VILLAS – Cape May County Prosecutor Robert L. Taylor and Lower Township Police Chief William Mastriana announce the arrest of James Matthews, 24, and two other individuals from the 100 block Oregon Avenue in Villas for drug possession and distribution charges.
This arrest was the conclusion of a cooperative investigation between the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office, Gangs, Guns and Narcotics Task Force and the Lower Township Police Department Detective Division.
On Aug. 12, with the assistance of the Cape May County Regional SWAT Team, a court authorized search warrant was executed on the 100 block Oregon Avenue in Villas. As a result, James Matthews, Tamara Matthews, 47, and Raymond Middleton, 26, were arrested and charged with possession of controlled dangerous substance (CDS), a crime of the fourth degree and distribution of CDS, a crime of the third degree.
Seized as a result of the search warrant were approximately two pounds of marijuana, $5,000, two shot guns, two AR-15 assault rifle lower receivers and one high capacity magazine.
James Mathews was additionally charged with possessing a high capacity magazine, a crime of the fourth degree. Both James Matthews and Middleton were lodged in the Cape May County Correctional Center in lieu of $20,000 full cash bail. Tamara Matthews was released with a summons complaint pending court proceedings.
Prosecutor Taylor advises that persons convicted of a third degree crime are subject to a term of imprisonment of three to five years in New Jersey State Prison and fourth degree crimes can carry a sentence of up to 18 months in 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 the 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 through the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office at 609-465-1135.
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.
