HAMILTON, NJ (Mercer County) – The driver of a Chevy Blazer was lucky to walk away with only minor injuries after the vehicle overturned shortly before 1:30 p.m. today (July 9) in the 1400 block of East State Street, near the intersection with Norway Avenue. Hamilton Fire Department Engine 14 and Robert Wood Johnson EMS responded and arrived to find the sport utility vehicle sitting on its roof, with the driver already having self-extricated. The cause of the crash was under investigation by Hamilton Township police.
WALL TOWNSHIP- On Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at approximately 4:06 a.m. Patrolman Tyler Martin conducted a motor vehicle stop on State Highway 70 near Morningstar Road for motor vehicle offenses. The roadside investigation resulted in the arrest of the following people: Armere Caruso, 31, of West Long Branch
Gabriel Marvasi, 26, of Cherry Hill
Daniel Dalziel, 41, of Tinton Falls
All parties were charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia. Dalziel was also found to have a New Jersey Wanted Persons warrant for his arrest out of the Monmouth County Prosecutors Office for failing to appear in court. Marvasi was released with a future court date. Caruso and Dalziel were transported to the Monmouth County Correctional Institution pending their initial detention hearing.
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 the trial rights guaranteed by the United States Constitution and New Jersey State Law.
September 4, 2024
FREEHOLD – A local man has been criminally charged with using a former business client’s credit card to purchase items he then resold to another client, a plot that netted more than $200,000, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced Wednesday.
Adam C. Kleinwaks, 55, of Manasquan is charged with second-degree Money Laundering and second-degree Theft by Unlawful Taking.
Earlier this year, this matter was referred to the MCPO Financial Crimes and Special Prosecutions Unit by security personnel of a credit-card company. An independent investigation then conducted by members of the Unit revealed that Kleinwaks had been fraudulently using a former client’s credit card to make unauthorized purchases of items costing more than $130,000. Furthermore, the investigation revealed that Kleinwaks, a salesman for a printing company, took the labels for recreational commercial products he purchased and then resold them to another company, receiving more than $200,000 in checks as payment. He allegedly then cashed those checks and made multiple cash deposits into a bank account he controlled.
Kleinwaks turned himself in to authorities last week and was released on a summons, with a first appearance in Monmouth County Superior Court tentatively set for Thursday, October 10.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant Prosecutor Diane Aifer of the MCPO Financial Crimes and Special Prosecutions Unit. Kleinwaks is being represented by Thomas Huth, Esq.
Anyone with further information about the activities of this defendant is asked to contact MCPO Detective Robert Afanasewicz 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.
September 4, 2024
ASBURY PARK, NJ (MONMOUTH)–An Asbury Park man is facing charges in connection with an unprovoked stabbing that took place on Labor Day in the same town, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced on Wednesday.On Monday, September 2, 2024, officers from the Asbury Park Police Department responded to the 500 block of Asbury Avenue for a report of a stabbing. Upon arrival, officers discovered an adult female victim suffering from multiple stab wounds. Several bystanders were rendering aid to the victim at the time the officers arrived.Travis A. Cavanaugh, 39, was detained at the scene and arrested. He is charged with first-degree Attempted Murder, third-degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose (knife), and fourth-degree Unlawful Possession of a Weapon.An investigation by members of the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office – Major Crimes Bureau and the Asbury Park Police Department determined that Cavanaugh approached the victim from behind and began to stab her, continuing until a witness intervened.The victim was rushed to a local hospital and is in critical condition.The investigation is ongoing at this time. Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Stephen Cavendish at 800-533-7443 or Asbury Park Police Department Detective James Crawford at 732-774-1300.The case is assigned to Assistant Prosecutor Michael Luciano of the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Bureau. Information regarding Cavanaugh’s legal representation was not immediately available.
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.
September 4, 2024
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency proposed
to add the Historic Potteries site in Trenton, New Jersey, to the National Priorities List of Superfund sites, known as the NPL. Adding the site to the NPL would equip the EPA with the necessary tools to address significant lead contamination affecting residential areas, public spaces, and parks in the East Trenton neighborhood.
