NEWARK, N.J. – A Middlesex County, New Jersey, man was convicted today of four counts of persuading, inducing, and enticing women to travel in interstate commerce to engage in prostitution, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Jose Torres, 45, was convicted of all four counts of a second superseding indictment following a six-day trial before U.S. District Judge Brian R. Martinotti in Newark federal court.
According to the documents filed in this case and the evidence at trial:
From May 2015 to October 2019, Torres persuaded, induced and enticed female victims, often commercial sex workers, to travel from out of state locations, including Canada and New York, to engage in prostitution with him. In each instance, Torres trolled prostitution websites and targeted out-of-state sex workers. He lured them to New Jersey with promises of large sums of payment. Once the women were in New Jersey, Torres refused to pay them. When the victims asked for payment, Torres became aggressive, often assaulting and raping them.
Each charge of coercion and enticement carries a maximum term of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 27, 2024.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark, and special agents of Homeland Security Investigations Newark, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Robert Kurtz, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty verdict.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Emma Spiro and Shawn Barnes of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Newark.
23-300
Counsel: David Schafer Esq., Lawrenceville, New Jersey, and Linwood Jones Esq., East Orange, New Jersey
Photo by EKATERINA BOLOVTSOVA on Pexels.com torres.sindictment_0Download
Past FBI Press Release:
August 14, 2020
The FBI, in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security, is asking for the public’s assistance to identify potential victims of an alleged sexual predator who hired sex workers and physically raped, assaulted, terrorized, and/or cheated the unsuspected parties.
Jose Torres, a 43-year-old, is currently in federal custody and charged with four counts of coercion and enticement in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey. Torres has travelled frequently throughout the years and is suspected to have committed these offenses throughout the country, to include New Jersey, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, South Carolina, and California. Torres has been preying on sex workers for over 10 years and is believed to have numerous victims. Torres would locate his victims by utilizing various sex worker websites, including EROS, Erotic Monkey, Tryst, Backpage, etc. From there, he would entice them to meet by offering large sums of money and groom his victims towards engaging in sex trafficking activities at his direction or command. Most of his meetings would require the sex worker to travel interstate, many times at their own expense.
If you believe you may have been victimized by Jose Torres, or he has solicited your services, please email [email protected]. Your response is voluntary but would be useful in the federal investigation to identify you as a potential victim. Based on the response provided, you may be contacted by the FBI and asked to provide additional information.
The FBI is legally mandated to identify victims of federal crimes that it investigates and provide these victims with information, assistance services, and resources.
October 11, 2023
EAST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–Around 5:30 p.m. police, firefighters, and EMS were detailed to the intersection of Dutch Neck Road and Oak Creek Road for a two-vehicle crash with entrapment. When emergency responders arrived on scene it was determined that a victim was trapped in an overturned vehicle. The person was extricated in about 10 minutes and was transported to the trauma center for treatment. No further details are available at this time.
Photos by: Steven Kadir
October 11, 2023
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri reported today that an investigation into online child exploitation has resulted in the arrest of a Hamilton Township man.
Nicholas Occhipinti, 31, of Hamilton, NJ, is charged with one count of second-degree distribution of child pornography, one count of third-degree possession of child pornography, one count of second-degree possession with the intent to distribute child pornography, and three narcotics offenses including a first-degree possession with the intent to distribute charge. The prosecutor’s office has filed a motion to detain Occhipinti pending trial.
Detectives with the prosecutor’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit recently received information from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that an individual in Mercer County was distributing child pornography. An investigation was initiated and Occhipinti was identified as a subject.
On Friday, October 6, 2023, members of the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations Newark and the Hamilton Police Division executed search warrants at Occhipinti’s Hamilton residence, where detectives seized multiple items of evidentiary value. Detectives also discovered a small amount of methamphetamine, assorted pills and more than 2,000 doses of LSD in the home. Occhipinti was taken into custody without incident.
First-degree crimes carry a sentence of 10 to 20 years in state prison and a fine of up to
$200,000. Second-degree crimes carry a sentence of five to 10 years in state prison and a fine of up to $150,000. Third-degree crimes carry a sentence of three to five years in state prison and a fine of up to $15,000.
Prosecutor Onofri urged anyone with information about suspected improper contact by unknown persons communicating with children via the internet or possible exploitation or sexual abuse of children to please contact his Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit at (609) 989-6568 or the New Jersey Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force tip line at (888) 648-6007.
Despite having been charged, every defendant is presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Nicholas Occhipinti, 31, of Hamilton, NJ, is charged with one count of second-degree distribution of child pornography, one count of third-degree possession of child pornography, one count of second-degree possession with the intent to distribute child pornography, and three narcotics offenses including a first-degree possession with the intent to distribute charge. The prosecutor’s office has filed a motion to detain Occhipinti pending trial.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–The Mercer County Homicide Task Force and the Trenton Police Department are investigating a fatal stabbing that occurred Thursday evening in the city, Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri reported.
Just before 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 19, 2023, Trenton police responded to the area of Cross Street and Kersey Alley in response to a call for an unresponsive male. Upon arrival, officers located a male victim on the ground in the sidewalk area suffering from numerous stab wounds. The victim, identified as Corey Jones, 40, of Trenton, was transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center where he was pronounced dead a short time later.
No arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact MCHTF Detective Michael Cipriano at (609) 575-2235 or OIC William Jett Jr. at (609) 331-5010. Information can also be emailed to [email protected].
Bridgeton Man Arrested and Charged with Fatal Stabbing in Trenton
6/15/2023 Louis Washington, 38, Trenton, Shooting, (died June 17)
6/19/2023 Ernest Denard, 61, Stabbing
6/22/2023 Guillermo Sanchez, Shooting
7/01/2023 Precious Saunders, 32, of Trenton
8/23/2023 Taquan Foxworth, 29, of Trenton, Shooting 8/19
9/02/2023 Ronald Taylor, 40, of Trenton, Shooting
9/16/2023 Balil Lewis, 37, of Trenton, Shooting
10/19/2023 Corey Jones, 40, of Trenton, Stabbing
September 28, 2023 still under investigation if determined to be a homicide the list will be updated.
October 20, 2023
EAST WINDSOR TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Mayor Janice S. Mironov administered the oath of office to two promoted police officers, new Police Sergeant Kenny Azambuja and new Police Lieutenant Philip Melhorn, who fill existing positions in the police department, at a recent ceremony.
Mayor Mironov stated, “This is an exciting evening for East Windsor Township and our Police Department, and especially for Sergeant Azambuja and Lieutenant Melhorn, who are experienced and accomplished officers who have worked hard to earn these promotions. We all congratulate the promoted officers on this professional recognition and their continued service to our Township.”
Lieutenant Philip Melhorn, hired in July 2006, has served in Uniform Services as a Field Training Officer, Evidence Technician and Officer-In-Charge and in January of 2017, was assigned as Detective in Investigative Services. In February 2019, he was promoted to Sergeant, serving as Platoon Supervisor, and then in November 2022, he was assigned to Investigative Services as the Investigative Services Supervisor. Lieutenant Melhorn also has served as Public Information Officer, Municipal Counter Terrorism Coordinator, Child Abduction Response Team Liaison and a member of the Internal Affairs Unit. Lieutenant Melhorn received a Bachelor of Science degree from The College of New Jersey and Master of Science degree from the University of Nevada. Lieutenant Melhorn will be the interim Commander of Administrative Services. in Administration Science of Justice from Fairleigh Dickinson University.
Sergeant Kenny Azambuja, hired in August 2006, has served in Uniform Services as a Field Training Officer and Officer in Charge. In November 2022, he was assigned as a Detective in Investigative Services and has served as a Firearms Instructor and Precision Rifle Operator. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree and Master of Administrative Science degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Sergeant Azambuja will be assigned as a Platoon Supervisor in Uniform Services.
East Windsor Township Mayor Janice S. Mironov administered the oath of office to newly promoted Police Officers, Police Sergeant Kenny Azambuja (center left) and Police Lieutenant Philip Melhorn (center right) in a ceremony attended by Chief of Police Jason Hart (right), elected officials and other police officers.
We have hundreds more photos to share and will be updated again tomorrow with more.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)—A Black Lives Matter protest earlier this afternoon turned into violence as the sun set and protesters turned rioters burning police cars, buildings, smashed windows, looted stores and clashed with police. Numerous mutual aid police were called from neighboring towns all over Mercer County, Middlesex County and Bucks County, Pennsylvania.
During a 10:30 pm press conference held at Trenton Fire Headquarters on Perry Street, Mayor W. Reed Gusciora said, “Today, a similar protest started (yesterday’s protest here) and was also by enlarge peaceful until the evening hours descended and the crowd which was many were from out of town, some were from in town decided that their productivity would be by starting to loot stores on West State Street. I don’t believe in taking looting a sneaker store, a liquor store really is productive or keeps the discussion going.”
“We need so many things that we need to focus on here in this city whether it would be economic development or creating a better city and moving it forward, this sends us backwards. Sends the wrong message and I understand that there is anger across America, from NY to Philadelphia to Los Angeles and we’re no different.’
“We urge everyone to adhere to the curfew we want the city open soon as possible, but this sets us backwards”
The mayor thanked Trenton Police Department working in conjunction with the NJ State Police, Mercer County Sherriff’s Office, Hamilton Township Police, Hopewell Township Police, Lawrenceville, Princeton, Robbinsville, Highstown, some from Burlington, Falls Township, PA, (more have responded not on this list as far as Middlesex County tonight)
Photos by: Brian McCarthy OnScene News
Trenton police cars burning in the city after protesters turned into rioters:
Photos by: Brian McCarthy OnScene News
Looting at the CVS in 1200 Block of Greenwood Avenue just as the Mayor finished the press conference, this was at 11:14 pm:
Looting at the CVS in 1200 Block of Greenwood Avenue just as the Mayor finished the press conference, this was at 11:14 pm
Large police presence in the 1700 Block of Nottingham Way in Hamilton Township. Police were lining driveways to stores both sides of the roadway not just the shopping center.
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Trenton Press Conference on violence and looting in the city during the protest today:
Michael Walker Acting Public Information Officer
Mayor W. Reed Gusciora
Mayor W. Reed Gusciora
Angelo J. Onofri Mercer County prosecutor
Sheilah Coley, Director
Trenton Police Department
Derrick Sawyer, Director
Trenton Fire and Emergency Services
Derrick Sawyer, Director
Trenton Fire and Emergency Services
Photos by: Brian McCarthy OnScene News
May 31, 2020
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–A peaceful Black Lives Matter at the NJ State Capital turned violent around dark. The protest started at 3 pm on West State street at the Capitol Building then was a march up East State to Broad Street, Lafayette to Barracks and back to the Capitol Building. The protest at the Capital included Trenton leaders denouncing any violence in Trenton and told them “Trenton is better than that” After about an hour the protest continued back onto West State to East State Street and ended up at the Trenton Police Station. Around dark violence and looting started, fires have been started and police cars burned.
Updating as it happens check back:
Currently Trenton Fire Department is battling a “all hands” fire at the Family Dollar in the 100 Block of East State Street.
Reports of two Trenton police cars on fire.
Hamilton Township Police and NJ State Police are on scene mutual aid to the City of Trenton.
Mutual aid fire departments including Hamilton staging at the Trenton border.
Looting at Tony’s Liquor store 30 individuals reported from NJSP Helicopter Montgomery and Broad Street.
Individuals pouring gas on a commercial property with tenants on the 2nd floor TFD en route. 100 Block of East Hanover.
Numerous FD Departments responding and staging in Lawrence Twp for rapid response deployment in the city, including Hamilton and Robbinsville Township Fire Departments.
9:14 pm. 260 Block of North Willow Street pedestrian struck.
Mayor W. Reed Gusciora will hold a press conference with other law enforcement officials regarding the protest and looting in downtown Trenton at 10:30 p.m.
