Press Release
Distribution of Cocaine
Holiday City Berkeley Township
04/30/2019
On April 29th, 2019 the Berkeley Township Detective Bureau executed a search warrant on a Wojtyla Ct home. This home is located in the Holiday City South Senior Community. This warrant was related to the distribution of narcotics, specifically cocaine, from the residence. At approximately 9:45pm Entry was gained to the home utilizing the Ocean County SWAT Team.
As a result of this search warrant, a large quantity of cocaine was discovered. This was packaged for distribution as crack cocaine. In addition, paraphernalia used to produce, package and distribute these narcotics were also located within the residence. In addition a substantial amount of cash was located.
Berkeley Detectives are aware that senior communities are often utilized by drug dealers as they offer anonymity in a quiet neighborhood and a false sense of security for the dealers. As such, this home was seen as a major supplier of narcotics throughout Berkeley Township and neighboring jurisdictions.
Arrested at the home were:
• Taquan Pearson 37, of Wojtyla Berkeley Charged with possession of Cocaine and Possession of Cocaine with the intent to distribute.
• Nicole Vorhees 48, of Rt. 9 Berkeley -Possession of drug paraphernalia
• Lynsay Leitner 39, of Wojtyla Ct Berkeley –Possession of paraphernalia / Failure to appear warrant for $350.00
• Edwin Nieves 42, of Wojtyla Ct Berkeley- Possession of drug paraphernalia
• Michelle Lanzieri 52, of Wojtyla Ct Berkeley –Possession of drug paraphernalia
Pearson and Nieves were remanded to the Ocean Jail in accordance with the bail reform act. Lanzieri, Vorhees and Leitner were processed and later released on a summons.
Lead investigator in this case was Berkeley Detective Michael Tier assisted by Detective Lieutenant Peter La Rocca, Detective Joseph Santoro, Detective Shawn Bowens, Patrolman Jacob Camaraza, Patrolman James Mauncele, Ocean Gate Sergeant Vincent La Rocca, Ocean Gate Detective Steven Shan as well as the Ocean County Prosecutors Office Narcotics Strike Force and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department.
It should be noted that this operation was the direct result of concerned citizens relaying their concerns to police as well as from the mutual cooperation and assistance from other law enforcement agencies who, as in this case and many others, pool resources and work hand in hand on issues that impact our area. Residents are reminded to report suspicious activity to the Berkeley Police at 732-341-1132 x611. Tips can be anonymous.
Azyamarie Beckhorn
Good job law enforcement and neighbors!!! See something!! Say something!!
So who’s house was it since none of them are 55+?
Jackie Sue that when there 30 & 40 children come live with mom &dad
Peggy Brednich Belavich mom and dad didn’t notice the huge drug trafficing going on in their home?
Jackie Sue The elderly can be too sick to know or care. Those with dementia may not know what’s going on. Adult Protective Services and/or police must be notified for it to stop.
Greg Bleeker
Laura Michelle not me unfortunately…Drugs = $$$ and I have neither
What ever happened to 55 and up
Pretty bad when the seniors are overdosing
omg Debbie Catalano- Yezzo
If you see people age 55 and under living with an elderly person and lots of activity happening its usually not because everyone loves to visit or live with their elderly parents or grandparents. The elderly are being taken advantage of financially and/or there is a drug problem. It needs to be reported to protect the elderly and get these drug offenders in jail and/or get them in rehab.
Judy Ann exactly.Happens way too often
Judy LaBombard Its so sad. I think the elderly are so lonely for company that they put with this nonsense to avoid being alone.
Judy Ann true..they need company even if it’s not good company
55+ drug den!! Sad.
Sometimes they allow people who are 50-52 to apply and move in.
Either way this was really sad if these are kids/grandkids taking advantage ???
Randi Marie Adult children can live with their relatives in a 55+. I see it where I live.
Judy Ann I know 🙁 it’s sad
Great job ,go get some more drug dealers ,they all belong in jail ,make room
Whose house was it ?55 and over
So enterprising old folks making a little extra cash to pay for their overpriced medications?
Christine Calabrese
Is this close to us?
Alyssa Sala Della Cuna Closer to Tim’s area
Probably a rental.
I don’t know whos blow it is grandma