Mercedes Seized, Cocaine Charges Filed Against Two In Drug Probe, Prosecutor Says

(Octavius Jenkins; photo via Ocean County Corrections Department)

Two Ocean County men, including one from Manchester, have been arrested on cocaine charges following a drug investigation, Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato announced Tuesday.

Joseph Smith, 35, of Wells Mill Circle, Manchester, and Octavius Jenkins, 41, of Claire Drive, Lakewood, are facing charges as the result of the ongoing multi-agency investigation, said Al Della Fave, spokesman for the prosecutor’s office.

The investigation identified a 2006 Mercedes Benz SUV as being used by Jenkins to facilitate drug distribution, Della Fave said, and on Oct. 20, the car was seen with Jenkins behind the wheel on Route 9 in Toms River. Jenkins was observed meeting with a person later identified as Smith, he said. They were approached by detectives and subsequently arrested, with Smith’s 1997 green Ford Taurus and Jenkins’ Mercedes both seized pending further investigation, Della Fave said.

Detectives also obtained a no-knock search warrant for Jenkins’ home, he said. That was executed about 7:15 p.m. on Oct. 20 by detectives from the Prosecutor’s Northern Enforcement Unit, along with members of the Lakewood Township Police Department and the Lakewood Township Police Emergency Services Unit. Police seized approximately 20 grams of powder cocaine and approximately 27 grams of crack cocaine along with assorted drug paraphernalia including packaging materials, and $2,550 in suspected drug proceeds, he said.

A search warrant was obtained for the 1997 Ford Taurus, and a rifle was found hidden in the trunk, he said. Both the 1997 Ford Taurus and the 2006 Mercedes Benz were seized pending forfeiture action, Della Fave said.

Jenkins is being held at the Ocean County Jail, Toms River, in lieu of $250,000 cash bail on two counts of possession of cocaine, one count of distribution of cocaine, possession of cocaine over one-half ounce with intent to distribute and possession of drug paraphernalia. Bail was set by Superior Court Judge Rochelle Gizinski, he said.

Smith was charged with possession of cocaine and released on a summons, Della Fave said.

Assisting in the investigation were members of the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department K-9 Unit, the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department CSI Unit and the Toms River Police Department.

The investigation is continuing and additional charges are expected to be filed, he said.