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May 30, 2020
Photos by: Brian McCarthy OnScene News
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Several groups including Black Lives Matter held a protest for George Floyd the man killed in police custody in Minneapolis, MN. at the NJ Statehouse this afternoon.
Other protests spread across the State today including “March On Route 9” we covered earlier in Freehold, NJ see story here.
Another protest in Trenton is scheduled tomorrow for 3 pm.
Trenton Mayor W. Reed Gusciora
Trenton Mayor W. Reed Gusciora
Photos by: Brian McCarthy OnScene News
BREAKING NEWS: This is from reports from the scene and official information will be posted once received.
May 30, 2020
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–A van traveling in the area of the 58 mile marker on the NJ Turnpike caught fire this afternoon at 4:55 pm. (Allentown-Yardville Road Bridge area).
Robbinsville Township and Bordentown Township firefighters responded to the scene and found a van full of construction materials well involved in fire. The fire was quickly knocked down. Firefighters remained on scene to overhaul and mop up.
Breaking:According to police radio traffic this van may have been involved in a hit an run north of the location. Announced over police radio a few moments ago NJSP are looking for a black man who fled the scene and possible walking in the area.
BREAKING NEWS: This is from reports from the scene and official information will be posted once received.
Photo sent in by a passersby on the New Jersey Turnpike
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May 30, 2020
FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH)–A group of about 35 protesters assembled at the corner of Route 9 and Schanck Road this afternoon at 1 pm. The “March On Route 9” for George Floyd is protesting the death of George Floyd who died in police custody in Minneapolis, MN.
An event flyer circulated on the Internet for the “March On Route 9” stated that it was going to be held at iPlayAmerica on Schanck Road but that location was sealed off by gates and barrels marked “private property”
The protest was peaceful and was expected to last until 7 pm tonight.
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May 30, 2020
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Last night, Governor Phil Murphy signed Executive Order No. 149, allowing the resumption of child care services, youth day camps, and organized sports. This Order rescinds the emergency child care program under Executive Order No. 110 as of June 15, and permits child care centers to resume normal operations on or after June 15, subject to their compliance with COVID-19-specific health and safety standards. Additionally, youth day camps can open on or after July 6, and must comply with COVID-19-specific health and safety standards.
The Order also suspends the prohibition on individuals engaging in organized sporting activities as of June 22, provided that activities remain outdoors and are non-contact, and the Department of Health will issue health and safety standards for these activities. High school sports under the jurisdiction of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) may resume only in accordance with reopening protocols issued by NJSIAA, and cannot resume any earlier than June 30.
“My Administration has been steadfast in our commitment to let science, data, and facts guide New Jersey’s restart and recovery process,” said Governor Murphy. “In order to continue our momentum in restarting New Jersey’s economy, we must prepare our workforce to return to their jobs by ensuring a continuum of care for their children. Our child care centers, youth day camps, and organized sports will adhere to strict public health and safety protocols so that New Jerseyans can confidently participate in the restart and recovery process.”
Child Care Services
Effective 6:00 a.m. on June 15, 2020, child care centers and other child care facilities are permitted to resume operations for all clients, provided that they comply with the COVID-19 Child Care Standards and other applicable statutes, regulations, and Executive Orders.
Each child care center must submit an attestation to the Department of Children and Families no later than 24 hours prior to the anticipated opening date, or in the case of currently operating emergency child care centers, within fourteen days of the effective date of this Order, attesting that it will follow all applicable health and safety standards, as detailed in the COVID-19 Child Care Standards.
Youth Day Camps
Youth summer camps shall be permitted to operate on or after Monday, July 6, 2020, provided that they comply with the COVID-19 Child Care and Youth Summer Camp Standards and other applicable statutes, regulations, and Executive Orders.
Youth summer camps that wish to operate on or after July 6, 2020, must submit an attestation to the Department of Health no later than 24 hours prior to the anticipated opening date, attesting that they will follow all applicable health and safety standards, as detailed in the COVID-19 Youth Summer Camp Standards.
Residential and overnight camps are prohibited from operating.
Organized Sports
Effective June 22, 2020, sporting activities, including organized sporting activities, are permitted in outdoor settings only, provided that they do not involve person-to-person contact or routinely entail individuals interacting within six feet of one another. Any sporting activities that involve person-to-person contact or individuals routinely interacting in close proximity (within six feet of one another) will remain prohibited in any setting.
The Commissioner of the Department of Health shall impose health and safety standards regarding sporting activities before that date, and such activities must comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and Executive Orders, including restrictions on gatherings in place at the time the sporting activities occur.
High school sporting activities under the jurisdiction of the NJSIAA may resume in accordance with reopening protocols issued by NJSIAA, which shall consider DOH guidance in issuing these protocols. However, these high school sporting activities cannot resume any earlier than June 30, 2020.
For a copy of Executive Order No. 149, click here.
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14th Person Killed This Year And Countless Others Wounded In Gunfire
May 30, 2020
Updated story from one posted early this morning here: BREAKING: Trenton Shootings Continue, Early Morning Shooting In Trenton
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–The Mercer County Homicide Task Force is investigating a shooting death that occurred in Trenton early Saturday morning. At approximately 12:15 a.m., Trenton police received calls for shots fired in 400 block of Garfield Avenue and a report of a man down. Officers arrived on scene and located the victim lying on the sidewalk. The victim was transported to the hospital where he was pronounced dead. The victim, identified as Tyrone Campbell, 45, of Trenton, suffered numerous gunshot wounds to his torso. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the MCHTF at (609) 989-6406 or [email protected].
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Gun violence and shootings reach epidemic proportions see recent stories here: (There has been a lot more gun violence and shootings but these are ones we have enough information to report on)
BREAKING: Trenton Shootings Continue, Early Morning Shooting In Trenton
BREAKING: Reported Another Shooting In Trenton As Gun Violence Plagues City
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
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: 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
More Trenton Shootings at this link
May 30, 2020
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Governor Phil Murphy and Superintendent of the State Police Colonel Patrick Callahan today announced an Administrative Order authorizing horse racetracks to reopen on June 1st with no spectators, and with health and safety protocols in place. The Order will take effect immediately.
“Horse racing is an important part of our state economy and a beloved pastime in New Jersey.” said Governor Murphy. “I am happy to announce that after close consultation with our office, racetracks in our state will be able to reopen in the coming days.”
Racetracks will be able to open on June 1st, for racing without spectators. The AO also requires racetracks to adhere to a number of social distancing requirements that are laid out in the order. Under the order, the Executive Director of the New Jersey Racing Commission, or her designee, will have the authority to inspect racetracks to ensure that all required policies are being followed.
A copy of the Administrative Order can be found here.
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May 30, 2020
WEST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–Yesterday, I received a message from a young lady who messaged the police department to tell me that she is scared for her life and scared for her dad, her brother and her boyfriend. I have to say this message made me so sad. It made me hurt inside that the actions of someone in a profession whose very nature is to protect all and to serve the community broke that trust, committed this horrific act and sent a shockwave of anger and fear, which reached this young girl in West Windsor.
She went on to ask what we were doing to make sure this did not happen here and what we could do to improve community relations.
At this point, I was proud to say that as a police officer for 31 years and the Chief of Police I was confident in the men and women of the West Windsor Police Department. I was confident because we have spent a lifetime being a part of the community and making community policing the focus of our mission. I want our history to speak for itself. I want our social media over time to show how our officers truly care about all members of the community and have been there for them regardless of the situation. I have personally developed relationships with our religious communities and consider the leaders of the over 13 religious organizations in town my personal friends. We have stood side by side with them in laughter and celebration and stood in front of them in times of trouble.
I have also met with our African American Parent Support Group and have had serious conversations throughout the years about the police and its relationship with African American youth in West Windsor. We have worked hard to make sure our officers are seen as helpers and friends and this effort is ongoing and constantly evolves. I am thankful for the wisdom from both Joy and Latoya who are always welcome for coffee and a discussion on what we can do better.
We pride ourselves in well trained professional officers who exemplify Courage Knowledge and Integrity. These words are sewn into every West Windsor Patch and sewn into the fabric of each and every officer. Training is ongoing and never ends. In fact, training for our officers is a living, breathing life force which grows and evolves each and every year. Learning never stops. Whether it’s a quick lesson at briefing, an online training video and test or a training class, this learning continues. I am confident that this would never have happened in West Windsor because of the training of these officers and their respect for all life. Our officers are masters at de-escalation. When these dedicated men and women, who have faced COVID-19 each and every day without regard to their own safety and families, arrive on the scene, people breathe a sigh of relief because they know help has arrived.
We have already had roll call discussions on this horrific event and I have attached the words from one of my Sergeants about this training:
So I sat down this morning with 6 young officers when we were going on duty to talk about George Floyd and what happened. I solicited from them their opinions before giving them my opinion. My idea was to get their thoughts and then really give them an education on right/wrong, tactics, procedures, ethics and just plain caring for your fellow man, no matter what the circumstances. The conversation lasted over an hour and a half and I was surprised by their statements and thoughts. Not one of the young officers could find an inkling of justification. Each was appalled and embarrassed for how poorly some people represent our profession. Whereas I thought I was going to have to give some life’s lessons to the young ones, I didn’t have to. But, being me, I took the opportunity to still give the life’s lessons to reinforce what they already knew.
What happened to Floyd is truly tragic and could always be avoided. Standing around and doing nothing is just as bad as being the ignorant weak person that takes a life. But I am certain that the young officers that I work with know better, would act differently and will keep passing that down to others throughout their careers.
A sad day for everyone. There are no winners only losers. But a proud moment for me this morning.
I am truly sorry for George Floyd and his family. I can promise you this agency will continue to train and continue to be the protectors of this community and more importantly be part of its family.
I am always available for anyone who would like to meet and would like to discuss any issues. I have always had my door open for a coffee to anyone who would like one. I hope this helps explain to those who worry what I see and why I am not worried about the men and women of West Windsor Police and their interactions.
Respectfully,
Chief Robert Garofalo
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Concerning Developments Following the Death of George Floyd
May 30, 2020
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Today, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension arrested Officer Derek Chauvin, taking an important first step in the search for justice following the tragic death of George Floyd. Like so many others, I was horrified by the footage of Mr. Floyd’s death, and I hope that law enforcement officials across the country continue to make clear that abusive police practices will not be tolerated.
Mr. Floyd’s death reminds us that our country has a long way to go not only in healing our nation’s racial divides, but also in addressing the systemic and implicit biases that prevent all Americans from equally securing our country’s great promises. Now more than ever, we must redouble our commitment to building trust between law enforcement and the people they serve, especially those from historically marginalized communities.
Here in New Jersey, we are absolutely committed to a criminal justice system that is fair, transparent, and free of bias. This past December, we rolled out a sweeping set of statewide policy reforms, known as the Excellence in Policing Initiative, to promote the culture of professionalism, accountability, and transparency that are hallmarks of New Jersey’s best law enforcement agencies. But we must do more, and we are committed to working with our partners in law enforcement and the broader community to identify additional opportunities for improvement.
Unfortunately, there remain occasions where an officer uses violent force against civilians without justification. We condemn such actions, not simply because they are wrong, but also because they do a disservice to the vast majority of law enforcement officers committed to upholding the highest standards of the profession.
We also prosecute such cases criminally and through the police disciplinary process. As Attorney General, I oversee the investigation of use-of-force cases in this State, a role that makes me particularly sensitive to the difficulties of investigating and prosecuting such cases. My role as Attorney General also prevents me from commenting on individual cases, even where the publicly available information is horrifying and the conduct at issue unconscionable.
The residents of New Jersey should rest assured that we will never tolerate the types of police practices that resulted in Mr. Floyd’s death. As part of our Excellence in Policing Initiative, we created new mechanisms for reporting allegations of police misconduct, including a standardized reporting form that must be offered by every police department in New Jersey. We take police-misconduct allegations seriously, and we are committed to ensuring justice and accountability for every resident of this state.
