Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force collaborated with the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office, Brick Township Police Department Street Crimes Unit, Gloucester Township Police Department Special Response Team, and Robbinsville Township Police Department, to conduct a two month-long investigation into the distribution of illegal narcotics in the Ocean County area. This cooperative, multi-agency investigation identified a residence in Trenton and a residence in Clementon as being utilized by Joshua Hunter, 53, of South Toms River, and Mary Copestick, 41, of Clementon, to store and distribute cocaine.
On February 26, 2026, Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force and Brick Township Police Department Street Crimes Unit effectuated a motor vehicle stop on a vehicle being operated by Copestick with Hunter as a passenger. Copestick and Hunter were taken into custody without incident; as they were being removed from the vehicle, Detectives observed approximately 360 grams of cocaine in plain view. Detectives then executed court-authorized search warrants on the subject residences in Trenton and Clementon. As a result, Detectives seized approximately $150,000 in assets suspected to be the proceeds of criminal activity.
Copestick and Hunter were both charged with Possession of Five Ounces or More of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute, Conspiracy to Possess Five Ounces or More of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute, Possession of Cocaine, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Both defendants were transported to the Ocean County Jail and subsequently released as a consequence of New Jersey Bail Reform.
Prosecutor Billhimer commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, Camden County Prosecutor’s Office, Brick Township Police Department Street Crimes Unit, Brick Township Police Department, Camden County Prosecutor’s Office, Gloucester Township Police Department Special Response Team, and Robbinsville Township Police Department, for their combined and collective assistance 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).