Atlantic County Grand Jury on February 1st, handed up an indictment of 10 additional individuals, 6 of them connected to 3 strict liability homicides for the deaths of Hector Santos, William S. Ang, and Caroline Boothby, Atlantic County Prosecutor Damon G. Tyner announced.
“Drug dealers should be aware that if you sell drugs that cause the death of others, they will be charged with homicide,” said Atlantic County Prosecutor Damon G. Tyner.
The 10 individuals who are indicted are connected to George Stokes, 41, who was also indicted on 29 charges, including, 3 counts of first degree Drug Induced Death Strict Liability Homicide for the deaths of Hector Santos, 29, William S. Ang, 33, and Caroline Boothby, 22.
According to authorities, Stokes was also indicted on first degree Leader of a Narcotics Trafficking Network, as well as, multiple weapons and drugs charges.
The following 10 individuals were also indicted:
* Philip Eldred, 30, of Egg Harbor Township in custody at ACJ, charged with the Strict Liability Drug Induced death of Caroline Boothby on August 2, 2017, 1st degree CDS manufacturing facility, 2nd degree unlawful possession of a handgun, 5 counts 3rd degree CDS distribution, 3rd degree multiple counts of distribution within a school zone, 2nd degree CDS distribution in public zone and 3rd degree Conspiracy.
* Jesus Baker, 39, of Ocean City (still at large), charged with one count of Strict Liability Drug Induced death of William Ang on June 2, 2017, five counts of 3rd degree CDS distribution, three counts 3rd degree multiple counts of CDS distribution
* Khrystian Morris, 31, of Margate (still at large), charged with one count of Strict Liability Drug Induced death of William Ang on June 2, 2017, CDS manufacturing facility and 3rd degree CDS distribution.
* Alissa Cunningham, 30, of Ocean City, in custody at Cape May County Jail, charged with one count of Strict Liability Drug Induced death of William Ang on June 2, 2017, 3rd degree CDS distribution, and 3rd degree multiple counts of CDS distribution.
* Jessica Downey, 39, of Atlantic City (in ICU at ARMC-Mainland), charged with one count of Strict Liability Drug Induced death of William Ang on June 2, 2017 and 3rd degree CDS distribution.
* Angel Cruz, 34, of Atlantic City, in custody at ACJF, charged with two counts of CDS distribution
* Russel Krumaker, 40, of Atlantic City (pending summons), charged with 3rd degree CDS distribution and 3rd degree Conspiracy.
* Sean Devinney, 25, of Atlantic City, in custody at ACJF, charged with 3rd degree CDS distribution and 3rd degree Conspiracy
* Taiwan West , 38, of Atlantic City (pending summons), charged with 3rd degree CDS distribution and 3rd degree Conspiracy.
* Joseph Smalley, 30, of Atlantic City (pending summons), charged with 3rd degree CDS distribution and 3rd degree Distribution within a School Zone.
Individual investigations into each of the three drug related deaths was undertaken by the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit. After months of investigation, it was concluded that the fatal drugs in each case—specifically, fentanyl—were distributed by George Stokes as part of a narcotics trafficking operation he led in Atlantic City throughout 2017. It was also discovered that he maintained multiple CDS manufacturing premises in Atlantic City and Hamilton Township for the production and packaging of the drugs, which included heroin and fentanyl. Stokes employed as many as ten individuals in his operation, some of whom are also charged with playing a role in distributing the fatal drugs.
The investigation was a cooperative effort between the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office and the Atlantic City Police Department. Assistant Prosecutor Rick McKelvey represents the state.
These charges are merely an accusation and not proof of guilt. In all criminal cases, a charged defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Anyone with information involving serious crimes is asked to call the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office at 609-909-7800 or go to the Prosecutor’s Office Web site at http://www.acpo.org/tips.html and provide information by filling out the form anonymously on the Submit a Tip page. People can also call Crime Stoppers at 609-652-1234 or 1-800-658-8477 (TIPS) or visit the Crime Stoppers Website at http://www.crimestoppersatlantic.com/. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards for information leading to the arrest and indictment of those who commit crimes in Atlantic County.