Thursday leading to the arrests of nine members of the drug distribution ring. The investigation revealed that Hugo Hernandez supplied numerous lower level dealers, including his brother, Carlos Hernandez-Campos, and Lucino Roldan-Coria a/k/a Rufino Roldan.  Also identified in the operation were lower level dealers Antonio Romano-Jiminez, Miguel Garcia, and Roberto Tlapa De La Era, who delivered cocaine at the direction of Hugo Hernandez to locations in downtown Freehold Borough.

As a result of the investigation over 721 grams of cocaine and $14,943 were seized.

The arrests were made with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force; Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Monmouth High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area working group; DEA Special Response Team; U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations; U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms; Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office; Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office; Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office; and the Asbury Park, Neptune City, Neptune Township, Tinton Falls, Freehold Borough, Manalapan Township, Franklin Township, New Brunswick, Highlands, Middletown Township, Holmdel Township, Keansburg, and Hazlet Township police departments.

Hugo Hernandez, 48, of Freehold Borough, is charged with one count each of first degree Leader of a Narcotics Trafficking Network; second degree Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine; third degree Conspiracy to Possess Cocaine; first degree Distribution of Cocaine;  eight counts of second degree Distribution of Cocaine; eight counts of second degree Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute; one count of third degree Distribution of Cocaine; one count of third degree Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute; nine counts of third degree Possession of Cocaine; and one count of first degree Distribution of Cocaine.

Lucino Roldan-Coria, 58, of Freehold Borough, a/k/a Rufino Roldan, is charged with one count each of second degree Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine; third degree Conspiracy to Possess Cocaine; three counts of second degree Distribution of Cocaine; three counts of second degree Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute; two counts of third degree Distribution of Cocaine: two counts of third degree Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute; five counts of third degree Possession of Cocaine; and one count of first degree Distribution of Cocaine.

Carlos Hernandez-Campos, 35, of New Brunswick, is charged with one count each of second degree Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine; third degree Conspiracy to Possess Cocaine; two counts of second degree Distribution of Cocaine; two counts of second degree Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute; two counts of third degree Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute within 1,000 feet of School Property; two counts of third degree Distribution of Cocaine within 1,000 feet of School Property;  two counts of third degree Possession of Cocaine; and one count of first degree Distribution of Cocaine.

Antonio Romano-Jiminez, 29, of Freehold borough, a/k/a Merito Romero-Jimenez, is charged with one count each of second degree Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine; third degree Conspiracy to Possess Cocaine; and first degree Distribution of Cocaine.

Miguel Garcia-Tapia, 30, of Freehold Borough, is charged with one count each of second degree Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine; third degree Conspiracy to Possess Cocaine; third degree Distribution of Cocaine; third degree Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute; third degree Possession of Cocaine; and first degree Distribution of Cocaine.

Procopio Morales-Trinidad, 49, of Freehold Borough, is charged with one count each of second degree Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine; and third degree Conspiracy to Possess Cocaine.

Gregorio Morales-Morales, 35, of Manalapan, is charged with one count of third degree Conspiracy to Possess Cocaine.

John A. Depaola, 53,       of Jackson, is charged with one count of third degree Conspiracy to Possess Cocaine.

Roberto Tlapa De La Era, 35, of Freehold Borough, is charged with one count of third degree Conspiracy to Possess Cocaine.

If convicted of the charge of Leader of a Narcotics Trafficking Network, Hugo Hernandez faces an ordinary term of life imprisonment without being eligible for parole for 25 years.

If convicted of the first degree offenses, each defendant faces a sentence of up to 20 years in a New Jersey state prison.

If convicted of the second degree offenses, each defendant faces a sentence of five to ten years in prison on each count. 

If convicted of the third degree offenses, each defendant faces a sentence of three to five years in prison. 

The case is assigned to Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutors Paul Alexander and Amanda Dalton.

Despite these charges, every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, following a trial at which the defendant has all of the trial rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and State law.

JUVENILE CHARGED WITH MURDER OF 10-YEAR OLD CHILD IN ASBURY PARK

FREEHOLD – A Neptune Township teen was arrested and charged Thursday for his role in the shooting death of a child and wounding of the victim’s mother in Asbury Park overnight, announced Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni.

The 16-year old juvenile was arrested at Neptune High School this morning without incident. The Prosecutor’s Office alerted both the school and the district to the impending arrest. Due to school protocols, Neptune High School was briefly in a lockdown status following the arrest.

Asbury Park Police responded to a 911 call around 10:40 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2018, reporting shots fired at a home in the 400 block of Ridge Avenue in the city.  Police arrived to find the 10-year old child and his 39-year old mother had been struck with gunshot wounds.  The child’s mother was treated and released for her injuries, however the child was pronounced deceased at 11:18 p.m.

