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.