Ocean County, NJ – Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer has confirmed that Laurie Maxson, 54, of Barnegat, pleaded guilty to a major narcotics offense. The plea, entered on January 29, concerns her involvement in a conspiracy to distribute over five ounces of methamphetamine.
The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, in collaboration with various law enforcement agencies including the DEA and local police departments, initiated an investigation on July 15, 2021. This followed a tip from the DEA about narcotics distribution in the Ocean County area. Laurie Maxson was identified as using a Barnegat residence for the illegal storage and distribution of pain medication across New Jersey.
On July 20, 2021, after establishing surveillance at the identified residence, law enforcement officers arrested Laurie Maxson and her husband, Jason Maxson, during a vehicle stop. A subsequent search of their residence led to the seizure of approximately 37,000 Tramadol pills and 3,400 pills initially believed to be Hydrocodone, later identified as Methamphetamine.
During her plea agreement, Laurie Maxson exonerated her husband, leading to the dismissal of charges against Jason Maxson scheduled for her sentencing on April 12. The State is seeking a five-year sentence in New Jersey State Prison for Laurie Maxson.