SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX) – The Attorney General’s Office is investigating a fatal police-involved shooting that occurred on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, at a South Brunswick, New Jersey, motel. A man sustained fatal injuries after exchanging gunfire with officers. His identity is not being released at this time.
According to the preliminary information, members of the United States Marshals Service NY/NJ Regional Task Force, assisting the New York office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, arrived at the motel on Route 1 South in Monmouth Junction at approximately 2:05 p.m. to execute an arrest warrant for a suspect in several felony offenses. At approximately 2:47 p.m., the individual to be arrested exchanged gunfire with officers. The individual was pronounced deceased at approximately 4:29 p.m. Authorities recovered two firearms near the decedent. No officers were hit during the shooting.
This investigation is being conducted pursuant to Attorney General Directive 2019-4, which implements the statutory requirement that the Attorney General’s Office conduct the investigation of any death that occurs during an encounter with a law enforcement officer acting in the officer’s official capacity or while the decedent is in custody, and which establishes clear standards and procedures for conducting such investigations.
The investigation is ongoing and no further information is being released at this time.
WEST WINDSOR (Mercer) – Police are investigating the cause of a crash that left a vehicle on its side and sent the driver to the hospital today (Sunday, March 31, 2024). The crash occurred shortly before 12:10 p.m. on New Village Road between Akron Lane and Greenfield Drive. The driver of the flipped auto was quickly extricated from the wreckage by township firefighters and transported by ambulance to Capital Health Regional Medical Center in Trenton. The injuries were not believed to be serious. The road in that area was closed for about 90 minutes due to the crash.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–On Monday, September 26, 2022, at approximately 12:17 a.m., Trenton Police Officers were flagged down and advised of a sick or injured person laying on the street in the area of 434 North Clinton Avenue. Upon making contact, the victim was found on the street next to his bicycle and in need of medical assistance. The victim was transported to the hospital where he was later found to have suffered severe life-threatening injuries and was placed in the ICU and currently listed in critical condition.
The Detective assigned to the case was able to ascertain the clothing description and additional details from the limited video footage and began working on the case. With assistance from Det. Sergeant L. Nazario and additional members from the Major Crimes Robbery Unit – The Detective was able to piece together the incident through extensive detective work and determination.
Along with the assistance from members of the Trenton Police Department – Street Crimes Unit (SCU) and the Real Time Crime Center (RTCC), were able to identify the suspects. Both suspects were positively identified, arrested, and charged.
Tyquasia M. Peterson (25)
Tyquasia M. Peterson (25) was charged with Criminal Attempt – Homicide, Aggravated Assault, and Endangering the Welfare of an injured person.
Dashawn B. Smith-Murphy (28)
Dashawn B. Smith-Murphy (28) was charged with Complicity, Aggravated Assault, and Endangering the Welfare of an injured person.
Charges are mere accusations, and the accused are considered innocent until proven guilty.
WEST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–According to a New Jersey Transit spokesperson, at approximately 9:26 a.m. Northeast Corridor train 3825, which departed Penn Station New York at 8:12 a.m. and was scheduled to arrive in Trenton at 9:48 a.m., struck a pedestrian just west of Princeton Junction Station. The pedestrian was also struck in the same location by an Amtrak train. The individual sustained fatal injuries. There were no injuries to the 180 customers and crew members on board train 3825. Northeast Corridor train service was suspended in both directions between Princeton Junction and Trenton but has resumed. Local law enforcement is leading the investigation.
Northeast Corridor Line rail service is subject to up to 30-minute delays in both directions due to an earlier pedestrian fatality near Princeton Junction.
— Northeast Corridor (@NJTRANSIT_NEC) August 13, 2024
Northeast Corridor Line rail service has resumed in both directions between Trenton and New Brunswick and is subject to up to 60-minute delays due to an earlier pedestrian fatality near Princeton Junction.
— Northeast Corridor (@NJTRANSIT_NEC) August 13, 2024
Northeast Corridor Line rail service is suspended in both directions between Princeton Junction and Trenton due to a pedestrian fatality near Princeton Junction.
— Northeast Corridor (@NJTRANSIT_NEC) August 13, 2024
NEC train #3825, the 9:48 AM arrival into Trenton, is currently delayed due to a pedestrian strike near Princeton Junction. An update will follow.
— Northeast Corridor (@NJTRANSIT_NEC) August 13, 2024
File photo from a train incident in West Windsor by Brian McCarthy.
