HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Hopewell Township Police say that a metallic object believed to be a meteorite struck the roof a residence located on Old Washington Crossing-Pennington Road. The ranch style home was occupied at the time but there were no injuries reported. The object, which is described as approximately 4” x 6” is oblong in shape and appears metallic. It penetrated the roof, the ceiling and then impacted the hardwood floor before coming to a rest.
Hopewell Township Police Department has contacted several other agencies for assistance in positively identifying the object and safeguarding the residents and the object.
This may be related to a current Meteor shower called the Eta Aquariids. The investigation is on-going.
Hopewell Township Fire Department, EMS and Trenton Fire Department Hazardous Materials Team also responded to the scene.
Photos above by: NJ Public Safety News Alerts
Photos above provided by Hopewell Township Police Department
WOODBRIDGE, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Director Robert Hubner of the Woodbridge Police Department announced today that the Woodbridge Police Department and Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office responded to a shooting on Soren Street.
Today, at 4:37 p.m. Woodbridge Police officers responded to Soren Street after receiving a 911 call about an unresponsive female laying on a front lawn. Upon arrival, it was determined two people were deceased at the scene.
At this stage of the investigation and based upon what is known to law enforcement at this point, the incident is being investigated as a murder/suicide. Authorities have determined that there is no threat to the public.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–The Mercer County Homicide Task Force and the Trenton Police Department are investigating a shooting homicide in the city, Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri reported.
At approximately 4:07 p.m. on Monday, January 16, 2023, Trenton police responded to an apartment in the 100 block of South Overbrook Avenue on a report of an unresponsive male. Upon arrival, officers located the apartment’s resident on the living room floor with an apparent gunshot wound. The victim, identified as Donnell Williams, 29, was pronounced dead at the scene.
No arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Mercer County Homicide Task Force at (609) 989-6406. Information can also be emailed to [email protected].
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.
Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Captain Michelle Pilch, Chief Law Enforcement Officer of the Piscataway Police Department announced today that a Hightstown man has been charged in connection with a home invasion that occurred on Thursday afternoon, July 6, 2023.
On Thursday, July 6, 2023, at 1:24 P.M., authorities responded to a residence in Piscataway after receiving a 911 call reporting an assault. Upon their arrival the Piscataway Police Department located the victim, an adult female, who had sustained injuries and was transported to the hospital for treatment.
An initial investigation by the Piscataway Police Department revealed that the victim was sexually assaulted. Further investigation by Detective Sean Morelli of the Piscataway Police Department and Detective Daniela Castro of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victim’s Unit determined that Justin Surofsky, 26, of Hightstown was the assailant.
On Thursday, July 6, 2023, Surofsky was arrested in East Windsor without incident and charged with two counts of first-degree Aggravated Sexual Assault, first- degree Criminal Attempt-Murder, second-degree Burglary, third-degree Aggravated Criminal Sexual Contact, second-degree Kidnapping, third-degree Criminal Restraint, second-degree Aggravated Assault, and first-degree Robbery. Surofsky presently is lodged at the Middlesex County Adult Correctional Center pending the results of a pre- trial detention hearing in Superior Court.
The investigation is active and continuing. Anyone with information or surveillance footage is asked to call Detective Morelli of the Piscataway Police Department at (732) 562-2355 or Detective Castro of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at (732) 745-3652.
As is the case with all criminal defendants, the charges against Surofsky are merely accusations, and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Justin Surofsky, 26, of Hightstown. On Thursday, July 6, 2023, Surofsky was arrested in East Windsor without incident and charged with two counts of first-degree Aggravated Sexual Assault, first- degree Criminal Attempt-Murder, second-degree Burglary, third-degree Aggravated Criminal Sexual Contact, second-degree Kidnapping, third-degree Criminal Restraint, second-degree Aggravated Assault, and first-degree Robbery. Surofsky presently is lodged at the Middlesex County Adult Correctional Center pending the results of a pre- trial detention hearing in Superior Court.
FREEHOLD, NJ (MONMOUTH)–Law enforcement officials are requesting help from anyone who may have witnessed a fatal shooting that took place in Neptune Township in July 2022, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago stated Thursday.
Neptune Township Police Department responded to a report of gunfire on Monday July 4, 2022, just before 1:45 a.m. in the area of Route 35/South Concourse. Upon arrival, officers located 26-year-old Ayres Gray Jr. of Manalapan in a parked vehicle on South Concourse, having sustained multiple gunshot wounds.
Gray was then rushed to Jersey Shore University Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries approximately an hour later.
Further investigation revealed that a house located on the 20 block of Hillview Drive also in Neptune Township was hosting a party where there was a shots fired incident shortly before the fatal shooting took place on South Concourse. Investigators continue to identify the link between the two incidents.
Members of the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office’s Major Crimes Bureau and the Neptune Township Police Department continue to investigate both incidents. Anyone with information on either of these incidents is urged to contact Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Thomas Manzo at 800-533-7443 or Neptune Township Police Detective Carrie Bartlett at 732-988-8000.
Anyone who feels the need to remain anonymous but has information about a crime can submit a tip to Monmouth County Crime Stoppers by calling their confidential telephone tip-line at 1-800-671-4400; by downloading and using the free P3 Tips mobile app (available on iOS and Android – https://www.p3tips.com/1182), by calling 800-671-4400 or by going to the website at www.monmouthcountycrimestoppers.com
March 16, 2023
MILLSTONE TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH)–Millstone Township Fire Department responded to a crash last night on Smithburg Road between Baird and Route 33 on the border with Manalapan Township. The vehicle reportedly hit a utility pole, overturned and was fully engulfed in fire on arrival of the fire department. NJ State Police reported that Manalapan Township Police is handling the investigation. No other information is available at this time.
