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September 2020 – Page 2 – MidJersey.News

December 6, 2021 maximios News

Darknet Narcotics Vendors Selling to Tens of Thousands of U.S. Residents Charged, Including New Jersey in Operation Disruptor

September 22, 2020

District of New Jersey

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, the Department of Justice, through the Joint Criminal Opioid and Darknet Enforcement (JCODE) team joined Europol to announce the results of Operation DisrupTor, a coordinated international effort to disrupt opioid trafficking on the Darknet. The operation, which was conducted across the United States and Europe, demonstrates the continued partnership between JCODE and Europol against the illegal sale of drugs and other illicit goods and services. Operation DisrupTor builds on the success of last year’s Operation SaboTor and the coordinated law enforcement takedown of the Wall Street Market, one of the largest illegal online markets on the dark web.

Following the Wall Street Market takedown in May 2019, U.S. and international law enforcement agencies obtained intelligence to identify Darknet drug traffickers, resulting in a series of complementary, but separate, law enforcement investigations. Operation DisrupTor actions have resulted in the arrest of 179 Darknet drug traffickers and fraudulent criminals who engaged in tens of thousands of sales of illicit goods and services across the United States and Europe.

This operation resulted in the seizure of over $6.5 million in both cash and virtual currencies; approximately 500 kilograms of drugs worldwide; 274 kilograms of drugs, including fentanyl, oxycodone, hydrocodone, methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, ecstasy, MDMA, and medicine containing addictive substances in the United States; and 63 firearms. Darknet vendor accounts were identified and attributed to real individuals selling illicit goods on Darknet market sites such as AlphaBay, Dream, WallStreet, Nightmare, Empire, White House, DeepSea, Dark Market and others. By leveraging complementary partnerships and surging resources across the U.S. government and Europol, Operation DisrupTor was used to significantly disrupt the online opioid trade and send a strong message that criminals operating on the Darknet are not beyond the reach of law enforcement.

Operation DisrupTor led to 121 arrests in the United States including two in Canada at the request of the United States, 42 in Germany, eight in the Netherlands, four in the United Kingdom, three in Austria, and one in Sweden. A number of investigations are still ongoing to identify the individuals behind dark web accounts.

“Criminals selling fentanyl on the Darknet should pay attention to Operation DisrupTor,” said Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen. “The arrest of 179 of them in seven countries—with the seizure of their drug supplies and their money as well—shows that there will be no safe haven for drug dealing in cyberspace.”

“With the spike in opioid-related overdose deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic, we recognize that today’s announcement is important and timely,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “The FBI wants to assure the American public, and the world, that we are committed to identifying Darknet drug dealers and bringing them to justice. But our work does not end with today’s announcement. The FBI, through JCODE and our partnership with Europol, continues to be actively engaged in a combined effort to disrupt the borderless, worldwide trade of illicit drugs. The FBI will continue to use all investigative techniques and tools to identify and prosecute Darknet opioid dealers, wherever they may be located.”

“The 21st century has ushered in a tidal wave of technological advances that have changed the way we live,” said DEA Acting Administrator Timothy J. Shea. “But as technology has evolved, so too have the tactics of drug traffickers. Riding the wave of technological advances, criminals attempt to further hide their activities within the dark web through virtual private networks and tails, presenting new challenges to law enforcement in the enduring battle against illegal drugs. Operation DisrupTor demonstrates the ability of DEA and our partners to outpace these digital criminals in this ever-changing domain, by implementing innovative ways to identify traffickers attempting to operate anonymously and disrupt these criminal enterprises.”

“U.S. Immigration and Custom’s Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) has played an integral role in Operation DisrupTor which has effectively removed opioids from our communities,” said ICE Acting Deputy Director Derek Benner. “It has been an honor to work alongside our domestic and international law enforcement partners and pursue bad actors hiding on the Darknet. Our trained cyber analysts and investigators have conducted undercover efforts that target dark website operators, vendors and prolific buyers of these dangerous drugs. HSI special agents employ unique investigative capabilities to trace and identify the proceeds stemming from the distribution and online sales of fentanyl and other illicit opioids. These efforts will continue to thwart a significant amount of criminal drug sale activity and deter criminals believing they can operate with anonymity on the Darknet.”

“The U.S. Postal Inspection Service has worked diligently for years to rid the mail of illicit drug trafficking and preserve the integrity of the mail,” said Chief Postal Inspector Gary Barksdale. “Most importantly, these efforts provide a safe environment for postal employees and the American public. Today’s announcement serves as an outstanding example of the worldwide impact Postal Inspectors can make through our ever-growing partnerships with federal and international law enforcement agencies. On behalf of the U.S. Postal Service, we offer our sincere appreciation to all of our partners in this operation who helped protect the nation’s mail, and we pledge to never relent in our pursuit of criminals seeking to exploit the U.S. mail.”

“Law enforcement is most effective when working together, and today’s announcement sends a strong message to criminals selling or buying illicit goods on the dark web: the hidden internet is no longer hidden, and your anonymous activity is not anonymous,” said Edvardas Šileris, the Head of Europol’s European Cybercrime Centre (EC3). “Law enforcement is committed to tracking down criminals, no matter where they operate – be it on the streets or behind a computer screen.”

The extensive operation, which lasted nine months, resulted in over dozens of federal prosecutions including:

The Los Angeles JCODE Task Force, in conjunction with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, successfully dismantled a drug trafficking organization that used online monikers such as “Stealthgod” to sell methamphetamine and MDMA on multiple Darknet marketplaces. Investigators have linked the crew to more than 18,000 illicit drug sales to customers in at least 35 states and numerous countries around the world. During law enforcement actions in Southern California earlier this year, members of JCODE arrested five defendants and seized approximately 120 pounds of methamphetamine, seven kilograms of MDMA and five firearms. Two of the five – Teresa McGrath, 34, of Sunland-Tujunga, and Mark Chavez, 41, of downtown Los Angeles – have since pleaded guilty to narcotics-trafficking and other offenses, and each faces a 15-year mandatory minimum sentence. As the investigation continued, the Los Angeles JCODE Task Force made additional seizures, including $1.6 million in cryptocurrency, 11 pounds of methamphetamine and 14 pounds of pills pressed with methamphetamine. Andres Bermudez, 37, of Palmdale, California, who allegedly was a main supplier of methamphetamine to the “Stealthgod” crew, was charged last week with a narcotics-trafficking offense that carry a 10-year mandatory minimum sentence. He is considered a fugitive.
Arden McCann, 32, of Quebec, Canada, was charged with conspiring to import drugs into the United States and money laundering conspiracy, in a four-count indictment returned by a grand jury in Atlanta, Georgia. According to court documents, the defendant is alleged to have imported alprazolam, fentanyl, U-47700, and fentanyl analogues such as carfentanil, furanyl fentanyl, 4-fluoroisobutyryl fentanyl, acryl fentanyl, and methoxyacetyl fentanyl into the United States from Canada and China. The superseding indictment alleges that fentanyl analogues the defendant imported into the United States resulted in a non-fatal overdose in April 2016, and fentanyl the defendant imported into the United States resulted in an overdose death in December 2016.
Khlari Sirotkin, 36, of Colorado; Kelly Stephens, 32, of Colorado; Sean Deaver, 36, of Nevada; Abby Jones, 37, of Nevada; and Sasha Sirotkin, 32, of California, were charged with drug trafficking and money laundering conspiracy, in a 21-count indictment returned by a grand jury in Cincinnati, Ohio. According to court documents, the defendants are alleged to be members of one of the most prolific online drug trafficking organizations in the United States and allegedly specialized in the manufacturing and distribution of more than one million fentanyl-laced counterfeit pills and laundered approximately $2.8 million over the course of the conspiracy. The pressed fentanyl pills, along with heroin, methamphetamine and cocaine, were shipped to the Southern District of Ohio and throughout the country. FBI, DEA, FDA, HSI and USPIS agents seized 2.5 kilograms of fentanyl; 5,095 pressed xanax; 50 suboxone; 16.5 grams of cocaine; 37 grams of crystal meth; 12 grams of black tar heroin; an industrial pill press; 5,908 pounds of dried marijuana with an estimated street value of $9 million; $80,191 in cash, 10 firearms and one pound of fentanyl.
The FBI Washington Field Office’s Hi-Tech Opioid Task Force, in conjunction with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia, successfully thwarted a firebomb attack plot involving explosives, firearms, the Darknet, prescription opioid trafficking, cryptocurrency, and sophisticated money laundering. William Anderson Burgamy, 33, of Hanover, Maryland, and Hyrum T. Wilson, 41, of Auburn, Nebraska, pleaded guilty in the Eastern District of Virginia to charges related to a conspiracy to use explosives to firebomb and destroy a competitor pharmacy in Nebraska. Burgamy, who is not a pharmacist, operated as the Darknet vendor NeverPressedRX (NPRX) since at least August 2019. Wilson, who was a licensed pharmacist, illegally mailed to Burgamy over 19,000 dosage units of prescription medications, including opioids, from his pharmacy in Nebraska. Burgamy illegally sold prescription drugs through his Darknet vendor account to customers nationwide, and claimed at one point that he made nearly $1 million total. Burgamy and Wilson agreed that Burgamy and another individual would carry multiple firearms during the attack operation and use explosives, specifically Molotov cocktails enhanced with Styrofoam as a thickening agent, to burn the victim pharmacy down in furtherance of their drug trafficking scheme. Law enforcement agents seized thousands of opioid pills, eight unsecured firearms, including two loaded AR-15 assault rifles with high capacity magazines, and over $19,000 cash. Prior to Burgamy’s arrest in April 2020, which uncovered and thwarted the firebombing plot, Burgamy and Wilson fully intended on the attack occurring after COVID-19 restrictions were lifted.
Aaron Brewer, 39, of Corsicana, Texas, was charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance and distribution of a controlled substance in a two-count indictment returned by a grand jury in the Northern District of Texas. According to court documents, the defendant allegedly sold cocaine, heroin, and other drugs via the dark web. He allegedly accepted payment in cryptocurrency, primarily bitcoin, and then shipped the drugs to customers’ addresses through the U.S. mail and other shipping services. Following Mr. Brewer’s arrest on July 2, agents with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and FBI Dallas Field Office seized roughly 650 grams of black tar heroin, cocaine, and OxyContin, two computers, and more than $870 in postage stamps, as well as a ledger outlining 757 drug shipments sent to 609 unique addresses between December 2019 and March 2020.