“Trenton’s rich industrial history, particularly in pottery manufacturing, has left long-lasting environmental challenges that we must confront head-on,” Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora said. “The EPA’s proposal to add the Historic Potteries site to the National Priorities List will help us to address the lead contamination that has affected our East Trenton community for far too long. We are working to ensure that our residents, especially our children, can look forward to a healthier future. We are committed to partnering with the EPA to make Trenton a safer place for all.”
“Today, the EPA proposed to add the Historic Potteries site in Trenton to the National Priorities List of Superfund sites. Decades of using lead in pottery glazes have unfortunately left contamination in the soil around the East Trenton community,” said EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. “EPA has already done work to understand and address some of the most immediate risks posed by this site, but the area is large and warrants a much broader investigation under EPA’s superfund program. Listing the Historic Potteries site in the National Priorities List is a crucial step to tackle this legacy contamination and ensure a cleaner, safer environment for residents, students, and future generations in Trenton.”
The proposed site and the surrounding area, which includes the East Trenton and Top Road neighborhoods, have a rich history of pottery manufacturing, which thrived from the 1850s to the 1920s. During this period, over 70 potteries operated, producing various ceramic products.
Lead was widely used in pottery glazes during that time, resulting in widespread soil
contamination. The EPA has been investigating the source of lead contamination in East Trenton since 2018. In 2020, research and field investigations identified historic pottery operations as the likely cause.
In 2023, the EPA sampled soil across residential properties, schools, and parks. The results revealed lead levels exceeding health-based benchmarks, posing significant health risks, particularly to children. This past summer, the EPA installed protective measures over impacted areas discovered at the Ulysses. S. Grant Intermediate School. The EPA will be installing similar protective measures at impacted areas on residential properties and two East Trenton parks over the next several months.
The proposal to add the Historic Potteries site to the Superfund NPL is subject to a 60-day
public comment period. The public can submit comments online or by mail:
• Online (preferred): Visit www.regulations.gov and search “Historic Potteries” or “EPAHQ-OLEM-2024-0374”
• Mail: Send comments to:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, EPA Docket Center Superfund, EPA-HQ-OLEM2024-0374, Mail Code 28221T, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20460
The NPL includes the nation’s most serious uncontrolled or abandoned releases of
contamination. The list serves as the basis for prioritizing EPA Superfund cleanup funding and enforcement actions. Only releases at sites included on the NPL are eligible to receive federal funding for long-term, permanent cleanup.
EPA proposes sites to the NPL based on a scientific determination of risks to people and the
environment, consistent with the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act and the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan. Before EPA adds a site to the NPL, a site must meet EPA’s requirements and be proposed for addition to the list in the Federal Register, subject to a 60-day public comment period. EPA will add the site to the NPL if it continues to meet the listing requirements after the public comment period closes and the agency has responded to any comments.
For information about Superfund and the NPL, please visit https://www.epa.gov/superfund.
September 4, 2024
MANCHESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Police say that on September 3, 2024, the Manchester Police Department responded swiftly to a reported incident involving a potential kidnapping in the Whiting section of the Township. At approximately 3:00 p.m., a call was received reporting a female being forced into a vehicle against her will at the Wawa located at 1180 Route 70.
Officer Brian Volk quickly located the vehicle (2005 Black Chevy Tahoe) in question and initiated a motor vehicle stop on County Road 530. The male driver, later identified as 67-year-old Thomas Stevens of South Toms River, refused to provide an explanation or produce his credentials and subsequently fled the scene. Officer Volk, with the assistance of Officer Jason Wiener, located the vehicle once more and attempted a second motor vehicle stop. However, Stevens again refused to comply, leading to the authorization of a motor vehicle pursuit for the suspected kidnapping.
The pursuit extended through Berkeley Township and the Borough of South Toms River, eventually concluding in the Manitou Park section of Berkeley Township. Upon apprehension, Stevens refused to cooperate with officers and was placed into custody.
During the investigation, it was determined that the female passenger was Stevens’ wife, and she was not being taken against her will. Thomas Stevens has been charged with Obstruction of Justice, Eluding, Resisting Arrest, and Hindering His Own Apprehension. He was released on a summons and has been scheduled to appear in court at a later date.