February 21, 2023
MANALAPAN, NJ (MONMOUTH)–Around 4:10 p.m. Manalapan Police, Fire and EMS were dispatched to Route 33 and Yates Road for a motor vehicle crash with reported heavy entrapment. Upon arrival the Assistant Chief of Manalapan Fire Company confirmed entrapment. Mutual aid was called from Millstone Township Fire Department to assist with the extrication. After the person was extricated from the wreckage they were transported to a local hospital for treatment in an unknown condition. If official information becomes available the story will be updated.
Photos by: Steven Kadir
December 18, 2022
HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri and Hopewell Township Police Chief James Rosso reported that a 20-year-old Manalapan man was fatally shot in Hopewell Township Saturday evening.
At approximately 7 p.m. on Saturday, December 17, 2022, Hopewell police responded to the Hopewell Valley Nature Preserve off of Harbourton-Woodsville Road. Upon arrival, officers located a white Mercedes C300 on a trail with a male slumped over in the driver’s seat. The victim was transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center where he was pronounced dead from a gunshot wound a short time later. The victim has been identified as Phillip Urban of Manalapan.
The shooting is under investigation by the Mercer County Homicide Task Force and the Hopewell Township Police Department. Preliminary investigation indicates Urban arranged to meet an acquaintance at the preserve and was shot at some point during the encounter. No arrests have been made. Anyone with information is asked to contact the MCHTF at (609) 989-6406 or the HTPD at (609) 737-3100 ext. 5740. Information can also be emailed to [email protected].
Phillip Urban of Manalapan is listed on the Post University Athletics, 2022-2023 Men’s Basketball Roster in Waterbury, Connecticut. He graduated from the Pennington School this past June.
This past weekend we lost one of our own to a tragedy. Phil, you will be missed by the entire Post community and especially your teammates and coaches. My condolences to the Urban family. Please join me in praying for his family! Gone too soon.
— Marc Kuntz (@CoachK_PostU) December 20, 2022
Post University Men’s Basketball | 12/19/2022 11:19:00 AM
It is with great sadness that Post University announces the passing of student and men’s basketball player, Phil Urban.
Urban passed away tragically in a shooting near his home in New Jersey on Saturday evening.
“Phil was well liked by everyone in the Post community. His quiet sense of humor was infectious and he was a valuable part of our basketball program,” Head men’s basketball coach Marc Kuntz said.
The Post University community expresses its deepest condolences and sympathy to Phil’s family, friends, teammates and all of those who loved him.
Phillip Urban from the Post University Athletics social media accounts.
Photos from Post University Athletics
Google Street View Image of the area
This kid has dealt with a lot of adversity in the last year and if I told you how he handled it, you’d be proud too! Super excited for Philly man— stayed humble, trusted the process and accomplished a goal! #earnedit https://t.co/EIBZx7Tg37
— Coach Zach Liu (@TheRealZachLiu) March 25, 2022
pic.twitter.com/yeUjpGE3U6
— Phil Urban (@philurban0) October 26, 2021
November 2, 2022
Manalapan, N.J. (November 2, 2022) – The Alan Kurlander Group from Coldwell Banker Realty’s Marlboro/Manalapan office Coldwell Banker Realty New Homes, a leading sales and marketing organization in the homebuilding industry, celebrated the grand opening of the first phase at Four Seasons at Manalapan Crossing, a new active adult 55+ community from K. Hovnanian in Manalapan, N.J. Coldwell Banker Realty New Homes and the Alan Kurlander Group have been selected to serve as the exclusive Realtor MLS listing agent and Realtor liaison on behalf of K. Hovnanian to create and implement a marketing strategy targeted at the Realtor community to support sales for the 280-home community.
Four Seasons at Manalapan Crossing features a range of single-family home designs starting at $769,990 that are meticulously designed to provide homeowners with contemporary floorplans and on-trend finish selections, where they can enjoy low-maintenance living surrounded by exciting local excursions in Monmouth County. Beyond their homes, residents will also enjoy a robust amenities package beyond their homes, including bocce and tennis courts, walking trails, open space, and a community clubhouse with a pool.
Four Seasons at Manalapan Crossing marks the next chapter in K. Hovnanian’s decades-long relationship with the Alan Kurlander Group and Coldwell Banker Realty New Homes. Since 1996, Kurlander has served as K. Hovnanian’s trusted Realtor outreach expert helping the company sell hundreds of homes in dozens of communities across Middlesex, Monmouth, and Ocean Counties. Throughout his time working with K. Hovnanian, Kurlander has tapped Coldwell Banker Realty New Homes’ highly experienced team to leverage their unmatched business intelligence and marketing tools to drive success at each community.
“The K. Hovnanian name has long been synonymous with high-quality, timeless homes paired with unmatched customer satisfaction,” said Kurlander. “Every aspect of Four Seasons at Manalapan Crossing echoes this legacy, and I am deeply honored to work with them and the Coldwell Banker Realty New Homes team to show potential residents all that Four Seasons at Manalapan Crossing offers.”
Coldwell Banker Realty New Homes partners with real estate developers and realtors through every step of the real estate marketing process to drive successful sales and leasing efforts at new residential properties.
Residents at Four Seasons at Manalapan Crossing will also enjoy an unmatched location in the heart of Monmouth County. The community’s location along Route 33 affords easy access to the top destinations at the Jersey Shore and nearby attractions. The community is also favorably located equidistant between New York City and Philadelphia which are just an hour’s drive away.
Four Seasons at Manalapan Crossing model home tours are available by appointment only. For more information, Realtors and buyers should contact Alan Kurlander at (732) 284-6302.
August 20, 2022
MANALAPAN TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH)–Just after 4 p.m., yesterday August 19, 2022, Manalapan, Millstone, Englishtown, Howell, Freehold Township fire departments were dispatched to a working structure fire at 13 Regency Way in Manalapan Township. Fire was though the roof on arrival and a large column of smoke could be seen for miles. The New Jersey Forrest Fire Service also sent units to the area since the Jamesburg Fire Tower was reporting a large column of smoke, additional brush units were called due to embers flying in the air and landing in brush. Additional water tankers from the Monmouth County Task Force were assigned to the fire and the fire went to 2-Alarms before being brought under control.
