Two alleged heroin dealers head for trial on charges related to separate overdose deaths in Ocean County this year.

Rasan S. McGee (L) and Kenneth W. Staunton
Rasan S. McGee (L) and Kenneth W. Staunton (Ocean County Prosecutors Office)wo
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Rasan S. McGee, 22, aka "Money,"of Atlantic City, is accused in the death of Steven Janson, 26, in Barnegat on April 19. Kenneth W. Staunton, 33, faces counts related to the January 17 death of Raymond Farino, 27, in Lacey. Both were placed in the Ocean County Jail in Toms River with bail for each set at $250,000.

Both are charged with drug-induced death, a first-degree count, along with second-degree manslaughter, and third-degree charges of possession, intent and distribution of controlled dangerous substances. McGee also has a fourth-degree charge of resisting arrest.

"The 62 Heroin overdose deaths in Ocean County over the last six months demands I send a strong message to these harbingers of death, the heroin dealers," said county Prosecutor Joseph Coronato in a prepared release. "My office will be relentless in tracking down and prosecuting dealers who choose to profit by ignoring the tragic consequences of their actions."

Janson was found dead in his car on Starboard Avenue. Documents show that investigators searching the Hyundai found four bags used for heroin. The determined that Janson bought the drug in Atlantic City on April 18.

Members of narcotics and high-tech crime forces from Barnegat, Atlantic City, Ocean and Atlantic Counties, New Jersey State Police and the state Attorney General's office set up an undercover operation.

Authorities say that McGee's subsequent arrest yielded 50 bags of heroin stamped "STINGRAY" and other evidence tying him to Janson.

According to Coronato's office, a probe of Staunton had begun January 6, about 10 days before Lacey Township Police found Farino dead in his dining room. Investigators found wax paper folds containing white powder and stamped "IL CAPO." That, and other evidence, say detectives, provided the links to Farino.

Ocean County's 62 overdose deaths as of today in 2013 eclipse the 53 that were recorded in all of 2012.

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