10,000 Heroin Doses Seized, 9 Charged In Monmouth Bust: Prosecutor

FREEHOLD, NJ -- Nine people have been charged and more than 10,000 doses of heroin seized as the result of a four-month investigation into heroin distribution in Monmouth County dubbed "Operation High Life," Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni said Friday.

Seven of those charged were arrested this week, but two people -- a Toms River man and a Neptune woman -- remain at large, the prosecutor's office said.

The prosecutor's office released photos of all of those charged Friday evening.

The charges are the result of a four-month investigation by county and local law enforcement, the prosecutor's office said. All nine defendants are connected to an Ocean Township-based heroin trafficking network, Gramiccioni said.

“This takedown puts a much-needed dent in the heroin market existing in Monmouth County for today, but there is still more work to be done," Grammiccioni said. "Investigators will continue their robust enforcement operations to further curtail the heroin supply. At the same time, our office must continue its outreach and education efforts to reduce heroin demand – it is here where public engagement remains most important.”

“Operation High Life” focused on addressing the flow of heroin into the greater Asbury Park area. The investigation netted seven of the nine people charged as part of the conspiracy that ultimately led to the seizure of more than 10,000 bags of heroin for distribution in and around Asbury Park.

The investigation revealed the heroin trafficking network was moving about 7,500 bags of heroin a week, the prosecutor's office said.

The prosecutor's office said the investigation revealed the leader of the ring, Mario DeShader, aka “Noso” aka “Fat Boy,” 30, of Ocean Township, conspired with DeShawn “Date” Esdaile, 24, of Asbury Park, to distribute substantial amounts of heroin on a daily basis in Ocean Township, Asbury Park, Neptune and Neptune City.

The investigation showed Mark “Scrilla” A. St. Juste, 33, of Carteret, was supplying the heroin to DeShader, the prosecutor's office said.

DeShader is charged with first-degree possession with intent to distribute heroin, second-degree conspiracy to possess a controlled dangerous substance with intent to distribute, second-degree distribution of heroin, third-degree distribution of heroin, and two counts of third-degree possession of heroin. DeShader is being held in the Monmouth County Correctional Institution, Freehold Township, in lieu of $500,000 cash only bail, set by Monmouth County Superior Court Judge Joseph W. Oxley. Oxley also ordered a bail source hearing before DeShader can post bail for release.

Esdaile is charged with first-degree possession with intent to distribute heroin, second-degree conspiracy to possess heroin with intent to distribute, second-degree distribution of heroin, and two counts of third-possession of heroin. Esdaile is currently being held in the county jail in lieu of $500,000 cash only bail, set by Oxley, who also ordered a bail source hearing before Esdaile can post bail for release.

St. Juste is charged with first-degree distribution of heroin, first-degree possession with the intent to distribute heroin, second-degree conspiracy to possess heroin with the intent to distribute, and third-degree possession of heroin. St. Juste is being held in the county jail in lieu of $500,000 cash only bail, set by Judge Oxley, who also ordered a bail source hearing before St. Juste can post bail for release.

Also arrested and charged as part of “Operation High Life” is:

Todd “Filthy” Ewart, 34, of Ocean Township. He is charged with first-degree possession with intent to distribute heroin and third-degree possession of heroin. He is being held in lieu of $500,000 cash only bail, with a bail source hearing required before Ewart can post bail for release.

Brittany Cook, 25, of Cleveland, Ohio. She is charged with first-degree possession with intent to distribute heroin and third-degree possession of heroin. She is being held in lieu of $100,000 bail with an option to post 10 percent.

Kavon J. McMillon, 26, of Neptune. He is charged with one count each of third-degree conspiracy to possess heroin. He was released after posting bail that was set at $10,000 with a 10 percent option.

Iran Clayton-McKinley, 21, of Neptune. He is charged with third-degree conspiracy to possess heroin. He is being held in lieu of $40,000 bail with no option to post 10 percent.

Two people connected to “Operation High Life” remain at large, the prosecutor's office said:

Carl “Old Head” Revis, 56, of Toms River, is facing a charge of third-degree conspiracy to possess heroin;

Patricia Baez, 46, of Neptune, is facing a charge of third-degree conspiracy to possess heroin.

Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Revis or Baez is asked to contact Detective William Crosta of the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office at 1-800-533-7443 or the local police. Do not attempt to apprehend these individuals.

Anyone who feels the need to remain anonymous but has information about a crime can contact the Monmouth County Crime Stoppers confidential telephone tip-line by calling 1-800-671-4400; can text "MONMOUTH” plus their tip to 274637; or, they can email a tip via the website at www.monmouthcountycrimestoppers.com. Monmouth County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest of fugitives.

Gramiccioni credited numerous law enforcement agencies for their hard work and dedication to the investigation: Monmouth County Sheriff’s Department, Ocean Township Police Department, Neptune Township Police Department, Neptune City Police Department, Belmar Police Department, Long Branch Police Department, Eatontown Police Department, Spring Lake Police Department, and the Asbury Park Police Department.

If convicted of any of the first-degree charges, defendants face a sentence of 10 to 20 years in a New Jersey state prison; second-degree charges are punishable by five to 10 years and third-degree charges come with a potential sentence of three to five years in state prison.