MidJersey.News has reached out to Manalapan Police Department for official information. The report above is based on emergency radio reports.
Further information to follow when it becomes available.
Photos sent to MidJersey.News
A Monmouth County, New Jersey, man was charged today with defrauding victims in an investment fraud scheme out of at least $1 million, and with fraudulently obtaining a loan of approximately $96,000 meant to help small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Anthony Mastroianni Jr., 48, of Manalapan, New Jersey, charged in a five-count complaint with wire and mail fraud. He is scheduled to make his initial court appearance this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael A. Hammer in Newark federal court.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
In 2016, Mastroianni consented to being permanently barred by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), which prohibited him from acting as a broker or intermediary in securities transactions. Despite that debarment, from January 2017 to August 2022, Mastroianni defrauded victim investors, many of whom were senior citizens, by falsely and fraudulently claiming that he would generate large investment profits for them through his company, Global Business Development & Consulting Corp. Instead of investing the money as promised, Mastroianni used victim funds on personal expenses, including household rent, automobile payments, credit card bills, and cash withdrawals. Mastroianni defrauded 10 victims out of $1 million.
Mastroianni also exploited the ongoing global pandemic by submitting a false and fraudulent application to obtain $96,300 from a federal COVID-19 emergency relief loan meant for distressed small businesses. As with his investment fraud scheme, Mastroianni misused the loan proceeds to make personal purchases and cash withdrawals.
Each count of mail and wire fraud carries a maximum potential punishment of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000, or twice the gross loss or gain caused by the offense.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Thomas Mahoney in Newark, with the investigation leading to today’s charges.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Carolyn Silane of the Economic Crimes Unit in Newark.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Defense counsel: Emily Sherman Esq., Assistant Federal Public Defender, Newark
mastroianni.complaintDownload
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
Multiple car burglaries in Millstone Township and Upper Freehold Township. Troopers discovered that 20 vehicles were burglarized in the area and that various items were stolen.
May 3, 2022
MILLSTONE TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH)–New Jersey State Police Report that they have arrested Michael Guzman, 38, and David Voight, 27, both of Manalapan, N.J., for a string of car burglaries in Monmouth County.
During the month of April, troopers from Troop “C” Hamilton Station began investigating multiple car burglaries in Millstone Township and Upper Freehold Township. Troopers discovered that 20 vehicles were burglarized in the area and that various items were stolen.
While investigating these crimes, troopers obtained surveillance footage from a residence that captured two suspects burglarizing several vehicles. Through various investigative means, troopers identified Guzman and Voight as the suspects.
On April 27, detectives from Hamilton Station along with members of the State Police Fugitive Unit located and arrested Guzman and Voight at their residence in Manalapan. During the ongoing investigation, a search warrant was executed at the residence and Voight’s vehicle. As a result, detectives recovered numerous items linked to the burglaries that will be returned to the victims in this case.
Michael Guzman and David Voight were charged with burglary and theft. They were lodged at the Monmouth County Jail.
Charges are mere accusations, and the accused are considered innocent until proven guilty.
April 11, 2022
FREEHOLD – Three men have been arrested and criminally charged in connection with a sexual assault that took place earlier this month at a residence in Marlboro Township, Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Lori Linskey announced Monday.
Andrew J. Gallucci, of Marlboro, Richard S. Gathy, of Manalapan, and Ronald W. Hondo, of Monroe Township (Middlesex County), each 24 years of age, are all charged with first-degree Aggravated Sexual Assault, second-degree Sexual Assault, and third-degree Criminal Restraint.
An investigation by members of the Prosecutor’s Office’s Special Victims Bureau and the Marlboro Township Police Department revealed that on the night of Saturday, April 2, the three defendants gathered at a Marlboro Township bar, where they met the victim, an adult female, for the first time. Later on in the evening, the investigation revealed, the defendants brought the victim back to Gallucci’s residence, where they allegedly restrained her against her will in a bedroom and repeatedly sexually assaulted her.
All three men were taken into custody on Friday, April 8 and transported to the Monmouth County Correctional Institution (MCCI) in Freehold Township pending detention hearings to take place in Monmouth County Superior Court.
“This was a disturbingly coordinated and predatory attack,” Acting Prosecutor Linskey said. “We commend the courage of the victim in coming forward to report what happened to her, and we look forward to bringing those responsible to justice.”
Investigators are actively seeking additional information about the activities of these three defendants, and photos of each are being distributed along with this press release. Anyone with any information is urged to please contact Detective Kayla Santiago of the MCPO Special Victims Bureau at 732-431-7160, Ext. 3588, or Marlboro Township Police Department Detective Ed Ungrady at 732-536-0100.
Anyone who feels the need to remain anonymous but has information about a 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.
This case has been assigned to Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Joseph Cummings of the Office’s Special Victims Bureau. Gallucci is being represented by Yan Katsnelson, Esq., while Gathy and Hondo are being represented by Mario Gallucci, Esq., both attorneys with offices on Staten Island.
If convicted, these defendants would face up to 20 years imprisonment on the Aggravated Sexual Assault charges, up to 10 years on the Sexual Assault charges, and up to 5 years on the Criminal Restraint charges. In addition, the defendants would be subject to Parole Supervision for Life and required to register under Megan’s Law.
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.
Andrew J. Gallucci, of Marlboro, Richard S., of Manalapan, and Ronald W. Hondo, of Monroe Township (Middlesex County), each 24 years of age, are all charged with first-degree Aggravated Sexual Assault, second-degree Sexual Assault, and third-degree Criminal Restraint. Ronald W. Hondo of Monroe Township (Middlesex County) Richard S. Gathy, of Manalapan Andrew J. Gallucci, of Marlboro
Andrew J. Gallucci, of Marlboro, Richard S. Gathy, of Manalapan, and Ronald W. Hondo, of Monroe Township (Middlesex County), each 24 years of age, are all charged with first-degree Aggravated Sexual Assault, second-degree Sexual Assault, and third-degree Criminal Restraint.
