“The defendants compromised their positions by accepting bribes in the form of hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of home renovations, electronics, and jewelry,” U.S Attorney Sellinger said.
November 30, 2023
RENTON, N.J. – A former airline corporate real estate director and former airline senior manager, as well as a former airline contractor, each admitted accepting bribes from a company in exchange for agreeing to assist the company obtain contracts from the airline, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.
Alok Saksena, 45, of Montclair, New Jersey, Anthony Rosalli, 44, of Burlington, New Jersey, and Lovella Rogan, 48, of Springfield, New Jersey each pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Zahid N. Quraishi in Trenton federal court to information that charged them with conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud.
“The defendants compromised their positions by accepting bribes in the form of hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of home renovations, electronics, and jewelry,” U.S Attorney Sellinger said. “Commercial bribery of this kind corrupts the fairness of our economic system. We will hold to account those who unlawfully violate their duties to further their own economic interests.”
“Federal law requires an honest bidding process because if everyone in a position of authority demanded goods and services for their approval, the cost of doing business would be astronomical and untenable,” FBI – Newark Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy said. “These individuals admit to taking bribes in the form of home renovations, electronics and jewelry instead of money, thinking no one would notice. Greasing someone’s palm for a lucrative contract not only isn’t fair, but it’s also illegal.”
“The Port Authority thanks our federal partners for the collaborative work to ensure fairness within the myriad industries that operate out of our facilities and to bring these individuals to justice,” Port Authority Inspector General John Gay said.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Rosalli, Saksena, and Rogan all held positions with the airline that enabled them to influence which companies the airline would award certain contracts to at Newark Liberty International Airport (Newark Airport). The defendants conspired to receive bribes and kickbacks from a company that provided maintenance and construction services in exchange for helping that company obtain lucrative airline contracts at Newark Airport.
In September 2021, the maintenance and construction company bid on a contract to renovate restrooms at Newark Airport. The defendants sat on the selection committee and each of them voted to award the contract to the company. In exchange for the defendants’ help in obtaining the restroom renovation contract and with the expectation that they would use their positions to help the company obtain future contracts, the company agreed to pay for significant renovations at the defendants’ personal residences, including renovating and building bathrooms, renovating a deck, installing floors and sheetrock, and renovating a kitchen. The company gave the defendants valuable items, including electronics and jewelry. The total value of the bribes paid was approximately $539,000 to Saksena; approximately $276,000 to Rosalli; and approximately $409,000 to Rogan.
The defendants also conspired with an employee of the maintenance and construction company to fraudulently inflate change orders, which amended the contract’s scope of work, to recoup some of the bribe costs. With the defendants’ knowledge and consent, the company submitted change orders, which contained fraudulently high numbers, to obtain money not legitimately earned by the company so that the company could partially fund the bribe payments to the defendants.
The defendants face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentencing for Saksena is scheduled for April 17, 2024. Sentencing for Rosalli and Rogan is scheduled for April 18, 2024.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Dennehy in Newark, investigators from the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Inspector General Gay, and special agents of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Thomas Mahoney, with the investigation leading to the guilty pleas.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katherine Calle and Francesca Liquori of the Special Prosecutions Division and First Assistant U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna.
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Defense counsel:
Rogan: Frank Arleo Esq., West Orange, New JerseyRosalli: David Glassman Esq., Marlton, New Jersey
Saksena: Daniel Welsh Esq., Jersey City, New Jersey
LONG BRANCH, NJ (MONMOUTH)–Between 200 and 300 riders from the Blue Knights & Jersey Shore HOGs traveled to Monmouth Medical Center on November 26th for their Annual Toy Run, which was organized by Bill Blakely of Creative Performance.
Riders brought hundreds of toys for the children in The Unterberg Children’s Hospital (UCH) at Monmouth Medical Center. The group also brought a donation from The Elks Motorcycle Club to help support the Comprehensive Cystic Fibrosis Center at The UCH, the oldest and largest of the centers in New Jersey, offering patient care, teaching and research. The center — which includes both pediatric and adult programs — is accredited by the National Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and is designated by the State of New Jersey as a referral center for Cystic Fibrosis Newborn Screening and has been designated as a Therapeutic Development Center by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s Therapeutic Development Network.
Additionally, the Freehold Regional High School Football and Cheer Club worked with the two groups on a toy drive, and dozens of members of the club were on hand for the event.
“It’s always tough to be sick in the hospital when you’re a child,” said Jonathan Teitelbaum, Chair of Pediatrics at The Unterberg Children’s Hospital. “This type of event means the world to them – they get extra toys, and they know that the community really cares about them and wants them to get better.”
