Monmouth Man Pleads Guilty In Toms River In 3-County Cocaine Network

TOMS RIVER, NJ — A Manalapan man pleaded guilty Thursday to his role in a cocaine distribution network that operated in Ocean, Monmouth and Middlesex counties along with New York City, the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office announced Friday.

Mark Kelber, 45, pleaded guilty to possession of more than 5 ounces of cocaine with intent to distribute before Superior Court Judge Lisa A. Puglisi, Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said, for his role in the network that led to two dozen arrests in late October 2021.

Billhimer said prosecutors will be seeking a 10-year prison term when Kelber is sentenced, with sentencing scheduled for March 24.

“Operation Checkmate” was a four-month investigation in 2021 involving local, state and federal authorities led by Ocean County authorities into three cocaine networks, Billhimer said.

The three cocaine networks were responsible for the import of more than 3 kilograms of cocaine per week into Ocean, Monmouth, and Middlesex counties. Through sophisticated surveillance methods and undercover operatives, “Operation Checkmate” was successful in disrupting and dismantling illicit controlled dangerous substance distribution activities in the three counties and New York City, he said.

On Oct. 26, 2021, there were 24 people arrested and search warrants were executed. resulting in the seizure of more than 4 kilograms of cocaine, more than 15 pounds of marijuana, in excess of $650,000 in United States currency, seven firearms (three handguns, three “ghost guns,” and one pistol grip shotgun), 10 vehicles, and additional illegal narcotics, Billhimer said.

A raid at Kelber’s home turned up 265 grams of cocaine and $24,325 in cash; he was taken to the Ocean County Jail, and later released as a consequence of New Jersey Bail Reform, the prosecutor's office said.

Read more: 24 Charged In Monmouth-Ocean-Middlesex Cocaine Rings: Prosecutor