On Friday February 7, 2020, a six-month long, multi-agency investigation ended between the Stafford Township Drug Enforcement Unit and the Ocean County Narcotics Strike Force with the arrests of six individuals.

At approximately 5:30 PM, Detectives observed a drug transaction between three subjects behind Element Bar in the parking lot. At this time, Bethany Harris, Daniel Popick and a Selvin Romero were detained for further investigation. During this investigation, it was learned that three other subjects, Emerson Rocha, Howuard Mejia Hernandez and Erlin Ramos were found to be involved in this investigation and were detained as well. Upon further investigation, all six subjects were arrested for CDS related offenses.

Selvin Romero, the target of this investigation, was found to be in possession of and distributing Cocaine. Romero gave consent to search his residence in Absecon Township. He was transported by the Ocean County Narcotics Strike Force and Stafford Drug Enforcement Unit to his residence were they met by the Atlantic County Narcotics Task Force. After searching his residence, executing a search warrant on his vehicle, evidence was seized and he was transported back to Stafford Township Police Department for processing.

As a result of this investigation, a quantity of Marijuana was recovered along with one ounce of Cocaine, $800 in cash and CDS paraphernalia.

The following are the list of charges for all subjects involved:

Possession of Marijuana U/50; Possession of CDS Paraphernalia
• Emerson Rocha: 18 years old, Atlantic City, NJ
• Howuard Mejia Hernandez: 31 years old, Atlantic City, NJ
• Erlin Ramos: 24 years old, Atlantic City, NJ

Possession of CDS Cocaine
• Bethany Harris: 29 years old, Ocean City NJ
• Daniel Popick: 29 years old, Barnegat, N.J.

Possession of CDS Cocaine, Possession of Marijuana U/50, Distribution Of CDS Cocaine 2nd degree, Distribution of CDS Cocaine 3rd degree, Possession of CDS Paraphernalia
• Selvin Romero: 25 years new, Absecon, N.J.

The Stafford Township Drug Enforcement Unit was assisted by the Ocean County Narcotics Strike Force, Atlantic County Narcotics Task Force, Ship Bottom Police Department and the Stafford Township K-9 Unit.

As policy, the Stafford Township Police Department will not release the photos of any defendants. Also, the media and the public are reminded that criminal charges are merely accusations, and that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Thank you.