Absecon Doctor, Galloway Resident Among Five Charged With Drug Trafficking

An Absecon doctor and five Atlantic County residents, including one from Galloway, have been charged as part of a drug trafficking network, Atlantic County Prosecutor Jim McClain announced on Thursday.

Detectives of the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency and the Absecon Police Department executed four search warrants early Wednesday morning following a three-month investigation.

During the investigation, law enforcement recovered about 1,000 oxycodone pills that were allegedly either purchased or fraudulently prescribed and numerous fraudulent prescription scripts.

Dr. Alan Faustino, 48, of Absecon, was charged with first degree leader of a drug trafficking network, second degree distribution of CDS, third degree possession of CDS and second degree conspiracy to distribute CDS. He was lodged in the Atlantic County Justice Facility on $100,000 full cash bail.

The State of New Jersey has temporarily suspended his license. The DEA suspended his right to issue prescriptions.

Ashley Channell, 25, of Galloway, was charged with third degree distribution of CDS, third degree distribution of CDS in a school zone and third degree conspiracy to distribute CDS. Channell was charged and released.

Kara Minchin, 26, of Absecon, was charged with third degree possession of a CDS, third degree conspiracy to distribute CDS and third degree distribution of CDS. Minchin was lodged in the Atlantic County Justice Facility on $30,000 full cash bail.

Jason Cylc, 38, of Brigantine, was charged with second degree distribution of CDS, third degree possession of CDS and third-degree conspiracy to distribute CDS. Cylc was lodged in the Atlantic County Justice Facility on $150,000 full cash bail.

Claudio Valentin, 36, of Egg Harbor Township, was charged with third degree conspiracy to distribute CDS. Valentin was charged and released.

Stephen Sklar, 67, of Atlantic City, was charged with second degree distribution of CDS, third degree possession of CDS and third degree distribution of CDS. Sklar was charged and released.