August 13, 2024
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–St. Michael’s Church, with the support of Mercer County Culture & Heritage Commission, is holding a 3-day festival of music and talks from Friday August 16 to Sunday August 18, 2024 See https://www.stmichaelstrenton.org/announcements/
Beginning on Friday evening is a “musical talk” structured like an old Southern sermon –songs and jazz improvs on a theme: “Technology & Mental Health for Tomorrow’s Children.”
This continues on Saturday afternoon with a celebration of Marcus Garvey’s birthday, telling his story between music & dance acts of the Rhythm & Motion Festival, including drill teams and a performance by one of America’s top young award-winning drummers – Kwesi Robinson. This is followed by a gospel concert brought to us by music producer Sheldon Price and a band made up of the joint ministries of North Phila’s Baptist churches. Sunday at 4:30 is the writer of Marvel Comics’ Spiderman, Daredevil & Echo along with Marvel collectible creator for Hazbro Toys, Dave Vonner (both S. Jersey guys) talking about the impacts of A.I. on the industry, and how we shall surf this new world. Equally exciting, however, is that their panel talk will occur between sets of 3000-year-old African harp of Malang Jabarta from NYC/Senegal, one of the nation’s top kora players.
There is a spiritual connection holding the weekend events together….which is the spiritual role of narrative in holding people, and the experience of life together.
Dave Posmontier (Fri 8/16 @ 6:30)
Magnetic Force Drill Team (start at 1:25) (Sat 8/17 @ 2:30)
Kwesi Robinson (Sat 8/17 @ 3:30 outside)
Tracy Shy (Sat 8/17 @ 4:30 inside)
Malang Jabarta (Sun 8/18 @ 4:30)
St Michael’s Church140 North Warren St
Trenton NJ 08608 Phone: 609-392-8086
August 13, 2024
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER) – Acting Mercer County Prosecutor Theresa L. Hilton and Trenton Police Director Steve Wilson announced today the arrest of a former teacher and basketball coach for multiple counts of sexual assault between 2014 and 2019.
Darrell R. Moody, 51, of Plainfield, NJ, was arrested in Trenton on Monday. He is charged with one count of first-degree aggravated sexual assault, one count of second-degree sexual assault, two counts of third-degree aggravated criminal sexual contact, two counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual contact and two counts of second-degree endangering the welfare of a child. The prosecutor’s office has filed a motion to detain Moody pending trial.
In May 2024, the victim contacted the Trenton police to report incidents of sexual assault that began when the victim was in middle school. A joint investigation with the MCPO Special Victims Unit commenced. Detectives learned that the victim met Moody when Moody was teaching fifth grade at Parker Elementary School. Moody sexually assaulted the victim over the course of several years beginning in middle school and continuing to high school. Moody was also coaching basketball at Joyce Kilmer Middle School during that time.
In an unrelated incident, on June 27, 2023, South Plainfield Police Department charged Moody with one count of second-degree endangering the welfare of a child and one count of second- degree solicitation of a minor for prostitution.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the prosecutor’s SVU at (609) 989-6568 or [email protected].
Despite having been charged, every defendant is presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
August 13, 2024
FREEHOLD – A Monmouth County Grand Jury has returned a 30-count indictment encompassing additional and upgraded charges against a youth soccer coach accused of engaging in a variety of sexual crimes against student-athletes formerly under his supervision, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced today.
Ryan Gunsauls, 32, of Union Beach is charged with four counts of first-degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child by Manufacturing Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM), four counts of second-degree Attempted Endangering via Manufacture of CSAM, eight counts of second-degree Endangering via Sexual Conduct, nine counts of third-degree Distributing Obscene Materials to a Minor, two counts of fourth-degree Criminal Sexual Contact, and single counts of second-degree Endangering via Distribution of CSAM, third-degree Endangering via Sexual Conduct, and third-degree Possession of CSAM.
