ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–The Robbinsville Fire Department reported they were dispatched to Newtown Boulevard at 5:02 p.m. on August 18, 2024 for a reported residential structure fire. When firefighters arrived, they reported visible fire from the rear of the home extending to the attic area. A first alarm was assigned dispatching additional firefighters and equipment from Hamilton Township, Plainsboro, Hightstown and Upper Freehold to the scene. Fire crews advanced three 1 3/4″ handlines into the home quickly knocking the fire down and conducted overhaul to prevent further extension. The fire was brought under control within 25 minutes. The Robbinsville Township Fire Marshal is actively investigating the cause of the fire, which was not suspicious in nature.
Delran, NJ, Man Killed in NJ Turnpike Crash in East Windsor
EAST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–At 6:41 a.m. the Robbinsville Township Fire Department, Hightstown Fire Company, EMS and New Jersey State Police were detailed to the New Jersey Turnpike, north bound, outer lanes, near mile post 65, which is near the Old York Road overpass for a crash with entrapment. Upon arrival it was reported that a pickup truck was on its side with a person ejected from the vehicle. Paramedics responded and made a pronouncement.
The outer lanes “truck lanes” of the New Jersey Turnpike in East Windsor will be closed for a serious crash investigation. Traffic is currently being diverted to the inner lanes north bound from Exit 7A to Exit 8.
Information contained in this article is preliminary information and when official information becomes available the story will be updated as needed.
Crash with Injuries on New Jersey Turnpike Outer Roadway northbound South of Interchange 8 – NJ 33 (East Windsor Twp) All lanes closed – all traffic diverted to northbound inner roadway up to Interchange 7A https://t.co/jXYOBBYwFO
— 511NJ TPK (@511njtpk) June 7, 2024
Delays and Rubbernecking delays on New Jersey Turnpike Inner Roadway northbound North of Interchange 7A – I-195 (Robbinsville) to South of Interchange 8 – NJ 33 (East Windsor Twp) All lanes open 4 mile delay due to an incident on the NJ https://t.co/7LgyEEIpz8
LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–On Friday, January 26, 2024 at approximately 1:30 p.m., the Lawrence Township Police Department received a 9-1-1 call reporting smoke coming from a nearby neighbor’s residence at 175 Johnson Ave (Eggerts Crossing Village). Officers responded to find visible fire on the second floor of the home. The residents were not home at the time that the fire was reported.
There were no injuries, however the home sustained significant damage. The American Red Cross responded to the scene to aid the displaced family.
The fire was placed under control at 2:11 p.m. by Lawrence Township Fire Chief, Jack Oakley. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Lawrence Township Police Department, Lawrence Township Fire Marshal’s Office and the Mercer County Prosecutors Office.
Members of the Lawrence Township Fire Department were assisted by area fire departments from Hamilton Township, City of Trenton and Ewing Township.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Lawrence Township Police Detective Suzanne Girard at 609-844-7124 / [email protected]
The Latest “Cash for Guns” Event is the Largest One-Day Participation Ever Held in New Jersey with Simultaneous Buybacks Held in Conjunction with 9 Counties
October 18, 2021
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Acting Attorney General Andrew J. Bruck today announced further details and locations for gun buyback events that will be held on October 23 with the help of Bergen, Camden, Cumberland, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Salem, Somerset, and Union counties. This is the largest one-day participation gun buyback ever held in New Jersey with 9 counties participating and holding events simultaneously. Middlesex and Somerset counties are hosting an event together and Salem county is participating for the first time.
Acting Attorney General Bruck announced that the state- and locally-sponsored “Guns for Cash” events will be held on Saturday, October 23 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at:
Bergen County
St. Cecilia Roman Catholic Church
55 West Demarest Avenue, Englewood
In partnership with Prosecutor Mark Musella
Camden County
Antioch Baptist Church
690 Ferry Avenue, Camden
In partnership with Prosecutor Jill S. Mayer
Cumberland County
Alms Center
1 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Bridgeton
In partnership with Prosecutor Jennifer Webb-McRae
Mercer County
Friendship Baptist Church
111 Perry Street, Trenton
In partnership with Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri
Middlesex/Somerset Counties
First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens
771 Somerset Street, Somerset
In partnership with Prosecutor Michael H. Robertson and Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone
Monmouth County
Second Baptist Church of Asbury Park
124 Atkins Avenue, Asbury Park
In partnership with Prosecutor Lori Linskey
(This location will open at 8:30 a.m.)
