Cocaine, Cash Seized in Brick Drug Search; 4 Residents Charged

A search of a Cedar Bridge Avenue apartment, as well as a vehicle, netted cocaine and cash and resulted in drug charges against four township residents.

The search warrant was executed Friday at an apartment at 1030 Cedar Bridge Avenue by members of the prosecutor's Special Operations Group as well as the Brick Township Police Department, according to a statement from the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office on Monday.

The search warrant included a 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee operated by Lee Calhoun, 27, one of those charged in the case, and the suspected leader of the alleged drug distribution activity.

Prior to executing the search warrants, the prosecutor's statement said, Calhoun was observed operating the Jeep in the area of his apartment and officers initiated a traffic stop, at which point Calhoun fought with officers and resisted arrest.

"After a brief struggle, Mr. Calhoun was placed under arrest," the statement said.

As a result of the arrest and search warrants, authorities seized over two ounces of cocaine, a digital scale and packaging materials. Additionally, police also seized approximately $1,500 in cash.

Calhoun faces charges of possession of cocaine over one half ounce with intent to distribute, possession of cocaine and distribution of cocaine over one half ounce. He was additionally charged with possession of cocaine over one half ounce with intent to distribute, possession of cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia and four counts each of resisting arrest and assault on a police officer.

Calhoun's total bail for both sets of charges was set at $350,000 cash.

Also charged were:

• Lachelle Calhoun, 24, of Cedar Bridge Avenue, with possession of cocaine over one half ounce with intent to distribute and possession of cocaine. Lachelle Calhoun was released on a summons.
• LaVaughne Scott, 23, of Cedar Bridge Avenue, with possession of marijuana. Scott was released on a summons.
• Diarse Muse, 30, of Cedar Bridge Avenue, with possession of marijuana and providing false information to a police officer. Muse was taken into custody on a warrant for a parole violation.

Assisting in the investigation as well as the execution of the search warrant were members of the Brick Township Police Drug Enforcement Unit and the Brick Township Police Emergency Services Unit, the statement said.