ISLAND HEIGHTS — A 60-year-old borough resident has been charged with multiple drug offenses following the execution of a search warrant at his home, authorities said.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that Thomas Koch was taken into custody February 12 after detectives searched his residence as part of an ongoing narcotics investigation.
According to the prosecutor’s office, investigators seized quantities of cocaine and methamphetamine, along with drug paraphernalia consistent with distribution activity. Electronic devices were also collected during the search and are now undergoing forensic analysis by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Squad. Officials indicated that additional charges could be filed pending the outcome of that review.
Koch is charged with possession of less than one half ounce of cocaine with intent to distribute, possession of less than one half ounce of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, simple possession of cocaine and methamphetamine, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
He was transported to the Ocean County Jail, where he is being held pending a detention hearing.
Billhimer credited members of the Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Squad and Narcotics Strike Force for their collaborative efforts in the investigation.
The charges are accusations, and Koch is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
