
CREST HAVEN — Cape May County Prosecutor Robert Taylor today announced the early-morning arrests of 31 suspects who were charged, with conspiracy to possess a controlled dangerous substance, cocaine.
Law enforcement officers took that action as part of a continuing sweep that included officers from the county Prosecutor’s Office, Narcotics Task Force, Lower, Middle, Cape May and North Wildwood police departments.
All suspects were released on their own recognizance with the exception of Pisieczko, who was remanded to county jail in lieu of $15,000 cash bail.
Arrests resulted from the narcotics operation reported last week that involved the alleged drug distribution network of Stephen Grasch, operating in southern Cape May County.
Arrested were:
Noreen Cicero, 35, 801 Heather Lane, Erma; Thomas McCullen, 25, 714 Adriatic Ave., North Cape May; David Hawthorne, 41, 102 Appleblossom Dr., North Cape May; Justin R. Fesler, 31, 610 Jonathan Hoffman Road, Cape May.
Scott David Jones, 35, 5 Carriage Lane, Court House; Cynthia L. Bohn, 41, 938 Carol Ave., Cape May; James Conti, 40, 603 Pilgrim Plaza, North Cape May.
Justine Johnson, 37, 264 Grant St., Cape May; Casimir M. Rupinski III, 35, 752 Route 9 South, Erma; Matthew Walter, 33, 57 Hudson Ave., Villas; Thomas C. Vanaman, 50, 791 Tabernacle Road, Erma; Stephanie Linhares (Husak), 42, 287 Sixth Ave., Apt. A, West Cape May.
Matthew Linhares, 40, 287 Sixth Ave., Apt. A, West Cape May; Roy Osmundsen, 49, 414 Whippoorwill Lane, Dias Creek; Donald J. Roth, 32, 40 Croydon Dr., North Cape May; Stephen Groetsch, 32, 305 Monomy Terrace, North Cape May.
Patricia M. Whitten, 42, 130 Cloverdale, Villas; Christa Iames, 29, 124 Sunnyside Dr., North Cape May; Michelle Stillwagon, 38, 109 Claremont Ave., North Cape May; Mark T. Stillwagon, 47, 109 Claremont Ave., North Cape May; Dawn M. Ford, 39, 501 W. Wilde Ave., Villas.
David Tosto, 35, 127 Hedi Ave., North Cape May; William Weidman, 54, 343 Route 47, Court House; Jennifer McCool, 41, 101 Townbank Road, North Cape May; Russell Coombs Jr., 42, 503 Gorham Ave., North Cape May.
Ray Williams Jr., 34, 101 Townbank Road, North Cape May; Patricia Dever, 48, 605 Whittier Ave., North Cape May; John Taylor, 40, 705 Rose Hill Parkway, North Cape May; John J. Pisieczko, 35, 620 Loebe Ave., Erma; Sean Gallagher, 43, 212 Iselin Lane, North Cape May; Christopher Heitman, 29, 2 Golf Lane, Cape May.
As previously reported, the county Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Task Force initiated an 18-month long investigation into the activities of Stephen G. Grasch, 29, of Green Creek and his father, Albert T. Grasch Sr., 59, of North Cape May.
That investigation was brought to a conclusion when investigators interrupted the sale of over four ounces of cocaine by Stephen DiCristofaro of Medford to Stephen Grasch on the evening of Aug. 18.
Consequently, 40 members of the Cape May County Regional SWAT Team spread out across Middle and Lower townships to simultaneously execute search warrants at three locations.
The residences of Stephen, Albert Sr., and Stephen’s mother, Karen Grasch were locations searched with court-authorized search warrants.
Approximately $26,000 cash, and 4.5 ounces of cocaine with an estimated street value of $13,000 and over 600 prescription pills including Xanax, hydrocodone and anabolic steroids estimated at a street value of over $3,500 and four motor vehicles were among the items seized during those searches.
Those arrested in that action included:
Stephen G. Grasch, 29, 900 S. Route 47, Green Creek, charged as leader of a narcotics distribution network. His bail was set at $500,000, and he was remanded to county jail
Albert T. Grasch Sr., 57, 506 Washington Blvd., North Cape May, charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine, endangering the welfare of a child, distribution of cocaine over a half ounce. Bail was $200,000 cash for the first two charges and additional $200,000 cash for the other charge. He was remanded to county jail.