The joint investigation is being conducted by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office and the Asbury Park Police Department with assistance from Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office and Neptune Township Police Department. At this point in the investigation, it appears that neither the 10-year old child nor his mother were the intended victims of this shooting.  The intended target was another occupant also present within the home.

The juvenile is charged with Murder, Conspiracy to Commit Murder, Aggravated Assault, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, and Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose.

Investigators are seeking the assistance of the public to identify other(s) who may have been involved in this criminal conspiracy. Anyone with information about this case is asked to call Detective Brian Weisbrot of the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office at 800-533-7443 or Detective Sean DeShader of the Asbury Park Police Department at 732-774-1300.

Anyone who feels the need to remain anonymous but has information about a crime can contact Monmouth County Crime Stoppers confidential telephone tip-line by calling 1-800-671-4400; can text “MONMOUTH” plus their tip to 274637; or, they can email a tip via the website at www.monmouthcountycrimestoppers.com.  Monmouth County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest of criminals and fugitives.

The case is assigned to Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Matthew Bogner.

Despite these charges, every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, following a trial at which the defendant has all of the trial rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and State law.

‘UNDERTOW’ GRABS THREE ARRESTS, OVER $300K DRUGS

Drug Network was Moving Kilo of Coke/10,000 Bags Heroin per Week in Neptune Area

FREEHOLD – After a five-month investigation, three members of a Neptune Township cocaine and heroin distribution ring were arrested during the last several days. The group was moving about a kilogram of cocaine and 10,000 bags of heroin a week, announced Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni.

The investigation led by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics and Criminal Enterprise Investigation Section dubbed “Operation Undertow,” culminated with the arrest of three men earlier this month while one man remains at-large.

Kurrian Grasty, 38, of Neptune Township; Terrence Wright, 47, of Orange; and Marlo Taylor, 41, also of Neptune Township, were arrested as part of the drug distribution network based primarily in the Neptune Township area.

Grasty and Taylor were both arrested on June 7. Wright was apprehended on June 12. After hearings before Monmouth County Superior Court Judge Paul X. Escandon, both Taylor and Wright were denied pretrial release and were ordered detained at the Monmouth County Correctional Institution to await trial.  Grasty’s detention hearing is scheduled for June 22. He also remains incarcerated in the county jail.

In addition, charges have been filed against Timothy Guest, 44, recently of Swedesboro and Irvington, and who has yet to be apprehended and remains a fugitive in this case.

Two search warrants in Neptune Township executed on June 8 led to the seizure of approximately one-half of a kilogram of cocaine, approximately 6,250 bags of heroin, a stolen .40 caliber, semi-automatic handgun and over $35,000 in cash.  Additional search warrants for a residence in the City of Orange and two automobiles led to the seizure of two additional kilograms of cocaine.  Together, the seized drugs have a street value of over $300,000.

Grasty is charged with two counts of first degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance with Intent to Distribute, third degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance With Intent to Distribute on or near School Property, two counts of third degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance, second degree Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Dangerous Substances, second degree Unlawful Possession of a Handgun, second degree Certain Persons Not to Have Weapons, second degree Possession of a Firearm During While Committing a Controlled Dangerous Substance Offense, and third degree Receiving Stolen Property.

Wright is charged with two counts of first degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance with Intent to Distribute, two counts of third degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance, and second degree Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Dangerous Substances.

Taylor is charged with one count each of first degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance with Intent to Distribute, third degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance and second degree Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance.

Guest is charged with two counts of first degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance with Intent to Distribute, two counts of third degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance, and second degree Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Dangerous Substances.

If convicted of the first degree offenses, each defendant faces an extended term sentence of up to life in a New Jersey state prison. If convicted of the second degree offenses, each defendant faces a sentence of five to ten years in prison on each count. If convicted of the third degree offenses, each defendant faces a sentence of three to five years in prison.

The arrests were made with assistance from the following agencies:  Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office, Essex County Prosecutor’s Office and the Atlantic Highlands, Asbury Park, Freehold Borough, Freehold Township, Belmar, Highlands, Allenhurst, Marlboro, Hazlet, Eatontown, Middletown, Howell, Wall, Neptune Township, Long Branch, Tinton Falls, Holmdel, Red Bank, Manalapan, Spring Lake police departments.

The case is assigned to Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Christopher Matthews, Director of the Narcotics and Criminal Enterprise Investigation Section.

Despite these charges, every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, following a trial at which the defendant has all of the trial rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and State law.

Anyone who feels the need to remain anonymous, but who has information about a crime can contact the Monmouth County Crime Stoppers confidential telephone tip-line by calling 1-800-671-4400; can text “MONMOUTH” plus their tip to 274637; or, they can email a tip via the website at www.monmouthcountycrimestoppers.com.  Monmouth County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest of criminals and fugitives.

