Rutgers Student From Somerset Sold Drugs On Social Media App: PD

SOMERSET, NJ — Seven Rutgers students, including one from Somerset, are charged with buying and selling illegal drugs through a private social media app following an extensive narcotics operation called "Operation RU Pharm," announced Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone on Thursday.

"Operation RU Pharm," which was run by Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Task Force with the Rutgers University Police Department, New Brunswick Police Department, and the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office, was conducted over several months.

The investigation found that the Rutgers University Students used a closed and private social media network to sell and purchase narcotics, said Ciccone.

"The private social media network was created by a former Rutgers University Student where narcotics distributors could post menus for drugs and solicit buyers from within the Rutgers University community," according to investigators. "Rutgers students who established their affiliation with the school were allowed to join the network and once given access, they were able to browse menus posted by distributors and contact them in order to negotiate purchases."

A large amount of marijuana, LSD, cocaine, psilocybin mushrooms, Adderall, Xanax, a large amount of cash, and a firearm were recovered as part of the investigation.

Anudeep Revuri, 23, of North Brunswick, was charged with one count of first-degree leader of a drug trafficking network, two counts of second-degree conspiracy to commit drug distribution, and one count of third-degree conspiracy to commit drug distribution.

Joshua Duffy, 20, of Somerset, was charged with one count of second-degree distribution of a controlled dangerous substance, five counts of third-degree distribution of a controlled dangerous substance, two counts of third-degree possession of a controlled dangerous substance, one count of third-degree money laundering, and one count of fourth-degree possession with intent to distribute drug paraphernalia.

Zachary Petersen, 22, of Red Bank, was charged with three counts of third-degree distribution of a controlled dangerous substance, three counts of third-degree possession of a controlled dangerous substance, one count of third-degree money laundering, and one count of fourth-degree possession with intent to distribute drug paraphernalia.

Catherine Tierney, 23, of Shrewsbury, was charged with three counts of third-degree distribution of a controlled dangerous substance, three counts of third-degree possession of a controlled dangerous substance, one count of third-degree money laundering, and one count of fourth-degree possession with intent to distribute drug paraphernalia.

David Nudelman, 20, of Jackson, was charged with one count of second-degree possession of a firearm while committing a CDS offense, one count of second-degree distribution of a controlled dangerous substance, one count of third-degree distribution of a controlled dangerous substance, one count of fourth-degree possession with intent to distribute drug paraphernalia and one count of possession of a controlled dangerous substance which is classified as a disorderly persons offense.

Donovin Williams, 22, of Kingston, NY, was charged with one count of third-degree distribution of a controlled dangerous substance in a school zone, three counts of third-degree distribution of a controlled dangerous substance, three counts of third-degree possession of a controlled dangerous substance, and one count of fourth-degree possession with intent to distribute drug paraphernalia.

Noa Lisimachio, 21, of New York, NY, was charged with third-degree resisting arrest and obstruction of justice, which is classified as a disorderly persons offense.

The investigation is active and continuing.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Task Force at 732-745-3300.

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