COURT HOUSE – Cape May County Prosecutor Robert L. Taylor, Middle Township Police Chief Christopher Leusner and Wildwood Police Chief Robert Regalbuto announce the arrest of Kevin Powell, 40, of Wildwood for the distribution of cocaine Dec. 15.
This arrest was the conclusion of a cooperative three-month investigation between the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office, Gangs, Guns and Narcotics Task Force, Middle Township Police and Wildwood Police departments regarding Powell distributing “Crack Cocaine” throughout Cape May County.
Powell was arrested by members of the Gangs, Guns and Narcotics Task Force in his vehicle while in the Rio Grande section of Middle Township. After Powell was taken into custody, a court authorized search warrant was executed on Powell’s vehicle. Search of this vehicle revealed 60 bags of “Crack Cocaine” with an estimated street value of $3,000. Additionally, $1,526 and a vehicle were seized as being proceeds of the distribution of cocaine.
Also charged in this investigation was Romaine Rhett, 40, of Vineland, N.J. for possession of marijuana.
Powell was charged with second degree distribution of controlled dangerous substance (CDS) within 500 feet of a public place, third degree distribution of CDS, and third degree possession of CDS. Powell was lodged in the Cape May County Correctional Center in lieu of $90,000 cash bail.
Rhett was charged with possession of marijuana, a disorderly persons offense. Rhett was processed and released on a summons pending court proceedings.
Prosecutor Taylor advises that persons convicted of a second degree crime are subject to a term of imprisonment of 5 to 10 years and persons convicted of a third degree crime are subject to a term of imprisonment of 3 to 5 years in New Jersey State Prison.
Prosecutor Taylor stated that his office will continue to work hand in hand with the local municipalities to target anyone selling illegal controlled dangerous substances.
Prosecutor Taylor continues to urge the citizens of Cape May County to report any information regarding illegal drug activity and or any criminal activity within community and that this information can be reported anonymously through the Cape May County Sheriffs Tip Line at cmcsheriff.net and click on anonymous tip, or through the Cape May County Crime Stoppers at 609-465-2800 or 877-465-2801, or the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office at 609-465-1168.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty. This report is based on information received from law enforcement.