February 22, 2022
FREEHOLD, NJ (MONMOUTH) – A Manalapan resident has been arrested and charged with stealing more than $175,000 from 10 victims who had entrusted him to invest large sums of money on their behalf, Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Lori Linskey announced Tuesday.
Jeffrey Loretta, 60, is charged with one count of second-degree Theft, three counts of second-degree Misapplication of Entrusted Property, and seven counts of third-degree Misapplication of Entrusted Property.
An investigation by the Prosecutor’s Office’s Financial Crimes and Public Corruption Unit revealed that the 10 alleged victims gave Loretta a combined total of slightly more than half a million dollars at various times between January 2020 and February 2021, in exchange for promises that the funds would be responsibly invested. On several occasions, the investigation revealed, Loretta provided multiple victims with inaccurate and false gains figures, inducing them to reinvest additional money.
Instead, Loretta lost nearly $200,000 of the funds via bad investments and spent more than $175,000 of the funds on himself, taking out thousands of dollars at a time in ATM withdraws and making checks out to himself, payable in cash.
Loretta turned himself in to authorities on Friday and was released pending a first appearance to take place in Monmouth County Superior Court.
If convicted of a second-degree crime, Loretta would face up to 10 years in state prison.
Despite the charges, every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, following a trial at which the defendant has all of the trial rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and State law.
This case has been assigned to Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Lawrence Nelsen, Director of the Financial Crimes and Public Corruption Unit.
February 17, 2022
Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Acting Chief Joseph Mandola of the Old Bridge Police Department announce a Manalapan man has been arrested and charged in connection with a fatal hit and run, which occurred in Old Bridge Township on the evening of February 14, 2022.
On February 15, 2022, at approximately 6:45 A.M., authorities responded to the area of Route 9 and Ferry Road following the report of a deceased male who was lying on the center median between the northbound and southbound lanes of Route 9. Upon their arrival, authorities located Anthony Allen, 64, of Asbury Park who had been struck by a vehicle and was later pronounced dead at the scene.
An investigation by Officer Steven Connolly of the Old Bridge and Detective Matthew Colonna of the Middlesex County Prosecutors’ Office identified Prince Fitzpatrick, 21, as the driver of the vehicle who struck Mr. Allen and then fled the scene.
Today, Fitzpatrick was arrested and charged with second-degree leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death and third-degree endangering an injured victim.
The investigation is active and continuing. Anyone with information is asked to call Officer Connolly of the Old Bridge at 732-721-5600 ext. 3821 or Detective Colonna of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at (732) 745-3317.
As is the case with all criminal defendants, the charges against Fitzpatrick are merely accusations and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
December 2, 2021
FREEHOLD, NJ (MONMOUTH)–A Monmouth County grand jury this week returned indictments against two defendants charged with crimes involving distribution and/or possession of child sexual abuse materials, bringing the total number of indictments of this kind over approximately the last month to eight, Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Lori Linskey announced Thursday.
Two of the eight defendants have been charged with first-degree crimes, the most serious applicable offenses under state law.
Indicted on Tuesday were:
Jonathan W. Cruz, 38, of Aberdeen, arrested January 2020 and indicted on charges of first-degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child via Distribution of Child Sexual Abuse Materials using a File-Sharing Program Available to Others and first-degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child via Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Materials; and
Neil Ridgway, 58, of Howell, arrested April 2019 and indicted on charges of third-degree Endangering via Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Materials.
Indicted earlier this fall were:
Michael Pipitone, 39, of Middletown, arrested in September 2020 and indicted on charges of first-degree Endangering via Distribution of Child Sexual Abuse Materials using a File-Sharing Program Available to Others and second-degree Endangering via Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Materials;
Charles Hoagland, 57, of Hazlet, arrested in November 2020 and indicted on three counts of second-degree Endangering via Distribution of Child Sexual Abuse Materials and one count of second-degree Endangering via Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Materials;
David Eidman, 53, of Long Branch, arrested in November 2020 and indicted on two counts of second-degree Endangering via Distribution of Child Sexual Abuse Materials and single counts of third-degree Endangering via Possession and third-degree Attempted Endangering;
Carl Aliwalas, 29, of Neptune Township, arrested in May 2021 and indicted for second-degree Endangering via Distribution of Child Sexual Abuse Materials and second-degree Endangering via Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Materials; and
John Coluzzi, 33, of Manalapan, arrested in May 2021; and Marvin Diaz, 35, of Howell, arrested in November 2019; both were indicted for second-degree Endangering via Distribution and third-degree Endangering via Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Materials.
Additionally, earlier this fall, 40-year-old Kenneth Megill of Wall Township, arrested in January 2020, was indicted on charges of third-degree Attempted Endangering the Welfare of a Child and third-degree Attempted Obscenity to a Minor for allegedly engaging in inappropriate conversations with and attempting to show inappropriate materials to a juvenile.
Investigations into the actions of these defendants were conducted by members of the Prosecutor’s Office’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, working in tandem with representatives of local police departments in the jurisdictions in which the crimes took place. The cases are assigned to Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Stephanie Dugan.
The Monmouth County ICAC Task Force includes members of the following police departments: Bradley Beach, Eatontown, Howell, Long Branch, Manalapan, Marlboro, Middletown, Neptune Township, Spring Lake, Spring Lake Heights, Tinton Falls, Keyport, Keansburg, Belmar, Holmdel, and Red Bank; the Task Force also receives investigative support from the New Jersey State Police (High Tech Crime Bureau).