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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)
See updated story here: UPDATE: Blood Continues To Spill In City Gun Violence As Another Man Killed By Multiple Gunshot Wounds
May 30, 2020
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Trenton Police, Trenton Fire and Trenton EMS all reasponded to the 400 Block of Garfield Avenue for a shooting at 12:20 am. Units reported a male shot and a trauma code was called as the person was transported to the Trauma Center at Capitol Health Regional Medical Center.
BREAKING NEWS: These are from unconfirmed reports. If and when official information is released this story will be updated.
The last shooting we know of on Garfield Avenue was on a bloody Sunday April 5, 2020 when multiple shootings throughout the city left 2 dead and 5 injured.
See related article here: Trenton Under Siege: 2 Dead And 5 Injured In Multiple Shootings Sunday
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UPDATE FOUND JUNE 1, 2020 SEE UPDATED STORY HERE
May 29, 2020
REPORTED FOUND JUNE 1, 2020
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Jasiana Martinez was reported missing on Friday May 29, 2020. She was last seen at approximately 1300 hours on May 29, 2020. Her whereabouts are unknown at this time but has previously been located in the area of Olden and Brunswick Avenues in Trenton, NJ.
Martinez is described as a 13 year old black female, 5’01, 120 lbs, with brown eyes and black hair. It is unknown what she is wearing at this time.
Anyone with additional information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective Kevin Krall of the Criminal Investigations Juvenile Section at (609) 689-5826 or the Hamilton Police Crime Tip Hotline at (609) 581-4008.
Jasiana Martinez was reported missing on Friday May 29, 2020 AND REPORTED FOUND JUNE 1, 2020
Jasiana Martinez was reported missing on Friday May 29, 2020 AND REPORTED FOUND JUNE 1, 2020
May 29, 2020
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)—On May 27, 2020 at approximately 1:46 PM, Hamilton Police were dispatched to the Exxon Gas Station located at 3217 Quakerbridge Road on a report of a male brandishing a handgun. An employee told police that a black male came to the station and requested Dutch Master Cigars. The male was told to wait while the employee finished attending to other customers. The male became irate and told the employee he would be back. Approximately five to ten minutes later the male returned, exited a vehicle, and grabbed a black object in his waistband the employee believed to be a handgun. The male demanded the cigars again and the employee walked into an employee only room, locked the door, and phoned police. The male fled in a black vehicle driven by an unknown driver.
On May 28, 2020 at approximately 2:00 PM, Detectives were able to locate the vehicle and suspects on the 400 block of Princeton Avenue and placed them under arrest. The male was identified as Emmanuel Dixon of Southampton, NJ and the female was identified as Kelly Pulaski of Hamilton. Dixon was charged with Robbery, Aggravated Assault, Terroristic Threats, Possession of Weapon for Unlawful Purpose, and Unlawful Possession of Weapon. Pulaski was charged with Robbery and Hindering Apprehension. The weapon which is reported to be an air soft handgun was not recovered.
Anyone with any information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective Lawrence MacArthur of the Hamilton Police Division’s Criminal Investigations Section at 609-689-5827 or the Hamilton Police Crime Tip Hotline at 609-581-4008.
Despite having been charged, every defendant is presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Kelly Pulaski of Hamilton, NJ was charged with Robbery and Hindering Apprehension.
Emmanuel Dixon of Southampton, NJ was charged with Robbery, Aggravated Assault, Terroristic Threats, Possession of Weapon for Unlawful Purpose, and Unlawful Possession of Weapon.
The male was identified as Emmanuel Dixon of Southampton, NJ and the female was identified as Kelly Pulaski of Hamilton. Dixon was charged with Robbery, Aggravated Assault, Terroristic Threats, Possession of Weapon for Unlawful Purpose, and Unlawful Possession of Weapon. Pulaski was charged with Robbery and Hindering Apprehension.
May 29, 2020
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–As a human being, a son, an attorney, a municipal prosecutor, a state lawmaker, and the mayor of a racially diverse city that has played an integral role in shaping the American experience and the civil rights movement, I am outraged by the senseless death of Mr. George Floyd.
I believe that the police officers involved in this deadly incident, led by Derek Chauvin, should be indicted for their actions. I stand with the family of Mr. Floyd. I stand with the law enforcement officers and leadership across America who have condemned this egregious act. I wholeheartedly agree that it demands a complete examination by top investigators, including the FBI.
Although I do not condone the violence and destruction that we’ve witnessed in Minneapolis, I empathize with the desperation and frustration fueling this response. Mr. Floyd’s death is provocative and shocking and a clear illustration of the widening rift between law enforcement and our communities — particularly communities of color and immigrants.
In Trenton, where we are deeply proud of our culture and history, we are working hard to ensure that what is happening in the great city of Minneapolis does not spill over into our streets. Trenton Police Director Sheilah Coley, a 30-year veteran of law enforcement who leads the Trenton Police Department, is actively engaged in managing and deploying our hardworking police officers and personnel to control gang activity, violent crime, crimes against property, and financial crimes. The department’s community relations division is committed to strengthening police-community relations in all corners of our city, involving thought leaders and activists, community organizations and homeowners and renters.
We stand in solidarity to seek justice for Mr. Floyd.
—Mayor W. Reed Gusciora
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May 29, 2020
NEWARK, NJ—A grand jury today indicted two men, one from Ocean County, New Jersey, and the other from Utah, with carrying out a fraudulent scheme to obtain credit cards in the names of third parties, make purchases on the cards to generate rewards points, monetize the points, and cancel the purchases.
Aharon Lev, a/k/a “Aaron Lev,” a/k/a “Aron Lev,” a/k/a “David Gold,” a/k/a “David Monroe,” 33, of Lakewood, New Jersey, and Timothy Gibson, 43, of Lehi, Utah, are charged by indictment with one count each of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Lev is also charged by indictment with two counts of wire fraud and two counts of aggravated identity theft. Lev was previously charged by complaint and released on bond to Israel; he is required to return to New Jersey by June 9, 2020, to be arraigned on the indictment. Gibson will make his initial appearance at a date to be determined.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From August 2014 through May 2016, Lev recruited individuals to give him their personally identifiable information, such as names and Social Security numbers, which Lev used to open numerous small-business accounts in their names with the victim credit card company. With Gibson’s assistance, Lev then used those accounts to make purchases that generated rewards points, which could be redeemed for frequent-flyer miles with various airlines. Once the points were issued, Lev cancelled the purchases and sold the points to Gibson, who resold them to third parties for use as miles to purchase airfare. Over two years, the scheme cost the credit card company more than $8 million in fees paid to the airlines for acceptance of points for miles.
Each charge of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, restitution, and forfeiture. Each charge of aggravated identity theft carries a mandatory sentence of two years in prison, to be served consecutive to any sentence on the wire-fraud and conspiracy charges.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Gregory W. Ehrie in Newark, and postal inspectors with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Inspector in Charge James Buthorn, with the investigation leading to the charges.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah A. Sulkowski of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Cybercrime Unit in Newark.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
20-156
LevGibson.IndictmentR.pdf
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HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)—MidJersey.News was made aware of a possible NJ State Police bust of a tractor trailer full of marijuana on the NJ Turnpike near the 6N Woodrow Wilson Service Area in Hamilton Township June 28, 2021. MidJersey.news checked both rest areas and the highway and found nothing, because allegedly the truck was already being towed to NJ State Police Headquarters in West Trenton for processing. Around dark the West Trenton Fire Company was dispatched to provide assistance to the NJ State Police for lighting at NJSP Headquarters. Once the fire company cleared the truck was driven to the Hamilton NJ State Police barracks to unload its contents to a secure site.
MidJersey.News was made aware and noticed that something was awry after returning from the situation that night on Rt. 130 and Broad Street. It was noticed that a tractor trailer with tow trucks and a NJ State Police escort was making a turn at Route 130 and Horizon Drive for Troop C headquarters. Parking across the street in an office complex from Troop C it was observed that a tractor trailer was being unloaded just before midnight on Monday June 28, 2021 and the product was taken inside with a fork lift and secured. We do not know the exact contents of the tractor trailer, but we believe it to me marijuana. By the size and how many pallets were removed from the back of the truck it is believed to be tons of pot, if that is what was in there.
MidJersey.news has reached out to NJ State Police on the afternoon of the 28, and on the afternoon of June 29 NJ State Police replied “We are in the process of working on a press release for this incident. I’ll be sure to send it to you once it is complete.” When reached out again today June 30we received, “It is in the process but unfortunately I do not have a time frame for release.”
MidJersey.News has held the story for over 48 hours to allow NJSP and/or other agencies to complete and wrap up any investigations before making the public aware that something may have occurred.
This is all we know and that something did occur involving the NJ State Police and a tractor trailer full of product. Once MidJersey.News finds the out the complete details the story will be updated an any corrections made.
Investigation follows two workers’ deaths after outbreaks in Howell, Lumberton
June 30, 2021
MOUNT HOLLY, NJ (BURLINGTON)–Following a coronavirus outbreak in March that led to the deaths of two workers, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration found that a Mount Holly-based healthcare provider failed to implement a required coronavirus prevention program at two of its locations.
OSHA determined that Oaks Integrated Care Inc. did not develop and implement timely and effective measures to mitigate the spread of the virus following outbreaks at its Bock Bay group home in Howell and the Pat LeBon Center in Lumberton. The company failed to identify and isolate clients suspected of having the coronavirus who resided in its group homes, and did not adequately inform staff who worked with these clients about the associated risks.
As a result, two workers – one at Bock Bay and the other at the Pat LeBon Center – suffered exposure and eventually died from the coronavirus. The outbreaks also exposed workers at other Oaks Integrated Care group homes, including Turner Lane Group Home, Evergreen Manor Group Home, R.I.S.E., Jerry Gavin House and the Martha’s Boulevard Group Home.
Additionally, OSHA found the company failed to:
Develop and implement a respiratory protection program.
Provide NIOSH-certified respirators to employees who provided care to confirmed coronavirus-positive clients.
Provide workers with fit tests or medical evaluations to ensure effective use of the required respirators.
Provide effective training in the use, cleaning and storage of a respirator.
OSHA cited the company with a serious violation of the respiratory protection standard, and a serious violation of the general duty clause that requires employers to ensure workplaces are free of recognized hazards that may cause death or serious physical harm. Proposed penalties total $27,306.
“Healthcare workers must have increased protections since they face the greatest risks of coronavirus exposure,” said OSHA’s Area Office Director Paula Dixon-Roderick in Marlton, New Jersey. “Employers in the healthcare and long-term care industries have an obligation to ensure effective safeguards and controls are in place to protect employees, patients and others from infection and further spread of the coronavirus.”
Oaks Integrated Care Inc. offers healthcare services in 19 New Jersey counties for adults, children and families with mental illness, addiction or developmental disabilities.
Read more about feasible and acceptable means of abatement for this hazard.
The employer has 15 business days from receipt of its 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 is effective immediately upon publication in the Federal Register.
View OSHA’s COVID-19 information and resources.
Agency
Occupational Safety & Health Administration
Date
June 30, 2021
Release Number
21-1181-NEW
7/1/2021 update here: NJ Task Force One Deploys To Surfside, Miami, Florida For Building Collapse
June 30, 2021– Updated
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–MidJersey.news has learned that NJ Task Force One, Urban Search And Rescue Team will be responding to Miami for the building collapse, at Champlain Towers South condo, located at 8777 Collins Ave, Surfside, FL 33154. Final preparations are being made at the Task Force’s Headquarters for the trip.
UPDATE:
New Jersey Task Force 1 Deploys to Miami
New Jersey Task Force 1 (NJ-TF1) has been activated as 1 of the 28 teams of the National Urban Search & Rescue (US&R) Response System and will be deploying tomorrow morning to assist with the rescue and recovery efforts resulting from the Champlain Tower Collapse.
