PENNINGTON, NJ (MERCER)–Firefighters responded to Eglantine Avenue and East Franklin Avenue for a house fire around 8:00 p.m. There were initial reports of fire from the 2nd floor windows. The fire escalated to 2-alarm and water tankers were called to the scene. The fire was placed under control around 8:57 p.m.
Pennington Fire Company posted on Facebook: “All township fire companies and mutual aid were dispatched to a heavily involved dwelling fire on the corner of Eglantine and E. Franklin in Pennington Borough. Please avoid the area. Update 8:35 p.m. (2035hrs) Evacuation tones sounded; all operating members ordered out of the structure. 2nd alarm tanker strike team called due to low hydrant pressures. Unknown cause of fire at this time.”
Further information will be posted as it becomes available.
Hopewell, NJ—On Saturday, October 28, 2023, the Rothwell and Henderson families and Pennington Quality Market hosted a one-day shopping event donating 5% of the day’s proceeds to Capital Health’s Center for Comprehensive Breast Care. In its ninth consecutive year, this event has raised nearly $47,000 to benefit services and programs available to the women (and men) cared for at the Capital Health Center for Comprehensive Breast Care. The Pennington Quality Market is a family owned and operated grocery store in Pennington that is committed to supporting the community.
“With profound gratitude and appreciation, Capital Health thanks the Rothwell and Henderson families, as well as Pennington Quality Market, for their continued commitment to patient care and for generously supporting the Cancer Center,” said Capital Health President and CEO, Al Maghazehe.
“My mother’s death from breast cancer 30 years ago taught all of us the importance of raising awareness to educate women on early breast care and benefit services,” said Mike Rothwell, Pennington Quality Market. “It was a pleasure to work with you and your talented team from Capital Health on this very important event. My sisters, Barbara and Terri, are both survivors. Together we take great personal pride in the success we achieve each year for Hope is in the Bag.”
The Capital Health Center for Comprehensive Breast Care provides a complete range of breast care under one roof, from annual screenings and advanced diagnostics to genetic testing, leading-edge oncology care and a high-risk breast cancer program. The Center is accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC), a program of the American College of Surgeons. For more information, visit www.capitalbreast.org.
Police recover $720,000 in cash, gold and silver at Freehold Township home of Club XXXV’s owners, while about 700 condoms and condom vending machine were found at the club
November 17, 2023
TRENTON – Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA) today announced a state grand jury returned a 21-count superseding indictment against seven individuals and three corporate entities, following an investigation of, as alleged, a longstanding family-operated prostitution ring at Club XXXV in Sayreville, New Jersey.
The investigation into the strip club along Route 35 revealed that it doubled as a house of prostitution that generated millions of dollars in revenue for the defendants. The proceeds moved through numerous bank accounts controlled by the defendants, which were used to conceal the source of the funds.
“Our investigation determined that the operators of Club XXXV were using various illegal means to turn their club into a multimillion-dollar racket,” said Attorney General Platkin. “We allege that these defendants enriched themselves unlawfully, masked the illicit sources of their income, and generated a host of quality-of-life issues for the residents of their community.”
“Law enforcement will not look the other way when a business crosses one line after another, in pursuit of obscene and ill-gotten profits,” said Thomas Eicher, Executive Director of OPIA.
On November 13, 2023, the grand jury voted to file criminal charges against Anthony Acciardi Sr., Doreen Acciardi and Stephen Acciardi, all from Freehold Township, New Jersey, as well as Anthony Acciardi Jr., of Old Bridge, all of whom owned and/or managed Club XXXV.
Other alleged co-conspirators also charged in connection with the suspected criminal enterprise included club employee Jennifer Hecker, a dancer who allegedly solicited undercover detectives for commercial sex acts; Jeannine Nichols, a club manager who is the sister of Doreen Acciardi; and Jason Portes, Nichols’ husband, who was also a Club XXXV manager.
The three corporate entities charged are Acciboys, LLC, an entity owned by Anthony Acciardi Jr. and Stephen Acciardi that owned ATMs; 35 Club, LLC, d/b/a Club XXXV; and Alana, Inc.
The investigation showed certain defendants largely failed to report the proceeds of the unlawful prostitution operation as taxable income, and allegedly established corporate entities to camouflage the true sources of the money. The investigation also determined that the alleged co-conspirators took steps to make the funds appear as if they had been derived from lawful business dealings.
