EWING, NJ (MERCER)–Fire officials and law enforcement investigators are currently on the scene investigating the cause of a serious house fire. Ewing Township career firefighters and volunteers from the West Trenton and Prospect Heights fire companies were dispatched at 7:12 p.m. this evening (Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024) to Boone Avenue, a couple blocks from Parkway Avenue, for a reported structure fire with an elderly resident believed to be trapped inside. Firefighters quickly arrived on the scene to find flames shooting from the front of the house. Hoselines were stretched to attack the flames and firefighters initiated a search of the smoke- and flame-filled house for the trapped resident. One person was reportedly located inside, however details about the extent of that person’s injuries were not immediately available. A ladder company and battalion chief from Trenton Fire Department was also called to the scene to stand by as a rapid intervention team until the fire was declared under control at 7:56 p.m. Investigators from the Ewing Fire Marshal’s Office, Ewing Police, and the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office are investigating.
BRIELLE, NJ (MONMOUTH)–The Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office told MidJersey.news that on Thursday night January 18, 2024, at approximately 10:22 p.m., the Monmouth County Emergency Response Team (MOCERT) and Rapid Deployment Force were activated for a call involving a wellness check on a barricaded subject / individual located at the Brandywyne Units in Brielle. There were no other occupants.
At approximately 11:34pm last night, the subject was taken into custody by MOCERT without injury or incident and transported to a local medical facility for evaluation. No charges have been issued at this time.
SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–South Brunswick Police report that Monmouth Junction Fire Department along with eleven other fire departments continue to work on a large mulch and raw material fire on Broadway Road. The fire was reported around 2:00 p.m. Firefighters believe it will be an extended operation.
TRENTON (Mercer) – Two children were reportedly shot this evening (Friday, Jan. 12, 2024), just a little over two hours after two other people were wounded by gunfire in the city.
This latest incidence of violence was reported about 7:55 p.m. in the 100 block of Frazier Street. City police, EMS personnel and firefighters responded and located two juveniles – one initially reported to be about 16, and the other said to be about 11 – suffering from what were described as gunshot wounds to their “lower extremities.”
Both pediatric victims were said to be “conscious and alert” and were quickly taken by ambulance to the trauma center at Capital Health Regional Medical Center.
Earlier this evening, around 5:45 p.m., two people were found shot in the area of the 900 block of Southard Street, which is about a mile away from Frazier Street. And last night (Thursday, Jan. 11) around 6:50 p.m. a person was found shot in the area of the 900 block of South Broad Street.
This is a breaking news report, based on emergency services radio transmissions. All three incidents are under investigation by law enforcement officials. Additional details will be posted as soon as they are released by authorities.
TRENTON (Mercer) – Two people were reportedly shot in the vicinity of the Donnelly Homes housing project Friday evening (Jan. 12, 2024).
Trenton police, Trenton Emergency Medical Service personnel, Capital Health System paramedics and city firefighters from Engine 1 were dispatched about 5:45 p.m. to the 900 block of Southard Street, between Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and New Willow Street, for a gunshot victim.
First-arriving EMS personnel arrived to find one person who they reported had been shot in the leg. Additional EMS resources were requested after a second gunshot victim was discovered. A large crowd that had gathered reportedly became unruly, so much so that the first ambulance crew on scene advised their dispatcher: “Make sure no one else comes in here without a cop with them.” Similarly, the firefighter who was driving Engine 1 was told by his captain to make sure he stayed near police.
Both victims were rushed via ambulances to the trauma center at Capital Health Regional Medical Center.
This is a breaking news report, based on emergency services radio transmissions. Law enforcement officials were on the scene investigating. No additional information is available at this time.
This evening’s shooting comes less than 24 hours after a person was shot Thursday evening on South Broad Street.
MORRISVILLE, PA — The Pennsylvania State Police reports that yesterday morning, January 11, 2024, around 6:15 a.m. Troopers from Trevose Barracks responded to North Bound US 1 Toll Bridge Morrisville Boro, Bucks County, for a tractor-trailer striking a pedestrian. It was determined that the unidentified pedestrian was attempting to walk across the toll bridge in the center next to the concrete barriers on the north bound side. A tractor and flatbed trailer was traveling north bound in the left travel lane, struck the pedestrian causing her to strike the concrete barrier, and land in the left travel lane. The pedestrian was then struck by two different vehicles. The tractor-trailer stopped on the New Jersey side at the Route 29 exit. The two unidentified vehicles continued north bound and did not stop. The pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene.
