Ocean County Prosecutor Coronato Announces One of Largest Drug Ring Busts in Ocean County History

Dinesh Patel

Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato announced today the culmination of a cooperative multi-jurisdictional narcotics investigation conducted by the Prosecutor’s Special Operations Group, US Drug Enforcement Administration Ocean/Monmouth High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force and 30 state, county and local law enforcement agencies.  “Operation Heading Back” which began in April of 2017 focused on high-level heroin, cocaine, marijuana and prescription pill distributors found to be operating in (7) seven New Jersey Counties and New York.  The operation dubbed “Heading Back” cited the investigations goal of tracking the network back to the source of its supplier.

Through numerous investigative methods and undercover operatives, the operation was successful in disrupting and/or dismantling illicit controlled dangerous substance (CDS) distribution activities within the New Jersey counties of Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, Passaic, Union and the Borough of the Bronx in New York. The investigation led to 28 arrests for various offenses involving the distribution of CDS, (3) three fugitive warrants issued, and (9) nine CDS production facilities dismantled.  During the course of the operation 33 search warrants were executed resulting in the seizure of 90,000 dosage units of heroin, over 19lbs of cocaine, $848,481 in currency, 20 firearms (to include a loaded AK-47 assault rifle), 27 vehicles (many high end) valued at approximately $713,620 and additional illegal narcotics.  (See attachment citing seized narcotics/weapons/vehicles giving specific weight and street values.

Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato stated, “Our acceptance into the US Drug Enforcement High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Northern Group last year has increased tenfold our scope and ability to conduct investigations limiting the import of illegal narcotics into Ocean County and beyond.  Today marks the disclosure of the first of many significant future narcotic operations, adding to our already robust enforcement of our drug laws and the drug induced death strict liability statute.  We’re sending a clear message to drug dealers that Ocean County is not fertile ground for their enterprise.”

Coronato continued, “I cannot thank Senator Cory A. Booker, Congressman Thomas Macarthur and Congressman Christopher Smith enough for helping us gain this critical HIDTA designation in our struggle to close Ocean County borders to drug dealers.  I extend the highest praise to my Special Operations Group, as well as every member of the operation.  The courage and resourcefulness they displayed in working to identify and arrest those charged is truly an outstanding testament to their dedication and commitment to protect our citizens.”


Valerie A. Nickerson, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Jersey Division said, “This investigation is another example of how collaboration between law enforcement on all levels can make an impact in New Jersey.  The DEA Monmouth/Ocean HIDTA Task Force was formed for this exact reason, to bring additional resources to aid in the fight against drug trafficking in Ocean County.  Our goal is to pursue those bringing these dangerous drugs into the region and to reduce the distribution and use of drugs within the county.”


“As evidenced by the seizure of 90,000 doses of heroin and 20 firearms, this drug ring was not only fueling the epidemic of opiate addiction that is destroying so many lives in New Jersey, it was engaged in the variety of drug trafficking that drives much of the gun violence in our communities,” said Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal.  “The tremendous value of these DEA HIDTA Task Forces is that they facilitate the type of law enforcement collaboration that makes these far-reaching investigations possible. I commend Prosecutor Coronato, the DEA and all of the participating agencies for this outstanding operation.”

 

 

Search Warrants were executed at the following locations:

