Authorities say a search uncovered more than four ounces of cocaine and evidence of an alleged drug manufacturing operation.
WILDWOOD, N.J. — Three Wildwood residents are facing multiple drug-related charges, including a first-degree offense, following a joint investigation that resulted in the seizure of more than four ounces of cocaine and approximately $30,000 in cash, according to the Cape May County Prosecutor's Office.
Cape May County Prosecutor Jeffrey H. Sutherland and Wildwood Police Chief Joseph Murphy announced the arrests Friday, November 13.
Those arrested were identified as:
Gonzalo Soto-Jimenez, 48, of Wildwood.
Yemely Natal-Castro, 42, of Wildwood.
Brandon Soto-Dawson, 27, of Wildwood.
According to prosecutors, the Cape May County Prosecutor's Office Gangs, Guns, and Narcotics Task Force concluded a joint investigation Friday into the distribution of controlled dangerous substances in Wildwood.
That same day, investigators executed a court-authorized search warrant at Soto-Jimenez's residence.
The operation involved members of the Prosecutor's Office Gangs, Guns, and Narcotics Task Force, the Wildwood Police Department and the Cape May County Regional SWAT Team, working in cooperation with the federal Drug Enforcement Administration and Homeland Security Investigations.
During the search, authorities reported recovering more than four ounces of cocaine and approximately $30,000 in U.S. currency.
Investigators also recovered what prosecutors described as additional evidence indicating that Soto-Jimenez, Natal-Castro and Soto-Dawson were operating a drug manufacturing facility.
All three defendants were charged with the same five offenses:
Maintaining a narcotics manufacturing facility, a first-degree crime.
Distribution of controlled dangerous substances, a second-degree crime.
Possession of cocaine, a third-degree crime.
Money laundering, a third-degree crime.
Possession with intent to distribute drug paraphernalia, a fourth-degree crime.
Prosecutors did not specify the type of manufacturing activity allegedly taking place at the residence or provide additional details about the evidence recovered.
The three defendants were processed and lodged at the Cape May County Correctional Facility, where they remained in custody pending further court proceedings as of Friday's announcement.
Under New Jersey law, a conviction for a first-degree crime generally carries a potential prison sentence of 10 to 20 years.
Sutherland said his office will continue working with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to target illegal drug distribution and unlawful firearm possession throughout Cape May County.
The prosecutor also encouraged residents to report suspected criminal activity.
Anyone with information can contact the Cape May County Prosecutor's Office at 609-465-1135 or submit an anonymous tip through cmcpo.tips.
The investigation involved cooperation among county, municipal and federal authorities.
All charges are accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