Attempts to identify the pedestrian were unsuccessful. She is described as a black female approx. 30-40 years old, approximately 5’5″- 5’8″, brown eyes, black hair at the base with some light brown highlights, She was wearing a multi colored wool winter cap, a black hooded sweatshirt overtop a blue jacket with FDR Services Healthcare Laundry Specialist logo on the top right side, black legging pants, and black boots. She was also carrying a light brown colored small purse. The two operators that struck the pedestrian after the tractor-trailer maybe unaware of their involvement. The first vehicle was a white pickup truck and the second vehicle was a dark colored SUV. Anyone who witnessed this crash or can help identify the victim and the two vehicles that left the scene can call State Troopers at Trevose Barracks 215-942-3900.
FREEHOLD – A Borough man has been arrested and charged in connection with two separate incidents, including impersonating a police officer, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced on Friday.
Anthony Burke, 46, was charged with one count of both fourth-degree Impersonating an Officer and second-degree Robbery. Burke was also charged with four counts of third-degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance.
The arrest is in relation to an incident that took place in Freehold Township on Sunday, September 17, 2023, where Burke attempted to impersonate a law enforcement officer by pulling over a driver and prior to leaving, he then stole the victim’s cell phone. Burke was arrested on Wednesday evening during a traffic stop in Freehold Borough.
Anyone with information about Burke’s activities in Freehold or the surrounding areas, is urged to contact MCPO Detective Kayla Santiago at 800-533-7443 or Freehold Township Police Officer Charles Lasky at 732-462-7500.
Anyone who feels the need to remain anonymous but has information about a crime can submit a tip to Monmouth County Crime Stoppers by calling their confidential telephone tip-line at 1-800-671-4400; by downloading and using the free P3 Tips mobile app (available on iOS and Android – https://www.p3tips.com/1182), by calling 800-671-4400 or by going to the website at www.monmouthcountycrimestoppers.com
The case has been assigned to Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Stephanie Dugan of the Special Victims Bureau. Burke’s legal representation was not immediately available.
Crimes of this nature can be punishable by up to ten years in state prison.
Despite these charges, every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, following a trial at which the defendant has all of the trial rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and State law.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Several hundred history buffs turned out this morning (Saturday, Dec. 30, 2023) to view the annual reenactment of the first Battle of Trenton, which took place on Dec. 26, 1776. Ending in a victory for Gen. George Washington and the Continental Army, the battle is considered the turning point of the American Revolution.
Armed with a canon and muskets, actors portraying soldiers of both sides kicked off the reenactment just after 11 a.m. from the area of the Battle Monument and marched down Broad Street to Mill Hill Park.
A reenactment of the Second Battle of Trenton (which took place on Jan. 2, 1777) was scheduled to take place in Mill Hill Park at 3 p.m.
Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina announced that two men have been indicted for shooting at the patrol vehicle of a Pemberton Township police officer seven years ago in the Sunbury Village section of Pemberton Township.
Tayron Brown, 24, of Trenton, was indicted on charges of Attempted Murder (First Degree), Conspiracy to Commit Murder (First Degree), Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose (Second Degree), Unlawful Possession of a Weapon (Second Degree) and Aggravated Assault (Third Degree).
Brown’s co-defendant, Kavon Carter, 23, of Pemberton Township, was indicted on charges of Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose (Second Degree) and Aggravated Assault (Third Degree).
The indictment was returned July 16 and signed by Prosecutor Coffina. An arraignment will be held soon in Superior Court. Brown is presently incarcerated in New Jersey state prison, and Carter is in the Burlington County Jail, both for unrelated offenses.
Brown and Carter were initially charged in September 2019, however the opportunity to seek an indictment was delayed because grand juries were not convened during the pandemic.
The investigation revealed that an officer was parked along Lemmon Avenue on September 24, 2014, when a bullet fired in his direction struck the roof of the marked patrol vehicle, approximately six inches above the officer’s head.
The investigation was conducted by the Prosecutor’s Office and the Pemberton Township Police Department. Brown and Carter are being prosecuted by Assistant Prosecutor Mike Angermeier, supervisor of the BCPO Gang, Gun and Narcotics Task Force.
An indictment is an accusation. Defendants are presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty.
Tayron Brown, 24, of Trenton, was indicted on charges of Attempted Murder (First Degree), Conspiracy to Commit Murder (First Degree), Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose (Second Degree), Unlawful Possession of a Weapon (Second Degree) and Aggravated Assault (Third Degree). Brown’s co-defendant, Kavon Carter, 23, of Pemberton Township, was indicted on charges of Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose (Second Degree) and Aggravated Assault (Third Degree).
WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (BURLINGTON), — The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Press Office reported that New Jersey State Park Police were dispatched at 10:55 p.m. Tuesday, December 19, 2023, for a report of a missing helicopter in the area of Wharton State Forest. Following a search, State Park Police discovered a debris field from a helicopter crash in the area of Mullica River Road in Washington Township, Burlington County, at 12:02 a.m. today.
Federal Aviation Administration representatives arrived at the scene at 3:15 a.m. today for an initial assessment. Due to the remote area and limited visibility, it was determined that an investigation will be suspended until sometime after daybreak today. At this time the scene is being secured by State Park Police with the assistance of the NJDEP Forest Fire Service, New Jersey State Police and Hammonton Township Police.
Quaker Bridge Road, Mullica River Road and Middle Road – all unpaved local roads within the forest – are closed at this time. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has been contacted and will assume responsibilities for investigating the crash. All other questions about the incident and its cause should be directed to the NTSB.
According to both FlightRadar24 and FlightAware the helicopter went down at 8:03 p.m. EST on December 19, 2023.
WPVI Channel 6 Action News reported that a pilot and a photographer were on board the helicopter when it went down in Washington Township, New Jersey around 8 p.m. They were returning from an assignment at the Jersey Shore.
Chopper 6 was last airborne over Wharton State Forest when it crashed in a remote section of the woods.
It has been a devastating day for the Action News team after two crew members on board Chopper 6 were killed in a crash on Tuesday night.
They have a long history with our station and have been working as part of the Action News team for years.
The pilot was 67-year-old Monroe Smith of Glenside, Pa. and the photographer was 45-year-old Christopher Dougherty of Oreland, Pa.
Pilot, photographer killed after Action News’ Chopper 6 crashes in wooded area of New Jersey
Midjersey.news extends our condolences to our colleagues at Channel 6 on loss of their Action News team members in a helicopter crash in South Jersey last night. We are praying and thinking of you during this difficult time.
The NTSB is investigating the Dec. 19 crash of an American Eurocopter AS350-B2 near Shamong, New Jersey. An NTSB investigator is currently traveling to the scene and is expected to be on site tomorrow morning. The scene will be secured overnight. There was a post impact fire that has been extinguished. Once on site, the investigator will begin the process of documenting the scene and examining the aircraft. The aircraft will then be recovered to a secure facility for further evaluation. NTSB investigations involve three primary areas: the pilot, the aircraft and the operating environment.
As part of this process, investigators will gather the following information and records: • Flight track data • Recordings of any air traffic control communications • Aircraft maintenance records • Weather forecasts and actual weather and lighting conditions around the time of the accident • Pilot’s license, ratings and recency of flight experience • 72-hour background of the pilot to determine if there were any issues that could have affected the pilot’s ability to safety operate the flight • Witness statements • Electronic devices that could contain information relevant to the investigation • Any available surveillance video, including from doorbell cameras
During the on-scene phase of the investigative process, the NTSB does not determine or speculate about the cause of the accident. A preliminary report will be available within 30 days; it can be accessed by searching our investigations database. We will also tweet the link on NTSB Newsroom. The preliminary report will contain factual information gathered during the initial phase of the investigation. A probable cause of the crash along with any contributing factors will be detailed in the final report, which is expected in 12-24 months. Additional information about NTSB investigative processes is available at Media Resources (ntsb.gov).
Photos from the FlightRadar24 and FlightAware apps.
Photos from the FlightRadar24 and FlightAware apps.
December 14, 2023
HAMILTON, NJ (MERCER)–On Thursday December 14, 2023 at approximately 1:14 A.M., Officers Horne and Jewell were patrolling in the area of South Broad Street and Whitehorse Avenue when they observed a silver Toyota that was reported as a stolen vehicle. The Officers followed the vehicle that was occupied with two people and activated their overhead lights and sirens. The vehicle began to flee from the Officers. After a short pursuit the suspect vehicle struck a curb on South Broad Street near Irvington Place and came to a stop in a nearby parking lot. The two occupants then fled the vehicle on foot. Both Officers pursued the suspects on foot and arrested them. The driver of the vehicle was identified as Thomas Doyle, 44, of Bordentown. The passenger was identified as a 16-year-old juvenile from Bordentown.
