lacey

Lacey Township Woman Admits to Drug Charges Involving Minors

**Lacey Township, NJ** – Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on November 18, Margaret Whalen, 60, of Lacey Township, pled guilty to several charges, including possession of psilocin mushrooms with intent to distribute, employing a juvenile in a drug distribution scheme, and endangering the welfare of a child. Whalen entered her plea before the Honorable Dina M. Vicari, J.S.C. The state is seeking prison terms ranging from four to five years for each charge at Whalen’s sentencing on January 10, 2025, with all sentences to run concurrently.

In March, Lacey Township Police were informed by the Division of Child Protection and Permanency about Whalen’s alleged activities involving the manufacture and distribution of psilocin mushrooms from her residence on Elwood Street. Following a court-authorized search on March 13, law enforcement seized several jars containing the suspected substance. Laboratory tests conducted by the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation lab confirmed the presence of psilocin mushrooms on May 23.

Further investigations by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit and Lacey Township