HAMILTON, NJ (MERCER)–Hamilton Police say that on Friday January 5, 2024 at approximately 1:13 p.m., Officers from the Hamilton Police Anti-Crime Unit were in the area of Chambers Street and William Street when they observed a gray Chrysler 300 commit a motor vehicle violation. When Officers stopped the vehicle the back seat passenger exited the vehicle and began running towards a residence on the 1100 block of William Street. Officers caught up to the male on a porch and the suspect began fighting to get away from them. While this was occurring the operator of the vehicle looked over and drove away. While wrestling with the suspect on the ground Officers heard a thud hit the ground and saw a handgun lying underneath the suspect. They were able to take him into custody and secure the handgun. He was identified as Daniel Rogers, 20, of Trenton.
Responding Officers located the vehicle in the area of Lida Street and Grand Avenue. A male came up to them and advised the Officers he was driving the Chrysler. He was placed under arrest and identified as Lenny Douyon, 21, or Morrisville, PA.
Rogers was charged with Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, Possession of Weapon for Unlawful Purpose, Resisting Arrest and Obstructing the Administration of Law. He was transported to the Mercer County Correctional Facility pending a detention hearing. Douyon was charged with Eluding, Obstructing the Administration of Law and several motor vehicle violations. He was released on a Summons.
Anyone with any information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Hamilton Police Anti-Crime Unit at 609-581-4102 or the Hamilton Police Crime Tip Hotline at (609) 581-4008.
EAST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–Police reported that on Sunday, December 1, 2024 at approximately 6:20 a.m., members of the East Windsor Township Police Department responded to a report of a structure fire at 93 Hooverton Place, East Windsor, NJ.
Upon arrival, officers discovered that the fire was contained to the rear basement and first floor of the residence and the occupants had already evacuated the home. Responding officers temporarily evacuated residents from adjacent dwellings until the fire was extinguished by responding fire personnel.
The fire was determined to have originated in the rear basement wall and is being categorized as non-suspicious. There were no injuries sustained as a result of the fire and there was no serious damage to adjacent dwellings. The property was inspected by township code officials and determined to be uninhabitable at this time. The displaced residents are staying with family as their home is repaired.
Responding units: East Windsor Volunteer Fire Company #1 East Windsor Volunteer Fire Company #2 Hightstown Volunteer Fire Company Robbinsville Fire Department, Hamilton Fire Department Millstone Fire Department Capitol Health EMS, Mercer County Fire Marshal’s Office and American Red Cross.
Original MidJersey.news story:
EAST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–Around 6:22 a.m. several fire departments were dispatched to the first block of Hooverton Place in the Twin Rivers section of East Windsor. The first arriving unit reported a fire on the first and second floors from a two-story townhouse and a second alarm was immediately called. Firefighters advanced hose lines and quickly knocked down the fire and kept the fire from spreading to other units in the building. After the firefighters extinguished the fire they remained on scene for overhaul and the East Windsor Township Fire Marshal responded for the investigation.
Responding units:
East Windsor Fire Company #1, East Windsor Fire Company #2, Hightstown Fire Department, Monroe Township Stations 57 and 23, Robbinsville Township Fire Department, Cranbury Fire Company, West Windsor Fire Department, Millstone Township Fire Department, and Plainsboro Township. Cover fire departments were: Princeton Junction, Allentown-Upper Freehold, and Jamesburg.
East Windsor Volunteer Fire Company #2 reported on their Facebook page:
At approximately 6:22 a.m., Station 46 along with their mutual aid partners responded for a reported structure fire. Tower 57 arrived reporting smoke from the residence and calling the second alarm assignment. Chief 42 arrived assuming Command. Squad 40 arrived providing a water supply for suppression. Suppression crew advised active fire between basement division and division 1, with quick knockdown. Ladder 41 took the front of the building and set up for vertical ventilation, if needed. As more units arrived, a manpower pool was formed for additional tactical assignment. Engine 46 arrived and was assigned RIT with Squad 49. Engine 42 proceeded interior to the exposure units for extension. Subsequent arriving crews arrived swapped out manpower for salvage and overhaul on the interior.
With quick knockdown and no extension units began to take up after operating for roughly two hours. Thank you to our mutual aid members for their work in helping stabilize this incident. Stations on location: 46, 42, 41, 57, 23 (MI), 40, 48, 43, 32, and 49. Stations on Cover: 44, 82, and 42 (MI)
Scene was turned over to the EWT Bureau of Fire Prevention and EWPD for further investigation.
December 1, 2024
UPPER FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH)– A new one-of-a-kind experience you do not want to miss this holiday season is Holland Ridge Farm’s Winter Wonderland event in Cream Ridge, New Jersey. Opening night was spectacular with the entire farm lit in lights. Light displays include lighting the new authentic Dutch windmill, light tunnel, tractors, reindeer, barns, buildings, silos, and a display of over 30,000 tulips in the fields.
The event runs every night until December 30, 2024, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Tickets are sold by arrival times. After you arrive you can stay as long as you like until close at 10 p.m. To alleviate traffic, you must arrive at your arrival time. The entrance closes at 8:30 p.m. sharp.
For more tickets and more information about this one-of-a-kind experience visit:
Holland Ridge Farms, Winter Wonderland
Directions from Google:
Holland Ridge Farms 108 Rues Rd, Cream Ridge, NJ 08514
💡 Millions of twinkling lights
🌷 30,000+ illuminated tulips
🥀 Animated blooming tulip lights
🌷 Giant lantern style tulips
🎁 Giant tulip gift box
💃 Tulip disco
🥀 Ho Ho Holland letters
🌈 Rainbow arch
🌈 Rainbow light tunnel
💨 Illuminated Dutch windmill
🛷 Santa’s sleigh and reindeer
👑 Princess carriage and horses
🎄 Giant Christmas tree
🚜 Light up tractors
💋 Mistletoe motel
💈 Rainbow seesaws
🍭 Spinning peppermints
❄️ Sparking snowball wall
🌨️ Snow flurries across the farm
💡 Even more illuminated photo props!
“WOW” was the word of the night. Hearing all of your positive reactions truly meant the world to us. This event has been over a year in the making, and seeing the joy it brought to you and your families is something we’ll remember forever. We’re so excited to see what the rest of the season holds. Thank you for creating holiday memories with us!
