HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Hamilton Police say that on Saturday, February 17, 2024 at approximately 4:52 a.m. Officers Jewell, Astbury, Quinn, and Guerieri were dispatched to the area of Pinewood Drive on a report of two males attempting to enter parked vehicles in the area. A witness saw the suspects enter a vehicle and then attempted to enter another vehicle. The Officers observed fresh footprints in the snow from where the vehicle had been entered. They followed the footprints and located one of the suspects hiding behind a bush in Veteran’s Park. The suspect matched a picture the witness took of him while he was entering the vehicle. He was placed under arrest and identified as Cedric Green, 26, of Trenton. Green was found to have items in his possession that did not belong to him including sunglasses, loose change, lighters, and other items. It was later determined Green had entered an additional vehicle parked on Pinewood Drive. The other suspect has not been identified at this time.
Green was charged with two counts of Criminal Attempt Burglary, two counts of Burglary to an Auto and two counts of Theft. He was released on a summons.
Anyone with any information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective James Rickey of the Hamilton Police Division Major Crimes Unit at (609) 689-5822 or the Hamilton Police Crime Tip Hotline at (609) 581-4008.
LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–According to Lawrence Township Police, yesterday morning, June 2, 2024, at approximately 8:40 a.m., a 2016 Toyota Sedan traveling at a high rate of speed crashed through the showroom of Worldwide Floor Covering located at 2750 Brunswick Pike.
According to witnesses, the driver was proceeding east bound on Darrah Lane at a high rate of speed, he disregarded the red light at the intersection of Brunswick Pike, went through the jug handle, over a curb line and into the Worldwide Floor Covering building. The vehicle crashed through the front door and ended up approximately 50-feet into the showroom of the business.
Luckily there were no injuries reported in the crash.
Five summonses were issued to vehicle operator, Jinyan Li a 36-year-old male and Lawrenceville resident those include:
1 – Reckless Driving
2 – Failure to Observe Traffic Signal (running of red light)
FREEHOLD, NJ (MONMOUTH) – A local man has been sentenced to 48 years in state prison for committing a string of sexual assaults and related crimes against two young girls over the course of multiple years, starting a little more than a decade ago, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced Monday.
Gerell F. Schmitt, 36, must serve a minimum of 85 percent of that sentence before the possibility of parole, in accordance with New Jersey’s No Early Release Act (NERA), under the terms set down during a hearing on Tuesday June 9, 2024, by Monmouth County Superior Court Judge Jill G. O’Malley.
An investigation into Schmitt’s activities was initiated by Detective Christopher Casson of the Eatontown Police Department in September 2020, when a relative of the two victims first reported the abuse to authorities. Both girls were under the age of 13 at the time the crimes were committed against them. The investigation ultimately determined that Schmitt had committed the crimes at several locations across Monmouth County, including his residence in Eatontown.
Schmitt was arrested in October 2020 and stood trial earlier this year, with both victims testifying. A Monmouth County jury ultimately convicted him on charges of first-degree Aggravated Sexual Assault, second-degree Attempted Aggravated Sexual Assault, two counts of second-degree Sexual Assault, and second- and third-degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child.
“There are no greater responsibilities we have as an Office than aggressively investigating and prosecuting the despicable actions of individuals who prey upon our vulnerable citizens, purely for their own selfish gratification,” Prosecutor Santiago said. “The outcome of this case is emblematic of that notion.”
This case was prosecuted by Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Keri-Leigh Schaefer. Schmitt was represented by Michael Kuhns, Esq.
Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Chief Daniel Plumacker of the Sayreville Police Department announced that on Friday, March 1, 2024, Kyle Finn, 23, of Sayreville, was sentenced to 40 years in prison for the crimes of Aggravated Sexual Assault and Sexual Assault.
On October 13, 2020, Sayreville Police received a report of a sexual assault that occurred at Superhero Schoolhouse, a daycare in the Parlin section of Sayreville. Upon further investigation, led by Detective Matthew Kenney of the Sayreville Police Department and Detective Suzanne Kowalski of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, it was determined that Finn, a former aide at Superhero Schoolhouse, sexually abused multiple child victims at the daycare while they were in his care.
Finn subsequently pled guilty on June 29, 2023, to six counts of first- degree Aggravated Sexual Assault and one count of second-degree Sexual Assault.
