December 2023

June 9, 2021

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)—Trenton Police Department Detective Lieutenant Cynthia Hargis told MidJersey.news that the Trenton Police Communication Bureau received a call of a shooting in process at 37 N. Hermitage Avenue.

Upon Police Officers arrival, they were flagged down by a driver who was transporting the victim to the hospital. A Police Officer then transported the victim to the hospital for treatment.

The victim (James Prickett, 41 yrs old) from Trenton, NJ, stated he was standing in front of 37 N. Hermitage Ave, looking for friends and then decided to walk in Gilbert Alley, when he heard a noise and fell to the ground.

The victim alleged that an unknown suspect, wearing a mask, then took $1000.00 in US currency from his pocket and fled the area.

The victim sustained a through and through gunshot wound to the right buttocks. 

This investigation is on-going and being investigated by the TPD Shooting Response Team.  

The victim is listed in stable condition at this time according to LT. Hargis

Last night’s MidJersey.news story here: Shooting Reported On North Hermitage Ave. In Trenton

Photos by Brian McCarthy, OnScene News

June 12, 2021

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — The Coast Guard and a good Samaritan rescued six boaters after their boat began taking on water approximately 34 miles east of Atlantic City, Thursday June 10, 2021.

Watchstanders in the Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay Command Center in Philadelphia received an alert that a 28-foot pleasure craft with six people aboard was taking on water due to the inclement weather and the heavy seas in the area.

An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew from Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City launched to assist the boaters.

Once on scene, the Dolphin aircrew hoisted two of the boaters to safety while a nearby good Samaritan crew assisted with transferring the last four aboard their vessel.

All six boaters were safely transferred back to shore.

“These men no doubt made the right call deciding to be rescued in what looked like very unforgiving seas,” said Coast Guard Lt. Cmdr. Matthew Swanner, the Dolphin pilot. “Luckily they had life jackets, which aided in their recovery and again, proved to be critical in saving these men. We encourage all boaters to have operable radios, EPIRBs and proper life jackets onboard.” 

Sector Delaware Bay issued an urgent marine information broadcast notifying mariners in the area of the adrift boat, and the owner will make plans to salvage the vessel.

No injuries or pollution were reported.

USCG

U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Public Affairs North

An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew crewmember from Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City, N.J., hoists two boaters from their 28-foot pleasure craft, approximately 34 miles east of Atlantic City, June 10, 2021. The aircrew and a good Samaritan boatcrew rescued six boaters after their vessel began taking on water due to inclement weather. (U.S. Coast Guard video by Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City/Released)

Taken: 06.10.2021 | Video by Petty Officer 3rd Class Breanna Centeno

Petty Officer 3rd Class Breanna Centeno

November 5, 2020

FREEHOLD, NJ (MONMOUTH)–A man pleaded guilty today to charges of animal cruelty admitting his neglect caused the deaths of four German Shepard puppies in his care, announced Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni.

Daniel McDonald, 26, of Freehold, pleaded guilty to four counts of third degree Animal Cruelty before Monmouth County Superior Court Judge Vincent N. Falcetano, Jr. The charges are related to the deaths of four German Shepherd puppies found deceased on a property in Howell where he was temporarily residing.

McDonald also pleaded guilty to third degree Receiving Stolen Property after admitting he was in possession of a John Deere front end loader reported stolen out of Monroe.  

McDonald is scheduled to return for sentencing on January 8, 2021.  Per the plea agreement, the sentencing recommendation is five years in a New Jersey state prison to run concurrent to McDonald’s pending charges in Middlesex and Bergen counties.  As part of the plea, McDonald will be required to perform community service, and agreed to an order to never to own or reside with animals. 

The remains of two deceased German Shepherd puppies were found in a fire pit on a property in Howell where McDonald was temporarily residing on Monday, May 18, 2020.  The Howell Township Police Department and Monmouth County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Law Enforcement Division, conducted an investigation leading to the discovery of the remains of two more deceased puppies which had been buried on the property.    

The joint investigation ultimately revealed that the puppies were stolen from a farm in Somerset County on or about May 12, when the puppies were only three weeks old.  Investigators learned McDonald was staying at the Somerset County farm prior to the time the puppies went missing. Investigators also learned the puppies were ill, in distress, and were struggling to breathe prior to their deaths.  A necropsy performed on the two buried puppies revealed the puppies suffered from parasites and also were severely emaciated and malnourished with “no indications of recent nutritional ingestion.”  During his plea, McDonald took full responsibility for not getting the puppies the proper care resulting in their deaths.