Posted by Holland Ridge Farms on Sunday, December 1, 2024
TRENTON – Acting Governor Tahesha Way today declared that New Jersey will enter a State of Emergency effective at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, August 9, 2024 in anticipation of severe storms causing hazardous weather conditions including heavy rain, high winds, and flash flooding due to the remnants of Tropical Storm Debby. Executive Order No. 364 declares a State of Emergency across all 21 counties in New Jersey. The Acting Governor also urges motorists to stay off the road and in the safety of their homes for the duration of the storm.
“I have declared a State of Emergency starting at 6:00 p.m. today, August 9, 2024, due to the severe weather impacts caused by Tropical Storm Debby,” said Acting Governor Tahesha Way. “I urge all residents to stay indoors and off of the roads until the storm passes. If you must drive, slow down and use extra caution.”
The Acting Governor encourages New Jerseyans to visit ready.nj.gov for important weather updates and safety information. Residents should also monitor local forecasts, warnings, and watches.
For those living in Northern New Jersey and the New York Metro area, visit the U.S. National Weather Service New York, N.Y. at http://www.weather.gov/okx/
For those living in Central and Southern New Jersey, visit the U.S. National Weather Service Philadelphia/Mount Holly at https://www.weather.gov/phi/
The National Weather Service Philadelphia Mount Holly reported just before 6:00 p.m. — The Tornado Watch has been canceled for our entire area. Gusty winds and some heavy showers remain possible this evening near I-95 and the coast. Otherwise, the storm is winding down for us. Tranquil weather conditions expected this weekend with below normal temperatures.
EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 364
WHEREAS, beginning on Friday, August 9, 2024, the State of New Jersey will experience potentially significant and severe weather from the remnants of Tropical Storm Debby causing hazardous weather conditions including flooding and high winds; and
WHEREAS, the National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for Camden, Burlington, Gloucester, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Morris, Salem, Somerset, Sussex, and Warren counties; and
WHEREAS, the National Weather Service has issued a rip current statement and high surf advisory in Atlantic, Cape May, Monmouth, and Ocean counties; and
WHEREAS, the National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch for Bergen, Essex, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union, and Warren counties; and
WHEREAS, the National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory for Camden, Gloucester, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Morris, Somerset, Sussex, and Warren counties; and
WHEREAS, significant statewide precipitation is expected with rainfall amounts of 1 to 3 inches, with potentially higher local amounts; and
WHEREAS, Tropical Storm Debby could bring winds of 20 to 30 miles per hour, with wind gusts as high as 50 miles per hour along with elevated risk for tornadic activity that could result in power outages that would impede the normal operation of public and private entities; and
WHEREAS, significant rainfall across the State in preceding days has left the ground saturated, resulting in increased risk that excessive additional rainfall may result in flash flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations; and
WHEREAS, these serious weather conditions could make it difficult or impossible for citizens to obtain the necessities of life, as well as essential services such as police, fire, and first
aid; and
WHEREAS, this impending storm constitutes an imminent hazard that threatens and presently endangers the health, safety, and resources of the residents of the State; and
WHEREAS, this situation may become too large in scope to be handled in its entirety by the normal county and municipal operating services in some parts of this State, and this situation may spread to other parts of the State; and
WHEREAS, the Constitution and statutes of the State of New Jersey, particularly the provisions of N.J.S.A. App. A:9-33, et seq.,
N.J.S.A. 38A:3-6.1, N.J.S.A. 38A:2-4, and all amendments and supplements thereto, confer upon the Governor of the State of New Jersey certain emergency powers;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, TAHESHA L. WAY, Acting Governor of the State of New Jersey, in order to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the people of the State of New Jersey DO DECLARE and PROCLAIM that a State of Emergency exists throughout the State of New Jersey, effective at 6:00 p.m. on August 9, 2024; and I hereby ORDER and DIRECT the following:
I authorize and empower the State Director of Emergency Management, who is the Superintendent of State Police, to implement the State Emergency Operations Plan and to direct the activation of county and municipal emergency operations plans, as necessary, and to coordinate the recovery effort from this emergency with all governmental agencies, volunteer organizations, and the private sector.
I authorize and empower, in accordance with N.J.S.A. App.
A:9-33, et seq., as supplemented and amended, the State Director of Emergency Management, who is the Superintendent of State Police, through the police agencies under his control, and with consideration of any Administrative Order issued by the Commissioner of the Department of Transportation, to determine and control the direction
of the flow of vehicular traffic on any State or interstate highway, municipal or county road, and any access road, including the right to detour, reroute, or divert any or all traffic and to prevent ingress or egress from any area that, in the State Director’s discretion, is deemed necessary for the protection of the health, safety, and welfare of the public, and to remove parked or abandoned vehicles from such roadways as conditions warrant.
I authorize and empower the Attorney General, pursuant to the provisions of N.J.S.A. 39:4-213, acting through the Superintendent of State Police, and with consideration of any Administrative Order issued by the Commissioner of the Department of Transportation, to determine and control the direction of the flow of vehicular traffic on any State or interstate highway, municipal or county road, and any access road, including the right to detour, reroute, or divert any or all traffic, to prevent ingress or egress, and to determine the type of vehicle or vehicles to be operated on such roadways. I further authorize all law enforcement officers to enforce any such order of the Attorney General or Superintendent of State Police within their respective municipalities.
I authorize and empower the State Director of Emergency Management to order the evacuation of all persons, except for those emergency and governmental personnel whose presence the State Director deems necessary, from any area where their continued presence would present a danger to their health, safety, or welfare because of the conditions created by this emergency.
I authorize and empower the State Director of Emergency Management to utilize all facilities owned, rented, operated, and maintained by the State of New Jersey to house and shelter persons who may need to be evacuated from a residence, dwelling, building, structure, or vehicle during the course of this emergency.
I authorize and empower the executive head of any agency or instrumentality of the State government with authority to promulgate rules to waive, suspend, or modify any existing rule, where the enforcement of which would be detrimental to the public welfare during this emergency, notwithstanding the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act or any law to the contrary for the duration of this Executive Order, subject to my prior approval and in consultation with the State Director of Emergency Management. Any such waiver, modification, or suspension shall be promulgated in accordance with N.J.S.A. App. A:9-45.
