‘Operation Forefathers’ Bust Nets 27; Ends 2-month Narcotics Investigation

The following is based on information received from a law enforcement agency. The persons named are innocent until proven otherwise in court.
CREST HAVEN – Cape May County Prosecutor Jeffrey H. Sutherland, Atlantic County Prosecutor Damon G. Tyner, Cumberland County Prosecutor Jennifer Webb-McRae and Special Agent-in-Charge Valerie Nickerson of the Drug Enforcement Administration announce the conclusion of “Operation Forefathers.” It was a large-scale narcotics investigation initiated by the Cape May and Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Offices and the DEA.
According to a release, during the early morning hours of Sept. 11, SWAT teams from numerous law enforcement agencies executed a total of 16 search warrants in Cape May and Cumberland counties which concluded a two-month-long narcotics investigation into the distribution of heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine, prescription pills, and marijuana.
This investigation was centered in the Woodbine and Millville. During the course of this investigation, it was determined that Harold Santiago, George Williams, Tracey Kluska, and Isiah Fitzpatrick were the leaders of this large-scale drug distribution network.
As a result of this investigation 27 individuals were arrested and 13 vehicles were seized along with approximately 6,540 bags of suspected heroin, six ounces of suspected methamphetamine, two ounces of suspected raw heroin, and numerous pounds of marijuana.
Also seized was in excess of $30,000 in currency, two semiautomatic handguns, and one shotgun.
The suspected heroin has an approximate street value of $77,000 and the suspected methamphetamine has an approximate street value of $16,000.
The abbreviation CDS stands for controlled dangerous substance.
Individuals arrested as a result of this investigation:
Harold E. Santiago, 31, residing in the 300 block of Madison Avenue, Woodbine, was charged with leader of a narcotics distribution network; conspiracy to distribute CDS; conspiracy to possess CDS; and conspiracy to possess a firearm.
Santiago was lodged in the Cape May County Correctional Center pending court proceedings.
George T. Williams, 57, residing in the 2400 block of Buttonwood Lane, Millville, was charged with leader of a narcotics distribution network; conspiracy to distribute CDS (heroin); conspiracy to possess CDS (heroin); possession with intent to distribute heroin; possession of CDS (cocaine); possession of CDS (heroin); and possession of marijuana. Williams was lodged in the Cumberland County Jail pending court proceedings.
Tracy D. Kluska, 44, residing on Route 50 in Ocean View, was charged with leader of a narcotics distribution network; possession of CDS; possession with intent to distribute CDS; possession of a high-capacity magazine; possession of CDS; and possession with intent to dispense drug paraphernalia. Kluska was lodged in the Cape May County Correctional Center pending court proceedings.
Isiah T. Fitzpatrick, 28, residing in the 100 block of DeHirsch Avenue, Woodbine, was charged with distribution of CDS; maintaining a CDS production facility; conspiracy to distribute CDS; distribution of CDS (methamphetamine); unlawful possession of a handgun; possession of a community firearm; certain person not to possess a firearm; endangering the welfare of a child; conspiracy to possess CDS; possession of CDS (heroin); possession of CDS (marijuana); possession of CDS (prescription drugs); money laundering; possession of CDS (marijuana); and obstruction. Fitzpatrick was ledged in the Cape May County Correctional Center pending court proceedings.
Joshua D. Wigglesworth, 29, residing in the 500 block of Kings Highway, South Seaville, was charged with conspiracy to distribute CDS; possession of CDS with intent to distribute (methamphetamine); conspiracy to possess CDS; possession of CDS (marijuana) with intent to distribute; possession of CDS (methamphetamine); possession with intent to distribute CDS (heroin); possession of CDS (heroin); possession of CDS (marijuana), possession of drug paraphernalia; possession of a firearm (handgun) during a CDS offense; possession of a firearm (shotgun) during a CDS offense; unlawful possession of a handgun; money laundering. Wigglesworth was lodged in the Cape May County Correctional Center pending court proceedings.
Sarah E. Burnett, 26, residing on Steelmantown Road, Woodbine, was charged with conspiracy to distribute CDS; conspiracy to possess CDS; possession of CDS; possession of drug paraphernalia; and possession of a hypodermic needle. Burnett was lodged in the Cape May County Correctional Center pending court proceedings.
