Barnegat Woman Admits To Dealing Narcotics Across State

BARNEGAT, NJ — A Barnegat woman admitted to using her home to store and distribute narcotics throughout New Jersey, the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office said.

Laurie Maxson, 54, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute more than five ounces of methamphetamine, Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said.

At the time she was charged, Maxson's husband, Jason, was charged as well. However, she exonerated him with her plea agreement on Jan. 29, Billhimer said, and when she is sentenced on April 12 his charges will be dropped.

Numerous agencies began the investigation on July 15, 2021, following a tip from the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, Billhimer said. This investigation identified the Maxson's house as being used to store and distribute pain medication, he said.

On July 20, 2021, detectives surveilled the Maxson's house, watching as the couple left and entered a 2021 Honda Accord, Billhimer said. Police conducted a traffic stop on them and they were arrested without incident, Billhimer said.

A court-authorized search warrant on the house discovered about 37,000 tramodol pills and 3,400 pills believed to be hydrocodone, Billhimer said. These pills were seized and lab testing found the "hydrocodone" was actually methamphetamine, he said.

At the time of her sentencing, the State will seek a sentence of five years in New Jersey State Prison.