ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–A grand opening was held this morning for New Jersey’s newest Wawa at 1220 Route 130. As part of the celebration NJ Native, Ari Shiner who is Wawa’s first ever supported employment associate was honored for being with the company for 40 years. Wawa has a longstanding partnership with Eden Autism Services and Ari Shiner led the way in opening the door for individuals with Autism to gain employment.
“At Wawa, our core purpose is to fulfil lives and that starts with providing a meaningful experience for our 37,000 associates across 940 stores,” said Chris Gheysens, President & CEO of, Wawa. “This new store opening also marks the 40th year of our supported employment program with Eden Autism Services, a very important and valued partner. Eden’s emplyment program for adults with autism (WERCS) started in 1981 when we hired Ari Shiner in our Princeton store. Today, we are thrilled to honor Ari on 40 years of service and all that he has provided to our company and to our customers though the years. Happy 40th Wawaversary Ari!”
Today, Wawa’s supported employment program includes over 750 associates across the company and partnerships with dozens of supported employment programs.
“Ari was truly a pioneer in the field of supported employment,” said Scott Kent, Area Manager for Central New Jersey Wawa stores. “When customers come in and see Ari in the store, they immediately smile and go over to say hello!”
The Wawa Foundation presented Eden Autism Services with a $100,000. grant to support their ongoing expansion of services to the autism community.
Wawa’s Hoagies for Heroes hoagie-building competition was held between the Robbinsville Township Police Department and the Robbinsville Township Fire Department. $1,000 was presented to each departments charity of choice. The Robbinsville Township Police chose Robbinsville Township C.A.R.E and the Robbinsville Fire Department chose Robbinsville American Legion Post #530.
Robbinsville Wawa at 1220 Route 130 at the corner of Medowbrook Road and Route 130
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December 8, 2021
LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Lawrence Township High School was locked down this morning when it was reported a student brought a weapon to school. Police responded immediately and searched for additional weapons.
Shortly after 11:00 a.m. the situation was reportedly under control and there was no imminent threat to students. The building has been cleared by police. The school is in the process of returning belongings to students that were searched.
This is a developing story check back for further information as it is released.
Just for everyone’s information, the police are at Lawrence High School and there is no imminent threat at this time. An active investigation is being conducted and further information will be released in the near future
On Behalf of Dr. Adam:
Hello Lawrence High School,
I would like to thank you all for your patience and cooperation. Lawrence High School is now clear. We received information that a student brought a weapon to school which caused us to lock down the building. Once it was determined that there was no imminent threat to our students, staff or the school, we moved to a shelter in place (Lockdown with instruction).
With the support of the Lawrence Township Police Department and the Mercer County Prosecutors office, we searched all backpacks and belongings, which verified that there are no additional weapons.
At this time the building has been cleared.
We understand that this situation has been concerning but we thank you for your patience, as our #1 priority is to ensure that our students are safe and our building is secure. For any students or staff that needs to speak with someone, the counselors will be available.
We are in the process of returning all belongings to the students. Please note that there was no administrative directive to take away students’ cell phones, but it is possible that some were left in backpacks during the search process.
Again, we thank you for your patience and cooperation this morning!
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December 7, 2021
FLORENCE TOWNSHIP, NJ (BURLINGTON)—Police say that last night December 6, 2021, around 5:50 p.m. police, fire and EMS responded to a house fire at 120 Coachmans Drive. Upon their arrival they observed fire through second floor roof. The 73-year-old resident Linda Jensen was found deceased as firefighters were extinguishing the fire. The fire is currently being investigated by the Florence Township Fire Marshal’s Office, the Florence Township Police Department’s Fire Investigation Team, the Burlington County Fire Marshal’s Office, New Jersey State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office. Police say that the fire does not appear to be suspicious. The fire is still under investigation to find the cause and origin.
Darknet Narcotics Vendors Selling to Tens of Thousands of U.S. Residents Charged, Including New Jersey in Operation Disruptor
September 22, 2020
District of New Jersey
WASHINGTON, DC — Today, the Department of Justice, through the Joint Criminal Opioid and Darknet Enforcement (JCODE) team joined Europol to announce the results of Operation DisrupTor, a coordinated international effort to disrupt opioid trafficking on the Darknet. The operation, which was conducted across the United States and Europe, demonstrates the continued partnership between JCODE and Europol against the illegal sale of drugs and other illicit goods and services. Operation DisrupTor builds on the success of last year’s Operation SaboTor and the coordinated law enforcement takedown of the Wall Street Market, one of the largest illegal online markets on the dark web.
Following the Wall Street Market takedown in May 2019, U.S. and international law enforcement agencies obtained intelligence to identify Darknet drug traffickers, resulting in a series of complementary, but separate, law enforcement investigations. Operation DisrupTor actions have resulted in the arrest of 179 Darknet drug traffickers and fraudulent criminals who engaged in tens of thousands of sales of illicit goods and services across the United States and Europe.
This operation resulted in the seizure of over $6.5 million in both cash and virtual currencies; approximately 500 kilograms of drugs worldwide; 274 kilograms of drugs, including fentanyl, oxycodone, hydrocodone, methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, ecstasy, MDMA, and medicine containing addictive substances in the United States; and 63 firearms. Darknet vendor accounts were identified and attributed to real individuals selling illicit goods on Darknet market sites such as AlphaBay, Dream, WallStreet, Nightmare, Empire, White House, DeepSea, Dark Market and others. By leveraging complementary partnerships and surging resources across the U.S. government and Europol, Operation DisrupTor was used to significantly disrupt the online opioid trade and send a strong message that criminals operating on the Darknet are not beyond the reach of law enforcement.
Operation DisrupTor led to 121 arrests in the United States including two in Canada at the request of the United States, 42 in Germany, eight in the Netherlands, four in the United Kingdom, three in Austria, and one in Sweden. A number of investigations are still ongoing to identify the individuals behind dark web accounts.
“Criminals selling fentanyl on the Darknet should pay attention to Operation DisrupTor,” said Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen. “The arrest of 179 of them in seven countries—with the seizure of their drug supplies and their money as well—shows that there will be no safe haven for drug dealing in cyberspace.”
“With the spike in opioid-related overdose deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic, we recognize that today’s announcement is important and timely,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “The FBI wants to assure the American public, and the world, that we are committed to identifying Darknet drug dealers and bringing them to justice. But our work does not end with today’s announcement. The FBI, through JCODE and our partnership with Europol, continues to be actively engaged in a combined effort to disrupt the borderless, worldwide trade of illicit drugs. The FBI will continue to use all investigative techniques and tools to identify and prosecute Darknet opioid dealers, wherever they may be located.”
“The 21st century has ushered in a tidal wave of technological advances that have changed the way we live,” said DEA Acting Administrator Timothy J. Shea. “But as technology has evolved, so too have the tactics of drug traffickers. Riding the wave of technological advances, criminals attempt to further hide their activities within the dark web through virtual private networks and tails, presenting new challenges to law enforcement in the enduring battle against illegal drugs. Operation DisrupTor demonstrates the ability of DEA and our partners to outpace these digital criminals in this ever-changing domain, by implementing innovative ways to identify traffickers attempting to operate anonymously and disrupt these criminal enterprises.”
“U.S. Immigration and Custom’s Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) has played an integral role in Operation DisrupTor which has effectively removed opioids from our communities,” said ICE Acting Deputy Director Derek Benner. “It has been an honor to work alongside our domestic and international law enforcement partners and pursue bad actors hiding on the Darknet. Our trained cyber analysts and investigators have conducted undercover efforts that target dark website operators, vendors and prolific buyers of these dangerous drugs. HSI special agents employ unique investigative capabilities to trace and identify the proceeds stemming from the distribution and online sales of fentanyl and other illicit opioids. These efforts will continue to thwart a significant amount of criminal drug sale activity and deter criminals believing they can operate with anonymity on the Darknet.”
“The U.S. Postal Inspection Service has worked diligently for years to rid the mail of illicit drug trafficking and preserve the integrity of the mail,” said Chief Postal Inspector Gary Barksdale. “Most importantly, these efforts provide a safe environment for postal employees and the American public. Today’s announcement serves as an outstanding example of the worldwide impact Postal Inspectors can make through our ever-growing partnerships with federal and international law enforcement agencies. On behalf of the U.S. Postal Service, we offer our sincere appreciation to all of our partners in this operation who helped protect the nation’s mail, and we pledge to never relent in our pursuit of criminals seeking to exploit the U.S. mail.”
“Law enforcement is most effective when working together, and today’s announcement sends a strong message to criminals selling or buying illicit goods on the dark web: the hidden internet is no longer hidden, and your anonymous activity is not anonymous,” said Edvardas Šileris, the Head of Europol’s European Cybercrime Centre (EC3). “Law enforcement is committed to tracking down criminals, no matter where they operate – be it on the streets or behind a computer screen.”
The extensive operation, which lasted nine months, resulted in over dozens of federal prosecutions including:
The Los Angeles JCODE Task Force, in conjunction with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, successfully dismantled a drug trafficking organization that used online monikers such as “Stealthgod” to sell methamphetamine and MDMA on multiple Darknet marketplaces. Investigators have linked the crew to more than 18,000 illicit drug sales to customers in at least 35 states and numerous countries around the world. During law enforcement actions in Southern California earlier this year, members of JCODE arrested five defendants and seized approximately 120 pounds of methamphetamine, seven kilograms of MDMA and five firearms. Two of the five – Teresa McGrath, 34, of Sunland-Tujunga, and Mark Chavez, 41, of downtown Los Angeles – have since pleaded guilty to narcotics-trafficking and other offenses, and each faces a 15-year mandatory minimum sentence. As the investigation continued, the Los Angeles JCODE Task Force made additional seizures, including $1.6 million in cryptocurrency, 11 pounds of methamphetamine and 14 pounds of pills pressed with methamphetamine. Andres Bermudez, 37, of Palmdale, California, who allegedly was a main supplier of methamphetamine to the “Stealthgod” crew, was charged last week with a narcotics-trafficking offense that carry a 10-year mandatory minimum sentence. He is considered a fugitive.
Arden McCann, 32, of Quebec, Canada, was charged with conspiring to import drugs into the United States and money laundering conspiracy, in a four-count indictment returned by a grand jury in Atlanta, Georgia. According to court documents, the defendant is alleged to have imported alprazolam, fentanyl, U-47700, and fentanyl analogues such as carfentanil, furanyl fentanyl, 4-fluoroisobutyryl fentanyl, acryl fentanyl, and methoxyacetyl fentanyl into the United States from Canada and China. The superseding indictment alleges that fentanyl analogues the defendant imported into the United States resulted in a non-fatal overdose in April 2016, and fentanyl the defendant imported into the United States resulted in an overdose death in December 2016.
Khlari Sirotkin, 36, of Colorado; Kelly Stephens, 32, of Colorado; Sean Deaver, 36, of Nevada; Abby Jones, 37, of Nevada; and Sasha Sirotkin, 32, of California, were charged with drug trafficking and money laundering conspiracy, in a 21-count indictment returned by a grand jury in Cincinnati, Ohio. According to court documents, the defendants are alleged to be members of one of the most prolific online drug trafficking organizations in the United States and allegedly specialized in the manufacturing and distribution of more than one million fentanyl-laced counterfeit pills and laundered approximately $2.8 million over the course of the conspiracy. The pressed fentanyl pills, along with heroin, methamphetamine and cocaine, were shipped to the Southern District of Ohio and throughout the country. FBI, DEA, FDA, HSI and USPIS agents seized 2.5 kilograms of fentanyl; 5,095 pressed xanax; 50 suboxone; 16.5 grams of cocaine; 37 grams of crystal meth; 12 grams of black tar heroin; an industrial pill press; 5,908 pounds of dried marijuana with an estimated street value of $9 million; $80,191 in cash, 10 firearms and one pound of fentanyl.
The FBI Washington Field Office’s Hi-Tech Opioid Task Force, in conjunction with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia, successfully thwarted a firebomb attack plot involving explosives, firearms, the Darknet, prescription opioid trafficking, cryptocurrency, and sophisticated money laundering. William Anderson Burgamy, 33, of Hanover, Maryland, and Hyrum T. Wilson, 41, of Auburn, Nebraska, pleaded guilty in the Eastern District of Virginia to charges related to a conspiracy to use explosives to firebomb and destroy a competitor pharmacy in Nebraska. Burgamy, who is not a pharmacist, operated as the Darknet vendor NeverPressedRX (NPRX) since at least August 2019. Wilson, who was a licensed pharmacist, illegally mailed to Burgamy over 19,000 dosage units of prescription medications, including opioids, from his pharmacy in Nebraska. Burgamy illegally sold prescription drugs through his Darknet vendor account to customers nationwide, and claimed at one point that he made nearly $1 million total. Burgamy and Wilson agreed that Burgamy and another individual would carry multiple firearms during the attack operation and use explosives, specifically Molotov cocktails enhanced with Styrofoam as a thickening agent, to burn the victim pharmacy down in furtherance of their drug trafficking scheme. Law enforcement agents seized thousands of opioid pills, eight unsecured firearms, including two loaded AR-15 assault rifles with high capacity magazines, and over $19,000 cash. Prior to Burgamy’s arrest in April 2020, which uncovered and thwarted the firebombing plot, Burgamy and Wilson fully intended on the attack occurring after COVID-19 restrictions were lifted.
Aaron Brewer, 39, of Corsicana, Texas, was charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance and distribution of a controlled substance in a two-count indictment returned by a grand jury in the Northern District of Texas. According to court documents, the defendant allegedly sold cocaine, heroin, and other drugs via the dark web. He allegedly accepted payment in cryptocurrency, primarily bitcoin, and then shipped the drugs to customers’ addresses through the U.S. mail and other shipping services. Following Mr. Brewer’s arrest on July 2, agents with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and FBI Dallas Field Office seized roughly 650 grams of black tar heroin, cocaine, and OxyContin, two computers, and more than $870 in postage stamps, as well as a ledger outlining 757 drug shipments sent to 609 unique addresses between December 2019 and March 2020.