An indictment and criminal complaint merely alleges that crimes have been committed. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Operation DisrupTor was a collaborative initiative across JCODE members, including the Department of Justice; Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS); U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP); Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN); Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF); Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) and Department of Defense (DOD). Local, state and other federal agencies also contributed to Operation DisrupTor investigations. The investigations leading to Operation DisrupTor were significantly aided by essential support and coordination by the Department of Justice’s multi-agency Special Operations Division, the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section, and Organized Crime and Gang Section, the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, the National Cyber Joint Investigative Task Force (NCJITF), Europol and its Dark Web team and international partners Eurojust, Austrian Federal Investigation Bureau (Bundeskriminalamt), Cyprus Police (Αστυνομία Κύπρου), German Federal Criminal Police Office (Bundeskriminalamt), Canada’s Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Portuguese Judicial Police (Polícia Judiciária), Dutch Police (Politie), Swedish Police (Polisen), the British National Crime Agency, Australia’s Western Australia Police Force and Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission.

Federal prosecutions are being conducted in more than 20 Federal districts, including: the Central District of California, the Eastern District of California, the Northern District of California, the Southern District of California, the District of Colorado, the District of Columbia, the District of Connecticut, the Middle District of Florida, the Southern District of Florida, the Northern District of Georgia, the District of Hawaii, the Western District of Missouri, the District of New Jersey, the Western District of North Carolina, the Northern District of Ohio, the Southern District of Ohio, District of Oregon, the Western District of Pennsylvania, the Northern District of Texas, the Eastern District of Virginia, the District of the Virgin Islands and the Western District of Washington.

JCODE is an FBI-led Department of Justice initiative, which works closely with the DEA-led, multi-agency, Special Operations Division to support, coordinate and de-conflict investigations targeting for disruption and dismantlement of the online sale of illegal drugs, especially fentanyl and other opioids. Additionally, JCODE targets the trafficking of weapons and other illicit goods and services on the internet. Operation DisrupTor illustrates the investigative power of federal and international partnerships to combat the borderless nature of online criminal activity.

Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey A. Rosen Delivers Remarks at Announcement of Results of Operation Disruptor

Good morning. I am pleased to be joined today by FBI Director Christopher Wray, DEA Acting Administrator Timothy Shea, ICE Acting Deputy Director Derek Benner, and Chief Postal Inspector Gary Barksdale.

This morning, the Department is joining its partners in the United States and Europe to announce the results of Operation DisrupTor. Operation DisrupTor is the United States Government’s largest operation to date targeting criminal activity on the Darknet, particularly opioid trafficking. Over the past months, the United States and its partners across the globe have worked together to deal a powerful blow to this criminal underworld.

The trafficking of opioids is a national crisis of daunting proportions, which poses a major danger to the American people. It is devastating our communities and our families. According to the CDC, over 67,000 people in the United States died of a drug overdose in 2018. That’s over 1,000 people dead each week – 1,000 lost parents, children, friends, and family members. That is more deaths than occur from car accidents. For Americans under the age of 50, drug overdoses are now among the leading causes of death.

For an increasing number of young addicts, opioids are purchased not from local dealers, but from pushers operating online. Hiding behind anonymizing software known as Tor, a new sort of drug kingpin now is able to reach more buyers than ever before, through online marketplaces peddling every sort of illicit good and service imaginable. These “Darknet marketplaces” have grown in popularity at an alarming rate and allow drug traffickers to openly advertise and take orders from anywhere in the world. The Darknet invites criminals into our homes, and provides unlimited access to illegal commerce.

Operation DisrupTor is the Department’s latest effort to combat the scourge of opioid trafficking on the Darknet. Activities here resulted in almost 120 arrests and the seizure of over 270 kilograms of drugs, including 17 kilograms of lethal fentanyl and 96 kilograms of methamphetamine. Additionally, U.S. law enforcement worked in conjunction with counterparts in Europe and Canada on this investigation, which resulted in more than 50 additional arrests.

Operation DisrupTor was coordinated by the Joint Criminal Opioid and Darknet Enforcement team, also known as JCODE. Cases were worked in more than 20 different U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the country. The operation was supported by numerous components at Main Justice, including the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section, and the Department’s Office of International Affairs. Among the cases:

Law enforcement in the Southern District of Ohio shut down one of the most prolific online drug trafficking organizations in the United States, which operated using the moniker “Pill Cosby.” Members of the group were charged with manufacturing and distributing over one million fentanyl-laced counterfeit pills.
Here in the District of Columbia, a grand jury charged a Costa Rican pharmacist who knowingly supplied large amounts of drugs to a dark web trafficker, sending a strong message that unscrupulous doctors and pharmacists who fuel the opioid epidemic will be held accountable – even if they operate overseas.
The Eastern District of Virginia prosecuted the narcotics vendor “NeverPressedRX,” who was so intent on securing his online criminal enterprise that he conspired to use explosives to firebomb and destroy a competitor pharmacy.
Law enforcement in the Central District of California, successfully dismantled a drug trafficking organization that used online monikers such as “Stealthgod” to sell methamphetamine and MDMA on multiple Darknet marketplaces. Investigators have linked the crew to more than 18,000 illicit sales to customers in at least 35 states and in numerous countries around the world.
In the Northern District of Georgia, an investigation into the murder of an elderly couple found brutally murdered in their home led investigators to a man who used the Darknet to purchase sensitive information stolen from numerous elderly victims, including the murdered couple.

A number of additional investigations are still ongoing.

There will be no safe haven for drug dealing in cyberspace.

Today’s announcement is very much a success story in international law enforcement cooperation, as crime on the Darknet is truly a global problem that requires global partnership. However, the global nature of the threat also means that foreign countries who fail to act can easily become safe harbors for criminals who seek to pump lethal, addictive drugs into the United States from abroad. The Department cannot and will not allow criminals to operate with impunity.

This Operation marks a significant milestone in the fight against crime on the Darknet. But there is more to do, and more to come. Keeping the American people safe is the Department’s highest priority. The Department will not relent in our efforts to combat this evil plaguing our society, and we will bring to justice those who seek to profit from the destruction of human lives.

