Multiple Drug Distribution Arrests – A drug distribution investigation on the 300 block of Nautilus Boulevard in Forked River culminated in several arrests between October 3, 2013 and October 9, 2013. On the evening of October 3, 2013, Lacey Detectives witnessed a vehicle departing from 311 Nautilus Boulevard in Forked River where drug-dealing activity was suspected. The vehicle was observed dropping off a male passenger at the Lacey Branch of the Ocean County Library. After meeting with a second male, the passenger entered the bathroom of the library. Further investigation led to the arrest of 19-year-old Michael Capone of Forked River. Michael Capone was found in possession of heroin and was suspected of injecting the drug while in the bathroom of the public library. The second male, 21-year-old Joseph Ferenc of Forked River, was arrested for an outstanding Lacey Township warrant from a prior incident. During his arrest, detectives located paraphernalia consistent with the use of heroin. Michael Capone was charged with possession of heroin and possession of a hypodermic syringe. Joseph Ferenc was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and lodged in the Ocean County Jail after being unable to post $750 bail on the outstanding warrant.
On the afternoon of October 9, 2013, detectives observed a suspicious transaction between a pedestrian and a vehicle in the Burger King parking lot at the Lacey Mall. The passenger of the vehicle, 23-year-old Ralph Monaco, is a resident of 311 Nautilus Boulevard in Forked River. As detectives approached the vehicle, the driver of the vehicle, 21-year-old John Clifton of Forked River attempted to conceal cash. The pedestrian, 25-year-old Devin Demichele of Whiting, NJ, had heroin and a hypodermic syringe in his possession which led to his arrest. The subsequent search yielded additional heroin and drug paraphernalia along with nearly $2,000 cash. John Clifton and Ralph Monaco were both charged with possession of heroin, distribution of heroin, and possession of a hypodermic syringe. Both suspects were lodged in the Ocean County Jail in default of $20,000 bail. Devin Demichele was incarcerated after bail was set at $10,000 in addition to an outstanding $2,500 warrant issued by the Tabernacle Municipal Court. A third passenger in the vehicle, 21-year-old Fred Vona of Forked River was arrested and charged with possession of drug paraphernalia.
Since July 4, 2013, the detectives and patrol officers of the Lacey Township Police Department have made over 85 drug arrests with 19 persons arrested and criminally charged for drug distribution.