Two Suspects Taken into Custody After Major Drug Bust in Ocean County

According to the Ocean County Prosecutors Office, two individuals are being charged with criminal offenses related to the distribution of cocaine in Brick, NJ.

Following a two-month investigation, Mary Copestick, 41, of Clementon, and Joshua Hunter, 53, of South Toms River, were taken into custody in Brick, according to prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer.

On February 26, Copestick's car was stopped by Brick Township police; according to the police, Hunter was a passenger.

Detectives discovered cocaine—later believed to be 360 grams—in plain sight as they were being taken out of the car, according to police.

About $150,000 in cash "suspected to be the proceeds of criminal activity," according to the prosecutor's office, was found when search warrants were carried out at residences in Trenton and Clementon that investigators had determined were locations where the two were hiding cocaine.

According to the prosecutor's office, Copestick and Hunter were charged with possession of five ounces or more of cocaine with intent to distribute, conspiracy to possess five ounces or more of cocaine with intent to distribute, possession of cocaine, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

According to authorities, both were brought to the Ocean County Jail and then freed as a result of the New Jersey Bail Reform.

The charges referenced above are merely accusations and the press and public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. R.P.C. 3.6(b)(6).