OCEAN COUNTY, NJ – On Monday, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer has announced the arrest of five individuals as a result of an extensive multi-agency investigation into the distribution of cocaine in the Ocean County and Monmouth County areas. The suspects, Octavaeous Jenkins, 49, Ralph Durand, 56, Krystal Villano, 36, Emily Durand, 53, and Jaiden Durand, 18, were allegedly using residences in South Toms River, Brick Township, and Long Branch for drug storage and distribution.
On May 9, 2023, Detectives observed Jenkins meeting with Durand in Monmouth County, leading to their detention and subsequent arrest after they were found in possession of approximately one kilogram of cocaine.
Multiple court-authorized search warrants were executed on the identified residences, resulting in the seizure of 1.25 kilograms of cocaine, $56,000 in cash, twenty grams of crack cocaine, and fifty dosage units of heroin. Additionally, Detectives seized about $488,522 in personal banking accounts belonging to Ralph Durand and Krystal Villano, suspected to be connected to their narcotics distribution network.
Jenkins is currently held at the Ocean County Jail, facing several charges, including Distribution of More than Five Ounces of Cocaine and Financial Facilitation.
Ralph Durand is being held at the Monmouth County Jail with charges including Possession of More than Five Ounces of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute and Financial Facilitation. Krystal Villano, Jaiden Durand, and Emily Durand have all been charged with similar offenses, and are pending their first appearance in Ocean County Superior Court.