NJ-TF1 is deploying as a Type 1 US&R Team consisting of 70 team members, in 21 technically skilled positions, and 10 ground support personnel. The team will be responding via; two crew carriers, three tractor-trailers, two box trucks, five F-450 crew trucks, two passenger vans, two K-9 units, two utility terrain vehicles, and a fleet service truck. A water rescue component of six boats with trailers and a water support trailer are also being deployed.
NJ-TF1 is deploying to a staging area in Miami, Florida. This will be the team’s eighth deployment as a FEMA US&R Team since 2016. The team has past experience in structural collapse from 9/11, Tropicana Hotel Parking Garage Collapse and the Hackensack Parking Garage Collapse among others.
NJOEM & NJ-TF1 continue to send our thoughts and prayers to everyone impacted by this deadly tragedy.
Our hearts go out to the brave first responders who are working around the clock in search of survivors. We’ll see you soon.
#ReadyNJ #surfside #miami #searchandrescue
Learn more about NJ-TF1 at njtf1.org
State of New Jersey
New Jersey State Police
FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency
June 30, 2021
JACKSON, NJ (OCEAN)–On Tuesday June 29, 2021 detectives assigned to the department’s Special Enforcement Unit concluded an investigation into a report of narcotics distribution with the arrest of a male suspect.
At approximately 10:45 pm, detectives conducted a motor vehicle stop on South New Prospect Road with a male who was operating a 2009 Mercedes Benz. During the investigation 100 bags of heroin packaged for sale were recovered and detectives placed Matthew Vandenberg, age 36 of Farmingdale NJ under arrest. Cash in excess of $250.00 was also seized and the vehicle was impounded pending forfeiture proceedings.
Mr. Vandenberg was processed and later lodged in the Ocean County Jail. He was charged with possession of heroin, possession of heroin with the intent to distribute, possession of a controlled dangerous substance while operating a motor vehicle and other motor vehicle violations.
Residents wishing to report suspected narcotics activity or suspicious activity are asked to contact police headquarters at 732-928-1111 or though the department’s StopIt app online.
– The media and the public are reminded that any persons arrested or charged with any offenses or crimes are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
Charged: Jakeem Q. Thompson AKA “Carti” Resident of Trenton, NJ, Aggravated Assault (2 Counts), Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose (2 Counts), and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon (2 Counts)
June 30, 2021
WEST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)—Police said that just prior to 4:00 a.m. on Saturday June 5, 2021 the West Windsor Police Department was contacted by the Trenton Police Department (TPD) and advised that two (2) males were at the Trauma Center at Capital Health Regional Medical Center, each with multiple stab wounds.
Information provided by the victims at the hospital indicated that their injuries were sustained during an altercation that took place at Hyatt Place in West Windsor.
West Windsor Township Police Officer LaForge responded to the hospital to begin the initial investigation.
Victim #1 was determined to have multiple stab wounds to his right oblique/abdomen and incised cuts to the cheek and nose. Victim #2 was determined to have multiple stab wounds (abdomen, back, & forearm).
Upon the arrival at the hospital by WWPD Detective Woodrow, Victim #2 was coming out of surgery and was listed as stable. Further investigation revealed multiple actors had been involved in the initial altercation at a Birthday “After” Party (17th Birthday) at the Hyatt Place.
The (2) victims were stabbed during the altercation and were ultimately transported to the hospital by others.
Detective Woodrow and the WWPD Detective Bureau continued the arduous investigation where Jakeem Q. Thompson AKA “Carti” was found to be the actor who stabbed the (2) Victims. Thompson was arrested in Monmouth County on unrelated charges on 6/24/2021. Thompson was later turned over to the custody of Trenton PD on an NCIC Warrant Hit, and later lodged at the Mercer County Workhouse in connection to this stabbing incident.
The WWPD would like to thank the Trenton PD, the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office, the US Marshals Fugitive Task Force, and the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office for assistance in this investigation. Both Victims were expected to survive their injuries although Victim #2 sustained the greater of the knifing injuries.
It should be noted that the altercation began inside the Hyatt Place and ended outside. No one connected to the “After’ Party contacted anyone affiliated with the Hyatt Place to report this incident to the staff.
June 30, 2021
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on June 30, 2021, Mayra Gavilanez-Alectus, 49, of Brick Township, was indicted by a Grand Jury sitting in Ocean County on a charge of Murder, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:11-3a(1), in connection with the death of Rebecca Gavilanez-Alectus, in Brick Township, on May 17, 2020. Mayra Gavilanez-Alectus was also indicted on charges of Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4d; and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5d.
On May 17, 2020, Brick Township Police were summoned to a residence on Creek Road for a report of an unresponsive female. Upon arrival, Officers found the lifeless body of Rebecca Gavilanez-Alectus in an upstairs bedroom of the residence. On May 18, 2020, the Ocean County Medical Examiner performed a post-mortem examination of Ms. Gavilanez-Alectus’ body, and determined the manner of her death to be a homicide. A subsequent investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Brick Township Police Department Detective Bureau, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit revealed that both the victim and the defendant resided at the Creek Road address. The investigation further revealed that a cylindrical container used for the purpose of chilling wine was utilized in the commission of the murder. The injuries sustained by Rebecca Gavilanez-Alectus were consistent with the implementation of this item. Further investigation ultimately determined that Mayra Gavilanez-Alectus did, in fact, cause the victim’s death. On May 18, 2020, a warrant for the arrest of Mayra Gavilanez-Alectus was issued. On May 21, 2020, Mayra Gavilanez-Alectus was taken into custody by law enforcement in Houston, Texas. She was extradited back to New Jersey and has been lodged in the Ocean County Jail since her return to New Jersey.
Prosecutor Billhimer would like to acknowledge the diligent efforts of Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Robert Cassidy, Assistant Prosecutor Ashley Angelo and Assistant Prosecutor Genna Moscato who are handling the case on behalf of the State as well as the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, Brick Township Police Department, Brick Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Department of Homeland Security, United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, New York Police Department, United States Marshals Service, and Houston Police Department for their collective assistance relative to this investigation resulting in today’s indictment.
Mayra Gavilanez-Alectus, 49, of Brick Township, was indicted by a Grand Jury sitting in Ocean County on a charge of Murder
Mayra Gavilanez-Alectus, 49, of Brick Township, was indicted by a Grand Jury sitting in Ocean County on a charge of Murder
Saleh and his conspirators deprived the state of New Jersey of more than $594,000 in taxes as a result of this conspiracy.
June 30, 2021
NEWARK, N.J. – A New York man today admitted participating in a scheme to traffic in contraband cigarettes, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
Obadah Saleh, 39, of Queens, New York, pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Esther Salas to an information charging him with conspiracy to traffic in contraband cigarettes.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Most states, including New Jersey, require a stamp to be placed on packs of cigarettes indicating the appropriate state tax has been paid. From October 2014 to October 2019, Saleh worked with conspirators to buy and sell millions of dollars’ worth of untaxed, contraband cigarettes, which they believed were stolen from large cigarette shipments from cigarette manufacturers. Saleh and his conspirators often made these purchases with large sums of cash. Saleh and his conspirators deprived the state of New Jersey of more than $594,000 in taxes as a result of this conspiracy.
The charge to which Saleh pleaded guilty is punishable by a maximum potential penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greatest. Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 2, 2021.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr. in Newark, with the investigation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys James Donnelly and Joshua L. Haber of the Office’s Criminal Division in Newark.
21-297
Defense counsel: Lance Lazzaro Esq., Brooklyn, New York
Click to access Saleh.Information.pdf
Photo by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels.com
Second Solicitation Award Advances State Toward Clean Energy Goals While Creating Thousands of Jobs and Billions in Economic Benefits
June 30, 2021
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) today awarded a combined 2,658 MW of offshore wind capacity to EDF/Shell’s Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind and Ørsted’s Ocean Wind II, bringing the state’s total planned capacity to over 3,700 MW and moving New Jersey closer to Governor Phil Murphy’s goal of 7,500 MW of offshore wind by 2035 and 100 percent clean energy by 2050. Today’s award is the nation’s largest combined award to date.
In a unanimous vote, the Board awarded 1,510 MW of capacity to Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind and 1,148MW to Ocean Wind II. In addition to strong environmental and fisheries protection plans, each project has committed to investing in New Jersey’s burgeoning offshore wind industry by building new manufacturing facilities at the New Jersey Wind Port, utilizing the foundation manufacturing facility at the Port of Paulsboro, creating tens of thousands of jobs, and injecting billions of dollars in economic benefits into the State.
“Expanding New Jersey’s offshore wind industry is a major component of achieving our goal of 100 percent clean energy by 2050, while providing significant opportunities and economic benefits for our state,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “By leveraging a whole-of-government approach and the strengths of our state, this award ensures that our investment in clean energy is also an investment in our communities, and will generate good-paying, union jobs and bring valuable investments to New Jersey. Today’s award, which is the nation’s largest combined award to date, further solidifies New Jersey as an offshore wind supply chain hub and leader in the offshore wind industry in the United States.”
“We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to establish New Jersey as the epicenter of a new industry that will provide tens of thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in economic benefits when we need it most,” said Joseph L. Fiordaliso, NJBPU President. “Under Governor Murphy’s leadership, we have made significant progress toward our goal of 7,500 MW of offshore wind by 2035 and will continue fighting for a clean energy future that benefits all New Jersey residents, improves public health, mitigates climate change, and bolsters our economy with sustainable, good-paying jobs.”
“It is an exciting time for clean energy in New Jersey thanks to Governor Murphy’s leadership,” said Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette. “The responsible development of offshore wind will help New Jersey reduce the worsening effects of climate change while creating family-sustaining green jobs capable of lifting all people and communities across the Garden State.”
“Offshore wind is a central component of Governor Murphy’s efforts to build a stronger, fairer, and greener economy in New Jersey,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “Establishing New Jersey as a hub of the rapidly-growing American offshore wind industry will bring billions of dollars of investment into the state and create thousands of family-sustaining jobs for residents throughout the state. The solicitation award announced today is another exciting step forward that will help to cement New Jersey’s leadership in this emerging industry.”
Combined, the two projects are estimated to create 7,000 full and or part time jobs across the development, construction and operational phases of the projects. This yields approximately 56,000 Full Time Equivalent job years, as some jobs will be shorter term and others will last for many years. They will also generate $3.5 billion in economic benefits and power 1.15 million homes with clean energy. As required by the solicitation, the project developers will also contribute $10,000 per MW to fund research initiatives and wildlife and fishery monitoring in the region – totaling $26 million that will be administered by NJBPU and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection through a robust stakeholder process.
Each project includes a commitment to build a nacelle assembly facility at the New Jersey Wind Port. The nacelle houses the components that convert the mechanical energy of the rotating blades into electrical energy, and is the highest value add offshore wind component. Atlantic Shores plans to partner with MHI Vestas for this facility while Ocean Wind will collaborate with GE. Both projects will utilize the foundation manufacturing facility at the Port of Paulsboro. Additional benefits to the region include a green hydrogen pilot facility from Atlantic Shores and a truck electrification pilot project at Port Newark from Ocean Wind.
In an effort to identify the most efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally sensitive ways of bringing offshore energy ashore, NJBPU is also engaged in a first-of-its-kind transmission solicitation managed by regional grid operator PJM Interconnection. The solicitation seeks ready-to-build options for an open access transmission solution that can deliver offshore wind energy to the existing grid.
Developing New Jersey’s offshore wind resources is a core strategy of Governor Murphy’s Energy Master Plan, which identifies the most ambitious and cost-effective ways of reaching 100 percent clean energy by 2050. Since taking office in 2018, the Murphy Administration has led a concerted effort across State government to bolster this transition while focusing on jobs and economic growth. This includes developing the NJ Wind Port in Salem County, establishing a WIND Institute to coordinate workforce development and research and development in offshore wind, and a $250 million investment in the Port of Paulsboro for turbine component manufacturing.