Front row from right, Robert Zanni, M.D., Chief of Pediatric Pulmonology, and Jonathan Teitelbaum, Chair of Pediatrics, gather with ride organizer Bill Blakely of Creative Performance, center, and riders from the Blue Knights NJ XV and Jersey Shore HOGs and local police departments.
Bill Blakely presents the donation for the Comprehensive Cystic Fibrosis Center at The UCH.
Dr. Zanni and Dr. Teitelbaum lend a hand unloading toys.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on November 14, 2023, Michael Wormann, 38 of Toms River, Ryan Thompson, 35, of Trenton, and Tina Martinez, 61, also of Trenton, were charged with Strict Liability Drug Induced Death, in connection with the death of a 55-year-old male in Berkeley Township on September 29, 2023.
On September 29, 2023, Officers from the Berkeley Township Police Department responded to a residence on Torrey Pines Drive for a report of an unresponsive male. Upon arrival, Officers discovered the body of the victim – already deceased from an apparent drug overdose.
A continuing investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, and Berkeley Township Police Department Detective Bureau, revealed that Wormann, Thompson, and Martinez, were involved in the distribution of Fentanyl to the victim on September 28, 2023.
On September 30, 2023, Wormann was initially charged with Distribution of Fentanyl, Possession of Less than One-Half Ounce of Fentanyl with Intent to Distribute, and Possession of Fentanyl. He was taken into custody without incident at his residence by Berkeley Township Police Officers, and released on a summons pending a future appearance in Ocean County Superior Court.
On October 17, 2023, Martinez was initially charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl. She was taken into custody without incident at her residence in Trenton, transported to New Jersey State Police Headquarters in Trenton, and released on a summons pending a future appearance in Ocean County Superior Court.
On October 20, 2023, Thompson was likewise charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl. He was taken into custody without incident at his residence in Trenton, and subsequently transported to the Ocean County Jail where he was lodged pending a detention hearing.
Further investigation and toxicology analysis recently received by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office confirmed the presence of fentanyl in the victim’s system. Based upon the toxicology analysis, the Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office opined that the fentanyl found in the victim’s system was the cause of his death. As a consequence, Wormann, Thompson and Martinez were all charged with Strict Liability Induced Death on November 14, 2023.
On November 14, 2023, Thompson was served with the additional charge as noted above by way of warrant at the Ocean County Jail, where he remains detained pending trial.
On November 15, 2023, Wormann surrendered himself on the additional charge at Berkeley Township Police Headquarters. He was processed, transported to the Ocean County Jail, and subsequently released as a consequence of New Jersey Bail Reform.
On November 30, 2023, Martinez was taken into custody without incident on the new charge at her residence in Trenton by Detectives from the Berkeley Township Police Department and Trenton City Police Department. She was transported to the Ocean County Jail, where she presently remains lodged pending a detention hearing.
Prosecutor Billhimer commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, Berkeley Township Police Department, Berkeley Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, Trenton City Police Department, New Jersey State Police, and Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office, for their combined and collaborative efforts 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.
DENNIS TOWNSHIP, NJ (CAPE MAY) –The New Jersey State Police is seeking the public’s assistance with identifying the suspect(s) who vandalized Trooper Bertram Zimmerman’s memorial in Dennis Township, Cape May County.
Trooper Zimmerman died as a result of injuries sustained in an on-duty motor vehicle crash on February 5, 2004, while responding to a robbery call.
On Wednesday, October 7, troopers responded to the memorial located on State Highway 83 when they observed the memorial was defaced. The suspect(s) used white caulk to write a derogatory phrase on the pavers and to deface the front of a granite monument in the center of the memorial.
The State Police unions have offered a $5,000 reward for any information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the suspect(s).
Anyone with information is asked to contact Woodbine Station at 609-861-5698. Anonymous tips are welcome.
PLAINSBORO, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–The person who was struck Tuesday night was a 39-year-old man per Plainsboro police Lt. John Bresnen. His identity is not being released pending notification of family.
February 28, 2023
WEST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–According to Amtrak representatives, on February 28, 2023, Amtrak train 178 was traveling from Washington D.C., to Boston at approx. 6:54 p.m. when an individual who was trespassing on the track came into contact with the train east of Princeton Junction. There have been no reported injuries to the passengers or crew onboard. Amtrak is working with local law enforcement to investigate the incident. There was a hold on all four tracks as far as PHL. Track 4 was opened at 8:47 p.m.
