Cocaine, Loaded Handgun Seized, Seaside Woman Charged: Prosecutor

TOMS RIVER, NJ — A Seaside Heights woman was arrested and cocaine and a loaded 9mm handgun were seized last week in connection with a drug distribution investigation, the Ocean County prosecutor's office said.

Amanda Humphreys, 24, of Seaside Heights, Mario Galli, 27, of Brick, and Jason Vella, 37, of Berkeley Township, were arrested following a three-month investigation that led to searches of homes in Berkeley and Toms River on Sept. 19 and 20, Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said.

The searches allowed law enforcement to seize approximately 500 grams of cocaine, nearly $2,300 in cash, and a loaded 9mm handgun, Billhimer said.

Galli was charged in Berkeley Township with distribution of more than 5 ounces of cocaine; two counts of possession of more than 5 ounces of cocaine with intent to distribute; and two counts of possession of more than 5 ounces of cocaine. Toms River police filed charges of possession of more than 5 ounces of cocaine with intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of a school; possession of more than 5 ounces of cocaine with intent to distribute; possession of more than 5 ounces of cocaine; being a certain person not to have a weapon; possession of a firearm for an unlawful purpose; possession of a weapon during the commission of a controlled dangerous substance offense; and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Humphreys was charged in Toms River with possession of more than 5 ounces of cocaine with intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of a school; possession of more than 5 ounces of cocaine with intent to distribute; possession of more than 5 ounces of cocaine; possession of a firearm for an unlawful purpose; possession of a weapon during the commission of a controlled dangerous substance offense; and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Vella was charged in Berkeley Township with possession of more than 5 ounces of cocaine with intent to distribute and possession of more than 5 ounces of cocaine.

All three were being held at the Ocean County Jail pending detention hearings.

Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, Berkeley Township Police Department and Toms River Township Police Department investigated, and Billhimer prasied them along with the Prosecutor’s Office Asset Forfeiture Unit, and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit for their efforts in what he called a wide-ranging investigation.

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