Both Doyle and the juvenile were charged with Receiving Stolen Property, Obstructing the Administration of Law, Resisting Arrest and Eluding. Doyle was also issued numerous motor vehicle violations. Doyle was wanted out of Bordentown Township and was transferred to their custody. The juvenile was released to a guardian.
Anyone with any information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective Kevin Krall of the Hamilton Police Division Juvenile Unit at (609) 689-5826 or the Hamilton Police Crime Tip Hotline at (609) 581-4008.
Thomas Doyle, 44, of Bordentown. Doyle and a 16-year-old juvenile were charged with Receiving Stolen Property, Obstructing the Administration of Law, Resisting Arrest and Eluding. Doyle was also issued numerous motor vehicle violations. Doyle was wanted out of Bordentown Township and was transferred to their custody. The juvenile was released to a guardian.
“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
CAMDEN, N.J. – A Burlington County, New Jersey, man admitted participating in schemes to negotiate fraudulent checks with forged signatures and to launder money from another fraud scheme, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.
Eugene Koranteng, 30, of Medford, New Jersey, pleaded guilty on Nov. 16, 2023, before U.S. District Judge Robert B. Kugler in Camden federal court to an information charging him with one count of bank fraud conspiracy and one count of money laundering conspiracy.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Koranteng conspired with Misty Sarfo-Adu, Emmanuel Yirenkyi, and others to commit bank fraud by obtaining blank checks containing the names and account information of unsuspecting customers of a credit card company. They made the checks payable to members of the conspiracy, forged the customers’ signatures on the checks, and negotiated the checks at financial institutions. Koranteng admitted that the bank fraud conspiracy caused an actual loss of at least $95,000.
Koranteng also conspired to launder the proceeds of a separate fraud scheme. Koranteng used his personal bank account to negotiate checks that constituted the proceeds of unlawful activity. Koranteng then converted the fraud proceeds to cash to conceal and disguise the nature, location, source, ownership, and control of the proceeds. Koranteng admitted that he laundered at least $47,000.
The count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million. The count of conspiracy to commit money laundering carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $500,000. Sentencing is scheduled for March 21, 2024.
Sarfo-Adu and Yirenkyi previously pleaded guilty before Judge Kugler to their participation in the same bank fraud conspiracy.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of Homeland Security Investigations Newark, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Alfonso, with the investigation leading to the guilty plea. U.S. Attorney Sellinger also thanked the Moorestown Police Department for its assistance in the investigation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Bender of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Camden.
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Defense counsel:Koranteng: David Bahuriak Esq. PhiladelphiaYirenkyi: Robert Wolf Esq. Haddon Township, New Jersey
Sarfo-Adu: Paul Sarmousakis Esq., Avalon, New Jersey
Koranteng.InformationDownload Photo by Tara Winstead on Pexels.com
October 19, 2023
MOUNT LAUREL, NJ (BURLINGTON)–Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw announced that a Mount Laurel man who was charged with harassing and using racial slurs against his neighbors has pled guilty to four counts of Bias Intimidation (Fourth Degree).
Edward C. Mathews, 47, formerly of Grammercy Way, also pled guilty to Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance with Intent to Distribute (Second Degree). Under an agreement with the Prosecutor’s Office, Mathews will receive an eight-year prison sentence for the offenses. The plea was entered yesterday in Mount Holly before the Hon. Gerard H. Breland, J.S.C., who scheduled sentencing for December 8.
The charges to which Mathews pled involve the mistreatment of five former neighbors. The drug offense was filed after numerous psilocin mushrooms, which are known for their hallucinogenic effect, were discovered during a search of his home.
The investigation began July 2, 2021, after a resident came to the Mount Laurel Police Department to file a harassment complaint against Mathews. A short time later on the same date, a Mount Laurel police officer responded to a Coventry Way residence for a report of a male needing to be removed from the area. Upon arrival, the officer found Mathews using racial slurs while engaged in a verbal altercation with four residents.
The investigation revealed a pattern of abuse from Mathews against his neighbors that included leaving a threatening note on one of their vehicles.
The investigation was conducted by the Prosecutor’s Office and the Mount Laurel Police Department, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The lead investigators are BCPO Detective Sgt. Daniel Schules and MLPD Detective Luis Amaro.
Mathews is being prosecuted by Assistant Prosecutor Jamie Hutchinson.
Edward C. Mathews, 47, formerly of Grammercy Way, also pled guilty to Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance with Intent to Distribute (Second Degree). Under an agreement with the Prosecutor’s Office, Mathews will receive an eight-year prison sentence for the offenses. The plea was entered yesterday in Mount Holly before the Hon. Gerard H. Breland, J.S.C., who scheduled sentencing for December 8.
