By: Richard L. Smith
Two Seaside Heights residents were arrested after authorities said a month-long narcotics investigation uncovered large quantities of illegal drugs being stored and distributed from a local residence.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said Leo Johnson, 50, and Michelle Karcher, 46, were identified during a cooperative investigation involving the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, Seaside Heights Police, the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit and Asbury Park Police.
According to Prosecutor Billhimer, detectives placed the Seaside Heights residence under surveillance on May 18 and observed Johnson leaving the home and traveling to Monmouth County.
Karcher was also seen leaving the residence and allegedly engaging in a drug transaction with a known controlled dangerous substance user before traveling to Asbury Park.
With assistance from Asbury Park Police, detectives stopped Karcher’s vehicle and took her into custody without incident.
Johnson was later arrested after returning to the Seaside Heights residence.
Authorities then executed a court-authorized search warrant at the home, where detectives reported seizing about 330 grams of methamphetamine, 105 grams of cocaine, 35 grams of suspected fentanyl pills, ecstasy pills, drug paraphernalia associated with distribution and $3,000 in cash.
Johnson was charged with multiple drug offenses, including possession of methamphetamine, cocaine and fentanyl with intent to distribute, possession with intent to distribute within 500 feet of a recreation zone, possession of ecstasy and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Karcher faces similar charges, along with wandering to obtain or distribute a controlled dangerous substance.
Both were transported to the Ocean County Jail, where they remain lodged pending detention hearings.