County Sting: ‘Operation High Life’ Thwarts Heroin Network
10k+ Bags of Heroin Seized, 7 Arrested, 2 Remain at-Large
An intensive 4-month investigation by County and local law enforcement agencies dubbed “Operation High Life” resulted in 9 arrests this week, Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni announced Friday evening.
While the accused are all connected to an Ocean Township-based heroin trafficking network, the investigation focused on addressing the flow of heroin into the greater Asbury Park area.
“This takedown puts a much-needed dent in the heroin market existing in Monmouth County for today, but there is still more work to be done,” Gramiccioni [at right] said in written news statement. “Investigators will continue their robust enforcement operations to further curtail the heroin supply. At the same time, our office must continue its outreach and education efforts to reduce heroin demand – it is here where public engagement remains most important.” Gramiccioni said.
The investigation netted 9 out of the 11 people charged as part of a conspiracy that ultimately led to the seizure of over 10,000 bags of heroin for distribution in and around Asbury Park, according to officials. The heroin trafficking network was moving about 7,500 bags of heroin a week.
The investigation began this winter, in conjunction with other law enforcement agencies, and focused on combating the flow of heroin into Monmouth County.
During the investigation, it was learned that the accused leader of the ring is Mario DeShader, a/k/a “Noso” and “Fat Boy,” 30, of Ocean Township. Officials said he conspired with DeShawn “Date” Esdaile, 24, of Asbury Park, to distribute substantial amounts of heroin on a daily basis in Ocean Township, Asbury Park, Neptune Township, and Neptune City.
Investigators were able to determine Mario DeShader’s alleged supplier is Mark “Scrilla” A. St. Juste, 33, of Carteret.
From the news release:
DeShader is charged with first degree Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin, second degree Conspiracy to Possess a Controlled Dangerous Substance with Intent to Distribute, second degree Distribution of Heroin, third degree Distribution of Heroin, and two counts of third degree Possession of Heroin. DeShader is currently being held in the Monmouth County Jail, Freehold Township, on $500,000 cash only bail, set by Monmouth County Superior Court Judge Joseph W. Oxley. Judge Oxley also ordered that a bail source hearing is required before DeShader can post bail for release.
Esdaile is charged with one count each of first degree Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin, second degree Conspiracy to Possess Heroin with Intent to Distribute, second degree Distribution of Heroin, and two counts of third degree Possession of Heroin. Esdaile is currently being held in the County Jail on $500,000 cash only bail, set by Judge Oxley, who also ordered a bail source hearing is required before Esdaile can post bail for release.
St. Juste is charged with first degree Distribution of Heroin, first degree Possession with the Intent to Distribute Heroin, second degree Conspiracy to Possess Heroin with the Intent to Distribute, and third degree Possession of Heroin. St. Juste is currently being held in the county jail on $500,000 cash only bail, set by Judge Oxley, who ordered a bail source hearing is required before St. Juste can post bail for release.
Also arrested and charged as part of the “Operation High Life” sting are:
Todd “Filthy” Ewart, 34, of Ocean Township, is charged with first degree Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin and third degree Possession of Heroin. Ewart is currently being held in the county jail on $500,000 cash only bail, set by Judge Oxley, who also ordered a bail source hearing is required before Ewart can post bail for release.
Brittany Cook, 25, of Cleveland, Ohio, is charged with first degree Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin and third degree Possession of Heroin. Cook is currently being held in the county jail on $100,000 bail with an option to post a 10 percent bond to secure her release, set by Judge Oxley.
Kavon J. McMillon, 26, of Neptune Township is charged with third degree Conspiracy to Possess Heroin. McMillon was released after posting $10,000 bail with an option to post a 10 percent bond, set by Judge Oxley.
And, Iran Clayton-McKinley, 21, of Neptune Township is charged with one count each of third degree Conspiracy to Possess Heroin. Clayton-McKinley is currently being held in the county jail on $40,000 bail with no option to post 10 percent, as set by Judge Oxley.
Two people [shown below] remain- at-large:
Carl “Old Head” Revis, 56, of Toms River, who is facing a charge of third degree Conspiracy to Possess Heroin.
And, Patricia Baez, 46, of Neptune Township who is facing a charges: Third Degree Conspiracy to Possess Heroin.
Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Revis or Baez is being asked to contact Detective William Crosta of the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office at 1-800-533-7443 or their local police department.
Monmouth County officials warn that no attempt should be made to apprehend these individuals.
Those who feel the need to remain anonymous but has information about a crime can contact Monmouth County Crime Stoppers confidential telephone tip-line at 1-800-671-4400; text “MONMOUTH” with their tip to 274637; or, e-mail www.monmouthcountycrimestoppers.com.
Monmouth County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest of fugitives.
Gramiccioni said his office worked in conjunction with the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Department, Ocean Township Police Department, Neptune Township Police Department, Neptune City Police Department, Belmar Police Department, Long Branch Police Department, Eatontown Police Department, Spring Lake Police Department, and the Asbury Park Police Department.
If convicted of any of the first degree charges, defendants face a sentence of 10 to 20; second degree offenders face five to ten years, and third degree charges yield three to five years, officials said.
The case is assigned to Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Paul Alexander.
————————————————————————–
Follow the Asbury Park Sun on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
The Asbury Park Sun is affiliated with the triCityNews newspaper.