September 14, 2023
MOUNT HOLLY, NJ (BURLINGTON)–Yesterday, Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw announced that a former corrections officer has been charged with smuggling marijuana and tobacco into the Burlington County Jail while employed at the Mount Holly facility and passing the contraband to an inmate in exchange for money.
Abraham Olmedia, 27, of Burlington Township, was charged with Official Misconduct (Second Degree), Conspiracy to Commit Official Misconduct (Second Degree) and Providing Contraband to an Inmate (Disorderly Persons Offense).
Olmedia was taken into custody this afternoon at the Burlington County Courthouse and released after being processed. An appearance in Superior Court has been scheduled for next month. The case will now be prepared for presentation to a grand jury for possible indictment.
The investigation began earlier this year after a corrections officer detected the odor of burnt tobacco coming from a cell. The investigation revealed that Olmedia had supplied the inmate in that cell with tobacco and marijuana on multiple occasions. In return, he received payment from one of the inmate’s relatives.
Olmedia, who resigned after the investigation began, had been employed at the jail for just over two years.
The investigation was conducted by the BCPO Special Investigations Unit, in conjunction with the Burlington County Jail Internal Affairs Unit.
All persons are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Abraham Olmedia, 27, of Burlington Township, was charged with Official Misconduct (Second Degree), Conspiracy to Commit Official Misconduct (Second Degree) and Providing Contraband to an Inmate (Disorderly Persons Offense).
September 4, 2023
HAINESPORT TOWNSHIP, NJ (BURLINGTON)–The New Jersey State Police Seeking Public’s Assistance Identifying Three Individuals Wanted for Criminal Mischief
On the August 9, 2023, Bordentown Troopers responded to a Criminal Mischief complaint located in Hainesport Township, Burlington County. Troopers observed multiple graffiti markings on a statue owned by Hainesport Township, known as “Big Rusty”.
Anyone with any information or recognizes the suspects are asked to contact Trooper Joseph Couzo at Bordentown Station at 609-298-1171 x 5174.
Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw announced that a 26-year-old Evesham man was found guilty Thursday in Superior Court of fatally stabbing a friend, as well as his dog, while robbing him in early 2022.
After deliberating for just over an hour, a jury returned guilty verdicts against Donovan G. Hollingsworth on charges of Murder (First Degree), Robbery (First Degree), Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose (Third Degree), Cruelty to Animals (Third Degree) and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon (Fourth Degree). The Hon. Christopher J. Garrenger, J.S.C., scheduled sentencing for October 27 at the Burlington County Courthouse in Mount Holly. Hollingworth has been lodged in the Burlington County Jail since his arrest a few hours after the slayings.
The investigation began the morning of February 5, 2022, when officers from the Evesham Township Police Department were called to the Olympus Apartments on Baker Boulevard for a report of a possible dog attack on a resident. When officers arrived, they discovered Thomas Pierson III, 26, of Evesham, deceased inside his residence with multiple stab wounds.
The victim’s dog, a Cane Corso named Django, was found dead – also with stab wounds – on a stairwell landing. The investigation revealed that Hollingsworth traveled to Pierson’s apartment with the intention of robbing him. An altercation ensued, during which Hollingsworth stabbed Pierson and Django. Hollingsworth fled and was later taken into custody by Evesham Township police officers at the emergency room of Virtua Voorhees Hospital, where he had gone for treatment of minor injuries.
The investigation was conducted by the Prosecutor’s Office and the Evesham Township Police (NJ) Department. The lead investigators were BCPO Detective Sergeant Brian Cunningham and ETPD Detective Joseph Magnus.
Hollingsworth was prosecuted by Assistant Prosecutors Bob VanGilst and Jasmine Bealor. Assistant Prosecutor VanGilst supervises the BCPO Major Crimes Unit.
After deliberating for just over an hour, a jury returned guilty verdicts against Donovan G. Hollingsworth on charges of Murder (First Degree), Robbery (First Degree), Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose (Third Degree), Cruelty to Animals (Third Degree) and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon (Fourth Degree). The Hon. Christopher J. Garrenger, J.S.C., scheduled sentencing for October 27 at the Burlington County Courthouse in Mount Holly. Hollingworth has been lodged in the Burlington County Jail since his arrest a few hours after the slayings.
