NEWS RELEASE
Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office
132 Jerseyville Avenue
Freehold, NJ 07728-2374
(732) 431-7160
Peter E. Warshaw, Jr., Prosecutor
LITTLE SILVER MAN ARRESTED FOR POSSESSION OF OXYCODONE, COCAINE AND MARIJUANA
On March 15, 2011, detectives with the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Gang Task Force and Narcotics Task Force, along with members of the Little Silver Police Department, arrested Jonathan R. Merklinger, 27, and conducted a lawful search of his Little Silver address.
The arrest of Jonathan R. Merklinger and search of his residence was the culmination of a two month narcotics investigation. The investigation revealed that Jonathan R. Merklinger was engaged in the distribution of Oxycodone. Oxycodone is an oral medication generally prescribed for the relief of moderate to severe pain. However, it has increasingly been used recreationally and has been identified as a "gateway" drug for heroin, which addicts have turned to as cheaper alternative.
During the search of Jonathan R. Merklinger’s residence, detectives found and seized in excess of forty (40) Oxycodone pills with a street value of approximately $1500. Also seized was a small quantity of cocaine and a small quantity of marijuana and a scale. During the search of the residence, John K. Sutphin, Jr. (24) of Jean Terrace, Red Bank, was also arrested after he approached the residence and sought to purchase fifteen (15) Oxycodone pills from Jonathan R. Merklinger.
Jonathan R. Merklinger was charged with the following: One count of third degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (Oxycodone); One count of third degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (Cocaine); One count of fourth degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (Marijuana); and, one count of third degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance With Intent To Distribute (Oxycodone). Jonathan R. Merklinger was also charged with the disorderly persons offense of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia for being in possession of a scale.
Following the arrest, The Honorable Richard B. Thompson, Municipal Court Judge, set bail for Jonathan R. Merklinger at $10,000. Jonathan R. Merklinger remains incarcerated at the Monmouth County Correctional Institution in lieu of bail.
John K. Sutphin, Jr. was charged with one count of third degree Conspiracy to Possess a Controlled Dangerous Substance (Oxycodone) and released on a Summons.
Little Silver Police Chief Shannon Giblin stated “The cooperation and assistance provided by the Prosecutor’s Office in this joint investigation was essential in the arrest of this individual. Quality of life is an important issue in Little Silver, and this type of activity will not be tolerated.”
Despite these charges, every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, following a trial at which the defendant has of the trial rights guaranteed by the United State Constitution and State law.
This case is assigned to Assistant Monmouth County Prosecutor Paul Alexander.
Released: March 17, 2011
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