In the late evening of Thursday, February 21 and into the early morning of Friday, February 22, police officers in Ocean County executed a raid on multiple residences expected to be involved in drug distribution. Specifically, the Seaside Heights Police Department executed a raid on four (4) houses and arrested seventeen (17) individuals on drugs possession and drug distribution charges. Among the drugs found were cocaine, heroin, marijuana and prescription pills. Additionally, some of the charges involved drug distribution within 1,000 feet of a school zone. Depending on the specific charges, the type of drugs and the weight of those drugs, some of these individuals who have been arrested could be facing first degree felony charges and upwards of twenty (20) years in a New Jersey State Prison. Moreover, if these individuals have any prior criminal charges for distribution of drugs, then they may be subject to enhanced penalties.
Who Was Charged in the Ocean County Drug Raid?
State records indicate that among the individuals who were arrested and charged with drug distribution, the list includes the follows:
- Stephanie Woodford, 37, of Seaside Heights
- Zahir Muhammad, 20, of Montclair
- Quaison Ellis, 21, of Barnegat
- Wali Hobbs, 31, of Browns Mills
- Janice Buquet, 66, of Seaside Heights
- Robert Hudson, 40, of Jackson
- Raymond A. Wilson, 33, of Bayville
- James Trotman, 37, of Beachwood
- Robyn Jackson, 28, of Browns Mills
- Sandra Figueroa, 42, of Seaside Heights
How Long Do People Go to Jail for Heroin Distribution in NJ?
New Jersey has a “grading” system whereby the severity of penalties increase depending upon the nature of the charges. For heroin distribution, you can either be charged with a first degree, second degree or third degree offense. To determine the specific offense grade, it will depend directly on the weight/volume of heroin involved. Specifically, the “grading” heroin distribution in New Jersey is as follows:
| 1st Degree Heroin Distribution | 5 ounces or more of heroin | 10 – 20 years state prison |
| 2nd Degree Heroin Distribution | ½ ounce – less than 5 ounces of heroin | 5 – 10 years state prison; |
| 3rd Degree Heroin Distribution | Less than ½ ounce of heroin | 3 – 5 years of state prison |
These penalties can be further enhanced if the distribution took place within 1,000 feet of a School Zone. For more information, please contact our office.
Do I Need a Lawyer for Cocaine Possession Charges?
Cocaine possession, regardless of the amount or “weight” of the drugs, will be a third degree felony offense. This means that you must appear before an Ocean County Superior Court Judge in Toms River where the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office will prosecute the case. As a third degree offense, you are facing up to five (5) years in a New Jersey State Penitentiary and a $35,000 fine. While you are entitled to represent yourself in court, Judges will recommend that you consult and retain an experienced criminal defense attorney for any felony drug charges. Having an attorney who is familiar with the Ocean County Courthouse can help you feel comfortable and protected in what is likely a scary and unpredictable situation. Depending on the facts of your case and your criminal record, we may be able to obtain a dismissal of your charges through suppression motions or diversionary programs like Pretrial Intervention.
Toms River NJ Criminal Lawyers
If you or someone you know have been arrested and charged with possession of heroin, possession of fentanyl, marijuana possession, possession of drug paraphernalia, cocaine possession, distribution of heroin, distribution of CDS within a School Zone or Driving Under the Influence of Drugs, contact the Ocean County Criminal Lawyers at William Proetta Criminal Law today. With offices in Point Pleasant, we assist clients facing charges throughout Ocean County, including towns like Seaside Heights, Seaside Park, Toms River, Manchester, Brick, Jackson and Stafford. For an immediate consultation with one of our firm’s partners, please contact our office today with any questions or concerns. We can be reached 24/7 for your convenience.
