An investigation by members of the Manchester Township Police Department’s Narcotics Enforcement Team (N.E.T.) culminated in the search of a Crestwood Village home and the arrests of four individuals on heroin distribution and other drug related charges on Thursday night.

During the late evening hours of July 28, 2016, members of the department’s Narcotics Enforcement Team executed a court authorized search warrant at an Amesbury Road residence in the Crestwood Village section of the Township. The investigation began after the Narcotics Enforcement Team received complaints about possible drug distribution on that block. Surveillance was established in the area and an investigation ultimately led to the receipt of a search warrant for the residence.

During the search of the home, evidence of heroin distribution, along with 149 doses of heroin were recovered. In addition, more than $3,000.00 in cash, believed to be proceeds of heroin sales, was seized. Furthermore, paraphernalia associated with the distribution of heroin was also seized.

Arrested at the residence were the following:

  • Rocco R. Scalzo Jr., 48, Grinnell Avenue, Manchester
  • James P. Gnatowsky, 44, San Carlos Street, Toms River
  • James S. Gnatowsky, 23, Dolan Street, Lanoka Harbor
  • Kellyann M. Lomberk, 36, Amesbury Road, Whiting

All four individuals were charged with possession of heroin, possession with intent to distribute heroin, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of hypodermic needles.

Bail for Lomberk and James P. Gnatowsky’s was set at $50,000 while bail for James S. Gnatowsky’s was set at $25,000. Scalzo’s bail was set at $15.000. All four subjects were unable to post bail and were subsequently transported to the Ocean County Jail.

The investigation was led by the Manchester Police Department’s Narcotics Enforcement Team. Assisting with this investigation were officers from both the Police Department’s Investigations and Patrol Bureaus as well as members of its K-9 unit.

Residents are reminded that drug related tips can be reported to the Manchester Police anonymously at 732-657-6111 or online via the Department’s website, www.manchesterpolicenj.com, by clicking the “Tip Line” link.