7 Charged In Toms River Area Heroin Distribution

TOMS RIVER, NJ — Seven people have been arrested and more than 3,200 doses of heroin seized in a heroin distribution investigation in South Toms River and Toms River, the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office said Thursday.

The investigation by the Ocean County Narcotics Strike Force identified three men — Kevin Morrison Jr., Daniel Finklin and Rodney Morrison — as using two South Toms River homes and a room at the Ocean View Inn and Suites in Toms River to store and distribute heroin Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said.

On Wednesday search warrants executed at the three sites turned up about 3,210 wax folds of heroin, about $11,700 in cash 52 ecstasy pills, a loaded .38 caliber revolver, and drug paraphernalia, he said.

Arrested were:

• Kevin Morrison Jr., 26, of South Toms River;
• Daniel Finklin, 26 of South Toms River;
• Rodney Morrison, 35, of Toms River;
• Kiara Rivera, 22, of South Toms River;
• Kevin Morrison Sr., 49, of South Toms River;
• Brinda Kennedy, 56, of South Toms River;
• Shelly Braker, 32, of Toms River.

Kevin Morrison Jr. was charged with distribution of heroin; possession of heroin of greater than a half-ounce with intent to distribute; conspiracy to distribute heroin; two counts of possession of heroin; possession of ecstasy; possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose; unlawful possession of a weapon; possession of a weapon during the commission of a controlled dangerous substance offense and receiving stolen property.

Finklin is charged with possession of heroin of greater than a half-ounce with intent to distribute; possession of heroin and obstruction of justice.

Rodney Morrison is charged with distribution of heroin of greater than a half-ounce; possession of heroin of greater than a half-ounce with intent to distribute; two counts of possession of heroin and possession of cocaine.

Rivera is charged with possession of heroin of greater than a half-ounce with intent to distribute; possession of heroin; possession of Ecstasy; possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose; possession of a weapon during the commission of a controlled dangerous substance offense and receiving stolen property.

Kevin Morrison Sr. is charged with aggravated assault on a police officer; obstruction of justice; and resisting arrest.

Kevin Morrison Jr., Rodney Morrison, Kevin Morrison Sr., Finklin and Rivera all are being held at the Ocean County Jail pending detention hearings, Billhimer said.

Kennedy is charged with possession of Ecstasy and possession of drug paraphernalia, and Braker was charged with possession of cocaine and heroin. Both were released on summonses.

The investigation was conducted by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force in collaboration with the Toms River Police Department's Special Enforcement Unit and Patrol Division; South Toms River Police Department Detective Bureau Patrol Division, and K-9 Unit; the Manchester Township Police Department Narcotics Enforcement Unit, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit.

Also assisting were the Ocean County Northern and Southern Regional SWAT Teams and the Toms River Police Department's Emergency Services Unit.

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