Howell Man Sold Drugs That Killed Another Man: Prosecutor

FREEHOLD, NJ — A Howell Township man is accused of supplying another Howell man with the drugs that led to his fatal overdose in 2023, the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office said Thursday.

Paul R. Clites, 40, has been charged with one count of first-degree strict liability for a drug-induced death, two counts of third-degree possession of a controlled dangerous substance (heroin and methamphetamine), one count of third-degree distribution of a controlled dangerous substance (heroin) and three counts of third-degree possession of a controlled dangerous substance with intent to distribute, Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago said.

Another Howell Township man was found unresponsive on his bedroom floor at a home on Westbrook Road about 12:45 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 22, 2023, authorities said.

The investigation found Clites had been communicating with the victim in the period of time leading up to the man's death, and revealed the communication culminated with Clites providing drugs to the victim that ultimately caused his death, authorities said.

Clites is being held at the Monmouth County jail after being extradited from Pennsylvania, pending proceedings to be held in Monmouth County Superior Court, authorities said.