Full Notification

On Monday, July 11, 2022, the Middle Township Police Department’s Street Crimes Unit concluded an investigation into the distribution of heroin and methamphetamine in the Rio Grande section of Middle Township.  The target of this investigation was Joseph Fontanez, 41, of Rio Grande. 


On this date, a court-authorized search warrant was executed on Delaware Avenue in the Rio Grande section of Middle Township by the Middle Township Police Department’s Street Crimes Unit with the assistance of the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office and the Cape May County Regional SWAT Team. 


As a result of the search warrant, a stolen AR-15 rifle with a loaded magazine, over two (2) ounces of methamphetamine, over five-hundred (500) prescription pills, MDMA Ecstasy, cocaine and over $2000.00 in U.S. Currency was recovered.  Weighing and packaging items consistent with the distribution of CDS were also recovered.


Fontanez was charged with the following:


Certain Person not to possess not to possess a firearm, a crime of the 1st degree, Certain Person not to possess a weapon, a crime of the 2nd degree, Possession of a stolen firearm, a crime of the 3rd degree, Possession of a Firearm during a CDS offense, a crime of the 2nd degree, Possession of CDS, a crime of the 3rd degree - (Seven (7) counts), Distribution of CDS 2nd, 3rd and 4th degree crimes - (Six (6) counts), Possession of drug paraphernalia, a disorderly persons offense.  Fontanez was subsequently lodged in the Cape May County Correctional Center as per bail reform.


Any charges are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless he is proven guilty.