TRENTON, NJ The Trenton Board of Education received NJSBA Board Certification (BC), and each member was recognized as a Certified Board Member (CBM) at the Nov. 16 Mercer County SBA Meeting.
Through Board Certification, the NJSBA Board Member Academy recognizes mastery of the unique aspects of the group process. This certification recognizes the full board’s commitment to training and effective governance in areas such as group process, decision-making, planning, effective meetings and focus on student achievement. The Certified Board Member Award recognizes professional development in areas critical to effective school board governance. The Certified Board Member is the second NJSBA Board Member Academy certification program level.
The district congratulates BOE members Gene Bouie, Addie Daniels-Lane, Deniece Johnson, Jeannie Weakliem, Austin Edwards, Esq., Sasa Olessi Montaño, BOE Vice President Gerald Trueheart and BOE President Yolanda Marrero-Lopez on being a part of the certified board and receiving their board member certification.
Requirements:
Certified Board Member requirements
Board Certification requirements
Front row from left to right; Gerald Trueheart, Yolanda Marrero-Lopez, Addie Daniels-Lane, Gene Bouie. Back row from left to right; James Earle, Jeannie Weakliem, Sasa Olessi Montaño, Austin Edwards, Esq., Deniece Johnson
CAPE MAY, N.J. — Coast Guard crews rescued an overdue mariner 270 miles off Hatteras, North Carolina, Wednesday.
Coast Guard Sector New York watchstanders received a report of lost communications from the family of the mariner who departed Jersey City, New Jersey, en route to Bermuda, stating that they lost contact on Nov. 6, and that as of Tuesday, he was considered overdue.
Watchstanders from the Coast Guard Atlantic Area command center assumed responsibility of search and rescue efforts, coordinating the launch of assets from the Coast Guard’s First and Fifth districts and issuing an urgent marine information broadcast (UMIB).
The sailing vessel Time Bandit heard the UMIB and happened upon an adrift sailing vessel with tattered sails and a missing boom, matching the description of the overdue mariner’s boat. The good Samaritan made contact with the overdue mariner. Due to on scene conditions, the Coast Guard advised against an at-sea transfer.
The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Lawrence Lawson (WPC 1120), based in Cape May, New Jersey, arrived on scene Wednesday and safely transferred him aboard the cutter. The mariner was transported in stable condition and reunited with family Thursday at Coast Guard Training Center Cape May.
“We are pleased that this case resulted in a family reunion,” said Cmdr. Wes Geyer, search and rescue mission coordinator, Coast Guard Atlantic Area. “The search area for this case was nearly twice the size of Texas and the seas are very unforgiving. We urge all mariners venturing offshore to carry a properly registered Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB). This device can help pinpoint your exact location should the unthinkable ever happen.”
The Coast Guard dispatched additional assets to assist in the search and rescue case, including:
An HC-130 Hercules crew from Air Station Elizabeth City, N.C.
An MH-60 helicopter crew from Air Station Elizabeth City
An HC-144 crew from Air Station Cape Cod, Mass.
To register your EPIRB, please go to Register your Beacon | SARSAT (noaa.gov).
The Coast Guard Atlantic Area located in Portsmouth, Virginia, is responsible for overseeing all Coast Guard operations from the Rocky Mountains to the Arabian Gulf.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office says that the Mercer County Homicide Task Force and the Trenton Police Department are investigating a shooting homicide in Trenton.
This morning, Friday, November 24, at approximately 6:30 a.m., Trenton police responded to the first block of Oliver Avenue for a ShotSpotter activation. Responding officers arrived on scene to discover an adult male on the sidewalk shot multiple times. The victim was transported to Capital Heath Regional Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.
No arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact MCHTF Detective Elijah Phillips at (609) 414-2006 or Sgt. Roberto Reyes at (609) 256-0997. Information can also be emailed to [email protected].