The State’s comprehensive approach to offshore wind development aims to secure the best overall value for ratepayers while protecting the environment and commercial and recreational fishing interests. On track with the Governor’s solicitation schedule, the Board anticipates opening a third offshore wind solicitation for at least 1,200 MW in 2022.
In 2019, New Jersey made history by awarding the largest single offshore wind solicitation in the country to Ørsted’s 1,100 MW Ocean Wind project to be built 15 miles off the coast of Atlantic City.
For more information about New Jersey’s offshore wind program, please visit https://www.njcleanenergy.com/nj-offshore-wind.
Governor Murphy announces $250 million investment in state-of-the-art manufacturing facility to build wind turbine components to serve entire U.S. offshore wind industry on Tuesday, December 22, 2020 (Edwin J. Torres/ NJ Governor’s Office). –File Photo
June 30, 2021
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Mayor W. Reed Gusciora announced today that Steve E. Wilson, a retired Lieutenant with nearly thirty years of experience with the Trenton Police Department (TPD), will start effective tomorrow, July 1, 2021, as the Interim Police Director.
“Director Wilson is a highly-decorated TPD veteran that is respected both in our community and the rank and file,” said Mayor Gusciora. “His knowledge of the city and its unique challenges, which he has dealt with throughout his extensive career with the department, gives him the necessary perspective to help us improve accountability, recruitment, and community policing.”
“This is the only job that could pull me out of retirement,” said Director Wilson. “I can’t think of a better way to repay the city for all it has given me than by using my decades of experience to help the TPD better serve our residents. For me, community policing isn’t just having a dedicated outreach unit. It’s about making sure our patrol officers are seen as trusted resources on everything from violent crime to everyday quality-of-life concerns.”
Director Wilson had been with the TPD since 1994 before retiring in April of 2020. Most recently, he served as General Assignment Commander for the Criminal Investigative Bureau, where he managed the Property Crimes Unit, the Special Victims Unit, and the TPD Youth Section, which focuses on missing youths and youth offenders. Before that he was a Commander with the Special Operations and Criminal Investigation Bureaus, where he directed TPD operations in critical hotspots throughout the City.
Throughout his career, Director Wilson instructed officers in case law, body worn camera use, and N.J. Attorney General guidelines, even serving as a Mercer County Police Academy instructor for nearly four years. He also has extensive experience coordinating joint law enforcement operations with the City’s several state and federal partners, including the FBI, DEA, and the N.J. State Police.
Mayor W. Reed Gusciora announced today that Steve E. Wilson, a retired Lieutenant with nearly thirty years of experience with the Trenton Police Department (TPD), will start effective tomorrow, July 1, 2021, as the Interim Police Director.
June 30, 2021
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Narcotics Strike Force joined forces with Barnegat Township Police Department Crime Reduction Unit and Patrol Division, Toms River Township Police Department Special Enforcement Team, Stafford Township Police Department Drug Enforcement Unit and K-9 Unit, Ocean Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Lacey Township Police Department Detective Bureau and the Ocean County Sherriff’s Office, to conduct an investigation into the distribution of narcotics in the Ocean County area. The investigation identified a residence in Barnegat as being utilized by Elex Hyman, age 49 and Jaime Steen, age 38, to store and distribute cocaine.
On June 29, 2021, Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, Barnegat Township Police Department Crime Reduction Unit and the Toms River Township Police Department Special Enforcement Team established surveillance on the residence in Barnegat. Detectives maintained surveillance on Hyman and Steen as they traveled to an area in Toms River. Detectives observed Hyman meet with another vehicle that was occupied by Jesse Jackson, age 38, of South Toms River and Alicia Walker, age 44, of Union Beach. After the vehicles parted ways, motor vehicle stops were executed on both vehicles and the occupants detained. As a result of the motor vehicle stops, Detectives recovered approximately 63 grams of powder and crack cocaine, 150 wax folds of heroin and 100 Ecstasy tablets. Hyman, Steen, Jackson and Walker were all placed under arrest. Detectives applied for and were granted a search warrant for the residence in Barnegat. As a result of the execution of the search warrant, approximately $14,500 in US currency was seized. Arrested and charged were;
Elex Hyman, age 49, of Barnegat, was charged with Possession of Cocaine in an Amount Greater than One-Half Ounce but Less than Five Ounces with Intent to Distribute in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5b(2); Distribution of Cocaine in an Amount Greater than One-Half Ounce but Less than Five Ounces in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5b(2); Possession of Cocaine in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(1); and Knowingly Wander to Obtain or Sell a Controlled Dangerous Substance in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:33-2.1B. Hyman is currently lodged in the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.
Jaime Steen, age 38, of Barnegat, was charged with Possession of Cocaine in an Amount Greater than One-Half Ounce but Less than Five Ounces with Intent to Distribute in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5b(2); Distribution of Cocaine in an Amount Greater than One-Half Ounce but Less than Five Ounces in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5b(2); Possession of Cocaine in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(1); and Knowingly Wander to Obtain or Sell a Controlled Dangerous Substance in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:33-2.1B. Steen was charged on a Summons and released pending a future court date.
Jessie Jackson, age 38, of South Toms River, was charged with Possession of Cocaine in an Amount Greater than One-Half Ounce but Less than Five Ounces with Intent to Distribute in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5b(2); Possession of Heroin with the Intent to Distribute in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5b(3); Possession of Cocaine in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(1); Possession of Heroin in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(1); and Knowingly Wander to Obtain or Sell a Controlled Dangerous Substance in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:33-2.1B. Jackson is currently lodged in the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.
Alicia Walker, age 44, of Union Beach, was charged with Possession of Cocaine in an Amount Greater than One-Half Ounce but Less than Five Ounces with Intent to Distribute in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5b(2); Possession of Heroin with the Intent to Distribute in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5b(3); Possession of Ecstasy tablets with the Intent to Distribute in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-3b(3); Possession of Heroin in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(1); Possession of Cocaine in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(1); Possession of Ecstasy tablets in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(1); Possession of Drug Paraphernalia in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:36-2a; and Knowingly Wander to Obtain or Sell a Controlled Dangerous Substance in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:33-2.1B. Walker is currently lodged in the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.
Prosecutor Billhimer commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Asset Forfeiture Unit, Barnegat Township Police Department Crime Reduction Unit and Patrol Division, Toms River Township Police Department Special Enforcement Team, Stafford Township Police Department Drug Enforcement Unit and K-9 Unit, Ocean Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Lacey Township Police Department Detective Bureau and the Ocean County Sherriff’s Office, for their collaborative assistance in connection with this investigation.
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).
June 30, 2021
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Governor Phil Murphy today announced that Andrew Bruck will serve as Acting Attorney General for the remainder of the Governor’s four-year term, following the departure of Attorney General Gurbir Grewal on July 16, 2021. Bruck currently serves as First Assistant Attorney General and has been part of the executive leadership team at the Attorney General’s Office since January 2018.
“I am pleased to announce that Andrew Bruck will step in to serve as Acting Attorney General and continue the office’s mission of fighting for equal justice for everyone who calls our state home,” said Governor Murphy. “Andrew’s wealth of experience will serve him well in this role and his historic appointment reflects our continuing commitment to ensuring that our state government reflects the rich diversity of our people.”
Before joining the Office of the Attorney General, Bruck spent five years at the U.S. Department of Justice. During that time, he served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, and held several roles in the office of Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates, including Senior Counsel, Deputy Chief of Staff, and Acting Chief of Staff. Before joining the Department of Justice, Bruck worked as a litigation associate in the New York office of Davis Polk & Wardwell and clerked for Chief Justice Stuart Rabner of the New Jersey Supreme Court. He is a graduate of Princeton University and Stanford Law School.
Bruck is a New Jersey native who grew up in Montclair and Mendham. He currently resides in Trenton with his husband Adam and 8-month-old daughter, Libby. Bruck will be the first member of the LGBTQ+ community to serve as Attorney General of New Jersey.
“I thank Governor Murphy for the confidence that he has placed in me, and I am honored by the opportunity to continue the groundbreaking work of Attorney General Grewal,” said First Assistant Attorney General Andrew Bruck. “I share their commitment to protecting public safety, building public trust, and ensuring the rights of all New Jerseyans. I look forward to working with our Department’s 7,700 extraordinary public servants to carry out our vital mission.”
“I am thrilled that Governor Murphy has selected Andrew Bruck to lead the Attorney General’s Office for the remainder of my term,” said Attorney General Gurbir Grewal. “Andrew is one of the sharpest legal minds and finest public servants that I have ever met. We entered office together on January 16, 2018, and since that day he has worked tirelessly to stand up for the rights of New Jerseyans, having helped shape some of our office’s most important policies and respond to many of our state’s most complex legal challenges. The people of New Jersey and the dedicated public servants in the Department of Law and Public Safety will be well-served by his leadership.”
“Andrew Bruck has the unique ability to lead by genuinely listening to all sides of issues, crafting bold, principled and practical solutions, and then giving everyone else credit for it,” said former Acting U.S. Attorney General Sally Yates. “He is trusted by both the civil rights and law enforcement communities because of his track record for forging much-needed meaningful reforms to our criminal justice system while respecting the difficult and crucial role of law enforcement. He is a public servant in the truest sense of the words, and the people of New Jersey can be confident that he will take his responsibility to represent them to heart.”
Andrew Bruck in Trenton, N.J. on Monday, Jan. 29, 2018. (Office of the Attorney General / Tim Larsen)
June 30, 2021
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal today announced that a man has been charged with attempted murder and bias intimidation for allegedly beating and choking a man he suspected of being gay in North Hudson Park in North Bergen, N.J., on June 22.
José Tobias Carranza Serrano, aka “Kevin Lopez,” 18, of Baltimore, Md., was arrested on June 23. He was charged by complaint with the following offenses:
Attempted Homicide (1st Degree)
Bias Intimidation (1st Degree)
Robbery (1st Degree)
Aggravated Assault (2nd Degree)
Carranza Serrano was charged as the result of an investigation by the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office, Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, and Division of Criminal Justice, assisted by the North Bergen, Hoboken, and Bayonne Police Departments. Carranza Serrano is being held in the Hudson County Correctional Facility pending a detention hearing.
In the early morning hours of Tuesday, June 22, Carranza Serrano allegedly attacked the victim near the south end of the lake in North Hudson Park. The investigation revealed that the victim was a stranger whom Carranza Serrano had just met. Carranza Serrano allegedly wanted to kill the victim because he suspected the victim was gay. Carranza Serrano allegedly punched and kicked the victim in the face, causing multiple fractures and knocking out several teeth. He also allegedly attempted to strangle the victim. Carranza Serrano allegedly took a smart phone and $8 in cash from the victim. The victim was found unconscious near the path around the lake by a passerby shortly before 5 a.m. on June 22.
“This defendant is charged with attempting to kill a complete stranger because he thought the man was gay,” said Attorney General Grewal. “The victim was beaten and choked so badly that he was unconscious for several hours before a passerby found him and called for help. Whether this type of hate-fueled violence is directed against the LGBTQ+ community or other groups, it is terribly destructive to society and we must push back against it in every way possible. That, of course, includes aggressively investigating and prosecuting those who commit such crimes. I commend the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office, Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, and other collaborating law enforcement agencies for the investigation that led to this arrest.”
The case is being prosecuted jointly by the Division of Criminal Justice and the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office.
Deputy Attorney General Danielle Scarduzio is assigned to prosecute the case for the Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ) Specialized Crimes Bureau, under the supervision of Deputy Bureau Chief Jacqueline Smith, Bureau Chief Erik Daab, and Acting DCJ Director Annmarie Taggart. Detectives Samer Abboud and Brian Christensen are assigned to the case for the DCJ Bias Crimes Unit, under the supervision of Lt. Michael Fallon, Deputy Chief of Detectives Robert Stemmer, and Chief of Detectives Weldon Powell.
