Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on January 26, 2026, Roderick Seward, 30, of Brick Township, was charged with Possession of Cocaine in an amount Less than One-Half Ounce with Intent to Distribute, Possession of Cocaine, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, arising out of an investigation into the death of a 27-year-old female in Brick Township on January 26, 2026. Additionally, Santino Giunta, 29, also of Brick Township, was charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine relative to the same investigation.
On January 26, 2026, the Brick Township Police Department received a 911 call in reference to an unconscious female. Upon arrival, Officers discovered the body of the victim, already deceased from an apparent drug overdose. A subsequent investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and Brick Township Police Department Detective Bureau, revealed that Seward and Giunta had supplied cocaine to the victim.
On January 26, 2026, Detectives from the aforementioned agencies established stationary and mobile surveillance on Roderick Seward. On that date, Officers from the Brick Township Police Department effectuated a motor vehicle stop on a vehicle operated by Seward. He was taken into custody at the scene without incident and transported to the Ocean County Jail where he is presently lodged pending a detention hearing.
Shortly thereafter, Officers conducted a motor vehicle stop on a vehicle operated by Giunta. He was taken into custody without incident and served with the charge via complaint-summons pending an upcoming first appearance in Ocean County Superior Court.
Subsequent to both arrests, a court-authorized search warrant was executed upon Seward’s residence. As a result, Detectives seized a quantity of suspect cocaine and other white-powdery substances, a digital scale, as well as items of packaging materials related to the distribution of illegal narcotics.
“This investigation remains active and ongoing, and additional charges may be forthcoming,” Prosecutor Billhimer stated.
Prosecutor Billhimer commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, Brick Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Brick Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, for their combined and collective efforts in connection with this investigation.
The charges referenced above are merely accusations and the press and public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
R.P.C. 3.6(b)(6).