Salem County
Carneys Point Fire Department
258 D Street, Carneys Point
In partnership with Prosecutor Kristin J. Telsey
Union County
In Partnership with Prosecutor William Daniel
(The following locations will open at 9:00 a.m.)
Master’s Table Christian Fellowship (Triumphant Life Church)
207-211 Bond Street, Elizabeth
Shiloh Baptist Church Community Center
Corner of W 5th Street and Liberty Street, Plainfield
Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church
506 Westfield Avenue, Westfield
Residents can turn in firearms with “no questions asked,” and will receive as much as $250 per weapon for up to three guns. Police officers will be stationed at each buyback location to collect and secure the guns. The gun buyback initiative is funded with forfeiture dollars obtained by the local police departments and County Prosecutors’ Offices, as well as forfeiture funds from the Division of Criminal Justice.
“The gun buyback events we organized this August proved so popular that we decided to host a second round this fall,” said Acting Attorney General Bruck. “We are committed to using every tool at our disposal to reduce gun violence, and this expanded program will help us achieve that goal. I’m especially grateful to our County Prosecutors and their community partners for taking the lead on this important project.”
“We are committed to reducing gun violence across the state and this initiative is another step toward making our communities safer,” said Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “Fewer firearms in the wrong hands will lead to less violence in our neighborhoods and this program will play a huge role in protecting our cities and saving lives.”
“When we reduce the number of firearms in circulation, we reduce the amount of violence in our communities,” said Lyndsay V. Ruotolo, Director of the Division of Criminal Justice. “The gun buyback program is a collaborative effort across all law enforcement that demonstrates how effective it is when we work together.”
Statements of support from local leaders:
“Thank you to Governor Murphy and Attorney General Bruck for dedicating resources toward this important public safety issue and for partnering with Bergen County law enforcement,” said Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella. “This initiative accomplishes the twin goals of raising awareness of the need for gun safety and getting unwanted guns out of households.”
“Initiatives like the gun buyback program are an effective means of combatting senseless acts of gun violence,” said Camden County Prosecutor Jill S. Mayer. “Too often, we have seen a gun in a home fall into the wrong hands, only to be used later in a violent crime – or even worse – fall into the hands of a child. The Camden County Prosecutor’s Office is proud to work with the Attorney General and our local law enforcement partners to help make our county and our state a safer place to live.”
“I, in conjunction with the Cumberland County Municipal Chiefs and Sheriff, am excited to host this Gun Buy Back even,” said Cumberland County Prosecutor Jennifer Webb-McRae. “Giving the public a way to safely dispose of unwanted guns assures that they don’t fall into the wrong hands. We remain committed to promoting strategies that improve public safety for all Cumberland County residents.”
“There are too many guns on our streets. Last year, the city of Trenton and Mercer County experienced a historic number of homicides and almost all involved guns,” said Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri. “We realize that buybacks alone won’t put a stop to gun violence, but they are a valuable opportunity to make our communities safer and I am grateful to Governor Murphy and Acting Attorney General Bruck for their support.”
“The Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office is honored to partner with Somerset County law enforcement and local community leaders in working towards reduced gun violence and deaths,” said Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone.
“The Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, in conjunction with our law enforcement and community partners, believe that removing illegal and unwanted guns from our streets makes our residents safer,” said Monmouth County Prosecutor Lori Linskey. “The force-multiplier of having multiple gun buybacks taking place simultaneously across our state demonstrates the commitment that Attorney General Bruck and our County Prosecutors have in making a tangible difference.”
“The Salem County Prosecutor’s Office is excited to participate in this opportunity to partner directly with our citizens to take illegal and unwanted guns off the street immediately,” said Salem County Prosecutor Kristin J. Telsey. “Together with our local municipal police departments and the Salem County Sheriff’s Office, this initiative demonstrates our commitment to preventing gun violence and improving safety.”
