Dealers need to worry, that over-doses are now on their head.

  Today, it was announced by Ocean County Prosecutor Bradely D Billhimer, that Cody Lessing, 26 of, pled guilty. The plea to two counts of 1st Degree Strict Liability Drug Induced Death was in response to the deaths of Keith Tandberg, 45 and James Tice Jr., 29. All were from Berkeley Township.

  Lessing’s plea came before the Honorable Guy P. Ryan J.S.C under the prosecution by Supervising Assistant Prosecutors Patric Sheehan. Sentencing is scheduled to take place on April 24th, 2019.

  Berkeley Township Police were dispatched to the residence of Tandberg on after his roommate found him unresponsive. Tandberg was D.O.A. and prounced at the residence. Less than 24 hours later Berkley Township Police responded to Tice Jr’s residence. Tice Jr. was found unresponsive by his father, and pronounced at the scene.

  Athorough investigation showed it that Lessing sold Heroin to both Tandberg and Tice, Jr. just hours before each death. Subsequent toxicology reports revealed that both Tandberg and Tice, Jr.  died as a result of the ingestion of the deadly substances Heroin (Monoacetylmorphine) and Fentanyl.

As I have previously vowed, we are committed to the relentless pursuit and prosecution of all individuals selling illegal narcotics in Ocean County. The continuing presence of Fentanyl and the alarming rise in opioid related deaths require this approach. We are satisfied that Lessing has been brought to justice. Our sympathy lies with two families dealing with the tragic loss of a family member.” — Prosecutor Billhimer

  This investigation was the work of detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutors Office and the Berkeley Township Police Department.