STAFFORD, NJ — A Stafford Township Police Department drug investigation ended Tuesday, Oct. 27, with four arrests and the seizure of suspected methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and materials tied to drug distribution, according to the department.
Police reported the Drug Enforcement Unit concluded the investigation at about 6:30 p.m. and executed multiple court-authorized search warrants connected to a Warren Grove residence and a vehicle.
The people arrested were identified by police as Louis E. Gary, 40, of Grays Road in Warren Grove, Charles J. Taylor, 40, of Carranza Road in Tabernacle, Stacey L. Hickle, 49, of 3rd Street in Brooklyn, New York, and Kenneth W. Staunton, 46, of Bay Parkway in Waretown. According to the department, detectives obtained a residential search warrant for 1236 Grays Road in Warren Grove, a search warrant for a motor vehicle belonging to Taylor, and individual search warrants for Gary and Taylor.
Police reported that detectives found all four people at the Grays Road residence when the warrant was executed. Searches of the home and Taylor's vehicle resulted in the discovery of suspected methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, controlled dangerous substance packaging materials and digital scales, according to the department. Detectives also conducted a consent search of Staunton's vehicle, which police reported revealed suspected methamphetamine, controlled dangerous substance packaging materials and drug paraphernalia.
During the investigation, detectives determined that Hickle had an active outstanding warrant issued by Readington Municipal Court, according to the department.
After the investigation, police charged Gary with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine over one-half ounce, possession of methamphetamine, and two counts of possession of drug paraphernalia.
Taylor was charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine under one-half ounce, possession of methamphetamine, and two counts of possession of drug paraphernalia.
Staunton was charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine under one-half ounce, possession of methamphetamine, and possession of drug paraphernalia, police reported.
Hickle was charged with possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia. All four were taken to Stafford Township Police Headquarters for processing, according to the department.
Police reported that Gary and Staunton were released on summonses pending future appearances in Ocean County Superior Court. Taylor and Hickle were transported to the Ocean County Jail, where they remain pending detention hearings before Ocean County Superior Court, according to the department. The department also stated that it remains committed to investigating illegal narcotics activity and continuing enforcement efforts in the communities it serves.
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