Little Silver Resident Cited For Dealing Oxycodone

The Monmouth County Prosecutor's office issued a press release on Thursday, March 17 indicating that Little Silver resident Jonathan R. Merklinger was arrested on Tuesday, March 15 at his home on Carolyn Street.

Arresting officers included members of the Monmouth County Prosecutor's office gang task force and their narcotics task force, as well as local Little Silver police department.

Merklinger, 27, was charged with possession and intent to distribute the drug oxycodone. Over 40 oxycodone pills were discovered and seized, approximately $1,500 in value. Also discovered was, a small amount of cocaine, marijuana, and a measuring scale. 

"The arrest of Jonathan R. Merklinger and search of his residence was the culmination of a two month narcotics investigation," the release said.

In addition, Merklinger has been charged with possession of oxycodone, marijuana, cocaine, and the disorderly persons offense of possession of drug paraphernalia, i.e. the measuring scale.

Oxycodone is a prescription painkiller taken orally to relieve moderate to severe pain. The press release noted that oxycodone is a gateway drug for heroin and recreational use of the drug has increased since heroin addicts have turned to it as a cheaper substitute.  

While the police were searching the home, Red Bank resident John K. Sutphin Jr. came to the door to purchase 15 oxycodone pills; he was also arrested. 

Sutphin, 24, was charged with the conspiracy to possess oxycodone and was released on a summons. 

Merklinger, however, was arrested and brought to the Monmouth County Jail in Freehold, NJ. His bail is set at $10,000.