It is alleged the club also illegally sold alcohol on premises, despite state regulations prohibiting that practice. The business is BYOB, but allegedly sold various types of liquor that were hidden in a rear shed on the property.
Some of the defendants were arrested on May 12, 2021, when the Sayreville Police, along with the Middlesex County Guns, Gangs and Drugs Task Force, working with the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, executed search warrants at Club XXXV following numerous complaints of prostitution occurring there between 2019 and 2021. The case was subsequently superseded by the OPIA Corruption Bureau. Evidence seized from the search of the club included hundreds of condoms, lubricant and sex toys.
Computer hard drives discovered inside the strip club were also seized and subsequently searched. They contained hundreds of hours of video surveillance footage from security cameras throughout the establishment, including footage from a camera in the VIP section of the club. That footage showed various dancers performing sexual acts on patrons in the VIP rooms.
The search of the club also turned up a large bag containing approximately 700 condoms. Condoms were also stocked in a vending machine in the club’s locker room for dancers to purchase. The investigation found that customers paid a fee to the business to enter the VIP area for private dances, then had the option of paying additional variable fees directly to dancers for sex during the time in the VIP rooms.
Bank records indicate that since 2015, the defendants maintained both personal and business accounts associated with their several businesses, including Club 35, LLC, and Acciboys, LLC. Since 2017, more than $10 million had been deposited and withdrawn from these accounts.
As alleged, certain defendants significantly under-reported their income on state tax returns in an effort to evade taxes and to hide the proceeds of their criminal activity. After executing judicially authorized search warrants, police recovered approximately $140,000 in cash, $283,000 in gold, and $297,000 in silver from the home of Doreen Acciardi and Anthony Acciardi Sr. There was also $117,000 in cash, $61,000 in silver, and $47,000 in gold found in the residence of Anthony Acciardi Jr.
The defendants are charged with the following offenses:
Anthony Acciardi Sr., 59, of Freehold Township
Racketeering – 1st DegreeFinancial Facilitation of Criminal Activity – 1st Degree (3 counts)Promoting Organized Street Crime – 2nd DegreePromoting Prostitution – 3rd DegreeMisconduct by a Corporate Official – 2nd DegreeFiling Fraudulent Tax Return – 3rd DegreeFailure to Pay Income Taxes – 3rd DegreeFailure to File Tax Returns – 3rd DegreeMaintaining a Nuisance – 4th DegreeMaintaining a Sexually Oriented Business – 4th Degree
Falsifying Records – 4th Degree
Doreen Livingston, aka Doreen Acciardi, 56, of Freehold Township
Racketeering – 1st DegreeConspiracy – 2nd DegreeFinancial Facilitation of Criminal Activity – 1st Degree (3 counts)Promoting Organized Street Crime – 2nd DegreePromoting Prostitution – 3rd DegreeMaintaining a Sexually Oriented Business – 4th DegreeMisconduct by a Corporate Official – 2nd DegreeFiling Fraudulent Tax Return – 3rd DegreeFailure to Pay Income Taxes – 3rd DegreeFailure to File Tax Returns – 3rd DegreeFailure to Pay Business Income Taxes – 3rd DegreeMaintaining a Nuisance – 4th DegreeFalsifying Records – 4th Degree
Filing Fraudulent Business Tax Return – 3rd Degree
Anthony Acciardi Jr., 30, of Old Bridge
Racketeering – 1st DegreeConspiracy – 2nd DegreeFinancial Facilitation of Criminal Activity – 1st Degree (3 counts)Promoting Organized Street Crime – 2nd DegreePromoting Prostitution – 3rd DegreeMaintaining a Nuisance – 4th DegreeMaintaining a Sexually Oriented Business – 4th Degree
Misconduct by a Corporate Official – 2nd Degree
Stephen Acciardi, 26, of Freehold
Racketeering – 1st DegreeConspiracy – 2nd DegreeMaintaining a Sexually Oriented Business – 4th DegreePromoting Organized Street Crime – 2nd DegreeMaintaining a Nuisance – 4th DegreeFinancial Facilitation of Criminal Activity – 1st Degree (3 counts)Filing Fraudulent Tax Return – 3rd DegreeFailure to Pay Income Taxes – 3rd DegreeFailure to File Tax Returns – 3rd DegreeFailure to Pay Business Income Taxes – 3rd DegreePromoting Prostitution – 3rd DegreeMisconduct by a Corporate Official – 2nd DegreeMisconduct by a Corporate Official – 2nd DegreeFalsifying Records – 4th Degree
Filing Fraudulent Business Tax Return – 3rd Degree
Filing Fraudulent Business Tax Return – 3rd Degree
Alana, Inc.