Press conference in Washington DC at Department of Justice this morning. Photos provided by US Department of Justice

Court Documents:

Central District of California

United States v. Chavez, Case No. CR20-130: Complaint, Information,
United States v. Olayvar and Ick, Case No. CR20-135: Complaint, Information
United States v. McGrath and Melkom, Case No. CR20-136: Complaint, Information, Superseding Information,
United States v. Bermudez, Case No. MJ20-4487: Search warrant and affidavit

Eastern District of California

United States v. Hunter Secrest, Case No. 2:20-cr-130: Information

Southern District of California

United States v. Bloom and Davis, Case No. 20-mj-2669: Complaint

District of Colorado

United States v. Hugues Bellevue, Case No. 1:20-cr-00090-REB: Indictment

District of Columbia

District of Connecticut

United States v. Decaro, et al Case No. 3:18-cr-171: Indictment

Southern District of Florida

United States v. Michael Sequeira, Case No. 20-20001-Cr-Cooke (SDFL): Indictment.

Northern District of Georgia

United States v. Arden McCann Case No. 1:20-CR-084-UNA: Indictment

Western District of Missouri

United States v. Nash, Case No. 4:20-cr-00148: Indictment

District of New Jersey

Western District of North Carolina

United States v. Anthony Byrnes, Case No. 3:20-CR-192: Information

Southern District of Ohio

United States v. Khlari Sirotkin et al, Case No. 1:19-CR-136: Indictment

Western District of Pennsylvania

Northern District of Texas

United States v. Aaron Brewer, Case No. 3:20-cr-0295-M: Indictment

Eastern District of Virginia

Western District of Washington

United States v. Armstrong, Case No. 2:19-CR-00243-JCC: Information

November 2020 – Page 2 – MidJersey.News

December 5, 2021 maximios News

November 23, 2020

NEWARK – Continuing New Jersey’s efforts to hold accountable those responsible for fueling the State’s opioid epidemic, Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal today announced that his office has filed complaints against four physicians for inappropriately writing “off-label” prescriptions for high dosages of the powerful opioid and cancer pain medication “Subsys” without regard for the associated risks of addiction, overdose, and death. In a fifth case, the State successfully revoked the license of doctor for the same conduct. All five doctors wrote prescriptions for non-cancer patients after receiving substantial payments from the drug’s manufacturer, Insys Therapeutics, Inc., which tried to disguise the kickbacks to doctors by funneling them through a sham speaker program funded by the company.

The four doctors whose licenses the State seeks to suspend or revoke for their role in the scheme and for inappropriately prescribing Subsys are: Dr. Mukaram Gazi of Hamilton, Dr. Serge Menkin of Holmdel, Dr. Kieran Slevin of Hainesport, and Dr. Felix Roque of West New York.

Subsys, a highly addictive, fast-acting fentanyl spray fifty times more potent than heroin, is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) only for the narrow purpose of treating breakthrough cancer pain in opioid-tolerant patients.

From 2012 through 2016, Doctors Gazi, Menkin, Slevin and Roque received more than $50,000 each from Insys disguised in the form of speaking and consulting fees, and, as a result, prescribed Subsys indiscriminately in circumstances for which the drug was not approved. One patient of Dr. Roque overdosed, while in other cases, the doctors’ patients were placed at heightened risk of addiction, overdose, and death.

In a separate action, the State successfully revoked the license of Dr. Alexandru Burducea, who was recently sentenced to nearly five years in prison by a New York federal court for his role in the Subsys kickback scheme.

“We will hold accountable all those whose misconduct has helped fuel the opioid epidemic in New Jersey,” said Attorney General Grewal. “Today, we’re taking action against multiple doctors who sold their medical licenses and prescription pads to Insys and put their personal financial interests above their patients’ health and well-being. These actions should serve notice to those who unlawfully push opioids from their exam rooms that they are not above the law and are no different than those that push heroin on street corners.”

“As our actions today demonstrate, we are committed to holding everyone accountable who is involved in illegal and unethical kickback schemes that have contributed to the overdose epidemic in this state,” said Paul R. Rodríguez, Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs. “We will not allow patients in this state to be used as pawns in moneymaking schemes that pose extreme dangers to patient safety, violate basic principles of medical ethics, and erode trust in the medical profession.”

“These five doctors acknowledged that they had read the risks associated with Subsys and understood that it was approved only for narrow uses as a cancer pain medication,” said Sharon Joyce, Director of NJ CARES. “Nevertheless, they chose to ignore the unequivocal risks to their patients in favor of the easy money Insys was offering. Their unsavory collaboration with Insys endangered their patients and undermined efforts to end the opioid crisis and prevent more lives from being lost.”

Actions to Suspend or Revoke Licenses of Four Doctors

The Attorney General is asking the State Board of Medical Examiners to suspend or revoke the licenses of the four physicians the State alleges indiscriminately prescribed Subsys in exchange for kickbacks from Insys summarized as follows:

From 2013 through 2015, Dr. Mukaram Gazi, a urologist, allegedly accepted Insys-funded dinners described as “lectures,” trips for “training,” and payments totaling more than $132,000, which Insys thinly disguised as “speaker’s fees.” In addition to allegations of indiscriminate prescribing for multiple patients, the State’s complaint notes that Gazi’s signature appeared on forms used to obtain insurance coverage for Subsys prescriptions, which incorrectly identified Gazi’s specialty as oncology and provided false explanations for why Subsys was being prescribed. Gazi Complaint
From 2012 through 2016, Dr. Serge Menkin, a pain management specialist, allegedly accepted $111,000 from Insys, which also paid for travel and expenses for both him and his guests. According to the State, Insys repeatedly paid Menkin thousands of dollars to deliver remarks before audiences that included zero to one prescriber; in at least one instance, Insys paid Menkin in full for an event that was cancelled. Menkin Complaint
From 2013 through 2016, Dr. Kieran Slevin, an anesthesiologist, allegedly accepted more than $83,000 in cash payments that Insys thinly disguised as “speaker’s fees,” as well as lavish dinners posing as “lectures,” and all-expense paid trips for “training.” According to the State’s complaint, Slevin’s speaker events were held at high-end restaurants chosen by him and were sparsely attended, often by repeat attendees, including those who did not have any prescribing authority. Slevin Complaint
From 2013 through 2015, Dr. Felix Roque, a pain management specialist, allegedly accepted more than $53,000 in “speaker’s fee” payments from Insys, in addition to meals and travel. As alleged in the complaint, an Insys sales representative advised her superiors that Roque would not prescribe Subsys “until he attended a conference,” and that he had asked “to be put up” at the Fairmont Princess, a luxury hotel in Scottsdale, Arizona. Shortly thereafter, Roque attended a conference in Arizona, funded by Insys and subsequently began prescribing Subsys. As also alleged in the complaint, one of Roque’s patients overdosed on a Subsys prescription he wrote. Roque Complaint

Subsys is one of six transmucosal immediate release fentanyl (“TIRF”) medications that instantly deliver the powerful painkiller fentanyl through the oral membranes. Because TIRF medicines carry a high risk for misuse, abuse, addiction, overdose, and serious complications due to medication error, the FDA has subjected these medications to significant restrictions.

Each of the physicians in today’s complaints allegedly prescribed Subsys for patients without cancer, despite the fact that the FDA had approved Subsys only for breakthrough cancer pain in patients who had grown tolerant to other opioids. In many cases, they prescribed the drug to patients who were already on steady pain management regimes, in amounts that exceeded the authorized starting dosage.

In some cases, after starting their patients on Subsys, the State alleges that the doctors steadily, without justification or regard for patient safety, increased the dosage strength resulting in more money for Insys because higher doses cost more. The doctors’ medical records often provided little or no medical justification – and sometimes no explanation at all – as to why patients were switched to Subsys or why their dosages were increased or started at an amount exceeding the authorized starting dosage.

The State is seeking to suspend or revoke the doctors’ licenses on grounds of fraud, professional misconduct, gross negligence that endangered the life and safety of their patients, and/or indiscriminate prescribing of a controlled dangerous substance.

The Division of Consumer Affairs’ Enforcement Bureau conducted these investigations. The cases are being handled by DAsG from the Professional Boards Prosecution Section in the Division of Law’s Affirmative Civil Enforcement Practice Group and from NJ CARES. Assistant Section Chief David M. Puteska is representing the State in the Roque matter; DAG Kathy Stroh Mendoza is representing the State in the Slevin matter; DAG Kelly Elizabeth Levy is representing the State in the Gazi matter; and DAG Michael Antenucci is representing the State in the Menkin matter.

Actions Against Other Indiscriminate Prescribers of Insys Products

The complaints against Drs. Roque, Gazi, Menkin, and Slevin are only the latest of the State’s actions to hold accountable prescribers who indiscriminately prescribed Subsys after receiving suspect payments from Insys.