According to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), trespassing along railroad rights-of-way is the leading cause of rail-related deaths in America, and railroad crossing incidents are the second leading cause of rail-related deaths in America. These incidents can affect everyone involved—those who are injured or die and their families, our train crews, and our passengers. They also serve as critical reminders about the importance of obeying the law and of exercising extreme caution around railroad tracks and crossings. Amtrak continues to work closely with Operation Lifesaver (OLI) to #STOPTrackTragedies by emphasizing the obvious dangers of being on railroad property or disregarding warnings at rail crossings. For more railroad safety information, please visit StayOffTheTracks.org
1 of 2: Northeast Corridor rail service has resumed in both directions between Trenton and Penn Station New York and is subject to up to 2-hour delays following an earlier Amtrak pedestrian strike at Princeton Junction.
— Northeast Corridor (@NJTRANSIT_NEC) March 1, 2023
2 of 2: NJ TRANSIT rail tickets and passes continue to be cross-honored by NJ TRANSIT bus, private carriers and PATH at Hoboken, Newark Penn Station and 33rd Street.
— Northeast Corridor (@NJTRANSIT_NEC) March 1, 2023
NEC train #3870, the 7:45 PM PSNY arrival, Is currently delayed near Princeton Junction Station due to an Amtrak pedestrian strike. An update to follow.
— Northeast Corridor (@NJTRANSIT_NEC) March 1, 2023
NEC train #3953, the 6:54 PM arrival into Trenton, is currently delayed near Princeton due to police activity resulting from an Amtrak pedestrian strike at Princeton Station. An update will follow.
— Northeast Corridor (@NJTRANSIT_NEC) March 1, 2023
1 of 2: Northeast Corridor rail service is suspended in both directions between Trenton and Jersey Avenue due to an Amtrak pedestrian strike near Princeton Junction.
— Northeast Corridor (@NJTRANSIT_NEC) March 1, 2023
2 of 2: Customers should seek alternate transportation. We are working as quickly as possible to provide substitute bus service.
— Northeast Corridor (@NJTRANSIT_NEC) March 1, 2023
February 28, 2023
PEDRICKTOWN, NJ (SALEM) — The Attorney General’s Office is reviewing the circumstances of the shooting of one male civilian today at approximately 1:45 p.m. in the presence of law enforcement at the New Jersey Turnpike’s Clara Barton Service Area in Pedricktown, Salem County, New Jersey.
The incident involved members of the New Jersey State Police and the United States Marshals Service.
This review is being conducted by the Integrity Bureau within the Attorney General’s Office of Public Integrity and Accountability, pursuant to Attorney General Directive 2019-4.
The review is ongoing and no further information is being released at this time.
Cherry Hill, NJ, Man Shot at NJ Turnpike Service Area Dies of His Injuries
February 28, 2023
SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–South Brunswick Police make arrests of drunk drivers after they crashed into cars and drove the wrong way on the highway this weekend.
On Friday, February 24, 2023, at 8:53 p.m., Yurii Kotiash, a 28-year-old man from Feasterville-Trevose in Bucks County Pennsylvania, was traveling southbound on Route 1, north of Henderson Road, in a 2018 Maserati, when he struck the rear of a 2019 Nissan, driven by a 23-year-old Kendall Park man, which had been stopped in traffic. Kotiash left the scene of the crash and continued southbound on Route 1. Moments later, he ran a red light at Henderson Road at a high rate of speed and struck a 2010 Honda driven by a 36-year-old man from North Brunswick, who had been traveling westbound on Henderson Road, crossing Route 1 with a green light. Kotiash’s Maserati went off the highway into the woods, but he escaped any injury. The driver of the Honda was transported to the hospital for treatment of moderate injuries.
Officer Daniel Stoddard administered field sobriety tests and determined Kotiash was under the influence of arrested him. At South Brunswick Police Headquarters Kotiash refused to supply breath samples for analysis. Kotiash was charged with DWI, Refusing a Breath Test, Failure to Observe Traffic, Right of Way at an Intersection, Careless Driving, and Reckless Driving, Failing to Report a Crash, and Leaving the Scene of a Crash.
On Sunday, February 26, 2023, at 3:22 a.m. officers were clearing from the fatal accident investigation on Route 130 when a drunk driver came at them driving the wrong way. Patrolman First Class Jason Gassman was on Route 130 northbound when a grey BMW came at him traveling south in the northbound lanes. PFC Gassman was able to get the BMW to stop and questioned the driver Eric Timmons, age 47 from North Brunswick. Timmons admitted to drinking and was given roadside sobriety tests. He was arrested by Officer Kent English for drunk driving. Timmons was charged with DWI and Careless Driving.
Chief Raymond J. Hayducka said, “This weekend was tragic with one woman being killed in a crash unrelated to these two incidents. These two cases could have created even more tragedy. To crash into cars and drive the wrong way on the highway is reckless, and it was all preventable. Each of these men faces $5,000 in costs as well as a loss of license for seven months for senseless driving while impaired. The message is simple, Don’t Drink and Drive.”