EASTAMPTON, NJ (BURLINGTON)–Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw and Eastampton Township Police Chief Joseph Iacovitti announced that a 26-year-old Willingboro man was fatally shot last night at the Eastampton Gardens apartment complex.
The investigation began yesterday just before 7:15 p.m. after officers from the Eastampton Township and Westampton Township police departments were called to the intersection of Hedding-Jacksonville Road and Welsford Way for a report of a motor vehicle crash.
Upon arrival at the scene, it was discovered that Christian Kurtz was suffering from a gunshot wound. He was transported by ambulance to Virtua Mount Holly Hospital, where he died approximately 30 minutes later.
The preliminary investigation revealed that Kurtz had been shot while at the apartment complex, then drove a short distance in his car before colliding with the other vehicle.
No arrests have been made. An autopsy will be performed today by the Burlington County Medical Examiner’s Office.
The investigation is being conducted by the Prosecutor’s Office and the Eastampton Township Police Department, with assistance from the Westampton Township Police Department. The lead investigators are BCPO Detective Nicholas Schieber, BCPO Detective Kevin Smith and ETPD Det. Richard Tracy.
Anyone with information that might be useful to investigators is asked to call Burlington County Central Communications at 609-265-7113, or send an email to [email protected].
Robbinsville Woman Charged with Four Counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child
April 29, 2025
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–An investigation by the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office and the Robbinsville Township Police Department has resulted in the arrest of a Robbinsville woman for endangering the welfare of a child, Mercer County Prosecutor Janetta D. Marbrey and Robbinsville Police Chief William G. Swanhart announced today.
On Sunday evening, April 27, 2025, Robbinsville police responded to a township residence in reference to an unresponsive five-year-old girl. The child was transported to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton, where she was pronounced dead a short time later.
Raphaelle Register, 36, was arrested and charged on Monday, April 28, 2025, with four counts of second-degree endangering the welfare of a child. The prosecutor’s office has filed a motion to detain her pending trial.
The criminal complaint states that Register had a legal duty to care for the two five-year-olds, the eight-year-old and the 12-year-old, all of whom she left unattended. The complaint further states that she failed to adequately feed and nourish the five-year-olds and provide access to necessary medical treatment, thereby making the children abused or neglected.
An autopsy was performed yesterday afternoon by the Middlesex Regional Medical Examiner’s Office. The cause and manner of the child’s death are pending further testing and investigation.
LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Multiple fire departments are currently operating a structure fire in the second block of Fountayne Lane. The fire was reported sometime around 10:57 a.m. and first arriving firefighters reported large amount of fire from the roof line.
About 11:20 a.m. it was reported that firefighters had multiple hose lines stretched and a ladder flowing water on the fire.
At 11:35 a.m. the Lawrence Township Fire Marshal was requested to the scene.
11:50 a.m. Fire Under Control
Furter details to be provided as information becomes available.
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–On April 6, 2024 at approximately 7:40 p.m., Manuel Ramones-Vicuna, 24-year-old male from Hamilton, was traveling westbound through the parking lot of the Independence Mall, located at 2465 S. Broad St, on a 2014 KTM 350 Off-Road motorcycle when he struck the guidewire to a utility pole. Mr. Ramones-Vicuna was ejected from the motorcycle and suffered serious injuries. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.The crash is under investigation by Officers Hendricksen, Mandelko, and Welsh from the Hamilton Police Traffic Unit.
Any witnesses are asked to contact the Hamilton Police Traffic Unit at (609)581-4000.
WALL TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH) – A Wall Township man was arrested and criminally charged in connection with an armed robbery in the same town, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced on Thursday.
Jeffrey L. Kniffin, 50, was charged with one count of first-degree Armed Robbery, one count of Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose and one count of fourth-degree Possession of Hollow Point Bullets.
On Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at approximately 3:24 p.m., officers from the Wall Township Police Department were dispatched to a Bank of America branch located on State Highway 35 for a reported robbery. Upon arrival, law enforcement officials learned that a man wearing a mask, glasses, ball cap, black hoodie and gloves had entered the bank, brandished a firearm and stole a large amount of cash, in excess of $5,000, prior to fleeing the scene.
