Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on July 15, 2024, Ezra Wheeler, 27, of Brick Township, pled guilty to Possession of More than One Half-Ounce but Less than Five Ounces of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute before the Honorable David M. Fritch, J.S.C., in connection with an investigation that took place in Brick Township in June 2023. At the time of his sentencing on September 13, 2024, the State will be seeking a term of ten years New Jersey State Prison.
On June 8, 2023, in furtherance of an ongoing narcotics investigation, Detectives from the Brick Township Police Department Street Crimes Unit established mobile and stationary surveillance on a residence on Coventry Court. Detectives observed Wheeler exit the residence and leave the area in a motor vehicle. Officers from the Brick Township Police Department effectuated a motor vehicle stop on the vehicle Wheeler was operating. Wheeler was found to be in possession of approximately 18 grams of Cocaine. Wheeler was taken into custody without incident.
A short time later, Detectives executed a court-authorized search warrant on the subject residence. As a result, Detectives seized approximately 100 grams of Cocaine and $19,300 in United States currency. Wheeler was transported to the Ocean County Jail, and subsequently released as a consequence of New Jersey Bail Reform
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the diligent efforts of Assistant Prosecutor Lynn Juan who is handling the case on behalf of the State, and acknowledges the Brick Township Police Department Street Crimes Unit, Brick Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, for their combined and collaborative assistance in connection with this investigation leading to Wheeler’s guilty plea, and soon his state prison sentence.