This case is assigned to Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Melanie Falco, Director of the Office’s Professional Responsibility and Bias Crimes Unit, and liaison to the Monmouth County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Law Enforcement Division. 

McDonald is represented by Paul Zager, Esq. of Red Bank.

Update: Toms River Man Charged with Two Counts of Murder

December 19, 2021

LAKEWOOD, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Lakewood Township Police Department and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit are currently investigating what appears to be a double homicide that occurred earlier this morning in Lakewood Township.

“We have a suspect in custody and there is no immediate danger to the public at this time,” Prosecutor Billhimer stated.

“This is an active investigation and more details will be released when they become available,” Prosecutor Billhimer concluded.

October 24, 2020

ROBBINSVILLE-HAMILTON TOWNSHIPS, (MERCER)–The Rotary Club of Robbinsville Hamilton held a bike drive event today for the Mercer County Bike Exchange that supports Boys and Girls Clubs of Mercer County. The event was held in front of Friendly’s Restaurant in the Foxmoor Shopping Center from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. Many bikes were collected during the event.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Mercer County Bike Exchange is a volunteer-led enterprise that repairs donated bicycles and sells them at modest prices at its Ewing location at Capitol Plaza, raising funds for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Mercer County and promoting biking for transportation and pleasure among low-income families.
Proceeds from the Bike Exchange sponsor the Club’s after-school programs.

Robbinsville Hamilton Rotary members collecting bikes.

Robbinsville Township Police dropping off bikes at the event.

September 30, 2022

EWING TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER) – A multi-alarm inferno destroyed the gymnasium and damaged other parts of the Ewing Senior and Community Center early this morning (Friday, Sept. 30).

Ewing Township firefighters were first dispatched to the township facility at 999 Lower Ferry Road at 2:58 a.m. to check an activated fire alarm system. When firefighters arrived on scene a few minutes later, they found the gymnasium, located in the center of the recreational complex, fully-engulfed in flames. A second alarm, which called in mutual aid from neighboring communities, was immediately ordered. As flames shot from windows and burned through the roof and smoke billowed skyward even more help was called in on the third alarm.

Still more firefighters and apparatus were requested to the scene after that, including water tankers from Pennington, Hopewell and Washington Crossing, Pa., as a precaution in the event that enough water could not be obtained from nearby hydrants. As it was, multiple large diameter hose lines were laid along Lower Ferry Road and Parkway Road to supply water from several hydrants. Four aerial master streams were put in service to flow water on the fire from above, while several smaller hoselines were put to work on the ground. Following several partial collapses of walls and sections of the roof, what was left of the gymnasium roof fully collapsed around 5:30 a.m.

Firefighters worked to prevent the flames from extending into the other connected buildings that make up the facility. While there was some damage sustained, those other areas were saved. The blaze was officially declared under control at 7:13 a.m., however firefighters and investigators were expected to remain on the scene throughout the day.

Assisting Ewing Township firefighters on the scene were mutual aid units from Lawrence, Trenton, Hamilton, Pennington, Hopewell Borough, Hopewell Township, Princeton, and Falls, Pa. Other firefighters from Somerset County responded to stand by in Ewing’s firehouses. During that “cover” assignment, those Somerset County firefighters extinguished a dumpster fire on Whitehead Road Extension.

Ewing Police say, nobody lives at the center. Ewing Police were dispatched to a fire alarm at the Ewing senior and community center (999 Lower Ferry Road) at approximately 2:55 a.m. this morning. First responding officers observed an active fire in the gymnasium portion of the building. There was nobody present in the building at the time. The fire went to five alarms to assist with water supply and firefighting operations. As of this time no injuries have been reported. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. 

There are road closures on Parkway Avenue from Scotch Road to Farrell Avenue and also lower Ferry Road From Langford Lane road Fireside Avenue. 

Photos below from NJ Public Safety News Alerts on Facebook

Photos below by: Anthony Greco

March 31, 2021

BRIELLE, NJ (MONMOUTH)–Yesterday March 30, 2022, Brielle Police and Fire Departments responded to a pickup truck on fire at a residence in the 400 Block of Riverview Lane. Residents and Police used extinguishers and a garden hose to keep the flames from extending into a nearby garage. Once firefighters arrived, they pulled a handline off the fire engine and extinguished the fire. There appeared to be some minor extension to the garage. No other information is available about the fire.

