Ocean County Sheriff's Officer Charged With Cocaine Use

An Ocean County Sheriff's Department K-9 officer was charged on Wednesday with possession of cocaine, official misconduct and theft after an investigation revealed he had used cocaine that had been kept for his cocaine training, Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato said.

Coronato made the announcement along with Ocean County Sheriff Michael G. Mastronardy Wednesday.

Adams surrendered at noon today at the Toms River Police Department. He was suspended from his position with the Sheriff's Office and was issued a complaint summons. He has been an employee with the Sheriff's Office since 2000, said Prosecutor's Office spokesman Al Della Fave

The charges stem from an investigation conducted by investigators from the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office, Ocean County Sheriff's Department, FBI and the Federal Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms Bureau, he said.

The investigation revealed that on May 15, 2015, Adams, who was assigned to the canine unit, legitimately came into possession of cocaine for the purpose of training canines to detect the drug. He worked within the unit as a certified canine handler and a certified canine handler instructor.

Between May 15, 2015, and February 11, 2017, cocaine was determined to be missing from the location within the Sheriff's Department where it was kept for periodic training. Subsequent investigation alleges that Adams had diverted the cocaine to his own personal use, Della Fave said.

Adams was issued his complaint summons, and the Superior Court will schedule his first appearance. He is suspended from his position with the Sheriff's Department. He has been an employee of the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department since July 2000.

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