VILLAS — On Friday, Oct. 24 at approximately 9 p.m., following a lengthy investigation, the Lower Township Police Department along with the Cape May County Regional SWAT Team and members of the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office, executed a Search Warrant at 29 Franklin Avenue at the intersection of Franklin and Carolina Avenues.
The residence is located directly across the street from the Mulligan Field Park and Recreation Center here.
Several small children were in the residence at the time the police entered. Police placed the children into the care of a relative after conferring with the Division of Youth and Family Services.
The renter of the property, Maria B. Nieves, 38, was detained at the scene while the residence was searched. Nieves was subsequently arrested and charged with the following offenses:
Possession of Cocaine
Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute
Lower Township Police Chief, Edward Donohue, who was present during the execution of the search warrant, credited his police officers and his detectives for their efforts during the investigation of Nieves and others at this residence.
“We want to send a clear message that this type of activity will not be tolerated in our township, especially across the street from a children’s playground and recreational park,” Donohue said.
Detective Sgt. Thomas Keywood noted that Nieves would be charged with enhanced penalties for the possession and distribution of narcotics within a recreational zone.
Nieves was lodged in Cape May County jail on $50,000 cash bail.
The investigation leading up to the Search Warrant at this residence was conducted by members of Lower Township Patrol Division and Detective Divisions with DFC Mel Hedum and Detective Chris Lambert as the lead investigators.
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