Stafford Township, NJ - On Sunday, February 15, 2026 at approximately 12:51 AM, Patrolman O’Rourke of the Stafford Township Police Department conducted a motor vehicle stop in the area of 320 Route 72 East on 31 year old Ashley E. Kolakowski of Hudson Street in Manahawkin. During the course of the motor vehicle stop, Patrolman O’Rourke developed reasonable suspicion that Kolakowski was possessing a controlled dangerous substance inside the vehicle and/or on her person. As a result, Patrolman Russell Okinsky and his K-9 partner, Buck, were requested to the scene to conduct an exterior sniff of the vehicle. As a result, K-9 Buck gave a positive indication for the presence of narcotics odor coming from within the vehicle. A search of the vehicle led to negative findings for a controlled dangerous substance. Patrolman Danielle Errico responded to the scene to conduct a search of Kolakowski's person, which led to the discovery of a quantity of Methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. 

Ultimately, Kolakowski was charged with 2C:35-10A(1) possession of a controlled dangerous substance, 2C:36-2  possession of paraphernalia, and 2C:35-10C failure to make lawful disposition of a controlled dangerous substance.  She was processed, photographed, and released with a future court appearance at Ocean County Superior Court.

As a reminder, the Stafford Township Police Department does not release arrest photos of defendants. All individuals are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.