Update to the early morning: BREAKING: House Fire In Toms River
TOMS RIVER, NJ (OCEAN)–On January 28th, 2021 at approximately 11:30 PM, multiple Toms River Police, Fire and EMS units responded to Loxley Drive for a reported structure fire. Upon arrival, officers observed a two story, single family home actively on fire. Due to strong winds in the area responding officers evacuated surrounding residences.
Neighbors believed the homeowner was still in the residence at the time of police arrival. Officer Rebecca Sayegh forced entry through the front door and located the homeowner in the foyer who was unable to open the door and exit due to the heavy smoke. Officer Sayegh confirmed that there were no other occupants inside the residence and escorted the homeowner, and her pets, across the street to the neighbors’ residence where she was evaluated by Toms River EMS.
Multiple Fire Departments responded and assisted in extinguishing the fire. Toms River Fire Companies 1 and 2, East Dover Fire Department, Silverton Fire Department, Pleasant Plains Fire Company, and Island Heights Fire Department, as well as, Brick Twp Fire and EMS Mass Care Response Team. Toms River Police Detectives Roger Hull and Travis Seaman were on scene along with Toms River Fire Inspectors Matthew Janora and Dana Mitchell.
Due to freezing temperatures, Toms River Department of Public Works responded to the area to sand and salt the roadways to prevent hazardous road conditions.
One firefighter was transported to Community Medical Center for treatment of a minor injury. The cause of the fire is under investigation by Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention and is believed to be accidental.
EWING TWP (MERCER)– Fire companies from multiple towns battled a second alarm fire in Ewing Township’s Hillcrest section this morning.
Firefighters responded to a home in the 300 block of Beechwood Avenue just before 9:00 am on a reported light fixture on fire inside of the residence. Companies arrived on scene with visible smoke from the exterior, and the first alarm was placed. Crews began going to work as the fire quickly began to spread through the attic. Within minutes, the second alarm was placed.
Two hose lines were stretched into service to knock down the fire on the second and third floors. Interior crews did have to evacuate for a short period of time due to unsafe conditions.
The fire was placed under control around 9:50 am. One dog was rescued from the home unharmed. It is unknown if any people were injured in the incident.
The fire was brought under control by Ewing Twp Fire Dept, Prospect Heights Vol Fire Co, West Trenton Vol Fire Co, Hamilton Fire Dept, Union Fire Co, Pennington Fire Dept, Lawrenceville Fire Co, Lawrence Road Fire Co, Slackwood Fire Company, Mercer County Fire Coordinators, and Signal 22 Canteen Unit.
No further information is available.
Photos by Tyler Eckel Photos by: Brian McCarthy, OnScene News
October 28, 2019, MONROE TOWNSHIP, NJ — 2nd Alarm on Morning Glory Drive. Monroe Twp, Highstown, East Windsor, Plainsboro and possibly others responded to the scene. No further information available at the time of posting due to the fact it was still under investigation . YouTube Video https://youtu.be/865LKB97a1U
TRENTON – Governor Phil Murphy and Department of Banking and Insurance Commissioner Marlene Caride announced today that the state has secured relief options with private student loan servicers to expand on the protections the federal government granted to federal student loan borrowers. These new options stand to benefit an estimated 200,000 New Jerseyans with privately held student loans. “Far too many New Jerseyans struggle with crushing student loan debt in good times, and our current crisis has only exacerbated the problem,” said Governor Murphy. “This initiative will provide much needed relief to New Jerseyans who are struggling with student loans and other financial obligations during this crisis. I commend the private sector servicers that joined this initiative for easing some of the affordability concerns of our student loan borrowers who have been impacted by COVID-19.”The federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act provided much needed relief for students with federal loans, including the suspension of monthly payments, interest, and involuntary collection activity until September 30, 2020. However, the CARES Act does not apply to millions of student loan borrowers with federal loans that are not owned by the US Government as well as loans made by private lenders. Under the initiative announced today, New Jersey residents with commercially-owned Federal Family Education Program Loans or privately held student loans who are struggling to make their payments due to the COVID-19 pandemic will be eligible for expanded relief. The initiative is modeled on the agreement made by the New York Department of Financial Services with commercial student loan servicers in its state. Borrowers in need of assistance must immediately contact their student loan servicer to identify the options that are appropriate to their circumstances. Relief options offered by participating servicers include:
Providing a minimum of 90 days of forbearance relief for borrowers;
Waiving late payment fees for borrowers;
Ensuring no borrower is subject to negative credit reporting;
Ceasing debt collection lawsuits for 90 days; and
Working with eligible borrowers to enroll them in other applicable borrower assistance programs.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has left many New Jerseyans struggling with severe financial hardship,” said Department of Banking and Insurance Commissioner Caride. “Through this effort, New Jersey residents will have payment options available as they are working to balance the financial needs of their families and obligations that include student loans, during this unprecedented time. This initiative also appropriately protects against negative credit reporting for using these payment options.”“The unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic has posed financial hardships for many New Jerseyans, particularly those whose employment may have been impacted by this emergency. As residents navigate their ‘new normal’ and strive to protect their own health and safety during this public health crisis, borrowers should not have the added worry of how they are going to repay their student loans,” said Dr. Zakiya Smith Ellis, Secretary of Higher Education. “I am pleased to see these additional relief measures that will create greater options for repayment flexibility.”The initiative builds upon the relief provided to student loan borrowers by New Jersey’s Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (NJ HESAA). Last month, Governor Murphy announced that borrowers with loans from the New Jersey College Loans to Assist State Students (NJCLASS) program can apply for payment relief programs that fully meet the terms of today’s agreement with other private student loan servicers. “As New Jersey’s state financial aid agency, HESAA remains committed to supporting student loan borrowers,” said David J. Socolow, executive director of HESAA. “We are providing relief for NJCLASS borrowers experiencing illness, unemployment, or financial hardship. HESAA has never charged late fees nor will we do so during this crisis. And during the pandemic emergency, we are protecting borrowers’ credit and suspending involuntary collection activities.”The Department notes that if regulated student loan servicers are limited in their ability to take these actions due to investor restrictions or contractual obligations, servicers should instead proactively work with loan holders whenever possible to relax those restrictions or obligations. Prudent and reasonable actions taken to support relief for borrowers during the pandemic will not be subject to examiner criticism from the Department of Banking and Insurance.Under today’s announcement, in addition to NJ HESAA, the following are private student loan servicers providing relief:Aspire Resources, Inc.College Ave Student Loan Servicing, LLCEarnest Operations, LLCEdfinancial Services, LLCKentucky Higher Education Student Loan CorporationLendkey Technologies, Inc.Higher Education Loan Authority of the State of Missouri (MOHELA)Navient Corp.Nelnet, Inc.SoFi Lending Corp.Tuition Options, LLCUtah Higher Education Assistance Authority (UHEAA)
Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC) New Jersey worked cooperatively on this initiative with California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington. Numerous student loan servicers have been working with borrowers during this time period, and additional servicers are expected to sign onto the initiative. More information and a list of participating servicers may be found at dobi.nj.gov. To determine the types of federal loans they have and who their servicers are, borrowers can visit the U.S. Department of Education’s National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) at nslds.ed.gov or call the Department of Education’s Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-433-3243 or 1-800-730-8913 (TDD). Borrowers with private student loans can check the contact information on their monthly billing statements. Residents who have questions or are experiencing trouble with their student loan servicer may contact the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance Consumer Hotline at 1-800-446-7467 (8:30 am to 5:00 pm EST Monday-Friday), or go to the Department website and click on Consumer Assistance – Inquiries/Complaints, at https://www.dobi.nj.govFor more information, see these COVID-19 related Questions and Answers for NJCLASS borrowers: https://www.hesaa.org/Documents/Misc/NJCLASS_Q_n_A.pdf
Pool Photos by: Kevin Sanders, New Jersey Globe
New Municipal Bond Program Helps Mitigate Financial Impacts to Local Governments During State of Emergency
April 21, 2020
TRENTON, NJ – In response to growing concerns about financial market disruptions on local governments, the Murphy Administration and the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank (I-Bank) have implemented a backstop municipal bond note program. I-Bank’s $50 million liquidity investment, which is designed to help mitigate financial impacts to municipalities during the coronavirus state of emergency, launched on April 15.
“Governor Murphy and I are grateful that New Jersey’s I-Bank is able to step up in these uncertain times to help maintain fiscal solvency in all 565 of our municipalities,” said Lt. Governor Sheila Y. Oliver, who serves as DCA Commissioner. “This investment will help calm concerns in our local government units about market volatility. DCA is proud to partner with I-Bank and the New Jersey Department of Treasury to promote economic stability as we ride out this unprecedented crisis.”
The I-Bank Bond Anticipation Note (BAN) Program provides liquidity for municipalities in New Jersey that experience difficulty rolling over BANs in today’s volatile, disruptive municipal bond market.
According to David Zimmer, Executive Director of the I-Bank, “This liquidity program is just one example of how the Governor is employing the state’s agencies and authorities to proactively address the financial impact of the virus on communities in New Jersey.”
New Jersey’s I-Bank has amended its investment policy to permit it to invest in local government unit BANs in certain circumstances. The BAN purchase program is a limited and specialized resource made available only to participants in I-Bank associated financing programs to address failed sales occurring during BAN rollovers.
This program is designed to ensure solvency and fiscal stability for New Jersey’s local government units, providing protection against potential defaults during the present liquidity crisis. Its general terms are as follows:The program is of limited duration, authorized only during a period in which the Governor has declared a State of Emergency. Only those BAN rollovers that require assistance, as defined by I-Bank, may participate.
Members of the I-Bank, Treasurer’s Office, and the financial advisor to the I-Bank shall determine the appropriate amount of available funds and liquidity to be invested.There will be sector, issue, and credit limits, interest rate guidelines, and a maturity limit of 90 days for any BAN submitted for consideration.The Director of the Division of Investments in the New Jersey Department of Treasury must approve the purchase of any BAN through the program.
“I’m thrilled that I-Bank is focusing their resources on municipal needs in these challenging times to help ensure that all of our local units remain fiscally stable throughout this crisis. I want to thank I-Bank and the Department of Treasury for their diligence and cooperation in getting this program off the ground so quickly,” said DCA Division of Local Government Services Director Melanie Walter.
“Treasury was pleased to be a part of this coordinated effort to help address the liquidity challenge many governments are facing right now,” said Michael Kanef, Director of Treasury’s Division of Public Finance. “We are hopeful that this additional protection will play a significant role in helping our municipalities weather this time of great uncertainty.”
DCA offers a wide range of programs and services, including affordable housing production, fire safety, building safety, community planning and development, local government management and finance, and disaster recovery.
For more information about DCA, visit nj.gov/dca/ or follow the Department on social media:
Pool Photos by: Kevin Sanders, New Jersey Globe
April 21, 2020
TRENTON – Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal and Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police, announced the following recent enforcement actions related to COVID-19, including those involving individuals in violation of Governor Murphy’s Executive Orders: Assaults and Threats Against Police Officers, EMTs, or Others
Lettie Carstarphen, 29, an inmate at the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women, was charged on April 7 with terroristic threats during an emergency (2nd degree), aggravated assault on an officer (4th degree), throwing bodily fluid at an officer (4th degree), risking widespread injury (4th degree), and endangering (4th degree). While at the clinic inside the correctional facility, Carstarphen allegedly intentionally and forcefully coughed and tried to spit at correction officers, stating “I’m going to give you corona and I hope you die.”
Immanuela Omini, 21, of Sickerville, was charged yesterday, April 20, by the New Jersey State Police with throwing bodily fluid at an officer (4th degree), obstruction (disorderly persons offense), and resisting arrest (disorderly persons offense). A state trooper stopped Omini at about 5:30 p.m. for driving recklessly on Sicklerville Road and discovered that she had several outstanding warrants against her. When Omini refused to get out of her vehicle, the trooper, assisted by officers of the Monroe Township Police Department, had to physically remove Omini from the vehicle. Omini was placed under arrest on the warrants and for resisting arrest and obstruction. As she was being placed in a Monroe Township Police vehicle, Omini allegedly spit twice at the trooper, once in her face and once on the chest.
Other Criminal Charges Involving Indictable Offenses
Paul J. Smith, 44, of Lakehurst, was charged yesterday, April 20, with false public alarm (2nd degree) and criminal mischief (3rd degree). Smith allegedly pulled a fire alarm yesterday at Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus in Lakewood. He also allegedly broke a television, a sink faucet, and an IV pump, causing more than $2,000 in damage. Hospital staff had to struggle to restrain him.
Other Violations of Executive Orders, Including “Stay at Home” Order, and Ordinances
Newark Enforcement. The Newark Police Department’s COVID-19 task force issued 37 summonses for violations of the emergency orders and ordered four non-essential businesses closed in enforcement actions on Sunday and Monday, April 19 and 20.
Yosef M. Notis, 43, of Lakewood, was charged early this morning by the Lakewood Police Department for violating the emergency orders by giving children permission to open the gym at his school on Oak Street to play basketball. There were eight male youths in the gym.
Felipe Familia-Lugo, 31, of Dover, was charged yesterday, April 20, by the Dover Police Department with violating the emergency orders for opening his barber shop to cut hair. Police also charged his brother Jesus Familia-Lugo, 27, of Dover, who was having his hair cut, and Manuel Pandolfo, 33, of Hackettstown, who was also present in the barber shop. Police investigated when they saw lights on inside the business shortly before 11 p.m. last night.
Roland Nunez, 49, Saunialt Adams, 29, Warnetta Johnson, 70, and Juan Gnegorie, were charged late Saturday night, April 18, with violating the emergency orders by hosting gatherings outside their apartments at the Mallard Park Apartments in Penns Grove. Borough police responded to a report of altercations among the groups. Officers dispersed the crowds.
Jarod Rieth, 21, of Haskell, was charged with violating the emergency orders after the Stanhope Police Department stopped his vehicle on Route 206 on the night of April 16.
William Hancock, 32, of East Orange, and Roberto St. Juste, 25, of West Orange, were charged on April 17 by the Hampton Police Department with shoplifting (disorderly persons offense) and violating the emergency orders. Police stopped Hancock and St. Juste for alleged shoplifting and found items stolen from Lowe’s in their vehicle.
Tyrell Wright, 26, of Washington Township, Warren County, was charged on April 17 with distribution of less than one ounce of marijuana (4th degree) and violating the emergency orders. Wright allegedly was seen conducting a hand to hand marijuana sale with another individual.
Ryan Peterson, 24, of Budd Lake, was charged on April 14 by the Mount Olive Township Police Department with violating the emergency orders for playing on a soccer field.
Shahiem Alston, 33, Shamir Williams, 26, and Jahmahli Carnegie, 19, all of Paterson, were charged yesterday, April 20, by the Paterson Police Department with violating the emergency orders for gathering in the area of 17th Avenue and East 28th Street without an essential purpose, refusing to disperse, and failing to practice social distancing.
Miguel Gonzalez, 40, Victor Corota, 50, Alberto Torres, 49, and Jose Montez, 56, all of Paterson, were charged yesterday, April 20, by the Paterson Police Department with violating the emergency orders for gathering in the area of Market and Summer Streets without an essential purpose and refusing to disperse.
Clavon Radcliff, 31, Andre Gordon, 32, Jermaine Brown, 32, and Jerome McGraw, 32, all of Paterson, were charged yesterday, April 20, by the Paterson Police Department with violating the emergency orders for gathering in the area of 10th Avenue and East 26th Street without an essential purpose, refusing to disperse, and failing to practice social distancing.
The defendants who were charged strictly with violating the emergency orders or local ordinances and who do not face more serious charges were charged by summons— they were not arrested. Those cases will be adjudicated in municipal court. “One month after Governor Murphy issued his emergency orders, we are flattening the curve and saving lives, because the vast majority of our residents are conscientiously obeying the social distancing rules and doing their share to fight COVID-19,” said Attorney General Grewal. “Unfortunately, there are still those who violate the orders, risking the further spread of this deadly virus. What is worse, there are some who deliberately threaten our brave police officers, medical personnel, and other essential workers, impeding their vital work. Our message to violators is that we will hold you accountable, whether it is through a summons for those who violate the social distancing orders, or an arrest on indictable charges for those who deliberately harm or threaten others during this emergency.” “Although law enforcement and medical professionals are on the frontlines of the battle against COVID-19, we are ultimately winning the war because of the extraordinary resolve and fortitude of New Jersey citizens who are doing their part day in and day out, abiding by the executive orders and sacrificing for the greater good,” said Colonel Patrick Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “Those who choose to ignore the law and selfishly place others at risk will face swift law enforcement action.” Violations of the emergency orders constitute a disorderly persons offense carrying a potential sentence of up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. However, violators can potentially face criminal charges including second, third, and fourth degree indictable offenses. On April 1, Attorney General Grewal announced enhanced charges against six people who were charged with assaulting and threatening law enforcement officers and violating the emergency orders. Specifically, those enhanced charges included terroristic threats during an emergency, a second-degree offense carrying a sentence of five to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $150,000. Seventeen additional defendants, including Lettie Carstarphen, have been similarly charged since that time for alleged assaults or threats against law enforcement officers, medical personnel, or others. Third-degree charges carry a sentence of three to five years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000, while fourth-degree charges carry a sentence of up to 18 months in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. The charges are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. If you are seeing a lack of compliance with the Governor’s emergency orders in your town, please contact your local police department or report here https://covid19.nj.gov/violation The Attorney General’s Office and New Jersey State Police will continue to work with law enforcement throughout New Jersey to deter non-complaint behavior. No one should take advantage of this pandemic to further their own biased agendas. COVID-19 is no excuse to promote anti-Semitic conspiracy theories and or other biased stereotypes. Please report bias crimes at 1-800-277-BIAS.
New Jersey State Police Superintendent Patrick Callahan listens during Governor Phil Murphy’s updates to the media on the State’s response to the coronavirus Friday, April 17, 2020, at the War Memorial in Trenton, NJ.
Tuesday April 14, 2020 – State Police Superintendent Colonel Patrick Callahan speaks during Governor Phil Murphy’s coronavirus briefing in the George Washington Ballroom in the Trenton War Memorial.(Pool photo by Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)
Ties Support for Airlines to Reimbursements to Customers
April 21, 2020
U.S. airline customers, whose travel and flight plans have been upended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, will receive full-fare airline refunds—regardless of who initiated the cancelation—under a bipartisan bill introduced by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) with lead cosponsor Rep. Albio Sires (D-NJ).
“Many consumers have been left to fend for themselves as they try to get answers and their money back from air carriers and third-party travel services for trips they’ll never get to take,” said Smith, author of HR 6566, the Airline Travelers Equity Act of 2020. “These cancelations are born out of circumstances beyond a traveler’s control. Yet they have been flatly denied refunds or in some cases issued a credit to be used only within a required timeframe.
“That’s unacceptable—people’s lives and plans have changed dramatically. The airlines—and third-party bookers—should be as understanding as the American taxpayers who are helping the airlines through our federal stimulus bill,” Smith said referencing the fact that the airlines are receiving billions in support from the U.S. taxpayer to help them through the economic impact of COVID-19.
“In this time of financial uncertainty for so many Americans, airlines should not be forcing people to jump through hoops to get refunds for canceled trips,” Sires said. “I believe that this is a commonsense fix that will allow people to stay home without having to worry if they will get their money back.”
The Smith-Sires bill mandates that any US air carrier or third-party travel service seeking a federal loan or grant under the CARES Act (Public Law 116-136) must provide refunds to individuals—whether the trip was canceled by the consumer or the air carrier—so long as the trip was to have been taken place during the covered coronavirus emergency period, defined in the bill as March 13, 2020 until 30 days after the national emergency declaration terminates.
Current regulations require US carriers to provide a refund of fares paid by consumers when an airline cancels its flight. During this national crisis however, some flights continued even as travelers were advised to stay home or feared an inability to return due to domestic shelter-in-place policies and/or international lock downs. HR 6566 recognizes that regardless of the flight status, the COVID-19 public health emergency necessitated a change in plans.
In response to public outcry, on April 3, 2020 the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) issued a notice telling air carriers to advise passengers who were issued vouchers that they have the option to receive a refund. Unfortunately the problem remains, prompting some travelers to file lawsuits against certain air carriers refusing to provide a refund.
“Tragically, thousands of people are now out of work and may need the money—their money—for items other than travel,” Smith said. “Justice dictates that those companies receiving relief through the emergency coronavirus federal stimulus package, should be helpful and accommodating to their customers caught in the same crisis,” he said.
April 21, 2020
Pool Story by: David Danzis, The Press of Atlantic City
ATLANTIC CITY — The federal government’s field hospital at the Convention Center is operational and officials expect to take in the first patient as early as today.
Gov. Phil Murphy, Mayor Marty Small Sr. and Casino Reinvestment Development Authority Executive Director Matt Doherty toured the 258-bed medical facility Tuesday morning along with other officials from the New Jersey State Police, New Jersey National Guard and health professionals.
The field hospital site mirrors those already set up at the Meadowlands Exposition Center in Secaucus and the New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center in Edison. “That’s the shortest runway between one of these tours and a patient walking through the doors,” Murphy said, following the brief 10-minute preview of the facility. “That’s a good sign in the sense that it’s ready to go.”The pop-up site will be for non-COVID-19 patients to help alleviate pressure on local hospitals.
However, officials said the field hospital’s primary purpose could quickly change if necessary. The site is under the operation of the Federal Emergency Management Agency in partnership with the State Police, state health officials and the region’s Level 1 trauma center, Cooper Medical Center.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers selected the regional site and was responsible for the construction.State Police Sgt. 1st Class Marc Pellegrino told Murphy and other officials that the Atlantic City Convention Center’s infrastructure made the two-week conversion an easier process than at the other locations.”It’s the same setup as the other locations,” Pellegrino said, “but you definitely have more sophistication (here).”Rows of one-bed units blocked off by white curtains lined the Convention Center floor. The field hospital includes an on-site pharmacy and lab testing center.
The Convention Center has the ability to expand to accommodate nearly 3,000 hospital beds.”We need the capacity,” Murphy said. “Whether we need it next week, or a year from now, we don’t ever want to be caught (off guard) again.”
