3 Charged After Manahawkin Car Stop Finds Drugs: Police

MANAHAWKIN, NJ — A Stafford Township police drug investigation near the Walmart in Manahawkin led to charges against three people Thursday evening, including a Barnegat woman who police said had two active no-bail warrants.

The Stafford Township Police Department Drug Enforcement Unit conducted a motor vehicle stop at about 5:30 p.m. July 23, 2026, in the area of the Walmart at 525 Route 72 West, according to police. Police identified the vehicle occupants as Kristina Gordon, 51, of Barnegat; Harry B. Newman, 56, of Bristol, Pennsylvania; and Ronald C. Lyons, 64, of Levittown, Pennsylvania.

During the investigation, detectives determined Gordon had two active no-bail warrants for her arrest, according to police. One warrant was issued by the Somerset County Sheriff's Office in New Jersey and the other by the Bucks County Sheriff's Office in Pennsylvania. Police reported that, during a search incident to Gordon's arrest, detectives recovered a quantity of suspected methamphetamine and multiple pills believed to be clonazepam.

Police said a subsequent search of the vehicle led to the recovery of additional suspected clonazepam pills and drug paraphernalia. As a result, Gordon was charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine, possession of clonazepam and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Newman was charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, conspiracy to possess methamphetamine and conspiracy to possess clonazepam, according to police. Lyons was charged with the same offenses, police reported.

After processing at Stafford Township Police Headquarters, Newman and Lyons were released on summonses pending future appearances in Ocean County Superior Court, according to police. Gordon was lodged in the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing in Ocean County Superior Court.