County officials shut down crack house being run by jackson man in brick

JACKSON TOWNSHIP, NJ – Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced today the culmination of a three-month-long, multi-agency cooperative investigation into the distribution of illegal narcotics in the Ocean County area. An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force and Brick Township Police Department Street Crimes Unit identified a residence in Brick Township as being utilized by Montel Thomas, 38, of Jackson Township, to store and distribute Crack Cocaine.

On August 19, 2020, Detectives executed a search warrant on the subject residence. As a result, Detectives seized approximately 65 grams of Crack Cocaine and a quantity of Marijuana. Thomas was arrested and charged with Possession of more than One-Half Ounce but less than Five Ounces of Crack Cocaine with Intent to Distribute in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5b(2); Possession of more than One-Half Ounce but less than Five Ounces of Crack Cocaine with Intent to Distribute within 1000 feet of a School in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-7a; Possession of Crack Cocaine in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(1); Possession of less than 50 Grams of Marijuana in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(4); and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:36-2. Thomas is currently lodged in the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.

Prosecutor Billhimer would like to acknowledge the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Asset Forfeiture Unit, Brick Township Police Street Crimes Unit, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit for the great teamwork exhibited in this collaborative investigation leading to Thomas’ arrest and charges. The press and public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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