Ten Arrested In 'Operation Growing Up' Drug Sting That Spanned Two States

"As a result of the search warrants, the partnering agencies confiscated approximately 120 pounds of marijuana, multiple firearms (to include a loaded Kimber .45 caliber handgun and assault style rifle), and approximately $350,000 in cash," Coronato said. "Police also seized several bank accounts that were found to contain proceeds from this illicit drug network, one of which contained approximately $20,000 in drug proceeds." 

Search warrants were executed at homes and businesses in Point Pleasant Borough, Brick Township, Toms River, Spring Lake Heights, Tinton Falls and Redding California.

The investigation regarding the seized bank accounts is continuing and the total amount to be seized from the various banks has yet to be determined.  Drug paraphernalia, including CDS packaging and distribution materials were also seized in the raids, Coronato said.

"The seized marijuana has an approximate street value of $400,000," he said.  Also seized during the raids was a large quantity of suspected marijuana candy.  This marijuana candy closely resembles Jolly Rancher candies. They are very similar in appearance and packaging.  They are commonly referred to on the
the street as “Jollies.”

Those arrested include:

• Christopher Brophy, 29, of 3723 River Road, Point Pleasant Borough. He was charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute over 25 pounds of marijuana and knowingly operating and maintaining a CDS production facility. Ocean County Superior Court Judge Francis Hodgson set his bail at $200,000, with no 10 percent option.

• Michael Farr, 35, of 13787 Walter Avenue, Redding, CA was charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute over 25 pounds of marijuana and knowingly operating and maintaining a CDS production facility. His bail was set at $150,000, with no 10 percent option

• Timothy Korber, 30, of 1948 Birchbark Place, Toms River was charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute over 25 pounds of marijuana and knowingly operating and maintaining a CDS production His bail was set at $150,000, with no 10 percent option.

• Gregory Killian, 39, of 2023 Route 71, Spring Lake was was charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute over 25 pounds of marijuana. His bail was set at $75,000 with no 10 percent option.

• Amy Killian, 32, of 2023 Route 71, Spring Lake was charged with possession of marijuana over fifty grams and possession of marijuana with intent to distribute. She was released on a summons.

• Andres Abad, 24, 30 Coolidge Avenue, Brick was charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute over 25 pounds of marijuana. His bail was set at $75,000 with no 10 percent option

• Robert Mitchell, 28, of 3107 Autumn Drive, Tinton Falls was charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute over 25 pounds of marijuana. His bail was set at $75,000 with no 10 percent option.

• Virginia Kennedy, 57, of 3723 River Road Apartment A, Point Pleasant was charged with possession of marijuana. She was released on a summons.

• Michael Schneider, 20, of 134 Fairview Court, Brick, was charged with possession of marijuana. He was released on a summons.

• William Brad Fraley, 29, of 612 Campbell Drive, West Long Branch, was charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute over 25 pounds of marijuana. His bail was set at $100,000 with no ten percent option.

This investigation is continuing in both New Jersey and California and additional arrests are expected, Coronato said.

“This outstanding cooperative investigation, which extended the reach of Ocean County law enforcement beyond our borders, involved the strength of the following agencies, in addition to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Special Operations Group," he said.”

Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Financial Crimes Unit

Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech. Crimes Unit

Brick Township Police Department Drug Enforcement Unit

Brick Township Police Department K-9 Unit

Brick Township Police Department Emergency Services Unit

Toms River Police Department K-9 Unit

Toms River Police Department Operations Bureau

Berkeley Township Police Department

Lacey Township Police Department

Ocean County Department of Corrections

Jackson Township Police Department

Point Pleasant Borough Police Department

Point Pleasant Beach Police Department

Wall Township Police Department

Seaside Heights Police Department

Beach Haven Police Department

Tuckerton Police Department

Barnegat Township Police Department Narcotics Unit

Little Egg Harbor Police Department

Stafford Township Police Department Drug Enforcement Unit

New Jersey State Police Electronic Surveillance Unit

New Jersey State Police K-9 Unit

Ocean County Sheriffs Department K-9 Unit

Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office

North State Marijuana Investigation Team - California Department of Justice Task  

Force

United States Postal Inspection Service

Drug Enforcement Administration-JFK Airport