The Manchester Police Department takes all reports of potential kidnapping seriously and remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all community members. The charges referenced above are merely accusations and the press and public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Police say that on Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 12:04 p.m. Trenton Police received a 9-1-1 call reporting a deceased male and female in a garage in the 900 block of Chambers Street. Officers arrived on scene and met with the caller who reported that he knows both the male and female as homeless from the area. He related that he had not seen the garage door open where they were staying for the last few days and decided to check on them. When he went into the garage, he discovered the pair deceased. An investigation into the circumstances was conducted and no foul play was believed to have occurred. The Middlesex County Medical Examiner’s Office was contacted and took both individuals for autopsies to determine a cause of death. The identities of both the male and female are being withheld pending notification of family members. This is an active investigation.
EWING TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–At 10:23 a.m. all Ewing Township Fire Departments responded to 1460 Parkside Avenue, an 8-story high-rise for a fire alarm. Around 10:29 a.m. a fire chief on scene upgraded the assignment to a 2nd Alarm with a reported fire on the 5th floor sending multiple departments to the scene. The fire was reported in Apartment 516 and firefighters knocked most of the fire down by 10:44 a.m. Three ambulances were called to the scene for smoke inhalation. One person was transported to the Trauma Center at Capital Health Regional Medical Center in Trenton with airway burns and a trauma alert was called en route to the hospital. There were reports of fire damage to apartment 516 and the apartment below 416 are uninhabitable due to water damage.
This is the second fire this month at the building. Another fire on the 6th Floor was reported on May 2, 2022. Firefighters reported “Tonight (May 2, 2022, at 10:32 p.m.), Ewing fire companies were dispatched to a local high rise apartment building for an alarm activation. Engine 31 arrived first due. Upon their investigation, a fire was located on the 6th floor. Crews were already standing by at the standpipe and immediately deployed a hand line. Additional crews assisted with ventilation and investigation. Chief 31 had Parkside Avenue Command.”
This is still a developing story check back for further details when they become available.
DISPATCH STATION 33 – – FIRE ALARM, COMMERCIAL – – Park Place Senior High Rise 1460 Parkside Ave , Ewing Twp, NJ , 05/15 @ 10:23, North 1 – Tac 2 , # pic.twitter.com/QoUQiZy3AH
— WTVFC33 (@WTVFC33) May 15, 2022
DISPATCH STATION 31 – – FIRE ALARM, COMMERCIAL – – Park Place Senior High Rise 1460 Parkside Ave , Ewing Twp, NJ , 05/15 @ 10:23, North 1 – Tac 2 – pic.twitter.com/UpxoSrwwZO
— Prospect Heights Fire Co. (@PHVFC31) May 15, 2022
TRENTON – Acting Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced that an inactive correctional police officer for the New Jersey Juvenile Justice Commission (JJC) pleaded guilty today to a criminal charge for using unjustified force and breaking the wrist of a male resident at the JJC Juvenile Medium Security Facility in Bordentown, N.J.
Lt. Edward Day, 52, of Paulsboro, N.J.—who worked as a correctional police officer at the JJC Juvenile Medium Security Facility, but who currently is inactive and pending retirement—pleaded guilty today to an accusation charging him with third-degree aggravated assault before Superior Court Judge Philip Haines in Burlington County. Under the plea agreement, the state will recommend that Day be sentenced to a term of probation conditioned upon him serving up to 364 days in the county jail. He must forfeit his state position and will be permanently barred from public office or employment. Sentencing for Day is scheduled for April 13.
Day was charged as the result of an investigation by the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA) Corruption Bureau and JJC’s Office of Investigations.
“This guilty plea reflects our resolve to hold law enforcement officers accountable if they use unjustified and excessive force against civilians,” said Acting Attorney General Platkin. “No one is above the law, and all people are entitled to the law’s protections, including those in state custody.”
“We will not tolerate correctional officers who wrongfully assault and harm persons in custody,” said OPIA Executive Director Thomas Eicher. “We will fully investigate and prosecute any officers who abuse their authority in this manner.”