Stephen DiCristofaro, 46, 7 Rams Court, Medford, charged with distribution of CDS. Bail was $100,000 cash. He was remanded to county jail.
Karen M. Grasch, 57, 120 Vermont Ave., Villas, charged with distribution of CDS. Bail was $100,000; she was released on her own recognizance.
Arthur W. Creamer, 58, 301 Washington Blvd., North Cape May, charged with conspiracy to distribute CDS, obstruction and hindering. Bail was $200,000; he was released in his own recognizance.
Hector R. Velez, 35, 3449 Helen St., Philadelphia, charged with possession of CDS and distribution of CDS. Bail was $25,000 cash. He was remanded to county jail.
Emma D. Velez, 34, 8030 Ditman St., Philadelphia, charged with possession of CDS and distribution of CDS. Bail was $25,000 cash. He was remanded to county jail.
Taylor said that persons convicted of being a leader (kingpin) of a narcotics distribution network may be sentenced up to life imprisonment during which the person must serve 25 years before being parole eligible.
Civil forfeiture actions were filed last week by the Prosecutor’s Office in Superior Court seeking forfeiture of the real property known as 506 Washington Blvd., North Cape May owned by Albert and Karen Grasch as well as 900 Route 47, Green Creek, owned by Stephen Grasch.
Forfeiture actions are also anticipated on the four seized vehicles.
The Prosecutor’s Office will also seek forfeiture of $57,300 in cash that includes $31,300 in cash funds seized by search warrant from a safe deposit box rented in the name of Albert Grasch.
Taylor said the investigation was continuing and additional arrests are pending in another phase of the investigation.
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Comments (33)
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Mon, 02/16/2009 - 2:39pm - Posted by: Anonymous
I am really happy to see that the policemen are finally doing something about this whole mess. I was wondering when will I see something for real.
_______
drug rehab
Mon, 04/07/2008 - 7:39pm - Posted by: Anonymous
Any update on this story?
Wed, 01/02/2008 - 1:59pm - Posted by: Anonymous
To all those who have comments about the citizens of Cape May County. The drug issue that occured in Cape May happens everywhere you go. For everyone to bash Cape May is very ignorant. I know a lot of locals in Cape May who are well educated and very successful as well. I also happen to know Steve and I was very disappointed when I found out about his involvement. Unfortuniately there is good and bad everywhere you go. Cape May has many more good people who are "locals".
Mon, 09/10/2007 - 12:10pm - Posted by: Anonymous
Today, drugs are a problem all over. I am very proud of the fact that Cape May County is "putting on the heat" and making the arrest. I don't believe that any parent would want their child to be involved with drugs and or gangs. Why shouldn't the names be in the newspaper? As a parent would you want your child "spending the night" in any of the accused homes? I believe you have a right to know to make an informed choice as to where your kids sleep, do you not? I feel very sorry for the accused families-for the accused they made a choice; perhaps they should have thought of their sons, daughters, mothers, fathers ect. Good job C.M.Co. to all involved!
Wed, 09/05/2007 - 10:11am - Posted by: Anonymous
they should bust the people who are able to sell and get these kid addict to prescription drugs and the ones who well let thier boy freinds take the rap.
Tue, 09/04/2007 - 1:48pm - Posted by: Anonymous
SSTTOOPP SNITCHEN
Mon, 09/03/2007 - 7:54am - Posted by: Anonymous
I cant help but notice the times some of these comments were posted...what are those people on??? Furthermore the people listed were all ADULTs who made a choice to use drugs, perhaps a bad choice but who is to judge, in every corner lies an addict, thief, liar,pervert,procrastinator, just plain lazy person whose childrens lives are adversly affected, These people, whom I know a few, are productive hard working people with nice homes and good jobs, not slouches living on welfare or by ANY means neglecting any children, in fact quite the contrary, so back off you torch yielding angry mob towns folk and pull aside your room darkening drapes...check out your own back yard!!!!!!!!!!!
