North Brunswick Man Used Social Media Network To Sell Drugs At Rutgers: Cops

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ – A North Brunswick man was charged with six others for selling drugs to Rutgers University students via a social media network, Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone said Thursday.

Anudeep Revuri, 23, of North Brunswick, along with six others, were arrested and charged following an investigation.

Revuri was charged with one count of first-degree leader of a drug trafficking network, two counts of second-degree conspiracy to commit drug distribution, and one count of third-degree conspiracy to commit drug distribution.

The months-long “Operation RU Pharm” investigation uncovered a closed and private social media network utilized by Rutgers University students to sell and purchase narcotics, Ciccone said.

Authorities also seized of a large amount of marijuana, LSD, cocaine, psilocybin mushrooms, Adderall, Xanax, a large amount of U.S. currency, and a firearm, Ciccone said.

According to the investigation, a former student created a private social media network where narcotics distributors could post menus for drugs and solicit buyers from within the University community.

Rutgers students who established their affiliation with the school were allowed to join the network and once given access, they were able to browse menus posted by distributors and contact them in order to negotiate purchases, Ciccone said.

Here are the others who were nabbed and the charges:

• Joshua Duffy, 20, of Somerset: One count of second-degree distribution of a controlled dangerous substance, five counts of third-degree distribution of a controlled dangerous substance, two counts of third-degree possession of a controlled dangerous substance, one count of third-degree money laundering, and one count of fourth-degree possession with intent to distribute drug paraphernalia.
• Zachary Petersen, 22, of Red Bank: Three counts of third-degree distribution of a controlled dangerous substance, three counts of third-degree possession of a controlled dangerous substance, one count of third-degree money laundering, and one count of fourth-degree possession with intent to distribute drug paraphernalia.
• Catherine Tierney, 23, of Shrewsbury: Three counts of third-degree distribution of a controlled dangerous substance, three counts of third-degree possession of a controlled dangerous substance, one count of third-degree money laundering, and one count of fourth-degree possession with intent to distribute drug paraphernalia.
• David Nudelman, 20, of Jackson: One count of second-degree possession of a firearm while committing a CDS offense, one count of second-degree distribution of a controlled dangerous substance, one count of third-degree distribution of a controlled dangerous substance, one count of fourth- possession with intent to distribute drug paraphernalia and one count of possession of a controlled dangerous substance which is classified as a disorderly persons offense.
• Donovin Williams, 22, of Kingston, NY: One count of third-degree distribution of a controlled dangerous substance in a school zone, three counts of third-degree distribution of a controlled dangerous substance, three counts of third-degree possession of a controlled dangerous substance, and one count of fourth-degree possession with intent to distribute drug paraphernalia.
• Noa Lisimachio, 21, of New York, NY: Third-degree resisting arrest and obstruction of justice, which is classified as a disorderly persons offense.

The investigation is active and continuing. Anyone with information is asked to call the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Task Force at (732) 745-3300.

The investigation was led by the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Task Force in conjunction with, the Rutgers University Police Department, New Brunswick Police Department, and the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office.

Have a correction or a news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com