Conspiracy – 2nd DegreeRacketeering – 1st Degree
Promoting Prostitution – 3rd Degree
First-degree charges generally carry a sentence of 10 to 20 years in New Jersey state prison and a fine 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 offenses could lead to up to 18 months in state prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
The case is being prosecuted by OPIA Deputy Attorneys General Heather Hausleben, Diana Bibb, Brian Kenney and Special Deputy Attorney General Jason Boudwin, an Assistant Prosecutor with the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office. Special Deputy Attorney General Susan Carracino, an Assistant Prosecutor with the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, is handling a collateral civil forfeiture matter related to assets seized in this case. The prosecution is being supervised by Corruption Bureau Chief Peter Lee, OPIA Deputy Director Anthony Picione and OPIA Director Eicher.
The investigation received critical assistance from the Sayreville Police Department, the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, the Middlesex County Guns, Gangs and Drugs Task Force, and the New Jersey Treasury Department’s Criminal Investigations Office.
These charges are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
TRENTON, N.J. – A Monmouth County, New Jersey, woman and her son from Mercer County, New Jersey, have admitted their roles in a years-long scheme to defraud the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) by providing military equipment parts that were not authorized under the governing contracts, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Linda Mika, 73, of Jackson, New Jersey, pleaded guilty yesterday, before U.S. District Judge Georgette Castner in Trenton federal court to count one of an indictment charging her with conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Kenneth Mika, 53, of Ewing, New Jersey, pleaded guilty on June 25, 2024, to the same count of the indictment.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From March 2016 through April 2020, Linda and Kenneth Mika conspired with each other and others to defraud the DoD and one of its combat logistic support arms, the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), by engaging in a pattern of unlawful product substitution. The Mikas were employees of Monmouth Marine Monmouth Marine Engines Inc. (Monmouth Marine), a maritime equipment and servicing facility, which, as an approved federal contractor, also entered into contracts with DLA to supply DoD contracting entities with replacement hardware for DoD’s military branches.
The Mikas, on behalf of Monmouth Marine, obtained contracts with the DoD by falsely claiming that the military parts they contracted to provide would be exact products furnished by authorized manufacturers or suppliers. Once awarded the contracts, however, the Mikas sourced non-conforming substitute parts at a significantly reduced cost to fill the contracts. They did this to maximize their profit margin while also suppressing fair competition in the bidding of federal contracts. Upon receipt by Monmouth Marine, the non-conforming parts were then shipped to DLA or various military purchasers in packaging disguising the parts’ identities in an effort by the Mikas to deceive DLA and its unwitting downstream purchasers.
The charge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud is punishable by a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a maximum $250,000 fine.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the U.S. Department of Defense, D.C.I.S. Northeast Field Office, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Brian J. Solecki; and special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark, with the investigation leading to the guilty pleas.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric A. Boden, Attorney-in-Charge of the Trenton Branch Office of the U.S. Attorney=s Office.
24-285
Defense counsel:Linda Mika: Dennis C. Carletta Esq., Cedar Grove, New Jersey
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
LAKEWOOD, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on November 1, 2023, at approximately 4:15 p.m., Officers from the Lakewood Township Police Department were summoned to the Lakewood Housing Authority on Sampson Avenue for a report of an explosion that developed into a structure fire. Responding Officers observed a male victim, later identified as Ronald Prichard, 67, the sole occupant of the housing unit, to be suffering from serious injuries. Mr. Prichard was transported to Monmouth Medical Center, Southern Campus, in Lakewood, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
A thorough and extensive investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Arson Squad, Lakewood Police Department Township Detective Bureau, Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, revealed that the origin of the explosion was in the bedroom of the housing unit, and the cause of the explosion was the release of natural gas to an open flame.
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Arson Squad, Lakewood Township Police Department, Lakewood Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, for their collective assistance in connection with this investigation.