February 23, 2022

FREEHOLD – A Florida man has admitted to falsely portraying himself as a modeling agent in order to manipulate a minor into sending him sexually explicit images and videos of herself, Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Lori Linskey announced Wednesday.

Joseph Germain, 31, of Casselberry, Florida (Seminole County), late last week pleaded guilty to first-degree Manufacturing Child Sexual Abuse Materials and second-degree Distribution of Child Sexual Abuse Materials. Sentencing in the case has been scheduled for Friday, May 13, at which time Germain will face a term of eight years in state prison, subject to New Jersey’s No Early Release Act (NERA), meaning a minimum of 85 percent of the sentence must be served before the possibility of parole. He will also be required to register as a sex offender under Megan’s Law and remain subject to Parole Supervision for Life.

The investigation into Germain’s activities was initiated by the Brielle Police Department, which determined that several years ago, the defendant created a false online persona, claiming to be “Alex” from a company called “Elite Model Management,” using the email address [email protected].

In 2017, the investigation determined, Germain contacted a juvenile living in Brielle, claiming he wanted to help her create a modeling portfolio and promising a $50,000 contract. After the victim agreed, Germain convinced her to electronically send him numerous photos and videos of herself in sexually explicit poses.

During the course of their interactions, the victim openly indicated to Germain that she did not feel comfortable sending the photos and videos due to her age, but he persisted in demanding additional files. At times, Germain sent her fake screenshots from an employee purportedly named “Cassandra,” promising to release the money once the victim’s “portfolio” was complete. 

The victim never received any payments – but did ultimately begin receiving text messages from multiple phone numbers claiming to be employees of “Elite Model Management,” threatening to post her photos and videos to the Internet unless she sent additional explicit material. Eventually, some of the videos did make their way online.

The investigation determined that Germain was responsible for the various threatening texts – and for posting the videos online. Germain was arrested in Florida in 2019 and extradited back to New Jersey for prosecution.

“This investigation left us strongly convinced of the very real possibility that there may be additional victims who have yet to come forward,” Acting Prosecutor Linskey said. “To any remaining victims who may be out there, I would just say this: what was done to you wasn’t just wrong, deceitful, and cruel – it was criminal. We urge you to come forward and speak with us, and offer the assurance that you will be treated with the utmost dignity and respect. We need your assistance to ensure that justice is served.” 

If anyone feels that they or someone they know was a victim of a similar or identical scam, they are urged to contact Detective Ryan Maxsiell of the Brielle Police Department at 848-232-5016, or the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Bureau at 732-431-7160, Ext. 7731.

Anyone who feels the need to remain anonymous but has information about a crime can submit a tip to the Monmouth County Crime Stoppers by calling their confidential telephone tipline at 1-800-671-4400; by downloading and using the free P3 Tips mobile app (available on iOS and Android – https://www.p3tips.com/1182), by calling 800-671-4400 or by going to the website at www.monmouthcountycrimestoppers.com.

The case is assigned to Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Joseph Cummings of the MCPO Special Victims Bureau.

Germain is represented by Tara Breslow-Testa, Esq., with offices in Freehold and Red Bank.  

Joseph Germain, 31, of Casselberry, Florida (Seminole County)

September 16, 2021

BRIELLE, NJ (MONMOUTH)–The NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife has officially certified, and is pleased to announce, the catch of a new state record saltwater fish.

George Hanakis of Perth Amboy, reeled in the new state record Gray Tilefish on September 1, 2021. The fish weighed in at 23 pounds, 8 ounces, eclipsing the previous state record by 4 ounces and measured 34” in length with a girth of 25”. George was bottom fishing from the boat, Jamaica, captained by Howard Bogan, Jr. They were located in Wilmington Canyon when he caught the tilefish with a Shimano Terez rod, a Gamakatsu lure and a Daiwa reel with 100 pound test braided line.

For more information on the Record Fish Program, visit www.njfishandwildlife.com/recfish.htm

October 8, 2020

Visit: https://www.monmouthcountyvotes.com/ for the latest voting information in Monmouth County

FREEHOLD, NJ (MONMOUTH)–As you may be aware, this year’s November General Election in New Jersey is being conducted primarily by mail-in ballots, per State mandate. On November 3, 2020, Election Day, limited polling locations will be open for voting on paper provisional ballots only, except for disabled voters. 

Voters across Monmouth County are receiving their mail-in ballots this week and are encouraged to contact the County Clerk’s Election Office at 732-431-7790, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with any questions about the delivery of their ballots. 