Sun, 09/02/2007 - 10:52pm - Posted by: Anonymous
I am sick and tired of the poeple in this community. I have lived here most of my life, am a product of LCMR, and I find it hard to believe people can't just mind their own business and shut their mouths! I know...you are all perfect! Many of the people arrested were falsly accused, illegally summonsed, their civil rights were violated by local cops who want to be heroes in a small town. You cops wanna be heroes, go to Iraq or go to downtown Camden and do your job there! I know so many people who have the same type of stories about the local cops. This is small-town stuff. MInd your own business and do something positive with your lives!
Sun, 09/02/2007 - 1:30pm - Posted by: Anonymous
How woulld many of you jugemental people like if your child was addicted to drugs??It would be a dirrerent story..Addiction is a sevear problem!!!!You don't know what is going on with them...Yes it's wrong & illegal..Still you don't know..
So get off your high horses.& pray for these people who have a problem...Also pray that it doesn't happen to someone in your family....Then you'll come down to earth& stop complaining about things...because you don't have anything better to do...Most of people who complain are the one who live in rented houses.all beat up with the christmas lights up all year...Or older people who don't have a clue about anything/...Just like to yell & holler!!!!!!!God bless you all & FORGIVE!!! If everyone took a look in the mirror and started cleaning out their own closet...We would all get along!!!
Thu, 08/30/2007 - 5:34am - Posted by: Anonymous
I no longer live in NJ, but it was only a matter of time before many of these individuals were arrested. I see many former co-workers, and my former neighbor, listed and I know they have small children. Each of them should think about the decisions they have made, as their decisions/actions will have a tremendous influence on their childrens' lives. I hope some of them eventually "get it"--but I doubt they will. Forget the boat, the nice truck, and all of the other "things" each of you purchased...needs come before wants.
Wed, 08/29/2007 - 2:20pm - Posted by: Anonymous
People who do drugs are no different than those who drink. They are all chemicals which alter the mind. Also drugs is not just a problem in our county. All across our country people are loading up on anything they can get thier hands on. It is all a matter of the heart, the world is messed up and they like us haven't a clue as to what to do. All a symptom of man being seperated from God due to our sin But even though we are all sinners lost in this fallen world He did not forsake us. Instead He laid down his life for ours. JESUS CHRIST. Turn your eyes your hearts to Him while you still can. I love you all. I love you Ray and I love you Dave.
Wed, 08/29/2007 - 8:26am - Posted by: Anonymous
To the person that commented the locals should have to leave, what a stupid comment. This county was pretty quiet until you outsiders showed up to show us deadbeat losers how to live.How many names on that list are not locals.You northern trash is what brought all these problems to our once quiet home
Tue, 08/28/2007 - 11:00pm - Posted by: Anonymous
I am utterly amazed at how many people are offering up excuses for the people accused of involvement with this drug problem. I just want to say. WAKE UP PEOPLE!! No matter how many of you seem to want to feel sorry for them...the fact still remains...DRUGS ARE ILLEGAL! Alcohol...NOT illegal. Cigarettes....NOT illegal. How would you all feel if one of these people had dealt to your child, niece, nephew, mother, father, etc? You'd be a little mad. I want to offer up Kudos to all of the officers involved in bringing down this little ring. These people were not FORCED into drugs...it was a choice. Just as we all (well some) make the choice every day to NOT get involved with drugs...these people decided every day to get involved. I do not feel bad for them. I do, however, feel bad for the children and innocent family members that have to feel the wrath of their decision. 25-life is not nearly enough in my opinion. Thank you, officers, for everything.
Tue, 08/28/2007 - 2:42pm - Posted by: Anonymous
I sincerely hope that the people leaving these hurtful comments never have a spouse, family member or friend who ever has a problem. Each of you must be perfect, right? I agree that what the accused did was wrong, but it is very sad that so many members of our community find it necessary to gloat over another’s misfortune. Imagine how their families are feeling right now.
And seriously people, until you can spell or form a coherent sentence, keep your comments to yourself!
Tue, 08/28/2007 - 12:15am - Posted by: Anonymous
I don't mind if my taxes increase for the purpose of expanding the prison industrial complex. As long as I can get a job full time in the cafeteria...WOOO- HOOO, Yeah Hay with benefits.