I authorize and empower the Adjutant General, in accordance with N.J.S.A. 38A:2-4 and N.J.S.A. 38A:3-6.1, to order to active duty such members of the New Jersey National Guard who, in the Adjutant General’s judgment, are necessary to provide aid to those localities where there is a threat or danger to the public health, safety, and welfare and to authorize the employment of any supporting vehicles, equipment, communications, or supplies as may be necessary to support the members so ordered.
In accordance with the N.J.S.A. App. A:9-34 and N.J.S.A. App. A:9-51, I reserve the right to utilize and employ all available resources of the State government and of each and every political subdivision of the State, whether of persons, properties, or instrumentalities, and to commandeer and utilize any personal services and any privately-owned property necessary to protect against this emergency.
In accordance with N.J.S.A. App. A:9-40, no municipality, county, or any other agency or political subdivision of this State shall enact or enforce any order, rule, regulation, ordinance, or resolution which will or might in any way conflict with any of the provisions of this Order, or which will in any way interfere with or impede the achievement of the purposes of this Order.
It shall be the duty of every person or entity in this State or doing business in this State, and of the members of the governing body and every official, employee, or agent of every political subdivision in this State, and of each member of all other governmental bodies, agencies, and authorities in this State of any nature whatsoever, to cooperate fully with the State Director of Emergency Management in all matters concerning this State of Emergency.
In accordance with N.J.S.A. App. A:9-34, N.J.S.A. App.
A:9-40.6, and N.J.S.A. 40A:14-156.4, no municipality or public or semipublic agency shall send public works, fire, police, emergency medical, or other personnel or equipment into any non-contiguous disaster-stricken municipality within this State, nor to any disaster-stricken municipality outside this State, unless and until such aid has been directed by the county emergency management coordinator or their deputies in consultation with the State Director of Emergency Management.
This Order shall take effect at 6:00 p.m. on August 9, 2024, and shall remain in effect until such time as it is determined by the Governor that an emergency no longer exists.
GIVEN, under my hand and seal this 9th day of August,
Two Thousand and Twenty-Four, and of the Independence of the United States, the Two Hundred and Forty-Ninth.
[seal]
/s/ Tahesha L. Way Acting Governor
Attest:
/s/ Parimal Garg
Chief Counsel to the Governor
The Tornado Watch has been canceled for our entire area. Gusty winds and some heavy showers remain possible this evening near I-95 & the coast. Otherwise, the storm is winding down for us. Tranquil weather expected this weekend with below normal temps. #PAwx #NJwx #DEwx #MDwx
— NWS Mount Holly (@NWS_MountHolly) August 9, 2024
Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri and Trenton Police Director Steve Wilson announced today that an investigation conducted by the Mercer County Homicide Task Force (MCHTF) and the Trenton Police Department has resulted in the arrest of a Trenton man for the fatal shooting of Stephon Fisher on May 19, 2024.
Jozef Field, 29, of Trenton, is charged with one count of first-degree murder, two counts of first-degree attempted murder, two counts of second-degree aggravated assault and weapons offenses. He was arrested at the Kingsbury Apartments in Trenton on Monday, July 29, 2024, by members of the U.S. Marshals New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force. The prosecutor’s office has filed a motion to detain Field pending trial.
At approximately 5:52 p.m. on May 19, 2024, Trenton police received a ShotSpotter activation for multiple rounds and several calls reporting two individuals shot in the area of 2 Kingsbury Square. Trenton police, fire and emergency services responded to the area and located two 18-year-old males outside suffering from gunshot wounds. Both were transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center. Fisher, of Trenton, was pronounced dead a short time later. The second 18-year-old victim, also a city resident, sustained three gunshot wounds.
As a result of the investigation, a second individual was identified and charged with this homicide. However, Steven Key, 30, of Trenton, died on July 14, 2024, in Philadelphia, Pa., prior to his arrest.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact MCHTF Detective Paulina Way at (609) 722-0170 or Sgt. William Jett Jr. at (609) 331-5010. 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.
Jozef Field, 29, of Trenton, is charged with one count of first-degree murder, two counts of first-degree attempted murder, two counts of second-degree aggravated assault and weapons offenses. He was arrested at the Kingsbury Apartments in Trenton on Monday, July 29, 2024, by members of the U.S. Marshals New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force. The prosecutor’s office has filed a motion to detain Field pending trial.
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
06/11/2024 Johnathan Applegate
06/23/2024 Samier Vincent, 30, of Trenton, Shooting, died 6/27/2024
07/04/2024 Amir Williams, 32, of Trenton, Shooting
07/02/2024 Capriest Ruiz, 23, of Camden, Shooting, died on 2/3/2024
FREEHOLD, NJ (MONMOUTH) – A Monmouth County Jury has returned a guilty verdict against an Asbury Park man who sexually abused a juvenile over the course of a period of multiple years, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced Tuesday.
On Wednesday December 7, 2022, before Monmouth County Superior Court Judge Richard W. English, Julian B. Hart, 38, of Asbury Park, was found guilty of first-degree Aggravated Sexual Assault, second-degree Sexual Assault, third-degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child and third-degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child for the Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Materials.
The charges stem from an investigation that was launched by the Asbury Park Police Department and the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Bureau following a report made by the victim in the summer of 2021. The investigation revealed that Hart repeatedly sexually abused the victim, who was under the age of 12, on multiple occasions from September 27, 2014 through December 16, 2015. Hart was arrested and charged in August of 2021. Hart was later indicted on October 22, 2021.
The investigation also revealed that Hart was already on Megan’s Law and Parole Supervision for Life when these acts occurred.
Anyone who may have information about Hart can contact Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Joseph Pahopin at 800-533-7443 or Asbury Park Police Detective James R. Crawford at 732-774-1300.
Anyone who feels the need to remain anonymous but has information about a crime can submit a tip to Monmouth County Crime Stoppers by calling their confidential telephone tip-line at 1-800-671-4400; by downloading and using the free P3 Tips mobile app (available on iOS and Android – https://www.p3tips.com/1182), by calling 800-671-4400 or by going to the website at www.monmouthcountycrimestoppers.com
Sentencing has been scheduled for Friday April, 28, 2023, at which time Hart, pursuant to the Jessica Lunsford Act, faces a sentence of up to life in prison. Hart will be subject to Megan’s Law and Parole Supervision for Life.