Due to this unprecedented change in our election process, Monmouth County Clerk Christine Giordano Hanlon has provided a comprehensive webpage on MonmouthCountyVotes.com, explaining this year’s election process.

In addition, our office has provided video tutorials, including an animated step-by-step video informing Monmouth County voters of how to properly complete and return their mail-in ballots. The tutorial also explains how the paper ballots are reviewed and verified by the Monmouth County Board of Elections.

The video can be viewed on our Facebook and YouTube pages. We encourage you to share this important information with your friends and neighbors.

Election Hotline Established to Secure Election Integrity

To help ensure free and fair elections in Monmouth County, the County Election Offices and Prosecutor’s Office have established an election hotline. To report any issues of voter fraud or misconduct in Monmouth County, residents can call the County Prosecutor’s Office hotline at 855-786-5878.

“Our democratic system of government depends on free and fair elections and, as such, election integrity and security is important to all of us,” said County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni and County Clerk Christine Giordano Hanlon. “For these reasons, our offices are working together to further safeguard the electoral process.”

• Monday, October 12th: All County Offices closed in observance of Columbus Day
• Tuesday, October 13th: Voter Registration Deadline for the November General Election
• Friday, October 30th: Application Deadline for General Election Mail-In Ballots by Electronic Means for Qualified Overseas Civilian and Military Voters 
• Tuesday, November 3rd: General Election Day!
• Tuesday, November 3rd at 8 p.m.: Close of the polls; Deadline to deliver mail-in ballot by U.S. Postal Service mail, Drop Box, or in-person to the County Board of Elections at 300 Halls Mill Road in Freehold or at assigned Polling Place.

Monmouth County Secure Ballot Dropbox Locations:

September 22, 2020

ALLENTOWN, NJ (MONMOUTH)–An Allentown resident told MidJersey.News that around 11 pm last night a delivery crew installed a Vote-By-Mail Drop Box in front of Allentown at Borough Hall on Main Street. There are currently 17 Vote-By-Mail Drop Box locations for Monmouth County, this is the furthest west serving Western Monmouth County.

A current list of Vote-By-Mail Drop Box locations for Monmouth County can be found here.

Pursuant to State law, the November 3, 2020 General Election will be conducted primarily by Mail-In Ballot in New Jersey.

If you wish to place your Mail-In Ballot in a secure drop box, below are the locations throughout the County which will be available starting the week of September 15. Addresses in the list below are clickable and will bring up Google Maps.

Voters can drop their voted Mail-In Ballot into these Board of Elections Drop Boxes anywhere in the County up until 8 p.m. on November 3, 2020. You do not have to be a resident of the town where the drop box is located. Be advised that these drop boxes are under video surveillance and are monitored by the Monmouth County Board of Elections, which can be reached at 732-431-7802.

For more information about the General Election process, click here.

Allentown Borough Hall Vote-By-Mail Drop Box arrived at 11 pm last night.

September 4, 2020

FREEHOLD, NJ (MONMOUTH)–A Brielle police officer pleaded guilty Thursday to taking more than $700 from the expense account of the local police union, announced Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni.

Michael W. Palmer, Jr., 33, of Wall Township, pleaded guilty to an Accusation charging him with one count of third-degree Theft.   Palmer acknowledged during the plea before Monmouth County Superior Court Judge Ellen Torregossa-O’Connor that between February 20 and March 25, 2020, while treasurer for the PBA, he took $734.25 in cash withdrawals from the PBA bank account for personal purposes and without authorization.

The sentencing recommendation will be non-custodial probation; however, Palmer is allowed to apply to PreTrial Intervention.  An order forfeiting his position as a Brielle police officer and permanently forfeiting public office in New Jersey was also entered today and was a condition of the plea.  Palmer also agreed to pay the victim, the Brielle PBA, $734.25 in restitution.  Sentencing is scheduled for October 22, 2020.

“We will continue to hold law enforcement officers accountable for their actions and will prosecute those who violate the law. Police officers who betray their oaths fail our citizens, their fellow officers, and make it harder for the law enforcement community to obtain the public’s trust.  We will not tolerate this conduct and the added burden that it places on the work of honorable law enforcement officers who are working tirelessly to serve their communities,” Gramiccioni said.

Palmer was charged in July after an internal affairs review by the Brielle Police Department and follow-up investigation by this Office’s Professional Responsibilities and Bias Crimes Unit revealed Palmer made several ATM cash withdrawals in Wall Township, Ocean Township and Neptune City from the expense account of the Brielle Policemen’s Benevolent Association (PBA) Local 395, while serving as their treasurer between January and June of this year.  These withdrawals were unrelated to PBA business and were made for personal reasons.

