44 comments are left so far at the source link.
~~~

January 23, 2009


Accused illegal immigrants charged with dealing cocaine

BY MATT PAIS
STAFF WRITER

Two young men who authorities say are in the country illegally have been arrested and charged with distributing cocaine here and in Brick and Lakewood.

Juan Garcia, 18, and Armando Tecalero, 20, were arrested Wednesday by members of the Ocean County Prosecutor Office's Special Operations Group and Toms River police. The two men were the subject of a month and a half-long investigation into cocaine distribution in the county, said Lt. Joseph Vitiello of the prosecutor's office. Brick and Lakewood police assisted in the investigation.

Both men are charged with possession with intent to distribute more than a half-ounce of cocaine, a second degree crime that carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison if they are convicted. Additional charges related to other drug offenses committed during the investigation are expected to be filed in the future, Vitiello said.

Vitiello declined to disclose specifics about the investigation or arrest, citing the need to protect information about how the Special Operations Group - which carries out drug investigations throughout the county - develops cases.

Both men were taken into custody near the intersection of Stevens Road and Route 9 on Wednesday night and taken to Ocean County Jail in lieu of $100,000 cash bail. Authorities also alerted federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials after learning that both Garcia and Tecalero are in the United States illegally.

www.app.com