Attorney General Grewal also announced today that the Board of Medical Examiners has revoked the New Jersey medical license of Manhattan anesthesiologist Alexandru Burducea, who pleaded guilty in Manhattan federal court last year to accepting $68,000 in bribes and kickbacks from Insys in exchange for prescribing Subsys. In January 2020, he was sentenced to nearly five years in federal prison. During his sentencing, it was revealed that Burducea had also cheated on the examination required for him to be permitted to prescribe Subsys, lied to FBI agents about his involvement in the Insys speaker program, and posted false patient reviews online for two doctors who fired him after he was arrested for his involvement in the scheme.

Based on his criminal conviction and personal conduct, the Board revoked Burducea’s license, finding that he engaged in repeated acts of gross negligence and professional misconduct, indiscriminate prescribing, and other conduct that violated the laws and regulations of the medical profession.

Before the actions announced today, New Jersey barred from practice the following doctors who indiscriminately prescribed Subsys to non-cancer patients:

Kenneth P. Sun, a Phillipsburg pain management practitioner, had his licensed revoked in August 2018, after he accepted $117,000 from Insys and prescribed Subsys to patients who did not meet the federal criteria for receiving it.
Vivienne Matalon, a Cherry Hill family physician, had her license revoked in May 2018, for indiscriminately prescribing Subsys to three patients who did not meet the federal criteria for receiving it, including one who died from an overdose.
Manoj Patharkar, who owned pain management centers in Middlesex and Passaic counties, had his license revoked in November 2016, for indiscriminately prescribing Subsys, among other misconduct.
Louis Spagnoletti, a Marlton pain management specialist, was temporarily barred from treating patients in March 2018, amid allegations he indiscriminately prescribed opioids including Subsys to seven patients. Spagnoletti died before disciplinary action against was concluded.

DAG Nisha S. Lakhani from the Professional Boards Prosecution Section in the Division of Law’s Affirmative Civil Enforcement Practice Group is representing the State in the Burducea matter.

Holding Insys Management Accountable

Finally, a separate lawsuit brought by the State against Insys’s founder, John N. Kapoor is pending in Superior Court in Middlesex County and accuses Kapoor of directing and approving the payment of bribes to New Jersey doctors who participated in the speaker program so that they would inappropriately prescribe Subsys, among other fraudulent conduct. Today, the state filed its motion for summary judgment in that case and the filing explains that “[t]he harm that Kapoor’s scheme has inflicted on New Jersey and its residents continues to this day. Thousands of New Jerseyans die annually from drug overdoses – most of them opioid overdoses. And tens of thousands more would be dead but for emergency medical interventions and costly treatment for opioid addiction.”

The State’s motion for partial summary judgment would resolve only certain claims against Kapoor, without the need for a trial. The amount of money that Kapoor must pay the State would be determined later.

Insys also is a defendant in the State’s lawsuit against Kapoor, but litigation against the company has been on hold since the company declared bankruptcy and filed a plan of liquidation.

The Kapoor case is being handled by Section Chief and Deputy Attorney General (DAG) Lara Fogel, and DAsG Eric Boden, Brian DeVito and Dana Vasers, all from the Government & Healthcare Fraud Section in the Division of Law’s Affirmative Civil Enforcement Practice Group.

Burducea Consent Order

Kapoor Brief in Support of Motion

MidJersey.News – Page 3 – From the Delaware River to the Jersey Shore. Covering: Mercer, Monmouth, Ocean, Burlington and Middlesex Counties

December 5, 2021 maximios News

November 22, 2021

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Trenton Police report that there was a shooting in the area of 55 Garfield Avenue this morning only a few blocks from another shooting incident in Hamilton on Saturday night involving juveniles. There were three juveniles in a vehicle, one of the juveniles was grazed by a bullet. It was unclear where he was grazed. No other information is available at this time as the investigation is ongoing.

This is the second incident this week involving juveniles in Mercer County, the first incident was at Greenwood Avenue and Connecticut Avenue in Hamilton Township a few blocks from the Trenton border where a juvenile (reported as 12-year-old) was shot in the leg and head, transported to the hospital and was expected to survive. Hamilton Police are still investigating that incident.

You can read that MidJersey.News story here:

Connecticut Avenue Shooting Update:

BREAKING: Shooting Investigation on Connecticut Ave. in Hamilton Township

Hamilton Police investigate a shooting involving juveniles in Hamilton Township on November 20, 2021

Hamilton NJ: On November 20, 2021 at approximately 6:34 PM, Hamilton Police were dispatched to the area of the Greenwood Avenue and Connecticut Avenue on a report of shots fired with one person struck in the leg. Upon arrival Officers located a juvenile victim bleeding from his upper left leg. A bystander was applying pressure to the area and Officers applied a tourniquet to control the bleeding. Firefighters from Engine 14 arrived on scene and assisted with treating the victim. Officers spoke to the juvenile victims who stated they were hanging out on the corner of Greenwood Avenue and Connecticut Avenue when they were approached by males in a silver/gray Honda. The rear right passenger rolled down the window and began yelling at the juveniles. The juveniles started to run away when the suspect brandished a handgun and starting firing at them. The vehicle then fled the scene down Connecticut Avenue towards Hamilton Avenue. Officers located eighteen shell casings at the scene. The victim sustained a gunshot wound to his left leg and head. He was transported to Bristol-Myers Squibb Hospital at Robert Wood Johnson University in New Brunswick for further treatment and is in stable condition.

Anyone with any information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective Frank Palmieri of the Hamilton Police Division’s Criminal Investigations Section at 609-581-4041 or the Hamilton Police Crime Tip Hotline at 609-581-4008.

November 21, 2021

OLD BRIDGE, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–Police report that at 4:46 p.m. today Old Bridge Police received a call of a plane on fire at Old Bridge Airport. Upon arrival it was determined that a Cessna Skyhawk II crashed while attempting to land. The plane came to rest off the runway where it was engulfed in flames. The pilot was able to escape with only minor cuts and bruises. The pilot was taken to Robert Wood Johnson Hospital to be checked out. There were no other occupants of the plane. Responding was South Old Bridge Fire Co, Old Bridge OEM, Middlesex Co. Haz-Mat Unit. Old Bridge First Aid and Robertsville Fire Co. NJ ROIC, NJ State Police and the FAA were all notified.

No other information is available at this time.

November 21, 2021

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Hamilton Township Police said, on November 20, 2021 at approximately 6:34 PM, Hamilton Police were dispatched to the area of the Greenwood Avenue and Connecticut Avenue on a report of shots fired with one person struck in the leg. Upon arrival Officers located a juvenile victim bleeding from his upper left leg. A bystander was applying pressure to the area and Officers applied a tourniquet to control the bleeding. Firefighters from Engine 14 arrived on scene and assisted with treating the victim. Officers spoke to the juvenile victims who stated they were hanging out on the corner of Greenwood Avenue and Connecticut Avenue when they were approached by males in a silver/gray Honda. The rear right passenger rolled down the window and began yelling at the juveniles. The juveniles started to run away when the suspect brandished a handgun and starting firing at them. The vehicle then fled the scene down Connecticut Avenue towards Hamilton Avenue. Officers located eighteen shell casings at the scene. The victim sustained a gunshot wound to his left leg and head. He was transported to Bristol-Myers Squibb Hospital at Robert Wood Johnson University in New Brunswick for further treatment and is in stable condition.

Last night’s breaking news story here:

BREAKING: Shooting Investigation on Connecticut Ave. in Hamilton Township

November 21, 2021

LAKEWOOD, NJ (OCEAN)–According to the New Jersey State Police a fatal crash occurred at 10:17 p.m. on the Garden State Parkway southbound at the 89A entrance ramp in Lakewood Township, Ocean County. State Police say preliminary information indicates that a Volkswagen Passat was traveling on the 89A entrance ramp to the GSP south when it ran off the road to the left and overturned. Passenger, Jake Olivos, 9, of Beachwood, NJ, was ejected and sustained fatal injuries. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

November 21, 2021

BRICK TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Brick Township Police report that at 7:45 p.m. last night, Saturday, November 20^th, Officers responded to the interchange for a report of shots fired. The victim called 9-1-1 to report the incident while driving home to their residence in Brick. Patrol units met with the victim who was not injured, and they located one bullet in the front passenger side door frame.

The victim stated he was involved in a road rage incident with two unknown white male subjects driving a newer model red pickup truck with an extended cab. The incident began on Brick Blvd. when the pickup truck continued to pass the victim and brake check him several times as they drove down Route 70 east. While the victim was stopped at the at the red light at the interchange (70/88), the suspect drove by and fired three rounds toward the passenger side of his vehicle. The suspect vehicle was last seen fleeing the scene eastbound on Route 70, running several red lights. The victim lost sight of the vehicle in the area of Olden Street.