WATCH – Dash cam video shows drunk driver in a BMW headed the wrong way on a highway at police car. PFC Jason Gassman was able to get the BMW stopped on Route 130 and arrested the driver at 3:15 am Sunday morning.
#dontdrinkanddrive pic.twitter.com/G3fpU1bfLe
— So Brunswick PD (@SoBrunswickPD) February 27, 2023
February 28, 2023
SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–On Monday, February 27, 2023, at 7:05 p.m., South Brunswick Police Department officers were alerted to a car under a trailer at the rear of a warehouse on Chris Court. Officers found a red 1999 Volkswagen Beetle with a driver unconscious. Monmouth Junction First Aid Squad, Monmouth Junction Fire Department, and paramedics responded to the scene and pronounced the driver John Kosarowich age 69 of Howell dead.
South Brunswick Police Traffic Safety Bureau investigators examined the scene and recovered video evidence. Investigators believe the driver was in the rear of the warehouses and may have suffered a medical issue that caused him to strike the trailer.
Anyone with information is asked to call the lead investigator PFC Bryan Sites at (732)329-4000 ext. 7472.
February 28, 2023
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–The Children’s Home Society of New Jersey (CHSofNJ) held an open house for the public to climb aboard its newly outfitted and USDA-approved mobile WIC van. Dubbed the WOW (WIC on Wheels), this mobile unit represents the second one in New Jersey and the only one serving Mercer County.
Dubbed the WOW (WIC on Wheels), this mobile unit represents the second one in New Jersey and the only one serving Mercer County.
“Our WIC Mobile Unit will be a traveling, fully-equipped WIC Satellite Clinic that will recruit, enroll and serve WIC eligible participants in safe, convenient, and welcoming community locations close to their neighborhoods and within walking distance to the mobile unit,” said Maritza Raimundi-Petroski, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, Prevention and Community Engagement for The Children’s Home Society of New Jersey (CHSofNJ).
In 2022, CHSofNJ’s overall WIC program enrolled 8,251 women, infants and families in WIC services for nutrition benefits, nutrition counseling and breastfeeding support through multilingual breastfeeding peer counselors. CHSofNJ’s WIC Program formed Partnership with Farmers Against Hunger and distributed 660 bags of food in 2022, weighing 23,100 pounds, with an estimated value of $26,400.
The WOW accommodates five WIC professionals and can be on-location for Mercer County families to get easy access for nutrition benefits and education. Additionally, the vehicle is energy-efficient and environmentally friendly, as it has been outfitted with roof-mounted solar power and is electric battery operated. For more information, visit www.chsofnj.org.
RWJBarnabas Health Has Most Donations and Transplants Among All NJ Health Systems in 2022
February 28, 2023
NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–The New Jersey Sharing Network, the federally-designated non-profit organization responsible for the recovery of donated organs and tissue in New Jersey, has recognized Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) for achieving the most-ever organ and tissue donations by a New Jersey hospital in a single year in 2022.
According to its end-of-year report, RWJUH worked closely with the NJ Sharing Network to fulfill the wishes of 33 individuals who gave the gift of life donating 102 organs for transplantation. RWJUH is one of the three state-designated Level I Trauma Centers for adults in New Jersey, and The Bristol-Myers Squibb Children’s Hospital at RWJUH holds a Level II Pediatric Trauma designation. The hospital has quaternary-level capabilities for the critical care of patients for trauma, stroke, cardiovascular and medical conditions.
As a health system, RWJBarnabas Health hospitals work closely with the NJ Sharing Network and had 68 donors with 195 organs transplanted.
“As a state-designated Level I Trauma Center for Adult Acute Care medicine, a Level II Pediatric Trauma center, a certified Advanced Comprehensive Stroke Center by The Joint Commission, and a regional leader in transplantation for heart, kidney and pancreas, our partnership with the NJ Sharing Network and shared mission of saving and enhancing lives through organ donation runs deep in the RWJUH culture,” said Bill Arnold, President and CEO, RWJUH. “As an academic medical center through our longstanding partnership with Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, and as one of only seven nursing programs in the world to achieve Magnet recognition six consecutive times, RWJUH is committed to facilitating the gift of life in the face of tragic circumstances. We are deeply honored to support the families of donors through this journey.”
RWJUH has an active Donor Council comprised of leaders across the hospital involved in the care of donor patients and families. The hospital also has a Donor Team, which is a volunteer, nurse-driven committee representing both the adult and pediatric emergency departments and all intensive care units throughout RWJUH. The committee provides specialized training to RWJUH’s clinical care team on the process to facilitate organ donation with the NJ Sharing Network.