An indictment and criminal complaint merely alleges that crimes have been committed. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Operation DisrupTor was a collaborative initiative across JCODE members, including the Department of Justice; Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS); U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP); Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN); Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF); Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) and Department of Defense (DOD). Local, state and other federal agencies also contributed to Operation DisrupTor investigations. The investigations leading to Operation DisrupTor were significantly aided by essential support and coordination by the Department of Justice’s multi-agency Special Operations Division, the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section, and Organized Crime and Gang Section, the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, the National Cyber Joint Investigative Task Force (NCJITF), Europol and its Dark Web team and international partners Eurojust, Austrian Federal Investigation Bureau (Bundeskriminalamt), Cyprus Police (Αστυνομία Κύπρου), German Federal Criminal Police Office (Bundeskriminalamt), Canada’s Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Portuguese Judicial Police (Polícia Judiciária), Dutch Police (Politie), Swedish Police (Polisen), the British National Crime Agency, Australia’s Western Australia Police Force and Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission.
Federal prosecutions are being conducted in more than 20 Federal districts, including: the Central District of California, the Eastern District of California, the Northern District of California, the Southern District of California, the District of Colorado, the District of Columbia, the District of Connecticut, the Middle District of Florida, the Southern District of Florida, the Northern District of Georgia, the District of Hawaii, the Western District of Missouri, the District of New Jersey, the Western District of North Carolina, the Northern District of Ohio, the Southern District of Ohio, District of Oregon, the Western District of Pennsylvania, the Northern District of Texas, the Eastern District of Virginia, the District of the Virgin Islands and the Western District of Washington.
JCODE is an FBI-led Department of Justice initiative, which works closely with the DEA-led, multi-agency, Special Operations Division to support, coordinate and de-conflict investigations targeting for disruption and dismantlement of the online sale of illegal drugs, especially fentanyl and other opioids. Additionally, JCODE targets the trafficking of weapons and other illicit goods and services on the internet. Operation DisrupTor illustrates the investigative power of federal and international partnerships to combat the borderless nature of online criminal activity.
Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey A. Rosen Delivers Remarks at Announcement of Results of Operation Disruptor
Good morning. I am pleased to be joined today by FBI Director Christopher Wray, DEA Acting Administrator Timothy Shea, ICE Acting Deputy Director Derek Benner, and Chief Postal Inspector Gary Barksdale.
This morning, the Department is joining its partners in the United States and Europe to announce the results of Operation DisrupTor. Operation DisrupTor is the United States Government’s largest operation to date targeting criminal activity on the Darknet, particularly opioid trafficking. Over the past months, the United States and its partners across the globe have worked together to deal a powerful blow to this criminal underworld.
The trafficking of opioids is a national crisis of daunting proportions, which poses a major danger to the American people. It is devastating our communities and our families. According to the CDC, over 67,000 people in the United States died of a drug overdose in 2018. That’s over 1,000 people dead each week – 1,000 lost parents, children, friends, and family members. That is more deaths than occur from car accidents. For Americans under the age of 50, drug overdoses are now among the leading causes of death.
For an increasing number of young addicts, opioids are purchased not from local dealers, but from pushers operating online. Hiding behind anonymizing software known as Tor, a new sort of drug kingpin now is able to reach more buyers than ever before, through online marketplaces peddling every sort of illicit good and service imaginable. These “Darknet marketplaces” have grown in popularity at an alarming rate and allow drug traffickers to openly advertise and take orders from anywhere in the world. The Darknet invites criminals into our homes, and provides unlimited access to illegal commerce.
Operation DisrupTor is the Department’s latest effort to combat the scourge of opioid trafficking on the Darknet. Activities here resulted in almost 120 arrests and the seizure of over 270 kilograms of drugs, including 17 kilograms of lethal fentanyl and 96 kilograms of methamphetamine. Additionally, U.S. law enforcement worked in conjunction with counterparts in Europe and Canada on this investigation, which resulted in more than 50 additional arrests.
Operation DisrupTor was coordinated by the Joint Criminal Opioid and Darknet Enforcement team, also known as JCODE. Cases were worked in more than 20 different U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the country. The operation was supported by numerous components at Main Justice, including the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section, and the Department’s Office of International Affairs. Among the cases:
Law enforcement in the Southern District of Ohio shut down one of the most prolific online drug trafficking organizations in the United States, which operated using the moniker “Pill Cosby.” Members of the group were charged with manufacturing and distributing over one million fentanyl-laced counterfeit pills.
Here in the District of Columbia, a grand jury charged a Costa Rican pharmacist who knowingly supplied large amounts of drugs to a dark web trafficker, sending a strong message that unscrupulous doctors and pharmacists who fuel the opioid epidemic will be held accountable – even if they operate overseas.
The Eastern District of Virginia prosecuted the narcotics vendor “NeverPressedRX,” who was so intent on securing his online criminal enterprise that he conspired to use explosives to firebomb and destroy a competitor pharmacy.
Law enforcement in the Central District of California, successfully dismantled a drug trafficking organization that used online monikers such as “Stealthgod” to sell methamphetamine and MDMA on multiple Darknet marketplaces. Investigators have linked the crew to more than 18,000 illicit sales to customers in at least 35 states and in numerous countries around the world.
In the Northern District of Georgia, an investigation into the murder of an elderly couple found brutally murdered in their home led investigators to a man who used the Darknet to purchase sensitive information stolen from numerous elderly victims, including the murdered couple.
A number of additional investigations are still ongoing.
There will be no safe haven for drug dealing in cyberspace.
Today’s announcement is very much a success story in international law enforcement cooperation, as crime on the Darknet is truly a global problem that requires global partnership. However, the global nature of the threat also means that foreign countries who fail to act can easily become safe harbors for criminals who seek to pump lethal, addictive drugs into the United States from abroad. The Department cannot and will not allow criminals to operate with impunity.
This Operation marks a significant milestone in the fight against crime on the Darknet. But there is more to do, and more to come. Keeping the American people safe is the Department’s highest priority. The Department will not relent in our efforts to combat this evil plaguing our society, and we will bring to justice those who seek to profit from the destruction of human lives.
Press conference in Washington DC at Department of Justice this morning. Photos provided by US Department of Justice
Court Documents:
Central District of California
United States v. Chavez, Case No. CR20-130: Complaint, Information,
United States v. Olayvar and Ick, Case No. CR20-135: Complaint, Information
United States v. McGrath and Melkom, Case No. CR20-136: Complaint, Information, Superseding Information,
United States v. Bermudez, Case No. MJ20-4487: Search warrant and affidavit
Eastern District of California
United States v. Hunter Secrest, Case No. 2:20-cr-130: Information
Southern District of California
United States v. Bloom and Davis, Case No. 20-mj-2669: Complaint
District of Colorado
United States v. Hugues Bellevue, Case No. 1:20-cr-00090-REB: Indictment
District of Columbia
District of Connecticut
United States v. Decaro, et al Case No. 3:18-cr-171: Indictment
Southern District of Florida
United States v. Michael Sequeira, Case No. 20-20001-Cr-Cooke (SDFL): Indictment.
Northern District of Georgia
United States v. Arden McCann Case No. 1:20-CR-084-UNA: Indictment
Western District of Missouri
United States v. Nash, Case No. 4:20-cr-00148: Indictment
District of New Jersey
Western District of North Carolina
United States v. Anthony Byrnes, Case No. 3:20-CR-192: Information
Southern District of Ohio
United States v. Khlari Sirotkin et al, Case No. 1:19-CR-136: Indictment
Western District of Pennsylvania
Northern District of Texas
United States v. Aaron Brewer, Case No. 3:20-cr-0295-M: Indictment
Eastern District of Virginia
Western District of Washington
United States v. Armstrong, Case No. 2:19-CR-00243-JCC: Information
NEWARK – Continuing New Jersey’s efforts to hold accountable those responsible for fueling the State’s opioid epidemic, Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal today announced that his office has filed complaints against four physicians for inappropriately writing “off-label” prescriptions for high dosages of the powerful opioid and cancer pain medication “Subsys” without regard for the associated risks of addiction, overdose, and death. In a fifth case, the State successfully revoked the license of doctor for the same conduct. All five doctors wrote prescriptions for non-cancer patients after receiving substantial payments from the drug’s manufacturer, Insys Therapeutics, Inc., which tried to disguise the kickbacks to doctors by funneling them through a sham speaker program funded by the company.
The four doctors whose licenses the State seeks to suspend or revoke for their role in the scheme and for inappropriately prescribing Subsys are: Dr. Mukaram Gazi of Hamilton, Dr. Serge Menkin of Holmdel, Dr. Kieran Slevin of Hainesport, and Dr. Felix Roque of West New York.
Subsys, a highly addictive, fast-acting fentanyl spray fifty times more potent than heroin, is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) only for the narrow purpose of treating breakthrough cancer pain in opioid-tolerant patients.
From 2012 through 2016, Doctors Gazi, Menkin, Slevin and Roque received more than $50,000 each from Insys disguised in the form of speaking and consulting fees, and, as a result, prescribed Subsys indiscriminately in circumstances for which the drug was not approved. One patient of Dr. Roque overdosed, while in other cases, the doctors’ patients were placed at heightened risk of addiction, overdose, and death.
In a separate action, the State successfully revoked the license of Dr. Alexandru Burducea, who was recently sentenced to nearly five years in prison by a New York federal court for his role in the Subsys kickback scheme.
“We will hold accountable all those whose misconduct has helped fuel the opioid epidemic in New Jersey,” said Attorney General Grewal. “Today, we’re taking action against multiple doctors who sold their medical licenses and prescription pads to Insys and put their personal financial interests above their patients’ health and well-being. These actions should serve notice to those who unlawfully push opioids from their exam rooms that they are not above the law and are no different than those that push heroin on street corners.”
“As our actions today demonstrate, we are committed to holding everyone accountable who is involved in illegal and unethical kickback schemes that have contributed to the overdose epidemic in this state,” said Paul R. Rodríguez, Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs. “We will not allow patients in this state to be used as pawns in moneymaking schemes that pose extreme dangers to patient safety, violate basic principles of medical ethics, and erode trust in the medical profession.”
“These five doctors acknowledged that they had read the risks associated with Subsys and understood that it was approved only for narrow uses as a cancer pain medication,” said Sharon Joyce, Director of NJ CARES. “Nevertheless, they chose to ignore the unequivocal risks to their patients in favor of the easy money Insys was offering. Their unsavory collaboration with Insys endangered their patients and undermined efforts to end the opioid crisis and prevent more lives from being lost.”
Actions to Suspend or Revoke Licenses of Four Doctors
The Attorney General is asking the State Board of Medical Examiners to suspend or revoke the licenses of the four physicians the State alleges indiscriminately prescribed Subsys in exchange for kickbacks from Insys summarized as follows:
From 2013 through 2015, Dr. Mukaram Gazi, a urologist, allegedly accepted Insys-funded dinners described as “lectures,” trips for “training,” and payments totaling more than $132,000, which Insys thinly disguised as “speaker’s fees.” In addition to allegations of indiscriminate prescribing for multiple patients, the State’s complaint notes that Gazi’s signature appeared on forms used to obtain insurance coverage for Subsys prescriptions, which incorrectly identified Gazi’s specialty as oncology and provided false explanations for why Subsys was being prescribed. Gazi Complaint
From 2012 through 2016, Dr. Serge Menkin, a pain management specialist, allegedly accepted $111,000 from Insys, which also paid for travel and expenses for both him and his guests. According to the State, Insys repeatedly paid Menkin thousands of dollars to deliver remarks before audiences that included zero to one prescriber; in at least one instance, Insys paid Menkin in full for an event that was cancelled. Menkin Complaint
From 2013 through 2016, Dr. Kieran Slevin, an anesthesiologist, allegedly accepted more than $83,000 in cash payments that Insys thinly disguised as “speaker’s fees,” as well as lavish dinners posing as “lectures,” and all-expense paid trips for “training.” According to the State’s complaint, Slevin’s speaker events were held at high-end restaurants chosen by him and were sparsely attended, often by repeat attendees, including those who did not have any prescribing authority. Slevin Complaint
From 2013 through 2015, Dr. Felix Roque, a pain management specialist, allegedly accepted more than $53,000 in “speaker’s fee” payments from Insys, in addition to meals and travel. As alleged in the complaint, an Insys sales representative advised her superiors that Roque would not prescribe Subsys “until he attended a conference,” and that he had asked “to be put up” at the Fairmont Princess, a luxury hotel in Scottsdale, Arizona. Shortly thereafter, Roque attended a conference in Arizona, funded by Insys and subsequently began prescribing Subsys. As also alleged in the complaint, one of Roque’s patients overdosed on a Subsys prescription he wrote. Roque Complaint
Subsys is one of six transmucosal immediate release fentanyl (“TIRF”) medications that instantly deliver the powerful painkiller fentanyl through the oral membranes. Because TIRF medicines carry a high risk for misuse, abuse, addiction, overdose, and serious complications due to medication error, the FDA has subjected these medications to significant restrictions.
Each of the physicians in today’s complaints allegedly prescribed Subsys for patients without cancer, despite the fact that the FDA had approved Subsys only for breakthrough cancer pain in patients who had grown tolerant to other opioids. In many cases, they prescribed the drug to patients who were already on steady pain management regimes, in amounts that exceeded the authorized starting dosage.
In some cases, after starting their patients on Subsys, the State alleges that the doctors steadily, without justification or regard for patient safety, increased the dosage strength resulting in more money for Insys because higher doses cost more. The doctors’ medical records often provided little or no medical justification – and sometimes no explanation at all – as to why patients were switched to Subsys or why their dosages were increased or started at an amount exceeding the authorized starting dosage.
The State is seeking to suspend or revoke the doctors’ licenses on grounds of fraud, professional misconduct, gross negligence that endangered the life and safety of their patients, and/or indiscriminate prescribing of a controlled dangerous substance.
The Division of Consumer Affairs’ Enforcement Bureau conducted these investigations. The cases are being handled by DAsG from the Professional Boards Prosecution Section in the Division of Law’s Affirmative Civil Enforcement Practice Group and from NJ CARES. Assistant Section Chief David M. Puteska is representing the State in the Roque matter; DAG Kathy Stroh Mendoza is representing the State in the Slevin matter; DAG Kelly Elizabeth Levy is representing the State in the Gazi matter; and DAG Michael Antenucci is representing the State in the Menkin matter.
