5 Charged In Manahawkin Drug Bust: Police

STAFFORD, NJ — A narcotics investigation by the Stafford Township Drug Enforcement Unit ended Wednesday, March 4, with five people being charged with drug offenses, according to Stafford Township police.

The five charged are Everett J. Salmons, 69, of East Bay Avenue in Manahawkin; Cindy L. Dempsey, 70, of East Bay Avenue in Manahawkin; Kevin P. Keane, 45, of East Bay Avenue in Manahawkin; Vincent M. Buttiglieri, 45, of Hillard Drive in Manahawkin; and Amanda J. Raccuia, 46, of Village Drive in Barnegat.

According to police, the investigation led to a consent search of a motor vehicle, a residential search warrant for a unit at 215 East Bay Ave. in Manahawkin and a person search warrant for Salmons. Police reported that after the vehicle search, Salmons, Dempsey, Buttiglieri and Raccuia were found in possession of heroin.

While officers were on scene, police also learned Buttiglieri had an active outstanding warrant from Lakewood Municipal Court, according to the department. Police reported that a search incident to Buttiglieri's arrest revealed methamphetamine.

A residential search warrant at 215 East Bay Ave. also was executed, police said. According to the department, Salmons, Dempsey and Keane were found in possession of methamphetamine, controlled dangerous substance packaging material and drug paraphernalia.

Salmons was charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine, possession of heroin and possession of drug paraphernalia. Dempsey was charged with the same offenses. Buttiglieri was charged with possession of methamphetamine and possession of heroin. Keane was charged with possession of methamphetamine, and Raccuia was charged with possession of heroin.

After processing at Stafford Township Police Department, Salmons, Dempsey, Keane and Raccuia were released on summonses pending future court dates in Ocean County Superior Court, according to police. Buttiglieri was transported to Ocean County Jail and was awaiting a detention hearing in Ocean County Superior Court.