Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on Thursday, September 19, 2019, Orric Mitchell, 35, of Newark, was found guilty following a jury trial of Distribution of Heroin in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5a(1) and N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5b(3), Possession of Heroin with Intent to Distribute in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5a(1) and N.J.S.A.2C:35-5b(3), and Possession of Heroin in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(1).  The case was tried before the Honorable Guy P. Ryan, J.S.C.Mitchell is subject to a mandatory extended term of imprisonment whenhe is sentenced by Judge Ryan on November 1, 2019.

On June 20, 2017, Mitchell was observed by law enforcement leaving a motel on Route 37 in Toms River and walking to the 7-11 convenience store on the corner of Route 37 and Fischer Boulevard.  It was determined that he distributed a quantity of heroin to another individual at that location. Mitchell then walked back to the motel where he was ultimately arrested. An additional quantity of approximately one hundred and forty-five wax folds of heroin was recovered from his room.

Prosecutor Billhimer would like to acknowledge the dedication and hard work of Assistant Prosecutor Ashley Angelo and Assistant Prosecutor Victoria Veni who ably tried the case on behalf of the State.  The Prosecutor likewise extends his gratitude to Detective Taryn Schwartz of the Ocean County Prosecutors Office, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, Toms River Township Police Department Special Enforcement Team and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit for their assistance in bringing Mitchell to justice.