Palmer was employed as a Brielle Borough police officer on Dec. 1, 2018, where he earned $105,383. Prior to today’s forfeiture order, Palmer was suspended without pay.

“I can’t stress this enough; Mr. Palmer’s behavior was inexcusable and is by no means a representation of the high level of professionalism and integrity of every Brielle police officer. As a department, and as an association, we are very pleased with the outcome of this case and we look forward to moving on and recovering from this,” said Brielle Police Chief Gary J. Olsen.

The case is being prosecuted by Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Melanie Falco, Director of the Office’s Professional Responsibilities and Bias Crimes Unit.

 Palmer is represented by Charles Uliano, Esq., of West Long Branch.

August 24, 2020

FREEHOLD, NJ (MONMOUTH)–A former Ocean Township Police officer was charged with Theft by Deception and two counts of Forgery on Thursday in connection with a forged document he submitted to secure a  $425,000 loan to purchase a property on Borrie Avenue in Brielle in July 2019.  He was also charged with additional counts of Theft and Forgery in connection with keeping a tenant’s $4,200 security deposit with respect to a different property he owned on Fisk Avenue in Brielle and attempting to justify retaining the security deposit using a forged document, announced Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni.

Cory R. Cole, 49, of Brielle, is charged with second degree Theft by Deception, third degree Theft by Failure to Make Required Disposition of Property Received, two counts of fourth degree Forgery, and two counts of fourth degree Uttering a Forged Document.  Cole was previously charged by this office on Jan. 27, 2020 with third-degree Theft by Failure to Make Required Disposition of Property Received and two counts of fourth-degree Forgery in connection with retaining $4,200 security deposit of another tenant and forging a lease to the victim’s school district.   If convicted Cole faces up to ten years in New Jersey State Prison on the second degree charge, up to five years in state prison on each third degree charge, and up to 18 months on each of the fourth degree offenses.

An investigation by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office revealed that Cole, who buys, flips and rents real estate, forged a letter from his former matrimonial attorney in order to falsely establish a judgment she had against him for unpaid attorney’s fees had been satisfied, and Cole submitted this letter to enable his purchase of a property on Borrie Avenue in Brielle.  Cole would have been unable to secure the $425,000 loan to purchase the property if the lender was aware the judgment against Cole was outstanding.  Additional investigation revealed that in addition to the victim identified in January of this year, Cole retained the $4,200 security deposit from his tenants at a property on Fisk Avenue.  He attempted to justify retaining the security deposit by claiming the tenants owed money in unpaid utility bills on the property and providing them with a forged bill from New Jersey Natural Gas which falsely indicated they had an outstanding balance.

Cole resigned from his employment with the Ocean Township Police Department earlier this year on the heels of the investigation after the initial set of criminal charges were filed.

 “It doesn’t matter if you are a former, current or retired member of law enforcement, you will be held accountable for your actions. Your unlawful or improper actions will be discovered and prosecuted,” said Prosecutor Gramiccioni.

Anyone with information about Cole’s activities is urged to call Detective Sergeant Ryu Washburne at 1-800-533-7443.

The case is being prosecuted by Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Melanie Falco, Director of the Office’s Professional Responsibilities and Bias Crimes Unit.

 Cole is represented by Steve Nelson, Esq., of Neptune City.

Despite these charges, every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, following a trial at which the defendant has all of the trial rights guaranteed by the United States Constitution and State law.

• Cory R. Cole

Cory R. Cole

Linda Mika, 69, and Paul Mika, 73, both of Jackson, New Jersey, and Kenneth Mika, 49, of Ewing, New Jersey, were arrested today and are scheduled to have their initial appearances this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Lois H. Goodman in Trenton federal court.

July 29, 2020

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Three people have been charged for their alleged roles in a years-long conspiracy to defraud the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) by providing military equipment parts that were not authorized by contract, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced today.

Linda Mika, 69, and Paul Mika, 73, both of Jackson, New Jersey, and Kenneth Mika, 49, of Ewing, New Jersey, were arrested today and are scheduled to have their initial appearances this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Lois H. Goodman in Trenton federal court.

“As described in the criminal complaint, these defendants sought to make a greater profit by substituting products that were not those they had contractually agreed to provide to the Department of Defense,” U.S. Attorney Carpenito said. “By doing so, they potentially risked the safety of our men and women in uniform. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to root out this kind of fraud.”

