Multi-agency investigation in Cape May County leads to seizure of firearms components, drugs, and tactical gear
North Wildwood, New Jersey – The Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office and the North Wildwood Police Department announced the arrests of two Cape May County men following a multi-day investigation into a stolen vehicle that uncovered illegal weapons, firearm manufacturing components, and narcotics. Prosecutor Jeffrey H. Sutherland and North Wildwood Police Chief Katherine Madden identified the suspects as Brian Henderson, 42, of Wildwood, and Calvin F. Fabio, 47, of Burleigh, in a case that authorities say highlights ongoing concerns about illegal weapons and drug activity in the region.
The investigation began December 28, 2025, when the North Wildwood Police Department received a report of a stolen motor vehicle. Detectives quickly identified Henderson as the primary suspect, and on December 29, 2025, officers located him along with the stolen vehicle in Wildwood. A court-authorized search warrant executed on the vehicle revealed a cache of weapons-related items and tactical equipment, prompting a broader investigation involving the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Division.
Weapons cache discovered in stolen vehicle
According to the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office, the search of the recovered vehicle uncovered a ballistic vest, knife, tactical gun belt and holster, three large-capacity rifle magazines, ammunition, a covert camera, two firearm suppressors, a tactical helmet, and additional firearm accessories and components. The presence of suppressors and high-capacity magazines elevated the severity of the case under New Jersey weapons statutes.
Henderson was subsequently charged under New Jersey Bail Reform laws with multiple offenses, including second-degree manufacture, transport, or defacement of weapons, third-degree theft of a motor vehicle, and several fourth-degree weapons-related violations. Authorities also charged him under statutes restricting certain individuals from possessing weapons or ammunition.
SWAT operation leads to second arrest
Further investigation, including forensic examination of Henderson’s cellular devices by detectives from both agencies, identified Calvin F. Fabio as an alleged accomplice. On March 27, 2026, members of the Cape May County Regional SWAT Team, working alongside the North Wildwood Police Department and the Prosecutor’s Office, executed a court-authorized search warrant at a storage unit at Burleigh Storage.
Fabio exited the unit and was taken into custody without incident, according to officials. A subsequent search of the unit revealed additional concerning items, including an AR-15 lower receiver, a partially completed “ghost gun” lower receiver, a drill press believed to be used in firearm manufacturing, and a high-capacity magazine loaded with 14 rounds of ammunition.
Detectives also recovered approximately 5.3 grams of suspected methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, digital scales, multiple firearm holsters, a pellet gun, and a ballistic vest carrier, indicating both weapons-related and narcotics activity.
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Key Points
• Two Cape May County men charged following stolen vehicle investigation and weapons seizure
• SWAT-led search uncovered ghost gun components, methamphetamine, and tactical gear
• Case involves North Wildwood Police, Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office, and Regional SWAT
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Charges and legal proceedings
Fabio was charged on a summons with multiple offenses, including two counts of second-degree manufacture or transport of weapons, conspiracy to manufacture weapons, third-degree possession of a controlled dangerous substance, and several fourth-degree weapons and drug paraphernalia violations. One disorderly persons offense was also filed related to possession of drug paraphernalia.
Under New Jersey law, second-degree charges carry significant potential prison time if convicted, reflecting the seriousness of alleged illegal firearm manufacturing and distribution activities. The case is being prosecuted at the county level by the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office.
“All persons charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law,” officials noted in the announcement.
Broader public safety concerns
The case underscores ongoing law enforcement efforts in Cape May County to address illegal firearm manufacturing, including so-called “ghost guns,” which are often untraceable and assembled from components. The involvement of specialized units such as the county SWAT team reflects the perceived risk associated with suspects possessing tactical equipment and weapons components.
“I would like to commend the North Wildwood Police Department, the Detectives from the Prosecutor’s Office and the County SWAT Team for arresting these two dangerous individuals and removing the illegal firearms and narcotics from our streets,” said Prosecutor Sutherland.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the scope of the operation, including whether additional individuals or distribution networks may be involved. Anyone with information is urged to contact the North Wildwood Police Department Detective Division at (609) 522-2411 or submit an anonymous tip through the department’s website.
The case remains active as both defendants proceed through the judicial process under New Jersey’s bail reform framework.