Crime & Safety

Citizen Complaints Help Break Heroin Distribution Ring, Police Say

Three arrests in Howell

By Adam Hochron

An investigation by the Howell Township Police Department into a heroin distribution operation resulted in the arrest of three township residents, authorities said Tuesday.

Detective Sgt. Eileen Dodd said the investigation came as the result of several citizen-initiated complaints. As a result of those complaints and information provided to the department officers set up surveillance on the three residents.

Find out what's happening in Wallwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

During the surveillance a 1996 Ford Explorer driven by 48-year-old Wayne Price of Alydar Court was stopped with 42-year-old Brian Mickendrow of Henry Circle and Astor Lane as his passenger. A search of the car revealed close to 1,100 bags of heroin with a street value of close to $12,000.

Dodd said searches of two township residences revealed more heroin, Xanax pills and marijuana as well as hollow-point bullets and drug paraphernalia. Victor Cerniglia, the own of one of the residences was also arrested as a result of the searches.

Find out what's happening in Wallwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Following the investigation, Price was charged with conspiracy to distribute heroin, first-degree distribution of heroin, possession of heroin and possession of drug paraphernalia. Price's bail was set at $500,000 with no 10 percent option.

Mickendrow was charged with conspiracy to distribute heroin, first-degree distribution of heroin, possession of heroin, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana and possession of hollow point bullets. Bail was set at $575,000 with no 10 percent option.

Cerniglia was charged with third-degree possession of heroin and possession of marijuana as well as possession of drug paraphernalia. Bail was set at $400,000 with no 10 percent option and all three were lodged at the Monmouth County Correctional Institution.

The investigation was initiated by Patrolman Peter Kuppler and Lt. Thomas Rizzo. They were assisted by Sgt. Jack Headley, Sgt. Bernie Fowler, Patrolman Mike Pavlick, Patrolman Nick Bondarew and his K-9 partner Jago, Patrolman Ryan Richards and Patrolman Dave Levine.

Dodd said residents with information on drug distribution in the township are encouraged to contact local law enforcement. A confidential call can be made to 732-938-4575 ext. 2874 on on the department’s website


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.