On Jan. 23, William McGrath, 34, of Freehold Township, and Blake Elfand, 36, of Jackson, were arrested following an investigation into the use of the United States Postal Service to mail large quantities of a controlled dangerous substance believed to be marijuana.
The investigation was conducted by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office in conjunction with the United States Postal Inspection Service. The Freehold Township Police Department also participated in the investigation, according to a press release from the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office.
McGrath was charged with one count of second-degree possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, one count of second-degree conspiracy to distribute marijuana and one count of fourth-degree possession of marijuana.
Elfand was charged with one count of second-degree conspiracy to distribute marijuana and one count of fourth-degree conspiracy to possess marijuana.
Law enforcement authorities seized approximately 22 pounds of marijuana during the investigation, according to the press release.
Elfand was released after he posted $75,000 bail which was set by Freehold Township Municipal Court Judge Thomas F.X. Foley. McGrath was released on his own recognizance.
If convicted of a second-degree crime, the maximum potential custodial penalty is a state prison sentence of up to 10 years. If convicted of a fourth-degree crime, the maximum potential custodial penalty is a state prison sentence of up to 18 months.
Monmouth County Prosecutor Luis A. Valentin said, “These arrests are the result of a cooperative partnership between the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office and the United States Postal Service. The detectives and special agents involved in the investigation are commended for the successful conclusion of this investigation.”
Valentin expressed his appreciation to the United States Postal Service for its cooperation and professionalism during the investigation. Township Municipal Court Judge Thomas F.X. Foley. McGrath was released on his own recognizance.
If convicted of a second-degree crime, the maximum potential custodial penalty is a state prison sentence of up to 10 years. If convicted of a fourth-degree crime, the maximum potential custodial penalty is a state prison sentence of up to 18 months.
Monmouth County Prosecutor Luis A. Valentin said, “These arrests are the result of a cooperative partnership between the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office and the United States Postal Service. The detectives and special agents involved in the investigation are commended for the successful conclusion of this investigation.”
Valentin expressed his appreciation to the United States Postal Service for its cooperation and professionalism during the investigation.