Stafford Man Dealt Drugs In Ocean County: Prosecutor

STAFFORD, NJ — A Stafford man admitted to dealing drugs in the Ocean County area, the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office said.

James Malandro, 22, faces five years in New Jersey State Prison for his guilty plea to distribution of less than one-half ounce of cocaine and unlawful possession of a handgun, Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said.

In August 2025, an investigation by the prosecutor's office and Long Beach Township police found that Malandro was distributing cocaine in the area, Billhimer said.

Between August 2025 and October 2025, Malandro distributed cocaine to undercover officers on three separate occasions, Billhimer said.

On Oct. 6, 2025, Malandro's Stafford home was watched by authorities. He was seen exiting the home, entering a car and leaving the area, Billhimer said.

Malandro was pulled over and taken into custody, Billhimer said. A court-authorized search warrant was executed on his home, where cops seized about 20 grams of cocaine, a quantity of Adderall pills, drug paraphernalia associated with drug distribution and a loaded gun, Billhimer said.

Malandro was taken to Ocean County Jail and released due to bail reform.

His sentencing is set for June 26, 2026.