The case is assigned to Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Stephanie Dugan.
Hart is represented by Michael Kuhns, Esq., of Lawrence Township.
NEWARK, N.J. – The chief executive officer of a Lyndhurst, New Jersey, company was charged with falsely representing to law enforcement customers that the security cameras and equipment he sold were compliant with the National Defense Authorization Act, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.
Tamer Zakhary, 49, of Toms River, New Jersey is charged by complaint with three counts of wire fraud and one count of making false statements. Zakhary appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Edward S. Kiel in Newark federal court and was released on $100,000 unsecured bond.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
In August 2018, in order to address increased concerns that foreign intelligence actors were looking to infiltrate United States systems and exploit technologies, Congress signed into law Section 889 of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2019. Section 889 prohibits the federal government from procuring or obtaining video surveillance and telecommunications equipment from specifically identified Chinese companies and from entering into contracts with any entity that uses such video surveillance equipment from those specifically identified Chinese companies.
From August 2019 through December 2022, Zakhary, the owner and chief executive officer of a company that sells surveillance and security cameras and equipment, sold millions of dollars’ worth of surveillance cameras and equipment to public safety and law enforcement agencies in New Jersey, including prosecutors’ offices, sheriffs’ offices, police departments, and townships. Zakhary fraudulently misrepresented to these customers that his company’s products were compliant with Section 889. Zakhary, in fact, obtained the cameras and equipment he sold from a Chinese company specifically identified in Section 889. The customers purchased at least $35 million in surveillance cameras and equipment from Zakhary’s company, over $15 million of which consisted of federal funds and grants.
The wire fraud charges each carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; the false statements charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison. All counts are also punishable by a fine of $250,000, or twice the gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greatest.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark; and special agents of Homeland Security Investigations Newark, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Alfonso, with the investigation leading to the charges.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Amore, Chief of the General Crimes Unit in Newark.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
24-003
Defense counsel: Charles B. McKenna Esq., Morristown, and Matthew E. Beck Esq., Roseland, New Jersey
Zakhary.ComplaintDownload
January 5, 2024
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER) — Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA) announced a state grand jury has voted to file criminal charges against a correctional police officer with the Mercer County Department of Corrections, after he allegedly accepted bribes for several years in exchange for providing inmates with illegal drugs, tobacco products, and other contraband.
Tyree L. Hobbs, 39, of Hamilton, New Jersey, was indicted last month on four criminal counts, including official misconduct charges, by New Jersey residents serving on the grand jury. The charges and allegations are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Hobbs was charged by complaint on June 14, 2023, following an investigation by OPIA that found the officer was periodically taking bribes from inmates between approximately November 2017 until July 2022, when he was suspended without pay.
“As alleged, the defendant put personal profit ahead of his duty to protect inmates, his fellow officers, and the public,” said Attorney General Platkin. “We will continue to hold accountable those who illegally violate the public’s trust.”
“The bribe payments the defendant was allegedly receiving have come with a high price, causing him to be suspended by his employer and now indicted by a grand jury,” said Thomas Eicher, Executive Director of OPIA. “Smuggling any contraband into a secure facility puts corrections officers and residents at risk and will not be tolerated.”
According to the complaint, the criminal conduct began roughly 10 months after Hobbs joined the Mercer County Department of Corrections in February 2017.
The investigation revealed Hobbs would periodically accept bribes for hundreds and sometimes thousands of dollars to smuggle in packages for inmates containing a variety of contraband, typically illicit narcotics and tobacco, into the Mercer County Correction Center (MCCC) in Hopewell Township.
Evidence gathered during the investigation showed Hobbs functioned as a courier, receiving sealed packages outside the MCCC from inmate affiliates — packages he would then bring into the facility and hide in locations accessible to the inmates for whom the deliveries were intended.
During the course of the investigation, it was determined that Hobbs would receive anywhere from $300 to $2,500 in bribes for each such delivery, paid to him either in cash or via mobile money-transfer apps.
It is alleged that the defendant’s conduct violated state regulations as well as policies of the Mercer County DOC that prohibit the possession, sale, or use of contraband in the MCCC and that bar officers from establishing a personal relationship with an inmate, from trading and bartering with inmates, and from giving or receiving gifts from any inmate, or any inmate’s relative, friend, or representative.
Hobbs was indicted on the following charges:
• Official misconduct (2nd degree)
• Pattern of official misconduct (2nd degree)
• Bribery in official and political matters (2nd degree)
• Acceptance or receipt of an unlawful benefit by a public servant (2nd degree)
Second-degree charges each carry a sentence of five to 10 years in state prison and a fine of up to $150,000.
The case is being prosecuted by OPIA Deputy Attorney General Brian Uzdavinis, under the supervision of Corruption Bureau Chief Peter Lee, OPIA Deputy Director Anthony Picione and OPIA Director Eicher.
Defense counsel
Stuart J. Alterman of Alterman & Associates, Marlton, New Jersey
January 5, 2024
FREEHOLD – A male resident of Marlboro has been charged in connection with a homicide that took place in the early hours of New Year’s Day, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced on Friday.
Carl A. Richards, 38, was charged with one count of first-degree Aggravated Manslaughter.
On Monday, January 1, 2024, at approximately 12:49 a.m., members of the Marlboro Township Police Department responded to a residence on Texas Road in the Morganville section of Marlboro Township for an urgent request for medical attention for a male who had been assaulted at that location. Upon arrival of police, the victim, identified as George L. Mott III, 64, was discovered unresponsive with severe trauma to his head, face, and neck. Mott was rushed to Old Bridge Medical Center where he was later pronounced deceased at 1:49 a.m.
An investigation by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office – Major Crimes Bureau and the Marlboro Township Police Department revealed that subsequent to a verbal dispute, Carl A. Richards physically assaulted the victim, ultimately leading to his death. It was determined that both Mott and Richards reside at the residence.
Richards is being lodged in the Monmouth County Correctional Institution (MCCI) pending a first appearance in Monmouth County Superior Court on Friday, January 5, 2024.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant Prosecutor Caitlin J. Sidley of the Major Crimes Bureau.