The suspects are described as two white males late 20’s to early 30’s.

We are seeking information from anyone who may have witnessed the incident or the suspect vehicle, or from anyone with a working dashcam who was traveling on Brick Blvd south and Route 70 East between the hours of 7:35 P.M. and 7:55P.M. and may have captured footage.

The incident is still under investigation. Anyone with information please contact Det. Ryan Talty at 732-262-1170 or [email protected].

UPDATE HERE:

Connecticut Avenue Shooting Update:

Last night’s Breaking News story here:

November 20, 2021

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)—Around 6:40 p.m. the Hamilton Police Department, Hamilton Fire Department, RWJ EMS and Capital Health Paramedics responded to the 300 Block of Connecticut Avenue near Greenwood Avenue for a reported shooting. It was reported that a young person (reported as age 12) was shot in the upper leg and transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center in Trenton and a trauma alert was called En route to the hospital.

A video reportedly from near the scene was shared on the “Ring Neighbors Application” where numerous gunshots could be heard. Playing the video back a ¼ speed 13 rounds were heard in the video and a car speeding off in the distance could also be heard.

Hamilton Township Police had a crime scene set up and were seen checking the area for evidence. Hamilton Township Fire Department responded with a Special Service Unit to provide lighting of the crime scene.

No official or further information is available at this time.

This is a Breaking News report from reports from the scene, radio reports and witnesses. Once official information becomes available from authorities the story will be updated and any corrections and changes made at that time.

November 20, 2021

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Last night around 6:00 p.m. a rear end accident occurred on Route 29 north bound at the traffic light for Sullivan Way. Victims were transported to the local hospital by Trenton EMS with reported minor injuries. Trenton Fire Department also responded to the scene. Trenton Police are investigating the crash. No further information is available at this time.

Photos by: Brian McCarthy OnSceneNews

November 20, 2021

Photos and story by: Mike Ratcliffe

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–With the overnight temperature hovering at, if not just below, 30 degrees, Trenton firefighters early today (Saturday, Nov. 20) battled a three-alarm blaze that damaged five houses in the 800 block of East State Street. It was shortly before 2:10 a.m. when Trenton firefighters were dispatched to 868 East State Street, between Chambers Street and Hampton Avenue, for a report of smoke issuing from a structure. First-due firefighters arrived to find a working fire in the middle home of a row of three three-story dwellings (866-870 East State Street). The “All Hands” signal was transmitted and the balance of the first alarm was dispatched. Minutes later, with fire raging on the second and third floors of the original fire building and extending via the cockloft into the attached exposures, a second alarm was ordered. While multiple hoselines were stretched for an aggressive interior attack, other firefighters climbed ladders to ventilate the roof. Not long after ventilation holes were cut and crews evacuated the roof, heavy fire broke through. At one point, Ladder 4’s master stream was charged to darken down the fire. Around 2:35 a.m. an additional engine company was called to the scene for manpower. Then, at 3:27 a.m., Trenton’s last remaining on-duty company – Engine 9 – was called to the scene, along with a mutual aid company (Engine 15) from Hamilton Township, which had previously relocated into Trenton to stand by at Engine 3’s quarters. This elevated the incident to a third alarm. A mutual aid air cascade unit was also requested to the scene from Hamilton. Trenton’s volunteer Signal 22 canteen unit also respond to provide refreshments to the cold, exhausted firefighters. The blaze – which badly damaged the three attached homes at 866, 868 and 870 East State Street and also caused damage to the neighboring houses at 864 and 872 East State Street – was finally declared under control at 4:21 a.m. One person, possibly a resident of one of the burned homes, was reportedly transported to hospital by Trenton Emergency Medical Service personnel shortly after firefighters first arrived, but the nature and extent of the injuries was not known.

Additional photos by Anthony Greco

Burglary charges among recent TPD arrests for attempted murder, drug distribution

November 19, 2021

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Acting Police Director Steve E. Wilson today announced that TPD officers successfully recovered a stolen puppy and arrested a suspect in an alleged home invasion earlier this week.

Josuha Stroman, 31, of Trenton was arrested and charged with robbery, burglary and unlawful possession of a weapon. In the evening of Nov. 16, 2021, officers responded to reports of a home invasion on Vine Street. The victim stated that a male had rushed into her house armed with a gun and stole her tan Pitbull puppy. The victim was able to identify the suspect and provided a description of his vehicle and the location where he frequents. TPD officers then canvassed the area and stopped Stroman in his car. He was arrested and the puppy was successfully returned to the owner.

Director Wilson also announced that Mekhi S. Goss, 22, of Trenton – already in custody after he was arrested Oct. 16, 2021 with a handgun during a motor vehicle stop – now faces a criminal attempt homicide charge as of Nov. 11, 2021. On Oct. 14, 2021, Goss allegedly exited a vehicle and fired several rounds, striking a victim twice in the foot and leg. The injuries were non-life threatening.

Director Wilson also thanked residents and businesses whose complaints led to arrests in two drug cases:

Shashadine A Turner, 32, of Trenton was arrested on Rustling Street Nov. 15, 2021 with crack-cocaine, endocet, oxycodone and $11,647 in cash. The two-week investigation was started after the TPD received numerous citizen complaints of narcotics activity in the area.
Kaseem Roberts, 50, and Kenneth Hollman, 59, both of Trenton, were arrested for drug loitering and possession charges after they were allegedly observed by law enforcement engaging in illegal narcotics activity in a city park. The surveillance was deployed after the TPD Daytime Task Force received numerous complaints from concerned citizens and businesses. According to the investigation, individuals are purchasing large quantities of synthetic marijuana from local suppliers and reselling in the downtown area. This is an active investigation.

These charges and allegations are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

November 19, 2021

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

Ubry: Eric Marcy Esq., Woodbridge, New Jersey

DelahantyEtAl.Indictment.pdf

November 19, 2021

ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–A partial lunar eclipse started around 2:30 a.m. peaked about 4:00 a.m. and concluded around 5:30 a.m. early this morning. The almost total partial lunar eclipse was visible over most of the United States.

Photos below were taken from the Robbinsville, Upper Freehold, Allentown area of New Jersey.

To read more about the eclipse visit NASA “An Almost Total Lunar Eclipse”

A partial almost total lunar eclipse was visible over most of the United States this morning. These photos were taken in the Robbinsville-Allentown-Upper Freehold area of New Jersey.

November 18, 2021

MONROE TOWNSHIP, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–The Middlesex County Office of Health Services is reporting that a skunk tested positive for rabies in the Township of Monroe, Middlesex County, in the vicinity of Evergreen Terrace and Astor Place.

This is the eighth rabid animal reported within Middlesex County for 2021 and the first rabid animal in Monroe.

On Wednesday, November 17th, 2021, a resident of Monroe’s pet dog attacked a skunk. When the resident went to grab the dog they slipped and the skunk bit the resident. The animal was picked up by the Animal Control Officer and was then taken to the New Jersey Department of Health Laboratory for testing. It was reported on Thursday, November 18th, 2021 that the animal tested positive for rabies. The resident’s dog is currently vaccinated for rabies and was instructed to follow up with their veterinarian. The resident was notified to consult with a physician regarding rabies post exposure treatment.

The Middlesex County Office of Health Services continues to monitor rabies cases within the municipality. Residents should report wild animals showing signs of unusual behavior to the Police Department. Additionally, it is recommended that residents should avoid contact with wild animals and immediately report any bites from wild or domestic animals to your local health department and consult a physician as soon as possible. Finally, be sure that all family pets are up to date on their rabies vaccinations.

Rabies is caused by a virus which can infect all warm-blooded mammals, including man. The rabies virus is found in the saliva of a rabid animal and is transmitted by bite, or possibly by contamination of an open cut. New Jersey is enzootic for raccoon and bat variants of rabies. Bats, skunks, groundhogs, foxes, cats and dogs represent about 95 percent of animals diagnosed with rabies in the Unites States.

Rabies Prevention Guidelines

The Middlesex County Office of Health Services is advising residents to follow these guidelines to prevent rabies from being transmitted to themselves or their pets:

1. Immediately report a bite from a wild or domestic animal to your local health department. Wash animal bite wounds thoroughly with soap and water as soon as possible after the bite. Contamination of open cuts and scratches with saliva of potentially rabid animals should also be washed off immediately. Consult a physician as soon as possible.

