Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force collaborated with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration – High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas-Monmouth/Ocean Post of Duty (HIDTA/MOPOD) Group 5, Lakewood Township Police Department Street Crimes Unit, Lakewood Township Police Department Patrol Division, Lakewood Township Police Department Special Response Unit, and Lakewood Township Police Department K-9 Unit, to conduct an investigation into the distribution of illegal narcotics in Ocean County. This cooperative, multi-agency investigation identified a residence in Lakewood as being used by Shamar Kerr, 32, of Lakewood, to store and distribute heroin/fentanyl, and cocaine.
On June 8, 2022, Detectives from the aforementioned law enforcement agencies established surveillance on the subject residence as well as Kerr’s place of employment in Lakewood. Kerr was observed by Detectives meeting with an individual later identified as Anthony Connors, 36, of South Toms River, outside of his place of employment; Kerr was then observed to be leaving his place of employment on foot. Officers from the Lakewood Township Police Department approached Kerr to place him under arrest, at which time Kerr fled on foot. Kerr was ultimately apprehended and placed under arrest. Upon arrest, Kerr was found to be in possession of 900 wax folds of heroin/fentanyl.
Connors was detained and taken into custody. He was charged with Possession of Heroin in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(1) and Wandering in a Public Place to Obtain or Distribute Controlled Dangerous Substances in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:33-2.1b. Connors was served with the charges via summons pending an upcoming first appearance in Ocean County Superior Court.
A court authorized search warrant was executed on Kerr’s Lakewood residence. As a result, Detectives seized approximately 40 grams of crack cocaine, a loaded 40 caliber handgun, and approximately $44,300.00 in United States currency.
Kerr was charged with Distribution of less than One-Half Ounce of Heroin in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5b(3); Possession of more than One-Half Ounce but less than Five Ounces of Heroin with Intent to Distribute in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5b(2); Possession of more than One-Half Ounce but less than Five Ounces of Crack Cocaine with Intent to Distribute in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5b(2); Possession of Heroin in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(1); Possession of Crack Cocaine in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(1); Possession of Drug Paraphernalia in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:36-2a; Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, specifically a handgun, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5b(1); Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, specifically a knife, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5d; Possession of a Weapon During a Controlled Dangerous Substance Offense in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4.1; Certain Person Not to Possess a Firearm in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-7b(1); Possession of a Prohibited Weapon in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-3e; Aggravated Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1b(5)(b); Resisting Arrest in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:29-2a(3)(a); and Financial Facilitation of Criminal Activity in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:21-25a. Kerr is presently lodged in the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.
Prosecutor Billhimer commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Asset Forfeiture Unit, United States Drug Enforcement Administration – HIDTA/MOPOD Group 5, Lakewood Township Police Department Street Crimes Unit, Lakewood Township Police Department Patrol Division, Lakewood Township Police Department Special Response Unit, and Lakewood Township Police Department K-9 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).