“Protecting the integrity of the defense procurement system is a top priority for the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS),” Special Agent in Charge Leigh-Alistair Barzey, DCIS Northeast Field Office, said. “This case, which resulted in today’s arrests, confirms the DCIS’ ongoing commitment to work with the USAO-NJ and the FBI, to investigate and prosecute contractors who engage in fraudulent schemes targeting the U.S. Department of Defense.”

“Today’s arrest of Linda Mika, Paul Mika and Kenneth Mika reflects the continuing impact federal and state partnerships have on combatting those who defraud the Department of Defense,” Acting FBI Special Agent in Charge Joe Denahan said. “These contractors of Monmouth Marine Engines Inc. knowingly provided substituted parts for military equipment for their own personal gain. We will continue to investigate these types of schemes and hold those who endanger the U.S. military accountable.”

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

From at least March 2017 through February 2020, the Mikas conspired with each other and others to defraud the DoD and its combat logistic support arm, the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), by engaging in a pattern of unlawful product substitution. Paul Mika was the founder and owner of Monmouth Marine Engines Inc. (Monmouth Marine), a maritime equipment and servicing facility, which, as an approved federal contractor, also entered into contracts with DLA to supply DoD contracting entities with replacement parts for Naval vessels. Paul Mika’s wife and son, Linda Mika and Kenneth Mika, were employees of Monmouth Marine.

The Mikas, on behalf of Monmouth Marine, obtained contracts with the DoD by falsely claiming that the military parts they contracted to provide would be exact products furnished by authorized manufacturers. Once awarded the contracts, however, the Mikas sourced non-conforming substitute parts at a significantly reduced cost to fill the contracts. They did this to maximize their profit margin while also suppressing fair competition in the bidding of federal contracts. Upon receipt by Monmouth Marine, the non-conforming parts were then shipped to DLA in packaging disguising the parts’ identity in an effort by the Mikas to deceive DLA and its unwitting downstream purchasers.

The count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the U.S. Department of Defense, Defense Criminal Investigative Service Northeast Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Barzey; and special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Denahan with the investigation leading to today’s arrests.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric A. Boden of the U.S. Attorney=s Office Criminal Division in Trenton.

The charge and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

20-234

Download Full Complaint Here:

Facebook Profile Photo from Monmouth Marine Engines, Inc. Facebook Page here: https://www.facebook.com/MonmouthMarineEngines

Full press release here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-nj/pr/owner-and-employees-monmouth-county-marine-equipment-and-servicing-company-charged

May 9, 2021

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)—At 2:27 pm Trenton Emergency Medical Services and Paramedics reported hearing multiple gun shots in the area of Capital Health Regional Medical Center on Brunswick Avenue. Moments later police reported multiple 9-1-1 calls for shots fired and also a vehicle crashed with bullet holes in it. An ambulance was dispatched for a gun shot victim but no victim was found and the car was reported empty. Trenton Police Shooting Response Team is on scene with a crime scene on Brunswick Avenue that extends a half mile, 8 blocks, from Evans Ave to Heil Avenue. No further information is available at this time.

Related: City Of Chaos Continues With Multiple Shootings; 2 Shot Including Amazon Delivery Driver

This is a breaking news report. MidJersey.news has reached out to official police sources for information on the shooting. Sources in this report are from radio, on scene and witness reports. Once updated information is received the story will be updated and any corrections made.

As of 11:10 pm there has been no reply from official police sources so we are telling you what we know.

Photos by Brian McCarthy, OnScene News

Photos by Brian McCarthy, OnScene News

October 26, 2022

NEWARK, N.J. – U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced criminal charges today against 42 defendants related to racketeering, violence, narcotics distribution, and federal firearms offenses. The charges stem from five separate investigations conducted by federal, state and local enforcement partners.

“Keeping New Jersey safe and reducing violent crime are core to this Office’s mission, and I have no higher priority as U.S. Attorney. The scourge of senseless gun violence plagues too many of our communities, particularly in our urban centers. We are committed to protecting the public from violent criminal organizations, and we will relentlessly hold those who harm and threaten the public accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Sellinger. “The arrests and charges announced today were achieved through my Office’s collaboration with our federal, state, and local partners through our Violent Crime Initiative. Our VCI model targets the dangerous offenders and criminal organizations throughout New Jersey who threaten the public and perpetrate violence within our most vulnerable communities.”