Lieutenant Governor Way to Succeed Lieutenant Governor Sheila Y. Oliver
September 8, 2023
TRENTON – Governor Phil Murphy today announced Secretary of State Tahesha L. Way as the next Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey. In a ceremony in the New Jersey Executive State House, Lieutenant Governor Way was sworn into her new role, which she assumes after the unexpected passing of Lieutenant Governor Sheila Y. Oliver on August 1, 2023.
“Sheila Oliver was the greatest partner in government I could have ever hoped for, and she leaves incredibly big shoes to fill,” said Governor Murphy. “While no one can truly replace her, I am deeply proud to appoint Secretary of State Tahesha Way to succeed her as Lieutenant Governor. Tahesha has been with our administration from the very beginning, and her work over the past five and a half years leading the Department of State has grown New Jersey’s tourism economy, uplifted small businesses, and strengthened our election system. Tahesha is the perfect candidate to join me in finishing the job that Sheila and I started.”
“I considered Lieutenant Governor Oliver a close friend and mentor – someone I looked to for guidance to better serve the people of New Jersey,” said Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way. “To have been selected as her successor as New Jersey’s next Lieutenant Governor is one of the greatest honors of my career. I come to this position as the child of two public servants who molded me into the person I am today. Having experience at different levels of government has showed me the important role that those of us in public office can play in improving the lives of families across our state. I look forward to finishing the work of this Administration with Governor Murphy and continuing to build on the legacy Lieutenant Governor Oliver fostered.”
“We are very pleased with Governor Murphy’s selection of Tahesha Way as Sheila’s successor to be the next Lieutenant Governor,” said the Oliver Family. “Our beloved Sheila dedicated her heart and soul to serving the people of New Jersey –displaying an unwavering commitment to public service that we know Tahesha shares. We know Sheila would have been proud that Tahesha has been selected to carry out her legacy.”
Lieutenant Governor Way comes to the position with over two decades in public service. In addition to fulfilling her duties as Lieutenant Governor, she will also continue to serve as Secretary of State.
During her tenure as Secretary of State, Way became the first Black person and first Secretary of State from New Jersey to lead the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) as President, helping to defend democracy at both the state and national level. Prior to becoming Secretary of State, Secretary Way was an Administrative Law Judge for the State of New Jersey. She was elected to the Passaic County Board of Chosen Freeholders in 2006, where she later served as the Freeholder Director in 2009. She also served as a Council Member for the New Jersey Highlands Water Protection and Planning Council.
Lieutenant Governor Way is a graduate of Brown University. She also holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Virginia School of Law at Charlottesville. She and her husband Charles have four children and reside in Wayne.
The Honorable Sheila Y. Oliver served as New Jersey’s second Lieutenant Governor and the only woman of color to be elected to statewide office in New Jersey history. During her tenure as Lieutenant Governor, Sheila also served as the Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs, where she oversaw efforts to strengthen and expand initiatives for fair and affordable housing, community revitalization, homelessness prevention, local government services, and more. Before taking on the role as Lieutenant Governor, Sheila served in many key roles within the public, non-profit, and private sectors, most notably becoming the first African American woman in New Jersey history to serve as Assembly Speaker, and just the second in the nation’s history to lead a state legislative house.
Lieutenant Governor Oliver was a trailblazer in every sense of the word and will always be remembered for her contributions to the communities of New Jersey, particularly communities of color.
Govenor Phil Murphy:
As you have entered the State House this week, you may have noticed that the American and New Jersey flags are flying at full staff, for the first time in a full month.
From August 4 to September 4, those flags were lowered in honor of our late Lieutenant Governor Sheila Y. Oliver, my partner in government—and one of the finest public servants our state has ever known.
During these past weeks of mourning and remembrance, I have heard the same sentiment expressed by New Jerseyans up and down our state.
It is a sentiment I not only share—but consider a call to action.
And that is this: With Sheila gone, it is now our turn to keep her legacy alive.
To continue working together—as one New Jersey family—to build a stronger, fairer state for every family.
And, to be a champion—like Sheila was—for the voiceless. For the underserved. And for the communities that have historically been left behind.
So today, with our flags flying high, I am proud to announce that I have selected a proven public servant – with a superb record of accomplishments – to join me in finishing the job that Sheila and I started.
Today, it is my incredible honor to introduce New Jersey’s next Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State Tahesha Leila Way!
And right off the bat, let me say: there is no better person for the job.
As New Jersey’s Secretary of State, Tahesha has a been a vital member of my administration since day one.