An investigation involving members of the MCPO Special Victims Bureau and the Union Beach Police Department began earlier this year, when a juvenile disclosed that Gunsauls had been soliciting and distributing sexually explicit materials with him via a social media app. As the investigation continued, eight additional victims, ranging in age from 11 to 17, were identified and contacted for interviews. Gunsauls was arrested without incident in May and transported to the Monmouth County Correctional Institution (MCCI). A motion by the Prosecutor’s Office to keep him detained as the case against him proceeds was granted by a Superior Court Judge later the same month.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant Prosecutor Keri-Leigh Schaefer of the MCPO Special Victims Bureau. Gunsauls is being represented by Michael J. Pappa, Esq., with an office in Hazlet. Anyone with more information about Gunsauls’s activities is being urged to contact MCPO Detective Joseph Mason at 800-533-7443.
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.
NEWARK, N.J. – An investigation conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Newark led to a plea from a German man who admitted he traveled from Germany to New Jersey to engage in illicit sex acts with a minor.
Christian Stefan Walther, 39, of Erfurt, Germany, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Madeline Cox Arleo in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey in Newark to an information charging him with one count of travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger and HSI Newark acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Alfonso announced.
“Predators like Christian Walther who plan to victimize our children will face justice for their unfathomable acts,” said HSI Newark acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Alfonso. “Thanks to our partnership with New Jersey State Police, HSI Newark was able to intercept this predator in his travels and stop another child from being abused.”
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court, law enforcement authorities have been investigating Walther since January 2023 for child exploitation offenses. Two undercover officers communicated with Walther via email, phone, and an encrypted messaging app concerning Walther’s desire for sexual encounters with young children. During the investigation Walther sent an undercover officer two videos, each of which depicted children being sexually abused. Walther also expressed his desire to engage in sexual conduct with children aged 8 to 12. On March 23, 2023, Walther traveled from Germany to New Jersey to meet the undercover officers in advance of what he believed would be a sexual encounter with one or more children at a hotel.
The charge of interstate travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct carries a maximum statutory penalty of 30 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000. Sentencing is scheduled for April 10, 2024.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of HSI Newark, under the direction of acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Alfonso, with the investigation leading to the guilty plea. He also thanked the New Jersey State Police, under the leadership of Col. Patrick J. Callahan, for its assistance.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Specht of the Opioid Abuse Prevention and Enforcement Unit in Newark.
HSI is the principal investigative arm of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), responsible for investigating transnational crime and threats, specifically those criminal organizations that exploit the global infrastructure through which international trade, travel, and finance move. HSI’s workforce of more than 8,700 employees consists of more than 6,000 special agents assigned to 237 cities throughout the United States, and 93 overseas locations in 56 countries. HSI’s international presence represents DHS’s largest investigative law enforcement presence abroad and one of the largest international footprints in U.S. law enforcement.
Follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter, @HSINewark to learn more about HSI’s global missions and operations.
ALLENTOWN, NJ (MONMOUTH)–The Allentown Lions Club, Memorial Day Parade and Memorial Service was held today. The parade started at 10:30 a.m. at the corner of Allen Drive and Main Street in the Borough, turned left up High Street, and ended at the lower Newell Elementary School Parking lot near the War Memorial. Grand Marshal La Piazza Ristorante owner and chef Nino LoPresti led the Historic Village’s 80th Memorial Day Parade.
Lions Parade Committee Chairman, Robert H. Schmitt, Jr. said, “I speak for the Committee members and the entire club, when I say that our friend, Nino, is the very embodiment of the Lions Motto “We Serve,”” Schmitt said. “An immigrant to these shores from Carini, Sicily, Mr. LoPresti, along with his loving wife, Marianna, and dedicated family, fought adversity and their American dream right here in small town Allentown, NJ. More than that, however, Nino and his family have continually shared the good dividends of that dream achieved with the youth, the charitable, organizations, and citizens of Allentown, Upper Freehold, Robbinsville, Millstone, and beyond. We are extremely proud to honor Nino LoPresti as 2024 Parade Grand Marshal.”
A Memorial Service was held immediately following the parade at the War Memorial located at the upper parking lot of Newell Elementary.
Photo gallery below:
May 27, 2024
2024 Democratic Primary Sample Ballots contain what appears to be a political message under the column marked “U.S. President & District Delegates” under the column a box is marked UNCOMMITTED Justice For Palestine, Permanent Ceasefire Now.
If you are wondering about this message, protest and about Vote Uncommitted check out these links: Vote “Uncommitted” for the NJ Democratic Presidential Primary Election and New Jersey Democratic Socialists of America
Check your 2024 Democratic Primary Sample ballots and you will find it in the location shown below:
Volunteers removed 900 pounds of trash, contributing to a cleaner and more welcoming space for the neighborhood.