On March 1, 2024, Finn was sentenced by the Honorable Pedro J. Jimenez, Jr., J.S.C., to an aggregate term of 40 years in New Jersey State Prison. Finn must serve 85 percent of his sentence before he is eligible for parole. When released, he is subject to Parole Supervision for Life and the registration requirements of Megan’s Law.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–The Mercer County Homicide Task Force and the Trenton Police Department are investigating a fatal stabbing that occurred Thursday evening in the city, Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri reported.
Just before 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 19, 2023, Trenton police responded to the area of Cross Street and Kersey Alley in response to a call for an unresponsive male. Upon arrival, officers located a male victim on the ground in the sidewalk area suffering from numerous stab wounds. The victim, identified as Corey Jones, 40, of Trenton, was transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center where he was pronounced dead a short time later.
No arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact MCHTF Detective Michael Cipriano at (609) 575-2235 or OIC William Jett Jr. at (609) 331-5010. Information can also be emailed to [email protected].
Bridgeton Man Arrested and Charged with Fatal Stabbing in Trenton
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on July 25, 2022, Donald Rutter, 53, of Tuckerton, was sentenced by the Honorable Wendel E. Daniels, J.S.C. (retired and temporarily assigned on recall), to five years New Jersey State Prison (NJSP), as a result of his previously entered guilty plea to Aggravated Assault in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1b(1), in connection with an incident that occurred during the evening hours of January 5, 2021 in Little Egg Harbor Township. This sentence will be subject to the terms of the No Early Release Act, N.J.S.A. 2C:43-7.2, meaning that Rutter will be required to serve at least 85 percent of his prison sentence before he may be considered for parole eligibility. Judge Daniels also sentenced Rutter to 18 months NJSP as a result of his guilty plea to Stalking in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:12-10b, in connection with the same incident. The sentences will run concurrently. Additionally, Judge Daniels executed a Permanent Stalking Restraining Order barring Rutter from having any contact with the victim, Thomas Jarvis, 55, of Little Egg Harbor. Rutter pled guilty to both charges before Judge Daniels on June 13, 2022.
On January 5, 2021, at approximately 7:30 p.m., Little Egg Harbor Township Police were dispatched to Jarvis Marine on Radio Road in response to a 911 call which related that an individual had been shot. Responding Officers found Mr. Jarvis with an apparent gunshot wound to his midsection. Mr. Jarvis was transported to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center. He was treated for his injuries and eventually released from the hospital.
An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit revealed that Rutter was, in fact, the individual who shot Mr. Jarvis. An exhaustive search of the surrounding area by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, Little Egg Harbor Township Police Department, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Regional SWAT Team, New Jersey State Police, New Jersey State Park Police, United States Marshals Service, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office, and Tuckerton Police Department, was unsuccessful in locating Rutter in the aftermath of the shooting. As such, a warrant was issued for Rutter’s arrest.
On January 28, 2021, Rutter was ultimately located in Atlantic City and taken into custody, without incident, by the United States Marshals Service. He has been lodged in the Ocean County Jail since his apprehension.
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the diligent efforts of Senior Assistant Prosecutor Meghan O’Neill and Assistant Prosecutor Kaitlyn Burke who handled the case on behalf of the State, as well as the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, Little Egg Harbor Township Police Department, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Regional SWAT Team, New Jersey State Police, New Jersey State Park Police, United States Marshals Service, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and Tuckerton Police Department, for their combined and collaborative efforts in connection with this investigation resulting in Rutter’s apprehension, guilty pleas, and now his state prison sentence.
NEWARK, N.J. – An Ocean County, New Jersey, man admitted his role in a durable medical equipment kickback scheme, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.
Alexander Schleider, 57, of Lakewood, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Michael A. Shipp in Trenton federal court to an information charging him with one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and one count of wire fraud.
According to documents filed in the case and statements made in court:
Schleider owned and operated durable medical equipment (DME) companies in New Jersey that provided orthotic braces to beneficiaries of Medicare and other federal and private health care benefit programs without regard to medical necessity. Schleider and his conspirators obtained prescriptions for the DME braces through the payment of kickbacks and bribes to individuals operating marketing call centers, who in turn utilized the service of telemedicine companies to obtain prescriptions for the DME. Schleider caused losses to Medicare and other health care benefit programs of $21.7 million.
