Man Charged With Running 'Crack House' In Holiday City

BERKELEY TOWNSHIP - Authorities have arrested a township man who was apparently running a "crack house" in the Holiday City section of the township, a spokesman for the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office said.

Jason Andrew Scala, 47, 14 Bedeviere Court, was charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession with intent to use drug paraphernalia and possession with intent to use a hypodermic needle, said spokesman Al Della Fave.

Scala was arrested at 8:50 pm. on Jan. 23 after Berkeley detectives and members of the Ocean Countty Prosecutor's Office executed a search warrant at the home. The warrant was the result of an ongoing narcotics distribution investigation, as well as, other quality of life matters that were reported by concerned area citizens, he said.

"It was suspected that the home was being used as what is commonly referred to as a “crack house” a location used by multiple nonresidents and transients for the purpose of using narcotics as well as distributing them," Della Fave said. "Prostitution was also alleged to have occurred at this home. Further, this home was used as unlicensed tattoo parlor. The home quickly drew the attention of the otherwise quiet neighborhood residents because of the high vehicle and foot traffic."

Authorities found a quantity of cocaine, material used to manufacture, package and distribute cocaine, prescription pills, marijuana and suspected heroin in the home, Della Fave said.

Scala was arrested and taken to the Ocean County Jail in Toms River, he said.

Berkeley Detective Michael O’Connor and Ocean County Prosecutor's OfficeDetective Alex Bromley were the lead investigators. Berkeley detective Sergeant Peter La Rocca, Detective Joseph Santoro, Detective Michael Riccardelli, Detective William Somers, and Prosecutor's Office detectives Denis Mitchell and Anthony Carrington III also assisted. Assisting in the execution of the search warrant was the Berkeley Township Patrol Division, the Ocean Gate Detective Bureau, the Ocean County Regional SWAT Team and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department assisted in the execution of the search warrant, Della Fave said.

Residents are reminded that they can report suspicious activity to the Berkeley Township Detective Bureau TIP Line by calling 732-341-1132 Ext. 611. Tips can be anonymous.

Photo: Courtesy of the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office