  • 142 Jerome Place, Bloomfield, NJ– Residence of Jamil Brooks
  • 5 Lawrence Street, Apt. 533, Bloomfield, NJ– Residence of Reynard Bronson
  • 45 Brentonian Drive, Brick, NJ– Residence of Jihad Anderson
  • 11 Berkeley Place, Eatontown, NJ– Residence of Joseph Rosenthal
  • 2464 Route 9, Unit #770, Howell, NJ– Storage Facility of Bernard Mendez
  • 807 Salerno Way, Howell, NJ– Residence of Bernard Mendez
  • 59 East Connecticut Concourse, Jackson, NJ– Residence of Teron Savoy
  • 698 Communipaw Avenue, Jersey City, NJ– Business of Gregory Delarosa
  • 777 Communipaw Avenue, Jersey City, NJ– Business of Emanuel Delarosa
  • 414 Union Avenue, Jersey City, NJ– Residence of Gregory Delarosa
  • 339 Corbin Court, Lakewood, NJ– Residence of Christopher Romero
  • 1182 Ocean Avenue, Lakewood, NJ– Business of Bernard Mendez
  • 300 Main Street, Apt. 809, Little Falls, NJ– Residence of Rafael DeJesus
  • 2990 Wayside Road, Unit #2990, Neptune, NJ
  • 100 Schofield Street, Newark, NJ– Residence of Akera Lewis
  • 9-15 Triton Terrace, Unit 1, Newark, NJ– Residence of Reynard Bronson
  • 26 Tanbark Drive, Parlin, NJ– Residence of Laquan Anderson
  • 118 East 26th Street, Paterson, NJ– Residence of Delcio Hernandez-Severin
  • 280 Wayne Avenue, Apt. 2, Paterson, NJ– Residence of Rafael DeJesus
  • 134 Long Ferry Road, Perth Amboy, NJ– Residence of Byron Simpson
  • 58 Canterbury Court, Piscataway, NJ– Residence of Thomas Wyatt
  • 114 Lenox Court, Piscataway, NJ – Residence of Andrea Goines
  • 335 Moonlight Drive, Piscataway, NJ– Residence of Kareem Johnson
  • 280 River Road, Apt. 71B, Piscataway, NJ– Residence of Kareem Johnson
  • 202 Silverton Place, Piscataway, NJ– Residence of Natasha Mihalko
  • 177 Sunshine Drive, Piscataway, NJ– Residence of Lorenzo Balmer
  • 308 Vasser Drive, Piscataway, NJ– Residence of Marcia Jenkins
  • 29 Clinton Avenue, Plainfield, NJ– Residence of Byron Simpson’s mother
  • 821 Kensington Avenue, Apt. 2L, Plainfield, NJ– Residence of Byron Simpson
  • 575 Easton Avenue, Apt. 7H, Somerset, NJ– Stash Location for Lorenzo Balmer
  • 112 James Street, Bldg. 7, Apt. 7, Toms  River, NJ–  Residence of Larry Petty
  • 68 Route 37 East, Unit #B207, Toms River – Storage unit of Jihad Anderson
  • 129 Winifred Drive, Totowa, NJ– Residence of Rafael DeJesus

Dismantled Alleged CDS Production Facility Locations

  • 5 Lawrence Street, Apt. 533, Bloomfield, NJ– Residence of Reynard Bronson
  • 59 East Connecticut Concourse, Jackson, NJ– Residence of Teron Savoy
  • 26 Tanbark Drive, Parlin, NJ– Residence of Laquan Anderson
  • 280 Wayne Avenue, Apt. 2, Paterson, NJ– Residence of Rafael DeJesus
  • 114 Lenox Court, Piscataway, NJ – Residence of Andrea Goines
  • 335 Moonlight Drive, Piscataway, NJ– Residence of Kareem Johnson
  • 280 River Road, Apt. 71B, Piscataway, NJ– Residence of Kareem Johnson
  • 308 Vasser Drive, Piscataway, NJ– Residence of Marcia Jenkins
  • 821 Kensington Avenue, Apt. 2L, Plainfield, NJ– Residence of Byron Simpson

* The locations listed above all contained drug manufacturing supplies and tools, including but not limited to: kilogram press, cutting agents, repackaging materials (wax folds), scales, blenders, stamps, etc.

