TOMS RIVER, NJ – Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer has announced the sentencing of Daniel Kessel, 37, of Toms River, to five years in New Jersey State Prison (NJSP). The sentencing by the Honorable Kimarie Rahill, J.S.C., on January 5, 2024, is the culmination of multiple investigations into Kessel’s illegal narcotics activities.
Kessel was convicted on charges related to the maintenance of a Controlled Dangerous Substance Production Facility, Financial Facilitation, Failure to Pay Income Tax, and Distribution of Marijuana in substantial quantities. These charges stemmed from events in Berkeley Township and Toms River between August 2020 and February 2023.
The first investigation, conducted by the Berkeley Township Police Department Detective Bureau, uncovered Kessel’s use of a Holiday City residence for narcotics distribution. On August 25, 2020, a search warrant led to the seizure of large quantities of Hashish, THC, drug paraphernalia, and approximately $18,000 in cash. An additional $61,000 was seized from Kessel’s safe deposit box.
A second operation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force and several police departments revealed further distribution activities involving a camper and trailer in Toms River. This resulted in the seizure of approximately $457,000 and substantial amounts in digital currency accounts.
Finally, a third investigation led to Kessel’s arrest in February 2023 for marijuana and THC product distribution in Toms River.
Kessel’s sentence for these charges will run concurrently following his guilty plea entered on August 14, 2023. The cases represent a significant law enforcement effort to combat drug distribution in Ocean County. Kessel, initially detained and later released under New Jersey Bail Reform, is now serving his sentence in state prison.
