TOMS RIVER — A Long Branch man has been sentenced to 10 years in New Jersey State Prison for his role in a cocaine distribution network operating in Ocean and Monmouth counties, authorities said.
Ralph Durand, 58, was sentenced this week by Superior Court Judge Dina M. Vicari following his guilty plea in February to possession of more than five ounces of cocaine with intent to distribute, according to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer.
Durand was identified during a multi-agency investigation conducted between December 2022 and May 2023. Law enforcement determined he was using a Long Branch residence to store and distribute cocaine, authorities said.
The investigation, involving multiple local, county, state and federal agencies, also identified South Toms River and Brick Township homes tied to co-conspirator Octavaeous Jenkins, 50, of Toms River. Authorities said Jenkins used those locations for the same purpose.
On May 9, 2023, Durand and Jenkins were observed meeting in Eatontown and were arrested after being found with about one kilogram of cocaine. Search warrants later executed at the three residences led to the seizure of approximately 1.25 kilograms of cocaine, 20 grams of crack cocaine, 50 heroin doses, $55,000 in cash, and nearly $488,500 in bank funds linked to Durand’s operation, officials said.
Both men were charged and later released under bail reform. Jenkins pleaded guilty in February and was sentenced in April to 11 years in state prison on similar charges. His sentences will run concurrently.
The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant Prosecutor Timothy Kelly and Assistant Prosecutor Alec DeBari.