The following vehicles were seized as a result of “Operation Heading Back”:

  • 1996 Cadillac Seville – $2,700.00 – Kareem Johnson
  • 2000 Mercedes Benz – $4,700.00 – Byron Simpson
  • 2005 Acura TL – $6,400.00 – Byron Simpson
  • 2005 Ford F250 – $10,000.00 – Lorenzo Balmer
  • 2006 Acura TL – $6,800.00 – Rafael DeJesus
  • 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee – $25,072.00 – Reynard Bronson
  • 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 – $46,244.00 – Byron Simpson
  • 2014 Mercedes CLS – $44,796.00 – Kareem Johnson
  • 2015 Infiniti Q50 – $28,600.00 – Bernard Mendez
  • 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 – $64,895.00 – Thomas Wyatt
  • 2006 Chevrolet Express Van – $9,000.00 – Rasheed Sanders
  • 2007 Black Infiniti – $10,000.00 – Bernard Mendez
  • 2007 Toyota Tundra – $16,000.00 – Gregory Delarosa
  • 2010 Ford Mustang – $12,000.00 – Byron Simpson
  • 2010 Silver Acura TL – $10,700.00 – Laquan Anderson
  • 2012 Dodge Charger SRT – $20,000.00 – Lorenzo Balmer
  • 2012 Honda Odyssey – $18,000.00 – Rafael DeJesus
  • 2013 Honda Accord – $14,000.00 – Gregory Delarosa
  • 2014 Jaguar XKR – $80,000.00 – Byron Simpson
  • 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee – $25,072.00 – Reynard Bronson
  • 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 – $46,244.00 – Byron Simpson
  • 2014 Mercedes CLS – $44,796.00 – Kareem Johnson
  • 2015 Infiniti Q50 – $28,600.00 – Bernard Mendez
  • 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 – $64,895.00 – Thomas Wyatt
  • 2015 Toyota Highlander – $24,514.00 – Pedro Victoriano
  • 2016 BMW 535 – $33,983.00 – Bernard Mendez
  • 2016 BMW X6 – $48,861.00 – Reynard Bronson
  • 2016 Kia Sedona – $19,465.00 – Delcio Hernandez-Severin
  • 2016 Lexus RX 350 – $40,286.00 – Joseph Rosenthal
  • 2016 Nissan Maxima – $23,805.00 – Jocelyn Corniel
  • 2016 Range Rover – $76,315.00 – Rasheed Sanders
  • Blue Honda CR-V – $16,484.00 – Pedro Victoriano

* Approximately Total Retail Value: $713,620.00

Narcotic seizure chart:

  • Cocaine: 8,775 grams (19.346 pounds/ 8.75 kilograms)
    • 1 gram = $40-$100
    • 1 kilogram = Wholesale: $18,000-$26,000
    • Street Value: $38,000-$45,000
  • Ecstasy:
    • 100 pills
  • Heroin: 1,800 grams (4.00 pounds/1.8 kilograms/ 90,000 individual dosage units)
    • 1 brick (50 wax folds) = $180-$250/brick
    • 1 kilogram = Wholesale: $30,000-$45,000
    • Street Value: $50,000-$70,000
  • Marijuana: Approximately 6 lbs.
    • 1 pound = Wholesale: $800-$1,200 Street Value: $3,000-$3,500
  • Prescription Pills: 100 various pills
  • Additional amounts of: THC edibles, Promethazine, Suboxone

Seized Currency: Total – $848,481.00

Firearms Seized:

  • 100 Schofield Street, Newark, NJ – 2 Handguns
  • 1182 Ocean Ave, Lakewood, NJ – 5 Handguns
  • 698 Communipaw Ave, Jersey City, NJ – 1 Handgun
  • U-Haul Storage Facility, Toms River, NJ – 1 Shotgun
  • 112 James Street, Toms River, NJ – 1 Handgun
  • 5 Lawrence Street, Apt. 533, Bloomfield – 1 Assault Rifle
  • 9-15 Triton Terrace, Newark, NJ – 3 Handguns
  • 142 Jerome Place, Bloomfield, NJ – 2 Handguns
  • 134 Long Ferry Road, Perth Amboy, NJ – 2 Handguns 821
  • 821 Kensington Avenue, Apt. 2L, Plainfield – 1 Handgun
  • 114 Lenox Court, Piscataway, NJ – 1 Handgun
Related News:   D.C. Police Release Photo Of Stabbing Suspect

The following individuals were arrested as a result of “Operation Heading Back”.  See attached photo chart:

