Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer has announced the culmination of a month-long cooperative investigation, conducted by Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force and Lakewood Township Police Department Street Crimes Unit, into the distribution of cocaine in the Ocean County area – utilizing a specific residence in Lakewood for that purpose.

On June 8, 2021, Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, Lakewood Township Police Department Street Crimes Unit, and Lakewood Township Police Department Special Response Team, executed a court-authorized search warrant on the subject Lakewood residence. As a result, law enforcement seized approximately 10 grams of cocaine, a large quantity of materials indicative of illegal drug distribution, a digital scale, and $4700 in cash. Arrested were:

Taishaun Cosme, 26, of Brick Township, charged with Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute in a Quantity less than One-Half Ounce in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5b(3); Possession of Cocaine in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(1); and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:36-2a. Cosme was processed at Lakewood Township Police Headquarters, and released on a summons pending a future court appearance.

Janice Rivera, 33, of Lakewood Township, charged with Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute in a Quantity less than One-Half Ounce in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5b(3); Possession of Cocaine in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(1); and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:36-2a. Rivera was processed at Lakewood Township Police Headquarters, and also released on a summons pending a future court appearance.