2. Immediately report any wild animals showing signs of unusual behavior. Signs of unusual animal behavior could be that the animal may:

• Move slowly

• May act as if tame

• Appear sick

• Have problems swallowing

• Have an increase in saliva

• Have increased drooling

• Act aggressive

• Have difficulty moving

• Have paralysis

• Bite at everything if excited

Residents should avoid any contact with the animal and call your local animal control officer or local police department.

3. Be sure that all family pets are up to date on their rabies vaccination. If unsure, please call your veterinarian. Call your local health department for free rabies vaccination clinic availability.

4. Animal proof your home and yard. Make sure all garbage containers have tight fitting lids, do not leave pet food or water outside, do not allow rainwater to collect in outdoor containers or equipment and keep yard free of garbage and debris.

5. Do not feed or handle wild animals.

6. Avoid contact with stray animals or pets other than your own.

7. Try to prevent your pets from coming into contact with wild animals.

8. Screen off vents to attics and other areas that could provide shelter for bats

Photo by patrice schoefolt on Pexels.com

November 18, 2021

ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Robbinsville Township welcomed two new police officers, each of whom were ceremoniously sworn-in at tonight’s Township Council meeting by Director of Public Safety and Mayor Dave Fried.

Eduardo Madrigal, 28, is from Toms River and graduated from the Ocean County Police Academy. He previously worked in Point Pleasant Beach as Special Officer Class II, and most recently worked for Freehold Borough.

Rene Godfrey, 30, is from Perth Amboy and graduated from the Mercer County Police Academy as an Alternate Route Candidate. He had been working for Middlesex County as a Sheriff Officer prior to being hired in Robbinsville. Rene also is an Army Reservist, serving as a Combat Medic since October of 2016.

“These two fine men and very qualified officers were chosen from a pool of over 100 candidates, which speaks volumes about this town and our phenomenal police department,” Mayor and Public Safety Director Dave Fried said.

Photo credit: Robbinsville Township

November 18, 2021

Before you agree to bring a family favorite food item to contribute to the Thanksgiving holiday table, it’s important to think about how you’re planning to transport it if you are flying to spend the holiday with family or friends. Most foods can be carried through a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint, but there are some items that will need to be transported in checked baggage.

Here’s some food for thought. If it’s a solid item, then it can go through a checkpoint. However, if you can spill it, spread it, spray it, pump it or pour it, and it’s larger than 3.4 ounces, then it should go in a checked bag.

Food items often need some additional security screening, so TSA recommends placing those items in a clear plastic bag or other container when packing them at home and then removing those items from your carry-on bag and placing them in a bin for screening at the checkpoint.

Travelers who are unsure if an item should be packed in a carry-on or checked bag can check the TSA homepage, which has a helpful “What can I bring?” feature. Type in the item and find out if you can carry it through a checkpoint or if it should be checked. Another option is for passengers to tweet to @AskTSA to ask how best to travel with a specific food item.

Here are examples of the most commonly asked questions about which food items are permissible through a checkpoint and which ones need to get packed in checked baggage. It is also important to remember food safety by storing the food properly while traveling to prevent foodborne illness. If you need to keep items cold during your trip, ice packs are permissible, but they must be frozen solid and not melted when they go through security screening. Additionally, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration also has recommendations on holiday food safety. The U.S. Department of Agriculture also has tips for handling food safely while traveling.

Thanksgiving foods that can be carried through a TSA checkpoint

Baked goods. Homemade or store-bought pies, cakes, cookies, brownies and other sweet treats
Meats. Turkey, chicken, ham, steak. Frozen, cooked or uncooked
Stuffing. Cooked, uncooked, in a box or in a bag
Casseroles. Traditional green beans and onion straws or something more exotic
Mac ‘n Cheese. Cooked in a pan or traveling with the ingredients to cook it at your destination,
Fresh vegetables. Potatoes, yams, broccoli, green beans, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, beets, radishes, carrots, squash, greens
Fresh fruit. Apples, pears, pineapple, lemons, limes, cranberries, blueberries, strawberries, bananas.
Candy.
Spices.

Thanksgiving foods that can be carried through a TSA checkpoint

Thanksgiving foods that should be carefully packed with your checked baggage

Cranberry sauce. Homemade or canned are spreadable, so check them.
Gravy. Homemade or in a jar/can.
Wine, champagne, sparking apple cider.
Canned fruit or vegetables. It’s got liquid in the can, so check them.
Preserves, jams and jellies. They are spreadable, so best to check them.
Maple syrup.

Thanksgiving foods that should be carefully packed with your checked baggage

November 18, 2021

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–A Trenton man charged with killing two men in an October shooting was arrested Wednesday afternoon in Tucson, Arizona, Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri reported today.

Gabriel Vilorio-Jaquez, 33, of Cleveland Avenue, Trenton, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder, one count of second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful person, one count of second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon and one count of second-degree certain persons not to possess a firearm. He was arrested yesterday afternoon without incident by members of the U.S. Marshals Service Task Force in Tucson. Vilorio-Jaquez is currently being held in the Pima County Jail in Arizona pending an extradition hearing.

The charges are the result of an investigation by the Mercer County Homicide Task Force. At approximately 9:30 a.m. on October 29, 2021, Trenton police received a Shot Spotter activation for multiple rounds in the first block of Cleveland Avenue. Upon arrival, officers located two adult male shooting victims. Everth Barrera, 56, of Ewing, was pronounced dead at the scene. Edwin Obdulio Gomez Interiano, 41, of Trenton was transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center where he was pronounced dead a short time later. It is alleged that Vilorio-Jaquez rented a residence from Barrera.

Despite having been charged, every defendant is presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Photos and video by Brian McCarthy OnSceneNews

Names of 2021* homicide victims:

2/18/2021 Jabree Saunders, 26, from shooting on May 14, 2018
2/22/2021 Khalil Gibbs, 25, of West Windsor, shooting
2/25/2021 Lovelle Laramore, 60, of Trenton shooting
4/15/2021 Kaheem Carter, 22, of Trenton, shooting
4/20/2021 Shaquan McNeil, 25, of Trenton, shooting
4/24/2021 Cheryl Jones, 65, of Trenton, shooting
4/29/2021 Ramire Harvey, 25, of Trenton, shooting
5/15/2021 David Williams 36, of Trenton, shooting
5/29/2021 Edgar Geovani Sis-Luis, 34, of Trenton, aggravated manslaughter
7/05/2021 Dion Ellis, 16, Trenton, Shooting
7/14/2021 Pablo Herrera Chun, 53, Trenton, Shooting
7/19/2021 William Mitchell, 33, Trenton, Shooting
7/19/2021 Jermel Carter, 38, Trenton, Shooting
7/29/2021 Leonard Pettigrew, 58, Trenton, Shooting
7/30/2021 Shaquil Loftin, 23, Shooting, Trenton
8/01/2021 Daquan Basnight, 30, of Ewing, Shooting
8/13/2021 Javier Chaj-Ajtun, 33, of Trenton, Shooting
8/19/2021 Herberth Ramirez Pimentel, 37, of Trenton, Shooting
8/23/2021 Yanquai Edwards, 25, of Rancocas, NJ, Shooting
8/25/2021 Daron Cheston, 18, Trenton, Shooting
8/27/2021 Ziare Jones, Shooting
8/30/2021 Fred Davis, 43, Trenton, Shooting
9/06/2021 Shamiem Young, 26, Trenton, Shooting
9/17/2021 Jeff Charles, 37, Trenton, Shooting
9/25/2021 Shemiah Davis, 15, Trenton, Shooting
10/2/2021 Omar Burgess, 49, of Trenton, Shooting
10/3/2021 Elias Juarez Lopez, 31, of Princeton, Shooting
10/4/2021 Candice Ruff, 19, of Trenton, Shooting On September 25
10/7/2021 Douglas Munn, 50, of Trenton. Shooting
10/13/2021 Melvin Williams 26, of Trenton, Shooting
10/29/2021 Edwin Obdulio Gomez Interiano, 41, Shooting
10/29/2021 Everth Barrera, 56, of Ewing, Shooting
10/30/2021 Dartanian Ames of Lawrence, 41, Shooting
11/1/2021 Hector Torres, 43, of Trenton, Shooting on 10/31
11/17/2021 David Johnson, 39, of Trenton

*Updated to reflect the person who died in 2021 from complications from a shooting on May 14, 2018 as per medical examiner report.

