This report is based on information received from the Prosecutor’s Office. The abbreviation CDS below stands for controlled dangerous substance.
NORTH WILDWOOD – Cape May County Prosecutor Robert L. Taylor and North Wildwood Police Chief Matthew Gallagher announce the arrest of Kevin Kelly-Pallanta, 28, and Jennifer L. Erhart, 39, both residents of North Wildwood.
These arrests were the conclusion of a cooperative investigation between the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office, Gangs, Guns and Narcotics Task Force and the North Wildwood Police Department Detective Division involving the distribution of methamphetamine.
On June 6, a court authorized search warrant was executed by the Cape May County Regional SWAT Team at Kelly-Pallanta’s residence in the 200 East block 22nd Avenue, North Wildwood. Seized as a result of this search warrant was approximately a half ounce of suspected methamphetamine and a digital scale.
As a result of this investigation, Kelly-Pallanta was charged with distribution of CDS (methamphetamine), second degree, possession of CDS (methamphetamine), third degree, and possession with the intent to distribute CDS within 1,000 feet of a school zone, third degree. Kelly-Pallanta was lodged in the Cape May County Correctional Center pending court proceedings under bail reform.
Erhart was charged with distribution of CDS (methamphetamine), second degree, possession of CDS (methamphetamine), third degree, and possession with the intent to distribute CDS within 1,000 feet of a school zone, third degree. Erhart was also lodged in the Cape May County Correctional Center pending court proceedings under bail reform.
Prosecutor Taylor advises that persons convicted of a second degree crime are subject to a term of five to 10 years in New Jersey State Prison and individuals convicted of a third degree crime can be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of three to five years. Prosecutor Taylor stated his office will continue to work hand in hand with the local municipalities to target anyone selling illegal CDS.
Prosecutor Taylor continues to urge the citizens of Cape May County to report any information regarding illegal drug activity or any criminal activity within the community, and this information can be reported to the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office at (609) 465-1135, or anonymously through the Cape May County Sheriff’s Tip Line at cmcsheriff.net and click on anonymous tip, or through the Cape May County Crime Stoppers at 609-465-2800.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
