{"id":4439,"date":"2015-04-29T12:07:56","date_gmt":"2015-04-29T16:07:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.shorebeat.com\/brick\/?p=4439"},"modified":"2015-04-30T14:02:31","modified_gmt":"2015-04-30T18:02:31","slug":"brick-residents-among-34-arrested-in-takedown-of-kilo-per-week-heroin-networks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/shorebeat.com\/brick\/2015\/04\/brick-residents-among-34-arrested-in-takedown-of-kilo-per-week-heroin-networks\/","title":{"rendered":"Brick Residents Among 34 Arrested in Takedown of Kilo-Per-Week Heroin Networks"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Operation<\/a>

Operation Sin City Arrestees<\/p><\/div>\n

Brick residents were among those charged in the takedown of two heroin distribution networks that reached from Ocean County to Philadelphia, and across other parts of New Jersey, Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato announced Wednesday.<\/p>\n

The heroin networks were responsible for importing about a kilogram of heroin per week to Ocean County \u2013 enough for 50,000 dosages of the drug \u2013 according to prosecutors. Dating back to the start of the takedown operation last December, 34 people have been arrested and charged.<\/p>\n

The two operations, dubbed Operation Broken Rule and Operation Sin City, focused on high level heroin distributors found to be operating in Union, Ocean, Monmouth and Atlantic counties, as well as, Philadelphia. During the course of both investigations, approximately 40 additional law enforcement personnel were assigned to the Ocean County Prosecutor\u2019s Office\u2019s Special Operations Group, and multiple agencies within and outside Ocean County assisted in every aspect of both investigations.\u00a0 The investigations began in December 2014 and culminated this week.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese simultaneous operations are incredible investigative feats,\u201d Coronato said. \u201cBeyond the approximate street value of over $325,000 in heroin seized during operations \u2018Broken Rule\u2019 and \u2018Sin City,\u2019 this outstanding law enforcement partnership has extended the reach and effectiveness of Ocean County law enforcement far beyond our borders.\u201d<\/p>\n

The investigation known as \u201cSin City\u201d identified Jonathan \u201cSin\u201d Gonzalez, 32, of Pleasantville and Toms River, as allegedly managing and directing a heroin distribution network in Ocean and Atlantic counties.\u00a0 The investigation, prosecutors say, revealed that Gonzalez was allegedly importing quantities of pre-packaged, as well as raw or uncut heroin into Ocean County for distribution.\u00a0 The investigation identified locations in Toms River where Gonzalez and members of his network would prepare and package the raw or uncut heroin for re-distribution into individual dosage units.<\/p>\n

The \u201cSin City\u201d operation culminated during the evening hours of April 23, 2015, when detectives from the Special Operations Group surveilled Gonzalez along with Faythe Darling, 29, of Toms River and Miasia S. Johnson, 21, of Barnegat returning from Philadelphia with quantities of raw, uncut heroin, as well as packaging materials used to convert raw heroin into individual dosage units, a statement said.\u00a0 Members of the Special Operations Group, along with members of the Manchester Police Department, conducted a motor vehicle stop on the vehicle utilized by Gonzalez and two others on Route 70 in the area of Route 539 in Manchester Township that resulted in their arrest on various drug charges.<\/p>\n

Simultaneously with the arrests of Gonzalez, Darling and Johnson, members of the Special Operations Group and the partnering law enforcement agencies executed search warrants in Toms River, Barnegat, South Toms River, Brick and Pleasantville.\u00a0 As a result of the search warrants executed during \u201cSin City,\u201d police seized approximately 25 grams of raw heroin, quantities of pre-packaged heroin, cash, packaging materials associated with the preparation, packaging and distribution of heroin. Police also searched and seized four motor vehicles that were identified as being utilized by this drug distribution network.<\/p>\n

The second investigation, Operation \u201cBroken Rule,\u201d focused on Bertrick \u201cKing Rule\u201d Artis, 45, of Lakewood, and his son, Ashzon Artis, 25, also of Lakewood as allegedly importing heroin from the Elizabeth area into Ocean County.<\/p>\n