November 18, 2021

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office has identified the victim in yesterday’s homicide on St. Joe’s Avenue in Trenton as David Johnson, 39, of Trenton.

There are no additional updates in this investigation at this time.

The Mercer County Homicide Task Force and the Trenton Police Department are investigating a Wednesday evening shooting homicide in Trenton.

At approximately 5:25 p.m. on Wednesday, November 17, 2021, Trenton police received a Shot Spotter activation for the 300 block of St. Joe’s Avenue. Upon arrival, officers located the adult male victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. The victim was transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center and pronounced dead a short time later.

No arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Mercer County Homicide Task Force at (609) 989-6406. Tips can also be emailed to [email protected].

BREAKING: Fatal Shooting Being Investigated in Trenton

Photos and video by Brian McCarthy OnSceneNews

Names of 2021* homicide victims:

2/18/2021 Jabree Saunders, 26, from shooting on May 14, 2018
2/22/2021 Khalil Gibbs, 25, of West Windsor, shooting
2/25/2021 Lovelle Laramore, 60, of Trenton shooting
4/15/2021 Kaheem Carter, 22, of Trenton, shooting
4/20/2021 Shaquan McNeil, 25, of Trenton, shooting
4/24/2021 Cheryl Jones, 65, of Trenton, shooting
4/29/2021 Ramire Harvey, 25, of Trenton, shooting
5/15/2021 David Williams 36, of Trenton, shooting
5/29/2021 Edgar Geovani Sis-Luis, 34, of Trenton, aggravated manslaughter
7/05/2021 Dion Ellis, 16, Trenton, Shooting
7/14/2021 Pablo Herrera Chun, 53, Trenton, Shooting
7/19/2021 William Mitchell, 33, Trenton, Shooting
7/19/2021 Jermel Carter, 38, Trenton, Shooting
7/29/2021 Leonard Pettigrew, 58, Trenton, Shooting
7/30/2021 Shaquil Loftin, 23, Shooting, Trenton
8/01/2021 Daquan Basnight, 30, of Ewing, Shooting
8/13/2021 Javier Chaj-Ajtun, 33, of Trenton, Shooting
8/19/2021 Herberth Ramirez Pimentel, 37, of Trenton, Shooting
8/23/2021 Yanquai Edwards, 25, of Rancocas, NJ, Shooting
8/25/2021 Daron Cheston, 18, Trenton, Shooting
8/27/2021 Ziare Jones, Shooting
8/30/2021 Fred Davis, 43, Trenton, Shooting
9/06/2021 Shamiem Young, 26, Trenton, Shooting
9/17/2021 Jeff Charles, 37, Trenton, Shooting
9/25/2021 Shemiah Davis, 15, Trenton, Shooting
10/2/2021 Omar Burgess, 49, of Trenton, Shooting
10/3/2021 Elias Juarez Lopez, 31, of Princeton, Shooting
10/4/2021 Candice Ruff, 19, of Trenton, Shooting On September 25
10/7/2021 Douglas Munn, 50, of Trenton. Shooting
10/13/2021 Melvin Williams 26, of Trenton, Shooting
10/29/2021 Edwin Obdulio Gomez Interiano, 41, Shooting
10/29/2021 Everth Barrera, 56, of Ewing, Shooting
10/30/2021 Dartanian Ames of Lawrence, 41, Shooting
11/1/2021 Hector Torres, 43, of Trenton, Shooting on 10/31
11/17/2021 David Johnson, 39, of Trenton

*Updated to reflect the person who died in 2021 from complications from a shooting on May 14, 2018 as per medical examiner report.

November 18, 2021

ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Just after 7:00 a.m. the Robbinsville Police Department, Robbinsville Fire Department and EMS were sent to the area of 1100 Route 130 South Bound just south of Main Street Robbinsville for a vehicle overturned. Upon arrival, a two-vehicle motor vehicle crash was found, one of the vehicles was on its side and severed a utility pole. One person was transported to RWJ at Hamilton Hospital for evaluation by Robbinsville EMS. Route 130 was temporarily closed then reopened to one lane. NJ DOT trucks closed the right lane south bound so PSE&G could safely replace the utility pole and make repairs. The entrance to 1100 Route 130 was closed for low hanging wires. No other information is available at this time.

November 17, 2021 — Updated

Victim Identified in Yesterday’s Homicide In Trenton

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–The Mercer County Homicide Task Force and the Trenton Police Department are investigating a Wednesday evening shooting homicide in Trenton.

Original MidJersey.news breaking news story here:

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Trenton Police, Trenton EMS and Trenton Fire Department responded to St. Joes Avenue for a reported shooting with a victim shot in the head around 5:26 p.m. Trenton EMS arrived and transported the victim to Capital Health Regional Medical Center and a Trauma Code was called en route. The Mercer County Homicide Taskforce is on scene investigating the shooting.

Trenton Police deferred to Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office for press information since the shooting is being investigated as a homicide. No further details are available at this time.

Check back for further details, photos and video from the scene.

Photos and video by Brian McCarthy OnSceneNews

Names of 2021* homicide victims:

2/18/2021 Jabree Saunders, 26, from shooting on May 14, 2018
2/22/2021 Khalil Gibbs, 25, of West Windsor, shooting
2/25/2021 Lovelle Laramore, 60, of Trenton shooting
4/15/2021 Kaheem Carter, 22, of Trenton, shooting
4/20/2021 Shaquan McNeil, 25, of Trenton, shooting
4/24/2021 Cheryl Jones, 65, of Trenton, shooting
4/29/2021 Ramire Harvey, 25, of Trenton, shooting
5/15/2021 David Williams 36, of Trenton, shooting
5/29/2021 Edgar Geovani Sis-Luis, 34, of Trenton, aggravated manslaughter
7/05/2021 Dion Ellis, 16, Trenton, Shooting
7/14/2021 Pablo Herrera Chun, 53, Trenton, Shooting
7/19/2021 William Mitchell, 33, Trenton, Shooting
7/19/2021 Jermel Carter, 38, Trenton, Shooting
7/29/2021 Leonard Pettigrew, 58, Trenton, Shooting
7/30/2021 Shaquil Loftin, 23, Shooting, Trenton
8/01/2021 Daquan Basnight, 30, of Ewing, Shooting
8/13/2021 Javier Chaj-Ajtun, 33, of Trenton, Shooting
8/19/2021 Herberth Ramirez Pimentel, 37, of Trenton, Shooting
8/23/2021 Yanquai Edwards, 25, of Rancocas, NJ, Shooting
8/25/2021 Daron Cheston, 18, Trenton, Shooting
8/27/2021 Ziare Jones, Shooting
8/30/2021 Fred Davis, 43, Trenton, Shooting
9/06/2021 Shamiem Young, 26, Trenton, Shooting
9/17/2021 Jeff Charles, 37, Trenton, Shooting
9/25/2021 Shemiah Davis, 15, Trenton, Shooting
10/2/2021 Omar Burgess, 49, of Trenton, Shooting
10/3/2021 Elias Juarez Lopez, 31, of Princeton, Shooting
10/4/2021 Candice Ruff, 19, of Trenton, Shooting On September 25
10/7/2021 Douglas Munn, 50, of Trenton. Shooting
10/13/2021 Melvin Williams 26, of Trenton, Shooting
10/29/2021 Edwin Obdulio Gomez Interiano, 41, Shooting
10/29/2021 Everth Barrera, 56, of Ewing, Shooting
10/30/2021 Dartanian Ames of Lawrence, 41, Shooting
11/1/2021 Hector Torres, 43, of Trenton, Shooting on 10/31
11/17/2021 David Johnson, 39, of Trenton

*Updated to reflect the person who died in 2021 from complications from a shooting on May 14, 2018 as per medical examiner report.

Local non-profit recognizes Dawn Carmosino whose selfless dedication made a lasting impact on the organization.

November 17, 2021

EWING TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–The Arc Mercer, Mercer County’s premier agency providing resources for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities for over seventy years dedicated the Hall of Diversity to the memory of former employee Dawn Carmosino.

Dawn, a native of Lawrence, New Jersey began her work with the Arc Mercer in 2005 and quickly became a vital part of the organization. She encouraged diversity in the workplace and strived to create a sense of camaraderie among all the employees. “In many ways Dawn was like our matriarch. She really believed in inclusion and welcoming everyone. She made the Arc of Mercer more than a workplace, she made it a family,” shared Steven P. Cook, Executive Director at the Arc Mercer.

