This arrest was the conclusion of a cooperative investigation between the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office, Gangs, Guns and Narcotics Task Force and the Lower Township Police Department Detective Division.
Both Michael and Judith Hamilton were arrested on April 20, 2018, during the execution of a Court authorized search warrant at their residence on Tampa Avenue in the Villas section of Lower Township, N.J. This search warrant was a result of an investigation targeting both of the Hamilton’s who were selling heroin from their residence. Seized during this investigation were over 300 bags of suspected heroin, marijuana and a sword. During the search warrant execution, Michael Hamilton attempted to obstruct law enforcement officers by utilizing a juvenile to hide the suspected heroin.
Michael Hamilton was charged with Distribution of Heroin (3rd Degree), Possession of Heroin (3rd degree), Utilizing a Juvenile in the Commission of a Crime (2nd Degree), Endangering the Welfare of a Child (2nd Degree), Certain Person prohibited to possess a weapon (2nd Degree), Unlawful possession of a weapon (4th Degree), Possession of a Weapon for Unlawful Purpose
(3rd Degree), and Obstruction of Justice (4th Degree). *
Judith Hamilton was charged with Distribution of Heroin (3rd Degree), Possession of Heroin (3rd Degree), and Possession of Marijuana (Disorderly Persons Offense). *
Both Michael and Judith Hamilton were processed and lodged in the Cape May County Correctional Facility pending Court proceedings.
Prosecutor Sutherland advises that persons convicted of a second degree crime are subject to a term of imprisonment of 10 to 15 years in New Jersey State Prison, third degree crimes can carry a sentence of 3 to 5 years, and persons convicted of a fourth degree crime can be sentenced up to 18 months in State prison.
Prosecutor Sutherland stated that his office will continue to work hand in hand with the local municipalities to target anyone selling illegal controlled dangerous substances. Prosecutor Sutherland continues to urge the citizens of Cape May County to report any information regarding illegal drug activity and or any criminal activity within community and that this information can be reported anonymously through the Cape May County Sheriffs Tip Line at cmcsheriff.net and click on anonymous tip, or through the Cape May County Crime Stoppers at 609-465-2800, or the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office at 609-465-1135.
* Any charges are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless they are proven guilty.