The Violent Crime Initiative (VCI) is a collaborative, multi-agency program designed to combine the resources of New Jersey’s federal, state, and local law enforcement to identify, target, and prosecute violent offenders and criminal organizations throughout New Jersey. “Selflessly working and coordinating with our law enforcement partners has strengthened our ability to better protect the public from violent actors and organized criminal conduct. The charges announced today resulted from that team effort,” said U.S. Attorney Sellinger.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger also noted that shooting incidents statewide and in cities where the VCIs operate are appreciably lower than the year-to-date total from last year, including a 23% reduction statewide, a 30% reduction in Newark, 27% reduction in Jersey City, and 12% reduction in Paterson. The attached graphic reflects those reductions:

“These decreases are not a reason for anyone to rest easy or let up, but it is a positive note for our communities that have seen all too much violence,” U.S. Attorney Sellinger said.

“My primary responsibility and focus as Attorney General is keeping the residents of our state safe – whether by tackling a rise in auto thefts or taking actions to prevent gun violence, including by holding violent offenders accountable,” New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin said. “Today, as a result of the efforts of various law enforcement agencies, we are once again demonstrating that effectively investigating and prosecuting violent crimes requires collaboration across local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. We are, quite simply, stronger and more effective when we collaborate, communicate, and share resources — which is precisely the type of partnerships we are fortunate to have here in New Jersey.”

“The Violent Crime Initiative plays an integral role in identifying and removing the most violent offenders in our communities,” Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s New Jersey Division Susan A. Gibson said. “Three of DEA’s investigations have resulted in the removal of 73 guns, more than 100 arrests, and the seizure of multiple kilograms of narcotics. It is the teamwork of law enforcement at every level working together toward the same goal that makes these investigations successful.”

“ATF remains vigilant in its pursuit of the most violent offenders in our communities by utilizing crime gun intelligence to disrupt the shooting cycle, and to prosecute shooters and their sources of crime guns,” ATF Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey L. Matthews said. “We will continue to exploit investigative and data-driven leads derived from ATF’s National Tracing Center and the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN), which is vital for both fair and impartial policing. These arrests send a clear and direct message of ATF’s continued commitment to combat violent crime and we will continue to work alongside our law enforcement partners to safeguard the public from violence.”

“Violent crime in every form negatively impacts quality of life for every person left in its wake,” FBI Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy said. “The citizens of New Jersey – and across this country – have the absolute right to feel safe in their homes, their communities, and their country, which is why the FBI places great emphasis on eradicating violence. It is a lofty goal and one that may seem unreachable in these divisive times. But we will continue to fight this fight alongside our federal, state, and local partners for as long as it takes. We ask the community to take an active role – if you see something, report it. We cannot let violence rule our way of life.”

The charges and arrests announced today are summarized below, followed by tables setting forth the names, ages, and residences of those charged, as well as the charges against them.

Oscar Miles Housing Complex Drug Trafficking Organization

Today, 14 individuals were charged by criminal complaints with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute narcotics, including fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine. According to the allegations in the complaints, the charged defendants participated in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) made up members and associates of the Grape Street Crips street gang. The organization controlled the drug trade in and around the Oscar Miles Village housing complex in Newark.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the DEA, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Susan A. Gibson, investigators of the New Jersey State Police, under the direction of Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, investigators from the U.S. Marshal Service, under the direction of Marshal Juan Mattos Jr., investigators of the Essex County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Armando B. Fontoura, and the Newark Police Department, under the direction of Director of Public Safety Fritz Fragé, for the investigations leading to the charges in the Oscar Miles investigation.

The Government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Samantha Fassanello of the Organized Crime/Gangs Unit and Olta Bejleri of the Narcotics/OCDETF Unit.

Rollin’ 60’s Neighborhood Crips Criminal Organization

Ten members and associates of the Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips street gang were recently charged by superseding indictment with participating in a racketeering conspiracy involving drug trafficking, carjackings, robberies, non-fatal shootings, and murder. According to the allegations in the superseding indictment, from in or around 2015 through 2022, the Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips criminal organization operated in Essex and Union Counties, the New Jersey prison system, and elsewhere in New Jersey and nationally. During this alleged conspiracy, several of the charged defendants committed multiple non-fatal shootings and a murder, in furtherance of the Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips criminal organization.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the DEA, under Special Agent in Charge Gibson’s direction, the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Tammy Tomlins, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey L. Matthews, as well as investigators of the U.S. Marshals Service, under Marshal Juan Mattos’ direction; the Irvington Police Department, under the direction of Police Division Director Tracy Bowers, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Acting Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II, the Newark Police Department, under the direction of Public Safety Director Fragé, the Bloomfield Police Department, under the direction of Director of Public Safety Samuel A. DeMaio, the Essex County Sheriff’s Office, under Sheriff Armando B. Fontoura’s direction, the East Orange Police Department, under the direction of Chief Phyllis L. Bindi, the Elizabeth Police Department, under the direction of Police Director Earl J. Graves, the Edison Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police Tom Bryan, the New Jersey State Police, under the direction of Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor William A. Daniel, the Spotswood Police Department, under the direction of Chief Philip Corbisiero, and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation Fugitive and Missing Person Task Force, which includes members of the FBI, for the investigations leading to the charges in the Rollin 60’s investigation.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Francesca Liquori, Chief of the Narcotics/OCDETF Unit.

