February 14, 2003
Trenton,
NJ—Mercer
County Prosecutor Daniel G. Giaquinto today announced that Mercer County
Narcotics Task Force has shut down a “crack house” in the 100 block of
Walnut Avenue seizing 50 grams of cocaine, approximately $1,000 in cash, digital
scales, .32 caliber ammunition and narcotics packaging materials.
According to Prosecutor Giaquinto, the Task Force, under the command of
Sgt. Bill Straniero, conducted a three week investigation, prompted by
information from concerned citizens, into cocaine distribution in the Walnut
Street area. The Task Force was
able to determine that a significant quantity of cocaine was being distributed
from the rear of 178 Walnut Avenue and that an elaborate signal system was used
to gain entry to the location to purchase drugs.
“The success of this investigation once again highlights the value of
our community partnerships. We
encourage the public to continue to share information with law enforcement,”
Giaquinto said.
The prosecutor noted that the residence was deteriorated with no heat and
only one working electrical outlet but that it was fortified with steel doors
and a complex network of 2x4s to secure the premises. Prosecutor Giaquinto also indicated that his office has
arranged for the Trenton Department of Inspections to secure and the board the
house due to the various housing code violations.
Arrested and charged with possession of c.d.s., possession of c.d.s. -
the intent to distribute; possession of c.d.s. within 1,000 feet of a school and
maintaining a fortified premises were: Andrew Brown, age 32, of the 300 block of
Spring Street; Ronnie Hicks, age 46, of the 100 block of Walnut Avenue; and,
Tina Sutphin, age 29, of the 100 block of Oakland Street. Brown , Hicks and Sutphin are being held in lieu of $100,000
cash, $50,000 cash and $35,000 cash, respectively.
The Task Force was comprised of the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office,
Special Investigations Unit, New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice, Lawrence
Township Police Department and the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office.
The street value of the seized cocaine is $5,000.