On Friday, July 18, Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato and Stafford Township Police Chief Joseph Giberson announced that Dahmir A. Jones, 23, of Trenton was arrested for the drug-induced death of Brendan Novak, 18, of Stafford Township. Jones is the eighth individual to be charged under the strict liability statute in Coronato’s effort to hold dealers accountable for drug-induced deaths in the county.
According to Ocean County overdose statistics, there have been 39 overdose deaths and 60 Narcan first aid reversals to date. In 2013 there were 71 overdose deaths between Jan. 1 and July 18.
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| Photo via Google Packages of Fentanyl were found during the investigation. |
“We will relentlessly pursue those responsible for every overdose death in Ocean County, especially those who embellish their product with deadly additives,” Coronato said in a press release. “My office will do everything possible to help those stricken by drug addictions but will show no such kindness to dealers ignoring the tragic consequences of their actions. At this point it should be abundantly clear to drug dealers that Ocean County is not a wise place to do business.”
Stafford Township police found Novak unconscious and unresponsive in a residence in Ocean Acres June 21. He was pronounced dead later that day.
Detectives processing the scene found several empty wax packages with the “Hello Kitty” cartoon character stamped on top. According to officials, the packages were found to contain toxic doses of Fentanyl.
Jones, who has been incarcerated since his June 23 arrest on charges of possession of controlled dangerous substances and possession of CDS with intent to distribute, was served his arrest warrant for the criminal offense of drug-induced death, first-degree on Thursday, July 17, in Mercer County Jail. He remains at the jail in lieu of $250,000 cash bail.
“The members of the Stafford Township Police Department remain committed to working with Prosecutor Coronato and members of his staff to stem the tide of drug-induced deaths in Ocean County and will use every available resource to investigate, arrest and prosecute the dealers responsible for these deaths,” said police Capt. Thomas Dellane. “The best way to thwart the drug dealers is through community involvement. We encourage anyone with information on drug activities to contact the Stafford Township Police Detective Bureau at 609-597-8581. Citizens may also leave a message on our confidential TIP Hotline at 609-597-1189, extension 8477.”
— Kelley Anne Essinger
This article was published in The SandPaper.
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