Convictions on first-degree criminal charges are commonly punishable by terms of 10 to 20 years in state prison. Second-degree convictions can result in terms of 5 to 10 years; third-degree convictions can result in terms of 3 to 5 years.
Despite these charges, every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, following a trial at which the defendant has all of the trial rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and State law.
Photo by Sora Shimazaki on Pexels.com
Pradeep Reddy, 39, of Manalapan, was indicted on one count of first degree Murder, in connection with the April 12th, 2021 death of his father, Radhakrishna Reddy.
August 7, 2021
FREEHOLD, NJ (MONMOUTH)–On Friday August 6, a Monmouth County Grand Jury has returned an indictment against a Manalapan man in connection with the death of his father, announced Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Lori Linskey.
Pradeep Reddy, 39, of Manalapan, was indicted on August 6, 2021, on one count of first degree Murder, in connection with the April 12th, 2021 death of his father, Radhakrishna Reddy.
At approximately 4:40 pm on Monday April 12th, the Manalapan Township Police Department responded to 721 Summer Drive and discovered Radhakrishna Reddy, 78, unconscious and critically injured. The victim was taken to a local hospital for treatment, where despite significant medical intervention, the victim succumbed to these injuries on April 14.
A joint investigation by the Manalapan Police Department and the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office subsequently revealed Pradeep Reddy was responsible for assaulting his father, ultimately leading to his death. He was taken into custody and transported to the Monmouth County Correctional Institution where he has remained since his arrest.
If convicted of murder, Reddy faces up to 30 years in a New Jersey state prison. He would also be under parole supervision for five years following his release from state prison.
The case is assigned to Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Michael Luciano.
Reddy is represented by Joshua Hood, Esq., of Freehold.
Despite these charges, every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, following a trial at which the defendant has all of the trial rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and State law.
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OSHA finds employers failed to ensure safe respirator use while testing hundreds daily
August 4, 2021
LAKEWOOD, NJ (OCEAN)–A Central New Jersey medical facility and temporary staffing agency failed to ensure the safety and health of nurses giving flu shots and testing potentially infectious patients for the coronavirus earlier this year, a U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration investigation has found.
OSHA’s investigation – initiated in January in response to a complaint – found that Lakewood Resource and Referral Center did not provide medical evaluations to determine each employee’s ability to use a respirator before they required workers to use them, and failed to fit test employees required to wear respirators. The agency proposed $273,064 after citing the facility for two willful violations. In 2020, OSHA cited the facility for similar hazards after the company failed to protect staff providing medical and dental care from coronavirus.
Investigators also found Homecare Therapies failed to ensure medical evaluations were done and did not provide fit tests for workers required to use respirators. OSHA cited the staffing agency for two serious citations with $13,653 in proposed penalties.
“A safe and healthful workplace is every worker’s right and every employer’s responsibility,” said OSHA Area Office Director Paula Dixon-Roderick in Marlton, New Jersey. “In this case, both employers failed to protect vital frontline healthcare workers from exposure to the coronavirus.”
Lakewood Resource and Referral Center Inc., which operates as the Center for Health, Education, Medicine and Dentistry in Lakewood, contracted with Homecare Therapies – doing business as Horizon Healthcare Staffing – in October 2020 for temporary nurses to assist staff with the administration of flu vaccines initially. After the assignments began, the facility required nurses to administer 200 to 300 coronavirus tests each day for patients and the public.
Founded in 2009, Lakewood Resource and Referral Center Inc. provides preventative, treatment and health education services in Lakewood and the surrounding areas. Licensed in New York and accredited in New Jersey, Homecare Therapies LLC has operations in Manalapan. It has provided services in the New York metropolitan area since 1992.
Read more about feasible and acceptable means of abatement for this hazard.
The employers have 15 business days from receipt of their citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
On March 12, OSHA launched a national emphasis program focusing enforcement efforts on companies that put the largest number of workers at serious risk of contracting the coronavirus. The program also prioritizes employers that retaliate against workers for complaints about unsafe or unhealthy conditions, or for exercising other rights protected by federal law.
On June 10, OSHA also issued an emergency temporary standard to protect healthcare workers from contracting coronavirus. The ETS became effective immediately upon publication in the Federal Register.
View OSHA’s COVID-19 information and resources. Agency Occupational Safety & Health Administration Date August 4, 2021Release Number 21-1430-NEW
NEPTUNE, NJ (MONMOUTH)–– When multiple sources refer to someone as a “pillar of the community,” you can safely assume that person is a beloved and trusted figure.
That’s Frances “Fran” Gray – a longtime Neptune resident and business owner. Fran is respected throughout the community – she organized scholarship programs and coat drives through her church, volunteered at the food pantry, and participated in the Neptune Lion’s Club. When prom season rolled around, Fran would always offer her hairstyling and makeup services for free to young women who couldn’t afford it. Perhaps most impressively, Fran had served as a foster mother to 34 children throughout the years, adopting six. Her adopted adult son Rashon has severe autism, and still lives with her.
So when Fran was diagnosed with cancer, it was a blow to her active, giving life, as well as the community that benefitted from it. She fought for decades to finally become cancer-free – only to learn that years of cancer treatments had destroyed her kidneys. Now, she endures hours of dialysis every week, and the woman who was so often out and about in the community she loved is often homebound.
“Dialysis totally keeps me from doing most things,” Fran says. “Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday I get dialysis at a clinic. A nurse comes on those days as well to remove excess fluid from my lungs.”
The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated Fran’s fears of going out when she felt up to it. “I was scared for both myself and Rashon,” she says. “I don’t know what I would have done if one of us had caught COVID; it would have been devastating. Everything can be life or death when you’re on dialysis.”
An Opportunity to Receive the COVID-19 Vaccine Safely
Fortunately, just like the connections that Fran had made with her community, the Monmouth County Department of Health was forging connections with local organizations to conduct a grassroots effort to offer the COVID vaccine to Monmouth County’s homebound residents.
