Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Chief Raymond Hayducka of the South Brunswick Police Department announced today that Giovanni Gaines-Little, 24, of Camden, was sentenced on July 29, 2024, in connection with a fatal hit and run that occurred on February 25, 2023.
On February 25, 2023, at approximately 9:58 P.M., authorities responded to the intersection of Route 130 and Route 32 in South Brunswick Township following the report of a motor vehicle crash. Upon their arrival, authorities located Kerri Lynn Shea, 43, of East Windsor, unconscious and entrapped in her motor vehicle. The driver of the other involved motor vehicle fled the scene prior to the arrival of law enforcement. Ultimately, Ms. Shea died from injuries sustained in the collision.
An investigation led by Officer Bryan Sites of the South Brunswick Police Department and Detective Matthew Colonna of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office determined that Giovanni Gaines-Little, 24, of Camden, was the driver of the Mitsubishi Lancer that collided with Ms. Shea’s vehicle. Gaines-Little drove the Mitsubishi Lancer through a red light at a high rate of speed, collided with Ms. Shea’s car, and then fled the scene on foot leaving his passenger behind. At the time of the incident, Gaines-Little was unlicensed. Gaines-Little was arrested on January 29, 2024, and subsequently charged.
On April 12, 2024, Gaines-Little pled guilty to second-degree Vehicular Homicide and second-degree Knowingly Leaving the Scene of Motor Vehicle Accident Resulting in Death. Gaines-Little was sentenced on July 29, 2024, by the Honorable Thomas J. Buck, J.S.C., to 5 years subject to the No Early Release Act (NERA) which means he will have to serve 85 percent of his sentence, for the crime of second-degree Vehicular Homicide, running consecutive to a 6-year sentence for the crime of second-degree Knowingly Leaving the Scene of Motor Vehicle Accident Resulting in Death for a total of 11 years in New Jersey State Prison. Upon release, Gaines-Little will be subject to parole supervision for 3 years.
Police Seek Suspect In Fatal Hit And Run In South Brunswick
Two Others Have Died From Trenton Shootings Increasing Homicide Total To 17
June 16, 2023
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Mercer County Homicide Task Force and the Trenton Police Department are investigating a shooting incident that occurred at approximately 3:08 p.m., Trenton Police respond to a Shot Spotter activation for multiple rounds in the 600 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in Trenton. Three victims were taken to the hospital for treatment. One of the victims, James Junior Journigan, later died of his injuries. The two additional victims are currently in critical condition at Capital Health Regional Medical Center. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact Mercer County Homicide Task Force Detective Sergeant Roberto Reyes or Detective Michael Cipriano at 609-989-6406. Information can also be emailed to [email protected].
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)— Governor Phil Murphy and New Jersey Department of Health Commissioner Judy Persichilli today announced that the New Jersey Department of Health has identified a case of the Omicron variant (B.1.1.529) in a traveler to the state. The individual, an adult female, who is a fully vaccinated Georgia resident, had recently traveled to South Africa.
Since testing positive on November 28, the woman has remained in isolation. She experienced moderate symptoms and is now recovering after receiving care in a North Jersey emergency department. The New Jersey Department of Health laboratory performed sequencing on the specimen to confirm it was the Omicron variant.
“The Omicron variant is among us and we need to take steps to stop its spread. It is vital that residents remain as vigilant as possible as we await more information about the variant,” said Governor Murphy. “Vaccinations and mask wearing have proven to be an effective tool to reduce the spread of COVID-19, and I urge everyone ages 18 and over to receive a booster.”
“With cases increasing and the identification of the Omicron in the state, the fight against COVID-19 is not over,” said Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli. “We are still learning about the Omicron variant, but we have tools to stop the spread of the virus, most important among them is to get vaccinated and get a booster dose. The public should continue to mask up, get tested if they have symptoms, physically distance, avoid crowded events, stay home when sick and wash hands frequently.”
On November 26, 2021, the World Health Organization classified this new variant, B.1.1.529, as a Variant of Concern and named it Omicron. On November 30, 2021, the United States also classified it as a Variant of Concern. The New Jersey Department of Health has been working with other states, local health departments, clinical laboratories, hospitals, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to rapidly identify individuals who may have been infected with the Omicron variant.
Studies show after getting vaccinated against COVID-19, protection against the virus and the ability to prevent infection may decrease over time. Booster doses provide essential additional protection. While more than 70 percent of residents have received their primary vaccine series, only 31 percent of residents eligible have received a booster.