Dr. Richard Scott, a retired chief medical officer for Meridian Health and orthopedic surgeon, is overseeing the medical operations of the facility. Scott, who drove up from Wilmington, North Carolina to volunteer, said his main objective is ensuring the safety and well-being of the hundreds of medical personal who will be staffing the site.”There are a lot of people that left their left their jobs and left their families to come help others,” Scott said. “So we’re making sure they’re following good safety procedures and protocols and that we’ve got all the personal protective equipment we need.”
Governor Murphy tours a field medical station inside the Atlantic City Convention Center Tuesday, April 21, 2020 in Atlantic City, N.J. The center was converted into a makeshift hospital to handle patient overflow in response to COVID-19.
Respiratory specialist Samantha Yeung works inside a field medical station at the Atlantic City Convention Center Tuesday, April 21, 2020 in Atlantic City, N.J. The center was converted into a makeshift hospital to handle patient overflow in response to COVID-19.
A patient room inside a field medical station at the Atlantic City Convention Center Tuesday, April 21, 2020 in Atlantic City, N.J. The center was converted into a makeshift hospital to handle patient overflow in response to COVID-19.
Governor Murphy tours a field medical station inside the Atlantic City Convention Center Tuesday, April 21, 2020 in Atlantic City, N.J. The center was converted into a makeshift hospital to handle patient overflow in response to COVID-19.
Rows of patient rooms inside a field medical station at the Atlantic City Convention Center Tuesday, April 21, 2020 in Atlantic City, N.J. The center was converted into a makeshift hospital to handle patient overflow in response to COVID-19.
Governor Murphy, right, tours a field medical station alongside Mayor Marty Small Sr. at the Atlantic City Convention Center Tuesday, April 21, 2020 in Atlantic City, N.J. The center was converted into a makeshift hospital to handle patient overflow in response to COVID-19.
A view of a patient room inside a field medical station at the Atlantic City Convention Center Tuesday, April 21, 2020 in Atlantic City, N.J. The center was converted into a makeshift hospital to handle patient overflow in response to COVID-19.
Governor Murphy tours a field medical station inside the Atlantic City Convention Center Tuesday, April 21, 2020 in Atlantic City, N.J. The center was converted into a makeshift hospital to handle patient overflow in response to COVID-19.
A command center room is set up inside a field medical station at the Atlantic City Convention Center Tuesday, April 21, 2020 in Atlantic City, N.J. The center was converted into a makeshift hospital to handle patient overflow in response to COVID-19.
Mayor Marty Small Sr. tours a field medical station at the Atlantic City Convention Center Tuesday, April 21, 2020 in Atlantic City, N.J. The center was converted into a makeshift hospital to handle patient overflow in response to COVID-19.
A view of a patient room inside a field medical station at the Atlantic City Convention Center Tuesday, April 21, 2020 in Atlantic City, N.J. The center was converted into a makeshift hospital to handle patient overflow in response to COVID-19.
Mayor Marty Small Sr. speaks with reporters during a field medical station tour at the Atlantic City Convention Center Tuesday, April 21, 2020 in Atlantic City, N.J. The center was converted into a makeshift hospital to handle patient overflow in response to COVID-19.
Governor Murphy speaks with reporters and personnel following a tour of a field medical station inside the Atlantic City Convention Center Tuesday, April 21, 2020 in Atlantic City, N.J. The center was converted into a makeshift hospital to handle patient overflow in response to COVID-19.
Colonel Patrick J. Callahan tours a field medical station inside the Atlantic City Convention Center Tuesday, April 21, 2020 in Atlantic City, N.J. The center was converted into a makeshift hospital to handle patient overflow in response to COVID-19.
A patient form inside a field medical station at the Atlantic City Convention Center Tuesday, April 21, 2020 in Atlantic City, N.J. The center was converted into a makeshift hospital to handle patient overflow in response to COVID-19.
Respiratory specialist Samantha Yeung walks by rows of patient rooms inside a field medical station at the Atlantic City Convention Center Tuesday, April 21, 2020 in Atlantic City, N.J. The center was converted into a makeshift hospital to handle patient overflow in response to COVID-19.
Press Pool Photos by: Joe Lamberti, Courier-Post
Will Bring total to 300,000…
April 21, 2020
The last cases of a donation of 200,000 medical masks from the Taiwanese government to New Jersey for the state’s first responders and health care professionals arrived today and are a welcomed addition to 100,000 previously donated by Taiwan, said Rep. Chris Smith (NJ-04).
“I want to thank the people of democratic Taiwan for standing with us during New Jersey’s hour of need,” said Smith. “As of today, the full shipment has arrived at a NJ warehouse where it can be distributed to our first responders and healthcare professionals on the frontlines throughout the state,” he added. “We in New Jersey—the second hardest-hit state in the union—had previously received 100,000 masks out of one million recently sent to the U.S. by the Taiwanese people, and this additional 200,000 is most welcome and necessary.
Smith, who has been in contact with the Taiwanese consulates in New York and Washington in seeking personal protection equipment (PPE), has a long history of support working with Taiwan in the face of the longstanding hostility from the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC).
Ambassador Lily Hsu, the Director-General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New York, which serves as Taiwan’s de facto consulate, stated “We thank Congressman Smith for his many years of friendship with the Taiwanese people. On behalf of the government and the people of the Republic of China (Taiwan), I am delighted to help supply New Jersey’s first responders and frontline health workers with medical masks. I hope it is a reminder of the friendship which exists between the Taiwanese and American people.”
Smith also lauded Taiwan’s success at containing COVID-19 despite its close proximity to mainland China, where the virus originated. He said the World Health Organization (WHO) should have heeded Taiwan’s warnings, rather than China’s misinformation, about the deadly outbreak, noting that the world might not be facing such a severe crisis if WHO did not have a bias towards China. “I and others have been highly critical of the WHO, whose cozy relations with mainland China and failure to ask critical questions abetted the Chinese Communist Party’s disinformation campaign.”
Smith recently authored an op-ed in the Washington Times on the need for accountability and transparency at the WHO. Smith, who currently serves as ranking member of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, and for many years was its chairman, has held more than 60 hearings on the Chinese government’s abuses of the human rights of its own citizens, rights which are protected across the Taiwan Strait. He also is a senior member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
“In contrast to the People’s Republic of China, Taiwan stands as a beacon of freedom and an example of democracy. We are happy to accept this life-saving gift from partners who respect human rights and share our values and aspirations,” Smith concluded.
Forty-eight of 58 cases were delivered to the State of NJ Monday at a Morris County, NJ warehouse. The remainder of the shipment arrive today. (Taiwan Consulate photo)
ROBBINSVILLE-EAST WINDSOR-HAMILTON-NJ (MERCER)–On Thursday April 23 from 7-7:30 p.m., Hamilton, Robbinsville and East Windsor residents can show appreciation to our healthcare workers on the front lines by participating in the “Front Porch Project,” hosted by Hamilton Township and RWJ-Hamilton.
Ways residents could show appreciation is by hanging a banner, taking photos, making some noise, chalk your walk, or other creative projects. Do these at home, not at a public place, or by going to a hospital by please practice proper “social distancing.”
When you are finished send photos and videos to [email protected] and tag photos and videos on social media at @HamiltonTwpNJ and @RWJHamilton also use hashtags #HamiltonProud #EchoingAppreciation #HopeIsInHamilton and #HeroesWorkHeretag
April 20, 2020
Photos by: Brian McCarthy OnScene News
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Trenton Fire Department responded to 12 Hanford Place for a fire in a 2 story home that left at least 2 people and 2 dogs temporary homeless tonight.
Upon arrival of the first due apparatus, heavy smoke was seen from the first and second floors and a “all hands” was called for sending the full first alarm to the scene. Trenton firefighters quickly brought the fire under control. The Trenton Fire Marshall was on scene investigating. A request was made for find temporary shelter for 2 people and 2 dogs.
No other information was available at the time of this report.
Trenton Fire Department responded to 12 Hanford Place for a fire in a 2 story home that left at least 2 people and 2 dogs temporary homeless tonight. Photos by: Brian McCarthy OnScene News
April 20, 2020
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–A New Jersey State Trooper rescued a suicidal woman attempting to jump from a pedestrian overpass on Interstate 295.
On Tuesday, April 14, at 11:48 p.m., Trooper Robert Waldrop was on patrol on I-295 when he stopped to assist a motorist in the scenic overlook parking lot in Hamilton Township, Mercer County. The motorist exited his vehicle and indicated there was a woman attempting to jump from the pedestrian overpass.
Trooper Waldrop immediately advised dispatch before responding to the overpass. When he arrived, he observed an 18-year-old woman on the opposite side of the chain-link fence standing on the edge of the bridge.
While speaking to her, Trooper Waldrop observed that was distraught and contemplating jumping.
Without hesitation, Trooper Waldrop grabbed the woman’s shirt through the fence and comforted her as he assisted her down the ramp to the ground level of the scenic overlook.
A short time later, Hamilton EMS arrived on scene and transported the woman to an area hospital for further treatment.
We urge anyone experiencing a crisis that seems too much to bear to contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or go to www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org.
On April 14, Tpr. Robert Waldrop rescued a suicidal woman attempting to jump from a pedestrian overpass on Interstate 295.
April 20, 2020
Story by: Dennis Symons, Jr.
Protest Photos and Video by: Brian McCarthy OnScene News
Press conference, pool photos by: Kevin Sanders, New Jersey Globe
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–A small group of 7 people were in Trenton today near Governor Murphy’s Office and just down the street from the State House protesting the Governor’s Stay At Home Orders.
One woman yelled “Help Us!” as a man on a bull horn stated “Freedom loving slaves, yes, we are freedom loving slaves, we miss our freedom.”
Another man could be heard “Thank you for not wearing a mask. You don’t need a mask if you are 10 feet away”
The man on a bull horn was carrying a hand made sign that said, “Government IS the VIRUS Wake Up!” On the back of the sign from a different angle you could see: “Research Earth Is Flat” “How do YOU KNOW, YOU live on a spinning ball?” The sign is quite possibly a recycled old sign from a flat earth society protest in the past for people who believe the earth is flat.
The protest group had 7 members prior to Governor Murphy’s Daily Press Conference then dwindled to about 4 members when checking back at the location during the press confrnece.
The NJ Attorney General and the NJ State Police have been actively charging organizers of protests as the one in Trenton on Friday. This was reported by the NJ Attorney General on April 17, 2020
“Kim Pagan of Toms River was charged by the New Jersey State Police with violating the emergency orders by organizing a prohibited event today in Trenton in which protesters gathered outside the State House and at other locations in Trenton to demonstrate against the Governor’s Executive Orders.”
Photos and video by: Brian McCarthy OnScene News 4/20/2020 Press Pool photos by: Kevin Sanders, New Jersey Globe
Governor Phil Murphy responding to some pressure and complaints to reopen the economy said at his daily press conference, “Reopening our economy today would backfire on us two-fold – a large spike in #COVID19 cases, and no customers at our stores because people are still fearful for their health and that of their kids and families.
This is a two-part scenario – securing the public health situation so you can have confidence as you get back as we reopen our economy.
Right now, that confidence does not exist.
In the coming days, I will announce the benchmarks we will need to see to reopen our state.
Do not think for one minute that we’re going to be able to flip a switch and return to life as we knew it. We will be careful and we will be strategic.
Our mission is to save lives.
It may be inconvenient for some, but your inconvenience pales in comparison to the 4,377 people who are now dead.
My job – our collective job – is to protect the 9 million residents of our state as best as possible. For that I will not apologize.
Personal health creates economic health. It can’t be the other way around. It has to happen in that order.”
4/20/2020 Press Pool photos by: Kevin Sanders, New Jersey Globe
4/20/2020 Press Pool photos by: Kevin Sanders, New Jersey Globe
4/20/2020 Press Pool photos by: Kevin Sanders, New Jersey Globe
April 20, 2020
TRENTON – First Lady Tammy Murphy will host a Facebook Live interview, tomorrow, April 21, at 3:30 pm., with Dr. Lisa Gittens-Williams to share information for women navigating pregnancy during the COVID-19 global pandemic. “Ask an OBGYN,” which will be livestreamed from the First Lady’s Facebook page, will offer guidance on how a mother can prevent contracting COVID-19, obtain prenatal care, have a safe and healthy delivery, and manage COVID-19 during and after pregnancy. The interview will address the current maternal and infant health crisis in New Jersey and the health disparities that continue to be exacerbated by the COVID-19 outbreak. The interview is part of Nurture NJ, the First Lady’s statewide awareness campaign to combat the maternal and infant health crisis in New Jersey. Currently, New Jersey ranks 47th in the nation for maternal deaths.“The COVID-19 global pandemic adds significant risks and challenges to combatting the black maternal and infant health crisis in New Jersey,” said First Lady Tammy Murphy. “The COVID-19 crisis is exacerbating our health disparities, proving we must continue our work to improve the health of our mothers and babies. This interview with Dr. Gittens-Williams will offer guidance and share information to better prepare expectant mothers to protect themselves and their babies throughout pregnancy, delivery, and after they bring their little one home.”
“Pregnancy and a newborn baby are enough to keep you up at night. Pregnant women and their families deserve help navigating the landscape of COVID-19,” said Dr. Lisa Gittens-Williams. “As women meet health care providers, who are wearing masks and face shields, they need to know that they are still being seen through the lens of health equity.”Dr. Lisa Gittens-Williams is a Professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health at Rutgers NJ Medical School. She is a Maternal Fetal Medicine specialist and is the Director of Obstetrics at University Hospital, Newark, NJ. She serves as the chair of Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Committee for ACOG (American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology) District III.In New Jersey, a black woman is five times more likely than a white woman to die of 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 is one of the widest racial disparities in the nation.Nurture NJ, which is devoted to serving every mother, every baby, and every family in New Jersey, includes a multi-pronged, multi-agency approach to improve maternal and infant health. The campaign focuses on improving collaboration and programming between departments, agencies, and stakeholders to achieve its goal of making New Jersey the safest place in the country to give birth and raise a baby. Nurture NJ initiatives include an annual Black Maternal and Infant Health Leadership Summit; the First Lady’s Family Festival event series; quarterly interdepartmental maternal and infant health meetings; and a comprehensive, statewide strategic plan to reduce maternal mortality by 50 percent over five years and eliminate racial disparities in birth outcomes.Learn more about Nurture NJ at nj.gov/NurtureNJ.Follow First Lady Tammy Murphy on Twitter (@FirstLadyNJ), Facebook (@FirstLadyNJ), and Instagram (@FirstLadyNewJersey).
April 20, 2020
TRENTON – Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal and Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police, announced the following recent enforcement actions related to COVID-19, including those involving individuals in violation of Governor Murphy’s Executive Orders: Assaults and Threats Against Police Officers, EMTs, or Others
Jacob M. Carr, 30, of Barrington, was arrested yesterday, April 19, by the Barrington Borough Police Department on charges of second-degree terroristic threats during an emergency, obstruction (disorderly persons offense), and violating the emergency orders by impeding the performance of an emergency function (disorderly persons offense). After Carr learned that a COVID-19 testing center was being opened at the Rite Aid on Clements Bridge Road in Barrington, he allegedly posted angry messages on the Barrington Parent’s Page on Facebook, including “I’m gonna run you all over with my SUV if I see anyone getting tested.” This caused panic to residents, who alerted the police. Carr used a Facebook account opened under a false name to post the messages, but the police department traced the account to Carr.
Other Criminal Charges Involving Indictable Offenses
Firaz Osman, 18, and three Juvenile Males, all of South Brunswick, were charged by the South Brunswick Police Department with burglary (3rd degree) and violating the emergency orders. The South Brunswick Police responded at about 3:30 a.m. yesterday to Point of Woods Drive on a report of persons entering a vacant home. Police officers initially located Osman and two other male youths inside the home. While searching the attic of the residence for the fourth suspect, a police officer fell through the ceiling, injuring his abdomen. The officer was treated at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital and later released. The fourth suspect was located by police later at his residence.
Other Violations of Executive Orders, Including “Stay at Home” Order, and Ordinances
Yasser Abraham, 55, Sabh Mahmud, 30, both of Plainfield, and a Male Juvenile were charged yesterday, April 19, by the Plainfield Police with violating the emergency orders for operating a non-essential business, My Home Furniture Store on West Front Street. Police found the store open and two employees on the premises, Mahmud and the juvenile male. They indicated they opened the store at the instruction of the owner, Abraham. Abraham had been warned several times before when police responded and found the store open for business.
Tuvia Liberana, 53, of Passaic, was charged yesterday by the Passaic Police with violating the emergency orders for holding a large party at his home on Aycrigg Avenue. When police arrived, they found a large number of people on the front lawn, inside the house, and in the rear yard of the home. Police issued a summons to Liberana and directed his guests to disperse.
Marc Taylor, 19, of Jersey City, Dalanie Felton, 19, of Jersey City, Jeremy Perez, 22, of Union City, Dasean Lassiter, 19, of Jersey City, Bashard Davis, 18, of Jersey City, Quadra Domnie, 19, of Jersey City, and Prima Lockemy, 19, of Jersey City, were charged yesterday, April 19, by the Jersey City Police with violating the emergency orders, public consumption of alcohol, and possession of a gambling device, all disorderly persons offenses. Police found the defendants in Triangle Park at Danforth Avenue and Old Bergen Road, where they were allegedly drinking outside, playing dice, and failing to practice social distancing.
Jose Vicente-Ruiz, 22, of Carteret, was charged by the Passaic Police Department with DWI and violating the emergency orders when he was stopped by police just after midnight on April 12 for driving erratically on Monroe Street in Passaic.
Lucero Dalia, 21, Paul Morrobel-Cepeda, 20, and Frianky Nunez, 21, all of Passaic, were charged early this morning by the Passaic Police Department with violating the emergency orders. Dalia drove to police headquarters and reported that her ex-boyfriend was following her in a vehicle. Her passenger was Morrobel-Cepeda. Nunez was stopped and said he wanted to speak to Dalia. None of the defendants had a legitimate reason for being out.
Virginia Day, 55, of Rockleigh, was charged yesterday, April 19, by the Northvale Police Department with defiant trespass (disorderly persons offense). Day was found inside Rockleigh Woods Sanctuary, a municipal park that is closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Police had warned her twice before that the park is closed.
Dennis E. Brown, 69, of Bensalem, Pa., was charged yesterday by the Lambertville Police Department with violating the emergency orders and municipal ordinances for riding a bike on the canal path in the Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park after being advised the park is closed.
Renee F. Perrine, 49, of Toms River, was charged on April 18, by the Bay Head Police with violating the emergency orders and operating an unregistered vehicle. When she was stopped for operating an unregistered vehicle, she said she was driving around playing Pokemon Go.
Dipali Patel, 30, of New Brunswick, was charged early this morning by the Woodbridge Police Department with DWI and violating the emergency orders.
Luis Mojica, 34, John Rodriguez, 31, Ramon Rodriguez, 25, and Kyle Joans, 20, all of Paterson, were charged on Saturday, April 18, by the Paterson Police Department with violating the emergency orders for gathering on Park Avenue without an essential purpose, refusing to disperse, and failing to practice social distancing.
Trindell Smith, 47, James Hart, 45, and Ernest Moss, 49, all of Paterson, were charged on Saturday, April 18, by the Paterson Police Department with violating the emergency orders for gathering on Rosa Parks Boulevard without an essential purpose and refusing to disperse.
Foquir Melton, 22, Darren Johnson, 52, Devon Hobsen, 27, Jesus Hernandez, 65, Timothy Stefanovich, 43, and Jerome Ford, 64, all of Paterson, were charged on Saturday, April 18, by the Paterson Police Department with violating the emergency orders for gathering in the area of Main and Weiss Streets without an essential purpose and refusing to disperse.
From April 8 through April 19, the Seaside Park Police issued summonses for public nuisance, a violation of a borough ordinance, to the following seven people for violating closure orders for beaches or parks related to COVID-19: Thomas M. Lanza, 27 of Toms River, N.J., and Dylan M. Connell, 26, of Palm Bay, Fla., on April 8; Jeffrey N. Burroughs, 53, of Los Angeles, Calif., on April 14; Zoe H. Bloodgood, 18, of Berkeley, N.J., on April 19; and Stefanie S. Gomes, 26, Robert P. Hickey Jr., 31, and Joao J. Pinho, 30, all of Kearny, N.J., on April 19.
The defendants who were charged strictly with violating the emergency orders or local ordinances and who do not face more serious charges were charged by summons— they were not arrested. Those cases will be adjudicated in municipal court. “One month after Governor Murphy issued his emergency orders, we are flattening the curve and saving lives, because the vast majority of our residents are conscientiously obeying the social distancing rules and doing their share to fight COVID-19,” said Attorney General Grewal. “Unfortunately, there are still those who violate the orders, risking the further spread of this deadly virus. What is worse, there are some who deliberately threaten our brave police officers, medical personnel, and other essential workers, impeding their vital work. Our message to violators is that we will hold you accountable, whether it is through a summons for those who violate the social distancing orders, or an arrest on indictable charges for those who deliberately harm or threaten others during this emergency.” “Although law enforcement and medical professionals are on the frontlines of the battle against COVID-19, we are ultimately winning the war because of the extraordinary resolve and fortitude of New Jersey citizens who are doing their part day in and day out, abiding by the executive orders and sacrificing for the greater good,” said Colonel Patrick Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “Those who choose to ignore the law and selfishly place others at risk will face swift law enforcement action.” Violations of the emergency orders constitute a disorderly persons offense carrying a potential sentence of up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. However, violators can potentially face criminal charges including second, third, and fourth degree indictable offenses. On April 1, Attorney General Grewal announced enhanced charges against six people who were charged with assaulting and threatening law enforcement officers and violating the emergency orders. Specifically, those enhanced charges included making terroristic threats during a state of emergency, which is a second degree offense carrying a sentence of five to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $150,000. Sixteen additional defendants, including Jacob Carr, have been similarly charged since that time for alleged assaults or threats against police officers, emergency medical technicians, or others. Third-degree charges carry a sentence of three to five years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000, while fourth-degree charges carry a sentence of up to 18 months in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. The charges are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. If you are seeing a lack of compliance with the Governor’s emergency orders in your town, please contact your local police department or report here https://covid19.nj.gov/violation The Attorney General’s Office and New Jersey State Police will continue to work with law enforcement throughout New Jersey to deter non-complaint behavior. No one should take advantage of this pandemic to further their own biased agendas. COVID-19 is no excuse to promote anti-Semitic conspiracy theories and or other biased stereotypes. Please report bias crimes at 1-800-277-BIAS.
