Somers Point, NJ, Couple Rearrested, Indicted on Drug Charges

Authorities in Atlantic County say a Somers Point couple has been rearrested and indicted on a laundry list of drug-related charges.

On Wednesday, a grand jury indicted,

38-year-old John Garman

• First-degree Leader of Narcotics Trafficking Network
• First-degree Possession with Intent to Distribute CDS
• First-degree Maintaining a CDS Production Facility
• First-degree Employing a Juvenile in the Commission of a Crime
• Second-degree Employing a Juvenile in a Drug Distribution Scheme
• Second-degree Endangering Child Welfare
• Second-degree Conspiracy to Distribute CDS
• Second-degree Conspiracy to Maintain a CDS Production Facility
• Second-degree Money Laundering
• Second-degree Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering

39-year-old Donna Shiffler

• First-degree Leader of Narcotics Trafficking Network
• First-degree Possession with Intent to Distribute CDS
• First-degree Maintaining a CDS Production Facility
• First-degree Employing a Juvenile in the Commission of a Crime
• Second-degree Employing a Juvenile in a Drug Distribution Scheme
• Second-degree Endangering Child Welfare
• Second-degree Conspiracy to Distribute CDS
• Second-degree Conspiracy to Maintain a CDS Production Facility
• Second-degree Money Laundering

The couple was first arrested on May 25th.

Authorities say at that time, Garman and Shiffler allegedly maintained a drug manufacturing facility in their Somers Point apartment where they lived with their 7, 12, and 14-year-old children.

Throughout the household, including the kitchen, downstairs closet, and primary bedroom, the defendants allegedly possessed large quantities of controlled dangerous substances, including approximately 62 pounds of hashish; approximately 42 pounds of marijuana; and approximately two pounds of psilocybin mushrooms. The manufacturing facility was stocked with packaging materials, labels, and business cards with the name, 'Garmans Goods.'

Police also seized nearly $119,000 in cash.

Subsequently, the investigation obtained additional digital evidence indicating that Shiffler and Garman were in continuous communication about drug sales from the residence. Messages spanning over a year indicated that both Garman and Shiffler utilized their 14-year-old son on a regular basis to prepare, package, and sell drugs on their behalf. Digital evidence also revealed that Garman and Shiffler compensated their son in drugs, including marijuana and THC gummies.

Authorities say the Garman's Goods Facebook account yielded thousands of messages to and from hundreds of drug users across Atlantic County.

Rearrested and held

On Thursday, the pair was rearrested due to additional evidence and charges.

Their detention hearings are presently scheduled for Wednesday, August 9th. Until then, the couple will remain held in the Atlantic County Justice Facility.

The public is reminded that charges are accusations and all persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.