Staff never approach patient families about consenting to a donation. Rather, they make a referral to the NJ Sharing Network to work directly with families if the potential exists for organ donation. There are specific criteria developed for when the NJ Sharing Network can be called in for a referral.
The Donor Team also conducts many outreach events to raise awareness and educate staff and the public about organ donation. This includes hosting an information table outside the Employee Dining Room during Donate Life Month. The Team also shares information at Somerset Patriots games, Rutgers Day, JCCs, YMCAs and National Night Out among other events. The Donor Team Committee is co-chaired by Nancy Lipschutz, RN, BSN, CCRN-CMC. and Mary Lynn Dupuis, RN, BSN, CCRN, CNIV.
“I have worked in the CCU forever and I have seen people with end-stage heart failure waiting for hearts,” said Lipschutz. “I have also seen heart transplant patients come back to visit us living and enjoying life. They treasure and honor the gift they have received – it’s never in vain.”
The Donor Team also pays tribute to organ donors and families by illuminating RWJUH’s East Tower in blue and green (the designated colors promoting organ donation awareness) for 24 hours each time a donation occurs. An image of the lit tower will also be pinned on the RWJUH Facebook to acknowledge this profound gift in 2023.
“Whenever people in our communities drive by RWJUH and see those colors illuminated on our buildings, they should know that something profound has occurred here. We can all be proud of this partnership with NJ Sharing Network and our team’s commitment to saving lives amidst grief,” Arnold added. “Publicly acknowledging this gift is healing for both our clinical teams and the donor families.”
For more information about becoming an organ donor, please visit: https://www.njsharingnetwork.org/
February 28, 2023
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Mike Lee (R-UT) led a bipartisan effort to reform agricultural checkoff programs. Joined by U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Rand Paul (R-KY), and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), the Opportunities for Fairness in Farming Act will make checkoff programs more responsive to the farmers who are required to contribute to them. Checkoffs are mandatory Department of Agriculture fees assessed on a per-unit basis that fund boards designed to promote the commodity as a whole. However, checkoff funds are frequently coopted against the interests of some or even a majority of contributors. Countless farmers, ranchers, and other producers have seen their checkoff dollars squandered or used against their interests. This bill would prohibit certain wasteful, anti-competitive, and deceptive behavior from checkoff boards.
“Farmers and Ranchers are being forced to pay into checkoff programs that often advocate against their best interest and support food system consolidation. These programs need transparency and oversight so a farmer can be sure they aren’t required to fund their own demise,” said Senator Booker. “That is why I am proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation that will help increase transparency and prohibit conflicts of interest and anti-competitive practices in these programs.”
“Checkoff programs are filled with waste and often abuse those who are forced to contribute to their coffers,” said Senator Lee. “These common-sense reforms will ensure that checkoff funds promote and protect all ag producers (big and small) who are meant to be served by these programs.”
“The current checkoff system does not provide enough transparency to our farmers on how their hard-earned dollars are used,” said Senator Gillibrand. “I am committed to ensuring the checkoff programs are modernized and reflect the best interests of our farmers.”
“The decades old beef checkoff program is ill-suited to meet the needs of today’s cattle farmers and ranchers,” said Bill Bullard, CEO, R-CALF USA. “In fact, the program promotes corporate control and globalization over the interests of America’s cattle producers. We applaud Senators Lee and Booker for introducing this legislation to meaningfully reform the beef checkoff program so it can begin working for, rather than against, the American cattle producers.”
“For far too long, America’s farmers and ranchers have been forced to pay into government checkoff programs, only to see their dollars used against them by trade and lobbying organizations representing the world’s largest meatpackers and grain traders,” said Farm Action Fund President Joe Maxwell. “We applaud Senators Lee and Booker for their continued effort to bring transparency and accountability to these corrupt programs.”
“American family farmers are in peril and today, every cent counts,” said Taylor Haynes, president of the Organization for Competitive Markets. “If we’re going to be forced to pay into USDA’s checkoff programs then the very least we should expect is transparency, accountability, and oversight of our hard-earned dollars, and the OFF Act accomplishes just that.”
“The OFF Act was first introduced in the 115th Congress and here we are in the 118th Congress still working for transparency and accountability to reform the USDA’s commodity checkoff programs,” said Deborah Mills, chairwoman of the National Dairy Producers Organization. “This speaks volumes about what frustrates producers who are paying into checkoff programs. The recipients of the checkoff dollars are the greatest proponents of maintaining the status quo. Producers are being denied the basic right to have their questions about their investment answered.”
