Daughter and father face drug charges

Police allegedly seized 12 bags of cocaine, a film canister containing marijuana and various items of drug paraphernalia.

By: Donna Lukiw
   South Street residents Darnell Barksdale, 56, and Dawn Barksdale, 27, were charged with various drug charges Sept. 12 after Manville police initiated the nine-month investigation.
   South Main Street resident Donna Miller, 42, was also charged during the investigation.
   According to Somerset County Prosecutor Wayne Forrest, Mr. Barksdale sold cocaine from his South Street apartment with the help from his daughter, Ms. Barksdale.
   On Sept 12, police executed a search warrant issued by Somerset County state Superior Court at the apartment and seized 12 individual bags of cocaine, a film canister containing marijuana and various items of drug paraphernalia including three digital scales, hypodermic needles, plastic bag and crack cocaine pipes, according to Mr. Forrest.
   Mr. and Ms. Barksdale were charged with third-degree possession of controlled dangerous substances (CDS) with intent to distribute, third-degree conspiracy to distribute CDS, disorderly persons possession of marijuana, disorderly persons possession of drug paraphernalia and disorderly persons possession of a hypodermic needle.
   They were both taken to the Somerset County Jail in lieu of $10,000 bail with 10 percent cash option.
   Mr. Barksdale also had a $645 Highland Park Municipal Court warrant and a $650 Bordentown Municipal Court warrant outstanding.
   Ms. Miller was in the Barksdales’ apartment at the time the warrant was executed and was charged with third-degree possession of CDS and disorderly persons possession of drug paraphernalia, Mr. Forrest said.
   Ms. Miller was taken to the Somerset County Jail on two outstanding Manville Municipal Court warrants for $178 and $142.
   Police said Mr. Barksdale, Ms. Barksdale and Ms. Miller posted bail and are waiting for a court appearance.
   Mr. Forrest said the estimated street value of the seized cocaine was approximately $500.