Five Arrested During Weekend 'Cops In Shops' Sweep

Two Brick men, a Beachwood man and two juveniles -- from Point Pleasant and Wall -- were arrested over the weekend Brick Township police conducting “Cops in Shops” details at liquor stores in town, police said Monday afternoon.

Thomas Michael Johnson, 38, of Brick, has been charged with distribution of a controlled dangerous substance, while James Grover Carter IV, 42, of Beachwood, was charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving while on the revoked list, and operating a motor vehicle while in possession of a controlled dangerous substance. Both were arrested at Buy Rite Liquors, 567 Mantoloking Road, Patrolman David Bedrosian said.

Michael F. O’Malley, 23, of Brick, was arrested at Wine World on Route 88 and charged with entering a licensed premise for the purpose of purchasing alcoholic beverages for persons under the legal age; two 17-year-old males, one from Point Pleasant, one from Wall, were charged on juvenile complaints with entering a licensed premise and attempting to purchase alcoholic beverages while under the legal age to do so, and while being under the legal age attempting to have another of legal age purchase for them. The matters are pending juvenile court action. O’Malley was released on a summons, Bedrosian said.

Johnson and Carter were taken to Brick Township police headquarters, where they received criminal complaint summonses and were released.

Officers involved in the details were: Detective Tim McCarthy, and Patrolmen Robert Heschle, Richard Crimi and Ryan Talty.
Under the Cops in Shops grant program, police officers work undercover in participating retail locations. Law enforcement officials either pose as store employees or are positioned outside the establishment to apprehend adults who attempt to purchase alcohol for underage drinkers, Bedrosian said.

“Attitudes among some adults and young people about the dangers of underage drinking can range from indifferent to dismissive, making our job that much more challenging,” he said. “The Brick Township Police Department remains committed in cracking down on underage drinking and those who buy alcohol for them. The use of supplemental DUI patrols, sobriety checkpoints and Cops in Shops details will continue to be employed through Labor Day and beyond.”

Officers involved in the details were: Detective Tim McCarthy, and Patrolmen Robert Heschle, Richard Crimi and Ryan Talty.