Drug-Induced Death Results in 3 Indictments

The following is based on information received from a law enforcement agency. The persons named are innocent until proven otherwise in court.
COURT HOUSE – Cape May County Prosecutor Jeffrey H. Sutherland and Lower Township Police Chief William Mastriana announced the grand jury indictment of three individuals Oct. 23 for first-degree drug-induced death and other drug-related charges, according to a release.
On July 21, Eric Nolan, 35, was found unresponsive inside his residence in North Cape May. Paramedics and officers from Lower Township attempted to resuscitate Nolan but were unsuccessful.
A death investigation was immediately initiated by detectives from the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office and the Lower Township Police Department. On Aug. 10, three individuals were charged regarding the death of Nolan:
Susan E. Mazzone, 43, of Court House, was charged with drug-induced death. Mazzone was subsequently lodged in the Atlantic County jail pending court proceedings.
Lauren M. Dorff, 31, of Villas, was charged with drug-induced death and possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance. Dorff was subsequently lodged in the Atlantic County jail pending court proceedings.
Sherman R. Martin, 44, of Court House, was charged with possession with intent to distribute a counterfeit narcotic, conspiracy to distribute a controlled dangerous substance and possession of a counterfeit prescription pill. Sherman was released with summonses pending court proceedings.
Additional charges were filed against Mazzone Aug. 16 for possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance (two counts) and conspiracy to distribute a controlled dangerous substance (two counts.)
On Oct. 23, a Cape May County grand jury indicted Mazzone, Dorff, and Martin on the following charges:
Mazzone was indicted for drug-induced death, possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance (three counts) and conspiracy to distribute a controlled dangerous substance.
Dorff was indicted for drug-induced death and possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance.
Martin was indicted for possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance (two counts) and conspiracy to distribute a controlled dangerous substance.
Prosecutor Sutherland stated if an individual sells drugs to another individual which results in their death, they will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
Sutherland further stated that individuals charged with a first-degree crime can be sentenced to a term of 10 to 20 years in New Jersey State Prison and third-degree crimes can carry a sentence of three to five years in prison.
Sutherland urged anyone who has information regarding this investigation or any criminal activity to contact the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office at 609-465-1135, or text anonymously through the Cape May County Sheriff’s Tip Line at cmcsheriff.net and click on anonymous tip, or contact the Cape May County Crime Stoppers at 609-465-2900.