HAMILTON, NJ (MERCER)–On Thursday December 14, 2023 at approximately 1:32 A.M., Officer Vitoritt was detailed to the McDonald’s on the 2600 block of South Broad Street on a burglar alarm to the business. Upon his arrival he noticed the drive thru window of the business had been pried open and saw a suspect inside of the building. As the Officer began to exit his vehicle the suspect exited the restaurant and fled on foot. Officer Vitoritt pursued the suspect on foot and was able to arrest him in the parking lot of the Dollar General. He was identified as William Sweeney, 22, of Jackson. Officer Vitoritt returned to the McDonald’s along with Sergeant Liedtka to perform a check of the business. While checking the interior they located a second suspect laying on the floor of the bathroom and placed him under arrest. He was identified as Rashawn Smith, 33, of Trenton.
Sweeney was charged with Burglary, Theft, Criminal Mischief, and Resisting Arrest. Smith was charged with Burglary and Theft. They were both transported to the Mercer County Correctional Facility pending a detention hearing.
Anyone with any information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective Robert Whartenby of the Hamilton Police Division Major Crimes Unit at (609) 581-4032 or the Hamilton Police Crime Tip Hotline at (609) 581-4008.
FREEHOLD – An English teacher at Hamilton High School West in Mercer County has been arrested and criminally charged with having a sexual relationship with a student, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced Tuesday.
Jessica Sawicki, 37, of Point Pleasant (Ocean County) is charged with five counts of second-degree Sexual Assault and five counts of second-degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child.
An investigation involving members of the MCPO Special Victims Bureau, the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, and the New Jersey State Police revealed that the alleged criminal conduct by Sawicki began earlier this year. On several occasions, Sawicki allegedly engaged in sexual acts with the victim at the Assunpink Wildlife Management Area in Upper Freehold Township.
Sawicki was arrested without incident earlier this week and transported to the Monmouth County Correctional Institution (MCCI), where she remains incarcerated pending a first appearance and detention hearing to take place in Monmouth County Superior Court.
Anyone with information about Sawicki’s activities is being urged to contact MCPO Detective David Sidorakis at 800-533-7443.
This case is being prosecuted by Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Keri-Leigh Schaefer. Sawicki is being represented by Edward Cridge, Esq.
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.
An English teacher at Hamilton High School West in Mercer County has been arrested and criminally charged with having a sexual relationship with a student, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced Tuesday.
Jessica Sawicki, 37, of Point Pleasant (Ocean County) is charged with five counts of second-degree Sexual Assault and five counts of second-degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child.
An investigation involving members of the MCPO Special Victims Bureau, the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, and the New Jersey State Police revealed that the alleged criminal conduct by Sawicki began earlier this year. On several occasions, Sawicki allegedly engaged in sexual acts with the victim at the Assunpink Wildlife Management Area in Upper Freehold Township.
EWING, NJ (MERCER)–A month-long investigation into narcotics distribution in the Mercer County area has culminated with one arrest and the seizure of $40,000 in heroin, Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri reported.
On Monday, October 16, 2023, members of the Mercer County Narcotics Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Ewing, Hamilton and Trenton police, initiated surveillance in the parking lot of the River’s Edge Apartments on Country Lane in Ewing Township based on information received during the investigation. At approximately 8:30 p.m., officers observed the target of the investigation, Onasis Santos-Estevez, arrive in a red Mitsubishi Outlander. The driver and Santos-Estevez were detained without incident. Sgt. Tom Paglione utilized his K-9 partner, Indy, to conduct an exterior sniff of the vehicle, which resulted in Indy alerting to the scent of narcotics on the rear passenger side door. A search warrant was executed and, inside of the Outlander, detectives located a blue reusable shopping bag containing approximately 200 bricks of heroin under the front passenger seat.
Santos-Estevez, 47, of Philadephia, PA, was charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance and possession with the intent to distribute. The prosecutor’s office has filed a motion to detain him pending trial.
According to Prosecutor Onofri, the street value of the confiscated heroin is approximately $40,000.
