Search warrant uncovers stash; resident arrested

MANALAPAN - A 33-year-old township resident wound up in the Monmouth County jail on Aug. 24 after police confiscated drugs at his home.

According to information provided by Manalapan police, John Rockford III was charged with a variety of narcotics-related crimes, including possession of a controlled dangerous substance believed to be marijuana, possession with intent to distribute marijuana (over 5pounds), possession and possession with intent to distribute psilocybin mushrooms, possession of hashish, and possession and possession with intent to distribute a variety of prescription pills.

Police said Rockford was also charged with possession and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession of an extended ammunition clip and possession of a police scanner for unlawful purposes.

According to a press release, an investigation conducted by Detective Michael Ratta and members of the Manalapan Police Department Investigations Bureau resulted in the issuance of a search warrant for a home on Milton Avenue. Detective Thomas Mahon of the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office assisted in the investigation.

Milton Avenue is in a residential development off Taylors Mills Road near the Manalapan municipal complex.

Police said the resident and target of the search warrant was Rockford, who lived at the home with his parents.

On Aug. 24, the Manalapan Police Department Emergency Response Team executed the search warrant. Upon the execution of the search warrant Rockford was found to be in the process of selling a substance believed to be marijuana to Adam Favelson, 23, of Freehold Township.

According to police, Rockford and Favelson were immediately arrested. Favelson was subsequently charged with loitering with the intent to purchase a controlled dangerous substance. He was processed and released on his own recognizance.

Members of the Manalapan Police Department then searched the residence. During the search more than 5 pounds of a substance believed to be marijuana was seized, along with a quantity of psilocybin mushrooms, hashish and several thousand prescription pills, including oxycodone, Vicodin, methadone and more than 65 Fentanyl Patches.

Also seized were several rifles and three handguns, numerous knives and daggers, and an extended ammunition magazine for one of the rifles. Police also seized two vehicles, a 1996 Mustang Cobra and a 2005 Toyota Sequoia, and approximately $7,000 in cash.

Police said Rockford has a police scanner in the garage that was set to monitor the Manalapan police frequency. Two additional scanners were also located in the home and seized.

Bail for Rockford was set at $215,000 and he was placed in the Monmouth County jail, Freehold Township.

Police said the investigation is continuing and said it is likely that Rockford will face more charges. Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to call Detective Michael Ratta at (732) 547-8940.

Capt. Louis Moreto said Rockford was "essentially running a drug store 24/7 in a residential neighborhood. This type of activity will not be tolerated and this agency will vigorously enforce the narcotics laws of this state to protect the residents and visitors of Manalapan. This agency will use all of its available resources to enforce the laws in the vicinity of Manalapan to keep its residents safe."