Accused Drug Dealer Charged With Manslaughter In Drug Death Of Stafford Man

Kenneth Novak, 40, Whiting, was charged with drug-induced death first degree, manslaughter, possession of a controlled dangerous substance and possession of a controlled dangerous substance with intent to distribute, in connection with the death of Matthew Georgi, 32.

Novak is lodged in the Ocean County Jail in Toms River in lieu of $250,000 cash bail, Coronato said.

Novak is the third individual this year to be charged under the strict liability statute in the Ocean County Prosecutor’s effort to hold dealers accountable and stem the tide of overdose deaths in Ocean County, he said. 

“The 96 overdose deaths in Ocean County this year makes it clear that those who distribute drugs are truly harbingers of death,” Coronato said.  “My Office will do everything possible to help those stricken by tragic drug addictions, but will show no such kindness to dealers ignoring the tragic consequences of their actions.”    

Novak’s charges stem from an investigation that began on Sept. 22 after Matthew Georgi’s death in Stafford Township. Police responded to Georgi's home and found him unresponsive and not breathing, Coronato said.

Detective. David McVey of the Stafford Township Police Department received Matthew Georgi’s final autopsy report from the Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office on Nov. 1.

The report issued by Dr. Ian Hood determined that Matthew died as the result of an adverse reaction he suffered from the ingestion of a prescription medication.

A subsequent investigation by members of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office and Stafford Township Police alleges that Novak sold an opiate-based prescription narcotic pain reliever known as Opana, which contributed to Georgi's death, Coronato said.