Officials Search Howell Man’s Home, Accuse Him of Distributing Marijuana, Xanax

After authorities executed a search warrant at a Howell Township residence, they reportedly discovered significant quantities of marijuana and the prescription medication Xanax, ultimately charging the home’s resident with numerous drug crimes, including drug distribution.

Members of the Howell Township Police Department’s Crime Suppression Unit conducted the aforementioned search at a residence located on Lexington Road in Howell Township on Wednesday, September 30th. The investigation that compelled the search was centered around drug distribution activities involving Xanax and marijuana, with the primary target of the investigation identified as 20-year-old Howell resident Alexander Slutsky.

During the search, investigators reportedly confiscated over 1 pound of marijuana, approximately 385 Xanax pills, about $6,500 in cash, and numerous paraphernalia items involved in drug distribution activities. Police say that the marijuana was already packaged for sale when they arrived at the scene, providing additional evidence to support the State’s contention that Slutsky had possession of the drugs with intent to distribute them.

As a result of the search, Slutsky is facing a number of drug charges, likely including marijuana distribution, distribution of prescription drugs, and possession of drug paraphernalia. As of Monday, October 5th, he was being held at the Monmouth County Correctional Institution on bail set at $100,000. With regard to the drug distribution crimes for which he is accused, the degree of these charges is contingent upon the amount of the substance associated with the alleged offense.

For example, according to section N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5 of the New Jersey Criminal Code, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute is classified as a third-degree crime when the offense involves a quantity of one ounce or more but less than five pounds. This means that Slutsky may be sentenced to serve between 3 and 5 years in New Jersey State Prison if he is found guilty of this offense.

On the other hand, the degree of the charges for prescription drug distribution is determined by the number of pills or units associated with the alleged crime. Under N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10.5, an offense involving an amount of 100 units/pills or more is considered a second-degree crime, which is punishable by a term of incarceration ranging from 5 to 10 years in New Jersey State Prison, as well as a fine of up to $300,000.

Clearly, the penalties to which Slutsky is exposed are severe, with the potential to alter the course of his life for decades into the future. When faced with such serious consequences, it is essential to mount a comprehensive and compelling defense, raising as many collateral issues as possible in order to undermine the State’s argument. It remains to be seen whether the State will extend a plea offer to Slutsky if he will choose to accept, negotiate for a downgraded sentence, or proceed to trial.