“Fran called me, and I could hear the worry in her voice,” says Denise Richardson, Chief Clerk of the Monmouth County Health Department – and a longtime friend of Fran’s. Denise connected Fran to the Department’s Homebound Program, and at a time when it was difficult to schedule COVID boosters, members of the Monmouth County Health Department Medical Reserve Corps (MRC), a group of medical volunteers who help in times of surge capacities, were able to visit Fran at home to provide her with booster doses. They were even able to vaccinate Rashon as well.
“I’m so proud of the Department of Health,” Denise says. “My department was able to get this program started and took care of so many people – they have provided over 500 homebound vaccinations.”
It wouldn’t have been possible, says Christopher Merkel, M.P.H., Public Health Coordinator and Health Officer, without the assistance of multiple departments and community organizations working together.
“Everyone pitched in, including the Monmouth County Department of Human Services, Division of Social Services, Office on Aging and Veterans Affairs, and SCAT (Special Citizen Area Transportation), along with community pharmacies, the Vising Nurse Association, Parker Clinic and other organizations” Merkel says. “The homebound population and their caregivers were absolutely dependent upon these agencies to get the care and vaccines they needed during a very scary and uncertain time. To this day, we still get homebound requests for vaccinations from residents in Monmouth County.”
“The way that these community groups came together, led by the Monmouth County Department of Health, in order to facilitate the homebound vaccination program and serve some of our most vulnerable residents is exemplary,” says Commissioner Susan M. Kiley, liaison to the Departments of Health and Human Services of Monmouth County. “More and more, we see a spirit of cooperation like this throughout Monmouth County, and that’s because the Monmouth ACTS initiative has been promoting that seamless approach to services by joining strengths since 2018. We were fortunate here in Monmouth County to have that cooperation in place before the pandemic, so that we could best serve our residents throughout.”
Fran Helps Her Community Again – By Spreading the Word
Fran was so pleased with her quick and easy experience with the homebound program that she spread the word amongst her community – encouraging those who were hesitant to get vaccinated.
“I spread the word about the program to friends, family, organizations I worked with,” she says. “All of my children and foster children I’m still in contact with have had the vaccine – when mama speaks, they listen.”
“The experience of Fran Gray parallels exactly the sort of grassroots connections Monmouth ACTS is cultivating,” says Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone. “In addition to the initiative’s efforts to streamline services, we facilitate outreach and engagement through a network of organizations and local leaders. The fact that Fran benefitted from these services, and then kept spreading the word about them to people she influences, is exactly what we’re trying to do. Fran kept the message going.”
To learn more about Monmouth ACTS, visit www.MonmouthACTS.org.
Fran Gray and her adopted son Rashon
About Monmouth ACTS
Monmouth ACTS (Assisting Community Through Services) was launched by the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners in 2018 to carry out recommendations of a Human Services Needs Assessment. This innovative public-private partnership brings together County employees from the Department of Human Services and community partners on the Monmouth ACTS Advisory Council (MAAC) to enhance access to services for County residents. For more information, visit www.monmouthACTS.org.
TWO IRANIAN NATIONALS CHARGED IN CYBER THEFT AND DEFACEMENT CAMPAIGN AGAINST COMPUTER SYSTEMS IN UNITED STATES, EUROPE, AND MIDDLE EAST
September 16, 2020
Two Iranian nationals have been charged in connection with a coordinated cyber intrusion campaign – sometimes at the behest of the government of Iran – targeting computers in New Jersey and around the world, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced today.
Hooman Heidarian, a/k/a “neo,” 30, and Mehdi Farhadi, a/k/a “Mehdi Mahdavi” and “Mohammad Mehdi Farhadi Ramin,” 34, both of Hamedan, Iran, are each charged in a 10-count indictment returned Sept. 15, 2020, with: one count each of conspiracy to commit fraud and related activity in connection with computers and access devices; computer fraud – unauthorized access to protected computers: computer fraud, unauthorized damage to protected computers; conspiracy to commit wire fraud; and access device fraud; and five counts of aggravated identity theft.
“These Iranian nationals allegedly conducted a wide-ranging campaign on computers here in New Jersey and around the world,” U.S. Attorney Carpenito said. “They brazenly infiltrated computer systems and targeted intellectual property and often sought to intimidate perceived enemies of Iran, including dissidents fighting for human rights in Iran and around the world. This conduct threatens our national security, and as a result, these defendants are wanted by the FBI and are considered fugitives from justice.”
“We will not bring the rule of law to cyberspace until governments refuse to provide safe harbor for criminal hacking within their borders,” Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers said. “Unfortunately, our cases demonstrate that at least four nations—Iran, China, Russia and North Korea—will allow criminal hackers to victimize individuals and companies from around the world, as long as these hackers will also work for that country’s government—gathering information on human rights activists, dissidents and others of intelligence interest. Today’s defendants will now learn that such service to the Iranian regime is not an asset, but a criminal yoke that they will now carry until the day they are brought to justice.”
“The indictment of two Iranian nationals charged with computer hacking, fraud, and aggravated identity theft demonstrates how the FBI continues to work relentlessly with our law enforcement partners to identify cybercriminals who seek to do harm to American citizens, businesses, and universities, regardless of where those criminals may reside and hold them accountable,” George M. Crouch Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Newark Division, said. “Mehdi Farhadi and Hooman Heidarian are now fugitives and have been added to the FBI website for charges in connection with a massive, coordinated cyber intrusion campaign. These actions demonstrate how imposing risks and consequences on our cyber adversaries will continue to be a top priority for the FBI.”
According to the indictment:
Beginning in at least 2013, the defendants were responsible for a coordinated campaign of cyber intrusions into computer systems in New Jersey and around the world. The victims included several American and foreign universities, a Washington, D.C.-based think tank, a defense contractor, an aerospace company, a foreign policy organization, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), non-profits, and foreign government and other entities identified as rivals or adversaries to Iran around the world.