  • Jihad Anderson, Age 38 – 45 Brentonian Drive, Brick, NJ
    • Conspiracy to PWI, heroin over 5oz., 2nd degree
    • Possession of Cocaine, 3rd degree
    • Possession with Intent, Cocaine, 3rd degree
    • Possession of Paraphernalia, DP
    • Unlawful Possession of a High Capacity Magazine, 4th degree
    • Possession of CDS, Heroin/Fentanyl, 3rd degree
  • Laquan Anderson, Age 33 – 26 Tanbark Drive, Parlin, NJ
    • Conspiracy to Possess with Intent, Heroin over 5oz., 2nd degree
    • Possession of Cocaine, 3rd degree
    • Possession with Intent, Heroin, 2nd degree
    • Possession with Intent, Cocaine, 3rd degree
    • Possession with Intent, Heroin, 3rd degree
    • Possession of Paraphernalia, Disorderly Persons
    • Maintaining or Operating a CDS Production Facility, 1st degree
    • Possession of Firearm While Committing a CDS Offense, 2nd degree
  • Lorenzo Balmer – Piscataway
    • Possession of heroin, 3rd degree
    • Possession with Intent, Heroin, 2nd degree
    • Conspiracy to Produce/Manufacture/Distribute Heroin, in a quantity greater than 5 oz., 2nd degree
    • Certain persons not to possess a firearm, 2nd degree
    • Possession of Firearm While Committing a CDS Offense, 2nd degree
  • Reynard Bronson, Age 34 – 9-15 Triton Terrace, Newark, NJ
    • Conspiracy to PWI cocaine over 5oz, 2nd degree
    • Possession with Intent Cocaine over 5 oz., 1st degree
    • Possession of Firearm While Committing a CDS Offense, 2nd degree
    • Possession of Paraphernalia, DP
  • Jocelyn Corniel, Age 34 – 280 Wayne Avenue, Apt. 2, Paterson, NJ
    • Financial Facilitation of Criminal Activity, 2nd degree
    • Maintaining or Operating a CDS Production Facility, 1st degree
    • Possession of Heroin, 3rd degree
    • Possession of Oxycodone, 3rd degree
    • Possession with Intent, Oxycodone, 3rd degree
    • of Heroin w/ Intent to Distribute over 5 oz., 1st degree
  • Sean Crosby, Age 35 – 1326 Paris Court, Lakewood, NJ
    • Two (2) counts of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, 2nd degree
    • Two (2) counts Possession of a firearm during a CDS offense, 2nd degree
    • Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin over 5 oz., 1st degree
    • Distribution of Heroin over 5 oz., 1st degree
    • Possession of Heroin, 3rd degree
    • Two (2) counts of Certain persons Not to Possess a Firearm, 2nd degree
    • Possession of a Defaced Firearm, 4th degree
  • Saladine Davis, Age 41 – 1227 East Front Street, Plainfield, NJ
    • Possession of Cocaine, 3rd degree
    • Possession of Heroin, 3rd degree
    • Possession with Intent, Cocaine over 5oz., 1st degree
    • Possession with Intent, Heroin over 5oz., 1st degree
    • Hindering Apprehension, 3rd degree
    • Possession of Paraphernalia, DP
  • Rafael DeJesus, Age 42 – 280 Wayne Avenue, Apt. 2, Paterson, NJ
    • Financial Facilitation of Criminal Activity, 2nd degree
    • Maintaining or Operating a CDS Production Facility, 1st degree
    • Possession of Heroin, 3rd degree
    • Possession of Oxycodone, 3rd degree
    • Possession with Intent, Oxycodone, 3rd degree