“I don’t want my hard-earned dollars funneled to a quasi-governmental organization that works against my best interest and represents industrial agriculture’s continued movement toward the monopolization of farming,” said Will Harris, past president of the American Grassfed Association and proprietor of White Oak Pastures. “We’ve farmed the same land in Georgia since 1866, and I want to ensure that future generations are able to continue to do the same.”
“We applaud Sens. Lee, Booker, Paul, Warren, and Gillibrand for their tireless work and leadership on the Opportunities for Fairness in Farming Act,” said Marty Irby, executive director at Animal Wellness Action. “USDA’s commodity checkoff programs remain under fire because of their lack of transparency, misuse of funds, and damaging anti-competitive practices that have bankrupted millions of American farmers.”
February 28, 2023
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Mandatory financial audits and a comprehensive review by the state Department of Education show the Robbinsville Public Schools are financially strong and operating a peak performance.
This is the third annual audit under Schools Superintendent Brian Betze and Business Administrator Nick Mackres, each year showing tight accounting practices and clean financial records. The independent audit was completed by Holt McNally & Associates of Medford, a certified public accounting firm, which presented its findings at the February school board meeting for public discussion.
“All school districts in New Jersey are required to undergo a detailed audit each year to ensure funds are accepted and disbursed properly,” Betze said. “Over the summer, auditors spent three weeks studying the school district’s accounting mechanisms. The final report was just released, showing for the third year in a row a clean audit, with absolutely no issues or concerns.”
As part of the detailed review of the 2021-22 budget, auditors matched up random samplings of purchase orders to ensure expenditures are in the correct budget lines. They also examine the funding stream for students’ sports and clubs, as well as ensure incoming funds are being properly transferred to the right places within the budget. There is also a compliance check to ensure the school district’s accounting practices meet all state guidelines.
Betze attributed the positive audit report to Mackres and his team in the school district’s business office, who handle all financial matters for the three district schools.
“The taxpayers of Robbinsville entrust the school district with managing an annual budget of $61.3 million, of which $45 million is generated by local property taxpayers,” said School Board President Richard Young. “It is critical that every dollar is wisely spent, in accordance with state guidelines, to ensure we are providing a thorough and efficient education to each and every student. That is why this audit result is so important. It shows our school administrators are right on task as financial stewards.”
School officials also received good news from the state Department of Education, which conducts the Quality Single Accountability Continuum (QSAC) assessment every three years. The state reviews five different areas of the school district, including 55 curriculum documents and 189 indicators.
Under the leadership of the district’s new directors of curriculum/instruction, as well as their supervisors, the Robbinsville Public Schools are now 100% compliant in curriculum. It is expected the school district will be compliant in all areas when the state issues a final report in the beginning of April.
“The state wants to ensure full compliance within all of our operations,” the superintendent explained. “Auditors examine finances, operations, governance, procedures, curriculum, instruction and facilities. It is a very deep dive, to the point in which state inspectors ensure fire extinguishers are up to code. They even check to see if closet doors close properly and flush all the toilets.”
The state also looks at long-term planning as part of a comprehensive assessment. Betze is coordinating a strategic planning process through the winter and spring, which includes a community survey that residents are asked to submit by Monday, March 13. The survey, which should take about 15 minutes to complete, is available at the school district website, http://www.Robbinsville.k12.nj.us
There are nearly 110 residents and other stakeholders who have volunteered for the strategic planning process this winter, in which monthly meetings are held to set a long-term direction for improving student achievement. Community recommendations will be incorporated in a draft Robbinsville Public Schools 2023-2028 Strategic Plan, which the school board is expected to adopt at its June meeting.
“We have received tremendous input from all sectors of our community as we plan for the long-range success of our public schools,” Young said. “It is important that as many stakeholders as possible participate in the community survey, thus ensuring the final, approved plan truly reflects direction dictated by the people of Robbinsville.”
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–A Middlesex County, New Jersey, man today admitted that he conspired to distribute more than 100 grams of heroin as part of a conspiracy responsible for distributing significant quantities of heroin and cocaine in the Bayshore area of Monmouth and Middlesex counties, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Daniel McHugh, 50, of Sayreville, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Brian R. Martinotti via videoconference to an information charging him with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin. McHugh also admitted to conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine and possessing with intent to distribute a quantity of crack cocaine.
