PITMAN — Twenty-six people were arrested as the result of a month-long drug investigation, including nine alleged drug dealers.
Started in September, the investigation centered on heroin in the borough, according to Police Chief Robert Zimmerman.
The investigation was wrapped up earlier this week, after two residential search warrants, a vehicle search warrant and a body warrant were executed, Zimmerman said.
Charged as drug dealers were:
Jennifer Harris, 37, of Mullica Hill, for distribution of controlled dangerous substances, including marijuana, pills and methamphetamines.
Kevin Osterheldt, 22, of Washington Township, for distribution of CDS/suboxone.
Donald Osbourne-Sharp, 20, of Glassboro, for distribution of crack cocaine. He was lodged in the Salem County Jail in default of $50,000 bail.
Cornell Coley, 20, of Clayton, for distribution of crack cocaine. He was sent to the Salem County Jail in lieu of $15,000 bail.
Ethan Patterson, 21, of Pitman, for distribution of heroin. He was jailed in lieu of $25,000 bail.
Nigel Patterson, 23, of Pitman, for distribution of heroin. He was jailed in lieu of $25,000 bail.
David Duffy, 24, of Pitman, for distribution of marijuana.
Laura Adler, 21, of Pitman, for distribution of marijuana.
And a 17-year-old from Pitman, whose name was withheld by police, for distribution of heroin. He was committed to the Lakeland juvenile faciltiy in Camden County.
In addition, 17 people, ranging in age from 16 to 41, from Mullica Hill, Pitman, Glassboro, East Greenwich, Pennsauken, Westville, Williamstown, Bellmawr and Washington Township, were charged with drug possession.
Zimmerman said four people died in Pitman from heroin overdoses in 2014, victims aged 22, 44, 56 and 60.
“This problem is real and it is unfortunately plaguing our communities,” Zimmerman said. He said Pitman’s “proactive police force” will continue to battle the problem.
He credited Detective Sgt. Hunter Moore and Ptl. Nick Barbetta, as well as the whole department, for the operation.
“If the ‘bad guys’ plan on staying in our town, they better plan on getting arrested,” said Zimmerman.