Heidarian and Farhadi conducted many of these intrusions on behalf of the Iranian government. The stolen data was typically highly protected and extremely sensitive, and included confidential communications pertaining to national security, foreign policy intelligence, non-military nuclear information, aerospace data, human rights activist information, victim financial information and personally identifiable information, and intellectual property, including unpublished scientific research. The defendants also often vandalized websites using the pseudonym “Sejeal” and posted messages that appeared to signal the demise of Iran’s internal opposition, foreign adversaries, and countries identified as rivals to Iran, including Israel and Saudi Arabia.
Tactics and Techniques
The defendants conducted online reconnaissance to carefully select their victims, gathering data and intelligence to determine their areas of expertise, and assessing computer networks in preparation for launching cyber-attacks. They often used information obtained at this stage in latter phases of their hacking activities to complete a picture of processes, organizational structure, and potential soft spots of victim networks. The defendants used vulnerability-scanning tools to test the victim networks and to reveal security holes.
The defendants gained and maintained unauthorized access to victim networks using various tools, including: session hijacking, where a valid computer session was exploited to gain unauthorized access to information or services in a computer system; SQL injection, in which they used malicious code to access information that was not intended to be displayed, such as sensitive government data, user details, and personal identifiers; and malicious programs installations, which allowed the defendants to maintain unauthorized access to computers.
The defendants then used key-loggers and “remote access Trojans” to maintain access and monitor the actions of users of the victim networks. They also developed a botnet tool, which facilitated the spread of malware, denial of service attacks, and spamming to victim networks. In some instances, the defendants used their unauthorized access to victim networks or accounts to establish automated forwarding rules for compromised victim accounts, whereby new outgoing and incoming emails were automatically forwarded from the compromised accounts to accounts controlled by defendants
Using these methods, the defendants stole hundreds of terabytes of data, including confidential victim work product and intellectual property, and personal identifying information, such as access credentials, names, addresses, phone numbers, Social Security numbers, and birthdates. The defendants marketed stolen data on the black market.
In addition to stealing intellectual property and other data, the defendants, using the pseudonym “Sejeal,” replaced the publicly available contents of websites with political and other ideological content, thereby defacing websites, for the apparent purpose of projecting Iranian influence and threatening perceived enemies of Iran. The defacements featured, among other things, images of burning Israeli flags and threats forecasting the death or demise of citizens in the United States, Israel, and elsewhere.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Crouch in Newark, with the investigation leading to the charges.
The counts of conspiracy to commit computer fraud and related activity in connection with computers and access devices, unauthorized access to protected computers, and computer fraud – unauthorized damage to protected computers, each carry a maximum sentence of five years in prison. The count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. The counts of aggravated identity theft each carry a mandatory sentence of two years in prison. The count of access device fraud carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Dean C. Sovolos of the U.S. Attorney’s Office National Security Unit, Daniel V. Shapiro, Deputy Chief of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division, and Trial Attorney Scott McCulloch of the National Security Division.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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The award is among 13 given for environmental protection initiatives at military installations
February 22, 2023
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is set to receive $995,000 from the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) to reduce wildfire risk in the areas surrounding Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, Warren Grove Range, Naval Weapons Station Earle and Sea Girt National Guard Training Facility, Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette announced today.
The New Jersey grant is one of 13 projects funded nationally with $24 million from the DOD’s 2023 Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration (REPI) Challenge Program, which facilitates long-term partnerships to improve resilience to climate change, preserve habitats and natural resources, and promote sustainable land uses near military installations and ranges.
”The Murphy Administration is grateful to our federal partners for this grant funding, which will help us mitigate the increased risk of wildfires that are one of the many adverse impacts of climate change in New Jersey,“ Commissioner LaTourette said. ”Partnerships such as this help us ensure healthy forests that provide shade and shelter to visitors, keep open spaces green to sequester carbon, and also limit the greenhouse gas emissions that can increase ocean acidification.“
”Warmer springs and hotter, drier summers may lengthen New Jersey’s wildfire season and increase the occurrence of large fires. Reducing wildfire risk is a key aspect of ensuring that our farms, forests, and communities that are vital to our state’s economy and identity are resilient to a changing climate,“ saidNick Angarone, New Jersey Chief Climate Resilience Officer. ”This REPI Challenge award supports the New Jersey Forest Fire Service in some of its most critical wildfire mitigation and protection projects in the state.“
Funds from this grant round will be used to construct a strategic firebreak adjacent to the Warren Grove Gunnery Range in Bass River State Forest, with project work expected to begin in April 2023. Firebreak work will consist of reducing hazardous forest fuels on a strategic strip of land bordering Allen and Oswego roads, in Bass River Township, Burlington County, and in Egg Harbor Township, Ocean County. By reducing the forest fuels, firefighters may more safely control the forward progress of wildfires that may start in this area. The firebreak will also provide improved access to fight any fires that may occur in the area.
Additionally, forest thinning on 1,305 acres will reduce combustible vegetation known as ladder fuels and improve wildlife habitat. Ladder fuels are small trees and low vegetation beneath the forest canopy. Most large trees in the project area will remain, which will keep the canopy intact. Thinning allows for a healthier forest, reduces competition among trees and provides greater resource availability. The likelihood of a catastrophic wildfire burning through a thinned forest is reduced.
Additional REPI funds will go toward the ongoing Greenwood Triangle Forest Fuels Maintenance Project in Brendan T. Byrne State Forest and Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management area. This project entails firebreak maintenance and underbrush removal to protect residents in Burlington and Ocean counties and to create safe conditions for firefighters during wildfire suppression efforts.
This funding will help the New Jersey Forest Fire Service continue to build a network of strategic firebreaks across the landscape and improve resilience.
Ongoing partnerships like this through the DOD, Naval Weapons Station Earle continues to strengthen the relationship between DOD and DEP. New Jersey’s rich history of cooperation with its military installations is reinforced through the funds the DEP has received through the REPI Challenge Program.