Schleider also committed wire fraud in connection with funds made available in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. After one of his DME companies received $322,237 from the Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Resources and Services Administration Provider Relief Fund, Schleider submitted a fraudulent attestation to HRSA in which he claimed that the DME company provided diagnoses, testing, and care for individuals with possible or actual cases of COVID-19 after Jan. 31, 2020. In reality, the DME company had ceased billing for any services in April 2019. The attestation also falsely claimed that the payment would only be used to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus, and that the payment shall reimburse the recipient only for health care related expenses or lost revenues that are attributable to coronavirus. Schleider did not use the funds for those purposes, but transferred them into other accounts and subsequently used them to purchase real estate and vehicles, among other things.
The charge of conspiracy to commit health care fraud is punishable by a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000, or twice the gross profit or loss caused by the offense, whichever is greatest. The charge of wire fraud is punishable by a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000, or twice the gross profit or loss caused by the offense, whichever is greatest. Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 8, 2023.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark; the Department of Health and Human Services-Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Naomi Gruchacz; and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Christopher F. Algieri, with the investigation leading to the guilty plea.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sean M. Sherman and DeNae Thomas of the Health Care Fraud Unit in Newark.
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Defense counsel: Marc Agnifilo Esq., New York
Schleider.InformationDownload Photo by Sora Shimazaki on Pexels.com
Sauickie Expresses Deep Frustration After State Police Drone Briefing
December 10, 2024
WASHINGTON, DC — In a letter today, Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) urged U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to immediately provide all capabilities at his disposal to identify and address the widespread drone activity across New Jersey as serious concerns continue to mount over potential threats to the homeland.
Smith’s letter comes after he was briefed by a U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Commanding Officer stationed in Barnegat Light that more than a dozen drones followed a USCG motor lifeboat in close pursuit over the weekend.
“As you no doubt are also aware, there have been numerous instances of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) flying over New Jersey, including in close proximity to sensitive sites and critical infrastructure, to include military installations located in my district,” said Smith.
“As you know, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (JBMDL) possess capabilities to identify and take down unauthorized unmanned aerial systems and have utilized this capability to address overflights of the installation,” Smith said.
“I urgently request all capabilities possessed by the Department of Defense, especially those in use by JBMDL to be immediately deployed to identify and address the potential threats posed by UAS over the state of New Jersey,” said Smith.
Smith, who spent hours with Ocean County Sheriff Mike Mastronardy on Monday evening monitoring the New Jersey sky in the Sheriff’s Mobile Command Center, said he is deeply concerned by the potential threats posed by the drones.
“The serious concerns of New Jersey residents need to be put to rest with answers—not empty reassurances,” said Smith. “The time to act is now.”
Smith testified today that, “An officer from the Coast Guard stated that one of their 47 Foot motor lifeboats was followed by between 12 to 30 of these drones as they (the Coast Guard) went though the water, followed, right behind them.”
Booker Pens Letter Requesting Greater Transparency, Comprehensive Briefing on Drone Activity Over New Jersey
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) sent a letter to Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), FBI Director Christopher Wray, and Secretary Pete Buttigieg of the Department of Transportation (DOT) requesting the agencies provide municipal and county officials with a comprehensive briefing regarding the unauthorized drone activity over New Jersey communities. He also requested that officials make any available information accessible to the public.
Senator Booker wrote, “Over the past several weeks, there have been multiple confirmed sightings of unexplained drone activity over New Jersey communities and military installations. These sightings have been confirmed by local and state authorities, prompting the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to open an investigation into the sightings and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to impose flight restrictions over Picatinny Arsenal in Morris County and Trump National Golf Club Bedminster in Somerset County. On December 4th, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy convened a briefing with Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, state agencies, and members of the New Jersey Congressional delegation. The unexplained drone activity in and around New Jersey continues, however, with reports on December 9th of drone sightings over Naval Weapons Station Earle in Monmouth County.”
The letter continued, “I recognize the need to maintain operational security of ongoing investigations and that this situation requires complex interagency coordination. However, there is a growing sense of uncertainty and urgency across the state—from constituents and local officials alike—despite assurances that the drones pose no known threats to public safety. As such, I urge you to share any relevant information about these drone sightings with the public. Without transparency, I believe that rumors, fear, and misinformation will continue to spread.”
“I also request that the DHS, the FBI, and the FAA provide a briefing to New Jersey’s municipal and county officials on the current situation, to include the federal government’s response to date, in accordance with appropriate classification restrictions.”