Despite having been charged, all persons are presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Santos-Estevez, 47, of Philadephia, PA, was charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance and possession with the intent to distribute. The prosecutor’s office has filed a motion to detain him pending trial.
Rail service will be temporarily suspended for the rest of the service day. NJ TRANSIT Rail tickets and passes are being cross-honored by NJ TRANSIT bus, light rail, private carrier buses and PATH at Newark Penn Station, Hoboken and 33rd St. Click HERE for complete details on last trains of the service day
June 17, 2022
Rail Service Suspended for the Remainder of the Service Day, June 17th according to New Jersey Transit.
From the New Jersey Transit website:
Due to an illegal job action initiated this morning by the locomotive engineers’ union (BLE&T), rail service will terminate early this evening and will remain temporarily suspended for the remainder of the service day on Friday, June 17th. Please see the information below for the last eastbound and westbound trains departing by rail line.
Last trains of the evening from New York, Newark & Hoboken by rail line:
Northeast Corridor: No. 3881 at 7:44 p.m. from NY
North Jersey Coast Line: No. 3279 at 7:06 p.m. from NY
Raritan Valley Line: No. 5747 at 7:13 p.m. from Newark Penn Station
Montclair-Boonton Line to Hackettstown: No. 1085 at 7:22 p.m. from Hoboken
Gladstone Line: No. 443 at 7:44 p.m. from Hoboken
M&E to Dover: No. 6667 at 8:05 p.m from NY
Montclair-Boonton to Montclair: No. 6291 at 7:37 p.m. from NY
Port Jervis Line: No. 65 at 7:57 p.m. from Hoboken
Main Line: No. 1127 at 7:46 p.m. from Hoboken
Bergen County Line: No. 1177 at 8:13 p.m. from Hoboken
Pascack Valley Line: No. 1641 at 7:28 p.m. from Hoboken
Last eastbound trains by line to New York, Newark and Hoboken by rail line:
Port Jervis Line – from Port Jervis to Hoboken: Train No. 68 at 9:22 p.m.
Main Line – from Suffern to Hoboken: Train No. 1136 at 9:47 p.m.
Bergen County Line – from Suffern to Hoboken: Train No. 1186 at 10:17 p.m.
Pascack Valley Line – from Spring Valley to Hoboken: Train No. 1634 at 9:07 p.m.
Gladstone Line – from Gladstone to Hoboken: Train No. 438 at 9:28 p.m.
Raritan Valley Line: no eastbound service for the remainder of the service day
M&E: Dover to NY: Train No. 6672 at 7:58 p.m.
Montclair-Boonton: Train No. 6270 at 8:05 p.m. Montclair to NY
Northeast Corridor (Trenton to NY): no eastbound service for the remainder of the service day
North Jersey Coast Line: (Bay Head/Long Branch to NY): No eastbound service for the remainder of the service day
To provide customers with as many alternate travel options as possible, NJ TRANSIT will continue to accept rail tickets on NJ TRANSIT and Private Carrier buses, all three NJ TRANSIT light rail lines, PATH from 33rd Street in New York, Hoboken and Newark Penn, and NY Waterway ferries. Rail customers interested in using bus service as an alternate travel option can go to the “Schedules” feature on the mobile app or website to plan your trip.
Please continue to visit njtransit.com for the most up-to-date service information. We also encourage you to follow your individual line account on Twitter (see below), and customize your push notifications for service information on the NJ TRANSIT mobile app. You can also sign-up for text and e-mail alerts by visiting njtransit.com/mytransit.
NEC Line eastbound rail service from Trenton to PSNY will be suspended for the remainder of the service day.
Rail service will be temporarily suspended for the rest of the service day. The final westbound train on the NEC will be train #3881, departing PSNY at 7:43 PM.
NJ TRANSIT Rail tickets and passes are being cross-honored by NJ TRANSIT Bus, Light rail, private carriers and PATH at Newark Penn Station, Hoboken and 33rd St.
Princeton Shuttle (Dinky) service will not operate today. Substitute bus service is being provided. Buses will depart Princeton Station 15 minutes before the scheduled train time.