“We welcome the opportunity to participate in the gun buyback program with our law enforcement partners throughout the State,” said Somerset County Prosecutor Michael H. Robertson. “Reducing the amount of firearms that could potentially cause violence in our communities is a top priority for all of us and we will continue to participate in initiatives that make our neighborhoods safer.”
“Gun buyback programs are an important opportunity for the community and law enforcement to collaborate on an initiative to reduce violent crime,” said Union County Prosecutor William Daniel. “We encourage Union County residents to participate in the gun amnesty program on October 23rd and decrease the number of unwanted firearms in their communities.”
The October 23 gun buyback initiative is also being promoted through social media, local advertising, and through community and faith-based outreach.
The previous “Guns for Cash” events held in Atlantic City, East Orange, Newark, and two locations in Paterson yielded 941 firearms. Residents turned in 487 handguns, 281 rifles and shotguns, 27 assault weapons and 146 inoperable firearms and BB/pellet guns at state-and locally-sponsored gun buybacks on August 7. Each of the gun buybacks represented a collaboration between law enforcement and community stakeholders, who promoted and assisted with the six-hour events.
In New Jersey, Governor Phil Murphy and Acting AG Bruck are leading a comprehensive, statewide effort to reduce gun deaths, which pairs the latest evidence-based policing strategies with innovative, community-based prevention programs. The three-pronged approach to tackling this public health crisis includes addressing the root causes of violence; keeping guns away from those most likely to harm others; and taking swift action against those who break the law.
Residents with questions about the buyback effort can call the Attorney General’s Office of Constituent Services at (609) 984-5828 or visit www.njoag.gov/gunbuyback
AG Bruck at August 2021 Press Conference on Paterson Gun Buy Back. AG Photo
LONG BEACH ISLAND – HARVEY CEDARS, NJ (OCEAN)–The New Jersey State Police reported that on August 25, 2024, at approximately 4:30 p.m., troopers responded to a vessel incident in the waters off Sunset Park in Harvey Cedars Boro, Ocean County. Based on a preliminary investigation, a female boater was on a raft being pulled by a boat. While attempting to board the vessel, she was struck by the vessel’s propeller. As a result of the impact, the victim, Zeina Mahafzah, 18-year-old female from Wayne, NJ, sustained fatal injuries. The incident remains under investigation, and no additional information is available at this time.
Trenton, NJ (MERCER)–The New Jersey State Police have arrested Malcolm Echols, 29, Abdul Patilla, 40, and Anthony Brown, 29, all of Trenton, N.J., and seized $70,000 worth of drugs and $23,000 cash.
On August 27, 2021, while investigating alleged drug activity in Trenton, detectives with the New Jersey State Police Crime Suppression Central Unit along with members of the New Jersey State Police Opioid Enforcement Task Force obtained information that narcotics were being distributed out of a residence on Fulton Street.
Through various investigative means, detectives determined that Echols, Patilla, and Brown were distributing narcotics in the area and operating out of the residence. Later that day, detectives executed search warrants at the residence and on a vehicle registered to Brown. As a result, detectives arrested Echols, Patilla, and Brown and seized five pounds of marijuana, more than two pounds of ecstasy pills, and $23,000 cash.
Malcolm Echols was charged with possession of ecstasy with intent to distribute, possession of CDS with intent to distribute within 500 feet of a park, and money laundering. Abdul Patilla was charged with money laundering and loitering. Anthony Brown was charged with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute and money laundering. They were all lodged at the Mercer County Jail pending a bail detention hearing.
To date, the OETF has conducted 227 enforcement operations and seized more than 1,013,016 individual doses of packaged opioids valued at $5,065,080, more than 93 kilograms of raw heroin valued at $5,580,000, more than 84 kilograms of fentanyl valued at $4,200,000, more than 76,000 fentanyl based pills valued at $760,000, more than 55 kilograms of cocaine valued at $1,980,000, more than 27 kilograms of methamphetamine valued at $270,000, more than $4,174,962 in U.S. currency, and 205 firearms. The OETF has also disrupted or dismantled 46 fully operational opioid packaging facilities, seven fully operational fentanyl pill-pressing operations, and arrested 486 suspects during this time.