Carl A. Richards is represented by Antonio J. Toto, Esq. of Monroe Township.
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.
January 5, 2024
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER) – Two Trenton men were sentenced this week to 60 years in state prison each without parole, Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri announced.
Treizon Thompson, 23, and Tyzir Hamilton, 22, were sentenced by Mercer County Superior Judge Peter E. Warshaw in separate appearances on January 4, 2024. Both men were sentenced to two 30-year sentences with a mandatory 30-year period of parole ineligibility. Warshaw granted the state’s request to run the sentences consecutively for a total of 60 years in state prison.
At their respective trials in December 2022 and September 2023, Thompson and Hamilton were found guilty by Mercer County juries on all counts of the indictment, including two counts of murder, conspiracy to commit murder, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and unlawful possession of a handgun.
On August 9, 2020, at approximately 7:30 a.m., patrol officers with the Trenton Police Department responded to the area of 300 Centre Street for a shooting in progress. Upon arrival, officers located the first victim, William Irizarry, 18, lying on the street in the area of 339 Centre Street. He had sustained multiple gunshot wounds throughout his body and was pronounced dead at the scene. The second victim, Julius Vargas, 18, was located inside a corner market with a gunshot wound. Vargas was transported to the hospital for treatment, however, succumbed to his injuries a short time later.
HTF detectives were able to locate a witness and numerous cameras in the area of the shooting. A suspect vehicle was identified as a black Chrysler 300 with PA plates, along with two shooters, described as two black males wearing all black clothing and black ski masks. The black Chrysler 300 was seen circling the area before the shooting, then parking and watching the victims for several minutes as they stood on the corner with others. When the suspect vehicle drove up to the corner and stopped, two shooters, later identified as Thompson and Tyzir Hamilton, exited. Both ran toward the victims, firing multiple gunshots. The driver, later identified as Darnell Davis, remained in the car. Hamilton and Thompson then chased after Irizarry as he ran into the street, continuing to shoot at him. When Irizarry fell to the ground after suffering a gunshot wound, they both continued to shoot at him as he lay on the ground. Afterward, Hamilton and Thompson returned to the suspect vehicle, which fled.
Further investigation revealed that a black Chrysler 300 was stolen out of Bensalem, Pennsylvania, on August 3, 2020, and seen on an automated license plate reader camera in the area of Pennington Avenue and Reservoir Street in Trenton on August 4. Detectives were able to partially match the license plate of the suspect vehicle to that of the stolen vehicle out of Bensalem.
The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office Computer Crimes Unit conducted a physical search and forensic examination of Irizarry’s cell phone, pursuant to a search warrant, and a photo was found that Irizarry posted on his Facebook page disrespecting the H-Block gang. Detectives continued to monitor multiple public social media posts throughout the month of August of numerous H-Block gang members talking about the murders of Irizarry and Vargas, taunting and threatening friends and family of the victims. They also referenced Irizarry disrespecting the H-Block gang prior to being murdered.
On September 1, 2020, while on surveillance during another investigation, HTF detectives observed the black Chrysler 300 with Pennsylvania plates driving in the area of Perry and Southard streets in Trenton. While detectives were attempting to identify the occupants, the vehicle took off at a high rate of speed and a pursuit ensued. The pursuit came to an end on Reservoir Street near Frazier Street, where the vehicle crashed into a telephone pole and the occupants subsequently escaped on foot. Area surveillance footage shows the vehicle crash into the pole. Two black males exited the vehicle through the front passenger door, both wearing all black with their hoods up. The black males fled on Reservoir Street toward Frazier Street and subsequently made a right onto Frazier Street toward Pennington Avenue, then out of sight.
A search warrant was obtained for the vehicle and detectives located a fully-loaded, 9mm Taurus handgun under the driver’s seat. The handgun was submitted to the New Jersey State Police Laboratory and identified as one of the guns used in the murders of Irizarry and Vargas. Further investigation revealed another witness who was able to identify Davis, Hamilton and Thompson as being responsible for the deaths of Irizarry and Vargas.
At the time of the arrest of all three suspects in October 2020, Prosecutor Onofri praised the investigative work of the Mercer County Homicide Task Force and thanked the public for the assistance provided during the investigation. “For weeks, detectives have methodically pieced the puzzle together, identifying the vehicle and all three suspects. But the help of the public in solving this double homicide was instrumental,” he stated. “It allowed us to follow leads from the very beginning, helping to point investigators in the right direction and allowing them to connect the dots.”
Mercer County Deputy First Assistant Prosecutors Kathleen M. Petrucci and Michael C. Borgos prosecuted the cases for the state.
The investigation was led by the Mercer County Homicide Task Force and Sgt. Richard Sheppard of the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office. Thompson was represented by John McMahon, Esq. and Matthew Mordas, Esq. Hamilton was represented by Mark Fury, Esq.
Treizon Thompson
Tyzir Hamilton
See original MidJersey.News stories on the murders here:
Names Released In This Morning’s Double Shooting
300 block of Center Street FILE Photos by: Brian McCarthy OnScene News
Mercer County Jury Finds Trenton Man Guilty in August 2020 Double Homicide
Trenton Man Guilty In August 2020 Double Homicide; Faces Life Imprisonment
January 5, 2024
EDISON, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–
Although she initially dismissed that email in 2019 as “spam,” it ended up changing Sheree Aramini’s life. Reading about the non-profit New Jersey Center for Teaching and Learning (NJCTL), she found her “greatest gift” and a pipeline to pursue her career goal as a self-described “science nerd.”
“As a teacher, you get flooded with emails to look at this program or look at that program, but this email I actually opened and read,” Aramini said. “And I’m so happy I did.”
The email highlighted NJCTL’s courses for teachers wanting to become certified to teach STEM classes, as part of the non-profit’s goal to becoming the obvious solution for the state’s ongoing teacher shortage. NJCTL’s tuition is about 25% of what a typical university charges, opening up new opportunities for all teachers.
With its endorsement and teaching programs – all taught online and asynchronous – NJCTL has become the go-to link for teachers to take their careers to a higher level by becoming certified in higher-level, high-demand subjects, such as mathematics, physics, and chemistry.