ARREST MADE FOR FALSE ALARM AT COUNTY COURTHOUSE

FREEHOLD – A 36-year-old male is responsible for pulling a wall alarm within the Monmouth County Superior Courthouse earlier this morning, announced Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni.

Michael Marsh, 36, of Brick, was charged with one count of second degree False Public Alarm, for pulling an alarm within the courthouse a little after 9:30 this morning. A joint investigation by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office and Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office resulted in identifying and apprehending Marsh.

Marsh is being housed at the Monmouth County Correctional Institution, Freehold Township, awaiting his first appearance.

“Law enforcement everywhere treats every one of these incidents as a potentially serious threat to the safety and well-being of our citizens. These false threats are not a game or joke, but a crime that will be aggressively pursued by this Office,” said Gramiccioni.

A 2016 amendment to a bill, spearheaded by Gramiccioni with the assistance of former State Senator Jennifer Beck and other state legislators, increased the crime of False Public Alarm to a second degree offense if the false report involved a building necessary for public safety such as the Monmouth County Courthouse.

Despite these charges, every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, following a trial at which the defendant has all of the trial rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and State law.

Upper Freehold Regional School District (UFRSD) Acting Superintendent Mark Guterl is proud to share a photo of Monmouth County Sheriff’s Officer Howard greeting students this morning.

Sheriff’s Officers will have a continued presence in all schools for the safety and security of students, staff, and the community.

BROTHER FACING MURDER CHARGES IN COLTS NECK DEATHS

Colts Neck Family of Four Killed by Brother Who Set Fire to House to Conceal Crimes

FREEHOLD – The brother of a Colts Neck man found dead along with his wife and two children at their burned out home just days before Thanksgiving has been charged with their murders and setting fire to their suburban home, announced Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni.

Paul J. Caneiro, 51, is charged with four counts of first degree Murder, and one count of second degree Aggravated Arson, second degree Possession of a Firearm for an Unlawful Purpose and third degree Possession of a Knife for an Unlawful Purpose in connection with the slaying of his brother Keith Caneiro, 50, his sister-in-law Jennifer, 45, nephew Jesse, 11, and 8-year-old niece Sophia on Nov. 20, 2018. Caneiro was previously charged last week with purposefully setting fire to his Ocean Township home that same morning while his wife and two daughters slept. Caneiro is charged with one count of second degree Aggravated Arson in connection with the fire at his Tinton Avenue residence the morning of the murders.

“We allege Paul Caneiro repeatedly shot and killed his brother Keith, then moved on to murder the rest of the Caneiro family. Keith Caneiro was shot multiple times, Jennifer Caneiro was shot and stabbed, and the two Caneiro children were stabbed multiple times with a knife. After murdering his brother’s family, Paul Caneiro set fire to the Colts Neck house at 15 Willow Brook Road in an effort to conceal or disguise his crimes,” Prosecutor Gramiccioni said.

Paul Caneiro was served with the charges earlier today at the Monmouth County Correctional Institution (MCCI) in Freehold Township. He is being detained in MCCI on the Aggravated Arson charge filed against him last week. Caneiro is scheduled for a first appearance and detention review hearing on that charge tomorrow, Friday, Nov. 30, 2018, before Monmouth County Superior Court Judge James J. McGann. A first appearance and detention hearing on the new murder, aggravated arson and weapons charges is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2018 before Judge McGann.

The joint investigation by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, Colts Neck and Ocean Township police departments has expanded to include the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), New Jersey State Police, New Jersey Regional Computer Forensics Laboratory, Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office and Monmouth County Fire Marshal’s Office. The joint investigation has revealed Paul Caneiro’s motive for the crimes were financial in nature and stem from his joint business ventures based in Asbury Park with his brother Keith Caneiro.

Anyone with information about the Colts Neck murders and arson is asked to call Detective Patrick Petruzziello of the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office at 1-800-533-7443 or Detective Richard Zarrillo of the Colts Neck Police Department at 732-780-7323.

Anyone with information about the Ocean Township arson is urged to call Detective Brian Weisbrot of the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office at 1-800-533-7443 or Detective Christopher Brady of the Ocean Township Police Department at 732-531-1428.

If convicted of Murder, Paul Caneiro faces on each count a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, subject to the provisions of the “No Early Release Act” (NERA) requiring him to serve 85 percent of the sentence imposed before becoming eligible for release on parole. He would also be under parole supervision for five years following his release from state prison.

If convicted of Aggravated Arson, Caneiro faces a sentence of five to ten years in prison, subject to the provisions of the NERA requiring him to serve 85 percent of the sentence imposed before becoming eligible for release on parole. He would also be under parole supervision for five years following his release from state prison.

If convicted of Possession of a Firearm for an Unlawful Purpose, Paul Caneiro faces a sentence of five to ten years in prison, and an additional sentence of three to five years in prison on the charge of Possession of a Knife for an Unlawful Purpose. 