May 27, 2024
Middlesex, NJ — On Sunday, May 26, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., a total of 66 dedicated volunteers of the International WeLoveU Foundation [hereinafter WeLoveU] teamed up with 89 Amazon fulfillment volunteers to beautify Mountainview Park in Middlesex, New Jersey. The joint effort aimed to promote environmental protection and community service aligning with WeLoveU’s shared values of sustainability and improving local communities. The beautification project helped enhance the park’s greenery and natural surroundings by removing trash or debris that could eventually make its way into the Raritan River and, from there, the vast Atlantic Ocean. Volunteers removed 900 pounds of trash, contributing to a cleaner and more welcoming space for the neighborhood.
While volunteers rolled up their sleeves to spruce up the park, the event also included face painting, games, Amazon gift raffles and food for the community to enjoy. The cleanup is part of WeLoveU’s Clean WORLD Movement, an environmental initiative the foundation has led since 2009. Volunteers clean polluted cities, parks, mountains, rivers, and seas to promote a clean world for present and future generations. Since its inception, WeLoveU’s Clean WORLD Movement has reached 58 countries, with over 1,600 cleanups and more than 250,000 participants.
“Amazon takes pride in setting local roots in the community we live and work,” explained Kaushik Kashyap, Senior Operations Manager at Amazon. “We have been fortunate to build a great partnership with the WeLoveU Foundation in volunteering and supporting the community here in Middlesex and we are happy to be donating $18,000 for a really good cause.”
“Litter is a problem affecting our marine life, air quality, and water at an alarming rate,” explained WeLoveU’s Executive Director, B.J. Hu. “As dumping and littering is caused by people, we should work together to act towards a solution. WeLoveU is hopeful and excited to work with Amazon’s volunteers today to help make a positive change for our environment and inspire others to also join future cleanup efforts.”
FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP, NJ (SOMERSET)—Burn the Jukebox a band with over 2.5 million followers on social media platforms and a repertoire that spans five decades, will rock the stage this Saturday, August 17, 2024, for a special fundraising event for the Villagers Theater in Somerset, New Jersey. Tickets for this special fundraising event are available for a $25.00 donation. A portion of the proceeds go to the Villagers Theater as a fundraiser, and any additional amount donated above the full amount will be donated to the Villagers Theater.
Tickets are available at the following link. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. and Burn the Jukebox takes the stage at 8:00 p.m.
Burn the Jukebox hails from the Wilkes-Barre area of Pennsylvania. The band is currently in the middle of their “Playing with Fire” tour with stops all around the country. The artists consist of Virginia Franks (bass, vocals), Ethan Cutillo (keys, guitar, vocals), Luke Vanchure (guitar), and Carter Dennis (drums). Burn the Jukebox formed in 2020 after Virgina who wanted to start a band met Luke. Soon after Carter and Ethan joined the group.
Burn The Jukebox kickstarted 2024 with “Turbulence” and “Sugarcoat” before leveling up again on “Homesick.” The track revolves around loose and lively guitar licks and an unshakable livewire groove. A chantable chorus takes hold, “I’m feeling kind of homesick, and it’s not gonna go quick,” giving way to a fret-scorching solo.
Besides their own original music, Burn the Jukebox has a deep line up of old favorites spanning five decades. The group has even recorded a cover song per day and posted it on social media for over a year.
Burn the Jukebox is more than just a band; they are a cultural phenomenon. By intertwining their extraordinary social media presence with their innovative musical approach, they have created a unique and immersive experience for their audience. Each performance is not just a display of musical talent but a celebration of the new era in pop-rock, resonating deeply with fans across the globe. BTJ truly embodies the spirit of rock and roll, with infectious energy and a magnetic stage presence that leaves audiences begging for more.
WILDWOOD, NJ — Acting Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced today that Wildwood Mayor Peter J. Byron, former Mayor Ernest V. Troiano Jr., and current City Commissioner Steven E. Mikulski have been charged criminally for fraudulently participating in the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP).
Byron, 67, Troiano, 71, and Mikulski, 57, all residents of Wildwood, N.J., were each charged today by complaint-summons with second-degree theft by unlawful taking and third-degree tampering with public records or information. The three current and former city officials were charged in an investigation by the Attorney General’s Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA) that began with a referral from the New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits.