This case is being prosecuted by the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office.
Charges are merely accusations, and the accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Three current and former Ewing Township Police Department officers were indicted by a grand jury on civil rights charges for their roles in assaulting a minor victim during the course of an arrest, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced today.
Michael Delahanty, 51, of Robbinsville, New Jersey, a retired Ewing Township Police lieutenant; and Matthew Przemieniecki, 43, of Hamilton, New Jersey, and Justin Ubry, 33, of Burlington, New Jersey, both current Ewing Township police officers, are charged in a two-count indictment with deprivation of rights under color of law. Delahanty and Przemieniecki are charged in Count One with a felony offense of deprivation of rights under color of law causing bodily injury, and Ubry is charged in Count Two with a misdemeanor offense of deprivation of rights under color of law. Delahanty, Przemieniecki, and Ubry surrendered this morning and are scheduled to appear by videoconference this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Tonianne J. Bongiovanni.
According to the indictment:
At approximately 8:15 a.m., on Jan. 5, 2018, more than a dozen police officers responded to a report of a stolen vehicle in Ewing Township. Officers located the vehicle, which had crashed, and saw the driver of the vehicle running from the scene. Shortly thereafter, officers located the driver, a minor, in a detached shed on a residential property, removed the minor from the shed, and laid him face down on the snow-covered ground. While other officers handcuffed the victim, Delahanty used his boot to step on the back of the victim’s head, pressing his face into the snow. Przemieniecki kicked snow three times directly into the victim’s face, and Ubry also kicked snow directly into the victim’s face. Przemieniecki then used his boot to step on the victim’s head, again driving his face into the snow. The victim did not resist law enforcement at any time while on the ground. Under the circumstances, the force that defendants Delahanty, Przemieniecki, and Ubry applied to the victim was unreasonable and excessive and violated the victim’s constitutional right to be free from such force.
The felony civil rights charge against Delahanty and Przemieniecki carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000. The misdemeanor civil rights charge against Ubry carries a maximum penalty of one year in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the FBI Trenton Resident Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr. in Newark, with the investigation leading to the charges.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Martha K. Nye of the Criminal Division in Trenton, and Senior Civil Rights Counsel R. Joseph Gribko of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Newark.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig and Acting New Jersey Attorney General Andrew J. Bruck recently announced the creation of a federal-state Civil Rights Criminal Enforcement Initiative to enhance coordination in the investigation and prosecution of federal, state, and local cases involving civil rights violations by law enforcement officers and others acting under color of law. This initiative combines resources from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Attorney General’s Office of Public Integrity and Accountability, and the FBI in a cooperative approach to criminal civil rights enforcement.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
21-534
Defense counsel:Delahanty: David P. Schroth Esq., Ewing Przemieniecki: Jerome A. Ballarotto Esq., Trenton
Robbinsville Schools to Receive $2.6 Million and Lawrence Township $923K in State Preschool Education Aid (PEA) to establish or expand high-quality preschool programs.
March 12, 2024
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Governor Phil Murphy was joined by Acting Commissioner of Education Kevin Dehmer at Millridge School in Secaucus to highlight the impact access to preschool is having on New Jersey families as part of his administration’s record investment to expand access to preschool statewide. The visit coincides with the announcement of another round of Fiscal Year 2024 (FY2024) Preschool Education Aid (PEA) that will allow an additional 16 school districts across the State to establish or expand high-quality preschool programs.
“Access to early childhood education helps set the tone for the rest of a child’s educational career by providing innumerable benefits that will follow young learners throughout their lives,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “From advanced literacy skills to enhanced social and emotional development, access to high-quality preschool programs has a tangible impact on our children. That is why I am proud to announce continued investments to expand access to preschool for families across the State. Today’s announcement builds upon our work to make universal preschool a reality in New Jersey so that more children have the tools and resources necessary to succeed.”
The funding is projected to provide 827 additional seats for children to access high-quality preschool education. This second round of funding for FY2024 builds on the $25 million investment in preschool funding announced last October that provided for an additional 1,715 preschool seats in 26 school districts. High-quality preschools are full-day programs that have a certificated teacher and aide, limited class size, curriculum aligned to the New Jersey Preschool Teaching and Learning Standards, and are inclusive of special needs children.
