Brick Man, Lakewood Woman Charged In Cocaine Probe: Prosecutor

LAKEWOOD, NJ — A Brick Township man and a Lakewood woman are facing drug charges following a cocaine distribution investigation in Ocean County, the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office said.

Taishaun Cosme, 26, of Brick Township, and Janice Rivera, 33, of Lakewood, were arrested June 8 after a search at a Lakewood home turned up cocaine and other items, Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said.

Detectives seized about 10 grams of cocaine, "a large quantity" of materials indicative of illegal drug distribution, a digital scale, and $4,700 in cash as a result of the search, he said.

Cosme and Rivera each were charged with possession of cocaine with intent to distribute in a quantity less than one-half ounce, possession of cocaine, and possession of drug paraphernalia, and both were released on summonses pending future court appearances.

Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force and Lakewood Township Police Department Street Crimes Unit, along with Lakewood's Special Response Team and K-9 Unit and the asset forfeiture unit of the prosecutor's office collaborated in the investigation.

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