Red Bank Drug Bust Nets Five Arrests

An investigation into alleged drug sales out of a Spring Street apartment culminated with a Wednesday night raid and the arrest of five suspects, the announced Thursday.

According to police, Charles Johnson, 23, Charles Wilson, 25, Chantal Tharrington, 21, Kareem Smith, 23, and David Hutchinson, 25, were all arrested and charged with numerous offenses, including Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance, Possession with Intent to Distribute in a School Zone, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, Possession of a Weapon While Committing Distribution of Narcotics, Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Narcotic Paraphernalia.

Johnson, Wilson, Smith, and Hutchinson were also charged with Certain Persons not to Possess a Weapon, police said in a release. Each were ordered held on $352,000, $302,500, $352,500, and $353,000 cash bail, respectively.

Tharrington was release on recognizance.

According to a release from the police department, the investigation yielded half an ounce of cocaine, marijuana, drug paraphernalia used in the distribution of narcotics, $8,000 in cash, and a loaded handgun.

Red Bank Police were aided by detectives from the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office and K-9 units from the Monmouth County Sheriff's Department.

The investigation was conducted by Red Bank Police Sgt. Robert Clayton.