Authorities Arrest 7 Local Residents in Alleged Heroin Distribution Ring; 3,000+ Doses Seized

Kevin Morrison, Jr. and Rodney Morrison. (Photo: Ocean County Jail)

A group of seven individuals have been arrested and charged in connection with a heroin storage and distribution operation that was taking place in multiple locations in northern Ocean County, prosecutors announced Thursday.

A cooperative, multi-agency investigation ultimately identified two residences in South Toms River and a room at the Ocean View Inn and Suites in Toms River as being utilized by Kevin Morrison, Jr., 26, of South Toms River, Daniel Finklin, 26, also of South Toms River, and Rodney Morrison, 35, of Toms River, to “store and distribute heroin,” the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office said in a statement.

Detectives, flanked by multiple SWAT and special services teams, participated in the execution of court-authorized search warrants on three subject premises. As a result, detectives seized approximately 3,210 wax folds of heroin, 52 ecstasy pills, a loaded .38 caliber revolver, drug paraphernalia, and approximately $11,700 in cash. Arrested were

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Kevin Morrison was charged with heroin distribution, weapons possession and possession of ecstasy. He was also charged with receiving stolen property and was lodged in the Ocean County Jail pending a hearing.

Finklin faces charges of possession of less than 5 ounces of heroin with intent to distribute, simple possession and obstruction of justice. He is also lodged in the Ocean County Jail.

Rodney Morrison is charged with heroin distribution, heroin possession with intent to distribute, and cocaine possession. He was lodged in the county jail pending a hearing.

Kiara Rivera, 22, of South Toms River, was charged with possession of heroin with intent to distribute, possession of ecstasy, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, possession of a weapon while in the commission of a drug offense and receiving stolen property. She was lodged in the county jail pending a hearing.

Kevin Morrison, Sr., 49, of South Toms River, was charged with aggravated assault on a police officer, obstruction of justice and resisting arrest. He was lodged in the county jail pending a hearing.

Brinda Kennedy, 56, of South Toms River, was charged with simple possession of ecstasy and drug paraphernalia and was released on a summons to appear in court on a future date.

The case was investigated by: The Toms River Police Department Special Enforcement Unit, Toms River Police Department Patrol Division, South Toms River Police Department Detective Bureau, South Toms River Police Department Patrol Division, South Toms River Police Department K-9 Unit, Manchester Township Police Department Narcotics Enforcement Unit, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit.