Traffic Stop Leads to Multiple Charges of Teenage Passengers for Alcohol, Drugs, Warrant

A traffic stop of an SUV with seven teenage occupants led to charges for five people in the vehicle, Spring Lake Heights police said.

Ptl. Kenneth Hager stopped the vehicle and allegedly found open container of alcohol, drugs, and under-age passengers — one of whom had an outstanding warrant.

The Audi SUV was stopped 11:30 p.m. March 1 for motor vehicle violations on Route 71, Officer Zachary Ramp said.

The driver, Ellen R. Masonius 18, of Spring Lake was arrested for possession of alcoholic beverages under the legal age, open alcoholic beverages in a motor vehicle and an outstanding warrant. Ramp said the warrant was a "failure to appear" contempt warrant out of Spring Lake Heights. 

Jack R. Whipple 18, of Spring Lake, one of six passengers in the SUV, was arrested after allegedly being found in possession of CDS, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of alcoholic beverages under the legal age.  Ramp said the drug was marijuana.

Three other passengers - Zachary R. Sinisi 18, of Manasquan, Matthew J. Keating 19, of Manasquan, and Alicia M. Piatti 18, of Spring Lake were charged with possession of alcoholic beverages under the legal age. 

Two 17 year old juveniles who were also passengers were taken into custody and turned over to their parents.  Ptl. Hager and Ptl. Travis Ventimiglia made the arrests.