“We know that high-quality preschool sets the foundation for a child’s success and is linked to improved student outcomes for years to come,” said Kevin Dehmer, Acting Commissioner of Education. “That’s why bringing high-quality preschool to more communities can be so transformative, and one that is well worth our investment.”
Today’s announcement builds on the Murphy Administration’s campaign to put New Jersey on the path to universal preschool, providing every three- and four-year-old child in New Jersey with access to free, full-day preschool. Additionally, the Governor’s FY2025 budget proposes an additional $124 million for preschool education, including $20 million to expand high-quality, full-day preschool programs into new school districts. Since taking office, Governor Murphy has increased preschool funding by over $427 million and added more than 14,600 preschool seats in New Jersey school districts.
“I am thankful the Secaucus school system was chosen to receive pre-K Expansion Aid, which will provide the funding necessary to start a full day pre-K program for 3 and 4 year olds. As the pre-K program develops, I look forward to working with the Governor’s Office and our school administration to more completely understand and prepare for the impacts this expanded program will have on our school system. I have no doubt the early educational benefits afforded by this funding will help our children perform better as they advance. I am grateful to Governor Murphy and his administration for advancing this important educational initiative,” stated Secaucus Mayor Michael Gonnelli.
“Today marks a significant step forward in our commitment to early childhood education. Our recent acceptance of the Pre-K Expansion Aid marks a pivotal moment in offering free Pre-K to our families. This initiative is not just an investment but also a commitment to our community to lay the groundwork for universal access to early education. Our goal extends beyond the current horizon. In collaboration with our Mayor and Town Council, we are committed to expanding our district’s reach, to ensure that every family in Secaucus has access to high-quality pre-kindergarten programs. This move towards inclusive education reflects our dedication to nurturing the potential of every child. It fosters a community where every family has the support and resources to thrive. Together, we are building a brighter, more equitable future for Secaucus, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to Governor Murphy for his unwavering commitment to prioritizing education in New Jersey,” said Erick Alfonso, Ed.D., M.B.A., Superintendent of Secaucus Public Schools.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri, Lawrence Township Police Chief Christopher Longo and Trenton Police Director Steve Wilson announced today that a complex investigation into multiple sexual assaults in Mercer County has resulted in the arrest of a local restaurant owner.
Gerald Araya, 44, of Ewing, NJ, was arrested in Trenton on Wednesday afternoon. He is charged with five counts of first-degree aggravated sexual assault, one count of first-degree sexual assault, two counts of second-degree sexual assault, one count of first-degree kidnapping, two counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual contact and one count of third-degree endangering the welfare of a child. The prosecutor’s office has filed a motion to detain Araya pending trial.
On Wednesday afternoon, June 19, 2024, search warrants were executed at Araya’s residence in Ewing Township, along with three establishments he owns and operates in Trenton: El Catador Lounge Restaurant on New York Avenue, Dubai Restaurant & Lounge on New York Avenue, and Mill Hill Restaurant & Lounge on South Broad Street. He was taken into custody without incident outside of his Mill Hill Restaurant & Lounge.
Last month, a young woman contacted the Trenton police to report a sexual assault and a joint investigation with the MCPO Special Victims Unit ensued. The victim informed detectives that she met Araya during a job interview at Dubai Restaurant & Lounge. Araya wanted the victim to see his other establishments in Trenton so they left Dubai. They arrived at another bar in Trenton where Araya began making the victim drinks and insisting she try them so she knew what she was serving patrons. The victim reported feeling ill and telling Araya she wanted to go home.
The next memory the victim had was of waking up in a room naked and being sexually assaulted by Araya. Further investigation revealed that the assault took place at a motel in Lawrence Township while the victim was physically helpless.
Through an intricate, sensitive investigation by the MCPO SVU, the TPD and the LTPD, detectives were able to identify three more victims who previously worked for Araya.
“This investigation was truly a cooperative effort and a perfect example of how successful law enforcement can be when we work together,” said Prosecutor Onofri. “From the lead detectives who operated with unwavering commitment on this case from the beginning to the four brave woman who came forward to share their stories and work with investigators to ensure this predator was taken off of the streets. No one can do it alone. We will continue to work with our partners and our communities to make Mercer County safe.”