NJCTL was the ideal fit for Aramini, who is always embracing new courses of study. With a bachelor’s degree in international studies and master’s degree in international public relations, Aramini first entered the classroom in 2020 as a social studies teacher. She loves history, so that was a good match…at the time.
Yet she had a yearning for science…without the social.
“I didn’t dislike teaching social studies,” Aramini said. “However, I always loved science. Always. And at that time, it became my dream to be able to teach science. I was constantly looking at colleges. Do they have online classes? Do they have night classes? Maybe I could go to school this summer? How can I get these credits so that I can teach science?”
Aramini didn’t know how she could make it work. Being a full-time teacher can be draining. She just could not envision herself as an advanced college student while also holding down a full-time teaching job.
“I’m sure there are people who do it, but it’s got to be very difficult – to be exhausted after a long day of teaching, drive to a college and then have to sit there and then also do the work,” Aramini said. “So when I saw that email about getting an online STEM degree for teaching – it was like the greatest gift I could have asked for.”
As soon as Aramini verified the email – she signed up with NJCTL’s chemistry master’s program.
Having become an educator via the alternate route, Aramini began her teaching career in January 2020 – just before the pandemic closed physical classrooms the world over. She taught social studies for two years. Throughout, Aramini was studying for her NJCTL chemistry master’s degree.
“NJCTL was self-paced and had excellent videos,” she said, noting that each practice question has its own video with step-by-step explanations. That made all the difference for her.
“It was very helpful. This is not something I had in college,” Aramini said. “I did take chemistry at the time, but it was very hard and there was no YouTube, there was no one to help you with homework or explain problems.
NJCTL offers extra modeling for both the teachers in their programs and for students,” she added. “They really make it so that everyone can learn science. No matter where you are, they meet you where you’re at, and then they build you from there.”
Aramini steadily worked on her chemistry coursework at her pace, logging on during spare weekends and summer break. In the fall of 2021, she began teaching chemistry at Plainfield High School, while still working toward her NJCTL degree, which she proudly completed in August 2022.
After two years in Plainfield, she landed her dream job in Edison, where she graduated from J.P. Stevens High School in 2006.
Aramini now teaches science at the Woodrow Wilson Middle School, thanks to her advanced NJCTL degree. Never one to sit, she is now enrolled in NJCTL’s physics program as part of march toward a third master’s degree.
“Edison was my dream school district and it’s a very competitive district,” she said. “My NJCTL degree allowed me to get in the door. Having both the science and social studies background made me very marketable. NJCTL gave me my dream: to be a science educator. And I feel I’m just beginning…”
TOMS RIVER, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on March 1, 2024, Sherry Lee Heffernan, 57, of Landenberg, Pennsylvania, was found guilty of two counts of Murder in connection with the deaths of John Enders and Francoise Pitoy, following a nearly four week-long jury trial before the Honorable Kimarie Rahill, J.S.C. The murders occurred in Surf City on or about September 29, 2021. In rendering its verdict, the jury concluded beyond a reasonable doubt that Heffernan purposely or knowingly caused the deaths of Mr. Enders and Ms. Pitoy. The jury also found Heffernan guilty of Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose – specifically, a handgun, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon (handgun), Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose – specifically, a knife, and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon (knife). The jury determined beyond a reasonable doubt that Heffernan was guilty of utilizing a handgun and a knife in the commission of the murders of Mr. Enders and Ms. Pitoy. Heffernan is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Rahill on May 10, 2024, at which time she faces life in prison.
On October 3, 2021, at approximately 4:00 p.m., Officers from the Surf City Police Department responded to a residence on North 7th Street to conduct a welfare check upon the residents. When they arrived, Officers located the bodies of John Enders, 87, of Surf City, and Francoise Pitoy, 75, of Manchester; it was readily apparent that both victims were already deceased. On October 4, 2021, the Ocean County Medical Examiner performed a post-mortem examination of Mr. Enders and determined the cause of his death to be multiple stab wounds with severance of the right carotid artery and blunt force trauma; the manner of death was ruled to be a homicide. A post-mortem examination of Ms. Pitoy performed on October 5, 2021 determined the cause of her death to be multiple stab wounds as well as a gunshot wound to the face; the manner of her death was likewise ruled a homicide. Based upon the gunshot wound to Ms. Pitoy, the Medical Examiner performed an additional examination of Mr. Enders and found that he had also suffered a gunshot wound to the face.
An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Surf City Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, revealed that the victims were involved in a dating relationship, and that Mr. Enders was the primary owner of the residence. Ms. Pitoy stayed with him at the residence regularly. The cooperative investigation ultimately determined that Heffernan – Mr. Enders’ daughter – was responsible for the deaths of both Mr. Enders and Ms. Pitoy.
On October 4, 2021, Heffernan was taken into custody by the Pennsylvania State Police at her residence in Landenberg, Pennsylvania. On October 20, 2021, Heffernan was returned to New Jersey, and has been lodged in the Ocean County Jail since that date.
Prosecutor Billhimer applauds the outstanding efforts of Chief Trial Attorney Michael Weatherstone and Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Kristin Pressman, who ably and skillfully tried the case on behalf of the State. The Prosecutor likewise extends his gratitude to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Economic Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Intelligence Squad, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, Surf City Police Department, Long Beach Township Police Department, Stafford Township Police Department, New Jersey State Police, Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office, Ocean County Motor Vehicle Services, Pennsylvania State Police, Collegeville (Pennsylvania) Police Department, Horsham Township (Pennsylvania) Police Department, Montgomery County (Pennsylvania) District Attorney’s Office, Chester County (Pennsylvania) District Attorney’s Office, Maryland State Police, and North East (Maryland) Police Department, for their combined and collective efforts investigating and solving these heinous and senseless crimes – ultimately resulting in today’s guilty verdicts.
Sherry Lee Heffernan, 57, of Landenberg, Pennsylvania, was found guilty of two counts of Murder in connection with the deaths of John Enders and Francoise Pitoy, following a nearly four week-long jury trial before the Honorable Kimarie Rahill, J.S.C. The murders occurred in Surf City on or about September 29, 2021. In rendering its verdict, the jury concluded beyond a reasonable doubt that Heffernan purposely or knowingly caused the deaths of Mr. Enders and Ms. Pitoy. The jury also found Heffernan guilty of Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose – specifically, a handgun, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon (handgun), Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose – specifically, a knife, and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon (knife). The jury determined beyond a reasonable doubt that Heffernan was guilty of utilizing a handgun and a knife in the commission of the murders of Mr. Enders and Ms. Pitoy. Heffernan is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Rahill on May 10, 2024, at which time she faces life in prison.
