Manchester Couple Had Heroin, Fentanyl In Car With 5-Year-Old: Police

MANCHESTER, NJ — A Manchester Township couple has been charged with child abuse after police found heroin and a fentanyl patch in their car after taking part in a drug transaction with their 5-year-old daughter in the car, police said.

Priest Taylor and Diane Carle, both 36 and of Housen Street, were arrested Wednesday night following an investigation into a series of suspicious vehicles in the Summit Park section, Manchester Capt Todd Malland said. Also arrested were Joseph Alex Jr., 67, of Harrison Place, and Leander Harper, 36, of Housen Street, Malland said.

Members of the Narcotics Enforcement Unit were investigating in the Summit Park section when officers observed suspicious behavior between occupants of two vehicles about 9:30 p.m., and when they pulled them over separately, learned there had been a drug transaction between the two, Malland said.

Taylor was found to be in possession of four bags of heroin and a fentanyl transdermal patch and drug paraphernalia, while Carle was found with 17 bags of hwroin and drug paraphernalia, he said. Alex was found in possession of oxycodone pills and drug paraphhernalia, Malland said.

Carle, who also has several outstanding warrants from other jurisdictions, and Taylor were arrested without incident and their daughter left in the care of a family member, Malland said. A subsequent referral was made the Division of Child Protection and Permanency, he said.

While investigating the first incident, officers saw a car with two occupants and learned the driver, Harper, was in possession of a quantity of marijuana, Malland said.

Malland said the following charges were filed:

Alex was charged with distribution of heroin, possession of oxycodone, possession of drug paraphernalia, and loitering for the purpose to buy/sell narcotics.

Taylor was charged with distribution of oxycodone, possession of heroin, possession of fentanyl, possession of drug paraphernalia, loitering for the purpose to buy/sell narcotics, hindering apprehension of another, and child abuse/neglect.

Carle was charged with possession of heroin, possession of drug paraphernalia, loitering for the purpose to buy/sell narcotics, hindering apprehension with false information, failure to surrender evidence, and child abuse/neglect.

Harper was charged with possession of marijuana under 50 grams and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Harper and Taylor were released on summonses, while Alex and Carle were transferred to Ocean County Jail due to their outstanding warrants, Malland said.

Also assisting in the investigation were members of the Manchester Township Police Department’s Patrol Bureau and K-9 Unit.

Residents are reminded that drug tips can be reported to the Manchester Police anonymously at 732-657-6111 or online via the Department’s website, www.manchesterpolicenj.com, by clicking the “Tip Line” link.

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