| MARGATE – Acting Attorney General John J. Hoffman announced that two men from Margate, N.J., were arrested this morning by members of the Atlantic City Violent Crime Task Force (ACTF) on charges that they were selling the synthetic drug MDMA or “Molly” in Atlantic City.
ACTF officers arrested Anthony Catrambone, 20, and Joseph A. Magrene, 20, at their residence on North Union Street in Margate about 9:30 a.m. today. It is alleged that the two men were distributing the synthetic drug “Molly,” which is supposed to be a purer form of MDMA (methylenedioxymethamphetamine), the drug also distributed as “ecstasy.” Catrambrone is charged with first-degree distribution of MDMA, second-degree conspiracy to distribute MDMA, third-degree possession of MDMA, and third-degree possession of marijuana with intent to distribute. Magrene is charged with second-degree distribution of MDMA, second-degree conspiracy to distribute MDMA, and third-degree possession of marijuana with intent to distribute.
The investigation began in June after members of the ACTF developed information that the two men allegedly were selling the drug Molly throughout Atlantic City. Beginning in June, officers allegedly made purchases of Molly from Catrambone and Magrene involving undercover officers or individuals who were cooperating with the ACTF. Catrambone allegedly made sales totaling more than 5 ounces of MDMA, and Magrene allegedly sold more than one-half ounce of MDMA.
Investigators executed a search warrant this morning at the residence of the two men, where they allegedly seized a small amount of Molly, nearly a pound of marijuana, digital scales and more than $8,000 in cash. The two men will be lodged in the Atlantic County Jail. The first-degree charge carries a sentence of 10 to 20 years in state prison and a fine of up to $500,000. Second-degree charges carry a sentence of five to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $150,000, while third-degree charges carry a sentence of three to five years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000. The charges are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The investigation by the ACTF was led by Detective Jason Dorn of the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office and Detective Jeffery Gauthier of the New Jersey State Police. The Atlantic City Violent Crime Task Force is comprised of law enforcement officers from the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice Gangs & Organized Crime Bureau, the New Jersey State Police Street Gangs Unit, the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office, the Atlantic City Police Department, the Atlantic County Sheriff’s Office and the State Parole Board.
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