“First and foremost, I want to acknowledge the victims of these heinous acts. They are survivors. It took a great deal of courage, trust in our detectives, and patience with the process to get to this point,” said Director Wilson. “I appreciate the tremendous work of all the personnel involved, specifically Trenton Police SVU Detective Lizmary Rivera and Trenton Police ABC Detective Cathiria Colon, for their months of tireless hard work and dedication to this investigation. This was a collaborative effort that could not have been achieved without the resources and assistance of the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, under the leadership of Prosecutor Angelo Onofri, and the Lawrence Township Police Department under the leadership of Chief Christopher Longo. This investigation is a testament to our dedication to bringing criminals to justice, regardless of who they are or how much money they have.”
“The investigation and subsequent arrest of Gerald Araya is the result of a strong partnership and collaboration between the Lawrence Township Police Department, the Trenton Police Department and the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office,” said Chief Longo. “The arrest in this case underscores our collective dedication to bringing justice to victims of sexual assault.”
Prosecutor Onofri commended all of the individuals and agencies involved in this extensive investigation. He thanked the members of his Special Victims Unit who led and coordinated the operation for the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, particularly Detective Sergio Sanchez, Sergeant Ahmad Mansur, Assistant Prosecutor Brett Berman and Assistant Prosecutor Alycia Beyrouty, SVU chief; and lead detectives Suzanne Girard of the Lawrence Township Police Department, and Cathiria Colon and Lizmary Rivera of the Trenton Police Department.
Prosecutor Onofri also thanked the following local, county and federal agencies for their investigative support and assistance with yesterday’s search warrant executions:
• Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office• Mercer County Prosecutor’s Special Investigations Unit• Mercer County Tactical Response Team• Ewing Police Department• Lawrence Township Police Department• Trenton Police Department
• Homeland Security Investigations
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the prosecutor’s SVU at (609) 989-6568 or [email protected].
First-degree crimes carry a sentence of 10 to 20 years in state prison and a fine of up to $200,000. Second-degree crimes carry a sentence of five to 10 years in state prison and a fine of up to $150,000. Third-degree charges carry a sentence of three of five years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000. Fourth-degree charges carry a sentence of up to 18 months in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
Despite having been charged, every defendant is presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Gerald Araya, 44, of Ewing, NJ, was arrested in Trenton on Wednesday afternoon. He is charged with five counts of first-degree aggravated sexual assault, one count of first-degree sexual assault, two counts of second-degree sexual assault, one count of first-degree kidnapping, two counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual contact and one count of third-degree endangering the welfare of a child. The prosecutor’s office has filed a motion to detain Araya pending trial.
Una Investigación Conjunta Conduce al Arresto del Dueño de un Restaurante Local por Múltiples Agresiones Sexuales
TRENTON – El Fiscal del Condado del Mercer, Angelo J. Onofri, el Jefe de Policía del Municipio de Lawrence, Christopher Longo, y el Director de Policía de Trenton, Steve Wilson, anunciaron hoy que una investigación compleja sobre múltiples agresiones sexuales en el Condado del Mercer resultó en el arresto del dueño de un restaurante local.Gerald Araya, de 44 años, de Ewing, NJ, fue arrestado en Trenton el miércoles en la tarde. Está acusado de cinco cargos de agresión sexual agravada en primer grado, un cargo de agresión sexual en primer grado, dos cargos de agresión sexual en segundo grado, un cargo de secuestro en primer grado, dos cargos de contacto sexual delictivo en cuarto grado y un cargo de poner en peligro el bienestar de un niño en tercer grado. La Fiscalía presentó una moción para detener a Araya en espera de juicio.El miércoles, 19 de junio de 2024 en la tarde, se ejecutaron