NORTH WILDWOOD- Cape May County Prosecutor Robert L. Taylor, North Wildwood Police Chief Matthew Gallagher, Middle Township Police Chief Christopher Leusner and Lower Township Police Chief William Mastriana announce the arrest of five local residents of Cape May County during the investigation of a narcotics distribution scheme being operated within Cape May County. The investigation concluded with the execution of several court authorized search warrants in North Wildwood and Middle Township.
The arrests are the result of a narcotics investigation conducted by the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office Gangs, Guns and Narcotics Task Force with the assistance of the North Wildwood Police Department and the Middle Township Police Department Special Services Unit.
On Oct. 1, members of the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office Gangs, Guns and Narcotics Task Force with assistance from members of the North Wildwood Police Department and Middle Township Police Department Special Services Unit, concluded a narcotics investigation with the execution of a court authorized search warrant at the residence of Juan Maldonado and Raquel Soto, located in the 2400 Block of Central Avenue in North Wildwood. As a result of the execution of this search warrant, 211 bags of suspected heroin were seized along with prescription pills, drug paraphernalia and $21,090. During the course of the investigation additional information was obtained that Maldonado and associates were in possession of stolen firearms and attempting to discard them. Upon obtaining this information, additional court authorized search warrants were executed in Middle Township on a motor vehicle occupied by Alexis Rosario-Maldonado, Christian Adames and Luis Rosario of Wildwood and a storage unit located on Indian Trail Road in the Cape May Court House section of Middle Township. As a result of the execution of these additional search warrants, two stolen revolver style firearms were recovered along with a stolen Honda ATV vehicle and portable generator. Additionally, two motor vehicles have been seized and are pending civil forfeiture.
As a result of the investigation, Juan Maldonado, 31, was arrested and charged with the following and lodged in the county jail in lieu of $125,000 cash bail:
Possession of heroin, a third degree crime.
Possession of heroin with the intent to distribute, a third degree crime.
Possession with intent to distribute heroin in a school zone, a third degree crime.
Unlawful possession of a weapon, a second degree crime.
Possession of a weapon for unlawful purposes, a second degree crime.
Receiving stolen property, a third degree crime.
Raquel Soto, 41, was arrested, charged with the following and released:
Possession of heroin, a third degree crime.
Possession of heroin with the intent to distribute, a third degree crime.
Possession with intent to distribute heroin in a school zone, a third degree crime.
Alexis Rosario-Maldonado, 26, Christian Adames, 25, and Luis Rosario, 27, were all arrested and charged with the following and lodged in the county jail in lieu of $25,000 cash bail:
Unlawful possession of a weapon, a second degree crime.
Possession of a weapon for unlawful purposes, a second degree crime.
Receiving stolen property, a third degree crime.
Prosecutor Taylor advises that persons convicted of a second degree crime are subject to a term of imprisonment of 5 to 10 years in New Jersey State Prison; 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 commended the Gangs Guns and Narcotics Task Force along with the North Wildwood and Middle Township Police Departments for their combined efforts in this investigation. Prosecutor Taylor also commented that the Gangs, Guns and Narcotics Task Force will continue to work together with all of the local municipalities in an effort to disrupt these criminal networks operating in and around Cape May County to help stop the flow of controlled dangerous substances such as heroin into the county and removing these dangerous firearms from the hands of the criminals helping create a safer environment for the citizens of Cape May County. 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 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.
For the Herald’s previous coverage, go to:
http://www.capemaycountyherald.com/article/police/north+wildwood/95434-two+north+wildwood+residents+arrested+drug+charges+heroin+seized
Cape May – Governor Murphy says he doesn't know anything about the drones and doesn't know what they are doing but he does know that they are not dangerous. Does anyone feel better now?