August 28, 2023
TRENTON — The Office of the Attorney General today announced a state grand jury has voted to file criminal charges against a college student who allegedly deceived children he contacted online into providing him sexually explicit videos of themselves, then used the internet connection of his Essex County-based university to upload the videos online.
A grand jury in Trenton has returned a 12-count indictment against Keyon Luff, 21, of Edgewater Park in Burlington County, N.J. Luff was indicted on charges including manufacturing child sexual exploitation and abuse material. The defendant is being held at the Essex County Correctional Facility in Newark pending trial.
According to the investigation led by the Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ) Cybercrimes Unit/Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Taskforce, between January and July 2021, Luff used a popular social media platform to contact at least three children between the ages of 14 and 16 online, directed them to engage in sexual acts, told the victims to record themselves on video, and instructed them to send the lewd videos to him.
Luff allegedly created fictitious social media accounts to contact underage children and engage in sexually explicit conversations. According to the investigation, the defendant impersonated an adult female on one platform and utilized that false identity to obtain sexual files of others, including minors.
Detectives seized numerous digital devices from Luff’s dorm room during the execution of a search warrant on May 3, 2023. Investigators determined the defendant was allegedly in possession of illicit, unlawful images of child sex abuse.
“As alleged in the indictment, the defendant assumed a fraudulent identity, posing as a woman with the specific intent of deceiving and manipulating children. The grand jury determined this individual utilized this charade to induce victims to produce footage that would later be shared online without their knowledge or consent,” said First Assistant Attorney General Lyndsay V. Ruotolo. “Such material should not exist, let alone circulate. And the manner in which it was allegedly obtained from the victims is not only abhorrent — it illustrates the alleged predatory premeditation that went into these crimes.”
“This case illustrates that the Division of Criminal Justice will stop at nothing to investigate and prosecute those who exploit children over social media platforms,” said J. Stephen Ferketic, Director of the Division of Criminal Justice. “We urge parents to be vigilant, and to be aware of who their children are communicating with on social media platforms.”
The criminal investigation leading to Luff’s arrest was launched following a cybertip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), a private nonprofit that assists with the location of missing children, reduction of child sexual exploitation, and prevention of child victimization. In this investigation, NCMEC reported that a cloud-based file hosting service reported that several files depicting suspected child sex abuse were uploaded to its platform. Investigators determined that the Internet Protocol (IP) address used to upload the files was associated with the university Luff was attending, and further investigation identified him as a suspect.
Luff has been indicted on the following charges:
Manufacturing Child Sexual Exploitation/Abuse Material– three counts, 1st Degree Sexual Assault — 2nd Degree Photographing or Filming a Child in a Prohibited Sexual Act or in the Simulation of Such an Act – three counts, 2nd Degree Impairing or Debauching the Morals of a Child – three counts, 3rd Degree Possession of Child Sexual Exploitation/Abuse Material (less than 1,000 items) – 3rd Degree Impersonation — 4th Degree
First-degree charges are punishable by 10 to 20 years in prison and fines of up to $200,000. Second-degree charges carry a sentence of five to 10 years in state prison and a fine of up to $150,000 Third-degree charges carry a sentence of three to five years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000. Fourth-degree charges carry a maximum sentence of 18 months in New Jersey State Prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
The investigation was led by the DCJ Cybercrimes Unit under the supervision of Lt. Richard DaSilva. Deputy Attorney General Robert Guarni is prosecuting the case for the DCJ Cybercrimes Unit, under the Supervision of Deputy Unit Chief Lisa Rastelli, Unit Chief Jillian Carpenter, and Interim DCJ Director Derek Nececkas.
These charges are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Defense attorney Dorion B. Morgan, Esq., Mount Holly
August 25, 2023
PEMBERTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (BURLINGTON)–Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw and Acting Pemberton Township Police Chief Jason Luis announced that a Pemberton Township School District employee was arrested today and charged with trying to arrange a sexual encounter with an underage female student.
Christopher J. Perry, 34, of Piute Trail in Browns Mills, was charged with Attempted Sexual Assault (Second Degree), Enticing a Minor (Second Degree), Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Third Degree) and Attempted Criminal Sexual Contact (Fourth Degree). Perry will be lodged in the Burlington County Jail in Mount Holly pending a first appearance in Superior Court. The case will now be prepared for presentation to a grand jury for possible indictment.
The investigation began last month after Perry, who is employed by the district as an Information Technology Coordinator, contacted the student through Snapchat. The student’s parents notified school officials, who contacted police. A BCPO investigator continued the text exchange with Perry, who believed he was still communicating with the 15-year-old student.