New Jersey State Police Superintendent Patrick Callahan listens during Governor Phil Murphy’s updates to the media on the State’s response to the coronavirus Friday, April 17, 2020, at the War Memorial in Trenton, NJ.
Tuesday April 14, 2020 – State Police Superintendent Colonel Patrick Callahan speaks during Governor Phil Murphy’s coronavirus briefing in the George Washington Ballroom in the Trenton War Memorial.(Pool photo by Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)
Press Pool Photos
April 20, 2020
World: Cases: 2,463,357 Deaths: 168,906 Recovered: 644,262 as of 4:38 pm. ET
United States of America: Cases: 778,176 Deaths: 41,313 Recovered: 71,921 Tested: 3,893,815 as of 4:38 pm. ET
Check the Johns Hopkins University COVID-19 Tracker for the latest numbers
New Jersey: Cases: 88,806 Deaths: 4,377
Some good news in NJ: Recovered
Five weeks ago, former Ridgewood High School lacrosse standout and Bates College All-American Jack Allard was confirmed positive for #COVID19. He was put on a ventilator. Last Thursday, he walked out of the hospital. For Jack and the hundreds more who have recovered, we’re optimistic.
•6,986 #COVID19 patients reported hospitalized•2,018 individuals listed in critical or intensive care•1,594 ventilators were in use•74 patients are at one of our field medical stations
•583 New Jerseyans discharged
Five weeks ago, former Ridgewood High School lacrosse standout and Bates College All-American Jack Allard was confirmed positive for #COVID19. He was put on a ventilator. Last Thursday, he walked out of the hospital. For Jack and the hundreds more who have recovered, we’re optimistic.
Monmouth County has 4,783 positive cases of COVID-19
FREEHOLD, NJ – Monmouth County Freeholder Director Thomas A. Arnone and Freeholder Deputy Director Susan M. Kiley have announced that, as of April 20, the State is reporting 114 new positive cases of COVID-19 in Monmouth County, bringing the total to 4,783.
The Freeholders noted that the number of cases in Monmouth County seem to be stabilizing. They will talk more about this at their Freeholder meeting, which will be live streamed at 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. tomorrow, Tuesday, April 21, on the Monmouth County Government Facebook and YouTube Channel.
The breakdown by municipality is as follows:
Aberdeen: 133
Allenhurst: 2
Allentown: 4
Asbury Park: 98
Atlantic Highlands: 18
Avon-by-the-Sea: 9
Belmar: 13
Bradley Beach: 22
Brielle: 22
Colts Neck: 56
Deal: 23
Eatontown: 138
Englishtown: 20
Fair Haven: 17
Farmingdale: 10
Freehold Borough: 173
Freehold Township: 414
Hazlet: 182
Highlands: 20
Holmdel: 150
Howell: 414
Interlaken: 1
Keansburg: 82
Keyport: 57
Lake Como: 12
Little Silver: 26
Loch Arbour: 1
Long Branch: 280
Manalapan: 329
Manasquan: 25
Marlboro: 319
Matawan: 119
Middletown: 372
Millstone: 57
Monmouth Beach: 18
Neptune City: 24
Neptune Township: 250
Ocean: 189
Oceanport: 42
Red Bank: 98
Roosevelt: 2
Rumson: 27
Sea Bright: 7
Sea Girt: 9
Shrewsbury Borough: 27
Shrewsbury Township: 7
Spring Lake: 8
Spring Lake Heights: 16
Tinton Falls: 106
Union Beach: 31
Upper Freehold: 33
Wall: 169
West Long Branch: 54
Unknown: 48
Monmouth County news updates and information regarding the COVID-19 situation are posted at www.visitmonmouth.com.
Total as of Monday, 4/20/2020 at 11:00 am
Effective as of March 28, 2020, the data represented below identifies the municipality or mailing address which was self-reported by the resident at the time of testing. It may not necessarily represent the municipality of residence.
Town Name
Number of Cases
Barnegat
154
Barnegat Light
2
Bay Head
6
Beach Haven
5
Beachwood
63
Berkeley
361
Brick
624
Eagleswood
4
Harvey Cedars
0
Island Heights
7
Jackson
407
Lacey
129
Lakehurst
17
Lakewood
1330
Lavallette
7
Little Egg Harbor
76
Long Beach Township
17
Manchester
322
Mantoloking
0
Ocean Gate
7
Ocean Twp. (Waretown)
27
Pine Beach
8
Plumsted
33
Point Pleasant Beach
28
Point Pleasant Borough
102
Seaside Heights
21
Seaside Park
3
Ship Bottom
6
South Toms River
52
Surf City
4
Stafford
144
Toms River
847
Tuckerton
9
Total Positive Cases: 4822
April 20. 2020
Photos and story by: Dennis Symons, Jr.
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–A construction trailer carrying an excavator on Sawmill Road near East Acres Drive caught fire this morning around 9:30 a.m. The contractor removed the excavator from the trailer while the trailer burned. The Hamilton Township Fire Department responded and quickly extinguished the fire.
The Hamilton Township Police Department shut the road down until the fire operation was completed. The fire appeared to start in the area of the right axle of the vehicle according to fire department sources.
Hamilton Township Firefighters investigate and mop up after an construction trailer caught fire on Sawmill Road this morning. Photos by: Dennis Symons, Jr.
April 19, 2020
HIGHTSTOWN, NJ (MERCER)–A small fire on a porch was quickly contained in the 400 Block of Stockton Street tonight. Around 8:50 pm a passerby reported smoke from a building and called 9-1-1 alerting the police and fire departments.
Upon arrival it was found that a wicker type chair was on fire on the porch and was able to be quickly extinguished. The Hightstown Fire Marshal has ruled the cause “Careless Smoking”
Hightstown Fire Company, East Windsor Fire Company and Cranbury Fire Company and Hightstown Police Department responded.
Firefighters investigate a small fire on a porch in the 400 Block of Stockton Street tonight. Photo by: Dennis Symons, Jr.
April 19, 2020
Photos by: Brian McCarthy OnScene News
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–A three vehicle crash occurred this afternoon in the 900 Block Greenwood Avenue near Quinton Avenue. A Jeep was left overturned and two cars also crashed into a tree. Trenton Police, Trenton Fire Department and Trenton Emergency Medical Services responded.
No other information was available about the accident.
Three vehicle crash in Trenton. Photos by: Brian McCarthy OnScne News
April 19, 2020
TRENTON – Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal and Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police, announced the following recent enforcement actions related to COVID-19, including those involving individuals in violation of Governor Murphy’s Executive Orders: Assaults and Threats Against Police Officers, EMTs, or Others
Robert Schaub, 35, of Lindenwold, was arrested yesterday, April 18, by the Somerdale Police and charged with second-degree terroristic threats during an emergency. Schaub had been prohibited from entering the Wawa store in Somerdale after a recent incident in which he was charged with trespassing there. On April 13, he entered the store again, and a clerk who recognized him told him to leave. Schaub allegedly threatened to spit on the clerk, telling her he had the coronavirus and hoped she would get it and die. Police identified Schaub and arrested him last night. He allegedly was uncooperative and refused to be fingerprinted at the jail.
Other Criminal Charges Involving Indictable Offenses
John Abdullah, 57, of Somerdale, was arrested yesterday, April 18, by the Mount Ephraim Police and charged with third-degree aggravated assault on an officer, fourth-degree resisting arrest, shoplifting (disorderly persons offense) and violating the emergency orders. Abdullah allegedly shoplifted candy from the Rite Aid on the Black Horse Pike, and when he was approached by a police officer, he led the officer on a foot chase, causing the officer to be injured.
Other Violations of Executive Orders, Including “Stay at Home” Order
Newark Enforcement. The Newark Police Department’s COVID-19 task force issued 30 summonses for violations of the emergency orders and ordered one non-essential business closed in enforcement actions yesterday, April 18.
Cristobal Sanchez, 62, of Plainfield, the owner of the Tequila Club restaurant and bar on East 5th Street was charged last night, April 18, by the Plainfield Police with serving alcohol to patrons inside the bar in violation of the emergency orders. Police received a report that the bar was open and found three patrons seated at the bar consuming alcohol. A few additional patrons were seated at tables. Sanchez was present and indicated that because the patrons were waiting for take-out orders, he thought he was allowed to serve them alcohol inside the premises.
Trennajia Robinson, 26, Nyajah Levister, 22, Angela Dominguez, 22, and Nicole Thomas, 25, all of Passaic, were charged yesterday, April 18, by the Passaic Police with violating the emergency orders. Police responded shortly after 1 a.m. to a report of a group of individuals involved in an altercation in the first block of 4th Street. Police observed the defendants in a verbal dispute and asked them to disperse. They allegedly refused to disperse and caused a disturbance. They were not near their homes and had no essential reason to be at the location.
Wilson Caraballo, 41, of Paterson, was charged yesterday, April 18, by the Paterson Police with violating the emergency orders for loitering outside a store in the 300 block of Main Street with no essential reason for being there. He was warned several times before about this conduct.
The defendants who were charged strictly with violating the emergency orders and who do not face more serious charges were charged by summons— they were not arrested. Those cases will be adjudicated in municipal court. “Our police officers are working bravely and tirelessly every day to protect us during this health crisis. Regrettably, they are being called upon far too often to deal with people violating the emergency orders— or what is more egregious, people using the virus to spread fear or impede officers in their vital work,” said Attorney General Grewal. “Staying home and maintaining social distance isn’t just the best advice to stay healthy, it’s the law. Make no mistake, we will do everything in our power to keep our residents and officers safe, and that means we won’t hesitate to file charges against violators.” “Law enforcement and medical professionals are on the frontlines of this battle to protect the citizens of New Jersey from the COVID-19 virus, and we cannot stress enough how important it is that each person follow the guidelines set forth in the Executive Order,” said Colonel Patrick Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “Because lives are at stake, enforcement action will be taken without hesitation against those who are blatantly placing the lives of others at risk.” Violations of the emergency orders constitute a disorderly persons offense carrying a potential sentence of up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. However, violators can potentially face criminal charges including second, third, and fourth degree indictable offenses. On April 1, Attorney General Grewal announced enhanced charges against six people who were charged with assaulting law enforcement officers and violating the emergency orders. Specifically, those enhanced charges included making terroristic threats during a state of emergency, which is a second degree offense carrying a sentence of five to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $150,000. Fifteen additional defendants, including Robert Schaub, have been similarly charged since that time for alleged assaults and threats against police officers, emergency medical technicians, or others. Third-degree charges carry a sentence of three to five years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000, while fourth-degree charges carry a sentence of up to 18 months in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. The charges are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. If you are seeing a lack of compliance with the Governor’s emergency orders in your town, please contact your local police department or report here https://covid19.nj.gov/violation The Attorney General’s Office and New Jersey State Police will continue to work with law enforcement throughout New Jersey to deter non-complaint behavior. No one should take advantage of this pandemic to further their own biased agendas. COVID-19 is no excuse to promote anti-Semitic conspiracy theories and or other biased stereotypes. Please report bias crimes at 1-800-277-BIAS.
New Jersey State Police Superintendent Patrick Callahan listens during Governor Phil Murphy’s updates to the media on the State’s response to the coronavirus Friday, April 17, 2020, at the War Memorial in Trenton, NJ.
April 19, 2020
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf, Delaware Governor John Carney, Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo and Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker today announced their appointees to the multi-state council to restore the economy and get people back to work. The appointees include one health expert, one economic development expert and the respective Chief of Staff from each state. The appointees from each state include:
New Jersey
George Helmy, Chief of Staff to the Governor
Dr. Richard Besser, President and CEO of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and former Acting Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Jeh Johnson, Former United States Secretary of Homeland Security under President Barack Obama
New York
Melissa DeRosa, Secretary to the Governor
Robert Mujica, Director of NYS Division of the Budget
Michael Dowling, President and CEO, Northwell Health
Connecticut
Indra Nooyi, Co-chair of the nonprofit organization AdvanceCT and former chairman and CEO of PepsiCo
Dr. Albert Ko, Professor of Epidemiology and Medicine and department chair at the Yale School of Public Health
Paul Mounds, Jr., Chief of Staff in the Office of the Governor
Pennsylvania
Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine, Department of Health
Secretary Dennis Davin, Department of Community and Economic Development
Michael Brunelle, COS, Office of the Governor
Delaware
Sheila Grant, Chief of Staff, Office of Governor John Carney
Dr. Kara Odom Walker, Secretary, Delaware Department of Health and Social Services
Kurt Foreman, President and CEO, Delaware Prosperity Partnership
Rhode Island
Nicole Alexander-Scott, MD, MPH, Director of the Rhode Island Department of Health
Stefan Pryor, Rhode Island Commerce Secretary
David Ortiz, Chief of Staff to the Governor
Massachusetts
Kristen Lepore, Chief of Staff
Michael Kennealy, Secretary of the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development
Lauren Peters, Undersecretary at the Executive Office of Health and Human Services
Governor Murphy said, “No one has given more thought or is more eager to restart our economy than I am, but if we don’t get the sequencing right, we put more lives at risk. The only path to a sustainable economic recovery is through a strong healthcare recovery. Then, and only then, do we position ourselves to fully ignite our economy and get the residents of our state back to work while minimizing the danger of this disease. A coordinated, regional approach, informed by a multi-state council of experts, will help us avoid a major setback with potentially disastrous consequences. I look forward to the day when the facts on the ground allow us to ease our restrictions and move our regional economy forward.”
Governor Andrew Cuomo said, “We have been collaborating closely with our neighboring states to combat this pandemic through a uniform approach to social distancing and density reduction and it has been working well. Now it is time to start opening the valve slowly and carefully while watching the infection rate meter so we don’t trigger a second wave of new infections. This is not a light switch that we can just flick on and everything goes back to normal – we have to come up with a smart, consistent strategy to restart the systems we shut down and get people back to work, and to the extent possible we want to do that through a regional approach because we are a regional economy. New York is partnering with these five states to create a multi-state council that will come up with a framework based on science and data to gradually ease the stay at home restrictions and get our economy back up and running.”
Governor Ned Lamont said, “One thing that’s undeniable is that this virus does not stop at the border of any county, state, or country, but the impact is the same when it comes to our respective economies and healthcare systems. Working as a regional coalition to make the right decisions will lead to the best public health results for all of our residents. We must solve these problems together.”
Governor Tom Wolf said, “Our highest priority remains protecting the health and safety of Pennsylvanians. While my administration continues to take critical steps to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, I also recognize that we must look ahead and take a measured, careful approach to prepare for the future while ensuring that we don’t undo all of our efforts. Pennsylvania will work collaboratively with our partners both in state and in surrounding states to develop a comprehensive strategy that first focuses on health but also addresses the need to gradually restore our economy.”
Governor John Carney said, “We still have a situation in Delaware that is getting worse. Infections of COVID-19 and hospitalizations are rising. Delawareans should stay home. Don’t go out in public unnecessarily. Don’t visit Delaware unless you need to see a doctor, or care for a family member. You’ll only increase everyone’s risk. At the same time, we need to look forward. We need a consistent approach for moving our states out of this crisis, when that day comes. I’m grateful for the partnership of my fellow Governors in the region. They are all working around-the-clock to prevent surges in COVID-19 cases, protect hospital capacity for the most critically-ill patients, and save lives. We’ll get through this by working together.”
Governor Gina Raimondo said, “States are taking the lead as we fight to slow the spread of coronavirus and save lives. I’m proud of the steps we’ve taken, and I’m constantly thinking about what it will take to safely reopen our economy. But we know that this virus does not recognize borders, and it’s clear we need a strong, coordinated regional approach to avoid a second wave of this disease. I’m grateful to my fellow governors for their leadership during this crisis and I’m confident that this new partnership will support our efforts to get Rhode Islanders — and all Americans — back to work safely.”
Governor Charlie Baker said, “The Baker-Polito Administration looks forward to participating in discussions with neighboring states and experts regarding the ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Massachusetts also remains focused on efforts to expand testing, ensure hospital capacity and provide the necessary PPE to those on the front lines to slow the spread of COVID-19 in our communities.”
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy speaks about a chart showing total individuals in ICU/CCU during his Saturday, April 18, 2020, press conference at War Memorial in Trenton, NJ, on the State’s response to the coronavirus.
Tuesday April 14, 2020 – Governor Phil Murphy holds his coronavirus briefing in the George Washington Ballroom in the Trenton War Memorial, with, Department of Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli, State Epidemiologist Dr. Christina Tan, and State Police Superintendent Colonel Patrick Callahan. (Pool photo by Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)
April 19, 2020
World: Cases: 2,374,141 Deaths: 163,372 Recovered: 611,159 as of 12:37 pm ET.
United States of America: Cases: 737,319 Deaths: 39,291 Recovered: 67,052 Tested: 3,723,634 as of 12:37 pm ET.
See Johns Hopkins University COVID-19 Tracker Here For Updates
New Jersey: Cases: 85,301 Deaths: 4,202
Today we’ve received 3,915 new confirmed #COVID19 test results. Our statewide total is now 85,301.
Sadly, we’ve lost another 132 New Jerseyans. We’ve now lost a total of 4,202 souls to COVID-19.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy updates the media on the State’s response to the coronavirus Friday, April 17, 2020, at the War Memorial in Trenton, NJ.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy updates the media on the State’s response to the coronavirus Friday, April 17, 2020, at the War Memorial in Trenton, NJ.
Press pool photos: Thomas Costello, Gannett
Monmouth and Ocean report cases later in the day and this will be updated here:
April 19, 2020 (updated)
New Jersey First Responders Who Passed From COVID-19
As of 4/19/2020 not all families make COVID-19 deaths public. I know of a few that did not want public and are not listed. If you know of any that need to be included use contact link above and send in information with verification.
Firefighters:
March 2020
March 31, 2020 Israel Tolentino, Passaic Fire Department/St. Claire’s EMS**Also listed under EMS has 2 jobs.
April 2020
April 14, 2020 John Ferrarella, NJSEA EMS, retired Paterson Fire Captain and member of Wayne Fire Company No. 3 Listed 2 times multiple positions Fire and EMS.***
April 15, 2020 Michael Burke, Singac Fire Company #3, Little Falls Fire Department
April 16, 2020 Richard Campbell, Edison Fire Department
April 16, 2020 Robert Weber, Middletown, Port Monmouth Fire Company and Middletown First Aid Squad**Also listed under EMS has 2 jobs.
April 18, 2020 David Clark, Bay Head Fire Company
Police:
April 2020
April 1, 2020 Bernard Waddell, Sr., Hudson County Sheriff’s Office, Correction Officer.
April 3, 2020 Tolbert A. Furr, Newark Police Department.
April 10, 2020 Nelson Perdomo, NJ Department of Corrections, East Jersey State Prison, Avenel, Woodbridge.
April 12, 2020 AlTerek Patterson, Sergeant, Bedminster Police Department.
April 12, 2020 Francesco Scorpo, Sergeant, Paterson Police Department.
April 14, 2020 Daniel Francis, Newark Police Department.
April 16, 2020 Alex Ruperto, Union City Police Department
April 17, 2020 John Careccia, Chief, Woodbridge Township Ambulance & Rescue Squad
EMS:
March 2020:
March 31, 2020 Israel Tolentino, Passaic Fire Department/St. Claire’s EMS** Also listed under fire department works 2 jobs.
April 2020:
April 1, 2020 Reuven Maroth, Hackensack Volunteer Ambulance
April 5, 2020 Liana Sá, EMT, Watchung Rescue Squad
April 8, 2020 Kevin Leiva, EMT, North Bergen, Prime Healthcare EMS, Saint Clare’s Hospital.
April 9, 2020 Robert Tarrant, EMS Educator, Robert Wood Johnson Barnabas Health
April 9, Frank Molinari, MD, NJSEA EMS
April 10, 2020 Terry Billington, MONOC EMS (Retired)
April 10, 2020 Solomon Donald, Trinitas EMS
April 13, 2020 Scott Geiger, Atlantic Ambulance Corp.
April 14, 2020 John Ferrarella, NJSEA EMS, retired Paterson Fire Captain and member of Wayne Fire Company No. 3 Listed 2 times multiple positions Fire and EMS.***
April 15, 2020 Robert Weber, Middletown Township First Aid & Rescue, Port Monmouth Fire Company**Also listed under Fire since having 2 jobs.
April 17, 2020 John Carrecia, Woodbridge Township Ambulance & Rescue
Medical:
March 31, 2020 Doctor Frank Gabrin, East Orange General Hospital, and NYC.
March 31, 2020 Kim King-Smith, EKG Technician, Newark University Hospital.
Military:
March 30, 2020 Captain, Douglas Linn Hickok, NJ Army National Guard, Physician’s Assistant
April 19, 2020
BAY HEAD, NJ (OCEAN)–The Ocean County Prosecutor and the Bay Head Fire Company announced the passing of Bay Head Firefighter David Clark who passed away yesterday from the COVID-19 coronavirus.
Message from the Bay Head Fire Company:
“It is with great sadness that Bay Head Fire Company announces the passing of Firefighter Dave Clark. Dave passed this morning following a long and tough battle with the COVID-19 virus. Dave had served as a dedicated member of the Bay Head Fire Company for many years and had held numerous positions within the department. Dave will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, wife Lisa Clark (Bay Head Fire Police), his son Probationary Firefighter Zach Clark and his daughter Michaela.
“Rest In Peace … We Have The Watch From Here”
Graphic design by PintheQ Productions
Bay Head Firefighter David Clark passed away from COVID-19 on April 18, 2020. Graphic Design by PinTheQ Productions.
First Responders Who Passed From COVID-19
Compiled as of 4/19/2020 not all families make COVID-19 deaths public. I know of a few that did not want public and are not listed. If you know of any that need to be included use contact link above and send in information with verification.