    • Possession of Heroin w/ Intent to Distribute over 5 oz., 1st degree
    • Conspiracy to Possess with Intent, Heroin over 5 oz., 2nd degree
  • Gregory Delarosa, Age 38 – 414 Union Avenue, Jersey City, NJ
    • Two (2) counts of Possession of Heroin, 3rd degree
    • Two (2) counts of Possession with Intent, Heroin over 5 oz., 1st degree
    • Conspiracy to PWI Heroin over 5 oz., 2nd degree
    • Possession of Firearm While Committing a CDS Offense, 2nd degree
  • Andrea Goines, Age 35 – 114 Lenox Court, Piscataway, NJ
    • Poss. of Heroin, 3rd degree
    • Poss. of Paraphernalia, DP
  • Elissa Gundell-Goodson, Age 21 – 69 Center Avenue, Keansburg, NJ
    • Possession of Marijuana, under 50 grams, DP
    • Possession of Percocet, 3rd degree
  • Robert Hager, Age 62 – 522 Batchlor Street, Toms River, NJ
    • Possession of a Hypodermic Syringe, DP
  • Delcio Hernandez-Severin, Age 35 – 118 East 26th Street, Paterson, NJ
    • Conspiracy to Possess with Intent, Heroin over 5 oz., 2nd degree
  • Darrin Hester, Age 57 – 310 Franklin Place, Plainfield, NJ
    • Possession of Cocaine, 3rd degree
    • Possession of Heroin, 3rd degree
    • Possession with Intent, Cocaine over 5oz., 1st degree
    • Possession with Intent, Heroin over 5oz., 1st degree
    • Hindering Apprehension, 3rd degree
    • Possession of Paraphernalia, DP
  • Marcia Jenkins, Age 36 – 308 Vasser Drive, Piscataway, NJ
    • Possession of Heroin, 3rd degree
    • Conspiracy to Possess with Intent, Heroin, 2nd degree
  • Kareem Johnson, Age 30 – 335 Moonlight Drive, Piscataway, NJ
    • Maintaining or Operating a CDS Production Facility, 1st degree
    • Possession of Heroin, 3rd degree
    • Possession with Intent, Heroin, greater than ½ ounce but less than 5 oz., 2nd degree
    • Possession of Paraphernalia, DP
    • Conspiracy to Possess with Intent, Heroin over 5oz., 2nd degree
  • Joyce Kirkland, Age 52 – 297 Meeker Avenue, Newark, NJ
    • Possession of Cocaine, 3rd degree
    • Possession of Heroin, 3rd degree
    • Possession with Intent, Cocaine over 5oz., 1st degree
    • Possession with Intent, Heroin over 5oz., 1st degree
    • Hindering Apprehension, 3rd degree
    • Possession of Paraphernalia, DP
  • Bernard Mendez, Age 32 – 216 Powderhorn Drive, Lakewood, NJ
    • Possession of Cocaine, 3rd degree
    • Possession of Alprazolam, 3rd degree
    • Possession of Oxycodone, 3rd degree
    • Possession with Intent, Oxycodone, 3rd Degree
    • Conspiracy to Possess with Intent, Heroin over 5oz, 2nd degree
    • Three (3) counts of Possession of a Firearm while Committing a CDS Offense, 2nd degree
    • Two (2) counts of Receiving Stolen Property, 3rd degree
    • Possession with Intent, Heroin, greater than ½ ounce but less than 5 oz., 2nd degree
    • Three (3) counts of Possession of a Firearm, 2nd degree
    • Certain Persons not to Possess a Firearm, 4th degree
  • Larry Petty, Age 35 – 112 JamesStreet,Bldg. 17, Apt. 7, Toms River, NJ
    • Possession with Intent, Marijuana, 3rd degree
    • Possession of a Firearm while Committing a

