News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 4, 2005

DEA Keeps Promise to Citizens and Returns to Asbury Park

Special Agent in Charge Michael Pasterchick, Jr., of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) announced today that 10 additional federal arrest warrants were issued involving the Asbury Park Organization. Following months of continued investigation by DEA and law enforcement officers since July 2004, once again Asbury Park’s most violent criminals and drug dealers were arrested and placed behind bars on federal charges.

The targeted criminals were responsible for the sale of cocaine and “crack” cocaine throughout Monmouth and several other New Jersey counties. Arrested today were the following defendants:

Jeremy Alexander (AKA: Harold Jackson), DOB: 03-30-1975, Asbury Park/Eatontown, NJ

Maurice Wilson (AKA: Naneen), DOB: 04-01-1979, Neptune, NJ

Kevin King (AKA: Kevin McLaughlin, King Savior, Save), DOB: 06-20-1969, Neptune, NJ

Dwayne Hayes (AKA:DBlack), DOB: 10-24-1977, Asbury Park, NJ

James Brian Kennedy (AKA Vegas Scientific), DOB: 05-18-1977, Neptune, NJ

Previously, on July 27, 2004, federal, state, county and local law enforcement descended on the Asbury Park area and arrested 38 individuals, of which 17 were arrested on federal charges. To date, 15 of the 17 federal defendants have pled guilty and are awaiting lengthy federal sentences.

Today’s enforcement operation was a continuation of the previous joint investigation that targeted the Asbury Park Organization. Since July 2004, the follow up investigation was spearheaded by DEA’s Mobile Enforcement Team (MET) in coordination with the United States Attorney’s Office, Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, Asbury Park and Neptune Police Departments, and the United States Marshal’s Service.

The MET is a specialized squad dedicated to attacking drug trafficking and urban violence in close coordination with local authorities. Teams comprised of the aforementioned agencies culminated their investigative efforts today in order to rid the city of Asbury Park of the remaining members of the Asbury Park Organization.

SAC Pasterchick credited the cooperation of all the law enforcement agencies involved in this joint investigation. SAC Pasterchick noted that on July 27, 2004, he stated “this is a great day for federal, state, county and local law enforcement, but today is a really wonderful day for the citizens of Asbury Park, who strive to make this city a better place to live and raise their families.” He also pledged “that we would return to continue our enforcement efforts in dismantling from top to bottom all the members of the drug trafficking organization.” Today, we accomplished our mission and promise to the citizens of Asbury Park by returning and removing these criminals from the community.

“Today, the second round of drug arrests in Asbury Park is the result of cooperative efforts among law enforcement at all levels stated United States Attorney, Christopher J. Christie.” Further, “this sends a clear message to the residents that we are dedicated in assisting them in reclaiming their neighborhood.”

“This operation is another fine example of federal and local law enforcement officers coordinating our resources to remove criminal drug enterprises in the City of Asbury Park” stated Robert Honnecker, First Assistant Monmouth County Prosecutor.

The investigation is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey headed by Christopher J. Christie. John Hoffman will be the Assistant United States Attorney who will represent the government.

The federal complaint charges the defendants with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing cocaine base. If convicted of conspiracy, each defendant faces a statutory maximum penalty of life imprisonment and a statutory minimum of 10 years in federal prison and a $4. million dollar fine.

Notwithstanding the criminal Complaint, every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt following a trial at which the defendant has all of the trial rights guaranteed by federal and state law.