By: Najla Alexander
Authorities in Ocean County announced that on April 4, Octavaeous Jenkins, 50, of Toms River, was sentenced by the Honorable Dina M. Vicari, J.S.C., to 11 years New Jersey State Prison (NJSP) relative to his previously entered guilty plea to Distribution of More than Five Ounces of Cocaine in connection with an investigation that occurred in May 2023.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer stated that, additionally, Judge Vicari sentenced Jenkins to 11 years in NJSP relative to his guilty plea to Possession of More than Five Ounces of Cocaine with the Intent to distribute in connection with an investigation that took place between July and August 2024.
OCPO officials say the sentences will run concurrently, and Jenkins pled guilty to both charges before Judge Vicari on February 20.
According to Ocean County officials, this cooperative, multi-agency investigation identified residences in South Toms River and Brick Township as being utilized by Jenkins to store and distribute cocaine. Additionally, the investigation identified a residence in Long Branch as being utilized by Ralph Durand, 58, of Long Branch, to store and distribute cocaine.
Detectives from the aforementioned law enforcement agencies initiated surveillance on the subject's residences in South Toms River, Brick Township, and Long Branch in May 2023, Ocean County authorities said. On May 9, 2023, Detectives observed Jenkins meeting with Durand in Long Branch.
OCPO officials stated that Jenkins and Durand were subsequently detained and found to be in possession of approximately one kilogram of cocaine. Jenkins and Durand were thereafter placed under arrest without incident.
Multiple court-authorized search warrants were then executed on all of the subject residences. As a result, law enforcement seized, in combination from all three residences, approximately 1.25 kilograms of cocaine, $56,000 in United States currency, 20 grams of crack cocaine, and 50 dosage units of heroin, according to OCPO authorities.
Additionally, Ocean County officials say detectives seized approximately $488,500 in personal banking accounts belonging to Durand, believed to be related to the narcotics distribution network.
Jenkins and Durand were both charged with numerous narcotics-related offenses on May 9, 2023, Ocean County authorities stated. Both defendants were transported to the Ocean County Jail, and subsequently released as a consequence of bail reform.
A subsequent investigation that spanned the months of July and August 2024 revealed that Jenkins was utilizing residences in Lakewood, Bayville, and Wall Township to store and distribute Cocaine, OCPO officials said.
According to Ocean County officials, on August 27, 2024, Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force effected a motor vehicle stop on a vehicle being operated by Jenkins as he traveled through Lakewood. Jenkins was found to be in possession of approximately 60 grams of cocaine.
He was placed under arrest without incident and transported to the Ocean County Jail, where he has been detained since August 27, 2024, Ocean County authorities stated.
On that same date, Detectives executed court-authorized search warrants on the three subject residences and two motor vehicles that were being utilized by Jenkins. As a result, Detectives seized approximately 293 grams of Cocaine, OCPO officials say. 
Ocean County officials stated that on February 20, Durand pled guilty to Possession of More than one-half ounce but Less than Five Ounces of Cocaine with the Intent to distribute before Judge Vicari.
At the time of his sentencing on April 25, 2025, the State will be seeking a term of 10 years NJSP, Ocean County officials said.