Hazlet man pleads guilty to dealing cocaine

HAZLET TOWNSHIP, NJ — Brandon Torsiello, 25, pled guilty to possession of more than one half ounce but less than five ounces of cocaine with intent to distribute on October 6 before Judge Guy P. Ryan in connection with an incident from March 6 in Brick Township. The state plans to seek a five-year prison sentence at his sentencing hearing on December 5.

On December 5, officers from the Brick Township Police Department Street Crimes Unit observed Torsiello engaged in actions consistent with a controlled dangerous substance transaction. As Torsiello left a parking lot, detectives conducted a motor vehicle stop.

The Ocean County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit was called to the scene. The K-9 conducted an open-air sniff of Torsiello’s vehicle, resulting in a positive alert for narcotics.

Torsiello was arrested and taken to Brick Township Police Headquarters. A search at the headquarters revealed cocaine, methamphetamine, Xanax, and suboxone, leading to charges against him.

On December 7, detectives executed a court-authorized search warrant on Torsiello’s vehicle. This search yielded additional cocaine and other controlled substances.

Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer acknowledged the efforts of Senior Assistant Prosecutor Stephen Burke in handling the case. Billhimer also commended the Brick Township Police Department and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office for their work during the investigation.

Torsiello remains in custody at the Ocean County Jail. His sentencing is scheduled for December 5, where he faces a lengthy prison term.

Torsiello’s guilty plea marks a significant step in law enforcement efforts against drug distribution in the area.

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