Couple Charged In 'Brazen' Heroin Deals At Howell Home: Police

HOWELL, NJ -- A Howell woman and her boyfriend were arrested Thursday morning in connection with what police called "brazen open-air drug activity" led to the seizure of heroin and cash from the woman's home, police said.

Cynthia M. Garrison, 55, and Joseph W. Calascione, 26, both of Starlight Road, are both charged with possession of heroin, distribution of heroin, possession of hypodermic needles and possession of drug paraphernalia, Howell Sgt. Christian Antunez said Thursday afternoon.

Also arrested were Blake X. Rini, 23, and Kelly E. Geerin, 21, both of New Friendship Road in Howell, Antunez said.

The arrests were the result of a search warrant executed Thursday morning after a monthlong investigation into heroin distribution from the home, Antunez said.

"Brazen open-air drug activity was observed occurring," Antunez said, including walk-up traffic and drug use in the street.

Lt. Thomas Rizzo, Patrolmen TJ Hurley, Ryan Richards and Nicholas Bonadrew of the Howell Township Police Department's  Crime Suppression Unit, along with Patrolman Eric Encarnacion, Cpl. Riaz Motani and Detective Richard Conte executed the search warrant and seized heroin, stamped “Hardball,” as well as hypodermic needles, crack pipes, a digital scale, and $500 in cash, he said. 

Due to the manner in which the heroin was stored, determination as to the exact quantity will not be known until verified by the State Police laboratory, Antunez said.

Garrison's juvenile child was present at the scene but not involved, he said, and was transported to school by police. 

Calascione and Garrison both are being held at the Monmouth County Correctional Institute, Freehold Township, in lieu of $20,000 bail each, no 10 percent option. 

Rini and Geerin both were charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and released with summonses pending court, Antunez said.

(Photo via Howell Township Police 911 Communications page)