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EWING — The Township of Ewing Emergency Medical Services (EMS) celebrated its first Gala Dinner on June 7, 2024, at the Mountainview Golf Course and Country Club. The event, an evening of recognition, appreciation and community spirit, acknowledged the achievements of Ewing EMS and their unwavering dedication to the safety and health of the community.
Established in 1977, Ewing EMS has grown from its humble beginnings with just four employees to a dedicated team of 12 full-time professionals who respond to more than 5,000 calls annually, making a significant impact on countless lives in the community.
Mayor Bert H. Steinmann — taken by surprise when EMS Director Delorfette Clark presented him with a plaque in appreciation of the mayor and council’s ongoing support of the department — shared his thoughts on the importance of recognizing EMS technicians. “The technicians are the backbone of Ewing EMS, consistently showing exceptional dedication and compassion,” Mayor Steinmann said. “This gala is a way to honor their tireless efforts and the vital role they play in safeguarding our community’s health and well-being, and I believe they are among the best around.”
Director Clark also expressed a heartfelt thank you to all first responders. “I extend my deepest gratitude to all our first responders,” Clark said. “Your unwavering commitment, bravery, and selflessness make a profound difference in the lives of so many. Every day, you put others before yourselves, and for that, we are eternally grateful. This gala is not just a celebration of your achievements but a recognition of the heart and soul you pour into serving our community.”
Also in attendance were Council President Kevin Baxter, Council Vice President Jennifer Keyes-Maloney, Councilmember Kathleen Wollert, Sarah Steward and David Schroth; Police Chief Albert Rhodes; Fire Director Marc Strauss, and Township Administrator Aaron T. Watson.
AWARD RECIPIENTS
Years of Service Awards:
Captain Stephen Stackhouse – 5 years
EMT Christopher Biache- 5 years
Captain Charles Sista – 10 years
Captain Nicholas Portella – 10 years
EMT Jessica Cheverez – 10 years
Captain Grady C.L. Griffin, 20 years
2023 EMS Chief’s Award Recipient
2023 People’s Choice Award (As chosen by staff)
2023 Per Diem of the Year Award
2023 Medical Director of the Year Award
About Ewing EMS:
Ewing EMS is committed to delivering excellent pre-hospital care with compassion and respect. The organization advocates for each patient, ensuring they receive the highest standard of care and attention.
Reflecting the diversity of Ewing Township, Ewing EMS supports a team of professionals from various backgrounds and cultures, fostering an inclusive and collaborative environment. The service also prides itself on embracing innovation and leveraging the latest advances in critical care and technology to provide cutting-edge medical services to residents.
About Ewing Township:
Ewing Township is dedicated to maintaining a quality place of life for its residents through excellent public services, community engagement, and continuous improvement. For more information, visit our website at www.ewingnj.org
Ewing Township. Where Community Meets Progress
Clockwise, from left, Mayor Bert H. Steinmann, Chris Steinmann, Council members Sarah Steward and Kathy Wollert, Business Administrator Aaron T. Watson, Human Resources Director Raissa Walker
Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw and Evesham Township Police Chief Walt Miller announced that a 48-year-old Marlton man has been charged with possession and distribution of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM).
Dominic Constantine was taken into custody at his residence July 3 and charged with Possession of CSAM on a File Sharing Program (First Degree), Possession of CSAM with Intent to Distribute (First Degree), Distribution of CSAM (First Degree), and Possession of CSAM (Second Degree).
He was lodged in the Burlington County Jail in Mount Holly pending a detention hearing in Superior Court. The case will be prepared for presentation to a grand jury for possible indictment.
The investigation began after the BCPO High-Tech Crimes Unit received a tip from United States Homeland Security Investigations concerning Constantine’s online activities. The investigation revealed that Constantine had multiple CSAM images and videos stored on numerous electronic devices, including cell phones, computers and a tablet. The devices were seized during the execution of a search warrant at his residence.
The investigation further revealed that Constantine was sharing CSAM through a network that allowed a large amount of files to be distributed online.