But long before she joined our team, Tahesha had already dedicated every ounce of herself to serving our state’s families.
And what Tahesha has demonstrated—time and again—is that she can handle the single most important responsibility of any Lieutenant Governor. And that is being ready to step in, and serve as Governor, if needed.
She is brilliant. She is battle-tested. And she represents the best of New Jersey.
Tammy and I have had the pleasure of knowing Tahesha—and her husband, Charles—for many years… since well before my time in the Governor’s office.
And let me tell you, she is as wonderful a person as she is a public servant.
Warm, passionate, principled.
And guided by the honest belief that hard work and perseverance can lead you anywhere.
That belief was instilled in Tahesha at a young age by her late parents, who were public servants in their own right, as employees with the New York City Transit Authority. Her Mother was a railroad clerk and her Father was a bus operator.
And over the course of her career, Tahesha has worked day and night to support the millions of New Jerseyans who share her parents’ story. Our neighbors who work long hours, every day, to move our state forward… and who ask for nothing more than a fair shake.
Now, as I mentioned, one of the most important qualities in a Lieutenant Governor is not only having the ability to lead, but having an ample track-record as a leader. Well, that is just one of Tahesha’s many strengths: experience. Like Lieutenant Governor Oliver, she has served at nearly every level of our state’s government.
From the Passaic County Board of Chosen Freeholders, to the New Jersey Highlands Water Protection and Planning Council, and even in our state’s judicial branch—as an Administrative Law Judge.
And during her time as Secretary of State, Tahesha has set a new, high standard for defending democracy… both here in New Jersey, and across the nation.
As President of the National Association of Secretaries of State, Tahesha has inspired election officials across the country to expand access to the ballot box, and ensure that every eligible American can participate in our democratic process.
She has also thrived under the most challenging circumstances you can imagine. In the face of a once-in-a-century pandemic, along with a relentless assault on our democracy, led by a certain former President who will remain unnamed, Tahesha went above and beyond to secure our election system here in New Jersey.
And under her watch, we saw a record number of New Jerseyans vote in the 2020 election. That is an astonishing feat, considering it was the first major election conducted almost entirely by mail.
So Tahesha turned that unprecedented challenge into a critical opportunity. She seized the moment to help more New Jerseyans than ever turn out and exercise their most fundamental right. That is the definition of leadership.
And during that same period, Tahesha also demonstrated her leadership abilities with the 2020 census. As Chair of New Jersey’s Complete Count Commission—a non-partisan body—she worked to ensure that every one of our residents was counted.
Thanks to her efforts, our state retained full representation in Congress, which has had a direct and positive impact on securing federal funding to address our state’s needs.
Tahesha has also done tremendous job in delivering on one of her core responsibilities as Secretary of State. And that is advocating for our state’s cultural and historic treasures—as well as promoting tourism in every region of New Jersey.
In fact, with her team’s help, New Jersey’s tourism industry is expected to generate nearly $48 billion in revenue during this year alone. That is a record-high haul. And our tourism economy is booming, in no small part, because of Tahesha’s leadership.
And that leadership was on full display just a couple weeks ago, when Tahesha joined me in Somerville to settle a long-simmering debate here in the Garden State.
The two of us stood together to declare, once and for all, that Central Jersey exists—period!
So, clearly: Tahesha is not one to shy away from controversial topics. She takes a stand.
And together, our administration will remain laser-focused on our top priorities, from making life more affordable for every New Jerseyan, to defending our fundamental freedoms, to keeping our families and communities safe.
So once again, I am honored to re-introduce Tahesha to the people of New Jersey. And I cannot wait for everyone to get to know her, Charles, and their children: Fallon, Farrah, Faythe, and Fiona.
Now, one little fun fact, for those who may not know: Charles is not just Tahesha’s loving husband, he is also a former Fullback with the New York Giants. But, we may just bring him out of retirement if the press scrums get too crazy! So please—be on your best behavior.
But in all seriousness, please join me in welcoming the third Lieutenant Governor of our great state, Wayne, New Jersey’s very own Tahesha Way!
Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way :
There are no words that can adequately express what I am feeling at this moment.
But let me start by simply saying: thank you, Governor Murphy. Thank you for placing your trust in me to serve as the third Lieutenant Governor of the greatest state in or nation. And I say that, of course, without an ounce of bias.