Today’s guilty plea follows a coordinated takedown in November 2018 of 15 defendants charged by complaint with conspiracy to distribute heroin and cocaine. To date, 13 defendants have pleaded guilty, including supplier Gregory Gillens and lead defendant Guy Jackson. Gillens was sentenced on Sept. 8, 2020, to 10 years in prison. Jackson is awaiting sentencing.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From May 2017 to November 2018, McHugh and others engaged in a narcotics conspiracy that operated in the Raritan Bayshore region of Middlesex and northern Monmouth counties. Through the interception of telephone calls and text messages pursuant to court-authorized wiretap orders, controlled purchases of heroin and cocaine, the use of confidential sources of information, and other investigative techniques, law enforcement learned that McHugh regularly obtained heroin and cocaine for further distribution from Jackson. Some of the heroin distributed by the conspiracy contained fentanyl, a dangerous synthetic opioid.
On the date of his arrest, McHugh gave consent to search his residence. During that search, law enforcement recovered quantities of heroin, cocaine, and crack cocaine intended for further distribution.
The heroin conspiracy count to which McHugh pleaded guilty carries a statutory mandatory minimum term of five years in prison, a maximum of 40 years in prison, and a fine of up to $5 million. Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 20, 2021.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited Special Agents of the FBI, Newark Division, Red Bank Resident Agency, Jersey Shore Gang and Criminal Organization Task Force (including representatives from the Bradley Beach Police Department, Brick Police Department, Howell Police Department, Marlboro Police Department, Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office, Toms River Police Department, and Union Beach Police Department) under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr.; Special Agents of the FBI, Philadelphia Division, Scranton Resident Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Driscoll; the New Jersey State Police, under the direction of Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent; the Matawan Police Department, under the direction of Chief Thomas J. Falco, Jr.; the Holmdel Police Department, under the direction of Chief John Mioduszewski; the Highlands Police Department, under the direction of Chief Robert Burton; the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni; the Old Bridge Police Department, under the direction of Chief William A. Volkert; the Keansburg Police Department, under the direction of Chief James K. Pigott; the Hazlet Police Department, under the direction of Chief Philip Meehan; and the Aberdeen Police Department, under the direction of Chief Richard A. Derechailo, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elisa T. Wiygul of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Trenton.
The charges and allegations against the two remaining defendants are merely accusations and they are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
20-308
Defense counsel: James R. Murphy Esq., Princeton, New Jersey
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–The NJ Lotter reports that there was one third-tier prizewinning ticket sold for the Tuesday, June 21, 2022 drawing that matched four of the five white balls and the Gold Mega Ball drawn winning the $10,000 prize. That ticket was purchase with the Megaplier option, multiplying the prize to $30,000. That ticket was purchased at Mr. Convenient & Variety Store, 1 East State St., Trenton in Mercer County.
In addition to the third-tier prize won, 19 players matched four of the five white balls drawn making each ticket worth $500. Two of those tickets were purchase with the Megaplier option, multiplying the prize to $1,500. Moreover, 28,552 other New Jersey players took home $129,236 in prizes ranging from $2 to $600. The winning numbers for the Tuesday, June 21, drawing were: 08, 13, 18, 32, and 42. The Gold Mega Ball was 20, and the Megaplier Multiplier was 03.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–According to Trenton Public Information Officer, Timothy J. Carroll, Trenton Police responded to a Shotspotter activation early this morning reporting 6 rounds fired as well as one phone call coming from the area near the intersection of Garfield and Farragut Avenues. Police responded to find a male victim with a gunshot wound to his chest. Trenton EMS, Trenton Fire Department and Captial Health Paramedics responded to the scene. The victim was pronounced at 5:35 a.m.
MidJersey.News has reached out for comment from the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office for additional information. Please check back when further information becomes available.
There have been fourteen reported homicides in the City of Trenton in 2022. After a relatively quiet summer this is the second homicide since the mayor made an announcement at the end of August that mentioned three months without a homicide in the City of Trenton.
Last year at this same time there were 22 homicides in the City of Trenton as of September 11, 2021. This year there have 14 homicides. There is still much work to be done but Trenton seems to be moving in the right direction with a 36% reduction in homicides for 2022.
