EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP, NJ — On Friday, November 17th, 2023, around 7 pm, a significant operation by the Egg Harbor Township Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division, assisted by the Atlantic County SWAT team, led to the shutdown of an illegal ‘Open Mic Night’ event. The operation, conducted in a warehouse in the Farmington section of the township, resulted in the arrest of five individuals on serious drug distribution charges.
Authorities seized over 57 pounds of drugs, including an estimated 43 pounds of illicit marijuana and cannabis products, and over 14 pounds of psilocybin, commonly known as magic mushrooms. Additionally, three handguns were recovered, two with extended magazines and one reported stolen from North Carolina.
The warehouse was set up as an illegal party venue, featuring a live DJ, music entertainment, and alcoholic beverages for sale, all with an entrance fee. The seized substances were packaged and labeled for distribution.
Those arrested include Michael Garofalo Jr, 20, of Jackson, NJ; Daegan Leithmann, 21, of Egg Harbor City, NJ; Jonathan Vega, 21, of Egg Harbor City, NJ; Brandon Moore, 22, of Jackson, NJ; and Melissa Martella, 30, of Egg Harbor Township, NJ. They face charges related to conspiracy, possession, and distribution of controlled substances. They are currently held at the Atlantic County Justice Facility, with additional charges, including weapons offenses, pending further investigation.
