PRESS RELEASE-BARNEGAT MAN CHARGED WITH NARCOTICS DISTRIBUTION

Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced today the culmination of a joint investigation into narcotics distribution in the Barnegat area. An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force and the Barnegat Township Police Department Crime Reduction Unit identified a residence in Barnegat as being used to store and distribute quantities of Cocaine. Based upon the investigation, Detectives obtained a search warrant for a vehicle being utilized by Quamel Peteete, age 28, of Barnegat, which was executed on December 2, 2019. As a result, Detectives seized approximately twenty-two grams of Cocaine, a quantity of Suboxone tablets, and a small quantity of Marijuana. Peteete was taken into custody without incident.

Peteete was charged with Possession of Cocaine in an amount greater than one-half ounce with Intent to Distribute in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5b(2); Possession of Cocaine in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C: 35-10a(1); Possession of Suboxone in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(1); and Possession of Marijuana in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(4). Peteete is currently lodged in the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.

Prosecutor Billhimer would like to acknowledge the diligence of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Asset Forfeiture Unit, and Barnegat Township Police Department Crime Reduction Unit for their collaborative efforts in conducting this investigation.

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