\"Arrestees<\/a>

Arrestees in \u2018Operation Broken Rule\u2019 (Credit: OCPO)<\/p><\/div>\n

Operation \u201cBroken Rule\u201d culminated during the evening hours of March 31, 2015, when detectives from the Special Operations Group teamed up with members of the Union County Prosecutor\u2019s Office Narcotics Task Force and members of the Elizabeth Police Department, the statement from Ocean County authorities said. The investigation led Ocean County detectives to a mall in Elizabeth where Bertrick Artis, Ashzon Artis and Angelique Morris, 23, of Tinton Falls in Monmouth County were \u201cattempting to purchase quantities of heroin\u201d from Javier Cruz, 25, and Kennin Chavez, 19, from the Bronx, N.Y., according to the statement.\u00a0 Detectives from the Special Operations Group, Union County Narcotics Task Force and the Elizabeth Police Department subsequently arrested the entire group, who were then transported back to Ocean County.<\/p>\n

Their arrests were not announced earlier so as not to jeopardize the continuing \u201cSin City\u201d operation, according to prosecutors.<\/p>\n

As the arrests in Elizabeth were taking place, members of the Special Operations Group and the partnering law enforcement agencies executed five search warrants in Lakewood, Toms River, Lakehurst, Barnegat, Waretown and Jackson.\u00a0 During those searches, police seized large amounts of heroin, cash, several illegal firearms to include an assault style firearm and packaging materials associated with the distribution of heroin, authorities said. Police also searched and seized 10 vehicles that were identified as being utilized by members of the alleged distribution network.<\/p>\n

Both operations yielded the arrest of 34 individuals on various drug and weapons charges, led to the seizure of nearly 31,000 individual dosage units of heroin, approximately 25 grams of raw heroin, approximately $140,000 in cash, 14 motor vehicles \u2013 one of which was equipped with an electronic \u201cTRAP\u201d utilized to conceal drugs while being transported \u2013 six firearms, including a TEC- 9 assault weapon and materials consistent with a drug manufacturing and production facility.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis investigation is continuing and additional arrests are forthcoming,\u201d Coronato said in the statement.<\/p>\n

Brick residents who were charged include:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • Tora Evans<\/strong>, 41, of Sawmill Road, charged with conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute over 5 ounces of heroin. Bail set at $150,000 cash.<\/li>\n
  • Joseph Gonzalez<\/strong>, 20, of Greenwood Loop, charged with possession, possession with intent, distribution less than one half ounce of heroin. Bail set at $75,000 cash.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Other charged include:<\/p>\n

