Police Charge Forked River Couple With Selling And Distributing Cocaine Out Of Maui Drive Home

A Forked River man and woman were arrested after a traffic stop and charged with possession and distribution out of their Maui Drive home, Police Chief Michael C. DiBella said.

Detectives from the Lacey Township Police Narcotics Unit obtained search warrants to search the home and vehicle of John Appleby III, 32. Appleby was stopped on Route 9 North in Forked River in his Jeep Rubicon on March 18.

They found one ounce of cocaine and a small amount of methamphetamine in the vehicle. Appleby and his passenger, Samantha Matthias, 19, were both arrested and the Jeep was impounded, DiBella said.

Detectives also found digital scales and packaging materials consistent with distribution in the home.

Both Appleby and Matthias were charged with possession of controlled substances, intent to distribute more than one-half ounce of cocaine, and conspiracy to distribute cocaine. Appleby was lodged in the Ocean County Jail to await a bail hearing (in conjunction with Bail Reform). Matthias was released on her own recognizance, the chief said.

Several K-9 Units from the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department and two officers from the Lacey Township Police Patrol Division assisted with the searches. The street value of the drugs is estimated at $3,000, DiBella said.

Image: Patch file photo