Clockwise from top left: Wayne Timms, Michael Horton, Jose Perez and Dante Perez.
An investigation into drug deals in a troubled area of Atlantic City led to two motel rooms the state claims were turned into a drug-production facility, including a first-degree amount of cocaine, according to the charges.
Seven men were arrested in the case, with more than 100 grams of cocaine and at least 1,200 bags of heroin recovered, along with other drugs, Atlantic City police announced Monday. But some already have been released from jail following detention hearings.
One of the men also had a loaded handgun in his vehicle, according to the charges.
The investigation began Feb. 20, when Detectives Moustafa Maarouf and Jesse Oliver-Logan received information that Sefereno Castro was selling heroin from a vehicle in Renaissance Plaza in the 1500 block of Atlantic Avenue, Sgt. Kevin Fair said.
Castro, 39, of Atlantic City, locked himself in his vehicle and refused to come out after the detectives approached him following their own observation of suspected drug sales, according to the report.
After negotiations, Castro got out and was taken into custody and found to have 100 bags of heroin, Fair said.
Oliver-Logan K-9 partner, Gee, then indicated there were drugs in the vehicle, according to the report.
A search warrant led to 905 individual bags of heroin, 64½ grams of cocaine, 51 grams of PCP, a small amount of methamphetamine and items used in the distribution of narcotics, Fair said.
The investigation also led to a warranted search of Room 107 at the Martinique in the 3000 block of Pacific Avenue on March 4, according to the affidavits.
"This was a full-service shop, if you will, here in Atlantic City," Chief Assistant Prosecutor Allison Eiselen told the judge during one of the detention hearings Monday.
She said the variety and amount "made the production facility particularly dangerous."
Two days later, Sgt. Brian Hambrecht received information that a vehicle was entering Atlantic City, with the driver allegedly in possession of an illegal firearm, Fair said.
Michael Horton, 32, of Mays Landing, was stopped with help from the city's automated license plate readers that determined when his vehicle entered the city, according to the report.
Detectives were waiting for a marked patrol car to respond to conduct a motor vehicle stop when Horton parked the vehicle and left it running as he entered , and entered a motel in the beach block of Kentucky Avenue, Fair said.
Horton refused to acknowledge the detectives when the told him to return, and he was taken into custody after initially resisting arrest, according to the report.
He was wanted on several warrants and had small amounts of cocaine and heroin, Fair said.
Horton had turned his motel room into a manufacturing facility for crack cocaine, and a loaded handgun was found in the vehicle, according to the charges. Also seized from the car were 67 grams of cocaine, 150 bags of heroin and items used in the distribution of narcotics.
During his first appearance Friday, Horton said he did not have a list of what was seized and did not know his charges. His detention hearing is set for Wednesday.
Jose and Dante Perez were released Monday, after a judge found there were conditions that could be put into place. Both had public safety assessments — used to held determine whether a defendant is released under bail reform — that recommended they be released without conditions.
Jose Perez, 28, of Pleasantville, had the lowest scores you can get, meaning he is not considered a risk.
Dante Perez, 31, of Atlantic City, was not involved and only was invited to stay in the room because he is homeless, defense attorney John Bjorklund told the judge.
Wayne Timms, 39, of Atlantic City, was ordered held in jail Monday. Due to his criminal history, he faces a possible extended term in the case, Eiselen pointed out during his hearing.
He was just released from prison in July, after serving time on several drug charges.
Also arrested were Jean Luis Mesquita, 28, of Atlantic City, and Luis Rivas-Florian, 23, of Galloway Township. They still are awaiting detention hearings.
All seven are charged with maintaining a narcotic production facility, money laundering, possession of drug paraphernalia and several counts of possession and possession with intent to distribute.
Horton faces additional charges including weapons offenses, obstruction of justice and aggravated assault on a police officer.
The investigation was let by Detective Maarouf.
Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to call Atlantic City police at 609-347-5766. Information also may be texted anonymously to tip411 (847411), beginning the text with ACPD.
