The Lacey Township Police Detectives recently completed an ongoing drug investigation into cocaine distribution. The investigation began after information was obtained that a resident from Maui Drive in Forked River, was distributing cocaine from his residence. Search warrants were obtained for both the residence and the vehicle of the suspect, identified as 32-year-old John Appleby, 3rd.
On the afternoon of Saturday, March 18, 2017, detectives from the Lacey Township Police Narcotics Unit executed search warrants for the suspect’s Maui Drive residence and his vehicle. John Appleby was stopped while he was traveling northbound on Route 9 in Forked River in his Jeep Rubicon. During the search of his vehicle, detectives discovered approximately one ounce of cocaine and a small amount of methamphetamine. John Appleby and his passenger, identified as 19-year-old Samantha Matthias of Maui Drive in Forked River, were both arrested and the Jeep Rubicon was impounded. The search of the Maui Drive residence revealed digital scales and packaging consistent with distribution.
Both John Appleby and Samantha Matthias were charged with Possession of Controlled Substances, Intent to Distribute more than One-Half Ounce of Cocaine, and Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine. John Appleby was lodged in the Ocean County Correctional Facility to await a bail hearing (in conjunction with Bail Reform) while Samantha Matthias was released on her own recognizance.
Several K-9 Units from the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department and two officers from the Lacey Township Police Patrol Division assisted with the searches. The street value of the drugs is estimated at $3,000.
-Chief Michael C. DiBella