On April 8th, Prosecutor Billhimer announced the arrests of Joseph Cafasso (49 of Brick) and Stacey Pio (46 of Nutley).

The investigation was a collaborative effort by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, the Toms River Township Police Departments Special Enforcement Unit, Brick Township Police Department and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department Crime Scene Investigation Unit.

The investigation revealed that Cafasso was distributing illegal narcotics from a residence in Brick Township. Investigation also revealed that minor children were present at the residence.

A search warrant was executed at the residence in Brick Township on Sunday, April 7, 2019. Detectives seized approximately three and a half bricks of heroin, suboxone, and cocaine. Brick Township Police executed a motor vehicle stop as Cafasso was driving near the residence. Cafasso was found to be in possession of approximately $1200.00 in cash. Cafasso’s passenger, Pio, was found to be in possession of approximately $940.00 in cash and a large quantity of morphine pills.

Cafasso and Pio were transported to Toms River Township Police Headquarters.

Cafasso was charged with:

  • Distribution of Less Than One Half Ounce of Heroin in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5b(3)
  • Two counts of Possession of Less than One Half Ounce of Heroin with Intent to Distribute in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5b(3)
  • Two counts of Possession of Heroin in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C;35-10a(1), Possession of a Suboxone with Intent to Distribute in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5b(3)
  • Possession of Suboxone in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(1), Possession of Less Than One Half Ounce of Cocaine in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(1)
  • Three counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4a(2).

Cafasso is currently lodged in the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.

Pio was charged with:

  • Possession of Less Than One Half Ounce with Intent to Distribute Morphine in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C: 35-5b(3)
  • Possession of Morphine in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(1)
  • Possession of Drug Paraphernalia in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:36-2.

Pio was released on a summons pending a future court date.

Additional Coverage can be found on Jersey Shore Online