      \n
    • Bertrick \u201cKing Rule\u201d Artis<\/strong> $650,000 no 10% (Arrested 3\/31\/15)
      \n242 John Street \u2013 Lakewood, NJ 08757 (Home Address)
      \n(45 YOA)
      \n(Arrested in Elizabeth with Ashzon Artis, Angelique Morris, Javier Cruz, and Kennin Chavez)
      \n3 counts each, Possession of heroin, Possession w Intent to distribute heroin over one half ounce and Distribution over \u00bd ounce of heroin
      \nConspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute over 5 ounces of heroin
      \nPossession of heroin
      \nPossession with Intent to distribute over 5 ounces of heroin.<\/li>\n
    • Ashzon Artis<\/strong> $400,000 no 10% (Arrested 3\/31\/15)
      \n1152 Anthony Court \u2013 Lakewood, NJ (Home Address)
      \n(25 YOA)
      \n(Arrested in Elizabeth with Bertrick Artis, Angelique Morris, Javier Cruz, and Kennin Chavez)
      \nPossession, possession with intent, distribution under \u00bd ounce of heroin
      \nConspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute over 5oz of heroin
      \nPossession of heroin
      \nPossession with intent to distribute over 5 ounces of heroin.<\/li>\n
    • Angenlique N Morris<\/strong> $400,000 no 10% (Arrested 3\/31\/15)
      \n15 Williams Street \u2013 Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
      \n(23 YOA)
      \nPossession of heroin
      \nPossession with the intent to distribute over 5 ounces of heroin
      \nConspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute over 5 ounces of heroin.<\/li>\n
    • Joseph Collins<\/strong> $250,000 no 10% (Arrested 4\/16\/15)
      \n119 Oregon Ave \u2013 Waretown, NJ (Home Address)
      \n(37 YOA)
      \nConspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute over 5 ounces of heroin.<\/li>\n
    • Javier Cruz<\/strong> $250,000 no 10% (Arrested 3\/31\/15)
      \n2144 Bronx Park East, Apt B1, Bronx, NY 10462
      \n(25 YOA)
      \nPossession of heroin
      \nPossession with intent over 5 ounces of heroin
      \nDistribution of over 5 ounces of heroin.<\/li>\n
    • Kennin Chavez<\/strong> $250,000 no 10% (Arrested 3\/31\/15)
      \n2899 Kingsbridge Terrace, Bronx, NY 10463
      \n(19 YOA)
      \nPossession of heroin
      \nPossession with intent over 5 ounces of heroin
      \nDistribution of over 5 ounces of heroin.<\/li>\n
    • Tira Fisher<\/strong> (Arrested on 3\/31\/15 and released on a summons)
      \n1321 Paris Court \u2013 Lakewood, NJ 08701 (Home address and arrest location)
      \n(34 YOA)
      \nPossession of marijuana under 50 grams
      \nPossession of drug paraphernalia.<\/li>\n
    • Rayquan Hagan<\/strong> $250,000 cash only (Arrested on 3\/31\/15)
      \n2250 West County Line Road, Apt A12 \u2013 Jackson, NJ 08757 (Home address and arrest location)
      \n(19 YOA)
      \nPossession of heroin
      \nPossession with intent to distribute under \u00bd ounce of heroin
      \nPossession of un-prescribed Percocet
      \nPossession of crack cocaine
      \nPossession of less than 50 grams of marijuana
      \nUnlawful possession of a weapon
      \nPossession of a weapon during a CDS offence
      \nConspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute over 5 ounces of heroin.<\/li>\n
    • Jalisha M. Rivera<\/strong> $30,000 no 10% (Arrested on 3\/31\/15)
      \n2250 West Count Line Road, Apr A12 \u2013 Jackson, NJ 08757 (Home address and arrest location)
      \n(22 YOA)
      \nPossession of heroin
      \nPossession with intent to distribute under \u00bd ounce of heroin
      \nPossession of un-prescribed Percocet
      \nPossession of crack cocaine.<\/li>\n
    • Kevin Hunter<\/strong> $200,000 no 10% (Arrested 3\/31\/15)
      \n1411 New Hampshire Ave \u2013 Lakewood, NJ 08701 (Home address)
      \n(26 YOA)
      \nConspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute over 5 ounces of heroin.<\/li>\n
    • Tarell Jones<\/strong> $150,000 no 10% (Arrested 4\/6\/15)
      \n131 East 7th Street \u2013 Lakewood, NJ 08701 (Home address)
      \n(25 YOA)
      \nConspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute over 5 ounces of heroin.<\/li>\n
    • Jason Livingston<\/strong> $200,000 cash only (Arrested 4\/7\/15)
      \n160 James Street \u2013 Jamestown Apartment \u2013 Toms River, NJ 08754 (Home address)
      \n(34 YOA)
      \nConspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute over 5 ounces of heroin.<\/li>\n
    • Monik Powell<\/strong> (Arrested on 3\/31\/15 and released on a summons)
      \n242 John Street \u2013 Lakewood, NJ 08701
      \n(40 YOA)
      \nPossession of less than 50 grams of marijuana<\/li>\n
    • Toni Sisler<\/strong> $150,000 no 10% (Arrested 4\/9\/15)
      \n209 Sinclair Ave \u2013 Lanoka Harbor, NJ
      \n(27 YOA)
      \nConspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute over 5 ounces of heroin.<\/li>\n
    • Daren Smith<\/strong> $200,000 no 10% (Arrested 3\/31\/15)
      \n30 Potomac Drive \u2013 Barnegat, NJ 08005
      \n(47 YOA)
      \nConspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute over 5 ounces of heroin<\/li>\n
    • Anthony Wright Jr.<\/strong> $100,000 no 10% (Arrested 3\/31\/15)
      \n1152 Anthony Court \u2013 Lakewood, NJ 08701
      \n(21 YOA)
      \nConspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute over 5 ounces of heroin<\/li>\n
    • Michael Harris<\/strong> $200,000 no 10% (FUGITIVE FROM JUSTICE)
      \n156 Lucy Road \u2013 Lakewood, NJ 08701 (Home address)
      \n(YOA 24)
      \nConspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute over 5 ounces of heroin
      \nAnyone with information as to the whereabouts of\u00a0 Michael Harris are asked to contact the Ocean County Prosecutor\u2019s Office Special Operations Group at 732-341-6150.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Operation Sin City:<\/strong><\/p>\n

