SEARCH BY CANINE TEAM AND OFFICERS LEAD TO DRUG ARREST

The Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office drug sniffing dog led to the seizure of suspected crack cocaine and controlled dangerous substances on Saturday, February 12.

The incident occurred after Sheriff’s Officers Sean O’Neill and David Lasko went to serve a Superior Court warrant for non support on Gershon Clark, 44, in Middletown. When the officers arrived at the home on Cedar Avenue, Stacey Keaney, 32, who was believed to be the girlfriend of Clark, answered the door and at first denied Clark was there. Once Sheriff’s Officers spotted Clark, they entered the house where he was ordered to come out. After Clark and Keaney were arrested, suspected crack cocaine was observed on a table, and Sheriff’s Officer Kurt Kroeper and his drug sniffing canine Evan were called to search the house. The canine search led to the seizure of suspected crack cocaine, cocaine and oxycodone along with cash and drug paraphernalia.

“This is a great example of exceptional police work and I commend the officers involved for their quick and decisive actions,” said Sheriff Shaun Golden. “In addition, this arrest reaffirms that our highly trained narcotics canine teams are a great asset when it comes to combating the proliferation of narcotics in Monmouth County.”

Middletown Township Police also assisted with the arrest. Clark was charged with resisting arrest, possession of CDS and possession of CDS with intent to distribute. Bail was set at $200,000. Keaney was charged with possession of CDS, possession of CDS with intent to distribute and obstruction of justice. Bail was set at $110,000.