The investigation was conducted by the BCPO High-Tech Crimes Unit, with assistance from the Evesham Township Police Department and United States Homeland Security Investigations – Cherry Hill Office. The lead investigator is Evesham Detective Christopher DeFrancesco, who is assigned to the BCPO High-Tech Crimes Unit as a Task Force Officer.
Constantine will be prosecuted by the BCPO Special Victims Unit.
All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Dominic Constantine was taken into custody at his residence July 3 and charged with Possession of CSAM on a File Sharing Program (First Degree), Possession of CSAM with Intent to Distribute (First Degree), Distribution of CSAM (First Degree), and Possession of CSAM (Second Degree).
EAST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–Mayor Janice S. Mironov proclaimed National Library Week April 7 to 13, with the theme “There’s More to the Story” and recognized the important role of the two East Windsor library branches, Hickory Corner and Twin Rivers, of the Mercer County Library System. Mayor Mironov presented the Proclamation, along with Barnes and Noble gift certificates donated by Shiseido America, to Sharon Galbraith Ryer, Branch Manager of the Hickory Corner Library and Jeanne Murray, Branch Manager of the Twin Rivers Library branch, President of the Friends of the Library for Hickory Corner Library Debbie Scherholz and Vice President of the Friends of the Library for Twin Rivers Library Terry Goldstein.
Mayor Mironov stated, “Our libraries are an incredibly important focus and resource center here in East Windsor Township where groups can meet, residents have free access to books, newspapers and magazines, movies, music, digital materials, as well as use of computers. I am always excited to see how many people, young and old,
embrace and utilize East Windsor’s two public libraries, the Hickory Corner Branch and the Twin Rivers Branch. Our libraries open doors to information, programs and opportunities, and are key building blocks of our democracy. I am proud to continue to support their efforts to serve the people of our community.”
The Mayoral Proclamation issued by Mayor Mironov states, “our public libraries provide all people with books, information, computers, videos, audio cassettes and other resources to enrich their lives.” The Proclamation continues, “Librarians provide the essential guidance and support needed by children, teenagers and adults alike in their search for knowledge and information, as well as their pursuit of avocational and leisure interests.”
East Windsor Township Mayor Janice S. Mironov proclaimed National Library Week April 7 to 13, and presented the Proclamation and Barnes and Noble gift certificates donated by Shiseido, to local library representatives. Pictured (from left to right) are: Debbie Scherholz, President of the Friends of the Library for Hickory Corner Library; Sharon Galbraith Ryer, Hickory Corner Library Branch Manager; Mayor Janice S. Mironov; Jeanne Murray, Twin Rivers Library Branch Manager, and Terry Goldstein, Vice President of the Friends of the Library for Twin Rivers Library.
Record Settlement for NJ Office of Weights & Measures Includes $1.61 Million Civil Penalty
June 18, 2024
TRENTON –Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division of Consumer Affairs (“Division”) announced today that international retailer Walmart has agreed to pay $1.64 million to resolve allegations that the chain repeatedly engaged in unlawful unit pricing practices at its 64 retail stores throughout the state. The settlement, which includes a $1.61 million civil penalty, is the largest ever obtained by the Division’s Office of Weights and Measures (“OWM”).
According to the allegations, the international retailer violated New Jersey’s Consumer Fraud Act (“CFA”) and Unit Pricing Disclosure Act (“UPDA”) by using inaccurate unit pricing for a variety of grocery products sold in the chain’s New Jersey locations.
The UPDA requires grocery retailers to display the price of food, cleaning products, coffee, cereal, and other regulated commodities using a standard unit of measurement set by regulation – such as quart, pound, or per 100 sheets. Unit pricing makes it easier for consumers to compare prices among like products packaged in different sizes or quantities to determine which is the best value for their money.
New Jersey is one of nine states nationwide with mandatory unit pricing laws in force. The other states are Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
During the first three months of 2023, OWM conducted pricing inspections of Walmart stores throughout the state and found more than 2,000 instances where the incorrect unit of measurement was used. In addition to using incorrect units of measurement, various units of measurement were often used within the same category of merchandise—such as using per can, per pound, or per 100-count for coffee—making it extremely difficult, if not impossible, for shoppers to compare prices.
