By: Yuritza Arroyo
Ocean County authorities announced an investigation into the illegal distribution of Marijuana and THC-related products in the Ocean County area.
According to officials, this cooperative, multi-agency investigation identified a business in Toms River called “EarthE CBD,” as well as two residences - one in Toms River and one in Brick Township - as being utilized by Scott Carlino, 52, of Toms River, and his mother, Ellen Carlino, 74, of Brick Township, to store and distribute large quantities of marijuana and THC-related products.
Officials say between the months of May and September 2023, Detectives from the aforementioned law enforcement agencies conducted surveillance on the business in Toms River and the residences in Toms River and Brick Township.
On September 28, Detectives observed Scott Carlino leaving the residence in Toms River and enter his vehicle. Carlino was thereafter observed traveling north on the Garden State Parkway; a motor vehicle stop was effectuated on Carlino’s vehicle by the New Jersey State Police, and he was taken into custody without incident.
According to authorities, multiple court-authorized search warrants were then executed upon the business in Toms River and the two subject residences. As a result, law enforcement seized – in combination from the business and the two residences – approximately 70 pounds of marijuana, 1,500 pounds of THC-related products, a 9 mm handgun, and approximately $390,000 in United States currency.
Additionally, Detectives seized approximately $217,000 from personal bank accounts belonging to Scott Carlino.
Scott Carlino was charged with Possession of Marijuana in a Quantity Greater than 25 Pounds with Intent to Distribute, Maintaining or Operating a Controlled Dangerous Substance Facility, Possession of a Weapon during the course of Controlled Dangerous Substance Offenses, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Financial Facilitation. He was transported to the Ocean County Jail, where he is presently lodged pending a detention hearing.
Authorities say Ellen Carlino was charged with Conspiracy to Commit Financial Facilitation and taken into custody at the Brick Township residence.
Ellen Carlino was served with the charge via summons pending an upcoming first appearance in Ocean County Superior Court.