Firefighters:
March 2020
March 31, 2020 Israel Tolentino, Passaic Fire Department
April 2020
April 15, 2020 Michael Burke, Singac Fire Company #3, Little Falls Fire Department
April 16, 2020 Richard Campbell, Edison Fire Department
April 16, 2020 Robert Weber, Middletown, Port Monmouth Fire Company and Middletown First Aid Squad
April 18, 2020 David Clark, Bay Head Fire Company
Police:
April 2020
April 1, 2020 Bernard Waddell, Sr., Hudson County Sheriff’s Office, Correction Officer.
April 3, 2020 Tolbert A. Furr, Newark Police Department.
April 10, 2020 Nelson Perdomo, NJ Department of Corrections, East Jersey State Prison, Avenel, Woodbridge.
April 12, 2020 AlTerek Patterson, Sergeant, Bedminster Police Department.
April 12, 2020 Francesco Scorpo, Sergeant, Paterson Police Department.
April 14, 2020 Daniel Francis, Newark Police Department.
April 16, 2020 Alex Ruperto, Union City Police Department
April 17, 2020 John Careccia, Chief, Woodbridge Township Ambulance & Rescue Squad
EMS:
April 6, 2020 Liana Sá, EMT, Watchung Rescue Squad
April 8, 2020 Kevin Leiva, EMT, North Bergen, Prime Healthcare EMS, Saint Clare’s Hospital.
Medical:
March 31, 2020 Doctor Frank Gabrin, East Orange General Hospital, and NYC.
March 31, 2020 Kim King-Smith, EKG Technician, Newark University Hospital.
Military:
March 30, 2020 Captain, Douglas Linn Hickok, NJ Army National Guard, Physician’s Assistant
April 18, 2020
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, and Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont today announced marinas, boatyards and marine manufacturers will be allowed open for personal use as long as strict social distancing and sanitization protocols are followed. Chartered watercraft services or rentals will not be allowed, and restaurant activity at these sites must be limited to take-out or delivery only, like anywhere else in the three states. This announcement aligns the policies of the three states on this particular service. “We’ve committed to working with our regional partners throughout this crisis to align our policies when and where appropriate,” said Governor Murphy. “A unified approach is the most effective way to alleviate confusion for the residents of our states during the ongoing public health emergency.”“Throughout this pandemic, we’ve worked closely with our friends in neighboring states to implement a uniform regional approach to reducing the spread of the virus,” Governor Cuomo said. “Aligning our polices in this area is another example of that strong partnership, and will help ensure there is no confusion or ‘state shopping’ when it comes to marinas and boatyards.” “Our states share workforces, resources, public transit, and we all have share a connection on the water,” Governor Lamont said. “This is yet another example of how our states have shared interests, which is all the more reason to collaborate on these kinds of decisions. This decision provides uniformity across our marinas.”
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy speaks about a chart showing growth in confirmed covid-19 cases during his Saturday, April 18, 2020, press conference at War Memorial in Trenton, NJ, on the State’s response to the coronavirus.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy adjusts his mask before the Saturday, April 18, 2020, press conference at War Memorial in Trenton, NJ, on the State’s response to the coronavirus.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy is shown before his Saturday, April 18, 2020, press conference at War Memorial in Trenton, NJ, on the State’s response to the coronavirus.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy speaks about a chart showing total individuals in ICU/CCU during his Saturday, April 18, 2020, press conference at War Memorial in Trenton, NJ, on the State’s response to the coronavirus.
Press Pool Photos: by: Thomas Costello, Gannett
April 18, 2020
SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–A family just dropped off food to a relative and was returning home when in the area of Ridge Road heard a noise from their SUV and pulled over. The vehicle burst into flames seconds later and the family was able to escape harm. South Brunswick Police and the Monmouth Junction Fire Department responded to put out the fire.
Photos from South Brunswick Police Twitter
Family escapes fire after delivering food to a relative. The car made a noise, the family pulled over on Ridge Rd and got out. Seconds later the car burst into flames. Monmouth Junction firefighters put out the blaze.#UnsungHeroes pic.twitter.com/dCkaAbEYbb
— So Brunswick PD (@SoBrunswickPD) April 19, 2020
April 18, 2020
Photos by: Brian McCarthy, On Scene News
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–From eyewitness reports, waiting on information from police sources.
The Trenton Police Department SWAT Team surrounded a home in the 800 Block of Prospect Street next to the Precious Kitchen this afternoon for a possible barricaded person. According to one witnesses on scene and a Facebook video post a man was involved and several children in the home. Police surrounded the home and on a loud speaker could be heard “The person at 8xx Prospect Street Come Out With Your Hands Up!”
No further information was available about the incident. Check back for further details, will update when more information if and when it becomes available.
The Trenton Police Department SWAT Team surrounded a home in the 800 Block of Prospect Street next to the Precious Kitchen this afternoon for a possible barricaded person. Photos by: Brian McCarthy, On Scene News
April 18, 2020
WEST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–Members of the West Windsor Police Department dropped in at Infocus Urgent Care with lunch for the staff there..Dr. Seeta Arjun and her staff have been testing residents for COVID-19 for days at her West Windsor location.
Members of the West Windsor Police Department dropped in at Infocus Urgent Care with lunch for COVID-19 testing staff. Photo: Provided
April 18, 2020
MILLSTONE TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH)–A single car accident into a tree occurred in the 300 Block of Route 527A-Smithburg Road at 4:57 pm. The Millstone Township Fire Department, NJ State Police and EMS responded. NJ State Police are investigating the crash. No further details are available at the time of this report.
A single car accident into a tree occurred in the 300 Block of Route 527A-Smithburg Road at 4:57 pm.
April 18, 2020
TRENTON – Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal and Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police, announced the following recent enforcement actions related to COVID-19, including those involving individuals in violation of Governor Murphy’s Executive Order 107: Assaults and Threats Against Police Officers, EMTs, or Others
Wadim Sakiewicz, 73, of Sparta, was charged yesterday, April 17, by the Sparta Police Department with terroristic threats during an emergency (2nd degree), aggravated assault on an officer (4th degree), resisting arrest (4th degree), obstruction (disorderly persons offense), criminal mischief (disorderly persons offense), and violating the emergency orders. On April 15, Sakiewicz entered Stop & Shop in Sparta without wearing a face mask. When an employee asked him to leave, he became combative, and when a second employee escorted him out of the store, he allegedly said he had the coronavirus and began to cough on the employee. The store alerted police, who identified and located Sakiewicz on April 17. Sakiewicz allegedly physically resisted arrest and tried to spit on and bite officers.
Amy Bosco, 47, of Point Pleasant Beach, was arrested on April 16 by the Point Pleasant Beach Police and charged with terroristic threats during an emergency (3rd degree), disorderly conduct, and violating the emergency orders. Bosco entered the police station, yelling, “Pigs! Oink, oink!” She was irate and aggressive, screaming obscenities and refusing to leave. She claimed she had a fever, a cough, and was sick. She was arrested and taken to the hospital, but remained aggressive, shouting profanities and removing her mask to blow on EMTs in the ambulance.
Jose Lopez, 27, Irvington, was arrested yesterday, April 17, by the Irvington Police and charged with throwing bodily fluid at a police officer (4th degree), endangering (disorderly persons offense), and violating the emergency orders. When officers asked a group to disperse, Lopez refused, gesturing with his middle finger and shouting obscenities. He lunged at one officer, but was stopped by other officers. When they released him, he allegedly spat at the officer, yelling “Corona [expletive]!” The defendant got into a fighting stance, but officers subdued and arrested him.
Other Criminal Charges Involving Indictable Offenses
Katie Orszulski, 29, of Parlin, was arrested by the Hazlet Police on Wednesday night, April 15, and charged with burglary (2nd degree), simple assault (disorderly persons offense), criminal mischief (disorderly persons offense), and violating the emergency orders. Police responded to a report of a women being attacked by another woman outside her home. Investigation revealed that Orszulski got into a dispute with the victim over a man both were dating. Orszulski allegedly went to the victim’s home, dragged her outside, and began beating her in the street.
Franklin Moore, 62, of Cape May Court House, was charged yesterday by the New Jersey State Police in Port Norris with possession of heroin (3rd degree), DWI, motor vehicle violations, and violating the emergency orders. Moore was involved in a motor vehicle accident and was unresponsive when police arrived, with heroin in the vehicle. He was treated and charged.
Other Violations of Executive Orders, Including “Stay at Home” Order
Newark Enforcement. The Newark Police Department’s COVID-19 task force issued 88 summonses for violations of the emergency orders and ordered four non-essential businesses closed in enforcement actions yesterday, April 17.
Geoffrey T. Vonderlinden, 51, of Basking Ridge, was charged yesterday with violating the emergency orders after he was rescued while kite surfing off Normandy Beach in Toms River. Police and rescue crews responded to a report of a kite surfer in distress approximately 50 yards off shore and drifting northbound in the water, with strong winds and current. Fire department rescue crews and another surfer reached Vonderlinden and all returned to shore safely.
Isaiah M. George, 33, of Jersey City, Jabril Corley, 28, of Jersey City, and Megan Stoddart, 29, of Howell, were charged yesterday by the Jersey City Police with violating the emergency orders. In addition, Corley and another man, Marc Y. Bruny, 33, of Jersey City, were charged with disorderly conduct. The defendants were charged in connection with a party involving approximately 15 people inside an Airbnb rental in Jersey City.
Mauricio Mejia, 19, of Clifton, Irbin Martinez, of Passaic, 24, Everardo Almonte, 23, of Passaic, and Sergio Bernal, of Passaic, were charged yesterday evening, April 17, by the Passaic Police with violating the emergency orders for gathering in an apartment building on Monroe Street and not practicing social distancing. They do not reside in the apartment building and had no legitimate purpose for being there.
Elizabeth Police charged eight individuals at various times yesterday, April 17, with violating the emergency orders for loitering at the corner of Jackson Avenue and Bond Street or the corner of 3rd Street and Magnolia Avenue after police warned them about violating the Executive Order. Police charged Edwin Alerte, 30, Pearl Moore, 54, Larhonda Burgess, 57, Kevin Lewis, 65, Tyshawn Jones, 44, Thyshon Orr, 36, Arthur Johnson, 64, and Eguane Robinson, all of Elizabeth except for Robinson, who lives in Paterson. Moore, Burgess, and Lewis had all received summonses for violating the orders the previous day as well.
Tivon Davies, 20, of Morristown, was charged yesterday, April 17, by the Morristown Police with violating the emergency orders. It was determined that he was part of a disorderly group that gathered on the night of April 16 outside an apartment on Clyde Potts Drive. Three other men were charged earlier with violating the emergency orders in connection with that incident.
The defendants who were charged strictly with violating the emergency orders and who do not face more serious charges were charged by summons— they were not arrested. Those cases will be adjudicated in municipal court. “Our police officers are working bravely and tirelessly every day to protect us during this health crisis. Regrettably, they are being called upon far too often to deal with people violating the emergency orders— or what is more egregious, people using the virus to spread fear or impede officers in their vital work,” said Attorney General Grewal. “Staying home and maintaining social distance isn’t just the best advice to stay healthy, it’s the law. Make no mistake, we will do everything in our power to keep our residents and officers safe, and that means we won’t hesitate to file charges against violators.” “Law enforcement and medical professionals are on the frontlines of this battle to protect the citizens of New Jersey from the COVID-19 virus, and we cannot stress enough how important it is that each person follow the guidelines set forth in the Executive Order,” said Colonel Patrick Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “Because lives are at stake, enforcement action will be taken without hesitation against those who are blatantly placing the lives of others at risk.” Violations of the emergency orders constitute a disorderly persons offense carrying a potential sentence of up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. However, violators can potentially face criminal charges including second, third, and fourth degree indictable offenses. On April 1, Attorney General Grewal announced enhanced charges against six individuals who were charged with assaulting law enforcement officers and violating the emergency orders. Specifically, those enhanced charges included making terroristic threats during a state of emergency, which is a second degree offense and carries a sentence of five to 10 years in state prison and a fine of up to $150,000. Defendant Wadim Sakiewicz is similarly charged for his alleged conduct. Third-degree charges carry a sentence of three to five years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000, while fourth-degree charges carry a sentence of up to 18 months in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. The charges are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. If you are seeing a lack of compliance with the Governor’s emergency orders in your town, please contact your local police department or report here https://covid19.nj.gov/violation The Attorney General’s Office and New Jersey State Police will continue to work with law enforcement throughout New Jersey to deter non-complaint behavior. No one should take advantage of this pandemic to further their own biased agendas. COVID-19 is no excuse to promote anti-Semitic conspiracy theories and or other biased stereotypes. Please report bias crimes at 1-800-277-BIAS.
New Jersey State Police Superintendent Patrick Callahan listens during Governor Phil Murphy’s updates to the media on the State’s response to the coronavirus Friday, April 17, 2020, at the War Memorial in Trenton, NJ.
New Jersey’s Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal headshot at the Hughes Justice Complex in Trenton, N.J. on Monday, Jan. 22, 2018. (Office of Attorney General / Tim Larsen)
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy speaks during his Saturday, April 18, 2020, press conference at War Memorial in Trenton, NJ, on the State’s response to the coronavirus.
Press pool photos from: Thomas Costello, Gannett and Rich Hundley, The Trentonian
April 17, 2020
WORLD: Cases: 2,243,512 Deaths: 154,209 Recovered: 569,506 as of 10:38 pm ET
United States of America: Cases: 701,475 Deaths: 37,054 Recovered: 59,434 Tested: 3,557,493 as of 10:38 pm ET
Johns Hopkins University COVID-19 Tracker Here For Latest
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy departs the Friday, April 17, 2020, press conference at the War Memorial in Trenton, NJ, after updating the media on the State’s response to the coronavirus.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy updates the media on the State’s response to the coronavirus Friday, April 17, 2020, at the War Memorial in Trenton, NJ.
New Jersey Department of Health Commissioner Judy Persichilli updates the media on the State’s response to the coronavirus Friday, April 17, 2020, at the War Memorial in Trenton, NJ.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy updates the media on the State’s response to the coronavirus Friday, April 17, 2020, at the War Memorial in Trenton, NJ.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy updates the media on the State’s response to the coronavirus Friday, April 17, 2020, at the War Memorial in Trenton, NJ.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy pauses after honoring Port Monmouth Fire Company firefighter Robert Webber during his Friday, April 17, 2020, updates on the State’s response to the coronavirus Friday at the War Memorial in Trenton, NJ.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy honors Port Monmouth Fire Company firefighter Robert Webber during his Friday, April 17, 2020, updates on the State’s response to the coronavirus Friday at the War Memorial in Trenton, NJ.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy Quentin Wiest during his Friday, April 17, 2020, updates on the State’s response to the coronavirus Friday at the War Memorial in Trenton, NJ.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy arrives at the War Memorial in Trenton, NJ, to update the media on the State’s response to the coronavirus Friday, April 17, 2020.
Press pool photos by: Thomas Costello, Gannett
Monmouth County has 4,414 positive cases of COVID-19
FREEHOLD, NJ – Monmouth County Freeholder Director Thomas A. Arnone and Freeholder Deputy Director Susan M. Kiley have announced that, as of April 17, the State is reporting 115 new positive cases of COVID-19 in Monmouth County, bringing the total to 4,414.
The breakdown by municipality is as follows:
Aberdeen: 123
Allenhurst: 2
Allentown: 3
Asbury Park: 87
Atlantic Highlands: 17
Avon-by-the-Sea: 9
Belmar: 8
Bradley Beach: 19
Brielle: 22
Colts Neck: 50
Deal: 23
Eatontown: 132
Englishtown: 16
Fair Haven: 17
Farmingdale: 10
Freehold Borough: 140
Freehold Township: 365
Hazlet: 164
Highlands: 19
Holmdel: 147
Howell: 395
Interlaken: 1
Keansburg: 72
Keyport: 53
Lake Como: 12
Little Silver: 26
Loch Arbour: 1
Long Branch: 248
Manalapan: 320
Manasquan: 25
Marlboro: 309
Matawan: 114
Middletown: 348
Millstone: 53
Monmouth Beach: 16
Neptune City: 25
Neptune Township: 227
Ocean: 181
Oceanport: 39
Red Bank: 87
Roosevelt: 2
Rumson: 24
Sea Bright: 7
Sea Girt: 9
Shrewsbury Borough: 25
Shrewsbury Township: 7
Spring Lake: 8
Spring Lake Heights: 15
Tinton Falls: 89
Union Beach: 30
Upper Freehold: 29
Wall: 160
West Long Branch: 49
Unknown: 35
Monmouth County news updates and information regarding the COVID-19 situation are posted at www.visitmonmouth.com.
Total as of Friday, 4/17/2020 at 1:00 pm
Effective as of March 28, 2020, the data represented below identifies the municipality or mailing address which was self-reported by the resident at the time of testing. It may not necessarily represent the municipality of residence.
Town Name
Number of Cases
Barnegat
138
Barnegat Light
2
Bay Head
6
Beach Haven
5
Beachwood
61
Berkeley
333
Brick
566
Eagleswood
4
Harvey Cedars
0
Island Heights
7
Jackson
367
Lacey
116
Lakehurst
14
Lakewood
1263
Lavallette
7
Little Egg Harbor
67
Long Beach Township
15
Manchester
276
Mantoloking
0
Ocean Gate
7
Ocean Twp. (Waretown)
25
Pine Beach
9
Plumsted
31
Point Pleasant Beach
26
Point Pleasant Borough
92
Seaside Heights
19
Seaside Park
3
Ship Bottom
6
South Toms River
49
Surf City
4
Stafford
132
Toms River
776
Tuckerton
6
Total Positive Cases: 4432
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April 17, 2020
Update from this morning’s story:
LAKEWOOD, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that the two deceased individuals who were discovered in a residence on Central Avenue in Lakewood on April16, 2020, have been identified as Fabiola Rubiano, 86, and James Rubiano, 51.
The investigation into this matter by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Lakewood Township Police Department and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office remains ongoing.
April 17, 2020
The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964, by executive order of the President, to recognize and honor some of our nation’s most distinguished graduating high school seniors. In 1979, the program was extended to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, creative and performing arts. In 2015, the program was again extended to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical education fields. Each year, up to 161 students are named as Presidential Scholars, one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students.
Local coverage area semifinalists:
Vineeth Duggirala, East Windsor – Mercer County Technical Schools – Health Science Academy
Jonathan Li Lin, Cranbury – Princeton High School
Lucy Zou, East Brunswick – East Brunswick High School
Laura Futamura, Middletown – High Technology High School
New Jersey Full List: NJ – Rohan Amin, Denville – Delbarton School**NJ – Grace Elizabeth Brokenshire, Woodbury Heights – Gateway Regional High School**NJ – Alicia Caichen, Paramus – Bergen County Technical HsNJ – Elizabeth Angelina Caso, High Bridge – North Hunterdon High School*NJ – Elli Choi, Tenafly – Tenafly High SchoolNJ – Eunice Y. Chong, Demarest – Northern Valley Regional High SchoolNJ – Shawnak Deb, New Providence – Union County Magnet High SchoolNJ – Vineeth Duggirala, East Windsor – Mercer County Technical Schools – Health Science Academy*NJ – Laura Futamura, Middletown – High Technology High School*NJ – Felicia He, Saddle River – The Brearley SchoolNJ – Kevin Huang, Bellmawr – Triton Regional High SchoolNJ – Jonathan Koa, Mahwah – Mahwah High School**NJ – Dong Jun Lee, Fort Lee – Bergen County Technical High SchoolNJ – YoungEun Lee, Demarest – Northern Valley Regional High School*NJ – Jeffrey Xiang Liao, Livingston – Livingston High SchoolNJ – Jonathan Li Lin, Cranbury – Princeton High SchoolNJ – Shreya Nuli, Bridgewater – Bridgewater-Raritan Regional High SchoolNJ – Ojas Parmar, Edison – Rutgers Preparatory SchoolNJ – Jason Ping, Fort Lee – Academy for the Advancement of Science & TechnologyNJ – Katie Volpert, Highland Park – Highland Park High School**NJ – Alan Yeung, Sparta – Sparta High SchoolNJ – Ethan Zhang, Short Hills – Millburn High SchoolNJ – Kathryn Shao Zheng, Tenafly – Tenafly High School
NJ – Lucy Zou, East Brunswick – East Brunswick High School
NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Director Anthony A. Caputo of the New Brunswick Police Department announced today that a pedestrian was killed the evening of October 28 after being struck by a vehicle.
The initial investigation conducted by Officer Peter Maroon of the New Brunswick Police Department and Detective Jonathan Berman of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office determined a man, who is yet to be identified, was fatally struck on Livingston Avenue in the vicinity of Welton Street. The male was pronounced dead at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital.
The motorist remained on scene to cooperate with law enforcement. The investigation is active and continuing. Anyone with information is asked to call Officer Maroon of the New Brunswick Police Department at (732) 745-5005 or Detective Berman of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at (732) 745-4328.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–The Trenton Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in locating Douglas Cauthen. Cauthen is 57 years old, 5’06” and approximately 150 pounds.
Cauthen was last seen in the 200 Block of West Hanover Street on Sept. 7, 2020. Cauthen is only known to frequent the area of West Hanover Street so his whereabouts are unknown as he left his residence on foot.
Cauthen was wearing a black t-shirt, tan army fatigue shorts and black Levi sneakers.
ROBBINSVILLE TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–At 7:30 am the Robbinsville Police Department received a 9-1-1 call in Andover Glen from the 100 Block of Andover Place, for a bathroom fire with fire and smoke coming from the vent. Robbinsville Fire Department, Hamilton Township Fire Department, Allentown and West Windsor Fire Departments were dispatched to the scene. The occupant was instructed to evacuate and alert neighbors.
Upon arrival it was found that the fire was electrical in nature near the bathroom fan with some extension into the attic space. The fire was quickly extinguished and smoke had to be evacuated from the condominium. Firefighters used positive pressure fans to remove smoke from the structure.
The Robbinsville Township Fire Marshal was investigating the fire and appeared to be an issue with wiring.