The CDC recommends that all individuals 5 and older should get vaccinated and those 18 and older receive a booster dose.
Residents should visit COVID19.NJ.GOV or call the Vaccine Call Center at 855-568-0545 to find a vaccine or booster appointment.
Additionally, CDC has issued new guidance on international travel, available at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/international-travel/index.html
NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Chief Vincent Sabo of the New Brunswick Police Department announced today that a fatal crash is under investigation in the City of New Brunswick.
Today, March 6, 2024, at 7:08 a.m., authorities responded to Route 1 Northbound near the Goodkind Bridge following the report of a crash. Upon their arrival, authorities located an Infiniti, which had struck a Ford Pickup Truck, killing the driver of the Ford Pickup Truck, Dennis Frick, 65, of Freehold. Frick was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the Infiniti was uninjured.
An initial investigation led by Officer Gliottone of the New Brunswick Police Department and Detective Alleva of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office determined that the Infiniti was driving Southbound on Route 1 and lost control of the vehicle and crossing over the median and striking the Ford Pickup Truck that was traveling Northbound on Route 1.
The investigation is active and continuing. Anyone with information or video footage is asked to call Officer Gliottone of the New Brunswick Police Department at 732-745-5005 or Detective Alleva of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at 732-745-4011.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–A Trenton man has been charged with the murder of Daquan Brown earlier this month in the city, Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri reported.
Mack Williams, 32, is charged with murder and weapons offenses. He was taken into custody on Monday in Trenton by the U.S. Marshals NY/NJ Regional Fugitive Task Force with assistance from the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office. The prosecutor’s office has filed a motion to detain Williams pending trial.
The charges are the result of an investigation by the Mercer County Homicide Task Force and the Trenton Police Department. At approximately 3:10 p.m. on Sunday, October 9, 2022, Trenton police responded to a Shot Spotter activation for multiple rounds in the first block of Ewing Street. Responding officers arrived on scene to discover an adult male lying on the ground at Kersey Alley suffering a gunshot wound to the shoulder area. He was transported to the hospital and pronounced dead a short time later. The victim was identified as Daquan Brown, 33, of Trenton.
Despite having been charged, every defendant is presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Mack Williams, 32, is charged with murder and weapons offenses.
Shooting Homicide Under Investigation In Trenton, NJ
Update: Prosecutors Releases Name Of Yesterday’s Shooting Victim
At approximately 3:10 p.m. on Sunday, October 9, 2022, Trenton police responded to a Shot Spotter activation for multiple rounds in the first block of Ewing Street. Responding officers arrived on scene to discover an adult male lying on the ground at Kersey Alley suffering a gunshot wound to the shoulder area. He was transported to the hospital and pronounced dead a short time later. The victim was identified as Daquan Brown, 33, of Trenton.
Names of the 2022 homicide victims in the City of Trenton:
2/15/2022 Antwone Barnes, 37, of Trenton, Stabbing
2/23/2022 Leonardo Fernandez, 32, of Trenton, Stabbing
3/01/2022 Shimon Nesmith Jr., 19, of Trenton, Shooting
3/03/2022 Helen Nelson, 73, of Trenton, Physical Assault
3/15/2022 Albert L. Barnes, 46, of Trenton, Shooting
3/25/2022 Sequoya Bacon-Jones, 9, of Trenton, Shooting
3/31/2022 Tahaad Goss, 16, of Trenton, Shooting
4/07/2022 Jaquir Queen, 26, of Willingboro, Shooting
4/09/2022 Leroy Davis, 31, of Trenton, Shooting
5/01/2022 Jamir McNeil, 25 of Trenton, Shooting
5/22/2022 Ali Abdullah, 25, of Trenton, Shooting
6/01/2022 Dreiby Osorio, 16, of Trenton, Stabbing
9/02/2022 Rasheed Barlow, 35, of Trenton, Shooting
9/11/2022 Chron Jenks, 34, of Ewing, Shooting
9/20/2022 Keenan Anthony Trower, 31, of Hamilton Shooting
10/09/2022 Daquan Brown, 33, of Trenton, Shooting
10/10/2022 Daveigh Brooks, 25, of Ewing
** Pending determination:
18. ** Cause of “Suspicious death” for Corrine Daniels, 41, of Park Avenue in Trenton has not been released yet from MCPO ** Once official determination is made the list will be updated.