“As the price of grocery items continues to rise, it’s more important than ever to ensure consumers have all the information they need—and are entitled to by law—to make educated decisions on how to spend their money,” said Attorney General Platkin. “The significant fine Walmart will pay as a result of this settlement sends a clear message that New Jersey will not allow retailers to engage in unlawful pricing practices that deny shoppers the ability to easily compare prices to figure out which product is a better buy.”
The allegations resolved by the settlement reflect an ongoing pattern of pricing violations at Walmart stores in New Jersey. Prior OWM inspections of Walmart stores statewide in 2021 and 2022 have led to a total of $226,950 in assessed fines against the retailer for unit pricing violations.
“We’re putting chain retailers on notice that repeatedly violating New Jersey’s pricing laws will not result in fines they can easily absorb as the cost of doing business,” said Cari Fais, Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs. “To protect our consumers, we are pursuing significant penalties that hold companies accountable for financial harm they inflict on consumers and deter them from future unlawful conduct.”
This is the second time in less than a year that a chain retailer has agreed to pay the Division a seven-figure settlement to resolve allegations of chronic, widespread pricing violations. In November 2023, Dollar General Corp. agreed to a $1.2 million settlement resolving allegations stemming from OWM inspections identifying thousands of items that scanned for higher prices at the cash register than were posted where the merchandise was displayed for sale. The settlement included a $1.18 million civil penalty that, until today, was the highest ever obtained by OWM.
In addition to paying a $1,616,091 civil penalty and reimbursing the Division $25,409 for investigative costs and attorney’s fees, the settlement requires Walmart to make changes to its business practices to prevent future violations.
Those changes, contained in a Consent Order filed with the Division today, require Walmart to:
comply with all applicable state and federal laws and not engage in any unconscionable business practices or pricing violations as prohibited by the CFA, the Unit Pricing Disclosure Act, and the Unit Pricing Regulations;
use the approved unit of measure for every regulated commodity sold or advertised;
within 90 days of the settlement, incorporate training regarding Walmart’s obligation to comply with New Jersey’s unit pricing laws and regulations into the onboarding process for all new employees working in New Jersey Walmart stores who have pricing responsibilities;
conduct internal audits for a period of three years, such that each New Jersey Walmart store is audited at least once a year. The internal audits will include the random sampling of 100 regulated items, and an audit revealing errors in more than 2% of the products sampled at any one store shall constitute a failed audit;
semi-annually submit to the Division a corrective action plan for failed audits during the preceding six-month period, along with a summary of likely reasons and efforts to prevent future unit pricing errors;
submit the first corrective action plan to the Division no later than one year after the effective date of the settlement; and
retain all reports and records of every internal audit for a period of three years and provide them to the Division upon request.
The inspections were conducted by Investigators Joseph Singh, Michelle Szatkowski, Aniyah Brooks, and Shianne Vieira, within OWM’s Pricing Section, under the supervision of Chief Investigator Kelly Fairclough and Acting Superintendent David Freed.
Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Kozier, under the supervision of Consumer Fraud Prosecution Section Chief Jesse Sierant within the Division of Law’s Affirmative Civil Enforcement Practice Group, represented the State in this matter.
Consumers who believe that a business is in violation of New Jersey’s consumer protection or pricing laws are encouraged to file an online complaint. Consumers can also call 1-800-242-5846 to receive a complaint form by mail.
2024-0618_Walmart_Consent_OrderDownload
June 18, 2024
EWING TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Ewing Township proudly celebrated its first Juneteenth flag-raising ceremony today at the Ewing Township Municipal Building. This significant event marks Ewing’s commitment to recognizing the historical and cultural importance of Juneteenth, fostering a more inclusive and just community.
Led by Mayor Bert H. Steinmann, the ceremony featured inspiring and personal remarks from notable guest speakers Beverly Mills and Elaine Buck, notable historians, authors and community leaders, particularly known for their work in uncovering and preserving African American history in New Jersey. Authors of the acclaimed book “If These Stones Could Talk,” Mills and Buck, co-founders of the Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum (SSAAM), shared insights from their extensive research, tracing the lineage of and putting names to their enslaved ancestors in the region.
