By BRIAN DONOHUE
A Red Bank man and six others were charged in an undercover sweep of what prosecutors call an “extensive narcotics operation” that sold drugs to Rutgers University students, prosecutors announced Thursday.
From a press release issued by the office of describing the “multi-agency undercover” operation:
“Operation RU Pharm was conducted over several months and uncovered a closed and private social media network utilized by Rutgers University Students to sell and purchase narcotics. The investigation has resulted in 7 arrests and the seizure of a large amount of marijuana, LSD, cocaine, psilocybin mushrooms, Adderall, Xanax, a large amount of US currency, and a firearm.
The investigation revealed that a private social media network was created by a former Rutgers University Student where narcotics distributors could post menus for drugs and solicit buyers from within the Rutgers University community. Rutgers students who established their affiliation with the school were allowed to join the network and once given access, they were able to browse menus posted by distributors and contact them in order to negotiate purchases.
Anudeep Revuri, 23, of North Brunswick, was charged with one count of first-degree Leader of a Drug Trafficking Network, two counts of second-degree Conspiracy to Commit Drug Distribution, and one count of third-degree Conspiracy to Commit Drug Distribution.
Joshua Duffy, 20, of Somerset, was charged with one count of second-degree Distribution of a Controlled Dangerous Substance, five counts of third-degree Distribution of a Controlled Dangerous Substance, two counts of third-degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance, one count of third-degree Money Laundering, and one count of fourth-degree Possession with Intent to Distribute Drug Paraphernalia.
Zachary Petersen, 22, of Red Bank, was charged with three counts of third-degree Distribution of a Controlled Dangerous Substance, three counts of third-degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance, one count of third-degree Money Laundering, and one count of fourth-degree Possession with Intent to Distribute Drug Paraphernalia.
Catherine Tierney, 23, of Shrewsbury, was charged with three counts of thirddegree Distribution of a Controlled Dangerous Substance, three counts of third-degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance, one count of third-degree Money Laundering, and one count of fourth-degree Possession with Intent to Distribute Drug Paraphernalia.
David Nudelman, 20, of Jackson, was charged with one count of second-degree Possession of a Firearm while committing a CDS Offense, one count of second-degree Distribution of a Controlled Dangerous Substance, one count of third-degree Distribution of a Controlled Dangerous Substance, one count of fourth- Possession with Intent to Distribute Drug Paraphernalia and one count of Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance which is classified as a disorderly persons offense.
Donovin Williams, 22, of Kingston, NY, was charged with one count of thirddegree Distribution of a Controlled Dangerous Substance in a School Zone, three counts of third-degree Distribution of a Controlled Dangerous Substance, three counts of thirddegree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance, and one count of fourth-degree Possession with Intent to Distribute Drug Paraphernalia.
Noa Lisimachio, 21, of New York, NY, was charged with third-degree Resisting Arrest and Obstruction of Justice, which is classified as a disorderly persons offense.
The investigation is active and continuing. Anyone with information is asked to call the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Task Force at (732) 745-3300.
Prosecutor Ciccone would like to commend the agencies involved in Operation RU Pharm. Moreover, the Prosecutor wanted to recognize the law enforcement agencies dedication to public safety and tenacious hard work which resulted in seven arrests.
As is the case with all criminal defendants, the charges against Revuri, Duffy, Petersen, Tierney, Nudelman, Williams and Lisimachio are merely accusations, and they are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
redbankgreen editor Brian Donohue may be reached via email at [email protected] or by calling or texting 848-331-8331 or yelling his name loudly as he walks by. Do you value the news coverage provided by redbankgreen? Please become a financial supporter if you haven’t already. Click here to set your own level of monthly or annual contribution.