Actions Against Other Indiscriminate Prescribers of Insys Products
The complaints against Drs. Roque, Gazi, Menkin, and Slevin are only the latest of the State’s actions to hold accountable prescribers who indiscriminately prescribed Subsys after receiving suspect payments from Insys.
Attorney General Grewal also announced today that the Board of Medical Examiners has revoked the New Jersey medical license of Manhattan anesthesiologist Alexandru Burducea, who pleaded guilty in Manhattan federal court last year to accepting $68,000 in bribes and kickbacks from Insys in exchange for prescribing Subsys. In January 2020, he was sentenced to nearly five years in federal prison. During his sentencing, it was revealed that Burducea had also cheated on the examination required for him to be permitted to prescribe Subsys, lied to FBI agents about his involvement in the Insys speaker program, and posted false patient reviews online for two doctors who fired him after he was arrested for his involvement in the scheme.
Based on his criminal conviction and personal conduct, the Board revoked Burducea’s license, finding that he engaged in repeated acts of gross negligence and professional misconduct, indiscriminate prescribing, and other conduct that violated the laws and regulations of the medical profession.
Before the actions announced today, New Jersey barred from practice the following doctors who indiscriminately prescribed Subsys to non-cancer patients:
Kenneth P. Sun, a Phillipsburg pain management practitioner, had his licensed revoked in August 2018, after he accepted $117,000 from Insys and prescribed Subsys to patients who did not meet the federal criteria for receiving it.
Vivienne Matalon, a Cherry Hill family physician, had her license revoked in May 2018, for indiscriminately prescribing Subsys to three patients who did not meet the federal criteria for receiving it, including one who died from an overdose.
Manoj Patharkar, who owned pain management centers in Middlesex and Passaic counties, had his license revoked in November 2016, for indiscriminately prescribing Subsys, among other misconduct.
Louis Spagnoletti, a Marlton pain management specialist, was temporarily barred from treating patients in March 2018, amid allegations he indiscriminately prescribed opioids including Subsys to seven patients. Spagnoletti died before disciplinary action against was concluded.
DAG Nisha S. Lakhani from the Professional Boards Prosecution Section in the Division of Law’s Affirmative Civil Enforcement Practice Group is representing the State in the Burducea matter.
Holding Insys Management Accountable
Finally, a separate lawsuit brought by the State against Insys’s founder, John N. Kapoor is pending in Superior Court in Middlesex County and accuses Kapoor of directing and approving the payment of bribes to New Jersey doctors who participated in the speaker program so that they would inappropriately prescribe Subsys, among other fraudulent conduct. Today, the state filed its motion for summary judgment in that case and the filing explains that “[t]he harm that Kapoor’s scheme has inflicted on New Jersey and its residents continues to this day. Thousands of New Jerseyans die annually from drug overdoses – most of them opioid overdoses. And tens of thousands more would be dead but for emergency medical interventions and costly treatment for opioid addiction.”
The State’s motion for partial summary judgment would resolve only certain claims against Kapoor, without the need for a trial. The amount of money that Kapoor must pay the State would be determined later.
Insys also is a defendant in the State’s lawsuit against Kapoor, but litigation against the company has been on hold since the company declared bankruptcy and filed a plan of liquidation.
The Kapoor case is being handled by Section Chief and Deputy Attorney General (DAG) Lara Fogel, and DAsG Eric Boden, Brian DeVito and Dana Vasers, all from the Government & Healthcare Fraud Section in the Division of Law’s Affirmative Civil Enforcement Practice Group.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Trenton Police report that there was a shooting in the area of 55 Garfield Avenue this morning only a few blocks from another shooting incident in Hamilton on Saturday night involving juveniles. There were three juveniles in a vehicle, one of the juveniles was grazed by a bullet. It was unclear where he was grazed. No other information is available at this time as the investigation is ongoing.
This is the second incident this week involving juveniles in Mercer County, the first incident was at Greenwood Avenue and Connecticut Avenue in Hamilton Township a few blocks from the Trenton border where a juvenile (reported as 12-year-old) was shot in the leg and head, transported to the hospital and was expected to survive. Hamilton Police are still investigating that incident.
You can read that MidJersey.News story here:
Connecticut Avenue Shooting Update:
BREAKING: Shooting Investigation on Connecticut Ave. in Hamilton Township
Hamilton Police investigate a shooting involving juveniles in Hamilton Township on November 20, 2021
Hamilton Police investigate a shooting involving juveniles in Hamilton Township on November 20, 2021
Hamilton NJ: On November 20, 2021 at approximately 6:34 PM, Hamilton Police were dispatched to the area of the Greenwood Avenue and Connecticut Avenue on a report of shots fired with one person struck in the leg. Upon arrival Officers located a juvenile victim bleeding from his upper left leg. A bystander was applying pressure to the area and Officers applied a tourniquet to control the bleeding. Firefighters from Engine 14 arrived on scene and assisted with treating the victim. Officers spoke to the juvenile victims who stated they were hanging out on the corner of Greenwood Avenue and Connecticut Avenue when they were approached by males in a silver/gray Honda. The rear right passenger rolled down the window and began yelling at the juveniles. The juveniles started to run away when the suspect brandished a handgun and starting firing at them. The vehicle then fled the scene down Connecticut Avenue towards Hamilton Avenue. Officers located eighteen shell casings at the scene. The victim sustained a gunshot wound to his left leg and head. He was transported to Bristol-Myers Squibb Hospital at Robert Wood Johnson University in New Brunswick for further treatment and is in stable condition.
Anyone with any information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective Frank Palmieri of the Hamilton Police Division’s Criminal Investigations Section at 609-581-4041 or the Hamilton Police Crime Tip Hotline at 609-581-4008.
November 21, 2021
OLD BRIDGE, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–Police report that at 4:46 p.m. today Old Bridge Police received a call of a plane on fire at Old Bridge Airport. Upon arrival it was determined that a Cessna Skyhawk II crashed while attempting to land. The plane came to rest off the runway where it was engulfed in flames. The pilot was able to escape with only minor cuts and bruises. The pilot was taken to Robert Wood Johnson Hospital to be checked out. There were no other occupants of the plane. Responding was South Old Bridge Fire Co, Old Bridge OEM, Middlesex Co. Haz-Mat Unit. Old Bridge First Aid and Robertsville Fire Co. NJ ROIC, NJ State Police and the FAA were all notified.
No other information is available at this time.
November 21, 2021
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Hamilton Township Police said, on November 20, 2021 at approximately 6:34 PM, Hamilton Police were dispatched to the area of the Greenwood Avenue and Connecticut Avenue on a report of shots fired with one person struck in the leg. Upon arrival Officers located a juvenile victim bleeding from his upper left leg. A bystander was applying pressure to the area and Officers applied a tourniquet to control the bleeding. Firefighters from Engine 14 arrived on scene and assisted with treating the victim. Officers spoke to the juvenile victims who stated they were hanging out on the corner of Greenwood Avenue and Connecticut Avenue when they were approached by males in a silver/gray Honda. The rear right passenger rolled down the window and began yelling at the juveniles. The juveniles started to run away when the suspect brandished a handgun and starting firing at them. The vehicle then fled the scene down Connecticut Avenue towards Hamilton Avenue. Officers located eighteen shell casings at the scene. The victim sustained a gunshot wound to his left leg and head. He was transported to Bristol-Myers Squibb Hospital at Robert Wood Johnson University in New Brunswick for further treatment and is in stable condition.
Anyone with any information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective Frank Palmieri of the Hamilton Police Division’s Criminal Investigations Section at 609-581-4041 or the Hamilton Police Crime Tip Hotline at 609-581-4008.
Last night’s breaking news story here:
BREAKING: Shooting Investigation on Connecticut Ave. in Hamilton Township
November 21, 2021
LAKEWOOD, NJ (OCEAN)–According to the New Jersey State Police a fatal crash occurred at 10:17 p.m. on the Garden State Parkway southbound at the 89A entrance ramp in Lakewood Township, Ocean County. State Police say preliminary information indicates that a Volkswagen Passat was traveling on the 89A entrance ramp to the GSP south when it ran off the road to the left and overturned. Passenger, Jake Olivos, 9, of Beachwood, NJ, was ejected and sustained fatal injuries. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
November 21, 2021
BRICK TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Brick Township Police report that at 7:45 p.m. last night, Saturday, November 20th, Officers responded to the interchange for a report of shots fired. The victim called 9-1-1 to report the incident while driving home to their residence in Brick. Patrol units met with the victim who was not injured, and they located one bullet in the front passenger side door frame.
The victim stated he was involved in a road rage incident with two unknown white male subjects driving a newer model red pickup truck with an extended cab. The incident began on Brick Blvd. when the pickup truck continued to pass the victim and brake check him several times as they drove down Route 70 east. While the victim was stopped at the at the red light at the interchange (70/88), the suspect drove by and fired three rounds toward the passenger side of his vehicle. The suspect vehicle was last seen fleeing the scene eastbound on Route 70, running several red lights. The victim lost sight of the vehicle in the area of Olden Street.
The suspects are described as two white males late 20’s to early 30’s.
We are seeking information from anyone who may have witnessed the incident or the suspect vehicle, or from anyone with a working dashcam who was traveling on Brick Blvd south and Route 70 East between the hours of 7:35 P.M. and 7:55P.M. and may have captured footage.
The incident is still under investigation. Anyone with information please contact Det. Ryan Talty at 732-262-1170 or [email protected].
UPDATE HERE:
Connecticut Avenue Shooting Update:
Hamilton NJ: On November 20, 2021 at approximately 6:34 PM, Hamilton Police were dispatched to the area of the Greenwood Avenue and Connecticut Avenue on a report of shots fired with one person struck in the leg. Upon arrival Officers located a juvenile victim bleeding from his upper left leg. A bystander was applying pressure to the area and Officers applied a tourniquet to control the bleeding. Firefighters from Engine 14 arrived on scene and assisted with treating the victim. Officers spoke to the juvenile victims who stated they were hanging out on the corner of Greenwood Avenue and Connecticut Avenue when they were approached by males in a silver/gray Honda. The rear right passenger rolled down the window and began yelling at the juveniles. The juveniles started to run away when the suspect brandished a handgun and starting firing at them. The vehicle then fled the scene down Connecticut Avenue towards Hamilton Avenue. Officers located eighteen shell casings at the scene. The victim sustained a gunshot wound to his left leg and head. He was transported to Bristol-Myers Squibb Hospital at Robert Wood Johnson University in New Brunswick for further treatment and is in stable condition.
Anyone with any information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective Frank Palmieri of the Hamilton Police Division’s Criminal Investigations Section at 609-581-4041 or the Hamilton Police Crime Tip Hotline at 609-581-4008.
Last night’s Breaking News story here:
November 20, 2021
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)—Around 6:40 p.m. the Hamilton Police Department, Hamilton Fire Department, RWJ EMS and Capital Health Paramedics responded to the 300 Block of Connecticut Avenue near Greenwood Avenue for a reported shooting. It was reported that a young person (reported as age 12) was shot in the upper leg and transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center in Trenton and a trauma alert was called En route to the hospital.
A video reportedly from near the scene was shared on the “Ring Neighbors Application” where numerous gunshots could be heard. Playing the video back a ¼ speed 13 rounds were heard in the video and a car speeding off in the distance could also be heard.
Hamilton Township Police had a crime scene set up and were seen checking the area for evidence. Hamilton Township Fire Department responded with a Special Service Unit to provide lighting of the crime scene.
No official or further information is available at this time.
This is a Breaking News report from reports from the scene, radio reports and witnesses. Once official information becomes available from authorities the story will be updated and any corrections and changes made at that time.
November 20, 2021
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Last night around 6:00 p.m. a rear end accident occurred on Route 29 north bound at the traffic light for Sullivan Way. Victims were transported to the local hospital by Trenton EMS with reported minor injuries. Trenton Fire Department also responded to the scene. Trenton Police are investigating the crash. No further information is available at this time.
Photos by: Brian McCarthy OnSceneNews
November 20, 2021
Photos and story by: Mike Ratcliffe
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–With the overnight temperature hovering at, if not just below, 30 degrees, Trenton firefighters early today (Saturday, Nov. 20) battled a three-alarm blaze that damaged five houses in the 800 block of East State Street. It was shortly before 2:10 a.m. when Trenton firefighters were dispatched to 868 East State Street, between Chambers Street and Hampton Avenue, for a report of smoke issuing from a structure. First-due firefighters arrived to find a working fire in the middle home of a row of three three-story dwellings (866-870 East State Street). The “All Hands” signal was transmitted and the balance of the first alarm was dispatched. Minutes later, with fire raging on the second and third floors of the original fire building and extending via the cockloft into the attached exposures, a second alarm was ordered. While multiple hoselines were stretched for an aggressive interior attack, other firefighters climbed ladders to ventilate the roof. Not long after ventilation holes were cut and crews evacuated the roof, heavy fire broke through. At one point, Ladder 4’s master stream was charged to darken down the fire. Around 2:35 a.m. an additional engine company was called to the scene for manpower. Then, at 3:27 a.m., Trenton’s last remaining on-duty company – Engine 9 – was called to the scene, along with a mutual aid company (Engine 15) from Hamilton Township, which had previously relocated into Trenton to stand by at Engine 3’s quarters. This elevated the incident to a third alarm. A mutual aid air cascade unit was also requested to the scene from Hamilton. Trenton’s volunteer Signal 22 canteen unit also respond to provide refreshments to the cold, exhausted firefighters. The blaze – which badly damaged the three attached homes at 866, 868 and 870 East State Street and also caused damage to the neighboring houses at 864 and 872 East State Street – was finally declared under control at 4:21 a.m. One person, possibly a resident of one of the burned homes, was reportedly transported to hospital by Trenton Emergency Medical Service personnel shortly after firefighters first arrived, but the nature and extent of the injuries was not known.
Additional photos by Anthony Greco
Burglary charges among recent TPD arrests for attempted murder, drug distribution
November 19, 2021
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Acting Police Director Steve E. Wilson today announced that TPD officers successfully recovered a stolen puppy and arrested a suspect in an alleged home invasion earlier this week.