“Today we bring charges against current and former public and elected officials for what we allege are breaches of the public trust,” said Acting Attorney General Platkin. “We will work tirelessly to root out public corruption and restore faith in our institutions.”
Since 2010, New Jersey law has required elected officials to be full-time employees “whose hours of work are fixed at 35 or more per week” in their elected positions to be eligible to participate in the SHBP and receive employer-provided healthcare. The investigation revealed that Byron, Troiano, and Mikulski were never eligible because they were never “full-time” employees as defined by state law. They did not receive vacation, sick, or personal days, and maintained no regular schedule. It is alleged, however, that all three fraudulently enrolled in the SHBP and received publicly funded health benefits.
Troiano and Byron were elected to Wildwood’s three-member City Commission in 2011, and Troiano was sworn in as mayor. Both men voted in 2011 to pass a resolution that declared themselves full-time employees working “a minimum of 35 hours per week” for Wildwood. They subsequently enrolled in the SHBP. While Troiano and Byron did not work a regular full-time schedule or work at least 35 hours per week, they allegedly falsely signed and submitted timesheets to the city indicating they worked full days Monday through Friday. As a result, Wildwood and the SHBP paid over $286,500 in premiums and claims on behalf of Troiano from July 2011 through December 2019, and paid over $608,900 in premiums and claims on behalf of Byron from July 2011 through October 2021.
Mikulski became a member of Wildwood’s Commission in 2020. He enrolled in the SHBP and has since received publicly funded health benefits. Wildwood and the SHBP have paid over $103,000 in premiums and claims on his behalf through October 2021. It is alleged that he knowingly made false statements in a “Health Benefits Enrollment and/or Change Form” submitted to the City of Wildwood.
Deputy Attorney General Brian Uzdavinis is prosecuting the case for the OPIA Corruption Bureau under the supervision of Bureau Chief Peter Lee and OPIA Deputy Director Anthony Picione, with the assistance of Detectives of the New Jersey State Police Official Corruption South Unit. Acting Attorney General Platkin thanked the New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits for their referral.
Second-degree charges carry a sentence of five to 10 years in state prison and a fine of up to $150,000, while third-degree charges carry a sentence of three to five years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000. The charges are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Defense Attorneys
For Troiano: Undetermined.
For Byron: Undetermined.
For Mikulski: John Tumelty, Esq., Marmora, N.J.
Photo: City of Wildwood New Jersey Facebook Page
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EWING TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Ewing Mayor Bert Steinmann and the Office of Emergency Management invite Ewing businesses, no matter how big or small, to a presentation on Cyber Security on Tuesday, June 11 at 10 a.m. in the Ewing Police Training Room at 2 Jake Garzio Drive.
Businesses today are increasingly vulnerable to cyber-attacks. Has your email ever been hacked? Have you been a victim of identity theft or had your business computers hacked or compromised? Your small business may be at risk of cyber-attacks that can cause damage in many ways, including identity theft and business interruption. We invite you to a FREE and informative presentation that may be helpful to you and your business.
The program will be led by Theresa Misuraca, a senior cyber intelligence analyst from the NJ Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell, located in Ewing, where experts work to make New Jersey more resilient to cyberattacks by promoting statewide awareness of cyber threats and widespread adoption of best practices. The office provides a wide array of cybersecurity services, including the development and distribution of cyber alerts and advisories, cyber tips and best practices for effectively managing cyber risk. Other services include threat briefings, risk assessments, incident response support, and training.
Seating is limited. Please reserve your spot by emailing Ewing Office of Emergency Management at [email protected] or by calling 609-882-1313 x7604 for more information and to reserve your seat.
Plumsted Township Police Department has removed the post from their Facebook page, so the subject has possibly been identified.
PLUMSTED TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Plumstead Township Police posted photos of a man seen with a gun in a wooded area and are attempting to identify the subject. No reason was given why they are seeking the identification of the subject. If you know this person, contact Plumsted Township Police Department at (609) 758-7185.
Posted to Facebook:
**ATTEMPT TO IDENTIFY** If you know the subject in the attached pictures, please contact the Plumsted Township Police Department at (609) 758-7185.
Plumsted Township Police Department has removed the post from their Facebook page, so the subject has possibly been identified.
Tyquasia M. Peterson (25)
Dashawn B. Smith-Murphy (28)
Photo by EKATERINA BOLOVTSOVA on Pexels.com
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com