An off-duty Wall Township police officer was driving in the vicinity of the bank when he learned of the robbery. As the officer proceeded towards the location, he observed a male matching the description of the suspect riding a bicycle. The officer followed the suspect, later identified as Kniffin, to the front of Kniffin’s residence on M Street, where he would ultimately be apprehended.
Kniffin was transported to the Monmouth County Correctional Institution (MCCI), where he is currently being held pending his first appearance in Monmouth County Superior Court.
The case is assigned to Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Michael Luciano of the Major Crimes Bureau. Information regarding Kniffin’s legal representation was not immediately available.
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.
Archdiocese of Newark to Celebrate 31st Annual Blue Mass Honoring Active, Fallen Police
Liturgy Celebrated by Cardinal Tobin will Recognize 11 Deceased NJ Law Enforcement Officers
October 26, 2024
Newark, N.J. – The Archdiocese of Newark will celebrate the 31st Annual Blue Mass honoring the dedication and sacrifices of New Jersey law enforcement personnel on Thursday, November 7, at 10 a.m. in Newark’s Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart.
Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., Archbishop of Newark, will preside over the Mass, which will be attended by law enforcement officers of all faiths representing federal, state, county, and municipal departments and agencies. They will be joined by the families of the deceased being recognized as well as multiple police honor guard units, bagpipers, and drummers. Numerous community members — including several high-ranking public officials — will also be present to show their support.
“The Blue Mass is a reminder of the sacrifices police officers make, but it’s also a chance for the community to come together in prayer, reflection, and unity,” said Lieutenant Christopher Whiting of the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, who is co-chairman of this year’s Blue Mass. “In a time when law enforcement faces numerous challenges, this event is an opportunity to bridge divides and reinforce the support that officers need, both spiritually and from the public. The Mass serves as a powerful reminder that the work they do impacts everyone, and they deserve our appreciation and respect year-round.”
This year’s Blue Mass will pay tribute to nine local police officers who died in the line of duty within the past few years, including many who succumbed to 9/11-related illnesses: New Jersey State Police Trooper Marcellus E. Bethea, Sayreville Police Captain William Gawron, Elizabeth Police Sergeant Michael “Zini” Kurinzi, Port Authority Police Captain Richard L. Ruiz Sr., Port Authority Police Captain John M. Collins, Port Authority Police Officer David J. Lee, Port Authority Police Officer Anthony J. Mezzacappa, Port Authority Police Officer John M. Cortazzo, and New Jersey Transit Police Inspector Robert Noble.
Additionally, Millburn Police Officer Luke Lyons and Fairfield Police Detective James Ciampi — two police officers who passed away outside of duty — will be recognized for their years of commitment to law enforcement.
“The officers being honored this year were individuals dedicated to their profession, embodying courage, selflessness, and a deep sense of duty,” Whiting said. “They always put the safety of others above their own, and they were highly respected within their departments and communities. Their passing is a profound loss, but their legacy of service and sacrifice will be remembered and celebrated during the Mass.”
For more information on the Blue Mass, contact Vincent Nardone and William Schievella at 1-800-427-7651 or [email protected]
New Jersey State Police Trooper Marcellus E. Bethea of Florence, Sayreville Police Captain William Gawron, Sergeant Michael “Zini” Kurinzi of Toms River, Port Authority Police Officer Anthony J. Mezzacappa of Hazlet, and Officer Luke Lyons of Randolph will be honored at the Archdiocese of Newark’s 31st Annual Blue Mass on Thursday, Nov. 7, at 10 a.m. in Newark’s Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart. The Blue Mass is a tradition that pays tribute to all New Jersey law enforcement personnel, with 11 deceased officers being celebrated this year.