19. ** Cause of fire under investigation by Mercer County Prosecutors Office Brian Wharton, 57, of Trenton
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Trenton Police reported that on Thursday, July 18, 2024, Trenton Police Department Crime Suppression Unit detectives apprehended Noah Brantley in the area of 452 Lamberton Street. Brantley was wanted in connection with three separate robberies of taxicab drivers in the City of Trenton. On two of these occasions Brantley requested a cab to the area of Brunswick Avenue and Sanford Street. Brantley robbed the drivers of their wallets/money once they arrived at his intended destination in south Trenton. In a third incident, Brantley took the driver’s wallet during the ride and fled the taxi on foot. The driver gave chase and Brantley produced a gun and pointed it at the driver.
Trenton Police Department Detective Erick Avalos, Detective John Rose, and Detective Roberto Ramos conducted their investigations under the supervision of Detective Sergeant Michael Cipriano. Noah Brantley was charged with the following:
Two counts of 1st degree Armed Robbery, one count of 2nd degree Armed Robbery, two counts of Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, two counts of Possession of a Weapon for Unlawful Purpose, and Terroristic Threats. Brantley was also found to have an active warrant for Simple Assault (Domestic Violence).
Noah Brantley, 18, charged with two counts of 1st degree Armed Robbery, one count of 2nd degree Armed Robbery, two counts of Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, two counts of Possession of a Weapon for Unlawful Purpose, and Terroristic Threats. Brantley was also found to have an active warrant for Simple Assault (Domestic Violence).
MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ – On Monday, June 3, Middlesex County leadership and members of the Police Benevolent Association Local 214 and Superior Officers Associations Local 214, both associated with the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, presented to the Bristol-Meyers Squibb Children’s Hospital at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital a $9,000 check, the highest ever raised in this annual event.
The donation resulted from a fundraising effort through the annual Middlesex County Police Charity Softball tournament, which took place on May 4, 2024, with teams from various police departments participating. Over the past five years, the game has raised approximately $33,860.
There were a total of 10 teams that participated in the 2024 Middlesex County Police Charity Softball Tournament:
Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office
Middlesex County Department of Corrections
Carteret Police Department
NJ Transit Police Department
Hudson County Department of Corrections/Office of the Sherriff
Newark Police Department
Other teams were non-law enforcement
Present at the event were County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios, County Administrator John Pulomena, County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone, Captain Wayne Canastra, Lieutenant Colin Feneis, Lieutenant Michael Connelly, and Lieutenant Joseph Celentano, as well as Bristol-Meyers Squibb Children’s Hospital personnel. Detectives Olivia Ankudowicz, Ken Barnes, James Barnes, Michelle Coppola, Michael Griffith, Dan Gzemski, Ryan Kirsh, Luke Kitto, and Shadi Zaiton were also in attendance.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on July 16, 2024, Jared Krysiak, 34, of Brick Township, a fugitive from justice, who was charged on July 13, 2024 with Hindering Apprehension and Desecration of Human remains in connection with a series of events that occurred in Toms River and Jackson Townships on or about July 3, 2024, was taken into custody in Marlboro, New Jersey, by Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit and Toms River Township Police Department. Krysiak has been transported to the Ocean County Jail where he will remain lodged pending a detention hearing.
The charges referenced above are merely accusations and the press and public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
R.P.C. 3.6(b)(6).
July 15, 2024
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that July 13, 2024, Jared Krysiak, 34, of Brick Township, was charged with Hindering Apprehension and Desecration of Human Remains in connection with a series of events that occurred in Toms River and Jackson Townships on or about July 3, 2024. Information concerning this investigation was released to the public earlier today.
Krysiak has not yet been taken into custody, and is considered a fugitive from justice. As such, a warrant for his arrest has been issued and his name has been entered in the National Crime Information Center database.
Prosecutor Billhimer urges anyone in possession of information related to this investigation to contact Detective Denis Mitchell of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office at 732-929-2027, extension 2476, or Detective James Carey of the Toms River Township Police Department at 732-349-0150.
The charges referenced above are merely accusations and the press and public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
R.P.C. 3.6(b)(6).
Jared Krysiak, 34, of Brick Township, was charged with Hindering Apprehension and Desecration of Human Remains in connection with a series of events that occurred in Toms River and Jackson Townships on or about July 3, 2024. Krysiak has not yet been taken into custody, and is considered a fugitive from justice. As such, a warrant for his arrest has been issued and his name has been entered in the National Crime Information Center database.
