Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on February 26, 2019, Peter Keith Paul was arrested and charged with Strict Liability Drug Induced Death in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-9a, Distribution of  a Controlled Dangerous Substance (Fentanyl) in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5a, Possession With the Intent to Distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance (Fentanyl)  in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5a, and Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (Fentanyl) in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a.

On January 26, 2019, Toms River Township Police were dispatched to a residence in response to an unresponsive 46 year old male. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene. A subsequent investigation revealed that on January 25, 2019, Paul sold pills to the victim.  A toxicology report later confirmed that the Fentanyl found in the victim’s system was the cause of his death.

Paul was previously charged with Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance with the Intent to Distribute in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5b(3),  and two counts of Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(1) on February 15, 2019.

Paul surrendered himself to the Toms River Township Police Station and was transported to the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.

Members of the public and the media are reminded that defendants are innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Peter K Paul