October 26, 2024
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Robbinsville Township Mayor and Director of Public Safety Dave Fried announced yesterday, that Lieutenant William Swanhart has been named the next Robbinsville Township Police Department, Chief of Police, effective January 1, 2025.
Swanhart, 43, will take the reins from outgoing Chief Michael K. Polaski, who announced his retirement effective December 31 after 25 years of exemplary public service, in August.
“Lt. Swanhart’s experience, training and steady hand certainly rose to the top during this process,” Fried said. “We are extremely fortunate to have such a deep and talented pool of qualified candidates, and I would have been proud to have any one of them as my chief. Mike will be greatly missed. He was the right man, at the right time, and at the end of the day I feel the exact same way about Lt. Swanhart.”
Swanhart joined the department in December of 2006. Prior to his appointment with the RTPD he worked for New Jersey Transit Police. Swanhart served as a patrolman until being assigned to the Criminal Investigations Unit in October of 2012. In July of 2013, Swanhart was promoted to the rank of Sergeant, where he was assigned supervision of the Criminal Investigation’s Unit. Swanhart reached the rank of Lieutenant in July of 2016.
Since 2022, Swanhart has served as Administrative Lieutenant with duties that include oversight of the department’s Internal Affairs function, Public Information Officer, Field Training Officer Program, Traffic Unit, and School Resource Officers. During his career, Swanhart has been a Drug Recognition Expert, Evidence Custodian, Internal Affairs Officer, Department Training Coordinator, member of the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office Cyber Crimes Task Force, and worked with various federal, county, and local law enforcement partners.
“I’m very humbled by the opportunity to lead this great agency,” Swanhart said. “The groundwork was set for me by Chief (Marty) Masseroni, Chief (Chris) Nitti and Chief Polaski and I am excited to keep us moving forward. When you start at the academy as a recruit this is the pinnacle. Just incredibly proud to serve not only this agency, but the citizens of Robbinsville and I am looking forward to building a great relationship with them.”
Among his achievements, Lt. Swanhart garnered the State of New Jersey Highway Traffic Safety Top Gun DWI Enforcement award. In 2014 and 2015, he received training from the United States Secret Service in Hoover, Alabama in the area of computer forensics. After completing the FBI-LEEDA Law Enforcement Development Course in 2017, Lt. Swanhart graduated from the FBI National Academy in 2023, Session 285.
“I would like to congratulate Lt. Swanhart and his family of this achievement,” Chief Polaski said. “Lt. Swanhart has been an integral part of this agency for 18 years and possesses the knowledge and skill set to face the challenges that may lay ahead. The department is in good hands, and this will be a very smooth transition.”
Lieutenant William Swanhart has been named the next Robbinsville Township Police Department, Chief of Police, effective January 1, 2025.
WALL TOWNSHIP- On Saturday, December 16, 2023, the Wall Township Police were engaged in foot pursuit following an investigation into a suspicious person at an area motel.
At approximately 8:58 p.m. on Saturday, December 16th Patrolman Johan Moreno-Garcia and Sergeant Chris Mason were investigation a suspicious person incident at the Budget Inn Motel located on State Highway 35. While the above officers were speaking with the male subject identified as William Segars, 37-years-old of Neptune, he initiated a foot chase.
Segars was apprehended a short time later and he was found to have several active arrest warrants out of Tinton Falls, Eatontown, Neptune and Ocean Township. Once he was apprehended, he was also found to be in possession of a knife and heroin.
Segars was charged with resisting arrest, obstructing the administration of law, possession of heroin and unlawful possession of a weapon. He was later transported to Monmouth County Correctional Institution in Freehold.
Despite these charges, every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, following a trial at which the defendant has all the trial rights guaranteed by the United States Constitution and New Jersey State Law.
SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Chief Raymond Hayducka of the South Brunswick Police Department announced today that a homicide is currently under investigation in South Brunswick Township.