Suspicious Deaths In Surf City Being Investigated
March 1, 2024
EWING TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–A fire in the attached garage of a home on Holder Drive was contained and extinguished before it could spread to the rest of the residence this evening (Friday, March 1, 2024).
Ewing firefighters, who were alerted to the blaze at 7:49 p.m., arrived to find flames in the garage. With confirmation of a working fire, mutual aid units from Pennington Borough, Hopewell Township and Trenton were dispatched to the scene to assist.
Two hose lines were put in service and the bulk of the fire was quickly knocked down, with damage reportedly contained to the garage area.
One resident was treated on scene by Ewing EMS for burns to her hands. While the status of a pet lizard was not immediately known, other pets – dogs and cats – escaped the fire unharmed.
The Red Cross was called out to assist residents of the damaged home with temporary shelter. The cause of the fire remains under investigation at this time.
NJ Public Safety News Alerts
March 1, 2024
TOMS RIVER, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on March 1, 2024, Raphael Powell, 38, of Toms River, was sentenced by the Honorable Guy P. Ryan, P.J.Cr.P., to an aggregate term of 25 years New Jersey State Prison (NJSP), having previously been found guilty of Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, Being a Certain Person Not to Possess a Firearm, Unlawful Possession of a Handgun with a prior conviction for a No Early Release Act (NERA) Offense, Terroristic Threats, Possession of Hollow Nose Bullets, Possession of a Large Capacity Magazine, and Possession of Fentanyl, all in connection with an incident that occurred in Toms River Township on July 2, 2022. Specifically, Judge Ryan sentenced Powell to 20 years NJSP with a 10-year period of parole ineligibility as to the Handgun Possession charge, and an additional five years NJSP with a 42-month period of parole ineligibility relative to the Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose offense – to run consecutive to the Handgun Possession charge. Additionally, Judge Ryan sentenced Powell to a concurrent five years NJSP with a five-year period of parole ineligibility as to the Certain Person Not to Possess a Firearm charge, concurrent to five years NJSP as to the Terroristic Threats charge, concurrent to 18 months NJSP as to the Possession of Hollow Nose Bullets charge, concurrent to 18 months NJSP as to the Possession of a Large Capacity Magazine charge, concurrent to five years NJSP as to the Possession of Fentanyl charge. In total, Powell will be required to serve at least 13.5 years of his 25-year state prison sentence before he may be considered for parole eligibility.
Powell was found guilty of all offenses on January 11, 2023, after a week-long jury trial before Judge Ryan.
On July 2, 2022, at approximately 11:00 p.m., Officers from the Toms River Township Police Department were dispatched to assist a male victim who had just been assaulted. Responding Officers met with the victim, who advised that he was entering a residence on Rory Road when a male approached him and asked him what he was doing in the area. The male suspect then punched the victim in the face and removed a handgun from his waistband. The male suspect brandished the handgun and then threatened to shoot and kill the victim. Another male then appeared at the scene and the victim was able to leave the area.
An investigation conducted by the Toms River Township Police Department determined that Powell was the individual who struck and threatened the victim with the handgun on July 2, 2022. Toms River Township Police Officers located Powell outside of his residence in Toms River in the early morning hours of July 3, 2022, and he was taken into custody without incident. Powell was searched incident to his arrest, and found to be in possession of a stolen handgun loaded with 17 rounds of hollow nose bullets. Powell was also found to be in possession of 30 wax folds of Fentanyl at the time of his arrest. Powell was arrested and transported to the Ocean County Jail, where he has remained lodged since July 3, 2022.
Prosecutor Billhimer commends the diligence and dedication of Assistant Prosecutor Kimberly Carr who ably and skillfully tried the case on behalf of the State. The Prosecutor likewise extends his gratitude to the Toms River Township Police Department and Berkeley Township Police Department for their combined and collective efforts in connection with this matter, ultimately leading to Powell’s lengthy state prison sentence.
Photo by EKATERINA BOLOVTSOVA on Pexels.com
March 1, 2024
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–A Bucks County, Pennsylvania, man made his initial court appearance on charges of producing videos and images depicting child sexual abuse and coercing and enticing a minor to engage in criminal sexual conduct, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.
Gregory J. Barger, 38, of Morrisville, Pennsylvania, was indicted on Feb. 15, 2024, on one count of sexual exploitation of a child – production of child pornography – and one count of coercion and enticement – online enticement of a minor. Barger had previously been charged by criminal complaint with the production offense. Barger was arraigned On Feb. 28, 2024, before U.S. District Judge Michael A. Shipp in Trenton federal court and was detained pending trial.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From Aug. 5, 2020, through April 7, 2022, Barger – a previously convicted, registered sex offender – used an electronic messaging application to communicate with a minor victim located in the United Kingdom. He induced, enticed, and coerced the minor victim to engage in sexual conduct with Barger. In February 2022, Barger traveled to the United Kingdom and produced images and videos of Barger engaged in sexual conduct with the minor victim. Law enforcement later recovered those images and videos from Barger’s cellular phone, which was seized from Barger at the time of his arrest on April 7, 2022, in Hamilton, New Jersey.
Because of Barger’s prior conviction, the charge of production of child pornography carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 25 years in prison and a maximum potential penalty of 50 years in prison, as well as a $250,000 fine. The charge of online enticement of a minor carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum potential penalty of life in prison, as well as a $250,000 fine.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of Homeland Security Investigations Newark, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Alfonso, and members of the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri, with the investigation leading to the charges.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander E. Ramey of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Trenton.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
20-077
Defense counsel: Andrea D. Bergman Esq., Assistant Federal Public Defender, Trenton
Arrest photo from “Operation Risky Business” arrest: “Gregory Barger, 37, Morrisville, PA. (Girl, 14) Barger is a self-employed painter and a registered sex offender in Pennsylvania. Charges: Attempted sexual assault, attempted luring, attempted endangering the welfare of a child, attempted kidnapping. MCPO is prosecuting.”