During the text exchange, Perry described in detail the sexual acts he wanted to perform on the student. He made arrangements to pick her up in his personal vehicle this afternoon at a park in Browns Mills. But when he arrived, instead of meeting the student, he was taken into custody by law enforcement officers. A short time earlier, Perry had been observed stopping at a drug store to purchase condoms on his way to the meeting location.
“I commend the parents of this young girl for reporting this interaction,” Prosecutor Bradshaw said. “It cannot be stressed enough how important it is for parents to be aware of what their children are doing online. This case strongly demonstrates how easy it is for the predators who prowl around cyberspace to quickly materialize in person as very real, very dangerous threats to those that we love and are supposed to protect.”
The investigation, which is continuing, is being conducted by the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit and the Pemberton Township Police Department. The lead investigators are BCPO Detective Arek Arargil and PTPD Detective Brenna Stone.
Anyone who possesses information concerning this defendant that might be useful to investigators is urged to call the Pemberton Township Police Department’s tip line at 609-894-3352.
All persons are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Christopher J. Perry, 34, of Piute Trail in Browns Mills, was charged with Attempted Sexual Assault (Second Degree), Enticing a Minor (Second Degree), Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Third Degree) and Attempted Criminal Sexual Contact (Fourth Degree). Perry will be lodged in the Burlington County Jail in Mount Holly pending a first appearance in Superior Court. The case will now be prepared for presentation to a grand jury for possible indictment.
August 18, 2023
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Bordentown Township and Robbinsville Township Fire Departments responded to the New Jersey Turnpike at 12:34 a.m. for a truck fire between Exits 7 and 7A. A New Jersey State Trooper on scene at mile post 57 north bound inner roadway reported a truck well engulfed in fire. Firefighters arrived a short time later and extinguished the fire. No other information is available.
August 16, 2023-Update
CHESTERFIELD TOWNSHIP, NJ (BURLINGTON)-New Jersey State Police, Sergeant First Class, Philip Curry, told MidJersey.news that the crash occurred at 10:51 a.m. on the NJ Turnpike southbound on the outer roadway Mile Post 55.2 in Chesterfield Twp, Burlington County. The preliminary investigation revealed that a Peterbilt dump truck was traveling south on the outer roadway when it experienced a tire failure. The Peterbilt then overturned, ran off the road to the right, and impacted a guide rail and chain link fence. As a result of the crash, Nelson Gonzalez, 45, of Manville, NJ, sustained fatal injuries. The right lane of the southbound outer roadway was closed for approximately 7 hours. The crash remains under investigation.
Earlier MidJersey.news story here:
Serious Crash On NJ Turnpike South Bound Just North Of Exit 7
August 16, 2023
UPDATE:
SFC Philip Curry of the New Jersey State Police, Office of Public Information told MidJersey.news that the crash occurred at 3:57 p.m. on the NJ Turnpike southbound on the inner roadway Mile Post 56.3 in Chesterfield. Preliminary information indicated that 4 vehicles were involved in a crash with multiple roll-overs. One minor non-life threatening injury was reported.
CHESTERFIELD TOWNSHIP, NJ (BURLINGTON)–For the second time today there was a serious crash on the New Jersey Turnpike south bound this time involving both the inner and outer lanes in the area of mile post 56.3. The crash involving multiple vehicles happened around 4:00 p.m. about two miles north of Exit 7. The crash happened on the inner lanes and left two vehicles overturned and two other vehicles had severe damage.
Robbinsville Township, Bordentown Township, Chesterfield Township, NJ State Police and EMS all responded to mile post 56.3 south bound for a multiple vehicle crash with entrapment. The crash was found on the south bound side of the roadway, a small work type van and an overturned Jeep were in the left shoulder of the inner roadway. An SUV with heavy damage and an overturned pickup truck appeared to both break though the guiderails between the inner and outer roadways. There were no major injuries, and it was unclear if anyone was transported to the hospital.
The crash backed traffic up with a 5-mile delay all the way back to Exit 7A-Robbinsville-I-195.
Earlier this morning around 11:00 a.m. there was a serious truck crash on the right shoulder of the outer roadway.
It was unclear if there were additional vehicles involved in this afternoon’s crash. The New Jersey State Police is investigating the crash.
