It appears Jackson Police Chief Matthew Kunz is always on duty – even when he’s off duty.

On Saturday, dispatch received a phone call from Chief Matthew Kunz, who was off duty at the time, reporting that he believes he may have witnessed a hand-to-hand CDS transaction. The vehicle description was given out as well as a direction of travel. The vehicle was quickly observed by Police Officer Kevin Chesney who stopped the vehicle on Bennetts Mills Road. He was backed up by Police Officer Michael Morizio.

Police stated, “While speaking with the driver, Officer Chesney saw a large hunting knife along the floor board which was in close proximity of the driver. For his safety, Officer Chesney asked the driver to step from the vehicle so that he may speak with him in a safe location away from the weapon. A dialogue began between the two for the reason why they were observed in the dead-end location and the transaction also witnessed. While this was continuing, Police Officer Anthony Riso arrived on scene to assist. Officer Chesney then relayed said information he received from the driver to Officer Riso. Officer Riso proceeded to the location given to speak with the person whom the driver said he was both conversing with and conducting business with. Officer Riso then returned and advised that the story he was given was totally different from the version of events given to Officer Chesney. Due to the totality of the circumstances, consent was requested of the driver which was refused. As a result, a K9 from the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department was requested to the scene to conduct a narcotics sniff of the suspect vehicle. Officer Fiorentino and his dog “Utah” arrived on scene and quickly gave a positive indication of suspected narcotics within the vehicle.”

A search of the vehicle as a result of the K9’s positive indication yielded an abundance of suspected Heroin and Crack Cocaine, Drug paraphernalia for CDS ingestion as well as a burglary tool kit, a small scale and a plethora of used empty wax folds utilized to contain Heroin which were littered throughout the vehicle. Additionally, over $5,300 in cash which was located in the vehicle and on the driver was also seized as a result of the investigation along with the suspect vehicle. Both parties were subsequently arrested and charged.

As a result, the following were charged:

Brian Vientos was charged with two counts of Possession of CDS for the Heroin and Crack Cocaine, two counts of Possession with Intent to Distribute CDS, Possession of a Weapon and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Vientos was additionally charged with motor vehicle summonses. Vientos was released on a complaint summons with a pending court date.

Amanda Meklin was charged with two counts of Possession of CDS for the Heroin and Crack Cocaine, two counts of Possession with Intent to Distribute CDS, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Possession of a Prescription Legend Drug. Meklin was lodged in the Ocean County Jail a result of her charges.