TOMS RIVER, N.J. — Two men from Ocean and Monmouth counties have pleaded guilty to narcotics distribution charges following a multi-agency investigation into cocaine trafficking, authorities announced.
Octavaeous Jenkins, 50, of Toms River, admitted to distributing more than five ounces of cocaine and possessing between one-half ounce and five ounces with intent to distribute. Ralph Durand, 58, of Long Branch, pleaded guilty to possessing between one-half ounce and five ounces of cocaine with intent to distribute.
Durand is no longer lodged in the Ocean County Jail and is suspected to have been released under New Jersey Bail Reform.
Jenkins is facing a proposed 14-year sentence in New Jersey State Prison, while Durand faces a 10-year term. Sentencing is scheduled for April 4 and April 25, 2025, respectively.
The investigation, which began in May 2023, was led by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force in collaboration with multiple local, county, and federal law enforcement agencies. Authorities identified residences in South Toms River, Brick Township, and Long Branch as locations used by Jenkins and Durand to store and distribute cocaine.
On May 9, 2023, detectives observed Jenkins meeting with Durand in Long Branch, where both were detained and found in possession of approximately one kilogram of cocaine. Search warrants executed on the suspects’ properties resulted in the seizure of an additional 1.25 kilograms of cocaine, $56,000 in cash, 20 grams of crack cocaine, 50 heroin doses, and nearly $488,522 from Durand’s personal bank accounts, believed to be linked to drug proceeds.