For severe punishment All those caught up in the drug raids should spend 1 Day in the County Dental Clinic!!! (They'll NEVER do it again)
Tue, 08/28/2007 - 12:07am - Posted by: Anonymous
This is a prime example of why every person that grows up in this county should GET OUT. Just by reading the unforgiveable grammar and spelling mistakes of the comments on this article makes me want to vomit. I love this area, but the deadbeat losers that have lived here for generations need to be filtered out. As for the children of these people....I pray for you.
Mon, 08/27/2007 - 7:50pm - Posted by: Anonymous
I THINK ITS GREAT THEY POSTED THE NAMES AND ADDRESS' OF ALL INVOLVED, NOW WE KNOW WHAT AND WHO ARE AROUND US. OBVIOUSLY THEY HAVE PROOF OF INVOLVEMENT, OR THEY WOULD OF WITH HELD THEIR NAMES. ITS SAD THAT SOME OF THEM HAVE KIDS. MAYBE IT WILL LEAD THE CHILDREN IN A BETTER WAY OF LIFE.
Mon, 08/27/2007 - 6:36pm - Posted by: Anonymous
Well, you can obviously tell by the temperment of each individual comment, who is feeling pretty lucky that they are not one of those people named in that list!
Look, this is Cape May County right? It never seems to amaze (nor surprise) me when I find out that yet another person I thought I knew does drugs or has some type of other issue. I can't stand it! You all disgust me, but not like I expect you to care. This county is full of people with some type of issue! Drugs & Alcohol should be our county logo's.
Mon, 08/27/2007 - 4:08pm - Posted by: Anonymous
I also think it is horrible that the Herald posted the personal information of these people for all to view - names, ages, addresses ... and without making it a point to say they are innocent until proven guilty! Think about the families of these people, who will now be judged and ridiculed. Kids have to go to school with their parents names in the paper. Spouses have to deal with the stress of having their name drug through the mud. Yes, the people who committed these crimes should have never done this, but why do this to the families? They probably had no idea it was even going on. They don't have enough to go through, without having the rest of Cape May County looking down at them?
Mon, 08/27/2007 - 4:00pm - Posted by: Anonymous
Small minds ... it's no wonder that in this area we have these problems. Small minded, judgemental people who post these nasty, mean comments should look into their owns lives. Every one of us knows someone - a friend, a co-worker, a family member - who has a drug or alcohol situation themselves or in their family. Next it could be you, your child, your spouse, or your parent and if you don't think so, WAKE UP! It's rampid in this area. I've lived here my entire life and I'm not surprised at all at some of the people who have turned up on this list. The stress of this area is horrible ... very few good jobs, no afforable housing ... it all adds up to this. Some overcome it, some don't. People who turn to drugs do so because they have problems - problems they obviously can't handle on their own and they use to cope. By posting these horribly nasty words, you perpetuate the problem by judging. Get over yourselves and your holier than thou attitudes.
Mon, 08/27/2007 - 2:42pm - Posted by: Anonymous
Some of these people must be thier friends huh? Maybe they are part of the further investigation?
Mon, 08/27/2007 - 1:49pm - Posted by: Anonymous
I can only hope for the sake of these people (many of whom I know personally) that they will be offered deals in order to turn informant on the main dealer, which is the entire point in the exercise anyway. I wouldn't start shout too many hurrah's here, either. How many people posted here smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol?
Look, drugs are bad, mmm'kay? But these people's lives shouldn't be ruined for what is effectively a recreation sport exercised (I hope) on theor own time.
Mon, 08/27/2007 - 1:18pm - Posted by: Anonymous
These "druggies" need to be punished to the full extent of the law. The task force's efforts should not be in vain. Too many slaps on the wrists---use the cuffs. How many of these lowlifes are "deadbeat" dads??? This stuff is expensive and if they are not paying child support the children should be taken away. So sad!!
Mon, 08/27/2007 - 1:10pm - Posted by: Anonymous
First of all the most of the names that are in the above article are being charged with conspiracy to possess a controlled substance. This does not mean that they are drug dealers or involved in a drug ring. The police did thier job, and were succesful in shutting down a drug ring,,,to this I say good job. However, the mean spirited bravo's that people seem to be shouting areas bad a reflection on your persons as conspiring to buy drugs in my mind. Conspiring means that they haven't even gotten it into thier possesion. Innocent until proven guilty remember?.... The person who is shouting shame and then says they will pray for them might do better praying for themselves, hypocrisy is evident in thier comments. To top it all off they posted twice, barely changing the wording of the postings.