And, just as importantly, I would like to thank every single one of our state’s nine-point-three million residents.
You see, ever since I was first elected to public office—as a Freeholder for Passaic County, which I am proud to call my home—I have been on the journey of a lifetime.
In every single position I have held—from my days as a state judge, to my current role as Secretary of State—the people of New Jersey have honored me with the opportunity to serve.
You have placed your faith in me.
And in doing so, you have allowed me to join Governor Murphy in building a stronger, fairer state for every New Jerseyan, especially our neighbors who—like my own, late parents—work every day to keep our state and country moving forward.
And on that note, I would like to take this chance to thank several individuals without whom there would be no me.
First, as I mentioned: my Mother Rosa and Father Robert—who are here with us today in spirit.
They taught me to always work hard. To be tough, yet respectful. And, to just be present as I dedicate myself to enriching my community.
And that is a lesson I am reminded of every day by my husband, Charles, who is here with me today.
Charles, you have always coached me up to be the best version of myself. And you have shared with me the blessing of raising the best four children I could ever ask for.
To Fallon, Farrah, Faythe, and Fiona: I am grateful for many things in this life—but the four of you are the greatest gift of all.
Finally, I want to thank one more person who, like my parents, is here with us in spirit.
And that is our late Lieutenant Governor, Sheila Oliver.
To me, Sheila was more than a trusted colleague. She was a cherished friend, a mentor, and a role model to me and the countless other Black women who have chosen a career in public service.
And now, as Lieutenant Governor, I will have the solemn honor of building upon Sheila’s towering legacy.
So, here is my promise to the people of New Jersey: Like Sheila, I will dedicate every day of my life to fighting for the forgotten families of our state.
I will do everything in my power to bring the down the cost of living, so no parent will have to suffer the indignity of choosing between putting food on the table or keeping a roof over their child’s head.
I will protect our fundamental freedoms—so every resident of our state can make their own health care decisions, or access affordable higher education, or simply, marry who they love and live as who they are in their hearts.
And, of course, I will work to ensure that New Jersey remains the best—and safest—state to raise a family.
Over the past five-plus years, I have had the distinct privilege of serving as New Jersey’s 34th Secretary of State. And my top priority, since day one, has been making our democracy healthy and accessible for all of our residents.
Well, together, we have exceeded our wildest expectations. Together, we inspired a record number of New Jerseyans to turn out and vote—like we saw in the last Presidential election. And, together, we have strengthened our electoral system—and made our democratic process more open to every eligible voter.
So, we have made historic progress – but, our work is far from over.
That is why I am so excited to assume the role of Lieutenant Governor and continue in my role as Secretary of State. I know our greatest accomplishments are yet to come.
So, while today marks a new beginning for the Garden State… we will be guided by the same New Jersey values that have guided us since the very beginning: Freedom. Fairness. And equal justice for all.
Statement from Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin on the Appointment of Tahesha Way as Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey
As Secretary of State, Tahesha Way has been an exemplary public servant, focused on protecting and safeguarding the right to vote and ensuring the integrity of our local, county, state, and federal election contests. And as head of the Department of State, she has overseen the successful 2020 Census, supported small businesses, encouraged our growing film industry, and provided a voice for the arts community. In my longtime friend, Tahesha Way, Governor Murphy has chosen an advocate for all New Jerseyans, and someone who will work tirelessly to make our state stronger, fairer, and safer. I have had the great honor of working alongside Lieutenant Governor Way since 2018, and I know firsthand her belief in the good that government can achieve. And, of course, she will carry on the legacy of Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver, who was a champion for the people of our great state. Congratulations and best wishes to Lieutenant Governor Way, and thank you for your service!
Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way, Esq.
New Jersey Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of State
Tahesha L. Way serves as New Jersey’s 3rd Lieutenant Governor. She was appointed to the position by Governor Phil Murphy on September 8, 2023.
A lifelong public servant, Lieutenant Governor Way has devoted her entire career to improving the lives of her fellow New Jerseyans. Over the past two decades, she has served at numerous levels of local and state government.
As Lieutenant Governor, Ms. Way brings her extensive experience to bear on addressing the greatest challenges facing New Jerseyans — from making life more affordable, to protecting fundamental freedoms—like access to reproductive health care and equality under the law — to maintaining New Jersey’s reputation as the best and safest state to raise a family.
