2005 Media Releases:

CAMDEN COUNTY PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE
VINCENT P. SARUBBI, CAMDEN COUNTY PROSECUTOR
MEDIA   INFORMATION

May 21, 2005

The leaders of 18 participating law enforcement agencies announced today that their officers arrested nine alleged members of a major South Jersey marijuana distribution ring on Friday, May 20, and seized approximately 41 pounds of the drug along with $108,000 in cash and five vehicles. Five other defendants are being sought.

An eight-month investigation culminated Friday when more than 200 officers executed arrest warrants as well as search warrants at 10 residences in Camden County, one in Gloucester County and a nail salon in Philadelphia.

The alleged leader of the network, Michael Caputo, 25, of Springlane Drive in the Blackwood section of Gloucester Township, is charged with being a Leader of a Narcotics Trafficking Network, a first-degree offense. He faces 25 years to life in State Prison if convicted of the charge. He was being held in the Camden County Correctional Facility in lieu of $150,000 bail, cash or bond.

It is alleged that Caputo acted as the kingpin of a network that distributed more than 100 pounds of marijuana every two weeks. It is further alleged that he sold multiple-pound quantities to the other defendants, who in turn sold to users and lower level distributors throughout South Jersey. Officials believe Caputo netted more than $50,000 a month in profit. They also believe the marijuana seized, a high potency variety, originated in British Columbia, Canada.

Investigation indicates that several of the defendants grew up in Collingswood and have known each other for years.

“Friday’s operation effectively shuts down what we believe was one of the largest marijuana distribution rings in South Jersey,” said Camden County Prosecutor Vincent P. Sarubbi, whose office heads the Philadelphia-Camden High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Joint Camden Task Force. The task force led the investigation that resulted in Friday’s operation.

“This cooperative law enforcement effort has choked off a major source of a drug that undermines the health and welfare of our communities.”

Sarubbi noted in particular the contributions of the Gloucester Township Police Department, under the leadership of Chief John Stollsteimer, which provided substantial manpower as well as facilities for a command and processing center.

The following defendants are charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Marijuana in Excess of Five Pounds, which carries up to 10 years in prison upon conviction. Those that were arrested were being held in lieu of bails ranging from $50,000 to $75,000, cash or bond. Ages are listed where available:

• Stephen Babcock, 24, Haddon Hills Apartments, Haddon Township
• Phong Pra Bouarapha, a.k.a. “Bo”, 30, 46th St., Pennsauken
• Javier Dominiguez, 21, Fountainview Apartments, Blackwood
• Pisey Duong, a.k.a. “Pete”, Victor Avenue, Cherry Hill*
• Eddie Galarza, Homestead Avenue, Pennsauken*
• Eric Giancola, 24, Cherrywood Apartments, Clementon
• Keith Hatterer, 25, Millbridge Apartments, Clementon
• Robert Helsene Sr., 56, Orchard Avenue, Somerdale
• Daniel Kidd, Woodland Avenue, Glendora (Gloucester Township)*
• Tam Phung, 24, Winfield Court, Sewell (Washington Township, Gloucester County)
• Kyle Quinn, Wilson Road, Bellmawr*
• Jeff Ritucci, Honey Locust Court, Blackwood*
  
  *Being Sought

In addition, Katherine Roberts, 20, of the Haddon Hills Apartments, was charged with Possession with the Intent to Distribute Less than Five Pounds of Marijuana, a third-degree offense carrying a maximum five years in prison upon conviction. Her bail was set at $50,000, 10 percent.

Search warrants were executed at the residence of each defendant as well as at Sassy Nails, 2540 Kensington Ave., Philadelphia. The bulk of the marijuana, approximately 30 pounds, was seized at the Sewell address.

Participating agencies: Camden County Prosecutor's Office, Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office, Camden County Sheriff's Department, New Jersey State Police, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Internal Revenue Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Philadelphia District Attorney's Office, New England HIDTA Task Force and police departments from Barrington, Bellmawr, Berlin Township, Camden, Cherry Hill, Gloucester Township, Haddon Heights, Haddon Township, Pennsauken, Pine Hill, and Washington Township.

All persons charged with criminal offenses are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.