The fire department remained on scene for about an hour until the investigation was completed.
No other information was available about the fire.
Statement by Governor Murphy on the Shooting of Department of Children and Families Employee Vernetta McCray
See MidJersey.News update here: UPDATE: Trenton: Woman Shot In Head Last Night In Critical Condition
See last night’s MidJersey.News story here: BREAKING: Trenton, Female Shot In Head, Trauma Alert Called En Route To Hospital
August 23, 2020
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office confirms that Vernetta McCray, 39, was pronounced dead. The shooting occurred in a scene that has become all too common in the City of Trenton, she was on her porch and became a victim of a yet another drive by shooting on Friday night.
According from a statement by the Prosecutor’s Office “Trenton police responded to the area of the 300 block of Walnut Street last night around 8:50 pm after receiving a Shot Spotter activation for more than 20 rounds fired. While searching for a scene, they discovered an adult female on the porch of a Hampton Avenue residence bleeding from her head.”
She was transported by Trenton EMS and Capital Health Paramedics to The Trauma Center At Capital Health Regional Medical Center where she died Saturday night.
Politicians provide lip service but the shootings and killings continue in Trenton:
Governor Murphy said, “Vernetta McCray has worked for the Department of Children and Families for over a decade, gaining the respect of her colleagues and serving countless children and families in Mercer County. This tragedy is yet another reminder of the toll that senseless gun violence takes on our communities. Our prayers are with Vernetta, her family, and her loved ones at this difficult time.” –Governor Murphy
Back on June 3, 2020 City Council President Kathy McBride said at a press conference on another shooting involving children: ” This is just tragedy upon tragedy in this city. Enough Is Enough! I had all I can stand and as a parent I do not want to put up with it any longer, if you want to part of a solution lets sit down and come up with some ideas.”
Back on May 18, 2020 Mayor W. Reed Gusciora condemned an outbreak of violence over that weekend and pledged further police enforcement to address fears of escalating conflict in neighborhoods across the City. “Across urban America we see all too often that guns are indiscriminately used to spark neighborhood violence. Since Trenton is not immune to these events, our police department is working closely with state and county agencies to curb these unlawful incidents.”
On April 5, 2020 Mayor Gusciora held a press conference to address April 5th violence in the community “Mayor of Trenton, W. Reed Gusciora said, “Yesterday was Palm Sunday, yet it was anything other than peaceful in the Capital City. In at least four separate incidents of gun violence, there were 8 people shot and 2 are dead and 1 fighting for her life. ”
Trenton murders per year as of August 22, 2020 there have been 26 murders in Trenton, NJ
Names of Trenton’s murder victims of 2020:
SAY THEIR NAMES:
January 30, 2020, Starquasia Harris, 24, shooting
February 16, 2020, Maurice London, 39, shooting
March 23, 2020, Danavan Phillips, 37, shooting
March 25, 2020, Yuell Moore, 29, shooting
April 5, 2020 Quamiera Massey, 24, shooting
April 5, 2020 Dabree Brannon, 30, shooting
April 5, 2020 Frederick Mason, 20, shooting
May 14, 2020, pronounced dead May 21, 2020 Terrence Horton, 53, shooting
May 17, 2020, Robert Smith, 38, shooting
May 18, 2020 Antwuan Bowens, 44, shooting
May 18, 2020 Tayvion Jones, 18, shooting
May 21, 2020 Raheen McKinnon 19, shooting
May 23, 2020, Watson Cogdell, 58, shooting
May 30, 2020 Tyrone Campbell, 45, shooting
June 2, 2020 Dontae Barnes, shooting
June 21, 2020, Robert Neal, 34, stabbing
July 1, 2020, Covvie Scott, 24, shooting
July 8, 2020, Richard Guarderas, 18, shooting
July 8, 2020, Malcom L. Bowser, 19, shooting
July 15, 2020, Jason Phillips, 23, shooting
July 17, 2020, Luis Gonzalez, 37, shooting
August 2, 2020 died August 5, 2020, Jolisa Marshall, 28, shooting (of Hamilton)
August 9, 2020, William Irrizarry, 18, shooting
August 9, 2020, Julius Vargas, 18, shooting
August 17, 2020, Rahkeem Ortiz, 29, shooting
August 21, 2020, Vernetta McCray, 39, drive by shooting (died August 22, 2020)
X 1970 record
X
X
X
X 2005 record
X 2014 record
X
X
X
X
X Trenton’s record of homicides in 2013
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Not in NJ but across the river in Falls Township, Pennsylvania May 24, 2020 Davon Frink, 25, shooting at a Holiday Inn Express at a Trenton party held there.
Trenton Murders Per Year Since 1989
NJ State Police Uniform Crime Report available here: https://www.njsp.org/ucr/uniform-crime-reports.shtml
1989 = 22
1990 = 21
1991 = 7
1992 = 16
1993 = 11
1994 = 9
1995 = 16
1996 = 14
1997 = 12
1998 = 15
1999 = 8
2000 = 14
2001 = 13
2002 = 19
2003 = 13
2004 = 18
2005 = 31
2006 = 18
2007 = 25
2008 = 19
2009 = 18
2010 = 15
2011 = 23
2012 = 24
2013 = 37
2014 = 32
2015 = 17
2016 = 21
2017 = 23
2018 = 16
2019 = 15
2020 = 26* current number as of August 22, 2020 (not available yet by NJSP)
CHECK OUT THE LIST OF MIDJERSEY.NEWS STORIES ON CITY OF TRENTON 2020 SHOOTINGS, GUN VIOLENCE, STABBINGS AND HOMICIDES HERE:
And the list grows: Other Recent Trenton Shooting and Homicide Stories:(There has been a lot more gun violence, stabbings and shootings but these are ones we have enough information to report on)
Shooting Victim Dies At Hospital Becomes Trenton’s 26 Homicide of 2020
See MidJersey.News update here: UPDATE: Trenton: Woman Shot In Head Last Night In Critical Condition
See last night’s MidJersey.News story here: BREAKING: Trenton, Female Shot In Head, Trauma Alert Called En Route To Hospital
Shooting On Turpin Street In Trenton
Shooting in Trenton in Front of Kingsbury Towers
BREAKING: Another Shooting In Trenton, This Time At Rowan Tower
Names Released In This Morning’s Double Shooting
Trenton’s Homicide Body County Now At 24 For 2020, Law Enforcement Officials Plan To Deploy More Law Enforcement
28 Year Old Hamilton Woman Pronounced Dead From Trenton Shooting Becomes Trenton’s 22 Homicide of 2020
2 Shot In Trenton, Female Remains In Critical Condition This Morning
BREAKING: 2 Shot In Trenton On Delawareview Ave
BREAKING: Shooting On East State Street In Trenton, Man Shot Multiple Times Transported To Trauma Center
Mercer County Homicide Task Force Investigation Leads to Charges in July Homicide in Trenton
UPDATE: Three Trenton Teens Facing Criminal Charges, Including Attempted Murder And Other Charges, After Shooting At Police During Chase In stolen Vehicle And Crash, 1 Officer Critical Condition Others Also Injured
UPDATE: The Mercer County Homicide Task Force and the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Serious Collision Response Team are investigating an incident that occurred in Trenton early this morning
BREAKING: Police Involved Accident In Trenton
Continuing Coverage: City Of Trenton’s 21st Homicide Of 2020
BREAKING: Shooting On Broad Street Is Fatal, Becomes City’s 21st Homicide of 2020
Trenton Murder Body Count = 20 As Mercer County Homicide Task Force Investigating Another 2020 Trenton Shooting
BREAKING: Reports Of Fatal Shooting In Trenton As Shootings And Stabbings Plague City
2020 Trenton Death Toll Rises to 19 As Detectives Investigating Double Homicide in Trenton
When Will “Enough Be Enough”? – Mercer County Homicide Task Force Investigating Wednesday Night Murder In Trenton, Ewing Man Is 17th Person Dead In 2020
Arrest Made In Trenton Stabbing Homicide
Trenton Stabbing Victim Identified, 16 Dead In 2020 So Far In The City
BREAKING: Multiple Stabbings In Trenton This Evening
16 Members & Associates of Violent Trenton-Based “Get Money Boys” Gang Linked to Four Shootings in Last 10 Months
BREAKING: A City Of Shootings, 24 Hours After City Officials And Leaders Exclaimed “Enough Is Enough!” Another Shooting
“Enough Is Enough!” Trenton Council President Kathy McBride, After 2 Children And 1 Man Shot, One Other Child Injured By Running Away From Gunfire
UPDATE: Blood Continues To Spill In City Gun Violence As Another Man Killed By Multiple Gunshot Wounds
BREAKING: Trenton Shootings Continue, Early Morning Shooting In Trenton
Trenton Shooting Victim Identified From Yesterday’s Shooting
Trenton Body Count Increases To 15 As Carnage Continues In The City
BREAKING: Trenton Shootings Continue, Early Morning Shooting In Trenton
BREAKING: Reported Another Shooting In Trenton As Gun Violence Plagues City
Reports Of A Shooting Last Night In Trenton at Rowan Towers
Trenton Man Dead From April 14th Shooting At Kingsbury Towers
Update: 25 Year Old Trenton Man Dead In PA Shooting At Holiday Inn Express
Large Crowd From Trenton, NJ Involved in PA Shooting At Holiday Inn Express
Trenton Shooting Suspect Charged With Murder
Developing Story: Trenton Shooting Victim From This Afternoon Identified
BREAKING: One Shot Dead; The Carnage Continues As Shootings Ravage City
Hamilton Teen Killed By Gun Violence In Trenton
BREAKING: Bloodbath In Trenton Continues, 1 Dead 1 Critical In Another Shooting
Bullets Continue To Fly, Three Hours After Mayor Releases Statement About Violence In The City
Trenton Mayor Gusciora Condemns Weekend Violence In City
BREAKING: Multiple Deaths From Daily Gun Violence That Plagues City
One Dead, Two Additional Victims In Another Trenton Shooting Last Night
Another Day Another Trenton Shooting
Developing Story: Shooting On Calhoun Street, Victim Driven By Personal Vehicle To Trauma Center
BREAKING: Shooting Blood Bath Continues, In Trenton This Morning
Breaking: 2 Shot at Kingsbury Towers In Trenton
Trenton Man Arrested in Hoffman Avenue Homicide
Trenton Mayor Gusciora And City Officials Address April 5th Violence
BREAKING NEWS: 3rd Multi-Shooting Tonight In Trenton
BREAKING NEWS: Another Shooting In Trenton Tonight
BREAKING NEWS: Shooting In Trenton One Possible Fatal And One Serious
BREAKING: Police Investigate Shooting On Trenton/Hamilton Border
NEWARK, NJ AND NORTH HANOVER, NJ (BURLINGTON)–In an update to story MidJersey.News from yesterday, Homeland Security Investigations Newark Field Office and the FBI announced that the HSI Newark -led task force executed a targeted operation on Wednesday November 2, 2022 though Monmouth and Burlington Counties in New Jersey and New York, as part of a nation-wide operation to take down a transnational catalytic converter theft ring. The HSI enforcement operation which included the Newark Border Enforcement Security Task Force (BEST), the HSI Tulsa field office, Customs and Border Protection, the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) Newark field office, and others from numerous state and local law enforcement partners, resulted in the apprehension of 6 individuals in Newark, 2 individuals in New York and confiscated more than 200 pallets of catalytic converters, more than $2 Million worth of exotic automobiles, and more than $1 Million in U.S. currency, 29 ounces of gold bars, jewelry, and several high-value handbags.
“This criminal enterprise involved multiple suspects across the country culminating with principal defendants residing and operating within the State of New Jersey and investigated by HSI.” said Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel of HSI Newark. “This Coordinated investigation and operation among several federal, state and local law enforcement agencies illustrates our commitment to stopping thefts, specifically catalytic converters being stolen, and ending the subsequent profit gained when they are sold within this State and around the globe. HSI will continue to follow the proceeds of these crimes, identify any perpetrators and their ill-gotten assets, and work collaboratively with our prosecutors to bring all co-conspirators to justice.”
The operation was part of a nationwide, coordinated takedown of leaders and associates of a national network of thieves, dealers, and processors for their roles in conspiracies involving stolen catalytic converters sold to a metal refinery for tens of mi9llions of dollars and often exported from the United States. Arrests, searches, and seizures took place in New Jersey, New York California, Oklahoma, Wyoming, Minnesota, Nevada, North Carolina, and Virginia. In total, 21 individuals in five states have been arrested and/or charged for their roles in the conspiracy.
Catalytic converters are a component of an automotive vehicle’s exhaust device that reduce the toxic gas and pollutants from a vehicle’s internal combustion engine into safe emissions. Catalytic converters use precious metals in their center, or “core” and are regularly targeted for theft due to teh high value of these metals, especially the precious metals palladium, platinum, and rhodium. Some of these precious metals are more valuable per ounce than gold and their value has been increasing in recent years. The black-market price for catalytic converters can be above $1,000 each, depending on the type of vehicle and what state it comes from. Catalytic converters can be stolen in less than a minute and often lack unique serial numbers, VIN information, or other distinctive identification features, making them difficult to trace to their lawful owner. Thus, the theft of catalytic converters has become increasingly popular because of their value, relative ease to steal, and their lack of identifying markings.
HSI Newark BEST is comprised of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Port Authority of New York and New Jesey Police Department, Hudson County Sheriff’s Office, Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, Morris Township Police Department and the Waterfront Commission of New York Harbor.
HSI the principal investigative arm of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), responsible for investigating transnational crime and threats, specifically those criminal organizations that exploit the global infrastructure though which international trade, trave, and finance move. HSI’s workforce of over 10,400 employees consists of more than 6,800 special agents assigned to 225 cites throughout the United States, and 93 overseas locations in 56 countries. HSI’s international presence represents DHS’s largest investigative law enforcement presence abroad and one of the largest international footprints in U.S. law.
Yesterday’s MidJersey.News story here:
Numerous signs around the property announcing that “We Buy Catalytic Converters! Paying The Highest Price
The scene yesterday at Blacey’s U-Pick Auto Parts “We Buy Scrap” on Route 537 in North Hanover Township just outside of New Egypt, a neighbor told Midjersey.news that a new company purchased the business three months ago and complained to the Township and local police about noise, traffic and fumes coming from the operation.
Photos by: Newark FBI and Homeland Security Investigations
Homeland Security Investigations photo
The scene yesterday at Blacey’s U-Pick Auto Parts “We Buy Scrap” on Route 537 in North Hanover Township just outside of New Egypt, a neighbor told Midjersey.news that a new company purchased the business three months ago and complained to the Township and local police about noise, traffic and fumes coming from the operation.
Federal, state, and local law enforcement partners from across the United States executed a nationwide, coordinated takedown today of leaders and associates of a national network of thieves, dealers, and processors for their roles in conspiracies involving stolen catalytic converters sold to a metal refinery for tens of millions of dollars.
Arrests, searches, and seizures took place in California, Oklahoma, Wyoming, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Nevada, North Carolina, and Virginia. In total, 21 individuals in five states have been arrested and/or charged for their roles in the conspiracy.
The 21 defendants are charged in two separate indictments that were unsealed today in the Eastern District of California and the Northern District of Oklahoma following extensive law enforcement arrest and search operations. In addition to the indictments, over 32 search warrants were executed, and law enforcement seized millions of dollars in assets, including homes, bank accounts, cash, and luxury vehicles.
“Amidst a rise in catalytic converter thefts across the country, the Justice Department has today carried out an operation arresting 21 defendants and executing 32 search warrants in a nation-wide takedown of a multimillion-dollar catalytic converter theft network,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “We will continue to work alongside our state and local partners to disrupt criminal conspiracies like this one that target the American people.”
“This national network of criminals hurt victims across the country,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “They made hundreds of millions of dollars in the process—on the backs of thousands of innocent car owners. Today’s charges showcase how the FBI and its partners act together to stop crimes that hurt all too many Americans.”
“With California’s higher emission standards, our community has become a hot bed for catalytic converter theft,” said U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert for the Eastern District of California. “Last year approximately 1,600 catalytic converters were reportedly stolen in California each month, and California accounts for 37% of all catalytic converter theft claims nationwide. I am proud to announce that we have indicted nine people who are at the core of catalytic theft in our community and nationwide.”
“In Tulsa alone, more than 2,000 catalytic converters were stolen in the past year,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson for the Northern District of Oklahoma. “Organized criminal activity, including the large-scale theft of catalytic converters, is costly to victims and too often places citizens and law enforcement in danger. The collective work conducted by federal prosecutors and more than 10 different law enforcement agencies led to the filing of charges in the Northern District of Oklahoma against 13 defendants operating an alleged catalytic converter theft operation.”
“The success of this national takedown highlights the importance and necessity of dynamic law enforcement partnerships that we foster at DHS every single day,” said Deputy Secretary John K. Tien of the Department of Homeland Security. “This calculated, cooperative whole-of-government approach across multiple states illustrates our commitment to protecting the homeland from those who seek to profit from sophisticated schemes. Homeland Security Investigations [HSI] will continue to focus its efforts on keeping these types of criminal elements off our streets while dismantling the groups behind these and other thefts.”
“Just like the precious metal inside every catalytic converter, there’s a money trail at the core of every criminal scheme,” said Chief Jim Lee of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI). “Our IRS-CI special agents and partners are incredibly well-versed at unraveling financial trails, and this case is not unique. There are real victims here – friends, neighbors, and businesses – and our hope is that today’s arrests will deter similar criminal activity.”
Catalytic Converters
Catalytic converters are a component of an automotive vehicle’s exhaust device that reduce the toxic gas and pollutants from a vehicle’s internal combustion engine into safe emissions. Catalytic converters use precious metals in their center, or “core”, and are regularly targeted for theft due to the high value of these metals, especially the precious metals palladium, platinum, and rhodium. Some of these precious metals are more valuable per ounce than gold and their value has been increasing in recent years. The black-market price for catalytic converters can be above $1,000 each, depending on the type of vehicle and what state it is from. They can be stolen in less than a minute. Additionally, catalytic converters often lack unique serial numbers, VIN information, or other distinctive identification features, making them difficult to trace to their lawful owner. Thus, the theft of catalytic converters has become increasingly popular because of their value, relative ease to steal, and their lack of identifying markings.
Eastern District of California Case
A federal grand jury in the Eastern District of California returned a 40‑count indictment charging nine defendants with conspiracy to transport stolen catalytic converters, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and other related charges.
According to court documents, brothers Tou Sue Vang, 31, and Andrew Vang, 27, and Monica Moua, 51, all of Sacramento, California, allegedly operated an unlicensed business from their personal residence in Sacramento where they bought stolen catalytic converters from local thieves and shipped them to DG Auto Parts LLC (DG Auto) in New Jersey for processing. The Vang family allegedly sold over $38 million in stolen catalytic converters to DG Auto.
Defendants Navin Khanna, aka Lovin Khanna, 39; Tinu Khanna, aka Gagan Khanna, 35; Daniel Dolan, 44; Chi Mo, aka David Mo, 37; Wright Louis Mosley, 50; and Ishu Lakra, 24, all of New Jersey, operated DG Auto in multiple locations in New Jersey. They knowingly purchased stolen catalytic converters and, through a “de-canning” process, extracted the precious metal powders from the catalytic core. DG Auto sold the precious metal powders it processed from California and elsewhere to a metal refinery for over $545 million.
Northern District of Oklahoma Case
A federal grand jury in the Northern District of Oklahomareturned a 40‑count indictment charging 13 defendants with conspiracy to receive stolen catalytic converters, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and other related charges.
According to court documents, together the defendants bought stolen catalytic converters from thieves on the street, then re-sold and shipped them to DG Auto in New Jersey for processing. Over the course of the conspiracy, defendant Tyler James Curtis received over $13 million in wired funds from DG Auto for the shipment of catalytic converters and received over $500,000 from Capital Cores for catalytic converters. Defendant Adam G. Sharkey received over $45 million in wired funds from DG Auto. And defendant Martynas Macerauskas received over $6 million in payments from DG Auto for catalytic converters. In all these incidents, most of the catalytic converters sold to DG Auto were stolen, and DG Auto knew or should have known that when they paid for them.
The 13 defendants are Navin Khanna, 39, of Holmdel, New Jersey; Adam Sharkey, 26, of West Islip, New York; Robert Gary Sharkey, 57, of Babylon, New York; Tyler James Curtis, 26, of Wagoner, Oklahoma; Benjamin Robert Mansour, 24, of Bixby, Oklahoma; Reiss Nicole Biby, 24, of Wagoner, Oklahoma; Martynas Macerauskas, 28, of Leila Lake, Texas; Kristina McKay Macerauskas, 21, of Leila Lake, Texas; Parker Star Weavel, 25, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma; Shane Allen Minnick, 26, of Haskell, Oklahoma; Ryan David LaRue 29, of Broken Bow, Oklahoma; Brian Pate Thomas, 25, of Choteau, Oklahoma; and Michael Anthony Rhoden, 26, of Keifer, Oklahoma.
Trial Attorney Danbee C. Kim of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section, Assistant U.S. Attorney Veronica M.A. Alegría for the Eastern District of California, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Reagan Reininger and David Nasar for the Northern District of Oklahoma are prosecuting the cases.
The FBI Sacramento, IRS-CI Sacramento, HSI Tulsa, and IRS-CI Tulsa are investigating the cases.
