Authorities have apprehended two local restaurant owners on charges related to drug trafficking and money laundering, officials announced.
On July 10, law enforcement executed search warrants in Manahawkin, Keyport, Hewitt, and West Nyack, NY. These searches resulted in the seizure of approximately $200,000, several vehicles, ATVs, a trailer, and a shipping container.
Earlier in May 2024, Milford Police had executed search warrants at five Bud Bus locations within the township, seizing around 150 pounds of marijuana and approximately $11,000.
Following these investigations, a warrant was issued for 47-year-old William Schlette of West Nyack, New York. William and his wife, 42-year-old Jennifer Schlette, co-owners of The Salty Chick Inc. restaurant in Manahawkin, were subsequently arrested.
William Schlette was taken into custody based on an active warrant from May 2024, which included charges of possession of more than 25 pounds of marijuana with the intent to distribute (first-degree crime), possession of more than six ounces of marijuana (fourth-degree crime), and five counts of conspiracy (fourth-degree crime). Additional charges against him include possession of more than 25 pounds of marijuana with the intent to distribute (first-degree crime), possession of more than six ounces of marijuana (fourth-degree crime), racketeering (second-degree crime), money laundering (first-degree crime), and deceptive business practices (disorderly persons offense).
Jennifer Schlette faces charges of money laundering (first-degree crime).
Both individuals have been remanded to a county correctional facility, pending a Central Judicial Processing Appearance.