        \n
      • Jonathan \u201cSin\u201d Gonzalez<\/strong> \u2013 $600,000 cash only (ARRESTED 4\/23\/15)
        \n225 West Leeds Road, Apartment 10, Pleasantville, NJ
        \n224 Swan Boulevard, Toms River, NJ
        \n(32YOA)
        \n(Arrested w Miasia Johnson and Faythe Darling on motor vehicle stop on Route 70 in Manchester)
        \nLeader of a narcotics trafficking network
        \nMaintaining or operating a controlled dangerous substance production facility
        \nPossession with the intent to distribute over 5 ounces of heroin
        \nConspiracy to distribute over 5 ounces of heroin
        \nConspiracy to distribute over \u00bd ounce of cocaine
        \n3 counts each of possession of heroin
        \nPossession with intent over one half ounce of heroin
        \nDistribution of over one half ounce heroin<\/li>\n
      • Joseph Cruz<\/strong> \u2013 $300,000 no 10% (FUGITIVE FROM JUSTICE)
        \n(LKA) 220 9th Street, Apartment 31-A, Lakewood NJ
        \nAlso known to reside in locations within Philadelphia PA.
        \n(31YOA)
        \nPossession, possession with intent, distribution over \u00bd of cocaine
        \nConspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute over 5oz of heroin
        \nAnyone with information as to the whereabouts of Joseph Cruz are asked to contact the Ocean County Prosecutor\u2019s Office Special Operations Group at 732-341-6150.<\/li>\n
      • Kellyann Lomberk<\/strong> \u2013 $150,000 cash only (ARRESTED 4\/24\/15)
        \n18B Amesbury Way \u2013 Manchester, NJ
        \n(35YOA)
        \nConspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute over 5oz of heroin
        \nPossession of heroin
        \nPossession with intent under one half ounce of heroin
        \nDistribution of under \u00bd ounce of heroin.<\/li>\n
      • Adam Bertolo<\/strong> \u2013 $150,000 no 10%\u00a0 (ARRESTED 4\/24\/15)
        \n(34YOA)
        \nConspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute over 5oz of heroin<\/li>\n
      • Alicia D. Noble<\/strong> (ARRESTED ON 4\/23\/15 RELEASED ON A SUMMONS)
        \n225 West Leeds Road, Apartment 10, Pleasantville, NJ 08232
        \n(25YOA)
        \nPossession of cocaine
        \nPossession of less than 50 grams of marijuana<\/li>\n
      • Oniesha T. Noble<\/strong> (ARRESTED ON 4\/23\/15 RELEASED ON A SUMMONS)
        \n225 West Leeds Road, Apartment 10, Pleasantville, NJ 08232
        \n(19YOA)
        \nPossession of less than 50 grams of marijuana<\/li>\n
      • Jaclyn Guzman<\/strong> \u2013 $150,000 no 10%\u00a0 (ARRESTED 4\/24\/15)
        \nRodeway Inn, Room 301 \u2013 Toms River, NJ
        \n(24YOA)
        \nConspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute over 5oz of heroin<\/li>\n
      • Melanie Cornelisse<\/strong> \u2013 $150,000 no 10% (ARRESTED 4\/23\/15)
        \n30 River Drive \u2013 Toms River, NJ
        \n(44YOA)
        \nConspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute over 5oz of heroin<\/li>\n
      • Lori Kemerson-Mackey<\/strong> \u2013 $150,000 no 10% (ARRESTED 4\/23\/15)
        \n424 Morris Boulevard \u2013 Toms River
        \n(45YOA)
        \nConspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute over 5oz of heroin<\/li>\n
      • Amber Pomponio<\/strong> \u2013 $100,000 no 10% (FUGITIVE FROM JUSTICE)
        \n424 Morris Boulevard \u2013 Toms River
        \n(26YOA)
        \nConspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute over 5oz of heroin
        \nAnyone with information as to the whereabouts of Amber Pomponio are asked to contact the Ocean County Prosecutor\u2019s Office Special Operations Group at 732-341-6150.<\/li>\n
      • Rachelle Porter<\/strong> \u2013 $75,000 no 10%\u00a0 (ARRESTED 4\/23\/15)
        \n159 Attison Avenue \u2013 South Toms River (Home address and arrest location)
        \n(Arrested with Calvin Hardy)
        \n(32YOA)
        \nConspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute over 5oz of heroin<\/li>\n
      • Joshua Maken<\/strong> \u2013 $75,000 no 10%\u00a0 (ARRESTED 4\/24\/15)
        \nRodeway Inn, Room 316 \u2013 Toms River
        \n(21YOA)
        \nConspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute over 5oz of heroin<\/li>\n
      • Miasia S. Johnson<\/strong> (ARRESTED ON 4\/23\/15 RELEASED ON A SUMMONS)
        \n71 Village Drive \u2013 Barnegat, NJ 08005 (Home address)
