Lanoka Harbor Woman Arrested After Motel Room Search

A Lanoka Harbor woman was arrested and charged with possession of heroin after the Detectives from the Prosecutor’s Special Operations Group and members of the Lakewood Township Police Department obtained and executed a search warrant for a motel room, officials said.

Ashley Cornelius, 20, of 3 Hilltop Court, Lanoka Harbor, was arrested after police officials executed a search warrant on May 11 for Room 101 of the Best Western in Lakewood, finding approximately 300 bags of heroin and about $500 in cash.

Cornelius was charged with possession of heroin, possession of heroin under one half ounce with intent to distribute, and possession of under fifty grams of marijuana. Her bail was set at $25,000, with no ten percent.

Two others were arrested and charged in this case.

Charles Scott, 41, of Jackson was arrested and charged with possession of heroin and possession of heroin under one half ounce with intent to distribute. His bail was set at $50,000, with no ten percent.

Julie Paterson, 21, of Freehold was also charged with possession of heroin, possession of heroin under one half ounce with intent to distribute. Her bail was set at $30,000, with no ten percent.

The Lakewood Township Police Street Crimes Unit, the Lakewood Police Emergency Services Unit as well as the Ocean County Sheriffs Department K-9 Unit assisted in the investigation and execution of the search warrant.