You can read the earlier story here:
Serious Crash On NJ Turnpike South Bound Just North Of Exit 7
Crash and Overturned vehicle on New Jersey Turnpike Inner Roadway southbound North of Interchange 7 – US 206 (Chesterfield Twp) 2 Left lanes and right shoulder of 3 lanes blocked https://t.co/kx30Jrsffp
— 511NJ TPK (@511njtpk) August 16, 2023
Crash and Overturned vehicle on New Jersey Turnpike Inner Roadway southbound North of Interchange 7 – US 206 (Chesterfield Twp) All lanes and right shoulder blocked https://t.co/YyWphAvx8Z
— 511NJ TPK (@511njtpk) August 16, 2023
Delays on New Jersey Turnpike inner and outer roadways southbound South of Interchange 7A – I-195 (Hamilton Twp) to North of Interchange 7 – US 206 (Chesterfield Twp) 3 mile delay due to an incident on the NJ Turnpike https://t.co/gJ8sQ6q26u
— 511NJ TPK (@511njtpk) August 16, 2023
Delays on New Jersey Turnpike both directions exiting at Interchange 7A – I-195 (Robbinsville) due to an incident on the NJ Turnpike https://t.co/o9DMf1kk68
— 511NJ TPK (@511njtpk) August 16, 2023
Delays on New Jersey Turnpike outer roadway southbound South of Interchange 7A – I-195 (Hamilton Twp) to North of Interchange 7 – US 206 (Chesterfield Twp) 3 mile delay due to an incident on the NJ Turnpike https://t.co/QISjornomw
— 511NJ TPK (@511njtpk) August 16, 2023
August 16, 2023
A Burlington County, New Jersey, man admitted today that he illegally laundered the proceeds of a mail fraud scheme, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Pablo Estrada, 26, of Florence, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before Chief U.S. District Judge Renée Marie Bumb in Camden federal court to an information charging him with one count of money laundering.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From August 2020 through January 2023, Estrada received money from victims of various scams, including a lottery scam – an advance fee fraud which begins with victims receiving an unexpected notification that they have won large sums of money in a lottery, but are required to pay various fees and expenses before their winnings can be released to them. Estrada deposited the money into various bank accounts that he maintained for purposes of receiving criminal proceeds. He transferred the funds to other bank accounts, keeping a percentage for himself. Estrada laundered more than $4 million in this manner.
The money laundering charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross profits or gross loss, whichever is greatest. Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 19, 2023.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited postal inspectors with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service in Newark, under the direction of Inspector in Charge Christopher A. Nielsen, Philadelphia Division; special agents of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Thomas Mahoney; and special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Tammy Tomlins in Newark, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea. He also thanked the Burlington County Prosecutors Office under the direction of LaChia L. Bradshaw and the Florence Township Police Department under the direction of Brian Boldizar for their assistance.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel A. Friedman of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Camden.
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Defense counsel: Brad V. Shuttleworth Esq., Philadelphia
Estrada.Information-Download Photo by EKATERINA BOLOVTSOVA on Pexels.com
August 16, 2023
UPDATE:
EXPECT TRAFFIC DELAYS SOUTH OF EXIT 7A ROBBINSVILLE TO EXIT 7 BORDENTOWN
CHESTERFIELD TOWNSHIP, NJ (BURLINGTON)–Around 11:00 a.m. Bordentown Township, Robbinsville Township and Westhampton Fire Departments responded to the New Jersey Turnpike, south bound, outer roadway near mile post 55.2 for a serious truck crash. Upon arrival it was reported that a person was trapped inside an overturned dump truck. Firefighters and EMS units remained on scene for quite some time but there was no word of the condition of the injured driver. New Jersey State Police is investigating the crash. Further details to follow when information becomes available.
If traveling south bound, south of Exit 7A to Exit 7 expect traffic delays due to an accident investigation.
Overturned Dump Truck on New Jersey Turnpike Outer Roadway southbound North of Interchange 7 – US 206 (Chesterfield Twp) 1 Right lane of 3 lanes blocked https://t.co/FOMfssfs6M
— 511NJ TPK (@511njtpk) August 16, 2023
Delays on New Jersey Turnpike outer roadway southbound North of Interchange 7 – US 206 (Chesterfield Twp) 1 1/2 mile delay due to an incident on the NJ Turnpike https://t.co/3mN1sRWC5H
— 511NJ TPK (@511njtpk) August 16, 2023
Delays on New Jersey Turnpike inner and outer roadways southbound North of Interchange 7 – US 206 (Chesterfield Twp) 1 1/2 mile delay due to an incident on the NJ Turnpike https://t.co/FSrMHtdT9d
Photo by Tara Winstead on Pexels.com
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Photo by EKATERINA BOLOVTSOVA on Pexels.com