Kyle W. Calise, 29, residing on Mooring Circle, Ocean View, was charged with conspiracy to distribute CDS; possession of CDS with intent to distribute (methamphetamine); conspiracy to possess CDS; possession of CDS (marijuana) with intent to distribute; possession of CDS (methamphetamine); possession with intent to distribute CDS (heroin); possession of CDS (heroin); possession of CDS (marijuana), possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to distribute. Calise was released with summonses pending court proceedings.
William A. Hutchison. 48, residing on Brewhaus Lane, Ocean View, was charged with conspiracy to distribute CDS; conspiracy to possess CDS; and possession of marijuana. Hutchison was released with summonses pending court proceedings.
Alexander Osario, 51, residing in the 5900 block of New Jersey Avenue, Wildwood Crest, was charged with conspiracy to distribute CDS; endangering the welfare of a child; possession of CDS (cocaine); possession with the intent to distribute CDS (cocaine); conspiracy to possess CDS; and possession of marijuana. Osario was released with summonses pending court proceedings.
Erik I. Hernandez, 33, residing in the 700 block of Franklin Street, Woodbine, was charged with conspiracy to distribute CDS; conspiracy to possess CDS; possession of marijuana; and possession of drug paraphernalia. Hernandez was released with summonses pending court proceedings.
Carolyn Cortes, 41, residing in the 2100 block of Mays Landing Road, Millville, was charged with conspiracy to possess CDS, and conspiracy to distribute CDS. Cortes was released with summonses pending court proceedings.
Michael A. Mason, 34, residing in the 1700 block of Newcumbtown Road, Millville, was charged with conspiracy to distribute CDS (heroin); conspiracy to possess CDS (heroin); money laundering; and possession of CDS (marijuana). Mason was released with summonses pending court proceedings
Rachel P. Bowers, 28, residing on Highland Avenue, Beesley’s Point, was charged with possession of CDS (heroin); possession of drug paraphernalia; possession of a large capacity magazine; and possession of marijuana. Bowers was released with summonses pending court proceedings.
Dominic J. Wilson, 34, residing in the 600 Block of Grant Street, Woodbine, was charged with possession of CDS; possession of prescription legend drugs with intent to distribute; possession of CDS with the intent to distribute; money laundering; and possession of drug paraphernalia. Wilson was released with summonses pending court proceedings.
Marisol Thomas, 47, residing in the 500 block of Jefferson Avenue, Woodbine was charged with possession of marijuana. Thomas was released with a summons pending court proceedings.
Jeanette M. Coleman, 52, residing in the 300 block of Madison Avenue, Woodbine, was charged with possession of CDS (marijuana); possession with intent to distribute CDS (marijuana); and possession of CDS (pills). Coleman was released with summonses pending court proceedings.
Harold E. Crawford, 52, residing in the 100 block of Lehigh Avenue, Del Haven, was charged with possession of CDS (heroin); possession of drug paraphernalia; and possession of a hypodermic needle. Crawford was released with summonses pending court proceedings.
Terry J. Pierce III, 28, residing in the 700 block of Franklin Avenue, Woodbine, was charged with conspiracy to distribute CDS; conspiracy to possess CDS; possession of CDS (heroin); and possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to distribute. Pierce was lodged in the Cape May County Correctional Center pending court proceedings.
Julius L. Davis, 29, residing in the 700 block of Franklin Avenue, Woodbine, was charged with conspiracy to possess a firearm, and possession of CDS. Davis was released with summonses pending court proceedings.
Alicia R. Troup, 30, of the 2400 block of Buttonwood Lane, Millville, was charged with possession with intent to distribute CDS (heroin); possession of CDS (heroin); possession of CDS (cocaine); and possession of CDS (marijuana). Troup was released with summonses pending court proceedings.
Rachel L. Beachaump, 29, residing in the 2400 block of Buttonwood Lane, Millville, was charged with possession with intent to distribute CDS (heroin); possession of CDS (heroin); possession of CDS (cocaine); and possession of CDS (marijuana). Beachaump was released with summonses pending court proceedings.
Dominique T. Beachaump, 28, residing in the 2400 block of Buttonwood Lane, Millville, was charged with possession with intent to distribute CDS (heroin); possession of CDS (heroin); possession of CDS (cocaine); and possession of CDS (marijuana). Beachaump was released with summonses pending court proceedings.
