Full Notification

DATE/TIME: 5/14/15 7:08 pm

LOCATION: Monmouth Road

OFFICERS INVOLVED: Detectives Michael Melody and Jesse Orbach

ACCUSED: Ethan Haacker age 19 Ocean, NJ
James Simmons age 20 Ocean, NJ

NARRATIVE: On 5/14/15 at approximately 7:08 pm, detectives Michael Melody and Jesse Orbach were conducting plain clothes Cops in Shops operation in the area of Monmouth Road and Roosevelt Avenue. Cops in Shops is a statewide program whereby plain clothes police officers team up with owners of licensed liquor establishments to detect and arrest underage person purchasing alcoholic beverages at those licensed liquor establishments.

At that time, the detectives observed a hand to hand drug transaction between Ethan Haacker and James Simmons in the parking lot of a retail establishment. As the detectives approached the two accused, Mr. Haacker placed 19 bags of heroin in his mouth in an attempt to destroy the evidence. Haacker was ordered to spit the drugs out of his mouth to which he promptly complied. Mr. Simmons was observed throwing 10 bags of heroin into a bush which was quickly recovered by the detectives. Both subjects were placed under arrest and transported to the Township of Ocean Police Headquarters for processing.

Ethan Haacker was charged with distribution of heroin, wandering for the purpose to distribute heroin, possession of heroin, possession of a hypodermic syringe and tampering with evidence. Mr. Simmons was charged with wandering with the purpose to purchase heroin, possession of heroin and tampering with evidence. Both subjects were released on complaint summonses and will appear at a future court hearing.

NO PHOTOS OF ACCUSED ARE AVAILABLE

PREPARED BY: Detective Lieutenant Kevin L. Faller
Public Information Officer
(732) 531-1800 [email protected]
DATE: 05/15/2015

Lt. TT/224