Indictments Filed June 22

COURT HOUSE – A SWAT team raid on a motel in Wildwood April 22 led to nine men being indicted June 22 on drug charges. Around 10 p.m., the Cape May County Special Weapons and Tactics Team entered units 15-A and 25 of the motel executing search warrants. Both heroin and marijuana were found in quantities that merit distribution charges.
The men were indicted on possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, a fourth-degree offense, and possession of heroin with intent to distribute, third degree. Since the crimes were within 1,000 feet of a school, two more counts, each third degree, were added.
The indictment also alleges that the men sought to “obstruct by means of force or intimidation” against “those who might aid” in their apprehension. This resulted in a charge of hindering apprehension, fourth degree.
Indicted were: Kevin L. Vega-Aquilar, 23, Jonathan Romos-Ocasio, 27, Erick D. Arocho-Sanchez, 22, Pedro Lopez-Acevedo, 31, Kenzy Valentin-Valentin, 20, Jose Aviles-Rodriguez, 24, Manuel Aviles-Rodriguez, 24, Omayra Sanchez-Irizarr, 43, and Josue Arocho-Sanchez, 22.
Salvadore F. Patitucci of Court House was indicted on three counts of endangering the welfare of a child, second degree, aggravated assault, fourth degree, and possession of a weapon for unlawful purposes, second degree. The indictment alleges that Patitucci pointed a “black powder revolver” at three juveniles ranging in age from 15 to 17. The incident occurred in Middle Township Feb. 1.
The grand jury indicted Andrew M. Enman, 27, and James J. Jones, 24, both of Villas, for possession of a weapon for unlawful purposes, second degree, conspiracy, second degree, and possession of a weapon by a “certain person,” second degree. The weapon in question was a ‘Black Smith & Wesson BB gun.” Enman, having been previous convicted of burglary, could not possess a firearm, which led to the “certain person” charge.
A Delaware man was indicted on charges of robbing, first degree, aggravated assault, second degree, burglary two counts, third degree, theft, third degree, and theft, fourth degree. Mark G. Caserta, Jr., 26, of Wilmington allegedly assaulted and robbed a delivery man at 14th and Central avenues, North Wildwood April 19.
When police arrived, Caserta had fled the scene but was apprehended in the 400 block of 15th Avenue. Subsequent investigation demonstrated that Caserta had committed multiple car burglaries as well.
Brian Bowden, 28, of Del Haven was indicted for two counts each of aggravated sexual assault, first degree, endangering the welfare of a child, third degree, and terroristic threats, third degree. The indictment alleges that Bowden committed acts of “sexual penetration” involving two girls under the age of 13 during the period from January 2005 to May 2008. The indictment also alleges that Bowden used terroristic threats against both individuals in an effort to escape detection.
Jason Ruiz, 31, and William Torres of Wildwood were indicted on two counts of possession and possession with intent to distribute, both third degree, involving both heroin and cocaine in quantities less than ½ ounce. Ruiz was also charged with intent to distribute controlled dangerous substances with 1,000 feet of a school, Wildwood High School, and within 500 feet of public property, Holly Beach Park. The incident occurred May 15 and Ruiz has been in the Cape May County Correctional Center since May 16.
The individuals are only charged with the offenses and are presumed innocent until proven guilty.