Freehold Man One of Three Arrested in Jackson

The following press release came from the Jackson Police Department.

On Saturday, Jan. 26 at approximately 4 p.m., officers conducted a motor vehicle stop with a 2007 Hyundai Sonata in the parking lot of the Burger King on West Countyline Road in Jackson.

The car was first observed parked in the Brook Plaza parking lot occupied by multiple people and then was moved to several other locations before ending up at the Burger King parking lot where the motor vehicle stop took place.

During the course of the motor vehicle stop, it was determined that there was an outstanding warrant for the driver out of Freehold and information was learned that the occupants of the vehicle were in possession of a large quantity of prescription medication. As the investigation continued, officers discovered over 200 pills total of Xanax, Suboxone and Oxycodone inside the vehicle. The three occupants were then placed under arrest.

Suboxone is an opioid medication similar to morphine, codeine and heroin, it is also used to treat opioid addiction. Xanax is often prescribed to treat anxiety and panic disorders. Oxycodone is an opioid narcotic pain reliever similar to morphine and is used to treat moderate to severe pain. The three medications have a potential for abuse. 

Arrested:

Paul Ernst Jr., age 38 of Freehold. Ernst was charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance (Suboxone, Xanax and Oxycodone) and possession of a controlled dangerous substance with Intent to distribute. His bail was set at $35,000 and he was later transported to the Ocean County Jail.

Michael Newman, age 34 of Jackson. Newman was charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance (Suboxone). He also had an outstanding warrant out of Freehold. His bail was set at $25,000 and he was later transported to the Ocean County Jail.

Dominick Pondaco Jr., age 34 of Jackson. Pondaco was charged with Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (Suboxone, Xanax and Oxycodone). He was also charged with Obstruction for attempting to hide pills. His bail was set at $25,000 and he was later transported to the Ocean County Jail.

The Hyundai was also impounded and is being held pending forfeiture proceedings.