Names of the 2022 homicide victims in the City of Trenton:
2/15/2022 Antwone Barnes, 37, of Trenton, Stabbing
2/23/2022 Leonardo Fernandez, 32, of Trenton, Stabbing
3/01/2022 Shimon Nesmith Jr., 19, of Trenton, Shooting
3/03/2022 Helen Nelson, 73, of Trenton, Physical Assault
3/15/2022 Albert L. Barnes, 46, of Trenton, Shooting
3/25/2022 Sequoya Bacon-Jones, 9, of Trenton, Shooting
3/31/2022 Tahaad Goss, 16, of Trenton, Shooting
4/07/2022 Jaquir Queen, 26, of Willingboro, Shooting
4/09/2022 Leroy Davis, 31, of Trenton, Shooting
5/01/2022 Jamir McNeil, 25 of Trenton, Shooting
5/22/2022 Ali Abdullah, 25, of Trenton, Shooting
6/01/2022 Dreiby Osorio, 16, of Trenton, Stabbing
9/02/2022 Rasheed Barlow, 35, of Trenton, Shooting
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–On Saturday, April 3, 2021 at approximately 8:30 pm, Trenton Police officers responded to the area of Route 29 North and Hermitage Avenue after receiving reports of a pedestrian struck by a motor vehicle. Officers discovered the victim, identified as Marcus Drury, a 51-year-old man from Frazier Street in Trenton. Mr. Drury was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash. Preliminary investigation revealed that two vehicles struck the victim. The drivers of both vehicles have been identified, as well as the vehicles involved. The investigation is on-going and we ask that anyone with any information contact the Trenton Police Department anonymous tip line at 609-989-DRUG (3784)
The investigation is being conducted by Trenton Police Detective Nicholas Morgante, along with the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office.
See last night’s breaking news story here: Serious Pedestrian Accident On Route 29 North Bound Near S. Hermitage Ave.
Photos by: Brian McCarthy OnScene News
Ed Note on editorial standards: This was a horrific accident involving a person and the family and friends of that person were on scene in distress. In an editorial standard MidJersey.News and OnScene news has editorially chosen not to use photos or video that show a body and another objects lying in the street. Another local “news” publication shows a video and photos of the body in the street along with family and friends standing near the scene. There is no editorial purpose to use photos/video like that to tell a story of an accident this horrific and shows no compassion towards the family or friends. There are times when photos of that nature may need to be used to tell the story but not in this case. That publication has no couth. Quite possibly the more important story is that why did the person not use the pedestrian overpass to cross the highway? (if that is what the person was doing in the highway). Numerous people have been struck by vehicles in this area in the past and if they are crossing the highway why are they not using the pedestrian overpass that is right there? Can the State DOT provide additional fencing in the center median to prevent crossings by forcing people to use the pedestrian overpass? This is a tragedy that should not happen again but unless action is taken by government officials we are afraid this will happen again.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Acting Attorney General Andrew J. Bruck and Insurance Fraud Prosecutor Tracy M. Thompson today announced that two siblings were indicted on insurance fraud charges for allegedly submitting several forged and falsified proof of college enrollment letters in order to secure continued dependency benefits from New Jersey Manufacturers Insurance Group (NJM). NJM is headquartered in the West Trenton section of Ewing Township, New Jersey.
Paola Saray Portillo (also known as Paola Saray Reyes), 26, of Silver Spring, Maryland, was indicted on second-degree insurance fraud, third-degree theft by deception, five counts of fourth-degree forgery, and five counts of fourth-degree falsifying and tampering with records.
Paola Saray and her brother, Larry Ulisses Portillo (also known as Larry Ulisses Portillo Quinoñez), 25, of Long Beach, California, were both indicted on third-degree conspiracy to commit insurance fraud, third-degree insurance fraud, fourth-degree forgery, and fourth-degree falsifying or tampering with records.
The indictment was returned by a grand jury on December 3, 2021.
The grand jury indictment alleges that between December, 2016 and September, 2018 the siblings submitted six forged and falsified proof of enrollment letters from Long Beach City College in order to secure continued dependency benefits from NJM to which neither were entitled. Since both Paola and Larry were no longer attending any college full-time, nor were they attending Long Beach City College, neither were entitled to any dependency benefits.
The charges are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Second-degree crimes carry a sentence of five to 10 years in state prison and a fine of up to $150,000, and third-degree charges carry a sentence of three to five years in state prison and a fine of up to $15,000. Fourth-degree crimes carry a sentence of up to 18 months in state prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
Deputy Attorney General Leslie-Ann Justus presented the case to the grand jury for the Office of the Insurance Fraud Prosecutor under the supervision of Private Insurance Bureau Chief DAG Cheryl Maccaroni, Assistant Bureau Chief DAG Crystal Callahan, and Deputy Insurance Fraud Prosecutor AAG Al Garcia. Detective Kirstie Krupa and Lt. Anne Hayes coordinated the investigation with assistance from CLASS Analyst Marwa Kashef.
Insurance Fraud Prosecutor Tracy M. Thompson noted that many cases have started with anonymous tips. People who are concerned about insurance cheating and have information about a fraud can report it anonymously by calling the toll-free hotline at 1-877-55-FRAUD, or visiting the website at www.NJInsurancefraud.org. State regulations permit a reward to be paid to an eligible person who provides information that leads to an arrest, prosecution, and conviction for insurance fraud.