Attorney General Grewal thanked the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office, under the leadership of Sheriff Frank X. Schillari, the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, under the leadership of Prosecutor Esther Suarez, and the North Bergen, Hoboken, and Bayonne Police Departments.
The first-degree bias intimidation charge carries a sentence of 15 to 30 years in state prison. The attempted murder charge carries a sentence of 10 to 20 years in state prison, with parole ineligibility equal to 85 percent of the sentence imposed. Second-degree charges carry a sentence of five to 10 years in prison.
The charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Defense Attorney: Undetermined.
June 30, 2021
TABERNACLE, NJ (BURLINGTON))–The New Jersey State Police is seeking the public’s assistance with identifying a man who allegedly stole two trailer ramps from a business on Route 206 in Tabernacle Township, Burlington County. Yesterday at approximately 3:00 p.m., an unidentified man arrived at Rainbow International of Burlington County and inquired about purchasing trailer ramps through the company’s Ring camera. The suspect was then captured on video surveillance entering the property, removing two trailer ramps, and departing the scene on foot carrying the ramps. No vehicles were observed in the surveillance footage. Anyone with information is asked to contact Trooper Tyler Legezdh of Red Lion Station at 609-859-2282. Anonymous tips are welcome.
Updated with official information from Hamilton Police.
By: Tyler Eckel
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP (MERCER)– Officers from the Hamilton Township Police Department along with firefighters from Hamilton Township Fire Division rescued a man who was on the edge of a bridge after fleeing from Police, Monday night.
Police responded to the 100 block of Route 156 around 10:00 pm on a reported disturbance. Upon arrival Officers spoke to the victim who stated they had a restraining order against the suspect who fled prior to their arrival and threatened to jump off a bridge. The victim believed the suspect was hiding in the area waiting for Officers to depart. Officers checked the area but were unable to locate the suspect.
Officers cleared the scene but parked down the street to keep a visual on the residence. Shortly after, Officers A. Zuzzio and J. Avanzato saw the suspect return to the residence. The Officers drove up to the residence and the suspect took off from the Officers on foot. The suspect continued running away from Police after being ordered to stop numerous times. The suspect ran into oncoming traffic on South Broad Street towards the Route 130 overpass. When he reached the overpass he began to climb the fence in an attempt to jump off the overpass. Officers Zuzzio and Avanzato were able to grab the suspect and hold him until additional units responded to assist in removing the suspect from the overpass fence.
Hamilton firefighters also assisted in pulling the suspect to safety. According to radio reports, the initial caller stated the man was trying to jump from the overpass. An additional call then stated the man was dangling from the bridge. Firefighters arrived on scene and immediately established a plan to pull the suspect to safety.
A ladder truck was sent onto Route 130 to position their ladder under the bridge and bring the man to safety. Once positioned, a hole was cut into the fence of the overpass, and the suspect was pulled to safety.
The suspect was identified as Alexander Lanning, 33, of Hamilton. Lanning was charged with Contempt of Court (Violation of Restraining Order) and Resisting by Flight. He also had several outstanding warrants.
Lanning was transported to the crisis center by Robert Wood Johnson EMS for evaluation.
Absolute great job to all involved in the swift rescue of the suspect, especially to the officer who climbed onto the other side of the fence to protect the suspect from falling onto the highway. MidJersey.news is recognizing these officers and firefighters as hero’s.
Police and firefighters pull man dangling from highway overpass after disturbance, running from police in Hamilton. Photos by Tyler Eckel.
Scene from Route 130 side.
Alexander Lanning
WASHINGTON, D.C. — TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced that Gurbir S. Grewal has been appointed Director of the Division of Enforcement, effective July 26, 2021. Grewal currently serves as Attorney General for the State of New Jersey, a role he has held since January 2018, when he was confirmed by the New Jersey State Senate after being nominated by Governor Phil Murphy.
“I’m honored and delighted to welcome Attorney General Grewal to the SEC,” said SEC Chair Gary Gensler. “He has had a distinguished career as New Jersey’s chief law enforcement officer and as a prosecutor at both the local and federal levels. He has the ideal combination of experience, values, and leadership ability to helm the Enforcement Division at this critical time. I look forward to working closely with him to protect investors and root out wrongdoing in our markets.”
“I thank Melissa Hodgman for her service as the Enforcement Division’s Acting Director,” Chair Gensler added. “She will continue to be an important adviser to both Gurbir and me, and I look forward to our continued work together.”
“The Enforcement Division has a critical role to play in finding and punishing violations of the law,” said Grewal. “I’m excited to get to work with the talented team of public servants to uncover and prosecute misconduct and protect investors. I thank Governor Murphy for the opportunity to serve the people of New Jersey and all of the colleagues with whom I’ve had the pleasure to work during my career in the state.”
As New Jersey’s Attorney General, Grewal heads the Department of Law & Public Safety, which employs more than 3,700 uniformed officers, 750 lawyers, and thousands of additional public servants, including investigators, regulators, and administrative staff. Before becoming Attorney General, Grewal served as Bergen County Prosecutor, the chief law enforcement office of New Jersey’s most populous county. Earlier in his career, he was an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Criminal Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, where he served as Chief of the Economic Crimes Unit from 2014 to 2016 and oversaw the investigation and prosecution of all major white collar and cybercrimes in the District of New Jersey. He also previously served as an AUSA in the Criminal Division of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, where he was assigned to the Business and Securities Fraud Unit. Grewal worked in private practice from 1999-2004 and from 2008-2010.
Grewal graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service from the Georgetown University School of Foreign Service in 1995. He obtained his law degree from the College of William & Mary, Marshall-Wythe School of Law in 1999.
Statement by Governor Murphy on the Departure of Attorney General Gurbir Grewal:
“Through his efforts standing up to the Trump administration’s attacks on New Jersey and our diverse communities, instituting historic reforms in policing, and leading the fight against gun violence, Attorney General Grewal has been an invaluable member of our administration and a dedicated public servant to the residents of New Jersey. Though we’ll miss his leadership, I know he’s the right person to protect investors all across the nation, and I congratulate SEC Chair Gensler for this outstanding selection.“
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)
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER) – For the third consecutive year, Mercer County Military Action Council has partnered with the Rotary Club of Robbinsville Hamilton during its annual Flags for Heroes campaign. Net proceeds from the campaign will be donated to nonprofit organizations in Mercer County, including MCMAC, which will use its allocation to support sending junior military members home for the winter holidays through the Send a Hero Home for the Holidays Program.
“We are so pleased to be a part of this admirable campaign again,” Regina Arcuri, chairwoman of MCMAC, said. “This program is a great way for us to show junior service members that we honor their steadfast commitment to serve our nation, and the sacrifice of their whole family.”
Arcuri, an Honorary Commander at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, noted that Send a Hero Home for the Holidays gives military families a chance to spend time with their loved ones during the winter holiday season and reassures them that their sacrifice is greatly appreciated.
The campaign allows contributors to sponsor or purchase a flag in honor of veterans or active duty service members, as well as local first responders, hospital workers, teachers and whomever they consider a “hero” in their life. More than 300 flags are expected to be flown on the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital’s Hamilton Campus from Nov. 1-18. The deadline to order flags online is Oct. 18.
A dedication ceremony will be held 11 a.m. Nov. 4 on the hospital campus.
An individual flag sponsorship cost $60. All sponsors receive a digital certificate via email, a keepsake placard with their hero’s name, and a mention on the sponsor banner and website. For an additional $40 sponsors can keep their flag. New this year: Sponsors can have their flag donated to an active military member.
Corporate sponsorships are available. Visit www.RHRotary.org for more details.
MCMAC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the service members and the mission of Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, as well as active-duty personnel, reservists, guardsmen, veterans and their respective families living in local towns.
For more information about the Mercer County Military Action Council or to become a member, visit www.mcmilitaryactioncouncil.org
Regina Arcuri, chair of Mercer County Military Action Council, speaks at the 2022 Flags for Heroes dedication ceremony.
Flags flown on the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton campus in 2022.
Each flag sponsorship receives a keepsake placard with their hero’s name.
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–They’re a trio of teenage techies.
Proof of their talent is “MyCrohnicles,” a new free mobile app they created, now available for Google Android and Apple iOS smartphones and tablets.
MyCrohnicles is the handiwork of Robbinsville High School senior Udhirna Krishnamurthy, 17; and her brother Svadrut, 13, an 8th-grader at Robbinsville’s Pond Road Middle School.
It’s the brainchild of their cousin, Shravan Rajagopal, a 17-year-old senior at East High School in West Chester, PA.
The purpose of MyCrohnicles: Help an estimated 3.1 million Americans with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis to better manage their diets and lifestyles. “There are millions more people worldwide who may also benefit from our MyCrohnicles app,” Udhirna Krishnamurthy said.
Unlike most app-makers, these whiz kids aren’t in it for money.
“We want to help people; people like our family members afflicted with Crohn’s and colitis,” says Shravan Rajagopal, speaking for the trio. “We did not create this app to make money.”
Any profit the trio might make from their app “we would gladly donate to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation,” Udhirna adds, referring to a Manhattan-based volunteer-driven non-profit organization. “Our goal is to simply help others.”
A year in development, MyCrohnicles finally hit Google Play and Apple App stores this summer.
HOW IT WORKS
MyCrohnicles allows people afflicted with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis to “track and monitor their diet, exercise regiment, and bowel movements, and share that data with their physicians,” Udhirna explained.
This allows users to “understand what foods and personal behaviors work best for them,” she said. “It enables people to better manage their diets, exercises and lifestyles.”
MyCrohnicles lets users to enter their daily breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks; the frequency of their workouts; their bowel movements; and answer questions about how their body reacts to various food; how they feel after meals, after exercise or other daily activities.
“In a short time, it builds a user’s guide for healthier living,” Svadrut said.
Sounds simple enough.
But, there were some design challenges along the way, the teenaged trio explained.
For instance, they wanted the design for MyCrohnicles to be easy for any potential user, yet sophisticated enough to build an individualized model for each person’s diet and exercise routine, Udhirna said.
As the app designer, Udhirna insisted it be visually appealing, intuitive and give users quick, easy access to their data, minimizing excessive button-clicking or complicated navigation.
In short, she says: “I wanted the user interface to be simple and streamlined, providing a holistic view of their well-being.”
Coding the app posed other challenges.
“Each of us is into computer science and coding,” Udhirna said, quickly crediting her younger brother for collaborating with her on the app’s coding.
Svadrut learned coding basics in school, modestly adding: “The rest of what I needed to know was self-taught.” Sometimes, he said, that happened by trial-and-error.
His toughest challenge was to code MyCrohnicles to smoothly conform with Google’s Android and Apple’s iOS operating systems. Android is the world’s most common smartphone platform, used by many phone manufacturers. iOS is used only on Apple devices, like its iPhone.
“They are very different from one another, and require different coding. We wanted our app to look and feel the same on each,” Svadrut said. “That was a challenge.”
Once those hurdles were cleared, the teens had to leap through a few legal hoops to get their app published and publicly available. Their proud parents stepped in to help with those aspects.
A FAMILY INSPIRATION
Not only is MyCrohnicles family-made, it is also family-inspired.
Shravan candidly explains he was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at age seven, and his father, Praveen Rajagopal, has been coping with ulcerative Colitis long before that.
Shravan is on medication, but his parents also encouraged him to consider alternative treatments and diets. At one point, “I was simultaneously vegan, gluten-free, sugar-free, and oil-free, basically only eating rice and vegetables,” he said.
He learned to be mindful about nutrition, and he used a number of diet-tracking apps, quickly realizing they were sadly insufficient. Shravan says he needed “a more personalized lifestyle app,” but said none were available.