Said Mayor Steinmann, “This is an important day for Ewing Township. Our community is one of the most diverse in Mercer County, and almost one third of our residents identify as Black or African American.
“I am privileged to lead a community as culturally dynamic as Ewing and to celebrate the contributions of our residents. As a community, it is our responsibility to acknowledge and reflect on the struggles and triumphs that have shaped our journey toward equality and justice. Juneteenth is not just a celebration of freedom; it is a reminder of the resilience, strength, and contributions of African Americans throughout our history. Let’s continue to learn from our past, celebrate our progress, and work toward a brighter, more equitable future for all.”
Pastor Tyrone Perkins of Central Church offered a heartfelt invocation, setting a reflective tone for the event and reminding attendees that the day’s heat was probably nothing compared to the heat in Galveston, Texas, when word of the Emancipation Proclamation finally reached the last enslaved people there. Council President Kevin Baxter delivered a poignant speech discussing his personal connection to the past, sharing stories of his ancestors who were sharecroppers and highlighting the precarious nature of their existence. President Baxter also shared the meaning behind the symbols of the Juneteenth Freedom flag and encouraged all Ewing residents to show love to one another.
Also in attendance were Councilwoman Sarah Steward and Mercer County Commissioner Terrance Stokes, a resident of Ewing. Their presence underscored the unified support from local government officials in honoring this historic day.
From the Ewing Historic Preservation Society, Becky Urban and Joann Durham were on hand to promote a new permanent exhibit at the Benjamin Temple House. The exhibit, called “Blacks in Ewing, from Slavery to the Civil War,” explains that New Jersey was the last northern state to completely abolish slavery.
Juneteenth, observed annually on June 19th, commemorates the day in 1865 when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, learned of the Emancipation Proclamation, marking the effective end of slavery in the United States. The flag-raising event in Ewing serves as a powerful reminder of this historical milestone and a celebration of the enduring spirit of freedom.
Ewing Mayor Bert H. Steinmann is master of ceremonies
From left, guest speakers Beverly Mills and Elaine Buck chat with Ewing historians Joann Durham and Becky Urban
Attendees, from left, Barbara Behya, Ebony Witherspoon, Raissa Walker, Aaron T. Watson
NEWARK, N.J. – A Middlesex County, New Jersey, man was arrested for allegedly soliciting another individual to destroy energy facilities, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland and U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger of the District of New Jersey announced today.
Andrew Takhistov, 18, of East Brunswick, New Jersey, is charged by complaint with one count of soliciting another individual to engage in criminal conduct that involved destroying a Public Service Enterprise Group (PSE&G) circuit breaker and substation. Takhistov was arrested on July 10, 2024, appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Leda Dunn Wettre in Newark federal court, and was detained.
“Andrew Takhistov was allegedly on his way to Ukraine to join the Russian Volunteer Corps when we arrested him on charges of recruiting an individual to destroy an electrical substation here in the United States in order to advance his white supremacist ideology,” Attorney General Merrick B. Garland said. “I am grateful to the FBI and the Joint Terrorism Task Force for their exceptional work disrupting this dangerous plot.”
“This complaint alleges that the defendant’s posts referenced Adolf Hitler, encouraged violence against Black and Jewish communities, praised mass shooters and discussed causing death and destruction on a large scale,” U.S. Attorney Sellinger said. “The defendant was allegedly enroute to join the Russian Volunteer Corps, which he described as specializing in assassinations, attacks on power grids, and other infrastructure sabotage, so that he could act on his violent plans. We will not tolerate these kinds of alleged terroristic threats, and working with our partners, we will always be ready to root out and bring to justice anyone who attempts to carry out these acts.”
“Imagine the chaos and number of life-threatening emergencies if a large population of people in New Jersey lost power in the middle of the current heat wave,” FBI – Newark Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy said. “We allege Takhistov, who is only 18 years old, planned to travel overseas so he could learn lessons from Russians fighting in Ukraine on how to destroy power grids and other critical infrastructure. His alleged conversations and planned actions are chilling and were inspired by racially motivated violent extremism. Disrupting all of our lives was the goal. I want to commend the agents and detectives of the Newark Joint Terrorism Task Force, other local and state law enforcement partners, and prosecutors who moved with exceptional speed in this investigation. Their work is saving lives.”