Yesterday, January 9, 2025, at approximately 3:15 P.M., authorities responded to a residence on Route 27 in South Brunswick Township following the report of an unresponsive female. Upon their arrival, South Brunswick Police Department discovered Lauren Saldana, 38, of Freehold, unconscious. Saldana was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Initial investigation led by Detective Matthew Hagood of the South Brunswick Police Department and Detective Javier Morillo of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, determined that Roman Romanovskiy, 41, of South Brunswick was the alleged perpetrator of the acts causing the death of Saldana. Moreover, Saldana and Romanovskiy knew each other, thus it was not a random act of violence.
Romanovskiy was arrested without incident yesterday, and charged with first- degree Murder, second-degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child, and third-degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child. Romanovskiy is being held at the Middlesex County Adult Correctional Center pending the results of his Pre-Trial detention hearing.
The Endangering the Welfare of a Child charge was filed since the acts resulting in the victim’s death were committed in the presence of minors.
Anyone with information or surveillance footage of the area is asked to call Detective Hagood of the South Brunswick Police Department at 732-329-4646 or Detective Morillo the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at 732-745-8843.
January 10, 2025
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–An investigation conducted by the Mercer County Homicide Task Force (MCHTF) and the Trenton Police Department has resulted in the arrest of a New York man for the December 2024 shooting death of a 32-year-old city resident, Mercer County Prosecutor Janetta D. Marbrey announced.
Sean Wilkerson, 33, of Brooklyn, NY, is charged with one count of first-degree murder, one count of first-degree felony murder, one count of second-degree attempted kidnapping, one count of second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and one count of second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon. He was arrested on January 7 in New York by members of the U.S. Marshals NY/NJ Regional Fugitive Task Force. The prosecutor’s office will file a motion to detain him pending trial.
At approximately 5:51 p.m. on Sunday, December 22, 2024, Trenton police officers were dispatched to the 100 block of South Cook Avenue in Trenton on multiple reports that someone had been shot. Responding officers located the victim, later identified as Shakeem Lemach Davis, inside E&J Deli Grocery suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Davis was transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center where died a short time later.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact MCHTF Detective Tim Bruey at (609) 989-6406 or Sgt. Roberto Reyes at (609) 256-0997. Information can also be emailed to [email protected].
Despite having been charged, every defendant is presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Homicide Under Investigation in Trenton
Names of the 2024 Trenton Homicide Victims
01/13/2024 Eduardo Lopez-Cruz, 38, of Trenton, Shooting
01/16/2024 Stefon Locke, 33, Shooting on 1/16 died 2/8/2024
02/28/2024 Shawn Moore, 45, Trenton, Shooting
03/19/2024 Donnell Jenkins age 52, Stabbing
04/04/2024 Jose Alfredo Azcona Garcia, 46, of Trenton, Shooting
05/01/2024 Jerome Francis, 43, of Hamilton
05/01/2024 Chevaughn Fagan, 28, of Trenton
05/19/2024 Stephon Fisher, 18, of Trenton, Shooting
05/26/2024 Dwayne Penix, 20, of Trenton, Shooting
06/01/2024 Shydasia Merrick, 26, of Trenton (Hit and Run)
06/11/2024 Johnathan Applegate
06/23/2024 Samier Vincent, 30, of Trenton, Shooting, died 6/27/2024
07/02/2024 Capriest Ruiz, 23, of Camden, Shooting, died on 2/3/2024
07/04/2024 Amir Williams, 32, of Trenton, Shooting
07/12/2024 Johny Emmanuel Cruz-Rodrigez, Shooting
07/14/2024 Luis Torres Marrero, 47, of Trenton, Shooting 7/9/2024
09/22/2024 Opium Leverette, 17, of Trenton, Shooting
12/08/2024 Kristoffer Givens, 47, of Ewing, Shooting
12/22/2024 Shakeem Lemach Davis, 32, of Trenton, Shooting
12/27/2024 Michael Jones, 44, of Trenton, Shooting
Homicide Victims in Mercer County outside of Trenton:
