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A nine month long investigation prompted by a spike in shootings in Long Branch, Asbury Park and Neptune Township, has led to the arrest of 29 people, Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher Gramiccioni has announced.

In what the office is calling Operation Lights Out, the crime sweep included arrests for everything from racketeering and drug distribution to handgun possession and conspiracy.

“Our objective is to continue to do all that we can to make the streets of Monmouth County safe for everyone,” Gramiccioni said. “Dismantling entrenched criminal enterprises that peddle drugs, unlawfully possess and transfer firearms and inflict violence, remains our priority. We had great support from our law enforcement partners throughout the county and we collectively share this same goal.”

Officials said three people remain at large. They include Rory D. Quill, 33, Jamie L. Shaw, 37, and Rasheen Yarbrough, 38.

The investigation revealed that the Long Branch based “G-Shine,” a subset of the Bloods criminal street gang, along with gang associates, distributed approximately 150-200 grams of powder and crack cocaine a week, which had an estimated $225,000 street value. Their heroin distribution was approximately 250 packets per week, with an estimated $22,500 street value, officials said.

Operation Lights Out culminated last week with the seizure of two semi-automatic handguns [.40 and .380 caliber], over 200 grams of cocaine, 35 bricks of heroin, approximately $14,000 in cash, and three vehicles, the written news release said.

The crime sweep was done in collaboration with Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff Shaun Golden; Monmouth County Correctional Institute, Warden Barry Nadrowski; Marlboro Police Department, Chief Bruce Hall; Belmar Police Department, Chief Andrew Huisman; Freehold Township Police Department, Chief Ernie Schriefer; Long Branch Police Department, Director Jason Roebuck; Freehold Borough Police Department, Chief Glenn Roberts; Little Silver Police Department, Chief Daniel Shaffery; Asbury Park Police Department, acting Chief David Kelso; Neptune Township Police Department, Chief James Hunt; Brookdale Community College Police Department, Captain Robert Kimler; Middletown Police Department, Chief Craig Webber; Holmdel Police Department, Chief John Mioduszewski; Keansburg Police Department, Chief James Pigott; Shrewsbury Police Department, Lieutenant Robert Turner; Wall Township Police Department, Chief Kenneth Brown; Manalapan Police Department, Chief Michael Fountain; Hazlet Police Department, Chief Philip Meehan; and Highlands Police Department, Chief Robert Burton.

For a list of those arrested and their charges, click here.

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