CDS Offense, 2nd degree

  • Robert Randolph, Age 36 – 183 West 6th Street, Howell, NJ
    • Possession with Intent, Cocaine, 3rd degree
    • Possession of Cocaine, 3rd degree
    • Possession of Heroin, 3rd degree
    • Possession of Paraphernalia, DP
    • Unlawful Possession of a High Capacity Magazine, 4th degree
  • Christopher Romero, Age 28– 339 Corbin Court, Lakewood, NJ
    • Possession of Oxycodone, 3rd degree
    • Possession with Intent, Heroin, 3rd degree
    • Two (2) counts Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, 2nd degree
    • Possession of Heroin, 3rd degree
    • Possession of Marijuana, under 50 grams, DP
    • Possession of Paraphernalia, DP
    • Conspiracy to Possess with Intent, Heroin, over 5 oz., 2nd degree
    • Certain Persons not to Possess a Firearm, 4th degree
  • Joseph Rosenthal, Age 27 – 228-1 North 5 Avenue, Long Branch, NJ
    • Possession of Cocaine, 3rd degree
    • Possession of Paraphernalia, DP
    • Possession of Marijuana, 4th degree
    • Possession with Intent, Marijuana, 2nd degree
    • Conspiracy Possession with Intent, Cocaine over 5oz., 2nd degree
  • Rasheed Sanders, Age 37 – 86 Mary Avenue, East Orange, NJ
    • Possession with Intent, Cocaine over 5 oz., 1st degree
    • Possession of a Firearm while Committing a CDS Offense, 2nd degree
    • Possession of Paraphernalia, DP
    • Certain Persons not to Possess a Firearm, 4th degree
    • Unlawful Possession of an Assault Firearm, 2nd degree
  • Teron Savoy, Age 42 – 59 East Connecticut Concourse, Jackson, NJ
    • Conspiracy Possession with Intent, Heroin over 5 oz., 2nd degree
    • Possession with Intent, Heroin, 2nd degree
    • Distribution of Heroin, 2nd degree
  • Byron Simpson, Age 46 – 29 Clinton Avenue, Plainfield, NJ
    • Possession of Cocaine, 3rd degree
    • Possession of Heroin, 3rd degree
    • Possession with Intent, Cocaine over 5oz., 1st degree
    • Possession with Intent, Heroin over 5oz., 1st degree
    • Hindering Apprehension, 3rd degree
    • Possession of Paraphernalia, DP
    • Possession of a Defaced Firearm, 4th degree
    • Possession of a Firearm while Committing a CDS Offense, 2nd degree
    • Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, 2nd degree
  • Pedro Victoriano, Age 36 – 3288 Perry Avenue, Apt. 4F, Bronx, NY
    • Possession of Heroin, 3rd degree
    • Possession with Intent, Heroin over 5oz., 1st degree
    • Conspiracy to Possess with Intent, Heroin over 5 oz., 2nd degree
  • Thomas Wyatt, Age 39 – 1750 West 3rd Street, Piscataway, NJ
    • Possession of Heroin, 3rd degree
    • Possession with Intent, Heroin, 3rd degree
    • Possession of Cocaine, 3rd degree
    • Possession with Intent, Cocaine, 3rd degree
    • Possession of Marijuana, DP
    • Conspiracy to Possess with Intent, Heroin over 5 oz., 2nd degree
  • Jaime Doyle, Age 32 – 20 Romana Lane, Toms River, NJ
    • Conspiracy to PWI, Heroin over 5 oz., 2nd degree
    • Two (2) counts of Possession of Heroin, 3rd degree
    • Two (2) counts of Possession with Intent, Heroin, 3rd degree
    • Two (3) counts of Distribution of Heroin, 3rd degree
  • Morris Howard, Age 41 – 638 Hillside Avenue, Brick, NJ – *FUGITIVE*
    • Possession of Cocaine, 3rd degree
    • Possession with Intent, Cocaine, 3rd degree
    • Distribution of Cocaine, 3rd degree
    • Two (2) counts of Possession of Heroin, 3rd degree
    • Two (2) counts of Possession with Intent, Heroin, 3rd degree
    • Two (2) counts of Distribution of Heroin, 3rd degree
  • Stacy Bell, Age 45 – 261 Adams Street, Piscataway, NJ – *FUGITIVE*
    • Conspiracy Possession with Intent, Heroin over 5oz., 2nd degree
  • Akera Lewis, Age 27 – 100 Schofield Street, Newark, NJ – *FUGITIVE*
    • Conspiracy PWI heroin, Heroin over 5oz., 2nd degree
    • Possession of Heroin, 3rd degree
    • Possession with Intent, Heroin, 3rd degree
    • Distribution of Heroin, 3rd degree

The media and public are reminded that criminal charges are merely accusations and that these defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

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