Bust Shuts ‘Significant’ Drug Network; Seven Arrested

GREEN CREEK — A “significant drug distribution network” that allegedly operated in southern Cape May County, was “eliminated” today, with seven arrests, according to County Prosecutor Robert Taylor.
Members of the county Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Task Force started an 18-month-long investigation into the activities of Stephen G. Grasch, 29, 900 South Route 47 here, and h is father, Albert T. Grasch Sr., 59, the 500 block Washington Boulevard, North Cape May.
According to a release issued at 2:44 p.m., the investigation was brought to an end when investigators interrupted the sale of over four ounces of cocaine by Stephen DiCristofaro, 46, of Medford to the younger Grasch on Saturday evening.
Consequently, 40 members of the Cape May County Regional SWAT Team spread out throughout Lower and Middle townships to simultaneously execute search and arrest warrants at three locations.
The residences of both Grasches and Stephen’s mother, Karen Grasch, 57, of the 100 block Vermont Avenue; Villas were searched with court-authorized search warrants.
Approximately $26,000 in cash, and 4.5 ounces of cocaine, with estimated street value of $13,000 was confiscated. Additionally, over 600 prescription pills, including Xanax, hydrocodone and anabolic steroids, with estimated street value of $3,500, and four motor vehicles were seized in the searches.
Arrested were:
Stephen G. Grasch, charged with being a leader of a narcotics distribution network. He was remanded to county jail on $500,000 bail.
Albert T. Grasch Sr., charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine, endangering the welfare of a child, distribution of cocaine over a half ounce. He was remanded to county jail on $200,000 bail for the first two charges and additional $200,000 cash bail for the other charge.
Stephen DiCristofaro, charged with distribution of CDS. He was remanded to county jail on $100,000 bail.
Karen M. Grasch, charged with distribution of CDS, bail set at $100,000 released on own recognizance.
Arthur W. Creamer, 58, 300 block Washington Boulevard, North Cape May, Conspiracy to distribute CDS, obstruction, hindering, bail, $200,000 released on own recognizance.
Hector R. Velez, 35, 3400 block Helen Street, Philadelphia, Pa., possession of CDS, distribution of CDDS, bail $25,000, remanded to county jail.
Emma D. Velez, 34, of 8000 block Ditman Street, Philadelphia, Pa., possession of CDS and distribution of CDS, bail, $25,000, remanded to county jail.
Taylor stated that the investigation was “a cooperative effort” involving the following: County Prosecutor’s Office, North Wildwood Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration, both with officers assigned to the Narcotics Task Force; Middle Township and Lower Township Police Departments, Cape May Police Department, and Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Organized Crime Unit.
Other agencies involved were the Cape May County Sheriff’s Department Canine Unit and New Jersey State Police.
Civil forfeiture actions were filed today by the Prosecutor’s Office in Superior Court seeking forfeiture of the real property known as 506 Washington Boulevard, North Cape May, owned by Albert ad Karen Grasch, and the property at 900 Route 47, Green Creek, owned by Stephen Grasch.
Forfeiture actions were also expected on seized vehicles and funds.
The investigation is ongoing and additional arrests are anticipated.