In addition to her role as Lieutenant Governor, Ms. Way also serves as New Jersey’s 34th Secretary of State — a position she has held since the beginning of the Murphy Administration.
As Secretary of State, Ms. Way leads one of the nation’s oldest constitutional offices and directs a department with a diverse portfolio. In her capacity as New Jersey’s top election official, she has overseen the state Division of Elections and its work in securing our democracy and ensuring broad, fair access to the right to vote. Lieutenant Governor Way also chaired New Jersey’s Complete Count Commission, a 27 member non-partisan commission established to achieve a complete count in the 2020 US Census. In addition to the critical work protecting what Lieutenant Governor Way calls the “fraternal twins of democracy,” she also oversees the state government offices supporting New Jersey’s vibrant arts, culture, history, and business communities. Under her leadership, the state’s tourism economy has generated record-high revenues.
Following her 2022-2023 service as the first Black person and first Secretary from New Jersey to lead the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) as President, Lieutenant Governor Way continues to serve on the NASS Executive Board as Immediate Past President.
Prior to joining the Murphy Administration, Lieutenant Governor Way was an Administrative Law Judge for the State of New Jersey. In 2006, Lieutenant Governor Way was elected to the Passaic County Board of Chosen Freeholders and served as the Freeholder Director in 2009. She served as Special Counsel for the Passaic County Board of Social Services overseeing all agency litigation. She also served as a Council Member for the New Jersey Highlands Water Protection and Planning Council.
She is the former President of the Women Empowered Democratic Organization of Passaic County, an organization dedicated to empowering Democratic women by increasing their participation with the goal of achieving greater equality in the political process. Lieutenant Governor Way also previously served on the Board of Directors for the Institute for Women’s Policy Research, a leading national think tank geared towards advancing dialogue and policy for improving women’s lives and their families.
Lieutenant Governor Way is a graduate of Brown University, where she served as Vice President of the collegiate chapter of the NAACP, President of the Iota Alpha chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. taught religious education, and was a radio announcer for WBRU-FM. She holds a J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law at Charlottesville, where she clerked for the Virginia Legal Aid Society and the United Steelworkers of America.
Lieutenant Governor Way lives in Wayne, New Jersey with her husband Charles and their four children Fallon, Farrah, Faythe, and Fiona. She was raised in the Bronx by her late parents, Robert and Rosa Wright, who also devoted their careers to public service as employees with the New York City Transit Authority.
Lieutenant Governor Way has been a member of the New Jersey State Bar Association, Garden State Bar Association, National Association of Women Judges, Association of Black Women Lawyers, Passaic County Bar Association, and the New Jersey Women’s Lawyers Association.
TOMS RIVER, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on June 5, 2023, Marquis Belnavis, 29, of East Orange, pled guilty before the Honorable Kimarie Rahill, J.S.C., to Possession of Heroin with Intent to Distribute and Aggravated Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer in connection with events that occurred on July 9, 2021, in Toms River. At the time of his sentencing on July 28, 2023, the State will be seeking four years New Jersey State Prison (NJSP) relative to these charges. Belnavis also pled guilty to Distribution of Cocaine in connection with an incident that occurred on November 10, 2021, also in Toms River. At the time of sentencing, the State will be seeking three years NJSP relative to this charge. Finally, Belnavis pled guilty to Distribution of Cocaine in connection with a series of incidents that occurred in Ocean Gate and Stafford Township between July 28, 2022 and August 31, 2022. At the time of his sentencing, the State will be seeking seven years NJSP as to this charge. All sentences are to run concurrently.
On July 9, 2021, Officers from the Toms River Township Police Department Special Enforcement Team were conducting narcotics related surveillance when they observed transactions indicating that Belnavis had distributed narcotics to another individual. Detectives thereafter conducted a motor vehicle stop of a 2018 Nissan Altima in which Belnavis was a passenger. Belnavis was found to be in possession of a quantity of heroin. As Officers were placing Belnavis in custody, he attempted to flee and bit one of the Officers on the hand. Belnavis was taken into custody and transferred to the Ocean County Jail. He was subsequently released as a consequence of New Jersey Bail Reform.
On November 10, 2021, Officers from the Toms River Police Department Special Enforcement Team were conducting narcotics related surveillance on a residence. Belnavis was observed going to and from the residence. A subsequent investigation revealed that Belnavis had distributed cocaine to an occupant of the residence. Belnavis was taken into custody and transferred to the Ocean County Jail. He was subsequently released as a consequence of New Jersey Bail Reform.