On Oct. 25, 2020, Lt. Day and other correctional police officers were escorting a 16-year-old juvenile resident from his room to another location in the facility, with his arms handcuffed behind his back, when Day, without apparent cause or justification, grabbed the victim’s ankle from behind, pulled his leg back, and pushed him face forward onto the ground. Day then grabbed hold of the juvenile’s handcuffed wrists and twisted and broke one of them.
Deputy Attorney General Brian Uzdavinis prosecuted the case, under the supervision of OPIA Corruption Bureau Chief Peter Lee and OPIA Deputy Director Anthony Picione. Acting Attorney General Platkin thanked JJC’s Office of Investigations for assisting in the investigation.
Defense Attorney: Mark A. Fury, Esq., Mount Holly, N.J.
LONG BEACH TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on July 8, 2022, Michael Klimowicz, 32, of North Brunswick, was sentenced by the Honorable Guy P. Ryan, P.J.Cr.P, to seven years New Jersey State Prison as a result of his previously entered guilty plea to Possession of Marijuana in a Quantity Greater than Five Pounds but Less than Twenty-Five Pounds with Intent to Distribute in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5a(1) and N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5b(10), in connection with an arrest that occurred in Long Beach Township on January 27, 2019. Klimowicz pled guilty to the charge before Judge Ryan on April 12, 2022.
An investigation by the Long Beach Township Police Department revealed that a residence in the Holgate section of Long Beach Township was being utilized by Klimowicz to store and distribute narcotics. In furtherance of the investigation, Detectives executed a court-authorized search warrant on the subject residence on January 27, 2019. As a result, Detectives seized roughly 11.5 pounds of Marijuana, additional quantities of other illegal narcotics, and approximately $9,300 in United States currency. Klimowicz was arrested at the residence without incident; he was transported to the Ocean County Jail, and later released as a consequence of New Jersey Bail Reform.
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the diligent efforts of Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Kristin Pressman who handled the case on behalf of the State, as well as the Long Beach Township Police Department Patrol Division, Long Beach Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Long Beach Township Police Department K-9 Unit, and Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, for their collective assistance in connection with this investigation leading to Klimowicz’s apprehension and now his state prison sentence.
LAKEWOOD, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer and Lakewood Township Police Chief Gregory Meyer announced that on November 19, 2023, at approximately 7:45 a.m., Officers from the Lakewood Township Police Department were dispatched to the area of 4th Avenue and Forest Avenue, for a report of a suspicious item attached to a utility pole. The New Jersey State Police Bomb Disposal Unit were notified and secured the device.
“The device was found to be inert and nonexplosive. There is no danger to the public and this remains an active and ongoing investigation,” Prosecutor Billhimer stated.
“Anyone with information regarding this investigation should contact Officer Alex Guzman of the Lakewood Township Police Department at 732-363-0200, extension 5341 or Sergeant David Petracca of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office at 732-929-2027, extension 2186,” Prosecutor Billhimer concluded.
According to Prosecutors, Tsamas was working for a company hired by Verizon to solicit customers on a door-to-door basis.
May 27, 2022
JACKSON TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer and Jackson Township Police Chief Matthew Kunz announced that on May 26, 2022, Michael Tsamas, 32, of Laurence Harbor, was charged with Murder in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:11-3a(1), in connection with the death of Joseph Delgardio in Jackson Township on May 26, 2022. Tsamas was also charged with Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4d, and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5d.
On May 26, 2022, at approximately 6:15 p.m., Officers from the Jackson Township Police Department responded to the area of West Veterans Highway and Conor Road in reference to a 911 call stating that a male was lying in the roadway in a pool of blood. Responding Officers found Joseph Delgardio, 44, of Jackson Township, with a severe wound to his neck. At the time of the Officers arrival, Mr. Delgardio was already receiving first aid CPR from Fire Department personnel. Life-saving measures were unsuccessful, and Mr. Delgardio was pronounced deceased at the scene.