Yes, they should face the consequences of thier actions, that is justice. I think the nasty-tempered glee some of these people are showing is a horrible reflection on the mentality of this area.
Mon, 08/27/2007 - 8:18am - Posted by: Anonymous
I believe the names of these people should be posted, because they are the ones in the wrong. The prosecutors office never wouldnt be arresting all these people if they had nothing to do with it. It will also show people that all these managers of businesses, children of local business owners, and parents of police officers arent as perfect as everyone thinks they are..
Sun, 08/26/2007 - 6:45pm - Posted by: Anonymous
This is an event that could make or break a community.Before you start posting an opinion, think about the situation in its entirety. I did. I have not been able to stop. Believing that you-we had no part to play, is ludacris.
Sat, 08/25/2007 - 5:10pm - Posted by: jerseygirl800
Bravo!! it about time something like this came down, it actually warms my heart...lets not stop here, there is plenty more out there....let Cape May County be the first to clean up and hopefully many more counties will follow suit...To all those involved in this shake down, I applaud you fo your hard work, well done!
Sat, 08/25/2007 - 6:32am - Posted by: Anonymous
25 years is WAY TO LONG for the young man to do, let alone potentially a LIFE Sentence!!
A thought to ponder.........Just maybe we have so many people using drugs and calling it fun becuae the reality of this generations lives are rather dismal....constant stress of loosing what little one has, inundated within debt and threats, treading water in an unstable economy and being lied to constantly all the while wondering who is really ssteppingtepping on the back of our necks?
Focus on the real criminals such as the BIG BOYS...let's say ROVE, CHENEY, BUSH, RICE, and the whole lot of elitist globalists!
We (America) have more people in jail for drugs than any other nation in the world!
All of which is a symptom of a much greater problem.......eminating rather....coming live and direct from the top!
Hmmm is Corporate Crime unworthy of LIfe Sentences.....Yes in fact it certainly is in America.
In closing..........."Murder 1 and your sentenced to jail, Murder thousands they make you King and call it Foreign Policy."
When is anybody gonna get it LIFE REALLY CAN SUCK RIGHT NOW without some sort of DISTRACTION.
Peace...Brothers & Sista's
Fri, 08/24/2007 - 11:03pm - Posted by: Anonymous
I think it is horrible that the Herald would list all the names and address of those that were not part of the distribution network. Great work done by the police but I am offended by the Herald. This is not productive journalism.
Fri, 08/24/2007 - 5:35pm - Posted by: Anonymous
Some of the names mentioned in the arrest for cocaine are people who work directly within the community as sport coaches for young children. It is sad that they don't do drug testing for the people taking care of our children and I just pray that these individuals are taken out of any positions that would be influencial to children. I pray they are sentenced to extensive rehab facilities! Our children deserve to be safe and know the people of authority around them are honest and trustworthy, not addicts!
Fri, 08/24/2007 - 11:56am - Posted by: Anonymous
This is wonderful..So many people. The task force worked hard to round up the drug users. I read the names and think wow all these people are old enough to know better. ALL OF THEM. I consider them LOSERS. The sad thing is I know there are many children envolved. Each and every person listed above that has a child should be charged with endangering the welfare of a child. The parents spend money on drugs, they should spend it on their children..I know some of these names...SHAME SHAME on you all, especially the ones that act like they are better then others. I see your name and will pray that you get the help you need. I will also ask all my friends to pray for you and your children. That now have to live with the shame of having a parent listed in a drug bust..You should have thought of them first instead of your drugs.
Fri, 08/24/2007 - 11:25am - Posted by: Anonymous
This is wonderful news...when you read through the list of names and see their age you have to think, these are not teenagers they are adults. I cringe at the thought of how many of these losers are parents. Each and everyone on the list above who has children should be charged with endangering the welfare of a child. Shame on you. I know a few of these names and they pretend to be so holy...SHAME SHAME...WE ALL SEE YOUR NAME....and we will now pray that you get the help you need to give up your drugs and take care of your families...I will pray you see the light.
Thu, 08/23/2007 - 5:57pm - Posted by: Anonymous
this is only the tip of the iceberg, lets keep up the good work and clean up capemay county for all our children before its too late...