El fiscal del condado de Ocean, Bradley D.. Billhimer anunció que en junio 21, 2022, Michele Baker, 39, of Pleasantville, was charged with Strict Liability Drug Induced Death in violation of NJSA. 2C:35-9a, in connection with the death of a 44 year-old male in South Toms River on April 19, 2022. Baker has also been charged with Distribution of Heroin/Fentanyl in violation of NJSA. 2C:35-5a(1); Possession of Heroin/Fentanyl with Intent to Distribute in violation of NJSA. 2C:35-5b(3) and Possession of Heroin/Fentanyl in violation of NJSA. 2C:35-10a(1).
En abril 19, 2022, South Toms River Police Officers responded to a residence on South Main Street for a report of an unresponsive male. A la llegada, Officers discovered the body of the victim, who was already deceased from an apparent drug overdose.
Una investigación de la Unidad de Delitos Mayores de la Fiscalía del Condado de Ocean, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force and South Toms River Police Department Detective Bureau determined that Baker had sold Heroin and Fentanyl to the victim on April 18, 2022. Further investigation and toxicology analysis recently received by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office confirmed the presence of Heroin and Fentanyl in the victim’s system. Basado en el análisis toxicológico., the Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office opined that the Heroin and Fentanyl found in the victim’s system was the cause of his death. Como consecuencia, a warrant was issued for Baker’s arrest on June 21, 2022.
En Junio 26, 2022, Baker was arrested by Officers from the Howell Township Police Department on an unrelated Shoplifting charge. Baker was transported and lodged in the Monmouth County Jail. En julio 4, 2022, Baker was transported to the Ocean County Jail where she is currently lodged pending a detention hearing.
El Fiscal Billhimer elogia a la Unidad de Delitos Mayores de la Fiscalía del Condado de Ocean, Fuerza de ataque antinarcóticos de la oficina del fiscal del condado de Ocean, Unidad de Delitos de Alta Tecnología de la Oficina del Fiscal del Condado de Ocean, Departamento de policía del sur de Toms River, South Toms River Police Department Detective Bureau, Unidad de Investigación de la Escena del Crimen de la Oficina del Sheriff del Condado de Ocean, Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office, Pleasantville Police Department, Howell Township Police Department and Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office, por sus esfuerzos de colaboración en relación con esta investigación.
Los cargos mencionados anteriormente son meras acusaciones y se recuerda a la prensa y al público que todos los acusados se presumen inocentes a menos y hasta que se demuestre su culpabilidad más allá de toda duda razonable en un tribunal de justicia..
RPC. 3.6(b)(6).