An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, Stafford Township Police Department Drug Enforcement Unit, Ocean Gate Police Department, and Barnegat Township Police Department Crime Reduction Unit, revealed that Belnavis was distributing cocaine in the Stafford Township and Ocean Gate areas between July 28, 2022 and August 31, 2022. On September 2, 2022, Belnavis was taken into custody at a residence in Ocean Gate. He was transported to the Ocean County Jail, where he has been lodged since his arrest.
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the diligent efforts of Assistant Prosecutor Stephen Burke who is handling the case on behalf of the State, and commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, Toms River Township Police Department, Toms River Township Police Department Special Enforcement Team, Stafford Township Police Department Drug Enforcement Unit, Ocean Gate Police Department, and Barnegat Township Police Department Crime Reduction Unit, for their collective assistance in connection with these investigations leading to Belnavis’ guilty pleas, and soon his state prison sentences.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Amid the ongoing heat wave, city firefighters fought a two-alarm blaze involving several homes in the 400 block of Elmer Street, near Chestnut Avenue, Sunday evening (June 23, 2024).
The fire was reported about 6:35 p.m. It was declared under control an hour later.
Among those who fought the blaze were several “probationary” (rookie) firefighters working their first shift since completing their fire academy training.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. Red Cross was contacted to assist several residents displaced by the fire.
TRENTON (Mercer) – Several people were displaced by a blaze that damaged two rowhouses Saturday afternoon (Dec. 23, 2023). It was the third working fire in Trenton in less than 24 hours.
It was just after 3 p.m. on Saturday when Trenton firefighters were alerted to a possible structure fire in the 100 block of Washington Street. A column of smoke rising up over the area signaled a working fire to responding firefighters.
Heavy smoke was billowing from the second and third floors of 133 Washington Street as firefighters from Engines 7, 3, 10 and 6, Ladders 4 and 2, Rescue 1 and Special Services 1 arrived on scene.
While all visible fire was quickly extinguished, firefighters spent some time opening up walls to expose and then douse hot spots after it was confirmed the fire had spread to the attached home at 131 Washington Street. The blaze was officially declared under control at 3:31 p.m.
While there were no reported injuries, the Red Cross was called out to assist a woman and four men who were left temporarily homeless because of the blaze.
On Friday night (Dec. 22), Trenton firefighters responded to a working fire in the rear of the vacant house at 13 Trent Street, and then fought a stubborn and very smoky blaze in an abandoned commercial building in the 300 block of North Olden Avenue.
The Trent Street blaze was reported just after 5:05 p.m. Friday as several companies of firefighters were already in the area investigating a reported odor of natural gas in a home in the 1500 block of Princeton Avenue.
As a result, crews from Rescue 1 and Engine 10 – released from the Princeton Avenue assignment – arrived on Trent Street very quickly and were able to easily subdue the blaze. They were assisted by Engines 8, 7 and 3, Ladders 4 and 2, and Special Services 1.
Later on Friday, just after 7:40 p.m., firefighters were alerted to a reported fire in a commercial building in the area of Dickinson Street and North Olden Avenue.
Coincidentally, several city fire companies were already busy investigating another odor of natural gas at a high-rise apartment building in the 500 block of Greenwood Avenue, so it was Engines 6, 1, 8 and 10, Ladders 4 and 1, Rescue 1 and Special Services 1 that were sent to the reported fire.
Those companies arrived to find smoke issuing from an abandoned commercial property that at first was believed to have a Taylor Street address but was eventually identified as 323 North Olden Avenue.
Firefighters had to cut a fence to gain access to the property. They soon confirmed that the fire was not in the large structure that dominated the site but was instead in a smaller, separate building on the property.
The incident commander reported that a large quantity of trash was burning in a pit inside the building and that heavy machinery from the city’s public works department would be needed to break up the pile to allow firefighters to get water on the material smoldering at the bottom of the pile.
Firefighters operated on scene for over three hours. Some companies were released, while others – including Engine 8 and Ladder 2 – were rotated in to assist with suppression operations. The blaze was officially declared under control about 10:45 p.m., a little over half-an-hour after a public works backhoe arrived to tear apart the pile of trash.
The causes of all three blazes were under investigation by city fire and police officials.
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