“This defendant exemplifies the threat posed by racially and ethnically motivated violent extremism,” NYPD Commissioner Edward A. Caban said. “Whether in his efforts to instruct our undercover officer on how to sabotage critical infrastructure, or in his attempted travel overseas to join a National Socialist paramilitary force, he sought to advance his ideological goals through destruction and violence. The NYPD and our law enforcement partners will remain relentless in our mission to identify, investigate, and inhibit anyone who has designs on plotting acts of terror.”
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
In January 2024, Takhistov began communicating on a social messaging platform with an individual who, unbeknownst to Takhistov, was an undercover law enforcement employee. Takhistov had previously posted on the messaging platform (often posting in racially/ethnically motivated extremist [RMVE]-aligned channels), requesting advice about weapons, disseminating manuals on how to construct homemade weapons, and expressing interest in traveling overseas to engage in paramilitary-style training. Throughout these posts, Takhistov referenced Adolf Hitler, encouraged violence against various ethnic and religious communities (including Black and Jewish individuals), and praised mass shooters.
Throughout Takhistov’s communications with the undercover employee, Takhistov repeatedly referred to his RMVE ideology and his desire to advance that ideology through violent means. In May 2024, Takhistov informed the undercover employee that he was planning to travel to Ukraine in July 2024 to join the Russian Volunteer Corps (RVC), explaining that he chose this organization because it was openly National Socialist and, more importantly, specialized in assassinations, attacks on power grids, and other infrastructure sabotage.
Takhistov discussed infrastructure sabotage, specifically how to damage an electrical substation using Mylar balloons, or Molotov cocktails, which Takhistov explained how to make. Takhistov told the undercover employee that, while Takhistov was in the Ukraine, the undercover employee needed to carry out at least one event of serious activism.
On two occasions in June and July 2024, at Takhistov’s direction, Takhistov and the undercover employee drove to two different electrical substations in North Brunswick and New Brunswick. During these visits, Takhistov instructed the undercover employee on numerous aspects of how to conduct an attack on an electrical substation.
On July 5, 2024, during one of these meetings, Takhistov directed the undercover employee to take several photographs of the electrical substations so that Takhistov could send them to his Russian friend for additional advice on how to best sabotage the stations.
Takhistov was arrested Wednesday afternoon at Newark Liberty International Airport where he was planning to travel to Paris, France on his way to Ukraine.
The charge of solicitation to destruct an energy facility is punishable by a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $125,000 fine.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI and task force officers of the Joint Terrorism Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Dennehy in Newark, and the New York City Police Department Intelligence Division, under the direction of Commissioner Caban, with the investigation leading to the arrest. He also thanked the East Brunswick Police Department, under the direction of Chief Frank LoSacco, the Milltown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Chris Johnson, the New Brunswick Police Department, under the direction of Chief Vincent Sabo, and the Port Authority Police Department, under the direction of Superintendent Edward T. Cetnar.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Vera Varshavsky of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s National Security Unit and Trial Attorney James Donnelly of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Counterterrorism Section of the National Security Division.
The charge and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
24-262
Defense counsel: David Holman Esq., Assistant Federal Public Defender, Newark
Three Die in Tragic Crash Involving School Bus in South Brunswick
SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–Around 5:27 p.m. Police, firefighters and EMS responded to the intersection of Route 130 and Stults Road for a serious crash involving a South Brunswick Township School Bus and a car. There were reports of multiple people entrapped in the car and that they were extricated and rushed to a local hospital for treatment. Two students and the bus driver were not injured in the crash.
Police say Route 130 North Bound from Route 32 to Stults Road is shut down due to a serious motor vehicle crash. Stults Road at Route 130 intersection is also shut down. Please avoid area and plan alternate routes.
South Brunswick Police and the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office are investigating the crash.
The story will be updated as information becomes available.