Certain he wasn’t alone, Shravan spoke to his cousins. “With our combined expertise, we hit the ground running in July 2022 to develop MyCrohnicles,” noting that he also came up with the app’s catchy name.
Udhirna and Svadrut designed, developed, and brought the app to life, while Shravan handled the communications and marketing side.
ABOUT ITS CREATORS
Undoubtedly, Udhirna and Svadrut, and their cousin, Shravan, are brilliant kids and, perhaps, tomorrow’s technocrats. But, they say, there is much more to life.
They are outgoing, well-rounded and altruistic.
Udhirna is a member of Robbinsville High’s “Girls Who Code” club and its robotics team. She plays on the school’s tennis team, and has a true passion for music.
Since age five, Udhirna has been a classical Carnatic singer, performing traditional music of Southern India at Hindu temples across New Jersey. “Singing brings me joy,” she said.
Svadrut expects to pursue a tech career, but he also has many outside interests. Like his sister, Svadrut is a Carnatic singer and an avid tennis player. He plays alto saxophone for Robbinsville’s marching band, and plays guitar to relax.
Their cousin, Shravan, plays varsity tennis for East High School’s Vikings and competed in regional tennis playoffs for his school.
Shravan is a member of his high school’s business club, and is active in Eastern Pennsylvania’s regional DECA Inc., a national organization for emerging leaders and entrepreneurs interested in marketing, finance, and management.
Shravan Rajagopal (left), Svadrut Krishnamurthy (middle), and Udhirna Krishnamurthy (right) working on their app
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office has identified the victim of the shooting on Centre Street, November 29 as Omar Billups, 37, of Trenton.
At approximately 2:50 a.m. Sunday morning, November 29, police responded to a male shot in the 300 block of Centre Street. The victim, Omar Billups, 37, was located in a first-floor apartment suffering a gunshot wound to the head. He was pronounced at the scene.
This makes the 39th homicide of 2020 in the City of Trenton.
Read related MidJersey.News stories here:
Hamilton Man Arrested for the Murder of Omar Billups
UPDATE: The Mercer County Homicide Task Force and the Trenton Police Department are investigating two homicides that occurred in Trenton in the last 24 hours.
BREAKING: Chaos Continues In City, Shooting Murder Makes #39, And 2 Critical After Stabbing All This Morning
Continuing Coverage: Mayor Gusciora Statement on Trenton Homicide Record in 2020
The names of the Trenton dead 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, pronounced dead August 22, Vernetta McCray, 39, drive by shooting
August 25, 2020, Shamira Williams, 32, stabbing
August 29, 2020, Tybree Washington, 24, shooting
October 2, 2020, Hussain Abdullah, 35, shooting
October 5, 2020, Derek Colley, 26, Shooting
October 10, 2020, Ola Williams, 61, Shooting
October 10, 2020, Jaquise Melvin, 26, Shooting
October 16, 2020 from shooting on October 9, Rudy Alvira Jr.
October 20, 2020, Johnny Perez, 8, Shooting
October 20, 2020, Gustavo Perez, 16
November 13, 2020, Sam Livingston III, age 41, stabbing
November 17, 2020, Jeremy McTamney, 26, Shooting, Ties Trenton’s record of homicides in 2013.
November 28, 2020, Daniel Alvaranga, 33, Stabbing
November 29, 2020, Omar Billups, 37, Shooting
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 = 39* current number as of November 29, 2020* (Not available yet from NJSP statistics)
* Prior to 1989 the known highest murder number was 1970 with 27
November 30, 2020
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Around 10:15 pm in the 800 Block of S. Clinton Avenue between Hudson Street and Roebling Avenue a grey Ford Economy Van struck a pedestrian. Trenton Fire Department, Trenton EMS and Capital Health Paramedics responded to the scene. The person was transported to the Trauma Center at Capital Health Regional Medical Center and a “trauma alert” was called. Trenton Police are investigating so no other information will be available.
November 30, 2020
TOMS RIVER, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on November 30, 2020, John T. Mullen, Jr., 51, of Seaside Heights, was sentenced to twenty-two years in New Jersey State Prison by the Honorable Guy P. Ryan, J.S.C., as a result of his previously entered guilty plea to Aggravated Manslaughter in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:11-4. This sentence is subject to the terms of the No Early Release Act, N.J.S.A. 2C:43-7.2., meaning that Mullen will be required to serve at least 85 percent of his prison sentence before he may be considered for parole eligibility. Mullen pled guilty to Aggravated Manslaughter before Judge Ryan on September 23, 2020.
On October 20, 2019, Manchester Township Police responded to the Surf and Stream Campground after receiving multiple 911 calls about a body lying in the entrance driveway to the campground. Upon arrival, Manchester patrol units found the body of Thomas J. Applegate, 34, of Manchester, lying in the driveway of the Surf and Stream Campground with a wound in his chest. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene. A joint investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, Manchester Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit determined that Mullen stabbed Mr. Applegate during the course of a drug deal, which ultimately resulted in his death.
“The law enforcement agencies involved in this investigation – through sheer hard work and resolve – swiftly identified Mullen as the individual responsible for Mr. Applegate’s death and quickly brought him into custody,” Prosecutor Billhimer stated. “The exceptional teamwork displayed by these law enforcement professionals has brought about a lengthy state prison sentence for Mullen, which may, as Judge Ryan pointed out, effectively result in a life sentence given this defendant’s age and longstanding history of substance abuse,” Prosecutor Billhimer continued. “We hope this sentence affords the family of Mr. Applegate some level of peace and closure,” Prosecutor Billhimer concluded.
Prosecutor Billhimer commends the diligence of Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Michael Abatemarco and Assistant Prosecutor Alyssa Mandara who handled the case on behalf of the State, as well as the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Victim Witness Advocacy Unit, Manchester Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, who collectively did an outstanding job investigating and resolving this matter, ensuring that Mullen would be brought to justice.
Related MidJersey.News story here: Seaside Heights Man Pleads Guilty To Aggravated Manslaughter
John T. Mullen, Jr., 51, of Seaside Heights
John T. Mullen, Jr., 51, of Seaside Heights, was sentenced to twenty-two years in New Jersey State Prison by the Honorable Guy P. Ryan, J.S.C., as a result of his previously entered guilty plea to Aggravated Manslaughter
November 30, 2020
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Heavy rain and winds pounding the area this evening knocked down power lines on Nottingham Way near Donald Drive around 5:00 pm. Hamilton Township Fire Department responded to the scene along with Mercer County Fire Police and Hamilton Township Police Department. PSE&G arrived on scene and was making repairs. A detour was set up in the area until the lines could be made safe to move out of the roadway.
Earlier this morning high winds sent several utility poles crashing to the ground on Kuser Road. PSE&G outage map states that power in that area will not be restored until 7:00 am December 1, 2020. Read about that incident here: Update: Wind And Heavy Rain Snap Several Utility Poles On Kuser Road
November 30, 2020
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Tornado watches, severe thunder storm warnings and flash flood and flood warnings were all issued by the National Weather Service this afternoon though this evening.
Several drivers around Mercer County decided to drive though floodwaters needed to be rescued from their vehicles when their vehicles became disabled and stuck in the floods.
Route 29 North Bound prior to Calhoun Street a vehicle drove though flood waters and became disabled. The Trenton Fire Department responded to the South Bound lanes and were able to remove the driver from the stalled vehicle.
In Lawrence Township a person was removed from their vehicle at Princeton Pike and Devon Avenue and another location.
Firefighters were sent to several locations in Hopewell Township to remove occupants of stalled vehicles.
Here is a public service message from the National Weather Service, “Turn Around, Don’t Drown”
Trenton Fire Department removes occupant from stalled vehicle in flood waters on Route 29 north bound this evening.
November 30, 2020
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–The Hamilton Township Fire Department, RWJ EMS and Hamilton Township Police responded to an overturned vehicle with entrapment. The accident occurred around 5:35 pm at the intersection of Rennie Street and South Clinton Avenue.
When firefighters arrived they found a person still inside an overturned vehicle and began extrication of the trapped subject. Within minutes firefighters had the subject out of the vehicle and turned them over to RWJ EMS. It appears that the person refused medical advice and did not want transport to the hospital.
Hamilton Police shut down the roadway until the vehicle could be up righted and towed away.
No further information is available.
Exceptions: Collegiate level and professional teams.
November 30, 2020
TRENTON-ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Governor Phil Murphy announced in the COVID-19 Press Confrence and via Facebook that youth and adult sports are being place on full pause from December 5th to January 2, 2021. See below as we wait for further direction and a release from the Governor’s Office with an Executive Order that should be available later today. Those items will be added to this story when available. Also the NJSIAA headquartered in Robbinsville has released a statement via social media.
Governor Phil Murphy: “All indoor youth and adult sports are being placed on a full pause – effective 6:00 AM on December 5th through January 2nd, 2021.We’re seeing outbreaks related to indoor sports, and this will help slow the spread. Only exceptions: collegiate-level and professional teams.”
November 30, 2020
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Major League Baseball in conjunction with MLB’s partner, Prep Baseball Report (PBR), has announced the formation of the new MLB Draft League to complete MLB’s 21st Century vision for minor league player development. Set to launch in 2021, the MLB-affiliated league will be anchored in NJ by the top-rated Trenton Thunder organization, and will be recognized as the Premier League in the country focused on baseball’s top prospects eligible to be drafted by MLB Clubs each summer.
“We are thrilled to share with our fans and sponsor partners the exciting news that your Trenton Thunder will be a founding member of the new MLB Draft League for the 2021 season and continue to bring family fun to ARM & HAMMER Park,” said Thunder GM/COO Jeff Hurley. “We are dedicated to delivering our Power of Fun brand to our fans as the Thunder Entertainment Experience they have enjoyed for the last 27 years, featuring the antics of our beloved mascot Boomer having a blast in the crowd. Fans will continue to enjoy our World Famous Bat Dogs retrieving bats, with Dash making his debut this summer. The new MLB Draft League will showcase the best prospects in baseball eligible for the MLB draft. Thunder fans will get to know these players as they begin their path as future stars of Major League Baseball.”
“For legions of Trenton Thunder fans, the development of a new league showcasing up and coming talent will be a real thrill. Major League Baseball’s success is built on a thriving minor league system, and for 27 years Thunder supporters have visited our Capital City, warmly welcoming new players and proudly cheering others on to the big leagues. Mercer County has made wise investments into the ballpark – benefitting both the fans and players – and the new Trenton Thunder team will be developed in a first-class facility. This news is a win for everyone – The Thunder, Mercer County, the City of Trenton, and especially baseball fans, and we look forward to a great season.”
— Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes
“This is great news for the Thunder and proves the resiliency of the city of Trenton and Mercer County. The Thunder has a rich history as a winning franchise which provides family entertainment at an affordable price in a great location for baseball fans throughout the region. Trenton’s rich industrial heritage proved Trenton Makes, the World Takes. This tradition continues with the creation of the MLB Draft League as The Thunder Makes, MLB Takes.”
— Greater Trenton Chief Executive Officer George Sowa
The Trenton Thunder, presented by NJM Insurance Group, continues its award-winning Entertainment Experience as the action packed summer place to be and will be joined by the Williamsport Crosscutters, Mahoning Valley Scrappers, State College Spikes and West Virginia Black Bears, also all MLB-affiliated teams, as hand-selected founding members of the MLB Draft League. MLB is in advanced negotiations with more teams to be announced in the coming weeks.
The MLB Draft will be simulcasted in a closed-circuit telecast live from ARM & HAMMER Park as part of MLB All-Star Week in mid-July. The MLB Draft League’s rosters are filled with draft-eligible players who will have a unique opportunity to showcase their abilities and gain exposure to other MLB clubs and crowds of Thunder fans each year.
