5 arrested in boro drug raid

EATONTOWN – Four borough residents and an Asbury Park man face charges related to possessing crack cocaine after local police raided a Lewis Street residence last Thursday to investigate reports of drug dealing there.

Led by Detective Daniel Guthrie of the Eatontown Police Department, borough officers executed a search warrant at the rear apartment of the two-family home and apprehended the five persons found inside at about 2:45 p.m. on Thursday, according to information released by Detective Sgt. John J. Cleary.

Assisted also by the Monmouth County Emergency Response Team, borough police arrested Nancy M. Ruiz Calderon, John Alvarez Jr., Anthony B. Almodovar and Andrea M. Santilli, all listed in a police department news release as residents of the apartment.

Also arrested was Jesus M. Perez, whose address is listed in police reports as Sixth Avenue, Asbury Park.

All five were charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance, identified by police as crack cocaine, possession of a controlled dangerous substance with intent to distribute, and possession of crack cocaine within 500 feet of a public park.

Almodovar was also charged as a fugitive on an outstanding warrant from the Lancaster County (Pa.) Sheriff’s Department for parole violations, according to police.

Ruiz Calderon, Alvarez and Perez were placed in the Monmouth County Correctional Institution, Freehold Township, on $25,000 bail each without a 10 percent option.

Almodovar was also taken to the county institution where he is held on $175,000 bail.

Santilli was released on bail for the charges in the incident as well as on active warrants from charges in other municipalities, police said.

– Sue Morgan