Barger.IndictmentDownload
March 1, 2024
LAKEWOOD, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer has announced that the decedent at the center of an investigation originating out of Lakewood Township has been identified as David Koscuik, 57, of Lakewood.
On February 28, 2024, at approximately 12:13 p.m., the Lakewood Township Police Department received notification concerning an unconscious male located inside the trunk of a vehicle, parked in the area of Fairway Court in Lakewood Township. Upon responding to the area, Officers located the body of a deceased male.
The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Lakewood Township Police Department, Manchester Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit are currently investigating this matter.
This investigation remains active and ongoing; there is no known danger to the public, and additional information will be released when it becomes available.
Anyone in possession of information regarding this investigation is urged to contact Detective Olga Brylevskaya of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office at 732-929-2027, extension 4105, or Detective Austin Letts of the Lakewood Township Police Department at 732-363-0200.
FREEHOLD – An investigation into the circumstances behind a double shooting that left one dead and another injured last week is active and ongoing, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced on Monday.
At approximately 3:13 a.m. on Wednesday July 10, 2024, officers from the Red Bank Police Department responded to the 100 block of River Street for a report of shots fired. Upon arrival, officers discovered two victims, both male, suffering from gunshot wounds.
One victim identified as Mikal Muhammad, 36 of Red Bank, was pronounced deceased on scene, while the other male was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center, treated, and released.
The investigation involving members of the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Bureau and Red Bank Police Department remains ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to contact Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Kayla Santiago at 800-533-7443 or Red Bank Police Detective Mike Zadlock at 732-530-2700. Anyone who feels the need to remain anonymous but has information about a crime can submit a tip to Monmouth County Crime Stoppers by calling their confidential telephone tip-line at 1-800-671-4400; by downloading and using the free P3 Tips mobile app (available on iOS and Android – https://www.p3tips.com/1182); by calling 800-671-4400; or by going to the website at www.monmouthcountycrimestoppers.com
EAST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–On Friday, July 19, 2024, at approximately 10:53 p.m., the East Windsor Police Department responded to Hickory Corner Road in the area of Brookwood Gardens on a report of a motor vehicle collision with injuries. Preliminary investigation revealed that a 2008 Honda Civic was traveling west on Hickory Corner Road, veered off the roadway, and collided into a large tree on the property of the Brookwood Gardens apartments.
A four-year-old passenger in the back seat sustained serious injuries and was transported to RWJ New Brunswick by New Jersey State Police Medevac and Capital Health Paramedics. The driver, a 36-year-old male, and an 11-year-old passenger in the back seat were transported via ambulance to RWJ New Brunswick for non-life-threatening injuries.
An investigation by the East Windsor Police Department and the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Serious Collision Response Team revealed that the front seat passenger, Madelin A. Soto-Santizo, 36, of East Windsor, grabbed the steering wheel of the moving vehicle while in an argument with the driver, causing the Honda Civic to crash.
Soto-Santizo is charged with one count of second-degree aggravated assault, two counts of third-degree aggravated assault, and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child. The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office has filed a motion to detain her pending trial.
Despite having been charged, every defendant is presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Assisting Agencies:
Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office
Capital Health EMS/Capital Health Paramedics New Jersey State Police
Hightstown EMS Robbinsville EMS
East Windsor Volunteer Fire Company #1 East Windsor Volunteer Fire Police #1
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on June 7, 2024, John Vincentini, 64, of Lacey Township, pled guilty to Bias Intimidation before the Honorable Kenneth T. Palmer, J.S.C., in connection with an incident that occurred in Lacey Township on September 5, 2022. Additionally, Vincentini pled guilty to unrelated charges of Possession of an Assault Firearm and Possession of More than One Ounce but Less than Five Pounds of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute before Judge Palmer – in connection with incidents that occurred in Lacey Township in March 2024. At the time of his sentencing on July29, 2024, the State will be seeking a term of five years New Jersey State Prison (NJSP) as to the bias intimidation charge, five years NJSP with a 42 month period of parole ineligibility as to the assault firearm charge, and three years NJSP as to the narcotics charge. The sentences are to run concurrently.
An investigation conducted by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Bias Crime Unit and Lacey Township Police Department Detective Bureau determined that on September 5, 2022, Vincentini was operating a motor vehicle in Lacey Township and followed an Amazon delivery driver into a cul-de-sac as the driver was making deliveries; Vincentini parked his vehicle in such a way as to block the Amazon driver’s vehicle. Vincentini proceeded to confront the driver, questioned the driver as to why he was in the neighborhood, and further inquired as to whether the driver understood that it was a racist neighborhood. Vincentini then asked the driver whether he wanted him to go back to his car, get his rifle, and shoot the driver in the head. The Amazon driver then drove away and contacted the Lacey Township Police Department. On October 5, 2022, Vincentini surrendered himself to the Lacey Township Police Department and was charged with bias intimidation. He was processed and released on a summons pending future appearances in Ocean County Superior Court.
On March 15, 2024, the Lacey Township Police Department was contacted by local residents to report that a package of marijuana was delivered to their residence in a re-purposed Amazon box. An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force and Lacey Township Police Department revealed that John Vincentini was the individual who delivered the box containing the marijuana to the subject residence.
On March 21, 2024, Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force and Lacey Township Police Department executed a court-authorized search warrant on the Vincentini residence in Lacey. As a result, Detectives seized approximately ten pounds of Marijuana, 15 marijuana plants, drug paraphernalia associated with the packaging and distribution of narcotics, two assault firearms, a rifle style BB gun, and approximately $150,000 in United States Currency. John Vincentini and Karen Vincentini, John Vincentini’s wife, were both taken into custody without incident at their residence and charged accordingly. They were transported to the Ocean County Jail, where they have been lodged since their arrest. The charges against Karen Vincentini remain pending.
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the diligent efforts of Senior Assistant Prosecutor Ashley Angelo and Assistant Prosecutor Julie Peterson who handled this case on behalf of the State, and commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Bias Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Asset Forfeiture Unit, Lacey Township Police Department, Lacey Township Police Department Detective Bureau, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, for their collective efforts in connection with these investigations – leading to Vincentini’s guilty pleas and soon his state prison sentence.
Photo by Sora Shimazaki on Pexels.com
Photo by EKATERINA BOLOVTSOVA on Pexels.com
