Cape May Court House, New Jersey — Jeffrey H. Sutherland, Prosecutor of Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office, and Donald Vanaman, Chief of the Lower Township Police Department, announced the arrest of Hector L. Melendez, a 31-year-old resident of Villas. On Wednesday, June 10, 2026, the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office Gangs, Guns, and Narcotics Task Force concluded a joint investigation into the distribution of controlled dangerous substances by Hector L. Melendez. On the same date, members of the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office Gangs, Guns, and Narcotics Task Force, in coordination with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Lower Township Police Department, and the Cape May County Regional SWAT Team, executed Court-authorized search warrants at the residence of Hector L. Melendez, as well as on his person.
As a result of these searches, authorities seized over ½ ounce of cocaine, psilocybin mushrooms, various items of paraphernalia associated with the distribution of controlled dangerous substances (CDS), and a large sum of US Currency. Hector L. Melendez was charged with Distribution of CDS, a crime of 2nd degree; Possession of cocaine, a crime of the 3rd degree; Money laundering, a crime of the 3rd degree; Possession with Intent to Distribute Drug Paraphernalia, a crime of the 4th degree; and Possession of Psilocybin mushrooms, a disorderly persons offense. Hector L. Melendez was processed and lodged at the Cape May County Correctional Facility, where he remains in custody pending further court proceedings. Individuals convicted of second-degree crimes are subject to a term of imprisonment of 5 to 10 years in New Jersey State Prison.
Prosecutor Sutherland stated his office will continue to work hand in hand with Federal and State partners along with the local municipalities to target anyone selling illegal, controlled, dangerous substances as well as the illegal possession of firearms. Prosecutor Sutherland also continues to urge the citizens of Cape May County to report any information regarding any criminal activity within the community, and that information can be reported to the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office at 609-465-1135 or anonymously on the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office website at cmcpo.tips. *Any charges are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.