Related:
Four Charged with Hindering Apprehension and Desecration of Human Remains
Seaside Heights Woman Charged with Harboring a Fugitive from Justice
NEW YORK, — Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Michael Alfonso, the Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Newark Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), announced today the unsealing of a Complaint charging Bronx-based immigration attorney KOFI AMANKWAA and his son, KOFI AMANKWAA, JR., with carrying out a large-scale immigration fraud scheme. The defendants will be presented this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah Netburn.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As alleged, Kofi Amankwaa, an immigration attorney, and his son, Kofi Amankwaa, Jr., sought to make a mockery of the U.S. immigration system by conspiring to defraud the United States and commit immigration fraud. Amankwaa and his son allegedly exploited the Violence Against Women Act — a law that allows noncitizen victims of domestic abuse a path to lawful permanent residence status — for their own financial gain by falsely claiming that their clients were victims of domestic abuse. Thanks to the dedicated actions of our law enforcement partners and the career prosecutors of this Office, the defendants must now answer for these crimes.”
HSI Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Alfonso said: “Kofi Amankwaa is charged with deceitful practices whereby he allegedly victimized clients who relied on his legal assistance with their immigration process. HSI is committed to protecting the applicants, petitioners, and requestors of U.S. citizenship who, unfortunately, are often at risk of falling for scams or fraud. HSI is thankful for the collaboration in this investigation with other Department of Homeland Security components, as well as other federal agencies, who continue to help us combat document and benefit fraud.”
According to the allegations in the Complaint:
From September 2016 through November 2023, AMANKWAA and AMANKWAA, JR., met with clients and directed them to sign fraudulent Form I-360 Violence Against Women Act (“VAWA”) Petitions falsely stating that the clients were abused by their U.S. citizen children. AMANKWAA also signed the petitions, under penalty of perjury, as the attorney preparer.
The defendants used the filing of the fraudulent Form I-360 VAWA Petitions, among other filings, as a basis to request advance parole travel documents for their clients — documents that enable individuals without legal status in the United States to travel abroad temporarily and return. The defendants then directed their clients, upon obtaining the advance parole travel documents, to travel abroad and return to the United States. Last, the defendants used the fraudulently procured advance parole as a basis for their clients to apply for lawful permanent resident status.
The defendants carried out this illegal scheme knowing that their clients had not, in fact, been abused by their children or without ever asking whether any such abuse occurred. Moreover, the defendants were often unsuccessful in obtaining lawful permanent resident status for their clients because the clients’ immigration applications were denied on the basis of fraud, among other reasons. The defendants typically charged their clients $6,000 for their services, plus administrative fees.
In November 2023, following numerous complaints by clients regarding the fraudulent abuse allegations, AMANKWAA’s license to practice law in the State of New York was suspended.
KOFI AMANKWAA, 69, and KOFI AMANKWAA, JR., 37, both of South River, New Jersey, are each charged with one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and to commit immigration fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, and one count of immigration fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
The maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by a judge.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the HSI. Mr. Williams also thanked the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ Office of Fraud Detection and National Security for their support in this investigation. He also noted that the New York State Attorney General’s Office separately initiated a parallel civil proceeding against AMANKWAA and AMANKWAA, JR., today.
This case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Z. Margulies is in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
u.s._v._amankwaa_and_amankwaa_jr._complaintDownload Photo by Sora Shimazaki on Pexels.com
PRINCETON-WEST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–New Jersey State Park Police reported that as a result of a targeted operation, Xavier Jeremiah Raglan of Princeton was taken into custody by the New Jersey State Park Police in the West Windsor Twp. section of D&R Canal State Park following several complaints of lewdness in the park between Princeton Twp. and Plainsboro Twp.
Raglin was processed, charged and released with the following summonses:
Lewdness (2C:14-4)(DP) (Involving a Princeton University Student) (Princeton Twp)
Harassment (2C:33-2a)(DP) (Involving a female walking on the D&R Canal SP) (Princeton Twp)
Theft of Lost/Mislaid Property (2C:20-6)(DP) (West Windsor Twp)
Indecent Exposure in a State Park (Park Summons) (Princeton Twp)
Improper Conduct in a State Park (Park Summons) (Princeton Twp)
Reminder, if you observe illegal or suspicious activity while visiting New Jersey’s state parks, forests or historic sites, please report the activity to DEP Dispatch at 1-877-WARNDEP (1-877-927-6337) or 9-1-1.
The charges referenced above are merely accusations and the press and public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. R.P.C. 3.6(b)(6)
Mack Williams, 32, is charged with murder and weapons offenses.
Photo by Sora Shimazaki on Pexels.com