Linda Troup, 50, residing in the 2400 block of Buttonwood Lane, Millville was charged with possession with intent to distribute CDS (heroin); possession of CDS (heroin); possession of CDS (cocaine); and possession of CDS (marijuana). Troup was released with summonses pending court proceedings.
Tymere Bailey, 28, residing on South Laurel Street, Millville, was charged with possession with intent to distribute CDS (heroin); possession of CDS (heroin); possession of CDS (cocaine); possession of CDS (marijuana); and obstruction. Bailey was lodged in the Cumberland County Jail pending court proceedings.
Monique R. Abernathy, 38, residing in the 2400 block of Buttonwood Lane, Millville, was charged with possession with the intent to distribute CDS (heroin); possession of CDS (heroin); possession of CDS (cocaine); possession of CDS (marijuana). Abernathy was released with summonses pending court proceedings.
Jaylin Laraquente, 25, residing in the 500 block of Franklin Street, Woodbine was charged with possession of CDS (marijuana) and possession of drug paraphernalia. Laraquente was released with summonses pending court proceedings.
Terrance L. Bennett, 51, residing in the 600 block of Longfellow Street, Woodbine, was charged with possession with intent to distribute CDS (heroin); unlawful possession of a handgun; possession of a community handgun; possession of a firearm in the course CDS violation; possession of CDS (methamphetamine); conspiracy to distribute CDS; possession of CDS (methamphetamine); money laundering; possession with intent to distribute CDS (marijuana); possession of CDS (heroin); and possession of CDS (marijuana). Bennett was lodged in the Cape May County Correctional Center pending court proceedings.
Search warrants were executed at the following locations:
604 Longfellow, Woodbine
527 Jefferson, Woodbine
634 Grant Street, Woodbine
321 Madison Avenue, Woodbine
701 Franklin Avenue, Woodbine
10 Steelman Road, Woodbine
108 DeHirsch, Woodbine
337 Madison Avenue, Woodbine
2110 Mays Landing Road, Millville
328 Maurice Street, Millville
2435 Buttonwood Lane, Millville
103 Lehigh Avenue, Del Haven
536 Kings Highway, Cape May Court House
5900 New Jersey Avenue, Wildwood
17 Brewhaus Lane, Ocean View
57 Route 50, Apt. B, Ocean View
Additional residential and vehicle search warrants may be executed as a result of this investigation.
According to Sutherland, leader of a narcotics trafficking network carries a mandatory penalty, if convicted, of life imprisonment with a 25-year period of parole ineligibility. First degree crimes can carry a sentence of between 10 and 20 years in New Jersey State Prison. Second degree crimes can carry a sentence of between 5 and 10 years. Third degree crimes can carry a sentence of between 3 and 5 years, while fourth degree crimes can carry a sentence of up to 18 months in State prison.
The above is an ongoing investigation and additional individuals may be arrested and charged. Sutherland urged anyone with information regarding this narcotics distribution investigation to contact the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office at 609-465-1135 or anonymously through the Cape May County Sheriff’s Tip line at cmcsheriff.net and click on anonymous tip, or through the Cape May County Crime Stoppers at 609-465-2800.
Sutherland, Tyner, Webb-McRae and SAC Nickerson commended the efforts and the hard work of all the law enforcement agencies listed below which assisted with this investigation, especially Lt. Dan Holt, Detective Maurice Catarcio, and Assistant Prosecutor Alex Settle of the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office, Detective Chad Meyers of the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office, and Special Agent Frank Deerr of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Atlantic City Resident Office.
Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office
Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office
Drug Enforcement Administration
Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office
Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office
Millville Police Department
New Jersey State Police
Cape May County Sheriff’s Department
Cumberland County Sheriff’s Department
Middle Township Police Department
Atlantic City Police Department
Wildwood Crest Police Department
Lower Township Police Department
Ocean City Police Department
Sea Isle City Police Department
Wildwood Police Department
Cape May City Police Department
Avalon Police Department
Stone Harbor Police Department
Galloway Township Police Department
Ventnor Police Department
Linwood Police Department
Pleasantville Police Department
Somers Point Police Department
Hammonton Police Department
Hamilton Township Police Department
Egg Harbor Township Police Department