[Editor's note: See update at the end of this article]
The Asbury Park Press reports that five Red Bank residents were arrested in a raid that netted three pounds of marijuana and $70,000 in cash.
They were arrested on River Street Tuesday in a joint operation involving local police and members of the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s office, the newspaper says.
Arrested were 44-year-old Whitmore Birch; his 64-year-old mother, Edna Birch; Beverley Ayers, 40; Sammie Davis, 49; and Hamilton Dorsett, 32, all of Red Bank, the Press says.
Each was charged with marijuana possession. Whitmore Birch, who was also charged with cocaine possession after a small quantity of the drug was found on him, is being held in lieu of $65,000 at Monmouth County Jail, while the four others charged were released on their own recognizance.
Edna Birch faces possession and distribution charges; Ayers and Dorsett were also charged with the intent to distribute, the Press reports.
[Update: here is the text of a press release about the bust that was posted on the website of the prosecutor's office today: 121709]
River Street? Isn’t there a school on River Street somewhere? Was this bust within that drug-free school zone?
Wow, taking the “mom & pop” business model to a whole other level…
“River Street? Isn’t there a school on River Street somewhere? Was this bust within that drug-free school zone?”
The primary school is located at the end of River St.
School zones are 1,000 feet. River St. is approximately 2,500 feet long, so maybe it’s within the school zone, maybe not.
There is a house on River St. owned by someone named Birch, but not Edna or Whitmore. That property is within 1,000 feet of the school.
Great job Red Bank Police and Monmouth County Prosecutor’s office.
Keep up the good work.
In the press release 3 of the people were charged with Intent to Distribute within 1000 feet of a school so yep, it’s probably within the drug free school zone.
Good job by the Police and Prosecutors office.
I guess that something stinks fits here. Bob Evans, the parks and recreational director was, I heard fired yesterday by the borough administrator and then escorted out of the building. I do not know why, but I understand his replacement is a former director of Red Bank parks and rec who left us to work in Rumson several years ago.
Bob Evans, you will be missed. As far as I’m concerned you brought direction to a rudder less ship. You brought passion to a department that was void of such.You sir are going to be missed. You created a department that was the envy of our neighboring towns. My children had the privilege of your skills and tutoring, as did hundreds of others, its a shame that so many will miss that passion. What happened I do not know, but something smells if they have your replacement that quick. We have the best police department, best fire department and until yesterday the best parks and rec.
Is it that you became bigger than the egos that sit upon the bench? Go get em Bobby,you deserved so much better than this. Shame Shame Shame..
The defendants can thank liberals like Senator Jennifer Beck for voting to remove mandatory sentences for those who sell drugs within 1,000 feet of a school. If Beck had her way, these criminals would get a slap on the wrist and be back to selling their dope near our schoolyards.
Gary Morris, where have you been? How are you? I’ve missed your posts.
Gary,
Are you sure they are hiring the guy from Rumson? I would think any job opening would first go to Stanley because he could then save the town money by doing the job along with all of his other jobs during his 4 day work week.
This occured one house up from the intersection of Leighton and River, so closer to Shrewsbury Ave then the school. There were a good many (5-7) police vehicles there at around 7 or 7:30. I’d love to see the mug shots from their arrests if that is something that can be obtained Mr. Redbankgreenman. Thanks.
By the way, why would Jen Beck want drug traffic by the schools? She is a Republican and most would not call her overly ‘liberal’ but I would say she cares about our town, she lives here too.
I am for Medicinal Marijuana. I feel everyone’s pain in this previously Corzine run state and know how all of you are hurting. Just smoke a little and everything will be alright.
Thanks to the police and prosecutor for getting some of the low life out of our town. Keep up the good work!
And in a related story, prior to their arrest, these same five were honored as being “customers of the month” at the new head shop on Front Street! Congratulations!
C,
The reasons given for the recent removal of the mandatory 3-year sentencing rule for dealing in the drug-free zone:
1) It’s not really protecting kids: very few of the people sentenced were dealing to kids.
2) It disproportionately affects urban residents, who are much more likely to live within 1,000 feet of a school.
3) It disproportionately affects non-white people. Something like 95% of people who got mandatory sentences were not white.
And before anyone starts calling me names, these are not my reasons. I am just reporting the reasons that I read.
But if you really want to know why Beck would vote for such a bill, ask her:
http://www.jenbeck.com/Static-contact.html
And if you’d post her response here, we could all learn something.
Chris Christie supports the repeal of the mandatory sentencing, too. It’s not a simple right-left, Dem vs. Republican issue. Good piece here:
http://blog.nj.com/njv_tom_moran/2009/10/gubernatorial_candidate_christ.html
I love how one person said “Thanks to the police and prosecutor for getting some of the low life out of our town. Keep up the good work!” Dude where do you think they went when they were released 2 hrs later. Answer right back home. You people really have no clue.
thank goodness..the police got one or two dealers off the street for the moment…but what about the hundreds more in this town? there are way too many avenues in this town to buy drugs