An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Jackson Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, revealed that Tsamas was working for a company hired by Verizon to solicit customers on a door-to-door basis. Tsamas knocked on Mr. Delgardio’s door in an attempt to solicit his business. Mr. Delgardio told Tsamas that he was not interested, and Tsamas left Mr. Delgardio’s residence. A short time later, Mr. Delgardio confronted Tsamas on the street and a physical altercation ensued. During the altercation, Tsamas removed a knife from his pocket and stabbed Mr. Delgardio in the neck. Tsamas was taken into custody without incident at the scene, and is currently lodged in the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.
Prosecutor Billhimer and Chief Kunz commend the collaborative efforts of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, Jackson Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, for their collective and cooperative assistance in connection with this investigation leading to Tsamas’ apprehension.
The charges referenced above are merely accusations and the press and public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
R.P.C. 3.6(b)(6).
Michael Tsamas, 32, of Laurence Harbor
Michael Tsamas, 32, of Laurence Harbor, was charged with Murder in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:11-3a(1), in connection with the death of Joseph Delgardio in Jackson Township on May 26, 2022. Tsamas was also charged with Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4d, and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5d.
According to Prosecutors, Tsamas was working for a company hired by Verizon to solicit customers on a door-to-door basis. Tsamas knocked on Mr. Delgardio’s door in an attempt to solicit his business. Mr. Delgardio told Tsamas that he was not interested, and Tsamas left Mr. Delgardio’s residence. A short time later, Mr. Delgardio confronted Tsamas on the street and a physical altercation ensued. During the altercation, Tsamas removed a knife from his pocket and stabbed Mr. Delgardio in the neck.
CARTERET, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–The New Jersey State Police Troop “D” Criminal Investigation Office is seeking the public’s assistance with an assault investigation that occurred on the New Jersey Turnpike on Wednesday, January 12.
Based on the preliminary investigation, detectives determined that at approximately 8:45 p.m., a tractor trailer and two SUVs were involved in a road rage incident in the outer roadway of the southbound lanes of the New Jersey Turnpike in the area of milepost 96.2 in Carteret Borough, Middlesex County. The two SUVs, one white and one gray, boxed in the tractor trailer in the right lane. The two suspects and the tractor trailer driver then got out of their vehicles and engaged in a physical altercation in the right lane. After the altercation, the two suspects ran back to their vehicles and fled the scene before troopers arrived on scene.
Anyone who may have witnessed the incident, the events leading up to it or just following, is asked to contact Detective Mike Silvestre of Cranbury Station Detective Bureau at 609-860-9000 ext. 4423. Anonymous tips are welcome.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Mayor W. Reed Gusciora announced today that the City of Trenton will receive more than $1.3 million in state grant funding to make long-overdue repairs to Greenwood Ave and Chestnut Ave.
“We are very grateful to have been awarded the third largest grant amount in the state, and to be one of three municipalities that received awards for more than one project,” said Mayor Gusciora. “This funding will allow us to advance two critical infrastructure projects that will restore two of our busiest roads.”
Governor Phil Murphy and N.J. Department of Transportation (NJDOT) Commissioner Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti last week announced $161.25 million in Fiscal Year 2022 municipal aid grants to be distributed to 541 cities and towns throughout New Jersey.
Under the Municipal Aid grant program, each county is apportioned a share of the total funding based on population and the number of local centerline miles. Municipalities compete for portions of their county’s share. NJDOT provides 75 percent of the grant amount when a town awards a contract and the remaining 25 percent upon completion of the project.
The Chestnut Ave project will use $397,634 in grant funds to restore a heavily trafficked roadway that has sections between 50 and 100 years old. The other $910,647 will be used to repave Greenwood Ave, a main artery that connects residents and visitors to Trenton Central High School, government buildings, houses of worship, the Transit Center, St. Francis Medical Center and other important sites.
The two projects will complement several other paving projects throughout Trenton. PSE&G is finishing up repaving more than 30 roads all over the city that were disrupted due to line maintenance. The Gusciora Administration is also finalizing a $2 million plan to pave 57 additional City streets starting in the Spring 2022.
Michael Klimowicz, 32, North Brunswick
Michael Tsamas, 32, of Laurence Harbor
