STAFFORD — Four people were arrested following a narcotics investigation that culminated in search warrants and a traffic stop in Stafford Township, police said.
The Stafford Township Police Department’s Drug Enforcement Unit said the arrests took place around 9 p.m. Monday, April 6, after investigators executed multiple warrants tied to suspected drug activity.
Authorities identified those arrested as Christopher Ising, 44, of Manahawkin; Kyle P. Pianetti, 34, of Lanoka Harbor; Donna L. Shaffery, 51, of Manahawkin; and Jaclyn C. Pease, 35, of Keyport.
As part of the investigation, detectives obtained a warrant to search an apartment at the Cedar Run complex on South Main Street, along with separate warrants for Ising and Pianetti.
Before executing the residential search, officers stopped a vehicle driven by Pease with Pianetti as a passenger. Police said both individuals had outstanding warrants — Pease from Monmouth County and Pianetti from multiple municipal courts.
During the stop, investigators suspected drugs were inside the vehicle. A police K-9 named Venus conducted an exterior sniff and indicated the presence of narcotics, leading officers to seize the vehicle pending a search warrant.
When officers later searched the apartment, they reported finding Ising and Shaffery inside with suspected crack cocaine, packaging materials, drug paraphernalia and ammunition.
Ising faces multiple charges, including possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession of a controlled dangerous substance, evidence tampering and weapons-related offenses. Shaffery faces similar charges, including distribution and possession offenses, as well as evidence tampering and weapons violations.
Pease was initially charged with drug possession, including cocaine and alprazolam, along with related offenses. Pianetti’s charges stemmed in part from the outstanding warrants.
Police said a judge approved a search warrant for the vehicle on April 7. During that search, detectives recovered additional suspected crack cocaine and tramadol. Both Pease and Pianetti were charged with possession of those substances.
Ising and Shaffery were released on summonses and are scheduled to appear in Ocean County Superior Court. Pease and Pianetti remain held at the Ocean County Jail pending detention hearings.
