Stafford Township, NJ - On Wednesday, March 4th, 2026 at approximately 8:00 PM, the Stafford Township Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) concluded a narcotics investigation, which led to the arrest of five individuals: 69-year-old Everett J. Salmons of East Bay Avenue in Manahawkin, 70-year-old Cindy L. Dempsey of East Bay Avenue in Manahawkin, 45-year-old Kevin P. Keane of East Bay Avenue in Manahawkin, 45-year-old Vincent M. Buttiglieri of Hillard Drive in Manahawkin, 46-year-old Amanda J. Raccuia of Village Drive in Barnegat. Prior to the arrest of Salmons, Dempsey, Keane, Buttiglieri, and Raccuia, the investigation led to a consent search of a motor vehicle, a residential search warrant for a unit at 215 East Bay Avenue, Manahawkin, and a person search warrant of Everett J. Salmons.
As a result of the search of the motor vehicle Salmons, Dempsey, Buttiglieri, and Raccuia were found to be possession of heroin.
While on scene, it was also learned that Buttiglieri had one active outstanding warrant out of Lakewood Municipal Court. Search incident to arrest of Buttiglieri revealed possession of methamphetamine.
In addition, the search warrant at 215 East Bay Avenue in Manahawkin was executed. As a result of the residential search warrant Salmons, Dempsey, and Keane were found to be in possession of methamphetamine, controlled dangerous substance packaging material, and drug paraphernalia.
Ultimately, Salmons was charged with 2C:35-5B(9)(b) possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine (3rd degree crime), 2C:35-10a(1) possession of methamphetamine (3rd degree crime), 2C:35-10a(1) possession of heroin (3rd degree crime), and 2C:36-2A possession of drug paraphernalia (disorderly persons offense).
Dempsey was charged with 2C:35-5B(9)(b) possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine (3rd degree crime), 2C:35-10a(1) possession of methamphetamine (3rd degree crime), 2C:35-10a(1) possession of heroin (3rd degree crime), and 2C:36-2A possession of drug paraphernalia (disorderly persons offense).
Buttiglieri was charged with 2C:35-10a(1) possession of methamphetamine (3rd degree crime) and 2C:35-10a(1) possession of heroin (3rd degree crime).
Keane was charged with 2C:35-10a(1) possession of methamphetamine (3rd degree crime).
Raccuia was charged with 2C:35-10a(1) possession of heroin (3rd degree crime).
After being processed at Stafford Township Police Department, Salmons, Dempsey, Keane, and Raccuia were released on summons pending a future court date at the Ocean County Superior Court. Buttiglieri was transported to Ocean County Jail awaiting a detention hearing by the Ocean County Superior Court.
As a reminder, the Stafford Township Police Department does not release arrest photos of the defendants. All individuals are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.