‘Crime Suppression Operation’ Results in Four Arrests

VILLAS – Cape May County Prosecutor Robert L. Taylor and Lower Township Police Chief William Mastriana announce the arrest of four individuals for possession and distribution of controlled dangerous substances Aug. 22.
These arrests are the result of a crime suppression operation conducted by the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office Gangs, Guns, and Narcotics Task Force and members of the Lower Police Department. This operation was in efforts to target high crime areas and apprehend subjects distributing narcotics. Arrested during this operation were the following:
Antonio Richardson, 21, residing on Silver Run Road in Millville, NJ, was arrested after he was observed distributing “Mollies,” a pure form of Methylenedioxy Methylamphetamine (MDMA), in the area of Wilson and Third Avenues in Lower Township. Richardson was charged with possession of CDS, a crime of the third degree and distribution of CDS, a crime of the third degree. Richardson’s bail was set at $25,000 by Judge Hillegass.
Andrew Hill, 21, Dean Foster, 18, and Mark Maslanka, age 19, all residents of Villas, were arrested from the result of a motor vehicle stop. A search of the vehicle revealed distribution amounts of marijuana and drug paraphernalia, indicating the distribution of marijuana. All three subjects were charged with possession of marijuana a fourth degree crime, possession with the intent to distribute marijuana, a thrid degree crime and possession of drug paraphernalia, a disorderly persons offense. Bail was set at $20,000 for each individual by Judge Hillegass. The driver’s vehicle, a 2003 Pontiac Grand Am was seized and impounded for impending forfeiture.
Prosecutor Taylor advises that 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 each municipality in the County to target these drug distributors 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, 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.