Search Warrant Results in Arrest; Heroin, Marijuana Seized

COURT HOUSE – Cape May County Prosecutor Robert L. Taylor and Middle Township Police Chief Christopher Leusner announce the arrest of Alex Gonzalez during the execution of a search warrant in the Rio Grande section of Middle Township.
The arrest is the result of a cooperative effort by the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office Gangs, Guns, and Narcotics Task Force and the Middle Township Police Department Special Services Unit.
On March 18, a court authorized search warrant was executed by the Cape May County Regional SWAT team, on Route 47 South in the Rio Grande section of Middle Township. As a result of the investigation, distribution amounts of heroin were seized along with an amount of marijuana, a stun gun and money submitted for civil forfeiture as proceeds from the illegal sale and distribution of narcotics. A passenger-style motor vehicle utilized by Gonzalez was also seized and pending civil forfeiture.
As a result of the investigation, Gonzalez, 36, of Middle Township, was charged with the following and released on his own recognizance;
Possession of heroin, a third degree crime.
Possession of heroin with the intent to distribute, a crime of the third degree.
Possession of a prohibited weapon, a crime of the fourth degree.
Possession of marijuana, a disorderly persons offense.
Prosecutor Taylor advises that persons convicted of a third degree crime are subject to a term of imprisonment of 3 to 5 years in New Jersey State Prison. Prosecutor Taylor commented that his office is working diligently side by side with each of the local police departments within the county to combat the distribution of drugs such as heroin. Prosecutor Taylor further commented that as drug related overdoses continue to occur from the illegal use and abuse of drugs such as heroin, his office continues to travel around the county providing a training presentation called “Pills to Heroin.” This presentation outlines the dangers of prescription medication and heroin abuse and covers a wide range of topics to include drug trends and identification, penalties and resource outlets for addicts. Prosecutor Taylor further stated that law enforcement officials in the county will continue to seek out and target these drug distributors who continue to poison our streets. 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, Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office at 609-465-1168.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations and the defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.