Berkeley Man Charged With Possession, Distribution Of Cocaine

BERKELEY TOWNSHIP, NJ - Township detectives recently shut down a "crack house" where cocaine was used and distributed, Police Chief Karin T. DiMichele.

The arrest of John Augustino, 60, Grenada Street, could not have been made without numerous concerned citizen complaints of drug activity in Silver Ridge Park , the chief said.

Augustino was arrested on Oct. 25 and charged with possession of cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia and endangering the elderly. He also had two outstanding traffic warrants, DiMichele said.

"This investigation was a quality of life issue in this neighborhood," the chief said. "Multiple concerned citizens reported suspicious activity at all times of day and night. As a result, surveillance by Berkeley detectives was initiated. The home was determined to be used as a “crack house,” a location where drugs were primarily used by multiple people and also where they were sometimes distributed."

The case investigator was Detective William Somers, assisted by Detective Sergeant Pete La Rocca, Detective Joe Santoro, Detective Michael Riccardelli and Detective Michael O’Connor.

Augustino was later transferred to the Toms River Township Police for the outstanding warrant.

Residents are urged to contact the Police Tip Line at 732-341-1132 x 611. Tips can remain anonymous.

Photo: Patricia A. Miller