Eight charged, three on the run in Keansburg narcotics probe

Three of eight people suspected of using taverns in Keansburg to push narcotics remain fugitives, following disclosure of charges this past weekend by Monmouth County investigators.

Robyn Brown, 28, of South Amboy, Melanie Marshall, 36, of Keansburg, and Jason Venson, 36, of Matawan, allegedly are part of a network of heroin, cocaine and marijuana distribution uncovered in a three-month investigation by local and county investigators, according to the office of Monmouth County Prosecutor Chris Gramiccioni..

Five Keansburg residents were arrested and charged: Angela Boden, 52; Ryan Hunley, 33; Nancy Pearce, 27; Charles Peclet, 30; and Jamal Gordon, 35.

Investigators focused on TJK Stadium on Beachway Avenue, and Apple Jack II Sports Bar & Grill on Carr Avenue, as transaction centers. Detectives seized more than 200 bags of heroin and 100 grams of cocaine, authorities said.

Boden faces eight charges related to possession and distribution of cocaine and hoerin. Her bail was set at $325,000, with no option for release on payment of 10 percent.

Hunley, Pearce, Peclet and Gorden are variously charged with possession, distribution and conspiracy counts related to cocaine, heroin and marijuana.

Peclet's bail was set at $10,000, and Pearce's at $9,000, also with no 10-percent option. Authorities did not specify bail amounts applying to Hunley or Gordon.

Brown will be charged with six counts related to cocaine possession and distribution. Marshall and Venson will each face four counts related to marijuana possession, distribution and conspiracy.

Lieutenant Jay Clark of the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office heads the investigation, and can be reached at 800-533-7443.

Criminal charges are accusations. Defendants are presumed innocent unless, and until, found guilty in a court of law.