Josuha Stroman, 31, of Trenton was arrested and charged with robbery, burglary and unlawful possession of a weapon. In the evening of Nov. 16, 2021, officers responded to reports of a home invasion on Vine Street. The victim stated that a male had rushed into her house armed with a gun and stole her tan Pitbull puppy. The victim was able to identify the suspect and provided a description of his vehicle and the location where he frequents. TPD officers then canvassed the area and stopped Stroman in his car. He was arrested and the puppy was successfully returned to the owner.
Director Wilson also announced that Mekhi S. Goss, 22, of Trenton – already in custody after he was arrested Oct. 16, 2021 with a handgun during a motor vehicle stop – now faces a criminal attempt homicide charge as of Nov. 11, 2021. On Oct. 14, 2021, Goss allegedly exited a vehicle and fired several rounds, striking a victim twice in the foot and leg. The injuries were non-life threatening.
Director Wilson also thanked residents and businesses whose complaints led to arrests in two drug cases:
Shashadine A Turner, 32, of Trenton was arrested on Rustling Street Nov. 15, 2021 with crack-cocaine, endocet, oxycodone and $11,647 in cash. The two-week investigation was started after the TPD received numerous citizen complaints of narcotics activity in the area.
Kaseem Roberts, 50, and Kenneth Hollman, 59, both of Trenton, were arrested for drug loitering and possession charges after they were allegedly observed by law enforcement engaging in illegal narcotics activity in a city park. The surveillance was deployed after the TPD Daytime Task Force received numerous complaints from concerned citizens and businesses. According to the investigation, individuals are purchasing large quantities of synthetic marijuana from local suppliers and reselling in the downtown area. This is an active investigation.
These charges and allegations are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
November 19, 2021
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Three current and former Ewing Township Police Department officers were indicted by a grand jury on civil rights charges for their roles in assaulting a minor victim during the course of an arrest, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced today.
Michael Delahanty, 51, of Robbinsville, New Jersey, a retired Ewing Township Police lieutenant; and Matthew Przemieniecki, 43, of Hamilton, New Jersey, and Justin Ubry, 33, of Burlington, New Jersey, both current Ewing Township police officers, are charged in a two-count indictment with deprivation of rights under color of law. Delahanty and Przemieniecki are charged in Count One with a felony offense of deprivation of rights under color of law causing bodily injury, and Ubry is charged in Count Two with a misdemeanor offense of deprivation of rights under color of law. Delahanty, Przemieniecki, and Ubry surrendered this morning and are scheduled to appear by videoconference this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Tonianne J. Bongiovanni.
According to the indictment:
At approximately 8:15 a.m., on Jan. 5, 2018, more than a dozen police officers responded to a report of a stolen vehicle in Ewing Township. Officers located the vehicle, which had crashed, and saw the driver of the vehicle running from the scene. Shortly thereafter, officers located the driver, a minor, in a detached shed on a residential property, removed the minor from the shed, and laid him face down on the snow-covered ground. While other officers handcuffed the victim, Delahanty used his boot to step on the back of the victim’s head, pressing his face into the snow. Przemieniecki kicked snow three times directly into the victim’s face, and Ubry also kicked snow directly into the victim’s face. Przemieniecki then used his boot to step on the victim’s head, again driving his face into the snow. The victim did not resist law enforcement at any time while on the ground. Under the circumstances, the force that defendants Delahanty, Przemieniecki, and Ubry applied to the victim was unreasonable and excessive and violated the victim’s constitutional right to be free from such force.
The felony civil rights charge against Delahanty and Przemieniecki carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000. The misdemeanor civil rights charge against Ubry carries a maximum penalty of one year in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the FBI Trenton Resident Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr. in Newark, with the investigation leading to the charges.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Martha K. Nye of the Criminal Division in Trenton, and Senior Civil Rights Counsel R. Joseph Gribko of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Newark.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig and Acting New Jersey Attorney General Andrew J. Bruck recently announced the creation of a federal-state Civil Rights Criminal Enforcement Initiative to enhance coordination in the investigation and prosecution of federal, state, and local cases involving civil rights violations by law enforcement officers and others acting under color of law. This initiative combines resources from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Attorney General’s Office of Public Integrity and Accountability, and the FBI in a cooperative approach to criminal civil rights enforcement.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
21-534
Defense counsel:Delahanty: David P. Schroth Esq., Ewing Przemieniecki: Jerome A. Ballarotto Esq., Trenton
Ubry: Eric Marcy Esq., Woodbridge, New Jersey
DelahantyEtAl.Indictment.pdf
November 19, 2021
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–A partial lunar eclipse started around 2:30 a.m. peaked about 4:00 a.m. and concluded around 5:30 a.m. early this morning. The almost total partial lunar eclipse was visible over most of the United States.
Photos below were taken from the Robbinsville, Upper Freehold, Allentown area of New Jersey.
To read more about the eclipse visit NASA “An Almost Total Lunar Eclipse”
A partial almost total lunar eclipse was visible over most of the United States this morning. These photos were taken in the Robbinsville-Allentown-Upper Freehold area of New Jersey.
November 18, 2021
MONROE TOWNSHIP, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–The Middlesex County Office of Health Services is reporting that a skunk tested positive for rabies in the Township of Monroe, Middlesex County, in the vicinity of Evergreen Terrace and Astor Place.
This is the eighth rabid animal reported within Middlesex County for 2021 and the first rabid animal in Monroe.
On Wednesday, November 17th, 2021, a resident of Monroe’s pet dog attacked a skunk. When the resident went to grab the dog they slipped and the skunk bit the resident. The animal was picked up by the Animal Control Officer and was then taken to the New Jersey Department of Health Laboratory for testing. It was reported on Thursday, November 18th, 2021 that the animal tested positive for rabies. The resident’s dog is currently vaccinated for rabies and was instructed to follow up with their veterinarian. The resident was notified to consult with a physician regarding rabies post exposure treatment.
The Middlesex County Office of Health Services continues to monitor rabies cases within the municipality. Residents should report wild animals showing signs of unusual behavior to the Police Department. Additionally, it is recommended that residents should avoid contact with wild animals and immediately report any bites from wild or domestic animals to your local health department and consult a physician as soon as possible. Finally, be sure that all family pets are up to date on their rabies vaccinations.
Rabies is caused by a virus which can infect all warm-blooded mammals, including man. The rabies virus is found in the saliva of a rabid animal and is transmitted by bite, or possibly by contamination of an open cut. New Jersey is enzootic for raccoon and bat variants of rabies. Bats, skunks, groundhogs, foxes, cats and dogs represent about 95 percent of animals diagnosed with rabies in the Unites States.
Rabies Prevention Guidelines
The Middlesex County Office of Health Services is advising residents to follow these guidelines to prevent rabies from being transmitted to themselves or their pets:
1. Immediately report a bite from a wild or domestic animal to your local health department. Wash animal bite wounds thoroughly with soap and water as soon as possible after the bite. Contamination of open cuts and scratches with saliva of potentially rabid animals should also be washed off immediately. Consult a physician as soon as possible.
2. Immediately report any wild animals showing signs of unusual behavior. Signs of unusual animal behavior could be that the animal may:
• Move slowly
• May act as if tame
• Appear sick
• Have problems swallowing
• Have an increase in saliva
• Have increased drooling
• Act aggressive
• Have difficulty moving
• Have paralysis
• Bite at everything if excited
Residents should avoid any contact with the animal and call your local animal control officer or local police department.
3. Be sure that all family pets are up to date on their rabies vaccination. If unsure, please call your veterinarian. Call your local health department for free rabies vaccination clinic availability.
4. Animal proof your home and yard. Make sure all garbage containers have tight fitting lids, do not leave pet food or water outside, do not allow rainwater to collect in outdoor containers or equipment and keep yard free of garbage and debris.
5. Do not feed or handle wild animals.
6. Avoid contact with stray animals or pets other than your own.
7. Try to prevent your pets from coming into contact with wild animals.
8. Screen off vents to attics and other areas that could provide shelter for bats
Photo by patrice schoefolt on Pexels.com
November 18, 2021
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Robbinsville Township welcomed two new police officers, each of whom were ceremoniously sworn-in at tonight’s Township Council meeting by Director of Public Safety and Mayor Dave Fried.
Eduardo Madrigal, 28, is from Toms River and graduated from the Ocean County Police Academy. He previously worked in Point Pleasant Beach as Special Officer Class II, and most recently worked for Freehold Borough.
Rene Godfrey, 30, is from Perth Amboy and graduated from the Mercer County Police Academy as an Alternate Route Candidate. He had been working for Middlesex County as a Sheriff Officer prior to being hired in Robbinsville. Rene also is an Army Reservist, serving as a Combat Medic since October of 2016.
“These two fine men and very qualified officers were chosen from a pool of over 100 candidates, which speaks volumes about this town and our phenomenal police department,” Mayor and Public Safety Director Dave Fried said.
Photo credit: Robbinsville Township
November 18, 2021
Before you agree to bring a family favorite food item to contribute to the Thanksgiving holiday table, it’s important to think about how you’re planning to transport it if you are flying to spend the holiday with family or friends. Most foods can be carried through a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint, but there are some items that will need to be transported in checked baggage.
Here’s some food for thought. If it’s a solid item, then it can go through a checkpoint. However, if you can spill it, spread it, spray it, pump it or pour it, and it’s larger than 3.4 ounces, then it should go in a checked bag.
Food items often need some additional security screening, so TSA recommends placing those items in a clear plastic bag or other container when packing them at home and then removing those items from your carry-on bag and placing them in a bin for screening at the checkpoint.
Travelers who are unsure if an item should be packed in a carry-on or checked bag can check the TSA homepage, which has a helpful “What can I bring?” feature. Type in the item and find out if you can carry it through a checkpoint or if it should be checked. Another option is for passengers to tweet to @AskTSA to ask how best to travel with a specific food item.
Here are examples of the most commonly asked questions about which food items are permissible through a checkpoint and which ones need to get packed in checked baggage. It is also important to remember food safety by storing the food properly while traveling to prevent foodborne illness. If you need to keep items cold during your trip, ice packs are permissible, but they must be frozen solid and not melted when they go through security screening. Additionally, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration also has recommendations on holiday food safety. The U.S. Department of Agriculture also has tips for handling food safely while traveling.
Thanksgiving foods that can be carried through a TSA checkpoint
Baked goods. Homemade or store-bought pies, cakes, cookies, brownies and other sweet treats
Meats. Turkey, chicken, ham, steak. Frozen, cooked or uncooked
Stuffing. Cooked, uncooked, in a box or in a bag
Casseroles. Traditional green beans and onion straws or something more exotic
Mac ‘n Cheese. Cooked in a pan or traveling with the ingredients to cook it at your destination,
Thanksgiving foods that can be carried through a TSA checkpoint
Thanksgiving foods that should be carefully packed with your checked baggage
Cranberry sauce. Homemade or canned are spreadable, so check them.
Gravy. Homemade or in a jar/can.
Wine, champagne, sparking apple cider.
Canned fruit or vegetables. It’s got liquid in the can, so check them.
Preserves, jams and jellies. They are spreadable, so best to check them.
Maple syrup.
Thanksgiving foods that should be carefully packed with your checked baggage
November 18, 2021
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–A Trenton man charged with killing two men in an October shooting was arrested Wednesday afternoon in Tucson, Arizona, Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri reported today.
Gabriel Vilorio-Jaquez, 33, of Cleveland Avenue, Trenton, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder, one count of second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful person, one count of second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon and one count of second-degree certain persons not to possess a firearm. He was arrested yesterday afternoon without incident by members of the U.S. Marshals Service Task Force in Tucson. Vilorio-Jaquez is currently being held in the Pima County Jail in Arizona pending an extradition hearing.
The charges are the result of an investigation by the Mercer County Homicide Task Force. At approximately 9:30 a.m. on October 29, 2021, Trenton police received a Shot Spotter activation for multiple rounds in the first block of Cleveland Avenue. Upon arrival, officers located two adult male shooting victims. Everth Barrera, 56, of Ewing, was pronounced dead at the scene. Edwin Obdulio Gomez Interiano, 41, of Trenton was transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center where he was pronounced dead a short time later. It is alleged that Vilorio-Jaquez rented a residence from Barrera.
Despite having been charged, every defendant is presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Photos and video by Brian McCarthy OnSceneNews
Names of 2021* homicide victims:
2/18/2021 Jabree Saunders, 26, from shooting on May 14, 2018
2/22/2021 Khalil Gibbs, 25, of West Windsor, shooting
2/25/2021 Lovelle Laramore, 60, of Trenton shooting
4/15/2021 Kaheem Carter, 22, of Trenton, shooting
4/20/2021 Shaquan McNeil, 25, of Trenton, shooting
4/24/2021 Cheryl Jones, 65, of Trenton, shooting
4/29/2021 Ramire Harvey, 25, of Trenton, shooting
5/15/2021 David Williams 36, of Trenton, shooting
5/29/2021 Edgar Geovani Sis-Luis, 34, of Trenton, aggravated manslaughter
7/05/2021 Dion Ellis, 16, Trenton, Shooting
7/14/2021 Pablo Herrera Chun, 53, Trenton, Shooting
7/19/2021 William Mitchell, 33, Trenton, Shooting
7/19/2021 Jermel Carter, 38, Trenton, Shooting
7/29/2021 Leonard Pettigrew, 58, Trenton, Shooting
7/30/2021 Shaquil Loftin, 23, Shooting, Trenton
8/01/2021 Daquan Basnight, 30, of Ewing, Shooting
8/13/2021 Javier Chaj-Ajtun, 33, of Trenton, Shooting
8/19/2021 Herberth Ramirez Pimentel, 37, of Trenton, Shooting
8/23/2021 Yanquai Edwards, 25, of Rancocas, NJ, Shooting
8/25/2021 Daron Cheston, 18, Trenton, Shooting
8/27/2021 Ziare Jones, Shooting
8/30/2021 Fred Davis, 43, Trenton, Shooting
9/06/2021 Shamiem Young, 26, Trenton, Shooting
9/17/2021 Jeff Charles, 37, Trenton, Shooting
9/25/2021 Shemiah Davis, 15, Trenton, Shooting
10/2/2021 Omar Burgess, 49, of Trenton, Shooting
10/3/2021 Elias Juarez Lopez, 31, of Princeton, Shooting
10/4/2021 Candice Ruff, 19, of Trenton, Shooting On September 25
10/7/2021 Douglas Munn, 50, of Trenton. Shooting
10/13/2021 Melvin Williams 26, of Trenton, Shooting
10/30/2021 Dartanian Ames of Lawrence, 41, Shooting
11/1/2021 Hector Torres, 43, of Trenton, Shooting on 10/31
11/17/2021 David Johnson, 39, of Trenton
*Updated to reflect the person who died in 2021 from complications from a shooting on May 14, 2018 as per medical examiner report.
November 18, 2021
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office has identified the victim in yesterday’s homicide on St. Joe’s Avenue in Trenton as David Johnson, 39, of Trenton.
There are no additional updates in this investigation at this time.
The Mercer County Homicide Task Force and the Trenton Police Department are investigating a Wednesday evening shooting homicide in Trenton.
At approximately 5:25 p.m. on Wednesday, November 17, 2021, Trenton police received a Shot Spotter activation for the 300 block of St. Joe’s Avenue. Upon arrival, officers located the adult male victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. The victim was transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center and pronounced dead a short time later.
No arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Mercer County Homicide Task Force at (609) 989-6406. Tips can also be emailed to [email protected].
BREAKING: Fatal Shooting Being Investigated in Trenton
Photos and video by Brian McCarthy OnSceneNews
Names of 2021* homicide victims:
2/18/2021 Jabree Saunders, 26, from shooting on May 14, 2018
2/22/2021 Khalil Gibbs, 25, of West Windsor, shooting
2/25/2021 Lovelle Laramore, 60, of Trenton shooting
4/15/2021 Kaheem Carter, 22, of Trenton, shooting
4/20/2021 Shaquan McNeil, 25, of Trenton, shooting
4/24/2021 Cheryl Jones, 65, of Trenton, shooting
4/29/2021 Ramire Harvey, 25, of Trenton, shooting
5/15/2021 David Williams 36, of Trenton, shooting
5/29/2021 Edgar Geovani Sis-Luis, 34, of Trenton, aggravated manslaughter
7/05/2021 Dion Ellis, 16, Trenton, Shooting
7/14/2021 Pablo Herrera Chun, 53, Trenton, Shooting
7/19/2021 William Mitchell, 33, Trenton, Shooting
7/19/2021 Jermel Carter, 38, Trenton, Shooting
7/29/2021 Leonard Pettigrew, 58, Trenton, Shooting
7/30/2021 Shaquil Loftin, 23, Shooting, Trenton
8/01/2021 Daquan Basnight, 30, of Ewing, Shooting
8/13/2021 Javier Chaj-Ajtun, 33, of Trenton, Shooting
8/19/2021 Herberth Ramirez Pimentel, 37, of Trenton, Shooting
8/23/2021 Yanquai Edwards, 25, of Rancocas, NJ, Shooting
8/25/2021 Daron Cheston, 18, Trenton, Shooting
8/27/2021 Ziare Jones, Shooting
8/30/2021 Fred Davis, 43, Trenton, Shooting
9/06/2021 Shamiem Young, 26, Trenton, Shooting
9/17/2021 Jeff Charles, 37, Trenton, Shooting
9/25/2021 Shemiah Davis, 15, Trenton, Shooting
10/2/2021 Omar Burgess, 49, of Trenton, Shooting
10/3/2021 Elias Juarez Lopez, 31, of Princeton, Shooting
10/4/2021 Candice Ruff, 19, of Trenton, Shooting On September 25
10/7/2021 Douglas Munn, 50, of Trenton. Shooting
10/13/2021 Melvin Williams 26, of Trenton, Shooting
10/30/2021 Dartanian Ames of Lawrence, 41, Shooting
11/1/2021 Hector Torres, 43, of Trenton, Shooting on 10/31
11/17/2021 David Johnson, 39, of Trenton
*Updated to reflect the person who died in 2021 from complications from a shooting on May 14, 2018 as per medical examiner report.
November 18, 2021
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Just after 7:00 a.m. the Robbinsville Police Department, Robbinsville Fire Department and EMS were sent to the area of 1100 Route 130 South Bound just south of Main Street Robbinsville for a vehicle overturned. Upon arrival, a two-vehicle motor vehicle crash was found, one of the vehicles was on its side and severed a utility pole. One person was transported to RWJ at Hamilton Hospital for evaluation by Robbinsville EMS. Route 130 was temporarily closed then reopened to one lane. NJ DOT trucks closed the right lane south bound so PSE&G could safely replace the utility pole and make repairs. The entrance to 1100 Route 130 was closed for low hanging wires. No other information is available at this time.
November 17, 2021 — Updated
Victim Identified in Yesterday’s Homicide In Trenton
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–The Mercer County Homicide Task Force and the Trenton Police Department are investigating a Wednesday evening shooting homicide in Trenton.
At approximately 5:25 p.m. on Wednesday, November 17, 2021, Trenton police received a Shot Spotter activation for the 300 block of St. Joe’s Avenue. Upon arrival, officers located the adult male victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. The victim was transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center and pronounced dead a short time later.
No arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Mercer County Homicide Task Force at (609) 989-6406. Tips can also be emailed to [email protected].
Original MidJersey.news breaking news story here:
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Trenton Police, Trenton EMS and Trenton Fire Department responded to St. Joes Avenue for a reported shooting with a victim shot in the head around 5:26 p.m. Trenton EMS arrived and transported the victim to Capital Health Regional Medical Center and a Trauma Code was called en route. The Mercer County Homicide Taskforce is on scene investigating the shooting.
Trenton Police deferred to Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office for press information since the shooting is being investigated as a homicide. No further details are available at this time.
Check back for further details, photos and video from the scene.
Photos and video by Brian McCarthy OnSceneNews
Names of 2021* homicide victims:
2/18/2021 Jabree Saunders, 26, from shooting on May 14, 2018
2/22/2021 Khalil Gibbs, 25, of West Windsor, shooting
2/25/2021 Lovelle Laramore, 60, of Trenton shooting
4/15/2021 Kaheem Carter, 22, of Trenton, shooting
4/20/2021 Shaquan McNeil, 25, of Trenton, shooting
4/24/2021 Cheryl Jones, 65, of Trenton, shooting
4/29/2021 Ramire Harvey, 25, of Trenton, shooting
5/15/2021 David Williams 36, of Trenton, shooting
5/29/2021 Edgar Geovani Sis-Luis, 34, of Trenton, aggravated manslaughter
7/05/2021 Dion Ellis, 16, Trenton, Shooting
7/14/2021 Pablo Herrera Chun, 53, Trenton, Shooting
7/19/2021 William Mitchell, 33, Trenton, Shooting
7/19/2021 Jermel Carter, 38, Trenton, Shooting
7/29/2021 Leonard Pettigrew, 58, Trenton, Shooting
7/30/2021 Shaquil Loftin, 23, Shooting, Trenton
8/01/2021 Daquan Basnight, 30, of Ewing, Shooting
8/13/2021 Javier Chaj-Ajtun, 33, of Trenton, Shooting
8/19/2021 Herberth Ramirez Pimentel, 37, of Trenton, Shooting
8/23/2021 Yanquai Edwards, 25, of Rancocas, NJ, Shooting
8/25/2021 Daron Cheston, 18, Trenton, Shooting
8/27/2021 Ziare Jones, Shooting
8/30/2021 Fred Davis, 43, Trenton, Shooting
9/06/2021 Shamiem Young, 26, Trenton, Shooting
9/17/2021 Jeff Charles, 37, Trenton, Shooting
9/25/2021 Shemiah Davis, 15, Trenton, Shooting
10/2/2021 Omar Burgess, 49, of Trenton, Shooting
10/3/2021 Elias Juarez Lopez, 31, of Princeton, Shooting
10/4/2021 Candice Ruff, 19, of Trenton, Shooting On September 25
10/7/2021 Douglas Munn, 50, of Trenton. Shooting
10/13/2021 Melvin Williams 26, of Trenton, Shooting
10/30/2021 Dartanian Ames of Lawrence, 41, Shooting
11/1/2021 Hector Torres, 43, of Trenton, Shooting on 10/31
11/17/2021 David Johnson, 39, of Trenton
*Updated to reflect the person who died in 2021 from complications from a shooting on May 14, 2018 as per medical examiner report.
Local non-profit recognizes Dawn Carmosino whose selfless dedication made a lasting impact on the organization.
November 17, 2021
EWING TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–The Arc Mercer, Mercer County’s premier agency providing resources for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities for over seventy years dedicated the Hall of Diversity to the memory of former employee Dawn Carmosino.
Dawn, a native of Lawrence, New Jersey began her work with the Arc Mercer in 2005 and quickly became a vital part of the organization. She encouraged diversity in the workplace and strived to create a sense of camaraderie among all the employees. “In many ways Dawn was like our matriarch. She really believed in inclusion and welcoming everyone. She made the Arc of Mercer more than a workplace, she made it a family,” shared Steven P. Cook, Executive Director at the Arc Mercer.
It is fitting, therefore, that the organization has chosen to dedicate their Hall of Diversity to her. The Hall is decorated with flags symbolizing the diverse backgrounds of each employee on one side and a wall of employee recognition on the other.
To further her legacy, the Arc will also be unveiling a new award at Monday’s ceremony—the Dawn Carmosino Team Impact Award. The award will be presented annually to an employee selected by their co-workers who embodies the spirit of Dawn Carmosino and the example she set for all members of the Arc family. The first recipient will be announced on Friday, November 19th at the annual Gala.
Dawn’s untimely passing left a gap in the world that can never be filled. The staff and supporters of the Arc would like to take the opportunity of this dedication and award presentation to remind us of the lasting impact that a single person can make. May Dawn continue to be an inspiration to us all.
Donations in memory of Dawn Carmosino can be to the Arc Mercer online at https://arcmercer.org/how-you-can-help/donate.
The Arc Mercer is a non-profit organization that has provided support and services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Greater Mercer County region for more than six decades. The Arc Mercer provides over 1,000 individuals with special needs, access to their community, specialized pre-vocational training, readily available job opportunities, specialized medical care, friendships and often times, love.
L/R: Tom Baffuto, Executive Director, The Arc of New Jersey; Brian Hughes, Mercer County Executive; Steve Cook, Executive Director, Arc Mercer, Bert Steinman, Mayor Ewing Township, Richard Koreyva, Past President, Arc Mercer; Maria Fisher, Arc Mercer BoardPresident; Gerry Bowers, Karen Koreyva and Fran Koreyva.
November 17, 201
WASHINGTON—The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) expects airport security checkpoints nationwide will be busy during the upcoming Thanksgiving travel period, which runs from Friday, Nov. 19, through Sunday, Nov. 28, and the agency is prepared to handle the increase in passenger volume for the holiday. TSA expects to screen about 20 million passengers during the Thanksgiving holiday.
“We anticipate that travel may be very close to pre-pandemic levels this holiday, and we are staffed and prepared for the holiday travelers. We have deployed technologies that enhance detection capabilities and reduce physical contact, and it’s equally important that passengers are prepared with travel tips for the most efficient checkpoint experience,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske. “With overall vaccination rates improving nationwide and greater confidence in healthy travel, there will be more people traveling so plan ahead, remain vigilant and practice kindness.”
Typically, the busiest days during the Thanksgiving travel period are the Tuesday and Wednesday prior to Thanksgiving and the Sunday afterward. The highest travel day in TSA’s history was the Sunday after Thanksgiving of 2019 (pre-pandemic), when nearly 2.9 million individuals were screened at TSA security checkpoints nationwide. Travel volume this year is not expected to reach pre-pandemic levels, but it is expected to be notably higher in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving.
The best way to ensure a smooth trip through the security screening process is to arrive early and be prepared. Travelers are encouraged to allow time to park their cars or return rental cars, check their bags with their airline, and get their boarding passes before heading to the security checkpoint. TSA recommends travelers getting to the terminal with plenty of time before their scheduled flight.
“I recommend that travelers pay attention to the guidance that the TSA officers are providing at the checkpoint,” Pekoske added. “They may be directing you to a shorter line or guiding you around someone who is moving slowly. And they may be giving you some advice that will lessen the likelihood that you’ll need a pat-down.”
Additionally, travelers should keep these tips in mind:
Wear a mask. Travelers, TSA personnel, and other aviation workers are required to wear a mask as prescribed by the federal mask mandate. Everyone in airports, bus and rail stations, on passenger aircraft, public transportation, passenger railroads, and over-the-road buses operating on scheduled fixed-routes must wear a mask. If a traveler did not bring a mask, a TSA officer will offer a mask to that individual at the screening checkpoint.
Pack smart. Prepare for security when packing and ensure that there are no prohibited items in baggage. Know which foods should go into a checked bag. Gravy, cranberry sauce, wine, jam, and preserves should all go into a checked bag, because they are not solids. If you can spill it, spray it, spread it, pump it or pour it, then it’s not a solid and should be packed in a checked bag. As always, passengers can bring solid foods such as cakes and other baked goods through the checkpoints.
It’s okay to bring hand sanitizer. TSA is currently allowing travelers to bring one liquid hand sanitizer container up to 12 ounces per passenger in carry-on bags until further notice. Passengers can expect all containers larger 3.4 ounces will need to be screened separately, which will add some time to their checkpoint experience. Travelers also are permitted to bring alcohol wipes or anti-bacterial wipes in carry-on, checked luggage, or both.
Enroll in or renew your TSA PreCheck® membership. Individuals who obtained TSA PreCheck five years ago are now able to renew their membership online at a discount. Individuals who do not have TSA PreCheck should enroll now to get TSA PreCheck benefits, available at more than 200 U.S. airports. Travelers enrolled in a trusted traveler program, like TSA PreCheck, do not need to remove shoes, laptops, liquids, belts and light jackets. TSA PreCheck membership is more valuable now than ever before because it reduces touchpoints during the pandemic and puts travelers in security lines that have fewer travelers and move quicker, which encourages social distancing. To find the trusted traveler program that best suits your travel needs, use the DHS trusted traveler comparison tool.
Request passenger support. Travelers or families of passengers with disabilities and/or medical conditions may call the TSA Cares helpline toll free at 855-787-2227 at least 72 hours prior to flying with any questions about screening policies, procedures and to find out what to expect at the security checkpoint. TSA Cares also arranges assistance at the checkpoint.
Get your questions answered before you head to the airport. Ask TSA. Travelers can get assistance in real time by submitting their questions and comments to @AskTSA on Twitter or Facebook Messenger. Travelers can also reach the TSA Contact Center at 866-289-9673. Staff is available from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends/holidays; and an automated service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Ensure you have proper ID. Before heading to the airport, travelers should make sure they have acceptable identification. Identity verification is an important step in the security screening process.
Remain aware. As a reminder, public awareness is key for supporting TSA’s security efforts. Travelers are encouraged to report suspicious activities, and remember: If You See Something, Say Something™. For additional information about TSA’s screening policies, visit www.tsa.gov.
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com
November 17, 2021
FREEHOLD – A former Long Branch Police Officer has pled guilty after being arrested and charged with various offenses related to manufacturing methamphetamine at his home in May 2021, Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Lori Linskey announced.
Christopher Walls, 50, of West End Avenue in Long Branch, pled guilty on November 16, 2021, in front of Monmouth County Superior Court Judge Jill G. O’Malley to charges of second degree Causing a Risk of Widespread Injury and 3rd degree Manufacturing CDS (methamphetamine). The agreement includes an aggregate sentence of 10 years in a NJ State Prison with a 2-year-period of parole ineligibility. As part of his plea, Walls also permanently forfeited public office, as well as his firearms and firearms ID card.
Long Branch police were called to Walls’ home on the 300 block of West End Avenue at about 10:36 p.m. on May 15, 2021for a domestic disturbance. While officers were on scene, another resident in the home alleged Walls was involved in suspicious narcotics activity. The New Jersey State Police (NJSP) Hazmat Unit responded to the scene and located materials, chemicals and instruments consistent with a methamphetamine laboratory in both the basement of the residence and in a shed on the property. The NJSP Hazmat Unit confirmed that Walls was in possession of all ingredients necessary to manufacture methamphetamine and found methamphetamine residue in chemistry-related glassware on site. A joint investigation by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office’s Professional Responsibility and Narcotics Units and the Long Branch Police Department revealed that Walls had been in possession of books related to making methamphetamine, explosives, and poison.
Additionally, a large open and unsecured gun safe was in the home which was accessible to a child living in the residence. Inside the gun safe were two long guns, four handguns, eight high-capacity magazines, and a large quantity of ammunition.
Walls was charged with various criminal offenses on May 15, 2021 and had been detained pretrial by order of the New Jersey Appellate Division. During his plea, Walls admitted to making methamphetamine at his residence in Long Branch and to endangering his family and neighboring community in doing so. Laboratory tests confirmed that methamphetamine was in fact made in the residence.
Sentencing for Walls is set for January 14, 2022 before Judge O’Malley.
The case was prosecuted by Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Melanie Falco, Director of the Office’s Professional Responsibilities and Bias Crime Unit.
Walls is represented by Mitchell Ansell, Esq., of Ocean Township.
Christopher Walls, 50, of West End Avenue in Long Branch,
Christopher Walls, 50, of West End Avenue in Long Branch, pled guilty on November 16, 2021, in front of Monmouth County Superior Court Judge Jill G. O’Malley to charges of second degree Causing a Risk of Widespread Injury and 3rd degree Manufacturing CDS (methamphetamine). The agreement includes an aggregate sentence of 10 years in a NJ State Prison with a 2-year-period of parole ineligibility. As part of his plea, Walls also permanently forfeited public office, as well as his firearms and firearms ID card.
November 17, 2021
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–The Robbinsville Township Fire Department was dispatched to I-195 West bound prior to Exit 7 at 8:24 a.m. Upon arrival firefighters reported the vehicle was fully involved. Firefighters had the fire knocked down in minutes, but traffic was backed up west bound for miles due to rubbernecking delays. No further information is available at this time.
November 16, 2021
SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone announced that a pedestrian killed in a collision involving a New Jersey State Police trooper has been identified.
On November 11, 2021, at approximately 5:55 A.M., members of the South Brunswick Police Department responded to the southbound lane of Route 1 near Raymond Road in South Brunswick following a report that a marked New Jersey State Police vehicle was involved in a fatal collision with a male pedestrian. Upon their arrival, authorities located a male pedestrian who was pronounced dead at the scene. Following a notification from the South Brunswick Police, detectives of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office responded and assumed control of the scene.
Based on the continuing investigation, authorities have identified the pedestrian as Donelle Miles, 50, of Plainsboro.
The investigation is active and continuing. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Jonathan Berman of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at (732) 745-4328.
November 16, 2021
EDISON, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone announced today a Township man has been arrested and charged for his involvement in a child pornography investigation.
Yesterday, William Geisz, 79, of Edison was arrested and charged with first-degree using a file-sharing program to store items depicting the sexual exploitation or abuse of children, second-degree distribution of child pornography, second-degree possession of child pornography, and disorderly persons lewdness.
Geisz was charged following an investigation by Detective Daniel Lojek of the Internet Crimes Against Children Unit of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office. The investigation determined Geisz utilized the public Wi-Fi at various retail locations in Edison, Woodbridge, and East Brunswick to upload and distribute images and videos depicting the sexual exploitation or abuse of children.
The investigation is active and continuing. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Lojek at (732) 745-5924.
As is the case with all criminal defendants, the charges against Geisz are merely accusations and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
November 16, 2021
CAMDEN, N.J. – A Camden County man was sentenced today to one year and one day in prison for his role in conspiring with members of a white supremacist hate group to threaten and intimidate African Americans and Jewish Americans by vandalizing minority-owned properties throughout the country in September 2019, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
Richard Tobin, 20, of Brooklawn, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Robert B. Kugler to an information charging him with conspiracy against rights. Judge Kugler imposed the sentence today in Camden federal court.
“Richard Tobin encouraged hateful acts of violence against individuals and their houses of worship, based on their religion or the color of their skin,” Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig said. “Justice demanded that he be held accountable for these racist and antisemitic actions, and we are proud to have joined with our colleagues in the Civil Rights Division and the Joint Terrorism Task Force in doing so in this case. Our commitment to protecting the civil rights of all in New Jersey is steadfast.”
“The defendant conspired with a white supremacist hate group to vandalize and destroy property owned by Jewish and Black Americans, intending to instill fear into those communities across the country,” Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division said. “This sentence makes clear that targeting persons owning and using property simply based on their race or religion will not be tolerated. The Department of Justice will continue to prosecute civil rights conspiracies and vindicate the rights of victims of bias motivated crimes.”
“Richard Tobin’s white supremacist beliefs are abhorrent, but his beliefs aren’t why he’s going to prison,” Jacqueline Maguire, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Philadelphia Division, said. “He actively conspired with others to commit a crime of violence, to victimize innocent people because of who they are or how they worship. That’s what crossed a line and made it the FBI’s business. We’re always going to pursue individuals inciting violent, hateful acts meant to intimidate and isolate members of our community.”
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Tobin admitted that from Sept. 15 to Sept. 23, 2019, he was a member of a white supremacist group, “The Base,” and during that time, he communicated online with other members and directed them to destroy and vandalize properties affiliated with African Americans and Jewish Americans. Tobin dubbed this coordinated attack “Kristallnacht,” or “Night of Broken Glass,” after an attack in Germany on Nov. 9 and 10, 1938, in which Nazis murdered Jewish people and burned and destroyed Jewish homes, synagogues, stores and schools. Tobin implored members of The Base to post propaganda flyers and to break windows and slash tires belonging to African Americans and Jewish Americans. On Sept. 21, 2019, members of The Base vandalized synagogues in Racine, Wisconsin, and Hancock, Michigan, by spray painting them with hate symbols.
A conspirator, Yousef Omar Barasneh, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy against rights in federal court in the Eastern District of Wisconsin, for his role in vandalizing the synagogue in Racine, Wisconsin.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Kugler sentenced Tobin to three years of supervised release.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the FBI Philadelphia Division’s South Jersey Resident Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Maguire, and the Joint Terrorism Task Force and its member agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations, the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, the New Jersey State Police and the Camden County Police Department, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing. She also thanked the Brooklawn and Cherry Hill police departments for their assistance.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen M. Harberg of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Camden and Trial Attorney Eric Peffley of the Civil Rights Division, Criminal Section.
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Defense counsel: Lisa Evans Lewis Esq., Assistant Federal Public Defender, Camden
Photo by Sora Shimazaki on Pexels.com
November 16, 2021
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–A Mercer County, New Jersey, man with six prior felony convictions was sentenced today to 100 months in prison for firearms and distribution of controlled substances offenses, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
Alfred Donaldson, 39, of Trenton, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Anne E. Thompson to an information charging him with possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon and possession with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On Jan. 4, 2019, law enforcement officers arrived at Donaldson’s residence to execute two arrest warrants issued for his failure to appear for his sentencing hearings on unrelated charges at the Mercer County Superior Court. They lawfully entered the residence and recovered a 9-millimeter Taurus handgun loaded with eight rounds of ammunition, 27 bricks of heroin, and more than one ounce of cocaine. At the time of the firearm and narcotics possession, Donaldson had sustained several convictions, including three convictions for controlled substance offenses. As a previously convicted felon, Donaldson is not permitted to possess firearms under federal law.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Thompson sentenced Donaldson to three years of supervised release.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Newark Division, Trenton Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey L. Matthews; officers of the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff John A. Kemler; and the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Angelo Onofri, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ray A. Mateo of the Opioid Abuse Prevention and Enforcement Unit in Newark.
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Defense counsel: Lisa Van Hoeck Esq., Assistant Federal Public Defender, Trenton
Photo by Sora Shimazaki on Pexels.com
November 16, 2021
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–An Ocean County, New Jersey, man was charged with illegally possessing a loaded semi-automatic rifle as a previously convicted felon, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced today.
Jeremy W. Barringer, 46, of Toms River, New Jersey, is charged by criminal complaint with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Barringer was taken into federal custody this morning, appeared today by videoconference before U.S. Magistrate Judge Tonianne J. Bongiovanni in Trenton federal court, and was detained.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On Oct. 24, 2021, at 3:05 a.m., Mantoloking and Bay Head police officers responded to the area of Herbert Street and Highway 35 in Mantoloking in response to a report of a motor vehicle crash involving a single vehicle. Officers found Barringer, a previously convicted felon, behind the wheel of his vehicle and observed a 5.56-millimeter semi-automatic rifle on the floorboard of the back seat of Barringer’s vehicle. The rifle was later found to be loaded with approximately 21 rounds of 5.56-millimeter full metal jacket ammunition. When officers ordered Barringer to step out of the vehicle, they observed that Barringer was wearing a tactical, bullet-proof vest and an empty handgun holster on his hip. After taking Barringer into custody, officers conducted a further search of Barringer’s vehicle and discovered a black 9-millimeter semi-automatic pistol with no serial number (commonly referred to as a “ghost gun”), loaded with 14 rounds of hollow-point ammunition, three 9-millimeter pistol magazines loaded with hollow-point ammunition, and three 30-round rifle magazines loaded with 5.56-millimeter ammunition.
The count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the FBI, Newark Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr.; officers of the Mantoloking Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police Stacy S. Ferris; and officers of the Bay Head Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police William A. Hoffman, with the investigation leading to the charges. She also thanked detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer, officers from the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Michael G. Mastronardy, and officers from the Toms River Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police Mitchell A. Little, for their assistance in the investigation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ian D. Brater of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Trenton.
The charge and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Defense counsel: Andrea D. Bergman Esq., Assistant Federal Public Defender, Trenton
November 16, 2021
PLUMSTED TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on November 16, 2021, Richard Knight, 40, of New Egypt, pled guilty to Distribution of Child Pornography in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(a)(i), and Possession of Child Pornography in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(b)(ii), before the Honorable Michael T. Collins, J.S.C. At the time of his sentencing on January 14, 2022, the State will be recommending a sentence of five years New Jersey State Prison (NJSP) with a two year period of parole ineligibility as to the Distribution of Child Pornography charge, as well as five years NJSP as to the Possession of Child Pornography charge. The sentences are to run concurrently. Knight will also be subject to the terms of Meghan’s Law, along with Parole Supervision for Life.
This investigation, which began in December 2020, was the result of numerous referrals from the New Jersey State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The Task Force detected that a user of the program Google Meets was uploading images of child pornography to the internet. An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit identified a residence in New Egypt as the source of the uploaded images of child pornography. On June 9, 2021, Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, United States Homeland Security Investigations, and Plumsted Township Police Department, executed a court-authorized search warrant on Knight’s residence in New Egypt. As a result, Detectives seized two cell phones from the residence. Further investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit revealed that Knight’s cell phone contained more than 1,000 images but less than 100,000 images of child pornography. The investigation also revealed that Knight distributed child pornography using Google Meets and other social media platforms.
Knight was subsequently arrested at his place of employment in Browns Mills on June 9, 2021; he has been lodged in the Ocean County Jail since that date.
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the diligent efforts of Senior Assistant Prosecutor Shanon Chant-Berry who is handling the case on behalf of the State, as well as the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, Plumsted Township Police Department, New Jersey State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and United States Homeland Security Investigations, for their collective and collaborative assistance in connection with this investigation leading to Knight’s arrest, guilty pleas, and soon his state prison sentence.
Richard Knight, 40, of New Egypt,
November 16, 2021
WALL TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH)–The Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office has assumed sole responsibility for conducting separate criminal investigations stemming from allegations that acts of hazing occurred within the Wall Township High School football program and unrelated allegations that one or more sexual assaults involving juveniles took place off campus, Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Lori Linskey announced Tuesday.
Members of the Wall Township Police Department had been assisting during the early stages of these investigations, yet out of an abundance of caution, and in order to avoid any appearance of impropriety and to protect the integrity of the investigations, the Department has since been walled off from participating further.
Multiple MCPO assistant prosecutors and detectives have been assigned to manage the continuing investigations. The information gathered as a result will continue to be reviewed.
The Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office reiterates that while these are serious allegations, juvenile records are strictly confidential under state law, so at this time, no additional specific information about these investigations can be released. Likewise, Superior Court proceedings involving juvenile defendants, meaning defendants under the age of 18, are closed to the public, and the identities of such defendants are kept confidential.
The Prosecutor’s Office intends to issue statements regarding the findings of its investigations, keeping in accordance with the strict confidentiality requirements of juvenile matters. These statements will constitute the only definitive factual accounts of the investigations, made at the appropriate times, and the Prosecutor’s Office strongly urges against the spread of misinformation and rumor, both online and otherwise.
“As these investigations unfold, we remain fully aware of the intense focus and unique pressure a national media spotlight has placed on the Wall Township High School community, and are sensitive to safeguarding the mental health and general well-being of students while simultaneously serving the interests of justice,” Acting Prosecutor Linskey said. “We are conducting these investigations with the utmost diligence, dedicating every necessary resource in order to uncover the entire truth, and this process will be thorough, fair, and unbiased from beginning to end.”
While these investigations are still ongoing, anyone with any information about these matters, including those in possession of any relevant video recordings, is urged to contact Prosecutor’s Office Detective Jose Rodriguez at (732) 431-7160, Ext. 7172. Anyone who feels the need to remain anonymous but has information about this or any crime can submit a tip to Monmouth County Crime Stoppers by calling their confidential telephone tip-line at 1-800-671-4400; by downloading and using the free P3 Tips mobile app (available on iOS and Android – https://www.p3tips.com/1182); or by going to the website at www.monmouthcountycrimestoppers.com
Letter to Families Regarding Thanksgiving Day Game
November 16, 2021
Dear Wall Township Public Schools Community:
The decision has been made to end the football season and not play the Thanksgiving Day game. We acknowledge that this is difficult news for many in our community. Please be assured that the Mental Health Association of Monmouth County is working closely with the Wall High School counseling staff supporting students. If you know of a student that is in need of support please do not hesitate in reaching out to 732-556-2063. In addition, please see the attached document for outside support resources.
Sincerely,
Tracy R. Handerhan, D. Litt.
Superintendent of Schools
Important Message from the Principal and Superintendent
November 12, 2021
Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s):
During these most difficult days, please be assured that we are first and foremost committed to our students’ physical and mental well-being. Your children are our top priority and we are steadfast in our mission to work together to ensure their safety and to provide the social, emotional and academic experiences they deserve. The administration, faculty, staff and school crisis team remain deeply committed to supporting our students as they cope with recent events. District counselors have been providing support services for our students and will continue to do so.
It is not unusual for adolescents to feel anxious, sad, fearful, angry or vulnerable as a result of traumatic events. This is compounded by the fact that so many rumors are circulating online and in the media. In response, Wall High School has partnered with the Mental Health Association of Monmouth County (MHA of MC). A team from the MHA of MC will begin working with the Wall High School students and staff on Monday. The goals of this partnership are (1) to assist the Wall High School community with immediate mental health and wellness needs of students and staff during this difficult time and (2) to develop a long-term student wellness strategy that will serve as a foundation to strengthen the Wall High School community moving forward. Attached you will find a document prepared by the MHA of MC specifically for the Wall Township school community. Additionally, attached to this correspondence is a compilation of counseling resources should you or someone you know be in need of these services.
The last two weeks have been extremely difficult for our school community. We recognize this. Once again, we are committed to supporting you and your children through these difficult times.
Sincerely,
Ms. Rosaleen Sirchio
WHS Principal
Dr. Tracy Handerhan
Superintendent of Schools
Wall Township High School Football Scoreboard File Photo
November 15, 2021
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–During a special meeting at noon today, Trenton City Council approved a proposal to move Trenton radio operations to N.J. State Police frequencies and provide $10.1 million to upgrade the City’s entire emergency radio system with state-of-the-art equipment, Mayor W. Reed Gusciora announced.
The proposal gives Trenton police, fire, public works, and water utility personnel access to superior state radio frequencies and new equipment compatible with that system, including a complete retrofit of the TPD emergency radio room. The City’s 911 phone system – which is outdated and at risk of malfunction – will also be replaced well in advance of related statewide public safety mandates in the next few years.
“Trentonians can rest easy knowing that we have an agreement in place that will keep a state-of-the-art radio system online into the foreseeable future,” said Mayor Gusciora. “This year alone we’ve seen major water main breaks, terrifying storms, and criminal activity that required coordination with first responders from multiple jurisdictions. There is no doubt that this city deserves the best public safety communications system available. Thanks to these resolutions, one of Trenton’s greatest public safety weaknesses will become one of its biggest strengths.”
“With this plan, our radio and 911 system is set for the next 20 years, at least,” said Acting TPD Director Steve E. Wilson. “I’m grateful that Council allowed us to present the updated plan at today’s special meeting and that they have given their support for this crucial investment in Trenton’s public safety.”
The proposal consisted of two resolutions, both of which were approved by a vote of 4-0. One approved the funding allocation and the use of the N.J. State Police radio frequencies; the other approves a contract with Motorola Solutions Inc. to provide the new equipment.
Previously, the City of Trenton’s current radio service provider, MPS Communications, said that it would shut off service on Oct. 31, 2021, after City Council indefinitely tabled a resolution to pay MPS for services rendered. The City and MPS have since consented to an injunction halting shutoff off the city’s radio system until Dec. 31, 2021.
Meanwhile, the Gusciora Administration proposed a long-term solution with American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds, starting with the police department radio equipment and 911 phone system. However, the City still needed an alternative system for Trenton Water Works and the Department of Public Works.
Today’s resolutions, while substantially more expensive that the initial proposal, will still be covered by the ARP, and will be available to all City departments. Also, the added radio room equipment upgrades and statewide coverage will be a significant upgrade for a police department that constantly works with law enforcement partners throughout the region and a water utility that must respond to customers outside the greater Trenton area.
The new system will take between 60-90 days to come online. As the plan will be covered the ARP, the City does not need to take on additional debt to fund this program.
TRENTON AND ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. Dating back to 1865, it was on June 19th that the Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free.
Robbinsville celebrated this historic day as a community at the Town Center Gazebo by the lake. Several speakers talked about their feelings and experiences to those in attendance.
In Trenton Governor Phil Murphy delivered a keynote address at a Juneteenth ceremony at the Friendship Baptist Church in Trenton.
Press pool story below by: Linn Washington Jr., The South Jersey Journal
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, during a keynote address at a Juneteenth ceremony in Trenton, declared that the goal of American society must be to ensure that the pain from past and present racist inequalities “does not become the pain of tomorrow.”
While listing the actions his administration has taken to ameliorate systemic inequalities Gov Murphy emphasized that all citizens of New Jersey have a stake in supporting substantive change.
“The reason why black lives matter is because we are one state, one family…This must be a personal call to action.”
Murphy pointed out that the systemic racism that permeates American society stunts the path to freedom for all.
“This is about all of us together,” Murphy said noting that demonstrations for change have occurred in white as well as black communities across New Jersey. He saw progress in the fact that the 425 protests in NJ since the death of George Floyd resulted in just 58 arrests, unlike mass arrests during strident enforcement in other states.
Addressing the gathering that included elected officials and clergy from across New Jersey assembled inside the Friendship Baptist Church In Trenton, Murphy listed a series of actions initiated by his administration that he said placed his state “squarely at the forefront of the national fight for justice.”
Items Murphy listed in the arena of criminal justice reform included restoration of voting rights to persons on parole and probation, streamlining the process to expunge criminal records which helps persons seeking employment and New Jersey’s Attorney General initiating policies to increase transparency in policing along with changing the culture of policing.
Juneteenth is a celebration gaining wider recognition that dates to the end of America’s Civil War. On June 19, 1865 a Union Army General arrived in Galveston, Texas where announced that slavery was over, a fact not then known to blacks in that far end of the former Confederacy.
NJ Lt Gov Sheila Oliver, during her remarks at the celebration, also extolled the progress being made in New Jersey from improvements in educational opportunities and increases in the minimum wage to environmental justice initiatives.
Oliver said New Jersey has benefited from having a Governor who knew the struggles of black people “long before Black Lives Matter caught fire” throughout America.
Gov Murphy, when concluding his remarks, stressed that on the issue of addressing institutional racism “It is well past time to account for our past.”
ADVERTISEMENT: Washington Wellness Center, Robbinsville NJ https://washingtonwellnesscenter.com/
“Why Black Lives Matter in New Jersey”
Full remarks by Governor Phil Murphy:
Good afternoon, everyone!
First, I want to give Glory and Honor to God for allowing me to be here today.
To my Friend Reverend John Taylor, I give greetings to you and the First Lady, and to the Deacons, Trustees, Officers, members, and friends and family of Friendship Baptist Church.
Pastor Taylor, I must also thank you for your transformational leadership here in Trenton, and for all you do not just within the spiritual community here, but in the greater community that extends well beyond these walls. You have stood with the people of this great city during triumphant days and days where there have been trials.
You have stood with me in our commitment to socio-economic justice. We have known each other since before I took office, and I have always appreciated your guidance and support.
And, I thank you for inviting me to your house to celebrate this Juneteenth.
It was this day 155 years ago when Union General Gordon Granger, a white man, landed with troops in Galveston, Texas, to spread the word that all enslaved Blacks were, at last, free.
Yet, President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation on New Year’s Day, 1863 – 900 days earlier.
For 900 days, thousands of enslaved Black Americans continued to toil in the most horrible of conditions, not knowing that they were free men and women.
But, look at the history of Black America since then. Yes, we can celebrate the end of the literal and physical chains which held Blacks as chattel, but in doing so we cannot ignore the figurative chains which have kept our proud Black communities from achieving the full equality which they deserve, which they have been promised, and which is their most basic right.
This Juneteenth, it is Black America rising to tell us that we can no longer ignore the 401-year history of slavery and systemic racism – 401 years since the first enslaved Africans arrived on the shores of this continent – a history that is writ-large in the inequalities in wages and wealth, health care, in housing, in education, in economic opportunity, and on and on down the line, and, including in treatment by law enforcement.
The long history of slavery and the stain of racism is directly linked to the conditions of African Americans today. Systemic racism has not only existed in America and in New Jersey, but it still exists.
Those of us who have been granted privilege because of the color of our skin must recognize the many generations of pain which have been visited upon those without that privilege. I also recognize and celebrate the new generation of Americans who refuse to inherit this legacy.
Across our nation – and, indeed our world – hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of people are awakening to the words written in Scripture, the Book of John Chapter 8, Verse 32, “you shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free.”
Too many among us have kept our blinders on for too long. It has taken more than 400 years for the truth that “Black Lives Matter” to finally be given meaning and humanity.
For too long, and in too many corners, we couldn’t see, or – even worse, in some cases did not want to see – the truth that systemic racism still to this day permeates our society, and our failure to address that truth has stunted our path to freedom.
Not your path to freedom – our path to freedom. This is not about one man or one woman. This is about all of us. Together.
And, let us always remember, that these values are the ones we must also bring to our fight for justice for our immigrant communities, who also face discrimination.
The reason that Black Lives Matter is because We are one state, one family, and we rise and fall – and we march and protest – as one. Saying Black Lives Matter is saying that in the struggle for the soul of humanity that we must acknowledge a community that has been victimized for 401 years by racism and discrimination.
Saying Black Lives Matter boldly states that we will not inherit your racism. We will fight it wherever it raises its ugly head.
Several weeks ago, I had an opportunity to attend a rally in Westfield organized by a 16-year-old student who challenged her city and school to look inside their souls and to proclaim, “Black Lives Matter.” And there, I saw thousands of people – mostly White residents who have awoken the reality of what it means to be good allies – proclaim to the world that Black Lives Matter.
However, Black Lives Matter are not just words. It is a personal call to action.
Let me be clear, systemic racism is a crisis that has infected every aspect of American life. And I will work tirelessly to address it and its cascading effects.
I will continue to work with my advisors, members of my Cabinet, and the Legislature – especially with the members of the Legislative Black Caucus, led by Senator Ron Rice and Assemblywoman Shavonda Sumter – on policy that will highlight and work to root-out the disparities in housing, income, transportation, education, and other issue areas, that have a direct impact on Black and Brown people.
And, I did not decide that Black Lives Matter last week – this has been a lifelong commitment.
Black Lives Matter in wages and wealth creation, so we will push for additional meaningful economic opportunities for our families.
Black Lives Matter in criminal justice reform, so we will continue reshaping a more community-centered form of law enforcement.
Black Lives Matter in housing, where we will continue to provide resources to support affordable homeownership and those needing rental assistance.
Black Lives Matter in infant and maternal health, where we must eliminate disparate treatment in medical care.
Black Lives Matter in education, from pre-school to a college degree, where we must make equity a core value in how we develop education policy.
Black Lives Matter in the environment, where we must eliminate unequal community impacts.
And, Black Lives Matter in Camden, Atlantic City, and Trenton, and in suburban and rural communities alike.
Already, we have taken big steps together.
We have put our minimum wage on a solid path to $15 an hour. We have given everyone who works the guarantee of a paid sick day and access to expanded paid family leave. We know these progressive steps predominately benefit people of color, who have held a disproportionate number of low-wage jobs.
We have increased funding for our public schools and investments in pre-K – a cornerstone for building a stronger future for countless thousands of kids. And we started a historic program which today is allowing thousands of residents to attend community college and get their associate’s degree tuition-free.
Through the tremendous work of the First Lady – who has brought together 18 different state departments and agencies, faith and community leaders, health care leaders, and elected officials from across our state – we are meaningfully confronting our infant and maternal health crisis. A black woman in New Jersey is nearly five times more likely than a white woman to die from pregnancy-related complications, and a black baby is three times more likely than a white baby to die before his or her first birthday.
This abhorrent reality is why we have joined together with hundreds of partners throughout the state to develop a statewide strategic plan to decrease our rate of maternal mortality by 50 percent over five years, and completely eliminate the inequities in birth outcomes.