”The wildfire management activities outlined in these projects not only benefit the military installations, but the natural resources and residents of New Jersey,“ said John Cecil, Assistant Commissioner for State Parks, Forests & Historic Sites. ”Without funding provided through the REPI Challenge Program and additional funding leveraged through the DEP and other partners, these projects would not be possible.“
The REPI Challenge Program cited a surge in forest fires adjacent to the Joint Base and Warren Grove Gunnery Range properties, in part due to dry weather conditions and dense accumulations of forest undergrowth, that can fuel wildfires. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service responded to 1,175 wildfires that burned 12,664 acres in 2022. When a wildfire encroaches a military installation, operations at the properties must be suspended, impacting various base and range activities and missions.
In 2019 the Spring Hill Wildfire burned 9,021 acres just north of the Warren Grove Gunnery Range in Bass River and Penn State Forest in similar forest fuel conditions. This fire highlighted the potential of a major wildfire threatening surrounding communities and military installations.
Combined, the 13 REPI Challenge projects will benefit 26 installations and their communities across the country. In addition to New Jersey, the DOD is funding projects in Guam, Hawaii, Arizona, Texas, California, Washington and Virginia.
To date, the REPI Challenge Program has leveraged more than $144 million with more than $417 million in partner contributions to protect more than 51 locations. REPI projects promote compatible land use, restore important habitats, promote species recovery and enhance climate adaptation efforts.
Warren Grove Gunnery Range is one of the most heavily used Air National Guard training ranges in the United States, and its location provides operational capabilities for all branches of military service. Naval Weapons Station Earle operates a receipts, storage, segregation and issue ordnance facility to support the Atlantic fleet, which includes the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and DOD conventional ammunition requirements.
For more information about this year’s REPI recipients, visit www.repi.mil/Buffer-Projects/REPI-Challenge
Learn more about the DEP’s Bureau of Climate Resilience Planning at www.nj.gov/dep/bcrp/ and other climate resilience initiatives at www.nj.gov/dep/climatechange/resilience.html
To learn more about wildfires in New Jersey, steps to protect property and other resources, visit www.njwildfire.org
Like the Forest Fire Service’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/NJForestFireService/
Follow the Forest Fire Service on Twitter @njdepforestfire and Instagram @newjerseyforestfire
Follow Commissioner LaTourette on Twitter and Instagram @shawnlatur and follow the DEP on Twitter @NewJerseyDEP, Facebook @newjerseydep, Instagram @nj.dep and LinkedIn @newjerseydep
As a thank you for combatting last September’s fire, Big SNOW’s ceremonial “first chair” honored representatives from various responding fire departments.
May 27, 2022
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ (May 2022) – Big SNOW American Dream, North America’s first indoor, real-snow ski and snowboard center providing guests with year-round winter indoors, reopened today, Friday, May 27. The indoor ski resort is open from 1:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. today. The indoor ski resort suffered a 3-alarm fire on September 25, 2021 and repairs have been completed just in time for Memorial Day Weekend. During the reopening event the venue hosted a snow-studded Beach Party, including DJ entertainment, live ice-sculpting, complimentary photo shoot sessions and an opportunity to meet and ride with athletes from Burton. There were also door prize giveaways throughout the day, including 50% off return visit vouchers.
“We are excited to reopen Big SNOW to guests this Memorial Day Weekend,” said Trish McLeod, Director of Resorts Marketing & Sales, SNOW Partners. “We thank our visitors and team for their patience as we’ve worked diligently to resume the full operation of the facility. We are appreciative of all the hard work that has gone towards this reopening and look forward to welcoming guests back to our slope where we offer endless winter fun right here in New Jersey.”
As a thank you for combatting last September’s fire, Big SNOW’s ceremonial “first chair” honored representatives from various responding fire departments. The venue will also offer discounted tickets to responding firefighters and their families interested in hitting the slopes this summer.
“We are tremendously thankful for the quick response and efforts made by the local fire departments last fall,” continued McLeod. “These complimentary tickets are just a small token of our appreciation. At Big SNOW, every day is a snow day, so we hope to see local firefighters and their families cool off and hit the slopes this summer.”
Ideal for first-timers or those just looking to keep their ski skills intact this summer, Big SNOW offers Snow Day packages that provide everything needed to enjoy a day on the snow. Packages include ski/board rental, outerwear, complimentary access to Terrain Based Learning skills areas and a team of dedicated instructors. This summer also marks the return of Camp BIG’s Summer Series – a four-day camp designed for children ages 5-12 to level-up on their ski and snowboard skills. Participating campers will receive continuous supervision with personalized on-snow instruction, complimentary ski or snowboard equipment rental and outwear rentals, as well as, slope access tickets, daily snacks and a goodie bag.
For more information, guests can visit BigSNOWAmericanDream.com, or keep up with Big SNOW on Facebook and Instagram @bigsnowad
As a thank you for combatting last September’s fire, Big SNOW’s ceremonial “first chair” honored representatives from various responding fire departments. The venue will also offer discounted tickets to responding firefighters and their families interested in hitting the slopes this summer.
Firefighters and NJ State Troopers who responded to the 3-Alarm Fire at Big Snow on September 25, 2021 were honored at Big Snow’s Reopening Today.
Helmetta Fire Chief, Christopher Acs 
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Andrew J. Gallucci, of Marlboro, Richard S., of Manalapan, and Ronald W. Hondo, of Monroe Township (Middlesex County), each 24 years of age, are all charged with first-degree Aggravated Sexual Assault, second-degree Sexual Assault, and third-degree Criminal Restraint. 
Ronald W. Hondo of Monroe Township (Middlesex County) 
Richard S. Gathy, of Manalapan 
Andrew J. Gallucci, of Marlboro
Photo by Sora Shimazaki on Pexels.com