The MLB Draft League will feature an exciting jammed packed 68-game regular season, scheduled to run from late May to mid-August with an annual All-Star Break centered around the MLB Draft and featuring our Thunder players. Players will receive unprecedented visibility to MLB scouts through in-person observation and state-of-the-art scouting technology, as well as instruction from former MLB players on the Thunder staff. Our professional baseball coaching staff will develop the skills of Thunder players, with the dream of one day adding their names to the nearly 400 Thunder players who have made it to the Big Leagues.
Mayor Gusciora Statement on Trenton Thunder Joining MLB Draft League
On behalf of the residents of our great city, we welcome MLB’s new Draft League, which will have our very own Trenton Thunder as a founding member.We’re sure our community will enjoy the chance to watch a new generation of major league prospects at our waterfront stadium. It will be exciting to see top college players showcase their skills as they ready themselves for MLB. Their successes will be a wonderful inspiration to our youth. Plus, keeping the Thunder in business is good for our local economy and provides badly needed jobs for our residents.
We thank MLB for stepping up to the plate and making sure baseball still has a home in the Capital City.
November 30, 2020
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–At 11:29 am the Trenton Fire Department was dispatched to 30 Cumberland Avenue for a house fire. A neighbor called 9-1-1 smelling smoke and also another call from a high rise saying they could see smoke in the area were both reporting the fire.
Trenton Fire Department arrived on scene and reported a large 3 story attached home with smoke and fire on the 3rd floor. Firefighters stretched lines and battled back the flames on the 3rd floor that was also extending the the neighbor’s house. TFD had the main body of fire knocked down within 15 minutes and reported they had a few hot spots to extinguish.
No further information is available at this time.
Photos and video by: Brian McCarthy OnScene News
Photos and video by: Brian McCarthy OnScene News
Kuser Road will be closed for hours between Michael McCorristin Road and Klockner Road.
November 30, 2020
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–As heavy rain and winds move though the area, around 10:00 am a resident reported a large flash and bang sounding like thunder just prior to several utility poles crashing to the ground on Kuser Road in front of Crockett Middle School. The Hamilton Township Fire Department and Hamilton Police Department responded to the scene to block off the area and check to make sure everyone was safe.
From photos there appears to be four utility poles severed at their bases and wires laying in the street. There also appears to be damage to an additional 3 poles for a total of at least 7 poles that will need replacement. PSE&G was on scene and a supervisor was calling in additional teams, supplies, and equipment to make repairs. This will be an extended operation.
The Hamilton Township Fire Police were on scene directing traffic and the Hamilton Township Public Works Department were setting up barricades for the extended road closure.
Kuser Road is closed between Michael McCorristin Road and Klockner Road. A detour is set up around the area.
The National Weather Service Philadelphia-Mount Holly reports: “Showers will continue this afternoon with heavy rainfall possible, along with a chance of thunderstorms later this afternoon. The main threat is damaging winds, but there is a small chance of tornadoes. The main timing for thunderstorms is 3 pm-6 pm”
Earlier MidJersey.News story here: Road Closed, Poles And Wires Down On Kuser Road In Hamilton
November 30, 2020
Update Here: Update: Wind And Heavy Rain Snap Several Utility Poles On Kuser Road
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Hamilton Township Fire Department and Hamilton Police Department are on scene of wires down on the roadway on Kuser Road in the area Crockett Middle School between Michael McCorristin Drive and Klockner Road. It is reported that 3 poles are down and wires across the roadway. The road is expected to be closed for an extended period. PSE&G has arrived and assessing the situation. Hamilton Township Fire Police will be directing traffic in the area and the Hamilton Township Public Works department was en route with barricades. Check back for more photos from the scene.
November 30, 2020
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Sources say that around 4:30 am a stabbing occurred in the 600 block of Lamberton Street. Trenton EMS and paramedics from Capital Health responded to the scene for a male with two stab wounds to the chest. A “trauma alert” was called when the victim was transported to the Trauma Center at Capital Health Regional Medical Center. MCPO confirms that the Trenton Police Department is investigating the incident, so most likely no other information will be available.
There were two murders over the weekend in the city one was a stabbing, also two others were on stabbed on Beatty Street yesterday all in what appears to be unrelated incidents.
November 29, 2020
MILLSTONE TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH)–The Millstone Township Fire Department responded to Seasonal World on Route 537 this afternoon around 3:50 pm for a car in a pool. Upon arrival the driver of the vehicle was out out the vehicle and out of the water. No further information was available.
Preliminary information indicates that a Toyota operated by Sharon Shelton, 57 of Trenton, N.J., was traveling south in the northbound lanes.
This morning’s MidJersey.News breaking news story here: BREAKING: Serious Accident On Rt 29, All North Bound Lanes Closed For Accident Investigation
November 29, 2020
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–NJ State Police Sgt. Philip Curry of the Public Information Bureau told MidJersey.News, the crash occurred at 6:10 am on State Highway 29 northbound mile post 1 in Hamilton Township.
Sgt. Curry stated, preliminary information indicates that a Toyota operated by Sharon Shelton, 57 of Trenton, N.J., was traveling south in the northbound lanes. The Shelton Toyota impacted the front of a northbound travelling Ford operated by Priscila Martins, 33, of Philadelphia, PA. As a result of the crash, the Martins Ford ran off the road to the right, struck guardrail, overturned, and struck a tree. Both drivers sustained serious injuries.
State Highway 29 north was closed at mile post 1 for approximately 5 hours resulting in minimal traffic congestion. According to NJ State Police, this crash is still under investigation and there is no further information at this time.
November 29, 2020
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Last night’s unfortunate deaths mark our 38th and 39th homicides for the year and now eclipse the previous record set in 2013. When we set out to lift Trenton together, this was not the milestone we wanted to see. In fact, overall crime was trending downward the previous two years, with 16 homicides in 2018 and 15 homicides in 2019.
2020 is a year of many challenges, but none looms larger than COVID-19. Of all the factors that separate the previous years from this one, this virus clearly stands out, not just here but in so many places across the country.
Economic uncertainty is higher than it has ever been in recent memory. School was for some children the only safe space they had. Youth engagement and recreational activities have grinded to a halt. Every police officer who has to quarantine for 14 days is one less guardian on the street, a heavy blow for a police department that is already much smaller than it was just a few years ago.
I understand this provides little comfort to the family and friends that lost loved ones to the violence. I’ve sat with the families. I’ve visited the hospitals. They don’t want excuses. They want a city that is safe for their children.
But safety will never be possible if we don’t stop the ready supply of weapons that are used in these crimes. Thankfully, the Trenton Police Department (TPD) has already seized more than 200 guns and 3,000 rounds of ammunition this year alone. God only knows how much worse things would be if these weapons were still on the street.
Also, our law enforcement partners at the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office and the N.J. State Police continue to help the capital city at a time when they are needed the most. Just a few weeks ago the N.J. State Police and the TPD arrested two-gun traffickers who were peddling firearms from South Carolina into Trenton streets. They also arrested 24 individuals and recovered more than a dozen weapons after a raid on Tyrell Street last week.
This critical partnership will continue in our real-time crime center that will make it even easier to collaborate on gunfire detection and hotspot surveillance when it goes live early next year.
While the police department works to dismantle crime in our streets, my administration is working to address the very environment in which it festers. We established a new re-entry program to break the recidivism that traps so many of our residents in an endless cycle of crime. We’re building new safe and affordable housing for residents and improving community centers all around the city. We’re also making loans available for businesses who are affected by COVID-19 to help keep Trentonians employed.
We can’t do it alone. When Gustavo and Johnny Perez were tragically murdered in October and we pleaded with the community to cooperate with the police, many of you responded. Thankfully, tips to the TPD have gone up since then, and we hope we can count on this trend in the future.
Please, continue to get involved. If you are a business, register your cameras with Trenton Crime Eye. If you are a resident, ask the TPD about participating in its new Block Watch Program. As always, if you see something, say something on the TPD’s anonymous tip line at 609-989-3663.
We can never make up for the losses our city suffered this year. We are carefully evaluating Trenton law enforcement leadership and strategy at this moment. We owe it to our residents to explore every possible avenue to ensure 2021 is not a repeat of 2020.
Related MidJersey.News stories here:
UPDATE: The Mercer County Homicide Task Force and the Trenton Police Department are investigating two homicides that occurred in Trenton in the last 24 hours.
BREAKING: Chaos Continues In City, Shooting Murder Makes #39, And 2 Critical After Stabbing All This Morning
BREAKING: Tonight’s Fatal Stabbing Makes 38th Murder Of 2020, Passing 2013 Record Of 37
300 block of Brunswick Avenue. Photos by: Dennis Symons and Brian McCarthy OnScene News
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, NJ — A message was posted to the Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Facebook page reporting active shooter on the base at Building 5321. No other information is available at this time. Check Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst for additional details.
MESSAGE POSTED TO FACEBOOK ACCOUNT:
LOCKDOWN LOCKDOWN LOCKDOWN
ACTIVE SHOOTER REPORTED ON JBMDL
BLDG 5231. ALL PERSONNEL ARE TO LOCKDOWN UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
ALL PERSONNEL OUTDOORS SHOULD TAKE COVER.
DIVIDS File photo by: (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Azaria E. Foster)
DIVIDS File photo by: (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Azaria E. Foster)
Update here: BAPS Mandir: Class Action Lawsuit Filed On Behalf Of Workers Lured From India Paid As Little As $1.20 hr., Stop Work Issued By NJDOL, As Federal FBI Probe Continues
May 11, 2021
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–This morning around 8:00 am it is reported that Homeland Security and the FBI were conducting law enforcement activity at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Robbinsville Hindu Temple.
FBI Spokesperson Doreen A. Holder, told MidJersey.news in a statement: “The FBI is there on court authorized law enforcement activity. No further comment.”
There is no word why the FBI and Homeland Security is on scene. This is a developing story please check MidJersey.news for additional details as they are released.
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Robbinsville, NJ, USA photo from the media gallery on the BAPS website.
EAST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–Two serious accidents were reported in East Windsor Township this afternoon. The first accident around 3:30 p.m, was located at Route 33 and Milford Road with a two-vehicle crash. It appeared that two people were evaluated and transported from the scene to a local hospital for treatment.
An additional accident was reported about 15 minutes later at Twin Rivers Drive and Lake Drive with an unconcious victim. Two ambulances and a paramedic unit were dispatched to the scene. Two victims were transported to a local hosptial for treatment.
East Windsor Police Department is investigating both crashes and no further details are available at this time.
Route 33 and Milford Road. Photos by: Steven Kadir
Twin Rivers Drive and Lake Drive. Photos by: Steven Kadir
Photo by EKATERINA BOLOVTSOVA on Pexels.com torres.sindictment_0Download
Michael Walker
Mayor W. Reed Gusciora
Mayor W. Reed Gusciora
Angelo J. Onofri Mercer County prosecutor
Sheilah Coley, Director
Derrick Sawyer, Director
Derrick Sawyer, Director
Trenton Mayor W. Reed Gusciora
Trenton Mayor W. Reed Gusciora
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)
Jasiana Martinez was reported missing on Friday May 29, 2020 AND REPORTED FOUND JUNE 1, 2020
Kelly Pulaski of Hamilton, NJ was charged with Robbery and Hindering Apprehension. 
Emmanuel Dixon of Southampton, NJ was charged with Robbery, Aggravated Assault, Terroristic Threats, Possession of Weapon for Unlawful Purpose, and Unlawful Possession of Weapon. 
Mayra Gavilanez-Alectus, 49, of Brick Township, was indicted by a Grand Jury sitting in Ocean County on a charge of Murder
Photo by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels.com
Andrew Bruck in Trenton, N.J. on Monday, Jan. 29, 2018. (Office of the Attorney General / Tim Larsen)
Alexander Lanning
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)
John T. Mullen, Jr., 51, of Seaside Heights
DIVIDS File photo by: (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Azaria E. Foster)
