“Operation High Life” results in 9 arrests

FREEHOLD – An intensive 4-month investigation by county and local law enforcement agencies dubbed “Operation High Life” culminated with the arrest of 9 people this week. All 9 defendants are connected to an Ocean Township-based heroin trafficking network, announced Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni.

“This takedown puts a much-needed dent in the heroin market existing in Monmouth County for today, but there is still more work to be done. Investigators will continue their robust enforcement operations to further curtail the heroin supply. At the same time, our Office must continue its outreach and education efforts to reduce heroin demand – it is here where public engagement remains most important,” Gramiccioni said.

“Operation High Life” focused on addressing the flow of heroin into the greater Asbury Park area. The investigation netted 9 of 11 people charged as part of the conspiracy that ultimately led to the seizure of over 10,000 bags of heroin for distribution in and around Asbury Park. The investigation revealed the heroin trafficking network was moving about 7,500 bags of heroin a week

The investigation began last winter in conjunction with other efforts by law enforcement focused on combating the flow of heroin into Monmouth County. During the investigation, it was learned the leader of the ring, Mario DeShader, a/k/a “Noso” a/k/a “Fat Boy,” 30, of Ocean Township, conspired with DeShawn “Date” Esdaile, 24, of Asbury Park, to distribute substantial amounts of heroin on a daily basis in Ocean Township, Asbury Park, Neptune Township, and Neptune City. Investigators were able to determine Mario DeShader’s source of supply for this heroin was Mark “Scrilla” A. St. Juste, 33, of Carteret.

DeShader is charged with first degree Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin, second degree Conspiracy to Possess a Controlled Dangerous Substance with Intent to Distribute, second degree Distribution of Heroin, third degree Distribution of Heroin, and two counts of third degree Possession of Heroin. DeShader is currently being held in the Monmouth County Correctional Institution, Freehold Township, on $500,000 cash only bail, as set by Monmouth County Superior Court Judge Joseph W. Oxley. Judge Oxley also ordered a bail source hearing is required before DeShader can post bail for release.

Esdaile is charged with one count each of first degree Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin, second degree Conspiracy to Possess Heroin with Intent to Distribute, second degree Distribution of Heroin, and two counts of third degree Possession of Heroin. Esdaile is currently being held in the county jail on $500,000 cash only bail, as set by Judge Oxley, who also ordered a bail source hearing is required before Esdaile can post bail for release.

St. Juste is charged with first degree Distribution of Heroin, first degree Possession with the Intent to Distribute Heroin, second degree Conspiracy to Possess Heroin with the Intent to Distribute, and third degree Possession of Heroin. St. Juste is currently being held in the county jail on $500,000 cash only bail, as set by Judge Oxley, who also ordered a bail source hearing is required before St. Juste can post bail for release.

Also arrested and charged as part of “Operation High Life” is:

Todd “Filthy” Ewart, 34, of Ocean Township, is charged with first degree Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin and third degree Possession of Heroin Ewart is currently being held in the county jail on $500,000 cash only bail, as set by Judge Oxley, who also ordered a bail source hearing is required before Ewart can post bail for release.

Brittany Cook, 25, of Cleveland, Ohio, is charged with first degree Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin and third degree Possession of Heroin. Cook is currently being held in the county jail on $100,000 bail with an option to post 10 percent to secure her release, as set by Judge Oxley.

Kavon J. McMillon, 26, of Neptune Township is charged with one count each of third degree Conspiracy to Possess Heroin. McMillon was released after posting $10,000 bail with an option to post 10 percent, as set by Judge Oxley.

Iran Clayton-McKinley, 21, of Neptune Township is charged with one count each of third degree Conspiracy to Possess Heroin. Clayton-McKinley is currently being held in the county jail on $40,000 bail with no option to post 10 percent, as set by Judge Oxley.

Two people connected to “Operation High Life” remain at-large (photos attached):

Carl “Old Head” Revis, 56, of Toms River, who is facing a charge of third degree Conspiracy to Possess Heroin, and Patricia Baez, 46, of Neptune Township who is facing a charges: Third Degree Conspiracy to Possess Heroin.

Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Revis or Baez is asked to contact Detective William Crosta, of the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office at 1-800-533-7443 or the local police. Do not attempt to apprehend these individuals.

Anyone who feels the need to remain anonymous but has information about a crime can contact Monmouth County Crime Stoppers confidential telephone tip-line by calling 1-800-671-4400; can text “MONMOUTH” plus their tip to 274637; or, they can email a tip via the website
atwww.monmouthcountycrimestoppers.com. Monmouth County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest of fugitives.

Prosecutor Gramiccioni credited numerous law enforcement agencies for their hard work and dedication to the investigation: Monmouth County Sheriff’s Department, Ocean Township Police Department, Neptune Township Police Department, Neptune City Police Department, Belmar Police Department, Long Branch Police Department, Eatontown Police Department, Spring Lake Police Department, and the Asbury Park Police Department.

If convicted of any of the first degree charges, defendants face a sentence of 10 to 20 years in a New Jersey state prison. If convicted of second degree offenses, defendants face an exposure of five to ten years in state prison, and third degree charge come with a potential sentence of three to five years in state prison.

Despite these charges, 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 the U.S. Constitution and State law.

The case is assigned to Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Paul Alexander.