Senator Booker’s letter concludes, “It is our shared obligation to ensure that our airspace is safe and secure, and I am committed to giving New Jerseyans peace of mind about these activities. I am eager to assist with investigations into the origins of these activities and to work with you to develop policies to protect New Jersey’s population and infrastructure from malicious drone activity.
Recorded Drone sightings around Monmouth County
SHERIFF URGING FEDERAL & STATE OFFICIALS TO TAKE PROMPT ACTION IS ADDRESSING RECENT DRONE SIGHTINGS
As reported sightings of drones continue throughout Monmouth County, Sheriff Shaun Golden is asking federal and state officials to collaborate in identifying the source of activity across the region.
The Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office and partners in law enforcement are actively monitoring the situation which doesn’t appear to be a threat to public safety. However, additional tools are needed at the state level to identify the source, as well as more transparency federally, regarding drone operations over critical infrastructure and sensitive areas.
“We are aware of the unease these drone sightings have caused in our communities,” said Sheriff Shaun Golden. “The safety and security of our residents are our top priorities. We urge federal and state authorities to work together in locating the source of these drones and determining their intent. It is essential that we address these incidents swiftly to prevent any concerns or disruptions.”
Anyone with relevant information is asked to call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or submit it online at tips.fbi.gov
Map includes reports of drone sightings in Monmouth County.
In a letter yesterday, December 9, 2024, Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) urged U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to immediately provide all capabilities at his disposal to identify and address the widespread drone activity across New Jersey as serious concerns continue to mount over potential threats to the homeland.
Smith’s letter comes after he was briefed by a U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Commanding Officer stationed in Barnegat Light that more than a dozen drones followed a USCG motor lifeboat in close pursuit over the weekend.
“As you no doubt are also aware, there have been numerous instances of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) flying over New Jersey, including in close proximity to sensitive sites and critical infrastructure, to include military installations located in my district,” said Smith.
“As you know, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (JBMDL) possess capabilities to identify and take down unauthorized unmanned aerial systems and have utilized this capability to address overflights of the installation,” Smith said.
“I urgently request all capabilities possessed by the Department of Defense, especially those in use by JBMDL to be immediately deployed to identify and address the potential threats posed by UAS over the state of New Jersey,” said Smith.
Smith, who spent hours with Ocean County Sheriff Mike Mastronardy on Monday evening monitoring the New Jersey sky in the Sheriff’s Mobile Command Center, said he is deeply concerned by the potential threats posed by the drones.
“The serious concerns of New Jersey residents need to be put to rest with answers—not empty reassurances,” said Smith. “The time to act is now.”
The Ocean County Sheriff’s Office continues to get reports of low flying Drones over Ocean County- we have a Drone Unit that is assigned to review these complaints.
The East Brunswick Police Department is aware of the frequent drone (UAS) sightings throughout the Township. While it is not illegal to fly UAS in any unrestricted airspace, authorities are requesting information regarding any UAS sightings, including images and videos.
This is a statewide issue, and the FBI has urged the public to report sightings via its tips line. The number is 1-800-CALL-FBI (800 225-5324). Photos and videos of the drones are encouraged and can be uploaded at tips.fbi.gov. For online reports, click “submit a tip” and then use the “other FBI crimes” tab.
If you observe drones impacting critical infrastructure, report it by calling 732-390-6901 or 9-1-1 if there is an emergency.
Currently, there is no information indicating any specific, immediate, credible threats.
Thank you for playing an essential role in maintaining a safe community!
MONMOUTH COUNTY LAW ENFORCEMENT ACKNOWLEDGES DRONE SIGHTINGS
FREEHOLD – Mirroring a broader trend, local law enforcement agencies have received multiple reports of drone sightings in municipalities across Monmouth County late this week, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago and Monmouth County Police Chiefs Association President/Spring Lake Heights Police Chief Edward Gunnell jointly announced Friday.
Acknowledging concerns voiced by the public, the Prosecutor’s Office and local police are actively sharing information about the sightings with partner agencies as it is received.
As of now, the drones are not known to pose any specific threat to public safety. The aforementioned sightings have taken place along the Bayshore Region, the Atlantic Coast, and interior sections of Monmouth County.
Anyone concerned about a potentially suspicious drone sighting should call the non-emergency line of their local police department to report it. The FBI’s Newark Office and the New Jersey State Police are also asking civilians to please report any information related to such matters directly to a dedicated tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225- 5324), or submit information online at www.tips.fbi.gov (videos can also be uploaded at that URL).
