The Division of Criminal Justice Gangs & Organized Crime Bureau today obtained a state grand jury indictment charging Jeffrey Groth, 35, of Dunnellen, with maintaining or operating a narcotics production facility (1st degree), possession of cocaine with intent to distribute (1st degree), possession of heroin with intent to distribute (1st degree), possession of heroin (3rd degree), possession of cocaine (3rd degree), possession of drug paraphernalia (4th degree), and money laundering (3rd degree).

Groth was arrested on Dec. 15, 2014, following an investigative stop of his Nissan Altima on Interstate 78 in Tewksbury Township. The New Jersey State Police had been conducting surveillance of Groth’s home on 3rd Street as part of an investigation into alleged narcotics distribution out of the home. State Police detectives allegedly had reason to believe that Groth was en route to complete a drug transaction. Groth initially refused to consent to a search of his vehicle, but after a State Police K-9 gave a positive alert for narcotics in the vehicle, Groth admitted there was heroin in the car and large amounts of cocaine, heroin and cash in his home. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed 14,300 glassine folds of heroin. A search of Groth’s home revealed $39,462 in U.S. currency, approximately 20 kilograms of cocaine, more than a kilogram of heroin, scales, packaging materials, other drug paraphernalia and computer equipment linked to an extensive video and audio surveillance system guarding the home. The total amount of heroin seized in the car and the home was approximately 3 kilograms.

Deputy Attorney General Shontae Gray presented the case to the state grand jury for the Division of Criminal Justice Gangs & Organized Crime Bureau. Deputy Attorney General Susan Wolansky handled the state’s forfeiture action, which resulted in Groth forfeiting the cash that was seized in his home as well as the Nissan Altima and a Honda Pilot.

First-degree charges carry a sentence of 10 to 20 years in prison. The facility charge carries a fine of up to $750,000, and the first-degree possession charges, up to $500,000. Third-degree charges carry a sentence of three to five years and a fine of up to $35,000 on the drug charges or $75,000 on the money laundering charge. Fourth-degree charges carry a sentence of up to 18 months and a $10,000 fine.

The indictment is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. The indictment was handed up to Superior Court Judge Mary C. Jacobson in Mercer County, who assigned the case to Middlesex County, where Groth will be ordered to appear for arraignment.

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