All In A Holiday Weekend's Work - Drug Overdose, Suicide

The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office occasionally highlights the work of employees and divisions. Here is the latest from spokesman Al Della Fave:

We’re long overdue for a Pros Props segment. OCPO followers know that it’s aimed at highlighting the work of the dedicated and motivated staff of the OCPO who works tirelessly to see that the Prosecutor’s goals are realized and that everything possible is done to keep the citizens of Ocean County safe. Today’s “Pat on the Back” goes to the Major Crimes Unit.

While most of us this past weekend were enjoying a relaxing three-day holiday, the dedicated members of the Major Crimes Unit were out covering four death investigations - two from natural causes, one tragic drug overdose and one horrible suicide. This is but a small snap shot of the constant onslaught of misery that is a part of their lives and consumes them emotionally on a daily basis.

It sadly is a very necessary part of police work in order to bring closure for devastated loved ones, to see that the senseless acts of criminals are exposed, and to protect us from those capable of the most heinous crime – taking a life. What’s really tough is that those who choose this area of police work spend a long part of their career in this position in order to gain the knowledge and experience to be truly effective.

Recently, one of their priorities has been the drug overdose crisis in Ocean County. In response, they have been tremendously successful in utilizing the “Strict Liability for Drug Induced Death Statute” to hold dealers accountable. For the charge to stick, it demands a thorough investigation to determine the supplier of the drug that caused the death.

Thanks to their tireless efforts there have been 20 Strict Liability arrests in just over a year. Four have already entered guilty pleas and been sentenced. New Jersey on a whole is experiencing large numbers of overdose deaths, yet no county in the state comes close to the OCPO arrest and conviction statistics. The members of the Major Crime Unit have sent a resounding message to drug dealers that the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office will see that they are held accountable.

I can go on endlessly regarding their value and dedication to this office and the citizens they serve. They are a true credit to the OCPO - Al Della Fave.