None Of Jason Groome's Family Involved In Patriarch's Drug Activities: Prosecutor's Office

Neighbors of the Groome family in Barnegat were most likely shocked when they learned that Jason Groome Sr. was arrested last week on multiple drug charges, including the possession and distribution of heroin and cocaine.

This was the same man who spent hours grooming his son, also named Jason, to be a star baseball player. His son was signed by the Boston Red Sox last year.

But no one in the Groome family had anything to do with the massive drug-selling scheme the head of the family was involved in, a spokesman for the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office said.

“That investigation produced no evidence whatsoever to suggest that any member of the Groome family besides Jason Groome himself was involved in that criminal activity,” spokesman Al Della Fave told The Press of Atlantic City.

Groome, 43, remains in the Ocean County Jail.

Authorities stopped Groome's 2010 Dodge Ram at the Gunning River Mall in Barnegat on West Bay Avenue at 4:40 p.m. on July 10. Groome was found with 2 ounces of cocaine and a defaced, 9mm handgun.

Groome, 43, Capstan Avenue, Barnegat, was charged with possession of heroin, possession of heroin with intent to distribute, distribution of heroin, possession of cocaine, possession of cocaine over one-half ounce with intent to distribute, distribution of cocaine over one-half ounce, possession of methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, distribution of methamphetamine, possession of a firearm ( a 9mm handgun) and possession of a firearm during a controlled dangerous substance offense, Della Fave has said.

Also arrested were Anthony Brandt, 53, Longboat Avenue, Barnegat. He was charged with possession of marijuana, possession of cocaine, possession of suboxone and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was released on a summons pending a court date, Della Fave said.Authorities also seized less than half an ounce cocaine, marijuana, drug paraphernalia and a Mossberg 12 gauge pump-style shotgun from Brandt's home.

Also arrested was Daniel Wunder, 61, of the 600 block of North Green Street, Little Egg Harbor. He was charged charged with possession of Oxydocone with the intent to distribute and possession of MDMA (Ecstasy). He was released on a summons pending a future court date, Della Fave said.

Police also seized approximately 400 Oxycodone pills and a .22-caliber rifle from Wunder's residence.

Photo: Ocean County Prosecutor's Office