Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp announces that Kayron Jackson, aka Alkama Jackson, aka “Keys,” of Mount Olive, was indicted today (October 24) on numerous charges stemming from an investigation into the May death of Jennifer Ward, 35, in Jefferson Township.
An 18-count Indictment was returned against Jackson, 37, charging him with the first degree crime of Strict Liability for Drug-Induced Death, and the third degree crime of Distribution of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (Fentanyl).
These charges are related to allegations that Jackson distributed Fentanyl to Ward on May 4 in Mount Olive, which then resulted in her death. In addition to these charges, Jackson was also indicted on charges of third degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (Fentanyl) and third degree Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance (Fentanyl) for his alleged conduct on May 4.
The Grand Jury also returned charges against Jackson related to multiple other instances of alleged drug dealing.
They are as follows:
1. April 24, 2017 – Jackson was indicted on charges of Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (Heroin), Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance (Heroin), and multiple counts of Distribution of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (Heroin) for conduct alleged to have occurred on April 24, 2017 in Mount. Olive. All charges from this date are in the third degree.
2. May 6, 2017 - Jackson was indicted on charges of Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (Fentanyl), Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance (Fentanyl), and Distribution of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (Fentanyl) for conduct alleged to have occurred on May 6, 2017 in Hopatcong. All charges from this date are in the third degree.
3. May 7, 2017 - Jackson was indicted on charges of Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (Fentanyl), Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance (Fentanyl), and Distribution of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (Fentanyl) for conduct alleged to have occurred on May 7, 2017 in Mount Olive. All charges from this date are in the third degree.
4. May 8, 2017 - Jackson was indicted on charges of Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (Fentanyl), Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance (Fentanyl), and Distribution of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (Fentanyl) for conduct alleged to have occurred on May 8, 2017 in Mount Olive. All charges from this date are in the third degree.
Lastly, the Grand Jury also returned a charge against Jackson of Hindering His Own Apprehension or Prosecution, a crime of the third degree, for conduct alleged to have occurred on July 28, 2017.
Jackson had previously been charged by way of a warrant-complaint with numerous crimes related to this death investigation. Those charges were authorized on July 27 by Superior Court Judge Thomas J. Critchley. Jackson was subsequently arrested on those charges on July 28 in Mount Olive and has been since remanded to the Morris County Correctional Facility pending future court proceedings.
Despite the return of an Indictment in this matter, this defendant is presumed innocent unless, or until, he is proven guilty in court.