Belford Man, 21, Indicted on Drug Dealing Charge Near Elementary School

Cody Bird, 21, of Sandy Hook Avenue in Belford was indicted Thursday on drug possession and distribution charges.

A state Grand Jury in Freehold agreed Bird should stand trial on allegations he possessed more than 50 grams of marijuana on Oct. 18, 2012 while within 1,000 feet of Bayview Elementary School. 

Distribution of a controlled dangerous substance in a school zone is a third degree crime, which may result in 3-5 years if a defendant is convicted; while drug possession is a fourth degree crime, and carries a potential penalty of up to 18 months in jail if convicted.

An indictment is a formal charge, not a conviction, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.