On Friday, March 10, 2023, before Monmouth County Superior Court Judge
Marc Lemieux, Johnny Rodriquez, 51, of Long Branch, was sentenced to ten years in a
New Jersey State Prison on a first-degree Possession of Cocaine with the Intent to
Distribute in excess of 5 ounces.
Rodriquez previously entered a plea on July 11, 2022.
A three-month-long 2021 investigation by the Monmouth County Narcotics and
Criminal Enterprise Unit and Long Branch Police Department culminated in search
warrants being executed at Rodriquez’s residence on North 5th Avenue, Long Branch,
Platinum Touch mechanic shop on Broadway, Long Branch, and 99 North Point Road,
Lanoka Harbor. Upon executing the warrants, police seized approximately 650 grams
of cocaine, approximately $19,000 cash, three cell phones, a 2003 Lexus, and seized a
bank account with approximately $91,000. The Prosecutor’s Office would also like to
thank members of the Lacey Township Police Department for their assistance.
This case was handled by Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Emily
Cartmell. Rodriquez is being represented by Steven Nelson, Esq., of Neptune.