By: Tracie Carter
An Ocean County woman has been sentenced to more than 12 years in federal prison for distributing methamphetamine disguised as ecstasy, according to a statement released by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Denise Manco, 49, of Little Egg Harbor Township, was sentenced to 151 months in prison by Judge Zahid N. Quraishi on June 8 in federal court in Trenton.
Manco previously pleaded guilty on May 27, 2025, to one count of distributing and possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, undercover law enforcement officers conducted multiple controlled purchases of pills from Manco between August 2022 and March 2023.
The pills were marketed as ecstasy, also known as MDMA, but laboratory testing revealed they contained methamphetamine.
During the investigation, authorities executed a search warrant at Manco’s residence in Ocean County, where they seized controlled substances and materials commonly associated with drug manufacturing and distribution.
Investigators recovered binding powder, digital scales, and glassine bags, among other items.
Federal prosecutors said Manco’s criminal history played a significant role in her sentencing.
Her prior state convictions for drug distribution and manslaughter qualified her as a career offender under federal sentencing guidelines, resulting in a substantially enhanced sentencing range.
The 151-month sentence was imposed in U.S. District Court in Trenton.