        \n(Arrested w J. Gonzalez and Faythe Darling on motor vehicle stop on Route 70 in Manchester)
        \n(21 YOA)
        \nPossession of less than \u00bd ounce of heroin
        \nPossession with the intent to distribute less than \u00bd ounce of heroin<\/li>\n
      • Jennifer A. Swain<\/strong> (ARRESTED ON SUMMONS 4\/23\/15)
        \n3116 Victor Ave \u2013 Toms River, NJ 08753 (Home address and arrest location)
        \n(39 YOA)
        \nPossession of less than \u00bd ounce of heroin
        \nPossession with the intent to distribute less than \u00bd ounce of heroin<\/li>\n
      • Faythe A. Darling<\/strong> (ARRESTED ON SUMMONS 4\/23\/15)
        \n224 Swan Boulevard \u2013 Toms River, NJ 08753 (Home address)
        \n(Arrested w J. Gonzalez and Miasia Johnson on motor vehicle stop on Route 70 in Manchester)
        \n(29 YOA)
        \nPossession of less than \u00bd ounce of heroin
        \nPossession with the intent to distribute less than \u00bd ounce of heroin
        \nMaintaining or operating a controlled dangerous substance production facility<\/li>\n
      • Timothy S. Mackey<\/strong> (ARRESTED ON SUMMONS 4\/23\/15)
        \n424 Morris Boulevard \u2013 Toms River, NJ 08753 (Home address and arrest location)
        \n(45 YOA)
        \nPossession of less than \u00bd ounce of heroin
        \nPossession with the intent to distribute less than \u00bd ounce of heroin<\/li>\n
      • Rachelle Porter<\/strong> $75,000 no 10% (ARRESTED 4\/23\/15)
        \n159 Attison Avenue \u2013 South Toms River, NJ 08757 (Home address and arrest location)
        \n(Arrested with Calvin Hardy at 159 Attison)
        \n(32 YOA)
        \nConspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute over 5oz of heroin<\/li>\n
      • Calvin L. Hardy<\/strong> (ARRESTED ON 4\/23\/15 RELEASED ON A SUMMONS)
        \n68 Center Street \u2013 Apartment 1 \u2013 Toms River, NJ 08757 (Home address)
        \n(Arrested with Rachelle Porter at 159 Attison Avenue)
        \n(32YOA)
        \nPossession of less than \u00bd ounce of heroin
        \nPossession with the intent to distribute less than \u00bd ounce of heroin.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        \u00a0<\/p>\n

        <\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

        Brick residents were among those charged in the takedown of two heroin distribution networks that reached from Ocean County to Philadelphia, and across other parts of New Jersey, Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato announced Wednesday. The heroin networks were responsible for importing about a kilogram of heroin per week to Ocean County \u2013 enough […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4457,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[3],"tags":[24,73,63,1240,1239],"class_list":["post-4439","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-police-fire-courts","tag-brick-nj-news","tag-drug-distribution","tag-heroin","tag-joseph-gonzalez","tag-tora-evans"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/shorebeat.com\/brick\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Operation-Sin-City-REV.jpg","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pgt2Ft-19B","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/shorebeat.com\/brick\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4439","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/shorebeat.com\/brick\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/shorebeat.com\/brick\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/shorebeat.com\/brick\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/shorebeat.com\/brick\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4439"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/shorebeat.com\/brick\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4439\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/shorebeat.com\/brick\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4457"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/shorebeat.com\/brick\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4439"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/shorebeat.com\/brick\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4439"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/shorebeat.com\/brick\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4439"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}