The case is assigned to Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Christopher J. Decker, Director of the Office’s Major Crimes Bureau and Assistant Prosecutor Nicole Wallace.

Despite these charges, every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, following a trial at which the defendant has all of the trial rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and State law.

For updates on this case and other ongoing matters please follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and a soon-to-be released MCPO mobile app for Android and iPhone platforms.

Ocean County County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer and Brick Township Chief of Police James Riccio announced today that a 17-year-old male juvenile has been taken into custody in connection with the shooting that occurred in Brick Township near Lanes Mills Road on Tuesday, October 22, 2019. The juvenile is accused of four counts of Attempted Murder in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:5-1 and 2C:11-3a; Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4a; and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5b.

On Tuesday, October 22, 2019, at approximately 1:45 p.m., Brick Township Police were summoned to Brick Memorial High School for a report of a student who had sustained a gunshot wound. Investigation revealed that the student was walking home from school with three friends when he was shot approximately one-quarter mile away from Brick Memorial; he then ran back to the school for help. As a precaution, Brick Township Police and school officials locked down the high school as well as neighboring schools before determining there was no immediate danger to students. The victim was treated at Ocean Medical Center in Brick Township and released.

An investigation by Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, Brick Township Police Department and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department yielded video surveillance footage from nearby residences. During the evening hours on Wednesday, October 23, 2019, a no-knock search warrant was executed in Asbury Park by members of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, Brick Township Police Department, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office, and the Monmouth County Emergency Response Team; as a result, the juvenile suspect was taken into custody and transported to Brick Township Police Headquarters. The juvenile suspect is presently lodged in the Ocean County Juvenile Detention Center.

Prosecutor Billhimer and Chief Riccio would like to commend the tremendous efforts of all of the law enforcement agencies involved in this very thorough and swift investigation: Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit; Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit; Brick Township Police Department; Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit; Ocean County Sheriff’s Office; Toms River Township Police Department; Lakewood Township Police Department; Bay Head Borough Police Department; Point Pleasant Beach Police Department; Asbury Park Police Department; Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit; Monmouth County Emergency Response Team; Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office; New Jersey State Police; and New Jersey State Police Regional Operations and Intelligence Center. “Were it not for the collective resolve, determination, and good old-fashioned police-work displayed by all the law enforcement personnel involved in this investigation, this subject would not have been brought into custody in such a prompt and expeditious manner,” stated Prosecutor Billhimer. Prosecutor Billhimer added: “Chief Riccio and I are extremely grateful for the team-work exhibited by law enforcement agencies in both Ocean and Monmouth Counties. This collaboration will continue as we strive to make our streets and communities safer for our families and our children. We will not let this wanton disregard for the welfare and safety of our communities to become commonplace.”

The public and media are reminded that all defendants are innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

1,000 shared services agreements reached in 2019 throughout New Jersey

FREEHOLD, NJ – The Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders was recently notified by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs that the State reached the major milestone of 1,000 shared services agreements achieved since the beginning of 2019, 214 of these agreements stemming from Monmouth County.

“Since its creation in 2011, shared services in Monmouth County have generated more than $40 million,” said Freeholder Director Thomas A. Arnone, liaison to the Office of Shared Services. “Two of the County’s largest shared services agreements that I am most proud of include the 9-1-1 Communications Center, which I commend Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden for running the best 9-1-1 Communications Center in the State, and the agreement with Naval Weapons Station (NWS) Earle.”

The Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office 9-1-1 Communications Center serves as a hub for County-wide emergency services, generating a revenue of $4,360,766.38 in 2019. This agency handled communications and dispatching for 46 municipalities, 26 police departments, 43 fire districts as well as 38 EMS and rescue squads.

In 2018, the County entered into a shared services agreement with NWS Earle, which includes traffic signal maintenance, unimproved road maintenance, snow and ice control and storm drainage repairs among other services. This was the first shared services agreement in the State between County government and the U.S. Navy.

“All 53 municipalities share some type of service with the County and I cannot thank County Department and Division Heads enough for dedicating the time and energy to expanding shared services,” said Freeholder Director Arnone. “Whether it is municipal police departments, fire departments, first aid squads, authorities, commissions, public school or institutions of higher learning, all shared services have been positively impacting municipal budgets while delivering quality services to residents. “

“The County’s Office of Shared Services has truly paved the way for other counties to streamline the process, create greater cost savings for taxpayers and offer new revenue opportunities,” said Freeholder Director Arnone. “Throughout 2020, I plan to continue promoting shared services by meeting with municipal committees and elected officials with Monmouth County’s full-time Shared Services Coordinator, Liz Perez, to explain how shared service agreements benefit the taxpayer.”

For more information about Monmouth County Shared Services, call 732-431-7460, ext. 2115 or go to www.visitmonmouth.com.