For more information about drones, also known as Unmanned Aircraft Systems, (UAS), including background on civilian usage, licensing, relevant laws and regulations, and restricted airspace zones in New Jersey, go online to the State Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness (OHSP) dedicated UAS web page at https://www.njohsp.gov/threat-landscape/drones-and-unmanned-aircraft-systems.
Point Plesant Police reported that on December 5, 2024, three drones were observed throughout town predominantly along the coastline and the train tracks near the south end of town. This agency made notifications to the appropriate State and Federal agencies as per protocols disseminated from the NJSP ROIC. We will continue to monitor and notify the appropriate agencies of any and all drone activity.
The highly anticipated center reopens after a five-year hiatus
August 25, 2023
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–On Thursday, August 24th the West Ward Recreation Center reopened after five years of renovations. In celebration, the City of Trenton hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony, featuring performances by students of the Sprout University School of Performing Arts, and three Trenton vs. Philadelphia basketball games in honor of Kobe Bryant Day at the newly restored Center.
“Many of you remember the floors were peeling and this facility’s deplorable condition was not representative of the great Capital City that we all love. We are extremely grateful that we were able to renovate this recreation center using grant funding from the County and the State,” Mayor Reed Gusciora said.
New amenities at the Center include; a teaching lab for media production, acting, t-shirt printing, a computer lab, a kitchen, new offices and restrooms, a laundry area, a new gym floor colored purple and gold in honor of the late Kobe Bryant, and new rims and nets for the basketball courts.
“This is for the City of Trenton. This is what greatness looks like. This is what you deserve and when you know you deserve something you accept nothing less and nothing less comes to you,” Trenton City Council President and West Ward Councilwoman Teska Frisby stated. “Princeton, Robbinsville, Lawrence, they are not the Capital City. We are and we’re going to show up that way, look that way, and we’re going to honor it that way.”
The most popular of the four rec centers in Trenton due to its full-sized basketball court, the West Ward offers programming five days a week, including a popular afterschool program, basketball clinics, homework help, financial literacy, STEM and Arts programs, and summer camps.
From 3-6 p.m. the center is open for kids ages 6-12 and from 6-8 p.m. for teens ages 13-18. The Center is also looking to add Saturday programming to help keep youth engaged and provide access to technology and assistance in their learning and development.
A month-long investigation into cocaine distribution in Mercer County culminated recently with four arrests and the seizure of $500,000 in narcotics, Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri reported yesterday.
A few weeks ago, the Mercer County Narcotics Task Force received information from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and an investigation ensued. The investigation led law enforcement officials to the Motel 6 in Lawrence Township the evening of March 21. Detectives executed a search warrant and located William Adrover Rodriguez inside a room on the first floor with approximately 5.1 kilograms of powder cocaine. The street value of the confiscated narcotics is approximately $500,000.
Rodriguez was taken into custody without incident. Three additional individuals involved in the conspiracy to distribute cocaine were arrested nearby.
Members of the Mercer County Narcotics Task Force and the DEA Tactical Response Team executed the search warrant at the motel. The Ewing, Hamilton, Lawrence and Trenton police departments and the FBI also assisted with the investigation.
William Adrover Rodriguez, 38, of Galloway, Ohio, is charged with multiple first-degree narcotic offenses. Jamie Acevedo-Correa, 42, of Riogrande, NJ, Manuel Castro Velazquez, 46, of Trenton, NJ, and Elvin Perez-Medina, 34, of Puerto Rico, are each charged with second-degree conspiracy. The prosecutor’s office is filing motions to detain all four men pending trial.
Despite having been charged, all persons are presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
William Adrover Rodriguez
William Adrover Rodriguez, 38, of Galloway, Ohio, is charged with multiple first-degree narcotic offenses.
Manuel Castro Velazquez, 46, of Trenton, NJ
Jamie Acevedo-Correa, 42, of Riogrande, NJ, Manuel Castro Velazquez, 46, of Trenton, NJ, and Elvin Perez-Medina, 34, of Puerto Rico, are each charged with second-degree conspiracy.
Photo by EKATERINA BOLOVTSOVA on Pexels.com
Donald Rutter, 53, of Tuckerton
Photo by Sora Shimazaki on Pexels.com