FBI Las Vegas (NV), FBI Richmond (VA), FBI Charlotte (NC), FBI Newark (NJ), FBI Dallas (TX), HSI Dallas (TX), HSI Houston (TX), HSI Amarillo (TX), HSI St. Paul (MN), HSI Long Island (NY), HSI Newark (NJ), IRS-CI Chicago Field Office (IL), IRS-CI Oakland Field Office (CA), IRS-CI Dallas Field Office (TX), IRS-CI Newark Field Office (NJ), Tulsa Police Department (OK), Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office (OK), Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OK), Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office (OK), Wagoner County Sheriff’s Office (OK), Houston Police Department (TX), Amarillo Police Department (TX), Broken Arrow Police Department (OK), Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department (CA), Sacramento Police Department (CA), Davis Police Department (CA), Auburn Police Department (CA), Livermore Police Department (CA), San Bernardino County Sherriff’s Department (CA), Customs and Border Protection (NJ), Port Authority Police Department of New York and New Jersey (NY; NJ), Hudson County Sheriff’s Office (NJ), Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office (NJ), Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office (NJ), Morris Township Police Department (NJ), Springfield Police Department (NJ), New Jersey State Police (NJ), Union County Prosecutor’s Office (NJ), Port Authority of NY & NJ (NY; NJ), Howell Police Department (NJ), Warren Township Police Department (NJ), Freehold Borough Police Department (NJ), Middletown Police Department (NJ), Marlboro Police Department (NJ), Manalapan Police Department (NJ), Ocean County Sheriff’s Office (NJ), Burlington Police Department (NJ), Willingboro Police Department (NJ), Waterfront Commission of NY Harbor (NY), Nassau County Police Department (NY), Suffolk County Police Department (NY), Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (NV), Greensville County Sheriff’s Office (VA), Emporia Police Department (VA), Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office (VA), Halifax County Sheriff’s Office (NC), Saint Paul Police Department (MN), Minnesota Commerce Fraud Bureau (MN), Blaine Police Department (MN), McLeod County Sheriff’s Office (MN), Anoka County Sheriff’s Office (MN), Carver County Sheriff’s Office (MN), Roseville Police Department (MN), Plymouth Police Department (MN), Bloomington Police Department (MN), Eagan Police Department (MN), Woodbury Police Department (MN), Brown County Sheriff’s Office (MN), Brooklyn Park Police Department (MN), Fridley Police Department (MN), Mendota Heights Police Department (MN), Chaska Police Department (MN), and Coon Rapids Police Department (MN) provided assistance.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
CAMDEN, N.J. – A Burlington County, New Jersey, woman was sentenced today to one year and one day in prison for her role in a GoFundMe scam that gained nationwide attention, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Katelyn McClure, 32, of Bordentown, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Jerome B. Simandle to an information charging her with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. U.S. District Judge Noel L. Hillman imposed the sentence today in Camden federal court.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
In November 2017, McClure and Mark D’Amico, 43, allegedly created a crowd-source funding page on GoFundMe’s website titled “Paying It Forward.” The campaign solicited donations from the public purportedly for the benefit of a homeless veteran, Johnny Bobbitt, 39, of Philadelphia. McClure and D’Amico posted a story that McClure was driving home from Philadelphia on Interstate 95 and ran out of gas. Bobbitt acted as a “good Samaritan” and rescued McClure by using his last $20 to buy gasoline for her. The website stated that funds were being solicited to get Bobbitt off the streets and provide him with living expenses, setting a goal of $10,000.
In reality, McClure never ran out of gas and Bobbitt never spent his last $20 for her. D’Amico and McClure allegedly conspired to create the false story to obtain money from donors. The story was quickly picked up by local and national media outlets and went viral and raised approximately $400,000 from more than 14,000 donors in less than three weeks.
The donated funds were transferred by D’Amico and McClure from GoFundMe into accounts that they controlled. The majority of the money allegedly was quickly spent by D’Amico and McClure on personal expenses over the next three months.
In mid-November of 2017, when the donations had reached approximately $1,500, D’Amico and McClure told Bobbitt about the campaign and the false gas story. In December of 2017, after setting up a bank account for Bobbitt, D’Amico and McClure deposited $25,000 of proceeds of the scheme into Bobbitt’s account.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Hillman sentenced McClure to three years of supervised release and ordered her to pay $400,000 in restitution. D’Amico previously pleaded guilty and was sentenced in April 2022 to 27 months in prison; Bobbitt pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited assistant prosecutors and detectives of the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Lachia L. Bradshaw; officers of the Florence Township Police Department; special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Tammy Tomlins; and special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Bender of the Criminal Division in Camden.
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Defense counsel: James J. Gerrow Jr. Esq., Hainesport, New Jersey
Related story:
Former Bordentown Man Pleads Guilty In $400K GoFundMe Scheme
Photo by Sora Shimazaki on Pexels.com
Officers will be subject to renew their licenses three years after issuance.
July 21, 2022
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Governor Phil Murphy today signed S2742/A4194 into law, establishing a police licensing program for all New Jersey law enforcement officers. The new law will require all law enforcement officers to hold a valid, active license issued by the Police Training Commission (PTC) in order to be employed as officers in the State of New Jersey. Governor Murphy first proposed the legislation in May 2022 and the bill quickly moved through both the Senate and Assembly. New Jersey will become the 47th state to establish a police licensing program.
“I thank my legislative partners for acting quickly on passing this bill and sending it to my desk to sign today. This police licensing program will, formally and finally, recognize all who serve in law enforcement in our state as the specially trained and highly skilled professional they are,” said Governor Murphy. “Officers holding these licenses will be proven professionals who fulfill their duties with honesty and integrity, helping law enforcement strengthen and rebuild the bonds of trust between police and residents in the communities they serve, especially in our Black and Brown communities.”
“This landmark legislation will have real and transformative impact on policing in New Jersey, and will serve to significantly improve trust between law enforcement and the public they are sworn to protect,” said Acting Attorney General Platkin. “One of the strongest commitments of the Murphy Administration has been to ensure the continued excellence and success of New Jersey’s law enforcement officers, while promoting a culture statewide of professionalism, transparency, and accountability.”
“The licensing of law enforcement officers throughout New Jersey provides an additional layer of professionalism and accountability to the men and women who take an oath to serve and protect the citizens of this great state,” said Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “I applaud the efforts of Governor Murphy and Acting Attorney General Platkin who have worked tirelessly with the members of the Police Training Commission to enact a statewide licensing program that strengthens transparency and public trust.”
“NJDOC correctional police are highly trained and dedicated professionals with the significant responsibility of protecting the public and ensuring safe and secure facilities” said NJDOC Commissioner Victoria L. Kuhn. “The statewide licensure of law enforcement will continue to build trust and improve accountability for officers that serve in the NJDOC, and each and every community across the state.”
The PTC, which establishes statewide law enforcement standards, voted unanimously in June 2020 to create a statewide police licensing program, recognizing that over 40 states across the country use a form of decertification or licensing for law enforcement officers. In an effort to help build public trust in law enforcement, the police licensing program will require all law enforcement officers to meet certain uniform professional standards to become, or continue to be, an active law enforcement officer in the state.
To better protect the health, safety, and welfare of all citizens, the legislation would grant the PTC the ability and responsibility to monitor and take appropriate actions against the licenses of any law enforcement officer who acts outside the bounds of professional standards or engages in illegal or improper conduct. Some of the conduct resulting in the revocation or non-issuance of a license include:
Conviction of any crime in NJ, or any other state, territory, country, or of the U.S.;
Conviction of an act of domestic violence;
Conviction of any offense that would preclude an officer from carrying a firearm;
Two or more motor vehicle offenses for operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or two of more motor vehicle offenses for reckless driving;
Being an active member of a group that advocates for the violent overthrow of the government or for discrimination based on classes protected by the Law Against Discrimination (LAD); and
Conduct or behavior in the officer’s personal or professional life such as making statements, posting, sharing, or commenting in support of any posting, on social media, or otherwise, that demonstrates, espouses, advocates or supports discrimination or violence against, or hatred or bias toward individuals or groups based on race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other protected characteristic under the “Law Against Discrimination.”
Officers will be subject to renew their licenses three years after issuance.
“We have taken major steps over recent years – requiring the use of body-worn cameras, enhancing training, and increasing the diversity of our law enforcement agencies – to fortify the relationships between our communities and the law enforcement agencies that serve them. Police licensure is a commonsense next step,” said Senator Greenstein. “Our communities will be better served – and our law enforcement agencies will be better equipped – with a framework for licensure in place. I’d like to thank my colleagues for supporting this legislation and Governor Murphy for signing it into law.”
“The creation and implementation of a statewide licensure program for law enforcement officers is essential, as it will set requirements and minimum standards for all police at all levels,” said Senator Troy Singleton. “I truly believe that uniform professional standards will help build public trust and ensure that proper policing is occurring across New Jersey.”
“Professional licensure will greatly help ensure law enforcement officers uphold the public trust by maintaining high standards of training and proficiency,” said Assemblywoman Reynolds-Jackson. “Many professions require licensure and are held accountable if they are in violation. The job of law enforcement is as critically important to our communities as the work of doctors and lawyers. This law will raise the level of professionalism that is required to serve our communities in any situation.”
“We should always work to enhance transparency and build better relationships between the police and the residents they protect,” said Assemblyman Bill Spearman. “Through this law, we will be able to hold bad actors accountable for their wrongdoings and ensure that the proper disciplinary actions are pursued.”
“The Police Training Commission will have the ability to better monitor officers and take the appropriate action against those who engage in improper conduct under established licensure standards,” said Assemblyman Benjie Wimberly. “This law is a step toward rebuilding trust in our communities.”
“The State Troopers Fraternal Association has continually been willing to partner with the Governor and members of the legislature in producing common sense police reform legislation. This historic legislation creating a police licensing program here in New Jersey is no exception. This is yet another piece of legislation that we have all worked on together to enhance transparency and promote public trust and confidence in our troopers and all law-enforcement. This bill enhances the concepts of producing a more professional and better trained police officer while incapacitating bad actors for which we have no tolerance,” said Wayne Blanchard, President, State Troopers Fraternal Association.
“The New Jersey Fraternal Order of Police which represents over 14,000 of New Jersey’s Finest supports Governor Murphy’s initiatives to further enhance professionalism within the Law Enforcement community in the State of New Jersey,” said Robert Gries, Executive Vice President, NJFOP. “We look forward to supporting and working with the Governor’s Office on this and all matters that affect and improve the ability of Law Enforcement to perform their important work.”
“The ACLU-NJ and our advocacy partners have been calling for police licensing for years, and we’re proud that we’re finally able to see it come to fruition,” said ACLU-NJ President Amol Sinha. “The bill Governor Murphy signed is strong: both the bill’s sponsors and the administration took a promising draft and improved it by mandating reporting to the National Decertification Index. We intend to continue working with the Attorney General and stakeholders to ensure that this new licensing scheme provides necessary accountability and transparency for all New Jerseyans as well as ensures due process and fairness mechanisms for members of law enforcement. But there is much more that remains to be done. New Jersey belatedly joins the more than 40 other states in having a licensing scheme for police officers. We must now do the hard work of delivering meaningful measures of accountability such as police discipline transparency, civilian complaint review boards with subpoena power, and ending qualified immunity. We cannot – and should not – aspire to merely catch up with states like Alabama and Florida – instead we must lead on issues of police accountability to create a fairer and more just New Jersey for all.”
“We applaud Governor Murphy and Attorney General Platkin for their leadership in establishing a police licensure program in New Jersey,” said Reverend Charles Boyer, Pastor, Greater Mount Zion Bethel AME Church and Executive Director, Salvation & Social Justice, United Black Agenda. “Black residents in New Jersey are three times as likely to have force used against them than their white counterparts, and excessive force claims continue to cost New Jersey taxpayers millions each year. This bill is both critical and long overdue, yet we acknowledge that this legislation is not a panacea. We still have much work to do to ensure that this bill lives up to the state’s promise to heighten the standard of police conduct in the state and effectively holding officers who fail to meet that standard accountable. We at Salvation and Social Justice look forward to continuing to work with this Administration to increase transparency, equity, and justice in this state.”
“I know that most New Jersey residents will be proud to join forty-six (46) states in these United States to require Law Enforcement Officers to be licensed like the many professionals in their communities,” said Reva Foster President, NJ Black Issues Convention.
Professional licensing is used in various other contexts, and occupations such as teachers, doctors, electricians, and counselors, among others, are subject to licensing requirements that provide the public with appropriate assurance of professionalism, qualification, and accountability.
Photos NJ Govenor’s Office
July 21, 2022
FREEHOLD, NJ (MONMOUTH) – A Freehold Township man was found guilty by a Monmouth County Jury in connection with the 2017 possession and distribution of child sexual abuse materials, Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Lori Linskey announced Thursday.
James Simmons, 74, of Freehold Township, was convicted on Wednesday, July 20, 2022, of second degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child, Distribution of Child Sexual Abuse Material and third degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child, Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material.
A July 2017 investigation by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, along with NJ ICAC Task Force and the Freehold Township Police Department revealed that Simmons was found to be in a possession of a USB thumb drive with over 100 videos depicting the sexual abuse of a child, along with peer-to-peer file sharing programs from electronic devices located at his residence on Harding Road in Freehold Township. The New Jersey Regional Computer Forensic Laboratory assisted in the analysis of the electronic devices recovered from the defendant’s residence.
“I am grateful for the collaborative investigative efforts of my office’s detectives, Assistant Prosecutor Dugan, the NJ ICAC Task Force, and the Freehold Township Police Department for their work on this case. It is imperative that we continue to do all that we can to protect our most vulnerable citizens, our children, from being victimized in this way,” said Acting Prosecutor Lori Linskey.
During the trial, Simmons testified that the materials and files found belonged to his son, who had died prior to Simmons’ arrest.
Simmons faces more than 10 years in a New Jersey State Prison. Simmons must also register for Megan’s Law, he will be under Parole Supervision for Life and will have Internet Restrictions when he is sentenced by Monmouth County Superior Court Judge Jill O’Malley on January 13, 2023.
This case is being handled by Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Stephanie Dugan. Simmons is being represented by George B. Somers Jr., Esq., of Princeton.
Photo by Sora Shimazaki on Pexels.com
July 21, 2022
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–A Somerset County, New Jersey, man was sentenced to 46 months in prison for orchestrating a $2 million COVID-19 fraud scheme, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.
Guaravjit “Raj” Singh, 27, of Montgomery, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Peter G. Sheridan to an information charging him with one count of wire fraud. Judge Sheridan imposed the sentence on July 20, 2022, in Trenton federal court.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From May 2020, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Singh engaged in a scheme to defraud and to enrich himself by fraudulently inducing 10 victims to send him over $2 million to obtain personal protective equipment (PPE) and then stealing the money and not providing the PPE to the victims as promised.
Singh induced victims to enter into an agreement pursuant to which Singh would be paid approximately $7.1 million for approximately 1.5 million medical gowns, which ultimately were to be sourced to the city of New York amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The victims wired Singh, though his company GJS Solutions LLC, $712,500, representing a 10 percent initial deposit for the medical gowns. After receiving these funds from the victims, Singh made additional misrepresentations and excuses to the victims, ensuring them that they would receive the medical gowns. Instead of purchasing and delivering medical gowns, Singh used the funds for personal expenses.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Sheridan sentenced Singh to three years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents and intelligence analysts of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark, with the investigation leading to the sentencing.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren E. Repole, Chief of the General Crimes Unit in Newark.
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Defense counsel: Todd A. Spodek Esq., New York
Photo by Sora Shimazaki on Pexels.com
July 21, 2022
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–A Burlington County, New Jersey, man was sentenced to 120 months in prison for conspiring to distribute large amounts of cocaine and crack cocaine throughout Burlington County, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.
Herbert Mays, 65, of Willingboro, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Zahid N. Quraishi to a superseding indictment charging him with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine and conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 280 grams of crack cocaine. Judge Quraishi imposed the sentence on July 20, 2022, in Trenton federal court.
Eighteen other members of the drug trafficking conspiracy have pleaded guilty. The charges against two other defendants remain pending; the charges against them are merely accusations, and they are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
According to the documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Between July 2019 and September 2019, Mays, his codefendants and others engaged in a narcotics conspiracy that operated primarily in municipalities throughout Burlington County – including Willingboro, Burlington City, Burlington Township, Bordentown Township, and Edgewater Park – and which sought to profit from the distribution of cocaine and crack cocaine. Law enforcement officials learned that defendants obtained regular supplies of cocaine from co-conspirators in the Philadelphia area and elsewhere and then redistributed that cocaine, portions of which defendants converted into crack cocaine, for profit, to other conspirators, distributors, sub-dealers, and end users throughout Burlington County and elsewhere. Law enforcement officials intercepted numerous communications by and between the conspirators regarding such issues as cocaine and crack cocaine quality and availability, pricing, packaging, quantity, and customer satisfaction.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Quraishi sentenced Mays to five years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, Trenton Resident Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark; special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Newark Field Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey L. Matthews; detectives of the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Burlington County Prosecutor Lachia L. Bradshaw; officers of the Burlington Township Police Department, under the direction of Director of Public Safety Bruce Painter; officers of the Willingboro Police Department, under the direction of Acting Director of Public Safety Ian Bucs; officers of the Burlington City Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police John Fine; officers of the Florence Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police Brian Boldizar; officers of the Bordentown Township Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police Brian Pesce; officers of the Edgewater Park Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police Brett V. Evans; officers of the Ewing Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police Albert Rhodes; officers of the Westampton Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police Stephen Ent; officers of the Trenton Police Department, under the direction of Director Steve Wilson with the investigation leading to the sentencing.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Martha K. Nye of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Trenton and Andrew B. Johns of the Criminal Division in Camden.
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Defense counsel: Scott Krasny Esq., Trenton
Photo by Sora Shimazaki on Pexels.com
July 21, 2022
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Trenton Police Department reports that Task Force Units conduct high visibility Preventive Patrols focusing on the “quality-of-life” offenses as well as open-air street-level narcotics offenses. The Task Force Officers conducted a prostitution/john detail in the areas of South Broad Street and Malone Street, and South Clinton Avenue and Bayard Street.
Trenton Police Task Force Units made the following Arrests:
1.) Randal Hernandez, Trenton NJ
2.) Dominic Brown, Trenton NJ
3.) Julia Hernandez, Trenton NJ
4.) Jamie Pinder, Trenton NJ
5.) Amy Exner, Trenton NJ
6.) Renee Rosina, Trenton NJ
7.) Tracey Rhodes, Trenton NJ
The charges referenced above are merely accusations and the press and public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
July 20, 2022
BARNEGAT TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on July 19, 2022, Christopher Gregor, 30, of Monroe Township, was indicted by a Grand Jury sitting in Ocean County on the charge of Murder in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:11-3a(1), in connection with the death of a six-year-old male on April 2, 2021, at Southern Ocean Medical Center in the Manahawkin section of Stafford Township. Gregor was also indicted on the charge of Endangering the Welfare of a Child in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4a(2), in connection with events that occurred on March 20, 2021 in Barnegat Township.
On April 2, 2021, Officers from the Stafford Township Police Department responded to Southern Ocean Medical Center in reference to the death of a six-year-old male, identified as C.M. On April 3, 2021, a post-mortem examination was performed by the Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office, and it was determined that C.M. sustained injuries due to blunt force trauma. In the course of investigating the child’s death, Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Squad, and Barnegat Township Police Department, discovered evidence that revealed that Gregor had committed acts of abuse against the child in Barnegat Township on March 20, 2021. Accordingly, Gregor was charged with Endangering the Welfare of a Child in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4a(2), on July 7, 2021. Though initially lodged in the Ocean County Jail, Gregor was subsequently released as a consequence of New Jersey Bail Reform.
On March 3, 2022, the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office received a report from the State’s expert witness that indicated that C.M. died as a result of blunt force impact to the chest and abdomen, and determined the manner of the child’s death to be homicide. An extensive investigation conducted by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Barnegat Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, revealed that C.M. was in the custody of Gregor at the time he sustained his life-ending injuries, and that Gregor was the individual responsible for the child’s death.
On March 9, 2022, Gregor was taken into custody by Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, Sea Bright Police Department, and Barnegat Township Police Department. Gregor has been lodged in the Ocean County Jail since the date of his apprehension.
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the diligent efforts of Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Christine Lento who presented the case to the Grand Jury on behalf of the State, and commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victim’s Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Economic Crimes Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Victim Witness Advocacy Unit, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, Barnegat Township Police Department, Stafford Township Police Department, Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, Englishtown Police Department, Manalapan Township Police Department, Monroe Township Police Department, Sea Bright Police Department, New Jersey State Police, and Alcoa (Tennessee) Police Department, for their collective and cooperative assistance in connection with this investigation leading to Gregor’s apprehension and now his indictment.
The charges referenced above are merely accusations and the press and public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
R.P.C. 3.6(b)(6).
Christopher Gregor, 30, of Monroe Township
Weather Underground reported a high of 97F during firefighting operations.
July 20, 2022
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–According to Trenton Police Detective Lieutenant Bethesda Stokes around 12:30 p.m., the radio room received two 9-1-1 calls reporting a fire at 365 Cleveland Avenue. A good Samaritan, Mr. James Page, who happened to be doing work on a house in the area, saw smoke coming out of the house, then ran into the house and got everyone out of the house. Three firefighters were injured in the firefight, one Trenton firefighter had something collapse on him but was not seriously injured. Two other firefighters had smoke inhalation, one from Trenton Fire Department and one from Hamilton Township Fire Department. The fire went to 3 alarms before being brought under control. The interior of the house was completely gutted. Police say the fire was not suspicious in nature.
Multiple fire departments responded to the scene or covered the City or Trenton. Firefighters battled the 3 alarm fire in temperatures in the high 90s. Signal 22 Canteen Unit helped provide refreshment to the firefighters. Princeton First Aid and Rescue Squad responded with the rehab unit due to the high temperatures.
July 20, 2022
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Trenton Police report that on June 18, 2002, TPD Violent Crimes Unit detectives responded to the area of Hamilton and Hudson Streets to investigate a man wearing a body satchel in possession of a gun. Upon their arrival, they observed Henry Hutchinson, 37, matching the clothing description and wearing a cross-body satchel standing by the store. As detectives approached Hutchinson, he quickly fled on foot leading Detectives Lukas Kulis and Gianni Zappley on a foot pursuit. He was apprehended and arrested for obstructing the administration of law. A search revealed a loaded stolen Smith & Wesson .38 caliber revolver loaded with three rounds of hollow point ammunition, 52 decks of heroin, and $682.00 US currency that was confiscated as suspected drug proceeds.
All arrestees/suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in the court of law.
Henry Hutchinson, 37
July 20, 2022
TUCKERTON, NJ (OCEAN)–The Tuckerton Fire Department has been out of service to the community Since June 6, 2022, 44 days when equipment was removed and the Tuckerton Borough Council voted to pass a resolution “Suspending Emergency Service From The Tuckerton Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 For The Borough Of Tuckerton And Providing For Alternative Emergency Service Coverage.”
On July 18, 2022 the Fire Company sent a letter to the NJ Attorney General’s Office to investigate several allegations of misconduct. That letter in its entirety is posted below with a link to the Fire Department’s Facebook page.
“DAY 44 – OUT OF SERVICE We are asking the New Jersey Attorney General to look into a few things that we feel are improper or illegal.” — Tuckerton Fire Department Facebook page.
July 19, 2022
CLINTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (HUNTERDON)–According to the Clinton Township website discussions are underway to close County Road 629 permanently in the area of the Round Valley Reservoir by the request of the New Jersey Water Supply Authority due to security concerns of “bad actors”
From the Clinton Township website:
As you probably already know, County Road 629 in Clinton Township, Hunterdon County has been closed since April 8, 2020, from the corner of Cherry Street and Old Mountain Road to just east of the driveway to the NJDEP “fishlabs”. The fish labs are located just east of the parking lot access to the Round Valley Fish and Wildlife Boat Ramp. This was originally proposed as a temporary closure during the construction project on the Round Valley embankments. This temporary closing was allowed by Hunterdon County Engineering at the request of the New Jersey Water Supply Authority.
Recently, the Authority has had informal conversations with the Hunterdon County Engineering Department, the Borough of Lebanon, and Clinton Township about making the existing temporary closure of County Road 629 permanent. Following our informal discussions, a specific request to close the road permanently has been asked of the mayors of Lebanon Borough and Clinton Township in advance of a formal similar request to Hunterdon County. If the closing is allowed, it is our intent, after all construction is complete, to continue to allow public access on the road for pedestrians and bicycles only. Keys to the vehicular access gates would be provided to Lebanon Borough, Clinton Township, and Hunterdon County emergency staff for vehicular access. This is not out of the ordinary as keys have already been provided to the same emergency services groups for to access other Authority-owned secure areas.
The purpose of this change is to improve dam safety. We cannot share specifics, but I can tell you that a very serious threat to earthen dams by bad actors would be facilitated by vehicular access to the structure. County Road 629 is the crest of the Round Valley Dike. Be aware that failure of any of the three Round Valley dams would have catastrophic impacts on downstream residents and water supply to over one million people in central New Jersey.
It is also noted that the Authority has received verbal support of this proposal from New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Bureau of Dam Safety. The Round Valley Dike is the only one of the three embankments (at Round Valley) with unrestricted vehicular access to the crest. To my knowledge, there are no earthen embankments of this size in the state of New Jersey that allows public vehicular access.
I hope this helps you understand the situation. We do plan to add this information along with updates to our website in the future. The link to our project-specific webpage follows.
According to the website:
The Round Valley reservoir was formed in the 1960s in the Township of Clinton, New Jersey after the State constructed three large earthen embankments and flooded a large valley. The reservoir was named after the ring shaped Cushetunk Mountain that surrounds the area.
While the large valley was caused by the erosion of soft sedimentary rock, the surrounding mountain ridges endured due to the dense and durable underlay of volcanic rock.
Reaching depths of 180 feet, this 2,350-acre reservoir is known for its clear blue waters. At full capacity, the reservoir contains 55 billion gallons of water for use in central New Jersey, making it the largest water supply reservoir by volume in the state. Its water is primarily released to the nearby South Branch of the Rockaway Creek, which feeds the North Branch of the Raritan River.
The Round Valley reservoir is an “off-stream pump storage” reservoir, which means that it is filled primarily by pumping water into it. The New Jersey Water Supply Authority operates a pumping station in the Hamden section of Clinton Township to move water from the South Branch of the Raritan River into the reservoir via a large underground pipeline. Round Valley reservoir is part of a larger water supply system supply called the Raritan Basin system, which also includes the Spruce Run Reservoir. Additional information about the Raritan Basin system can be found on the Authority’s website.
Round Valley reservoir was designed for water supply purposes, but is also managed for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, hiking, swimming and camping. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s (NJDEP) Division of Fish and Wildlife manages the fishery and game resources at Round Valley Reservoir and the NJDEP State Park Service manages the other recreational aspects of the reservoir.
MidJersey.News File Photo by: Dennis Symons
July 19, 2022
EWING TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–According to New Jersey State Park Police (NJDEP), the body of an unidentified man was recovered from the Delaware River on Monday, July 18, 2022, in the vicinity of the D&R Canal State Park and Scudders Fall Bridge in Ewing Township. The New Jersey State Parks Police is leading the investigation. Agencies assisting in the search and recovery efforts included Hopewell Township Police Department, the Upper Makefield Police Department (Pennsylvania), and the State Police Marine Unit. Identification of the victim is pending confirmation.
Numerous fire departments from NJ and PA searched the river Sunday night and a NJ State Police Helicopter was called to assist in the search. The initial search was close to the visitors center on the Pennsylvania side and rescue crews searched north of the Scutters Falls Bridge.
File photo by: Brian McCarthy
July 18, 2022
JACKSON, NJ (OCEAN)–With beach season in full swing, a group of seniors were eager to celebrate. That’s why Bella Terra by Monarch recently brought seaside fun to its residents at the community located at 2 Kathleen Drive, Jackson Township.
The staff and a group of children sporting beach attire joined the residents in the fun. The seniors thrilled to raft pulls across the water, created sand art, dipped their toes in the pool, swayed to beach music, savored hotdogs, ice cream and other beach fare: and more.
“Many of our residents grew up at the shore, and it has been an important part of their lives for decades, from their childhood and onward” said Amy Schneider, program director for Bella Terra by Monarch. “This event enabled them to enjoy the seaside experience right outside their door and to show today’s kids how to have an old-fashioned wonderful time at the beach.”
In 2008, Frew was convicted in New Jersey of endangering the welfare of children due to his possession of child pornography. As a result of his prior convictions in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, Frew was a registered sex offender at the time of his conduct charged in the information.
July 18, 2022
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER) – An Ocean County, New Jersey, man today admitted receiving images of child sexual abuse and inducing a minor to send him sexually explicit images and engage in sexually explicit conduct over an online messaging service, U.S. Attorney Philip Sellinger announced.
David M. Frew, 41, of Little Egg Harbor, New Jersey, pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Michael A. Shipp to an information charging him with one count of receipt of child pornography and one count of online enticement of a minor to engage in criminal sexual conduct.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
In June 2017, Frew used an online messaging service to communicate with a minor victim. At Frew’s request, the victim sent Frew sexually explicit images.
In 2008, Frew was convicted of three counts of unlawful contact with a minor and one count of criminal use of a computer in Pennsylvania after sending sexually explicit photos or videos to investigators in the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Child Predator Unit, who were posing as minors online. Also in 2008, Frew was convicted in New Jersey of endangering the welfare of children due to his possession of child pornography. As a result of his prior convictions in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, Frew was a registered sex offender at the time of his conduct charged in the information.
Because Frew is a previously convicted sex offender, the charge of receipt of child pornography carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison, a statutory maximum potential penalty of 40 years in prison, and a $250,000 fine. The charge of online enticement carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a statutory maximum potential penalty of life in prison, and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 23, 2022.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), in Atlantic City, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jason J. Molina in Newark; the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Technical Crime Unit; the RCMP National Child Exploitation Coordination Centre; the Ocean County Prosecutors Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer; and the Little Egg Harbor Police Department, under the direction of Chief James Hawkins, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander E. Ramey of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Trenton.
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Defense counsel: Benjamin West Esq., Trenton
Photo by Sora Shimazaki on Pexels.com
July 18, 2022
NEWARK, N.J. – A Manalapan, New Jersey, man today admitted using online chat applications to entice an adolescent to engage in prohibited sexual activity, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Angelo N. Curato, 30, pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Brian Martinotti to a superseding information charging him with one count of online enticement of a minor.
According to documents filed in the case and statements made in court:
From February 2017 through June 2017, Curato used online chat applications to misrepresent his identity and entice or coerce an adolescent to engage in prohibited sexual activity, knowing that the victim was under the age of 18.
The online enticement charge carries a maximum penalty of life in prison, a mandatory minimum prison term of 10 years, and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 29, 2022.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jason J. Molina in Newark; and the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Acting Prosecutor Lori Linskey, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Barry O’Connell of the U.S. Attorney’s Office General Crimes Unit.
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Defense counsel: Rahul Sharma Esq., Assistant Federal Public Defender, Newark
curato.sinformationDownload Photo by Sora Shimazaki on Pexels.com
July 18, 2022
FREEHOLD, NJ (MONMOUTH) – A Morris County man has been criminally charged with a bias crime as the result of threatening comments he made at a Jersey Shore synagogue late last week, Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Lori Linskey announced Monday.
Nicholas Skirvin, 44, of Denville is charged with second-degree Bias Intimidation, third-degree Making Terroristic Threats, and Harassment, a petty disorderly persons offense.
Members of the Deal Police Department responded to the Ohel Yaacob Congregation at the corner of Lawrence Avenue and Ocean Avenue North at approximately 1 p.m. on Friday, July 15 on a report of an unknown person recording himself with a cell phone while making obscene gestures and screaming profanity-laced ethnic and homophobic slurs and threats at synagogue congregants.
A fast-moving investigation resulted in Skirvin being identified as a suspect in the case, and he was arrested by members of the Deal Police Department on a beach in nearby Asbury Park later the same afternoon. He was subsequently transported to the Monmouth County Correctional Institution (MCCI) pending a detention hearing that is now tentatively scheduled to take place on Monday, July 25, before Monmouth County Superior Court Judge Paul Escandon.
The State is filing a motion to keep Skirvin detained pending the outcome of the case.
“The hate-filled rhetoric heard last Friday in what is typically a peaceful neighborhood with a tight-knit Jewish community wasn’t just abhorrent and disturbing – it was criminal,” Acting Prosecutor Linskey said. “The charges being announced today should send a clear message that we take such conduct with the utmost seriousness. There is no place for hate in Monmouth County – especially when it is the motive behind a crime.”
The Prosecutor’s Office sincerely thanks and recognizes the members of the Deal, Asbury Park, and Denville police departments who contributed to this investigation and arrest. The incident has also been reported to the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General, which tracks bias incidents and crimes occurring statewide.
This case has been assigned to Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Melanie Falco, Director of the Office’s Professional Responsibility and Bias Crime Bureau. Skirvin is being represented by Robert E. Dunn, Esq., with an office in Morristown.
If convicted of the second-degree offense, Skirvin would face a term of up to 10 years in state prison.
Despite these charges, every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, following a trial at which the defendants have all of the trial rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and State law.
Photo by cottonbro on Pexels.com
July 14, 2022
SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–South Brunswick Police Chief Raymond Hayducka announced today a suspect has been identified and charged in a Zoom attack on a virtual memorial service for a South Brunswick High School student in February of 2021. The memorial service was being held for 17 year old Emily Murillo who tragically died in January of 2021. Due to Covid, the memorial service was broadcasted virtually. During the service, an unknown person entered the Zoom and threatened to blow up the funeral home and make the casket turn to ashes. “It was unspeakable to us that while family and friends were mourning the loss of this young girl, someone would look to threaten them,” said Chief Hayducka. Investigators never gave up in their search for the suspect. The case required numerous court orders, interaction with a variety of social media platforms, and partnering with state and federal law enforcement. “I told all the officers involved that we will never stop until we track down every lead. It took almost 18 months, but we got him,” said Chief Hayducka.
The suspect is a juvenile from North Jersey. He faces a 2nd degree charge of terroristic threats, a 3rd degree charge of false public alarm, and a 4th degree charge of cyber harassment. The charges were elevated because the threat was made during the state of emergency from the Covid pandemic.
South Brunswick Police thanked the Middlesex County Prosecutors Office, the New Jersey State Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigations, and law enforcement agencies in Connecticut and North Jersey for their assistance in the investigation.
The memorial service was being held for 17 year old Emily Murillo who tragically died in January of 2021.
A Gofundme page says:
On January 29th, our dear friends lost their beautiful 17-year-old daughter, Emily Murillo, in a tragic car accident. For those fortunate enough to have really known Emmy, you know how deeply we will miss her bright smile and sweet, sweet soul.
From chasing frogs near the creek when she attended Brunswick Acres Elementary to her two dogs and two geckos, Emmy always had a way with, and a love for, animals. She was determined to find a job working with them after graduating from South Brunswick High School this June, but she’s been taken from us far too soon.
Emily was a lifelong resident of South Brunswick and will be missed most deeply by her sister Kaylee, step brothers Dominic and Vincent, mom and stepfather Erin and Joe Popolo and her father, Oscar Murillo. Kaylee graduated from SBHS in 2017. Erin worked for years for the South Brunswick Board of Ed, and Oscar currently works at Deans Elementary School. Joe is a retired firefighter and is now a fire subcode official. They are the kind of people who help make this community great.
We know her family’s pain too well, and we know how much the kindness of friends, family, the community and even strangers have helped us, so we’re creating this GoFundMe page in the hope that Emmy’s wonderful family can know this comfort.
July 14, 2022
HAMILTON, NJ (MERCER)–Hamilton Police Report that on July 14, 2022 at approximately 5:05 p.m., Officers were detailed to the area of Overlook Avenue on a report of a missing four year old boy who was last seen approximately forty minutes prior to Police being contacted.
Officers searched the area and at approximately 6:02 p.m. located the boy submerged in Spring Lake which is located in John A. Roebling Memorial Park. The boy was pulled out of the water by members of the Hamilton Township Fire Department and rushed to the hospital where he was pronounced deceased.
Hamilton Police and the Mercer County Prosecutors Officer Homicide Task Force are investigating the incident.
Anyone with additional information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective Pat Quick of the Criminal Investigations Juvenile Section at (609) 581-4111 or the Hamilton Police Crime Tip Hotline at (609) 581-4008.
File Photo
July 14, 2022
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Acting Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin today announced that a Trenton man has pleaded guilty in a shooting he committed with a “community gun” that had been used in a prior shooting allegedly committed by members of the violent “Get Money Boys” or “GMB” gang in 2020.
Kevion Watkins, 19, of Mellon Street pleaded guilty to second-degree aggravated assault for firing two bullets into a moving vehicle, striking one of the occupants in the hand following a physical altercation inside a Trenton deli last year. Watkins pleaded guilty before Superior Court Judge Anthony M. Massi in Mercer County on June 22, 2022. Sentencing for Watkins is scheduled for Sept. 23, 2022.
Under the plea agreement, the State will recommend a sentence of eight years in state prison, with 85 percent of the sentence – nearly seven years – to be served without parole eligibility.
“A single gun can cause significant violence and destruction when it is circulated and shared by individuals involved in criminal activity,” said Acting Attorney General Platkin. “The arrest and conviction of this defendant not only brings accountability for this shooting, it also cuts off access to a community gun used for multiple violent crimes.”
Watkins was arrested on October 2, 2021 by Trenton Police who responded to a ShotSpotter alert of two rounds fired on Oakland Street shortly before 10 a.m. Watkins was taken into custody after he attempted to exit an Oakland Street apartment building where he fled after the shooting. Police recovered the weapon – a silver and black 9mm Ruger with a defaced serial number – under a floor mat in a common area of the building.
The gun was later linked by ballistic testing to at least one prior shooting – a May 1, 2020 incident in which five GMB members allegedly opened fire on a group of individuals on Sanhican Drive in Trenton, wounding two men. The suspects charged in that shooting are among 20 alleged members and associates of GMB who were indicted last year in connection with multiple shootings in Trenton. Those shootings also include: the December 2019 murder of a 32-year-old man; the attempted murder of a Trenton police officer in February 2020; and a June 2020 shooting that wounded several bystanders, including a 12-year-old girl who was critically injured. Watkins, who turned 18 in August 2020, is not a defendant in that case
“By sharing intelligence with local and county law enforcement, we were able to connect the dots to secure critical evidence linking this lone shooting to a rash of gang violence terrorizing the city of Trenton,” said Director Pearl Minato of the Division of Criminal Justice. “We will continue working closely with our law enforcement partners throughout New Jersey and beyond to remove illegal guns from our streets and hold accountable individuals who use them to carry out their violent agendas.”
In pleading guilty, Watkins admitted to firing the gun recovered by police in the direction of two individuals who were in a car, intending to cause them serious bodily harm. A surveillance camera inside the deli captured footage of the two victims involved in a physical altercation with a group of people inside the store, and then showed the pair exiting the store and getting into a blue 2017 Chevy Impala. Subsequent footage from the camera showed an individual, later identified as Watkins, running down the street while displaying a firearm and then firing two rounds into the victims’ car as it passed by him. One of the bullets struck the driver in the hand. The other occupant was not injured.
On December 8, 2021, a Grand Jury indicted Watkins on two counts of first-degree attempted murder, two counts of second-degree aggravated assaulted, and numerous weapons charges including second-degree possession, receipt, or transfer of a community gun while engaging in criminal activity. A community gun is defined by statute as a firearm that is transferred among, between, or within any association of two or more persons who, while possessing that firearm, engage in criminal activity or use it unlawfully against the person or property of another.
Deputy Attorney General Karen M. Bornstein handled the case for the Division of Criminal Justice Gangs & Organized Crime Bureau under the supervision of Deputy Bureau Chief Cassandra Montalto and Bureau Chief Lauren Scarpa Yfantis. The case was investigated by the Trenton Police Department and the Mercer County Shooting Response Team, with Assistance from the New Jersey State Police Gangs & Organized Crime South Unit.
Defense Attorney Assistant Public Defender Melissa Karabulut.
Amazon Prime members worldwide saved over $1.7 billion—more than any other Prime Day event
This year was the biggest Prime Day event for Amazon’s selling partners, most of whom are small and medium-sized businesses, whose sales growth in Amazon’s store outpaced Amazon’s retail business
Amazon Devices had a record-breaking Prime Day, selling more devices than any other Prime Day event
July 14, 2022
Prime members purchased more than 300 million items worldwide during Prime Day 2022, making this year’s event the biggest Prime Day event in Amazon’s history. And, more shopping means more savings—Prime members saved over $1.7 billion, more than any previous Prime Day event.
This year was the biggest Prime Day event for Amazon’s selling partners, most of whom are small and medium-sized businesses, whose sales growth in Amazon’s store outpaced Amazon’s retail business. Customers spent over $3 billion on more than 100 million small business items included in the Support Small Businesses to Win Big sweepstakes.
“Prime Day is a celebration of our Prime members, who look forward to this event every year, and we’re thrilled to have delivered incredible savings to them once again,” said Doug Herrington, CEO of Amazon Worldwide Stores. “This special event is made possible because of the support of our employees, vendors, and sellers, and I want to give a big thank you to all of them for making this a Prime Day to remember.”
“We were ecstatic to partner with Amazon for this year’s Prime Day,” said Rob Jackson, Ujamaa Lighting, a high-quality energy-efficient lightbulb company based in Austin, Texas. “Being a part of Amazon has provided Ujamaa with exposure to so many new customers beyond those in our local community—which has been invaluable to this small father/son business. We applaud Amazon for their efforts in promoting small businesses and look forward to working with them more in the future.”
Worldwide and U.S. shopping trends around Amazon’s Prime Day event include:
Worldwide Prime Day Trends
Shopping
Prime members worldwide purchased more than 100,000 items per minute during this year’s Prime Day event.
Some of the best-selling categories worldwide this Prime Day were Amazon Devices, Consumer Electronics, and Home.
Prime members worldwide did the most shopping from 9 a.m.—10 a.m. PT on Tuesday, July 12 during the entire Prime Day event.
Some of the best-selling items worldwide this Prime Day were from premium beauty brands, including LANEIGE and NuFACE; Apple Watch Series 7; diapers and wipes from Pampers and The Honest Company; kitchen essentials from Rachael Ray, Le Creuset, and Hamilton Beach; VTech and LeapFrog toys; Vital Proteins Collagen Whey; Levi’s apparel and accessories; Chemical Guys car wash products; and pet products from NUTRO, TEMPTATIONS, and GREENIES.
Since Prime Day shopping began on July 12, select Fire TV, Echo, and Blink devices were some of the best-selling items on Amazon worldwide.
Small Businesses
Customers supported small businesses in the three-week lead-up to Prime Day, generating more than $3 billion in sales for small businesses included in the Support Small Businesses to Win Big sweepstakes.
Customers purchased more than 100 million small business items in the three weeks leading up to Prime Day.
U.S. Prime Day Trends
Shopping
Prime members in the U.S. purchased more than 60,000 items per minute during this year’s Prime Day event.
Prime members in the U.S. did the most shopping from 8 p.m.—9 p.m. PT on Wednesday, July 13 during the U.S. Prime Day event.
Some of the best-selling categories in the U.S. this Prime Day were Consumer Electronics, Household Essentials, and Home.
Some of the best-selling items in the U.S. this Prime Day were premium beauty brands, including LANEIGE and NuFACE; Apple Watch Series 7; Crest Teeth Whitening and Oral-B electric toothbrushes; kids’ and baby clothing from Simple Joys by Carter’s; Bentgo Kids lunch boxes; Levi’s apparel and accessories; Shark vacuums, air purifiers, and steam mops; Beats by Dre headphones and earbuds; Coleman, Marmot, and ExOfficio outdoor gear and apparel; and construction toys including LEGO sets, Magna-Tiles, and PLAYMOBIL.
Customers in the U.S. used Prime Day to celebrate summer, purchasing more than 1.2 million pairs of sunglasses and more than 1 million swimsuits.
Since Prime Day shopping began on July 12, select Fire TV, Echo, and Blink devices were some of the best-selling items on Amazon in the U.S.
Small Businesses
During the three weeks leading up to Prime Day, customers shopped from small businesses included in the Support Small Businesses to Win Big sweepstakes across all 50 U.S. states, with those in Delaware, New York, and Wyoming seeing the biggest sales per capita.
Amazon Live
Amazon Live Prime Day streams had more than 100 million views.
Thousands of creators streamed throughout Prime Day 2022.
