SOMERVILLE, NJ - A drug sweep in Somerset and Middlesex counties netted heroin, cocaine and other drugs, resulting in 18 arrests, according to Somerset County Prosecutor Michael H. Robertson.

The investigation resulted in the seizure of approximately 370 grams of raw heroin, 2 pounds of marijuana, approximately 1,300 bags of heroin, approximately 44 grams of cocaine, 20 individually wrapped bags of crack cocaine, a hydraulic kilo-press and other drug manufacturing equipment, according to Robinson. In addition, detectives seized approximately $71,000 and a loaded 9 mm semi-automatic handgun.

Four primary suspects were arrested between May 23 and May 26, following a seven-month investigation, according to Robertson.

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The primary suspects allegedly wrapped up in the investigation are:

- Frank Quezada, aka: “Smoke”, 38, Forest Drive, Piscataway;

Lori Jinotti, 36, S. Randolphville Road, Piscataway;

Ricky Van Ness, 40, Winder Drive, Bridgewater;

Nancy Henriquez-Leon, 27, Harmony Street, Piscataway.





Detectives executed three search warrants including the residences of Quezada and Van Ness.

Quezada was charged with second-degree distribution of drugs and second-degree conspiracy to distribute drugs. Jinotti was charged with second-degree distribution of drugs and second-degree conspiracy to distribute drugs. Van Ness was charged with first-degree maintaining/operating a drug-manufacturing facility, first-degree possession of heroin with the intent to distribute, second-degree possession of a firearm while committing a drug offense, second-degree certain persons not to have weapons and second-degree endangering. Henriquez-Leon was charged with second-degree distribution of drugs.

The following were all charged with third-degree conspiracy and third-degree attempt to possess drugs:

Grant Buchanan, 30, Chimney Rock Road, Bridgewater;

Michael Faligiano, 40, 13th Street, Somerset section of Franklin Township;

Kelsey Frost, 35, Penny Lane, Flemington;

Jennifer Gallo, 29, Welshs Lane, Somerset section of Franklin Township;

Torin Houlihan, 25, Starview Drive, Hillsborough;

Paul Mason, 29, Thompson Avenue, Raritan Borough;

Autumn Benning, 28, Lee Avenue, North Brunswick;

Brad Mullen, 36, Route 22, Whitehouse Station;

Ryan Murphy, 26, Rutgers Court, Belleville;

Justin Nowicki, 24, Courtes Place, Sayreville;

Nicole Parah, 29,Wilson Avenue, Hamilton;

Franklin Perez-Guerra, 21, Wayne Street, Perth Amboy;

Evan Stockwell, 36, Downbury Court, Hillsborough;

John Verden, 46, Tanglewood Drive, Piscataway.

All suspects are innocent until proven guilty. The charges against them are merely allegations.

Robertson credited the success of the operation to the cooperation of the municipal police departments assigned to the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Organized Crime and Narcotics Task Force, including: Bound Brook Police Department, Branchburg Township Police Department, Hillsborough Township Police Department, Manville Police Department, Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, Piscataway Police Department, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s New York Strike Force, and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Jersey HIDTA Group 3.