Bounty Hunter Bloods Criminal Organization

Seven members and associates of the Bounty Hunter Bloods street gang were indicted for participating in a racketeering conspiracy that involved the commission of multiple murders, multiple non-fatal shootings, fraud, and narcotics distribution. According to the allegations in the indictment, from in or around 2019 to 2022, the Bounty Hunter Bloods criminal organization operated in Somerset, Middlesex, Passaic, and Mercer Counties, as well as within the New Jersey prison system. During that period, several of the charged defendants are alleged to have committed violent acts, including murder, a mass shooting, and assaults with deadly weapons, all in furtherance of the affairs of Bounty Hunter Bloods criminal organization. In one instance, members of the Bounty Hunter Bloods are alleged to have shot nine people in New Brunswick, killing two. Over the course of this conspiracy, members and associates of the Bounty Hunter Bloods criminal organization are alleged to have shot 16 people in New Jersey, killing three.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James Dennehy in Newark, as well as investigators of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone, the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor John McDonald, the New Brunswick Police Department, under the direction of Director Anthony Caputo, and the Franklin Township Police Department, under the direction of Director of Public Safety Quovella Mayweather, for the investigations leading to the charges in the Bounty Hunter Bloods investigation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kendall Randolph of the Organized Crime/Gangs Unit and Tracey Agnew of the Criminal Division in Trenton.

Lincoln Park Drug Trafficking Organization

Six defendants were charged by criminal complaints with conspiring to participate in a drug trafficking organization that distributed fentanyl and crack-cocaine in and around Lincoln Park in Newark. This investigation also resulted in the seizure of 13 firearms and quantities of cocaine.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the ATF, under Special Agent in Charge Matthews’s direction, special agents of the DEA, under Special Agent in Charge Gibson’s direction, investigators of the Newark Police Department, under Public Safety Director Fragé’s direction, and investigators of the Essex County Sheriff’s Office, under Sheriff Fontoura’s direction, for the investigations leading to the charges in the Lincoln Park investigation.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Levin of the National Security Unit.

Trinitarios

Five members and associates of several branches of the Trinitarios street gang were arrested and charged by criminal complaints with conspiring to distribute cocaine and heroin, as well as firearms offenses. According to the allegations in the complaints, the defendants conducted their narcotics and firearms activities in and around the Fifth Ward of Paterson.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under Special Agent in Charge Dennehy’s direction, investigators of the Paterson Police Department, under the direction of Police Director Jerry Speziale, and investigators of the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes, for the investigations leading to the charges in the Trinitarios investigation.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah Sulkowski of the Organized Crime/Gangs Unit and Edeli Rivera of the Narcotics/OCDETF Unit.

The investigations leading to the charges in the Oscar Miles, Rollin 60s, and Trinitarios investigations were part of Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operations. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

The charges and allegations contained in the complaints and indictments are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Oscar Miles Housing Complex Drug Trafficking Organization

 Rollin 60’s Neighborhood Crips Criminal Organization

Bounty Hunter Bloods Criminal Organization

bountyhunter.indictmentDownload

Lincoln Park Drug Trafficking Investigation

Trinitarios

May 19, 2020

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri reported today that the suspect taken into custody by police a short time after the homicide of Tayvion Jones has been charged with murder.

Horace Jones, 34, of Ewing, is charged with murder, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and unlawful possession of a weapon.  The prosecutor’s office has filed a detention motion, which is scheduled for Friday.  He is being held in the Mercer County Correction Center.

Read about the shooting here:

All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Horace Jones, 34, of Ewing, is charged with murder, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and unlawful possession of a weapon.  The prosecutor’s office has filed a detention motion, which is scheduled for Friday.  He is being held in the Mercer County Correction Center.