Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force collaborated with the Berkeley Township Police Department Detective Bureau and Patrol Division, as well as the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit, to conduct an investigation into the distribution of narcotics in the Ocean County area. The investigation identified a residence in the Manitou Park section of Berkeley Township as being utilized to store and distribute Cocaine.
Based on the investigation, Detectives obtained a court-authorized search warrant for the subject residence. On July 30, 2021, Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, Ocean County Regional SWAT Team, Berkeley Township Police Department and Patrol Division, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit, executed the search warrant at the residence. As a result, Detectives seized approximately 30 grams of Cocaine, along with a loaded Glock 9mm handgun with a large capacity magazine containing hollow point bullets.
Tiron Hester, 29, of Toms River, was arrested and charged with Possession of More than One-Half Ounce but Less than Five Ounces of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5b(2); Possession of Cocaine in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(1); Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-7b(1); Possession of a Firearm During a Controlled Dangerous Substance Offense in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4.1a; Possession of a Large Capacity Magazine in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-3j; and Possession of Hollow Point Ammunition in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-3f(1). Hester was processed at the Berkeley Township Police Department, and 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, Berkeley Township Police Department Detective Bureau and Patrol Division, Ocean County Regional SWAT Team, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit, for their combined 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).