THREE MEN CHARGED WITH DRUG OFFENSES IN
LACEY TOWNSHIP
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced today the culmination of a two-month cooperative investigation into Heroin distribution in the Lacey Township area. An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force and the Lacey Township Police Department identified a residence in Lacey Township being used by Joshua Casper, age 36, to store and distribute quantities of Heroin.
On Monday, November 25, 2019, Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force and Lacey Township Police Department were conducting surveillance on the subject residence when they observed Kevin Smith, age 36, of Barnegat, and Kyle Frate, age 34, also of Barnegat, exiting the residence and entering a motor vehicle with Casper. The Detectives followed the vehicle to a local convenience store and observed Casper exit the vehicle. A subsequent motor vehicle stoprevealed that both Smith and Frate were in possession of approximately ten wax folds of Heroin/Fentanyl as well as drug paraphernalia. A short time later, Detectives executed a no-knock search warrant at Casper’s residence in Lacey Township. The search of the residence yielded approximately 280 wax folds of Heroin and assorted drug paraphernalia. Casper, Frate and Smith were all arrested and charged.
Joshua Casper, 36, of Forked River, was charged with Distribution of Heroin in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5b(3); Possession of Heroin with the Intent to Distribute in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5b(3); Possession of Heroin in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(1); and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:36-2. Casper was released pending a future court appearance.
Kevin Smith, 29, also of Barnegat, was charged with Possession of Heroin in violation of N.J.S.A.2C:35-10a(1) and Possession of a Hypodermic Syringe in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:36-6a. Smith is currently lodged in the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.
Prosecutor Billhimer would like to thank the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Asset Forfeiture Unit, Lacey Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Lacey Township Police Department, and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit for their assistance in this investigation.
The public and media are reminded that all defendants are innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Good job officers!
Great job
Excellent work!
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GREAT JOB!!!!!! Thank you!!!!!
Keep up the good work.
Shouldn’t they be brought to a doctor, not jail? It’s a sickness and all. Asking for a friend. ????
most people get caught up in it and wind up dealing to support there habit. Most people are good people who get caught up in this mess. Build the wall !!
Mike Volker
Niki Lynn Schwefringhaus #releasedonheroinchargestaysforawarrant
Awesome job officers. Now keep them where they belong.
Pattie Guglielmi-Agosto nope bail reform will let them go ????????♀️????????♀️????????♀️????????♀️
All probably already free roaming the streets back at the game. Fucking bail reform IS A FUCKING JOKE! LOCK THEM UP AND THROW AWAY THE KEY!!!!!!! this is nothing but wasted time if u ask me
Great Job Lacey. But it’s a shame that they are back to doing what they do by the next morning. What a kick in the face to the police that are risking their lives arresting these low life dirtbags. And the law abiding decent residents that have to live near them. Something has to change. Either way. Great job as always by the LTPD