órdenes de allanamiento en la residencia de Araya en Ewing Township, junto con tres establecimientos que posee y opera en Trenton: El Catador Lounge Restaurant en New York Avenue, Dubai Restaurant & Lounge en New York Avenue y Mill Hill Restaurant & Lounge en South Broad Street. Fue detenido sin incidentes fuera de su Mill Hill Restaurant & Lounge.El mes pasado, una joven se puso en contacto con la policía de Trenton para denunciar una agresión sexual y se produjo una investigación conjunta con la Unidad de Víctimas Especiales de MCPO. La víctima informó a los detectives que conoció a Araya durante una entrevista de trabajo en Dubai Restaurant & Lounge. Araya quería que la víctima viera sus otros establecimientos en Trenton, por lo que se fueron de Dubai. Llegaron a otro bar en Trenton donde Araya comenzó a prepararle bebidas a la víctima e insistir en que las probara para saber qué les estaba sirviendo a los clientes. La víctima informó que se sintió mal y le dijo a Araya que quería irse a casa.“La investigación y el posterior arresto de Gerald Araya es el resultado de una sólida asociación y colaboración entre el Departamento de Policía del Municipio de Lawrence, el Departamento de Policía de Trenton y la Fiscalía del Condado del Mercer”, dijo el Jefe Longo. “El arresto en este caso subraya nuestra dedicación colectiva para hacer justicia a las víctimas de agresión sexual”.El Fiscal Onofri elogió a todas las personas y agencias involucradas en esta extensa investigación. Agradeció a los miembros de su Unidad de Víctimas Especiales que dirigieron y coordinaron la operación para la Oficina de la Fiscalía del Condado del Mercer, particularmente al Detective Sergio Sánchez, al Sargento Ahmad Mansur, al Fiscal Auxiliar Brett Berman y a la Fiscal Auxiliar Alycia Beyrouty, jefa de la SVU; y a los detectives principales Suzanne Girard del Departamento de Policía del Municipio de Lawrence, y Cathiria Colon y Lizmary Rivera del Departamento de Policía de Trenton.
El Fiscal Onofri también agradeció a las siguientes agencias locales, del condado y federales por su apoyo y asistencia en la investigación con las ejecuciones de las órdenes de allanamiento de ayer:
Oficina de la Fiscalía del Condado del Mercer
Unidad de Investigaciones Especiales de la Fiscalía del Condado del Mercer
Equipo de Respuesta Táctica del Condado del Mercer
Departamento de Policía de Ewing
Departamento de Policía del Municipio de Lawrence
Departamento de Policía de Trenton
Investigaciones de Seguridad Nacional
La investigación está en curso. Se solicita a cualquier persona que tenga información que se comunique con la SVU del fiscal al (609) 989-6568 o [email protected] delitos de primer grado conllevan una pena de 10 a 20 años de prisión estatal y una multa de hasta $200,000. Los delitos de segundo grado conllevan una pena de cinco a 10 años de prisión estatal y una multa de hasta $150,000. Los cargos de tercer grado conllevan una pena de tres a cinco años de prisión y una multa de hasta $15.000. Los cargos de cuarto grado conllevan una pena de hasta 18 meses de prisión y una multa de hasta $10,000.
A pesar de haber sido acusado, todo acusado se presume inocente hasta que sea declarado culpable más allá de toda duda razonable en un tribunal de justicia.
PRINCETON, NJ (MERCER)–On Wednesday, July 6, 2022 at 3:19 p.m., the Princeton Police Department responded to TD Bank, 883 State Road, on the report of an armed robbery. Investigation revealed a male entered TD Bank and approached the teller counter. There was no teller present at the counter and the suspect attempted to jump over the counter but was unsuccessful. The male suspect tried to jump over the counter a second time and was again unsuccessful. The suspect then exited TD Bank and fled on a black motorcycle towards Princeton Avenue. He was last seen stopped at the intersection of Princeton Avenue and Route 206. The suspect did not brandish a weapon, did not make any threats and nothing was stolen from the bank. The suspect was described as a male, approximately 5’4” – 5’5” in height, wearing green pants, a black shirt, black gloves, grey New Balance sneakers, a chest harness with a GoPro style camera attached to it, a black half shell motorcycle helmet and a gas mask. We are asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has additional information, to contact Det. Robert Allie at (609) 921-2100 extension 2123.
AG Bruck at August 2021 Press Conference on Paterson Gun Buy Back. AG Photo
