South Brunswick Police Arrests Man For Drugs, Child Endangerment

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — Police on Friday announced that they arrested a South Brunswick man on drug and child endangerment charges.

Michael Mcgarty, 36, was arrested after a three-month joint investigation into drug distribution in the Kendall Park section of the township, police said. The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and South Brunswick Police Department.

Police said they received complaints from community members about unusual activity in New Road and complaints of hypodermic needles discarded on the side of the road. Detectives began monitoring the area of Benson Road and determined that the activity was centered on a home at 12 Benson Road, said police.

Investigators said they developed probable cause that methamphetamine and heroin were being dealt from the residence. A search warrant was obtained from a Superior Court judge with assistance from the Middlesex County Prosecutors Office, said police.

Early Thursday morning, detectives said they executed a knock-first search warrant at the house. After entering, police said they found Mcgarty hiding behind a dryer in the residence. Mcgarty was taken into custody for a probation violation warrant for previously spitting on officers.

During the search, investigators said they recovered narcotics, drug paraphernalia, and weapons. Police said Mcgarty was charged with unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a prohibited weapon, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, two counts of unlawful possession of various narcotics, and endangering the welfare of a child.

He was lodged at the Middlesex County Correction Center pending his bail hearing.

South Brunswick Police Chief Raymond J. Hayducka credited the community and the law enforcement agencies for their assistance.

“Clearly the neighborhood was suffering from the impact of the drug activity. It was brought to an end by the community members who came forward along with the assistance of the DEA and Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office. I want to also recognize the work of Detective Tim Hoover who pursued all the investigative leads to bring this operation to an end,” said Hayducka.

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