Brick man arrested after using Snapchat to show off his gun and cash

A Brick Township man who allegedly showcased pictures of his firearm and cash on Snapchat has been arrested and charged for his illegal and dangerous actions.

Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer announced that Taishaun Cosme, 24, of Brick, has been charged with Possession of Cocaine in an Amount Greater than One-Half Ounce with Intent to Distribute in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5b(2); Possession of Cocaine in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(1); Possession of Drug Paraphernalia in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:36-2; Possession of a Weapon while Committing a Controlled Dangerous Substance Offence in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4.1a; Unlawful Possession of a Weapon in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5b(1); Possession of a Prohibited Weapon or Device in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-3f(1); Cyber Harassment in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:33-4.1a(1); and Disorderly Conduct in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:33-2a(1).

On January 23, Detectives from the Barnegat Crime Reduction Unit advised the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force that a male was posting on Snapchat pictures of a firearm and a quantity of cash in his motor vehicle.

An investigation involving the Ocean County Narcotics Strike Force, Barnegat Township Police Department, Brick Township Police Department, Lakewood Township Police Department and Toms River Police Department revealed that the male was Cosme.

Using Snapchat’s geo-location function, Detectives were able to locate Cosme operating a motor vehicle in Lakewood.

Detectives executed a motor vehicle stop of Cosme’s vehicle and subsequently obtained a court-authorized search warrant for the vehicle.

A search of his vehicle resulted in the discovery of a .40 caliber semi-automatic handgun and several rounds of hollow point bullets, as well as a significant amount of Cocaine, digital scale and assorted paraphernalia indicative of drug distribution.

Cosme is currently lodged in the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.

Prosecutor Billhimer credited the work of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, Barnegat Township Police Department Crime Reduction Unit and Detective Bureau, Toms River Township Police Department Special Enforcement Team and Detective Bureau, Lakewood Township Patrol Division, Street Crimes Unit and Detective Bureau, and Brick Township Police Department Patrol Division, Street Crimes Unit and Detective Bureau for their collective assistance in this investigation which lead to Cosme’s arrest.

“The apprehension of Taishaun Cosme is a prime example of what law enforcement agencies can accomplish when they work together. This was truly a collaborative effort by multiple departments to remove a dangerous drug dealer from the streets of Ocean County. We will continue to relentlessly pursue individuals that poison our communities with drugs and terrify our neighborhoods with guns,” Prosecutor Billhimer said.

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