And, given the current national tenor, we have put New Jersey squarely at the forefront of the national fight for justice.
In December of last year, I was proud to sign bills addressing some of the ways our criminal justice system holds people back even after conviction. New Jersey now has the most progressive expungement reform in the nation allowing for the expungement of records of residents whose futures have been held back because of past convictions, and gives residents on parole or probation back their right to vote.
I believe in second chances, and that is why we created the second chance agenda. As I sought this office, I heard the stories of those whose futures were uncertain because of a low-level offense on their record and because of that record could not get employment. The expungement law, in particular, helps to reverse the impact of unjust laws and sentencing that started during slavery and continued for decades.
Our commitment to creating safe communities and neighborhoods through a criminal justice system that lives up to that all-important word, “justice,” and enacting the recommendations of the Criminal Sentencing and Disposition Commission – which include the elimination of mandatory minimum sentences for non-violent drug offenses – has only grown stronger.
And, through the tremendous work of Attorney General Gurbir Grewal and State Police Superintendent Colonel Pat Callahan, we are undertaking a transformation in the culture of policing across our state.
They have, to their credit, traveled across our state building partnerships with faith and community leaders, residents, and stakeholders so that this transformation in policing and police culture is achieved through direct and open collaboration with our diverse communities.
And, we have seen across our state over the past few weeks the natural outgrowth of these efforts – law enforcement joining their communities in committing to the simple, natural law that Black Lives Matter.
Under Attorney General Grewal, New Jersey has emerged as a national leader in increasing accountability, transparency and professionalism – which bring us closer to a reimagined police culture.
Just this week, the Attorney General directed all law enforcement agencies to make public the names of officers who are fired, demoted, or suspended for more than five days due to serious disciplinary violations.
This speaks to a core value – those who discredit their badge should not be allowed to hide behind that badge.
Superintendent Callahan is taking this directive even further. He has committed to not just releasing these names in the future, but releasing twenty-years-worth of names from State Police. As a result, other agencies are taking similar steps – a sure sign that they not only wish to change for the future, but that they also wish to account for their own pasts.
That is what lays at the heart of this matter. It is well time for us to account for our past.
We cannot escape the fact that our own criminal justice system has an inconsistent past in its relationship with Black and brown communities.
In New Jersey, we have our own history of police-involved deaths. Maurice Gordon is just one example. Our condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Mr. Gordon and every family who has shared this kind of tragic loss. And, here, we have a law which I signed that requires our Attorney General to independently investigate officer-involved deaths and to present evidence before a grand jury.
We will lead the nation in creating a system of transparency and integrity in the legal process.
Ours is a nation conceived in liberty, and, yet, 244 years after our founding document declared “to a candid world,” that “all men are created equal,” we must reckon with the fact, in the starkest of terms, and in the sharpest of images, that we are far from achieving that promised equality.
Ask George Floyd if he was treated as an equal. Ask Breonna Taylor. Ask Ahmaud Arbery. Ask Rayshard Brooks.
Ask John William Smith, whose arrest in Newark in 1967 sparked the Newark uprisings.
The names of the slaves in Texas who learned of their freedom on Juneteenth are unknown but to history. But, the names of those whose lives have been cut short because of systemic racism are known to us all. They must be.
And, lest we forget, the first American killed in the nation’s first fight for independence and liberty, in 1770, was a Black man, Crispus Attucks. How have we honored that legacy?
We cannot allow ourselves to walk through this world with blinders on, claiming emptily that we don’t “see race” – when what that means is we are ignoring the inequalities that exist today.
We cannot escape the fact that systemic racism – not the outward racism of hate groups, but the silent racism of complacency – has bled into nearly facet of facet of our society.
New Jersey is a leader – and will remain a leader – in bringing the change we need. Our administration came to office with a commitment to tackling and dismantling systemic racism, but despite our strides thus far, we know that work is far from over.
We will continue to stand in solidarity with everyone in this sanctuary, with every one of you watching, and with everyone protesting in the streets.
Our goal – not as an administration, but as a society – is this: That the pain of yesterday, and the pain of today, does not become the pain of tomorrow.
There are too many who are not with us as we continue this work to ensure true freedom and equality – in word and in deed – for all. But their memories, and their spirits will guide us forward, as they always have.
Let’s do this together. Let’s make this Juneteenth 2020 a day not just of historical celebration, but the day where we took another step forward in transforming our state in a way that future generations will celebrate.
And, as we move forward, let us be led by the words found in Second Corinthians, Verse Three, Chapter 17, “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”
Let this be our charge.
Thank you, and may God bless you all.
Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. Dating back to 1865, it was on June 19th that the Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free. Robbinsville celebrated this historic day as a community at the Town Center Gazebo by the lake. Several speakers talked about their experiences to those in attendance.
WEST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–Friends and families packed the gymnasium at Mercer County Community College for Mercer County Police Academy, graduation exercises held for the Basic Recruit Class # 22-19. Marty P. Masseroni Director, Detective Robert Gioscio Chief Instructor, Inv. Michael Winget Staff Instructor, Rene Mastroianni Staff Secretary, Detective Dennis Schuster (Retired) Range Master Sheriff’s-Liaison, Brian Hughes County Executive, Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri, John Kemler Mercer County Sheriff Board Chairman, Chief Lance Maloney President Chief’s of Police Association and Dr. Jianting Wang President of Mercer County College.
Mercer County Press Release:
WEST WINDSOR—Sixty-one cadets who made up the 22nd basic class of police officers took part in today’s Mercer County Police Academy commencement held in the gymnasium at Mercer County Community College (MCCC).
An audience of several hundred family members, friends, Mercer County dignitaries and law enforcement officials from around State of New Jersey saw the cadets receive graduation certificates to officially make them police officers.
The graduates endured 21 weeks of training at the academy in all aspects of law enforcement and will now serve in police agencies within Mercer County and elsewhere (see complete list below). The academy, which was created in October 2006, is located on the grounds of MCCC.
Michael Flanagan, who will join the New Jersey Transit Police Department and was chosen by his fellow graduates as class speaker, told the gathering that he was inspired by a Police Academy instructor’s pep talk in which he asked the cadets if they knew why police officers train so hard. “It’s because we always win … we have to.”
“Mercer Class 22-19, I want you to leave this graduation today with the mindset that we always win,” Officer Flanagan said. “Maintain your physical fitness because we always win. Keep up on your case law because we always win. Take your in-service training seriously because we always win. Know what’s around you 360 because we always win. While on this job, stay locked in and do not get complacent, because you always have to win.”
Also addressing the class were Police Academy Director Martin Masseroni, Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes, Mercer County Sheriff John A. Kemler, Hopewell Township Police Chief Lance Maloney, president of the Mercer County Chiefs of Police Association; and Dr. Jianping Wang, MCCC president. Also in attendance were Freeholders Ann Cannon, John Cimino and Lucylle Walter.
During training, the class studied in disciplines such as use of force, firearms, vehicle pursuit, hostage negotiation, advanced crime scene processing and domestic violence prevention, among others. Several cadets received awards at the graduation ceremony for their excellence in training. Ethan Fisher, Somerset County Sheriff’s Office, was chosen by his classmates to receive the Certificate of Merit awarded by the N.J. Police Training Commission to the best all-around graduate. Officer Fisher also received the academic award; Ayaz Kahn, New Jersey Transit Police Department, and Danae Rebelo, Middlesex County Sheriff’s Office, both earned the firearms qualification award with perfect scores; Alyssa DiPierro, Trenton Police Department, and Thomas Tramontana, Mercer County Sheriff’s Office, both received the physical training award; and Jonathan White, New Jersey Transit Police Department, received the emergency vehicle operations award.
The Mercer Police Academy consists of two classrooms specially designed for the needs of law enforcement training, and recruits use MCCC grounds, its library and its gymnasium for training purposes. The campus includes a padded training room that is used for “defensive tactics” classes. A shooting range in Hopewell Township operated by the prosecutor’s office is part of the academy as well.
The following is a list of the graduates, their hometowns and the law enforcement agency each will join. (Alternate Route trainees attend the academy at their own expense and now can pursue employment as a certified police officer.)
Alternate Route: Ahmet Ekiz, Hamilton; Arthur Juba, South River; Anthony Leone, Springfield; William Revesz, Montgomery; and Tyler Vandergrift, Hamilton
Hamilton Township Police Division: Gregory Danley, Hamilton
Hunterdon County Sheriff’s Office: Timothy Althamer, Flemington
Lawrence Township Police Department: Nigel Davis and Michael Hammond, both of Lawrence
Linden Police Department: Michael Linebaugh and Antoine Suggs, both of Linden
Mercer County Sheriff’s Office: Tyler Beers, Hamilton; Alesha Bethea, Trenton; Anthony Herold, Lawrence; Dylan Tallman, Hamilton; Thomas Tramontana, Hamilton; and Lawrence Windsor, Lawrence
Middlesex County Sheriff’s Office: Taylor Clanton, Piscataway; Jaquan Cook, New Brunswick; Devin Gray, Milltown; Lawrence Lenahan, Sayreville; Jennifer Lukacs, Perth Amboy; Christian Paez, Sayreville; Helder Paredes, Monroe; Danae Rebelo, Middlesex; Islam Saad, Sayreville; Jessica Tymitz, Woodbridge; Jeremy Vargas, Woodbridge; and Antonios Zaferellis, South River
New Jersey Transit Police Department: Mohammed Ahmed, Haledon; Michael Baloga, North Arlington; Michael Dowdy, Irvington; Michael Flanagan, Jersey City; Sean Gallagher, Belvidere; Paul Gawin, Saddlebrook; Kevin Guy, Fairlawn; Katherine Hormaza, Morristown; Ayaz Kahn, Nutley; Kevin Kolbenschlag, Brick; Joseph Mastropfilipo, Paramus; Christopher Montalvo, Bloomfield; Matthew Reiter, Manalapan; Elias Statham, Bayonne; Jonathan White, Jefferson; and Jonathan Ydo, Bloomfield
Somerset County Sheriff’s Office: Ethan Fisher, Branchburg; and Kyle Lippincott, Milford
Trenton Police Department: Michael Cahill, Lawrence; Julio Casso, Hamilton; Alyssa DiPierro, Hamilton; Austin Fountain, Hamilton; Michael Giovannetti, Ewing; Scott Hussey, Hamilton; Michael Kovacs, Hamilton; Alyssa Mantuano, Hamilton; Matthew Martindell, Hamilton; Jeffrey Pownall, Yardville; Michael Tylutki, Hamilton, Christopher Vitoritt, Hamilton; Brandon Walker, Hamilton; and Justin Walker, Hamilton
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December 3, 2021
TRENTON, N.J. – A Monroe County, Pennsylvania man was sentenced today to 200 months in prison for his role in distributing large quantities of heroin and cocaine in the Bayshore area of Monmouth and Middlesex counties, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced today.
Guy Jackson, 49, of Effort, Pennsylvania, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Brian R. Martinotti in Trenton federal court to an information charging him with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin. Jackson also admitted to conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine. Judge Martinotti imposed the sentence today via videoconference.
Today’s sentence follows a coordinated takedown in November 2018 of 15 defendants charged in a federal criminal complaint with conspiracy to distribute heroin and cocaine. To date, 13 defendants have pleaded guilty. Supplier Gregory Gillens was sentenced on Sept. 8, 2020, to 10 years in prison. Co-defendant Daniel McHugh was sentenced to 90 months in prison; co-defendant David Nagy was sentenced to one year and one day in prison; co-defendant Shavar Williams was sentenced to time served, which amounted to approximately 14 months in prison; co-defendant Daryl Jackson was sentenced to five years’ probation with 10 months of home detention; and co-defendant Brian Hall was sentenced to three years’ probation with eight months of home detention. Co-defendants Krystal Cordoba, Daniel Alfano, Tyler Scarangello, Christy Dube, Richard Gethers, and Lashawn Mealing are awaiting sentencing. Defendant Deberal Rogers has been indicted, and charges were dismissed against one defendant.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From May 2017 to November 2018, Jackson and others engaged in a narcotics conspiracy that operated in the Raritan Bayshore region of Middlesex and northern Monmouth counties. Through the interception of telephone calls and text messages pursuant to court-authorized wiretap orders, controlled purchases of heroin and cocaine, the use of confidential sources of information, and other investigative techniques, law enforcement learned that Jackson regularly supplied large quantities of heroin and cocaine for further distribution. Some of the heroin distributed by the conspiracy contained fentanyl, a dangerous synthetic opioid.
In addition to the prison terms, Judge Martinotti sentenced Jackson to five years of supervised release. Four vehicles that Jackson used in the course of the drug conspiracy, as well as in excess of $10,000 in cash that Jackson admitted was proceeds of drug trafficking, were previously seized and administratively forfeited.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the FBI, Newark Division, Red Bank Resident Agency, Jersey Shore Gang and Criminal Organization Task Force (including representatives from the Bradley Beach Police Department, Brick Police Department, Howell Police Department, Marlboro Police Department, Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office, Toms River Police Department, and Union Beach Police Department) under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch, Jr.; special agents of the FBI, Philadelphia Division, Scranton Resident Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jacqueline Maguire; the New Jersey State Police, under the direction of Col. Patrick J. Callahan; the Matawan Police Department, under the direction of Chief Thomas J. Falco, Jr.; the Holmdel Police Department, under the direction of Chief John Mioduszewski; the Highlands Police Department, under the direction of Chief Robert Burton; the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Lori Linskey; the Old Bridge Police Department, under the direction of Chief William A. Volkert; the Keansburg Police Department, under the direction of Chief Wayne Davis; the Hazlet Police Department, under the direction of Chief Ted A. Wittke; and the Aberdeen Police Department, under the direction of Chief Alan Geyer, with the investigation leading to this week’s sentencings.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elisa T. Wiygul of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Trenton.
The charges and allegations against the remaining defendant are merely accusations, and she is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
21-555
Defense counsel: Lorraine Gauli-Rufo Esq., Verona, New Jersey
Additional photos by Anthony Greco
Christopher Walls, 50, of West End Avenue in Long Branch,
Photo by Sora Shimazaki on Pexels.com
Richard Knight, 40, of New Egypt,
