WILDWOOD – Cape May County Prosecutor Robert L. Taylor and Wildwood Police Chief Robert Regalbuto announce the arrest of Jerry Stafford, Jr., 27, and Sharaya Ristine, 20, both of Wildwood, for the distribution of heroin and cocaine Aug 10.
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 Wildwood Police Department Detective Division.
On Aug. 10, with the assistance of the Cape May County Regional SWAT team, a court authorized search warrant was executed at a motel room located on the 3900 block Atlantic Avenue in Wildwood. Stafford and Ristine were located inside of the room and taken into custody. Seized during this investigation were 290 bags of heroin with an estimated street value of $3,000 and approximately two ounces of crack cocaine, with a street value of $3,500. Also approximately $2,000 was seized and will be submitted for forfeiture as being proceeds from the distribution of narcotics. This search warrant was a result of an investigation regarding the distribution of heroin and cocaine by Stafford within the City of Wildwood.
Both Stafford and Ristine were charged with possession of controlled dangerous substance (CDS) – heroin, third degree, distribution of CDS – heroin, third degree, distribution of CDS within 500 feet of public place – heroin, second degree, possession of CDS – cocaine, third degree, distribution of CDS – cocaine, second degree, and distribution of CDS within 500 feet of public place – cocaine, second degree.
Bail was set for Stafford at $175,000, full, by Judge Dorothy Incarvito-Garrabrant. Stafford was lodged in the Cape May County Correctional Center in lieu of bail. Ristine was issued a summons and released pending a future court appearance.
Prosecutor Taylor advises that persons convicted of a second degree crime are subject to a term of imprisonment of five to 10 years in New Jersey State Prison and third degree crimes can be sentenced to three to five years.
Prosecutor Taylor stated that his office will continue to work hand in hand with the local municipalities to target anyone selling illegal CDS.
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.
