Three individuals have been charged with running a street-level drug sales operation that netted thousands of dollars annually.
The three were charged on Sept. 15 following an intensive investigation that began in April, according to a statement released by Middlesex County Prosecutor Andrew C. Carey and Chief Thomas Bryan of the Edison Police Department on Sept. 30.
Jamie Monroe, 38, and Nissa Dennington, 45, both of South Brunswick, and Dorian Graham, 30, of South River, were charged after detectives allegedly recovered large quantities of heroin and drug paraphernalia, six handguns and a bulletproof vest. The street value of the drugs seized was more than $20,000, officials said.
The suspects were apprehended at their homes, according to James O’Neill, spokesperson for the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office.
Carey said the charges are the result of a lengthy investigation initiated by Detective Michael Carullo of the Edison Police Department and the prosecutor’s Gangs, Guns and Drugs Task Force. Middlesex County Assistant Prosecutor Tzvi Dolinger served as a legal advisor during the investigation.
All three defendants were charged with possession of heroin with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm while distributing heroin.
In addition, Monroe was charged with receiving stolen property, which was identified as two of the handguns that were allegedly seized during his arrest, according to the statement.
Graham also was charged with a count of possession of heroin with intent to distribute in a school zone.
Monroe and Graham also were charged as certain persons prohibited from possessing weapons due to prior, unrelated criminal convictions.
Bail on Monroe and Graham was set at $250,000 each. They were being held at the Middlesex County Adult Correction Center in North Brunswick as of press time. Dennington was released from custody after posting $25,000 bail.