Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced the culmination of a two-month investigation into illegal drug activity in Ocean County.
Detectives from the Prosecutor's Narcotics Strike Force collaborated with the South Toms River Police Department to conduct an investigation into the distribution of Cocaine in the South Toms River area which resulted in the arrest of three Ocean County residents on various drug charges.
According to authorities, on Friday, detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office with members of the South Toms River Police Department, the Ocean County Regional SWAT Team, and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department K-9 Unit, executed search warrants for an address in South Toms River and Midtown Pizza on Dover Road in South Toms River.
As a result, law enforcement seized approximately 45 grams of Cocaine as well as various quantities of Marijuana and Drug Paraphernalia – all indicative of possession with intent to distribute and outright distribution of Controlled Dangerous Substances. At this time, approximately $19,000 in cash was seized in connection with the investigation. Prosecutor Billhimer’s newly established Asset Forfeiture Unit will determine if additional seizures are warranted.
Police arrested and charged Hector Miranda, 33, of South Toms River, with two Counts of Possession With Intent to Distribute More than One Half Ounce but Less than Five Ounces of Cocaine, Distribution of More than One Half Ounce but Less than Five Ounces of Cocaine, two Counts of Possession of Cocaine, Financial Facilitation of Criminal Activity, Possession With Intent to Distribute More Than One Ounce but less than Five Pounds of Marijuana, Possession of Marijuana less than Fifty Grams in and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Miranda is currently lodged in the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.
Officials also arrested and charged Brian Rung, 32, of Beachwood, with Possession with Intent to Distribute More than One Half Ounce but Less than Five Ounces of Cocaine, Possession of More than One Half Ounce but less than Five Ounces of Cocaine, Financial Facilitation of Criminal Activity, Possession with Intent to Distribute More than One Ounce but Less than Five Pounds of Marijuana, Possession of Less than 50 Grams of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Rung was released from the Ocean County Jail pending a future court date.
Finally, police arrested and charged
Erika Torres-Bruno, 32, of South Toms River, with Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine in a Quantity less than One Half Ounce. Torres-Bruno was released from the Ocean County Jail pending a future court date.
Members of the public and the press are reminded that all defendants are innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.