Every Day Made Better With Prime
Prime offers the best of shopping, savings, and entertainment to more than 200 million paid members around the world. In the U.S., that includes unlimited access to award-winning movies and series with Prime Video, ad-free listening of 2 million songs, thousands of stations and playlists, and thousands of podcasts with Amazon Music, free games with Prime Gaming, more than 3,000 books and magazines with Prime Reading, unlimited photo storage with Amazon Photos, and incredible savings with Prime Day. Prime was built on the foundation of unlimited fast, free shipping. Prime members enjoy ultrafast grocery delivery and pickup from Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods Market in more than 5,000 cities and towns, free Same-Day Delivery on hundreds of thousands of items in over 90 major metropolitan areas, and free One-Day Delivery on more than 20 million items coast to coast. Prime members also receive fast, free delivery on prescriptions from Amazon Pharmacy and prescription savings at more than 60,000 participating pharmacies in the U.S. To join Prime or start a 30-day free trial, visit amazon.com/prime.
July 14, 2022
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is working with the State Police to investigate vandalism to harmful algal bloom monitoring buoys in several northern New Jersey lakes, specifically the detaching of buoys from anchor lines, Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette announced today.
“These buoys gather water quality data used to warn the public about harmful algal bloom conditions and improve our long-term understanding of these blooms,” said Commissioner LaTourette. “When someone cuts a buoy free, they are jeopardizing this work and placing boaters, personal watercraft users and other recreational users of the lakes at risk of injury.”
“State Police marine and land-based units have stepped up patrols in the areas of these buoys and we will criminally charge anyone caught tampering with them to the full extent of the law,” said Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “We are asking for the public’s help in putting a stop to this.”
Anyone with information about these incidents or sees suspicious behavior is urged to contact the State Police at 609-882-2000 or the DEP’s hotline at 877-WARNDEP (877-927-6337).
“I am disappointed to learn of the recent vandalism to the monitoring buoys,” said 25th Legislative District Sen. Anthony M. Bucco. “Preserving the quality of the water in these lakes is critically important for recreation and the businesses that surround our lake communities. These buoys are an important part of that process. I encourage anyone with information regarding the intentional destruction of these devices to report it to the local authorities or the State Police.”
“As Mayors of the Lake Hopatcong communities, we have worked very hard over the last few years and partnered successfully with the NJDEP since the original harmful algal bloom in 2019, said Jefferson Township Mayor Eric F. Wilsusen. “Monitoring the lake and communicating with the public about water quality issues concerning a potential harmful algal bloom is vital to all to best utilize this valuable resource. Whoever intentionally vandalized the harmful algal bloom monitoring buoys does not have our lake’s best interest in mind and is doing a disservice to the community.”
Since June of this year, there have been two incidents at Lake Hopatcong, one at Greenwood Lake, and one, most recently, at Spruce Run Reservoir, around the Fourth of July weekend. There were also two incidents at Lake Hopatcong last summer. In each case, the buoys were recovered.
In addition, there have been three incidents of damage likely resulting from boats hitting the buoys unintentionally. The DEP reminds the boating public to be alert to the presence of the buoys. The perimeter of each buoy is marked by safety buoys.
The DEP maintains a network of high-tech real-time monitoring buoys as part of a comprehensive response to harmful algal blooms to protect public health and tourism. They gather a wide range of water quality data, including phycocyanin pigments that are indicative of harmful algal blooms, turbidity, salinity, dissolved oxygen, temperature, chlorophyll and pH.
A growing global problem due to climate change, harmful algal blooms are not caused by true algae but rather by cyanobacteria that in many ways resemble and behave like algae. These cyanobacteria naturally occur in fresh water and can proliferate to unhealthful levels in sunlight and hot weather, forming dense mats resembling pea soup or spilled paint.
Exposure to cyanobacteria cells can cause a range of mild to moderate health effects, including rashes, allergy-like reactions, flu-like symptoms, gastroenteritis, respiratory irritation and eye irritation. Incidental ingestion of water containing the toxins these bacteria can produce, known as cyanotoxins, can result in more serious health effects such as liver toxicity and neurological effects. Children and pets are more vulnerable because they ingest more water in relation to their size.
For more information on harmful algal blooms and the state’s interactive harmful algal bloom mapping tool, visit https://www.nj.gov/dep/hab/
July 14, 2022
FREEHOLD – A teenager has been apprehended in connection with a fatal shooting that took place late last week in Asbury Park, Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Lori Linskey announced Thursday.
The defendant, a 16-year-old male whose identity is being withheld due to his age, has had juvenile complaints of murder and two related weapons offenses filed against him. He remains in custody pending his next court appearance.
Shortly after 5:45 p.m. on Friday, July 8, members of the Asbury Park Police Department responded to a report of gunfire originating from the 100 block of Prospect Avenue, near the intersection with Atlantic Avenue.
Upon arrival at the scene, officers encountered 19-year-old Dariel Vernet of Asbury Park, who had sustained multiple gunshot injuries. He was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead approximately one hour later. An autopsy performed Sunday yielded a determination that the manner of death was homicide.
The investigation into Vernet’s death, led by members of the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office’s Major Crimes Bureau and the Asbury Park Police Department, resulted in the juvenile defendant being identified as a suspect, and he was taken into custody without incident Tuesday evening.
Anyone with information about this matter is still urged to contact MCPO Detective Christopher Guy at 800-533-7443 or Asbury Park Police Department Detective Anthony Troublefield at 732-774-1300. This case has been assigned to Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Caitlin J. Sidley.
Despite these juvenile complaints, every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, following a trial at which the defendants have all of the trial rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and State law.
Anyone who feels the need to remain anonymous but has information about this or any crime can submit a tip to the Monmouth County Crime Stoppers by calling their confidential telephone tipline 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), by calling 800-671-4400, or by going to the website at: www.monmouthcountycrimestoppers.com.
Next show in NJ will be: Garden State Outdoor Sports Show, Winter Show January 12-15, 2023
July 14, 2022
EDISON, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–The Outdoor Sports Group (OSG) each January is proud to produce The Garden State Outdoor Sports Show, bringing together the outdoor community to experience a fishing & hunting spectacular. Due to COVID 19 and health concerns we were unable to produce the 2022 January event and were forced to re-scheduled it to August 11-14,2022.
We had high hopes that an August event on the verge of hunting season would provide a forum for outdoor enthusiast to shop for amazing deals, meet the experts and create enjoyable family memories. While we would prefer to be giving you an update today on joining us at the New Jersey Convention & Exposition Center in Edison, NJ; we unfortunately must cancel the August event.
As events are assembling around the country and we recover from the effects of COVID 19, we find the outdoor industry in a peculiar situation. Our industry has never been so alive with individuals participating in outdoor activities, purchasing hunting & fishing licenses, taking part in conservation awareness, having a desire to travel and much more. The challenge currently is the outdoor industry is still suffering from supply chain and labor shortages making it hard to book a trip, purchase fishing tackle, boats, ATV’s and many of the products that complement the perfect outdoor adventure.
We are passionate about delivering sports shows that showcase the latest products, services, travel destination, ATV’s, RV’s, boats, powersports, fishing tackle, outfitters, wildlife art, hunting supplies, charters, paddle boards, knives and much more. Based on the supply chain and labor issue we would not be able to deliver the quality of show that the outdoor community deserves. As disappointing as it is to cancel an event is in the
best interest of our loyal vendors and attendees Outdoor Sports Group is going to focus its efforts on producing a successful show January 12-15, 2023, that showcases 150-200 + exhibitor booths and delivers 12,500-15,000 + attendees.
The January 2023 show will feature the New Jersey Deer Classic with an impressive display of trophy heads from the previous three hunting seasons, the 9th Annual Garden State 3D Archery Tournament, The Hawg Trough, Fishing & Hunting Seminars and co-located with Safe Con, New Jersey 2nd Amendment Firearms Education Conference. Outdoor enthusiast will have the opportunity to book future fishing trips, buy a boat or RV, and gear up for hunting season, plus much more.
The Outdoor Sports Group staff will be connecting directly with exhibiting companies with more information regarding the postponing of the event, including options to receive a full refund or apply booth deposit to the 2023 events.
Our exhibitor profiles, guest speaker announcements and other information will be available at www.gsoss.com Outdoor Sports Group is schedule to hold these future events:
Garden State Outdoor Sports Show, Winter Show January 12-15, 2023
Northern Illinois Sports Show, January 19-22, 2023
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Sports Show, March 9-12, 2023
Outdoor Sports Group (OSG) is the producer of the finest outdoor sports show on the East Coast and in the Midwest dedicated to the consumer sports enthusiast. The Outdoor Sports Group team is dedicated to producing sports shows with quality exhibitors, seminars and attractions that speak to sportsmen and women of all ages with a focus on activities that the whole family will enjoy.
Helmetta Fire Chief Christopher Acts was a 28 year veteran of the department and also served as a Deputy Warden with the New Jersey State Forest Fire Service, B – Division, Section 10.
He was a devoted, dedicated member who worked tirelessly on the apparatus and the building throughout the years. His efforts on behalf of the Borough of Helmetta will be sorely missed.
July 12, 2022
SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Chief Raymond Hayducka of the South Brunswick Police Department announced today that a fatal crash occurred on July 11, 2022, on Georges Road in South Brunswick Township.
An investigation by Patrolman First-Class Jason Gassman of the South Brunswick Police Department and Detective Jonathan Berman of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office determined that on July 11, 2022, at 3:21 P.M., authorities responded to the intersection of Georges Road and Summerfield Boulevard following the report of a crash. Upon their arrival, authorities determined a motorcycle driven by Christopher Acs, 47, of Jamesburg, was traveling northbound on Georges Road when it was struck by a 2019 Honda Odyssey. Acs succumbed to his injuries and was ultimately pronounced dead at the scene.
The investigation is active and continuing. Anyone with information is asked to call Patrolman First-Class Gassman of the South Brunswick Police Department at (732) 329-4000 X 7432 or Detective Berman of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at (732) 745-4328.
It is with the deepest regret that the officers and members of the Helmetta Fire Department announce the untimely passing of our current Fire Chief, Christopher Acs.
Chief Acs was a 28 year veteran of the department and also served as a Deputy Warden with the New Jersey State Forest Fire Service, B – Division, Section 10.
He was a devoted, dedicated member who worked tirelessly on the apparatus and the building throughout the years. His efforts on behalf of the Borough of Helmetta will be sorely missed.
It is with deep regret that the officers and members of the Helmetta Fire Department report the untimely passing of current Fire Chief Christopher Acs.
Services for Chief Acs have been finalized and we will be providing full fire department honors. It is requested that any agency who wish to pay their respects please note the following:
Viewing:
Viewing will be held on 07/15/22 at 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM at the Lester Funeral Home (16 West Church Street). Parking may be limited, please follow all directions from Jamesburg Police Department on placement of any apparatus. Helmetta Fire Department service will be conducted at 7:00pm.
Funeral:
Funeral Services will be held on 07/16/22 at 11:00 am at the Lester Funeral Home (16 West Church Street).
Staging area will be designated, please follow all directions of the Jamesburg Police Department.
Final Alarm:
At the conclusion of the Funeral Services, Fire Department Procession will proceed from Lester Funeral Home to the Helmetta Fire Department for Chief Acs’ final alarm.
Helmetta Fire Chief, Christopher Acs
July 12, 2022
BORDENTOWN TOWNSHIP, NJ (BURLINGTON) – A state grand jury has voted not to file any criminal charges at the conclusion of its deliberations regarding the death of Keron Roundtree, 23, of Trenton, New Jersey, who was injured in a crash as he accelerated away from Bordentown Township Police Officer Keith Alexander after an attempted traffic stop on October 27, 2020. Mr. Roundtree succumbed to those injuries on November 17, 2020, at which time the investigation transferred from the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office to the Attorney General’s Office, pursuant to P.L. 2019, c.1.
The fatal police encounter was investigated by the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA) and presented to New Jersey residents called to serve on the grand jury in accordance with Directive 2019-4, the “Independent Prosecutor Directive” issued in 2019. In July 2021, OPIA issued standard operating procedures (“SOPs”) to ensure that these grand jury presentations are conducted in a neutral, objective manner, and with appropriate transparency regarding the process, consistent with the Independent Prosecutor Directive.
The investigation included interviews of witnesses, collection of forensic evidence, review of video footage and autopsy results from the medical examiner. After hearing testimony and evidence from the investigation, the grand jury concluded its deliberations yesterday July 11, and voted “no bill,” meaning the grand jury concluded that no criminal charges should be filed against the officer involved in the fatal encounter.
According to the investigation, on the night of October 27, 2020, Officer Alexander was on patrol on Route 206 Southbound in Bordentown in a marked police vehicle when he saw a Nissan Maxima traveling southbound in the left lane brake abruptly. The car, which was driven by Mr. Roundtree, resumed traveling southbound. While stopped at a traffic light, Officer Alexander observed the Maxima’s temporary Pennsylvania license plate and suspected it was fictitious. Officer Alexander then followed Mr. Roundtree and observed him commit several motor vehicle infractions, including an illegal U-turn.
At approximately 8:51 p.m., about two minutes after he began following the Maxima, Officer Alexander activated his overhead lights and siren to make a motor vehicle stop. At that point, Mr. Roundtree failed to obey a stop sign and sped off down Route 206 South, traveling at speeds that reached in excess of 100 mph. Approximately one minute later, and without coming into contact with another car, Mr. Roundtree drove onto the shoulder of the highway to maneuver around other cars, swerved back onto the road, lost control of the car, and crashed into the woods by the side of Route 206. The car traveled into and out of the woods, coming to rest on the right shoulder of Route 206 Southbound.
Officer Alexander exited his vehicle and located the Maxima, which was heavily damaged. Both Mr. Roundtree and an adult male passenger were stuck inside. Two bystanders assisted Officer Alexander in removing and rendering aid to both. Once ambulances arrived, the occupants of the Maxima were transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center in Trenton, N.J. Mr. Roundtree remained in the hospital until life support was removed on November 17, 2020, when he was pronounced deceased. The passenger was admitted for treatment and released approximately one week later.
The investigation later revealed that the Maxima had been stolen from an apartment complex in Philadelphia, and the temporary license plate on the car had been forged.
A 2019 law, P.L. 2019, c. 1, requires the Attorney General’s Office to conduct investigations of a person’s death that occurs during an encounter with a law enforcement officer acting in the officer’s official capacity or while the decedent is in custody. It requires that all such investigations be presented to a grand jury to determine if the evidence supports the return of an indictment against the officer or officers involved.
A conflicts check was conducted pursuant to the Independent Prosecutor Directive and no actual or potential conflict of interest was found involving any individual assigned to the investigation. Prior to presentation to the grand jury, the investigation was reviewed by OPIA Executive Director Thomas Eicher in accordance with the policies and procedures established for these presentations in the SOPs.
At the conclusion of these investigations, pursuant to the Independent Prosecutor Directive and SOPs, OPIA determines whether any principal should be referred to the appropriate law enforcement agency for administrative review in accordance with the AG’s Internal Affairs Policy & Procedures. OPIA monitors any resulting review and takes such actions as are necessary to ensure that the review is completed in a timely fashion, and that appropriate actions are taken based on the results of the review.
Further information about how fatal police encounters are investigated in New Jersey under the directive is found at this link:
http://www.nj.gov/oag/independent-prosecutor/
Woodbridge Teen Spared Jail Time by the Court in Case Involving Loaded Handgun Brought School
July 12, 2022
WOODBRIDGE, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–A Woodbridge Teen was spared jail time in case involving loaded handgun brought school
Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Director Robert Hubner of the Woodbridge Police Department announced today that Malachi Parcells, 16, of Woodbridge has been sentenced to a two-year term of probation for bringing a loaded handgun to a school.
On March 28, 2022, Woodbridge Police officers responded to JFK High School after receiving a report that a student was in possession of a handgun. Upon arrival, officers were informed that the JFK High School staff received a tip stating that Malachi Parcells was carrying a gun to school in his fanny pack. Parcells was stopped and questioned by school staff upon his arrival that morning. During a search of Parcells, a loaded 9mm handgun was found.
A subsequent investigation conducted by Detective Ryan Hoppock of the Woodbridge Police department resulted in Parcells being charged with acts of juvenile delinquency for offenses which if committed by an adult would constitute third-degree Possession of a Weapon in an Educational Institution, second-degree Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, and second degree Possession of a Firearm for an Unlawful Purpose.
On June 24, 2022, Parcells pled guilty to Unlawful Possession of a Weapon before the Honorable Deborah Venezia, P.J.F.P. On June 30, 2022, the State argued for a two-year term of incarceration, however Parcells was sentenced instead to two years of probation by the Court.
Photo by Sora Shimazaki on Pexels.com
July 12, 2022
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–At 10:56 a.m. the Robbinsville Township Fire Department responded to a vehicle fire on the New Jersey Turnpike North Bound Outer Lanes at mile post 62.4 near the Sharon Road overpass. A column of heavy black smoke could be seen for miles. Upon arrival it was determined that two vehicles being towed were well involved in fire, and the fire was also extending to the tow truck itself. Robbinsville firefighters arrived and began to extinguish the fire, an extra engine from Robbinsville as well as Hightstown Fire Company arrived to assist in the firefighting operations and for extra water. A tanker was called from Hope Fire Company of Allentown but was not needed with the water supply on location. It did not appear to be any injuries and there was a small traffic delay in the area. New Jersey State Police was on scene. No other details are available at this time.
Vehicle fire on New Jersey Turnpike Outer Roadway northbound North of Interchange 7A – I-195 (Robbinsville) 1 Right lane of 3 lanes blocked https://t.co/SnqkUh2CDG
— 511NJ TPK (@511njtpk) July 12, 2022
July 11, 2022
SEA ISLE CITY, NJ (CAPE MAY)–U.S. Coast Guard Mid-Atlantic reports that a good Samaritan helped remove 22 passengers from the charter boat STARFISH tonight after the boat began taking on water near Townsend Inlet Bridge, in New Jersey.
STARFISH reportedly collided with the Townsends Inlet Bridge and suffered a gash in the starboard hull, causing a few compartments to flood.
The good SAM removed all passengers and took them to the docks in Sea Isle City where EMS was waiting to assist. There were no reported injuries.
Local commercial salvage is currently working to dewater STARFISH and will remain with the boat overnight while a damage and tow plan are created.
Dive ops were conducted and confirmed there is no damage to fuel tanks. No pollution has been reported.
U.S. Coast Guard Mid-Atlantic thanks all who responded to help out the passengers and crew.
U.S.C.G. Photo
July 11, 2022
ASBURY PARK, NJ (MONMOUTH)–A fatal shooting that took place late last week in Asbury Park is under active investigation, Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Lori Linskey announced Monday.
Shortly after 5:45 p.m. on Friday, July 8, members of the Asbury Park Police Department responded to a report of gunfire originating from the 100 block of Prospect Avenue, near the intersection with Atlantic Avenue.
Upon arrival at the scene, officers encountered 19-year-old Dariel Vernet of Asbury Park, who had sustained multiple gunshot injuries. He was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead approximately one hour later. An autopsy performed Sunday yielded a determination that the manner of death was homicide.
The investigation into Vernet’s death is being handled by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office’s Major Crimes Bureau and the Asbury Park Police Department. Anyone with information about this matter is being urged to contact MCPO Detective Christopher Guy at 800-533-7443 or Asbury Park Police Department Detective Anthony Troublefield at 732-774-1300.
This case has been assigned to Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Caitlin J. Sidley.
July 11, 2022
LONG BEACH TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on July 8, 2022, Michael Klimowicz, 32, of North Brunswick, was sentenced by the Honorable Guy P. Ryan, P.J.Cr.P, to seven years New Jersey State Prison as a result of his previously entered guilty plea to Possession of Marijuana in a Quantity Greater than Five Pounds but Less than Twenty-Five Pounds with Intent to Distribute in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5a(1) and N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5b(10), in connection with an arrest that occurred in Long Beach Township on January 27, 2019. Klimowicz pled guilty to the charge before Judge Ryan on April 12, 2022.
An investigation by the Long Beach Township Police Department revealed that a residence in the Holgate section of Long Beach Township was being utilized by Klimowicz to store and distribute narcotics. In furtherance of the investigation, Detectives executed a court-authorized search warrant on the subject residence on January 27, 2019. As a result, Detectives seized roughly 11.5 pounds of Marijuana, additional quantities of other illegal narcotics, and approximately $9,300 in United States currency. Klimowicz was arrested at the residence without incident; he was transported to the Ocean County Jail, and later released as a consequence of New Jersey Bail Reform.
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the diligent efforts of Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Kristin Pressman who handled the case on behalf of the State, as well as the Long Beach Township Police Department Patrol Division, Long Beach Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Long Beach Township Police Department K-9 Unit, and Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, for their collective assistance in connection with this investigation leading to Klimowicz’s apprehension and now his state prison sentence.
Photo provided by: Yossie Brander
New Jersey State Police Superintendent Patrick Callahan listens during Governor Phil Murphy’s updates to the media on the State’s response to the coronavirus Friday, April 17, 2020, at the War Memorial in Trenton, NJ.
Tuesday April 14, 2020 – State Police Superintendent Colonel Patrick Callahan speaks during Governor Phil Murphy’s coronavirus briefing in the George Washington Ballroom in the Trenton War Memorial.(Pool photo by Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy speaks about a chart showing total individuals in ICU/CCU during his Saturday, April 18, 2020, press conference at War Memorial in Trenton, NJ, on the State’s response to the coronavirus.
Tuesday April 14, 2020 – Governor Phil Murphy holds his coronavirus briefing in the George Washington Ballroom in the Trenton War Memorial, with, Department of Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli, State Epidemiologist Dr. Christina Tan, and State Police Superintendent Colonel Patrick Callahan. (Pool photo by Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy updates the media on the State’s response to the coronavirus Friday, April 17, 2020, at the War Memorial in Trenton, NJ.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy updates the media on the State’s response to the coronavirus Friday, April 17, 2020, at the War Memorial in Trenton, NJ.
New Jersey’s Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal headshot at the Hughes Justice Complex in Trenton, N.J. on Monday, Jan. 22, 2018. (Office of Attorney General / Tim Larsen)
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Christopher Gregor, 30, of Monroe Township
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Helmetta Fire Chief, Christopher Acs 
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