Erial Man Charged With Weapons, CDS Charges After Saying He Had a Gun at School

A Gloucester Township man has been charged with numerous weapons and drug possession charges following a search of his home after he was overheard saying he had a gun while at Timber Creek High School, Gloucester Township Police announced Thursday afternoon.

Michael Shaffer, 50 of Erial, was charged with harassment, second degree possession of an assault weapon, fourth-degree possession of a high capacity magazine, second-degree distribution of CDS, third-degree distribution of CDS within 1,000 feet of a school zone, second-degree distribution of CDS and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Officers initially responded to Timber Creek High School for reports of an adult who was not a student saying he had an assault firearm in his trunk as he was leaving the school after meeting with school administration.

A staff member overheard the comment, allegedly made by Shaffer, and notified the school’s resource officer, who then requested additional officers for a follow-up.

Officers obtained a search warrant for Shaffer’s home, where they discovered several assault firearms, including n AK47 type assault rifle and a large capacity ammunition magazine for the gun.

Police also discovered a large amount of high-grade marijuana in trash bags and mason jars. This led to officers obtaining an additional search warrant and subsequently discovering more trash bags and mason jars containing marijuana.

In all, police discovered 19 pounds of marijuana.

They also discovered packaging material, scales, an automatic money counter, a safe and $12,000.

Shaffer was remanded to the Camden County Correctional Facility in default of $110,000.00 full cash bail.

The investigation revealed that at no time was there any danger to students or staff members.