It is fitting, therefore, that the organization has chosen to dedicate their Hall of Diversity to her. The Hall is decorated with flags symbolizing the diverse backgrounds of each employee on one side and a wall of employee recognition on the other.

To further her legacy, the Arc will also be unveiling a new award at Monday’s ceremony—the Dawn Carmosino Team Impact Award. The award will be presented annually to an employee selected by their co-workers who embodies the spirit of Dawn Carmosino and the example she set for all members of the Arc family. The first recipient will be announced on Friday, November 19^th at the annual Gala.

Dawn’s untimely passing left a gap in the world that can never be filled. The staff and supporters of the Arc would like to take the opportunity of this dedication and award presentation to remind us of the lasting impact that a single person can make. May Dawn continue to be an inspiration to us all.

Donations in memory of Dawn Carmosino can be to the Arc Mercer online at https://arcmercer.org/how-you-can-help/donate.

The Arc Mercer is a non-profit organization that has provided support and services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Greater Mercer County region for more than six decades. The Arc Mercer provides over 1,000 individuals with special needs, access to their community, specialized pre-vocational training, readily available job opportunities, specialized medical care, friendships and often times, love.

L/R: Tom Baffuto, Executive Director, The Arc of New Jersey; Brian Hughes, Mercer County Executive; Steve Cook, Executive Director, Arc Mercer, Bert Steinman, Mayor Ewing Township, Richard Koreyva, Past President, Arc Mercer; Maria Fisher, Arc Mercer Board President; Gerry Bowers, Karen Koreyva and Fran Koreyva.

November 17, 201

WASHINGTON—The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) expects airport security checkpoints nationwide will be busy during the upcoming Thanksgiving travel period, which runs from Friday, Nov. 19, through Sunday, Nov. 28, and the agency is prepared to handle the increase in passenger volume for the holiday. TSA expects to screen about 20 million passengers during the Thanksgiving holiday.

“We anticipate that travel may be very close to pre-pandemic levels this holiday, and we are staffed and prepared for the holiday travelers. We have deployed technologies that enhance detection capabilities and reduce physical contact, and it’s equally important that passengers are prepared with travel tips for the most efficient checkpoint experience,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske. “With overall vaccination rates improving nationwide and greater confidence in healthy travel, there will be more people traveling so plan ahead, remain vigilant and practice kindness.”

Typically, the busiest days during the Thanksgiving travel period are the Tuesday and Wednesday prior to Thanksgiving and the Sunday afterward. The highest travel day in TSA’s history was the Sunday after Thanksgiving of 2019 (pre-pandemic), when nearly 2.9 million individuals were screened at TSA security checkpoints nationwide. Travel volume this year is not expected to reach pre-pandemic levels, but it is expected to be notably higher in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving.

The best way to ensure a smooth trip through the security screening process is to arrive early and be prepared. Travelers are encouraged to allow time to park their cars or return rental cars, check their bags with their airline, and get their boarding passes before heading to the security checkpoint. TSA recommends travelers getting to the terminal with plenty of time before their scheduled flight.

“I recommend that travelers pay attention to the guidance that the TSA officers are providing at the checkpoint,” Pekoske added. “They may be directing you to a shorter line or guiding you around someone who is moving slowly. And they may be giving you some advice that will lessen the likelihood that you’ll need a pat-down.”

Additionally, travelers should keep these tips in mind:

Wear a mask. Travelers, TSA personnel, and other aviation workers are required to wear a mask as prescribed by the federal mask mandate. Everyone in airports, bus and rail stations, on passenger aircraft, public transportation, passenger railroads, and over-the-road buses operating on scheduled fixed-routes must wear a mask. If a traveler did not bring a mask, a TSA officer will offer a mask to that individual at the screening checkpoint.
Pack smart. Prepare for security when packing and ensure that there are no prohibited items in baggage. Know which foods should go into a checked bag. Gravy, cranberry sauce, wine, jam, and preserves should all go into a checked bag, because they are not solids. If you can spill it, spray it, spread it, pump it or pour it, then it’s not a solid and should be packed in a checked bag. As always, passengers can bring solid foods such as cakes and other baked goods through the checkpoints.
It’s okay to bring hand sanitizer. TSA is currently allowing travelers to bring one liquid hand sanitizer container up to 12 ounces per passenger in carry-on bags until further notice. Passengers can expect all containers larger 3.4 ounces will need to be screened separately, which will add some time to their checkpoint experience. Travelers also are permitted to bring alcohol wipes or anti-bacterial wipes in carry-on, checked luggage, or both.
Enroll in or renew your TSA PreCheck® membership. Individuals who obtained TSA PreCheck five years ago are now able to renew their membership online at a discount. Individuals who do not have TSA PreCheck should enroll now to get TSA PreCheck benefits, available at more than 200 U.S. airports. Travelers enrolled in a trusted traveler program, like TSA PreCheck, do not need to remove shoes, laptops, liquids, belts and light jackets. TSA PreCheck membership is more valuable now than ever before because it reduces touchpoints during the pandemic and puts travelers in security lines that have fewer travelers and move quicker, which encourages social distancing. To find the trusted traveler program that best suits your travel needs, use the DHS trusted traveler comparison tool.
Request passenger support. Travelers or families of passengers with disabilities and/or medical conditions may call the TSA Cares helpline toll free at 855-787-2227 at least 72 hours prior to flying with any questions about screening policies, procedures and to find out what to expect at the security checkpoint. TSA Cares also arranges assistance at the checkpoint.
Get your questions answered before you head to the airport. Ask TSA. Travelers can get assistance in real time by submitting their questions and comments to @AskTSA on Twitter or Facebook Messenger. Travelers can also reach the TSA Contact Center at 866-289-9673. Staff is available from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends/holidays; and an automated service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Ensure you have proper ID. Before heading to the airport, travelers should make sure they have acceptable identification. Identity verification is an important step in the security screening process.
Remain aware. As a reminder, public awareness is key for supporting TSA’s security efforts. Travelers are encouraged to report suspicious activities, and remember: If You See Something, Say Something™. For additional information about TSA’s screening policies, visit www.tsa.gov.

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

November 17, 2021

FREEHOLD – A former Long Branch Police Officer has pled guilty after being arrested and charged with various offenses related to manufacturing methamphetamine at his home in May 2021, Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Lori Linskey announced.

Christopher Walls, 50, of West End Avenue in Long Branch, pled guilty on November 16, 2021, in front of Monmouth County Superior Court Judge Jill G. O’Malley to charges of second degree Causing a Risk of Widespread Injury and 3^rd degree Manufacturing CDS (methamphetamine). The agreement includes an aggregate sentence of 10 years in a NJ State Prison with a 2-year-period of parole ineligibility. As part of his plea, Walls also permanently forfeited public office, as well as his firearms and firearms ID card.

Long Branch police were called to Walls’ home on the 300 block of West End Avenue at about 10:36 p.m. on May 15, 2021for a domestic disturbance. While officers were on scene, another resident in the home alleged Walls was involved in suspicious narcotics activity. The New Jersey State Police (NJSP) Hazmat Unit responded to the scene and located materials, chemicals and instruments consistent with a methamphetamine laboratory in both the basement of the residence and in a shed on the property. The NJSP Hazmat Unit confirmed that Walls was in possession of all ingredients necessary to manufacture methamphetamine and found methamphetamine residue in chemistry-related glassware on site. A joint investigation by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office’s Professional Responsibility and Narcotics Units and the Long Branch Police Department revealed that Walls had been in possession of books related to making methamphetamine, explosives, and poison.

Additionally, a large open and unsecured gun safe was in the home which was accessible to a child living in the residence. Inside the gun safe were two long guns, four handguns, eight high-capacity magazines, and a large quantity of ammunition.

Walls was charged with various criminal offenses on May 15, 2021 and had been detained pretrial by order of the New Jersey Appellate Division. During his plea, Walls admitted to making methamphetamine at his residence in Long Branch and to endangering his family and neighboring community in doing so. Laboratory tests confirmed that methamphetamine was in fact made in the residence.

Sentencing for Walls is set for January 14, 2022 before Judge O’Malley.

The case was prosecuted by Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Melanie Falco, Director of the Office’s Professional Responsibilities and Bias Crime Unit.

Walls is represented by Mitchell Ansell, Esq., of Ocean Township.

Christopher Walls, 50, of West End Avenue in Long Branch,

November 17, 2021

ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–The Robbinsville Township Fire Department was dispatched to I-195 West bound prior to Exit 7 at 8:24 a.m. Upon arrival firefighters reported the vehicle was fully involved. Firefighters had the fire knocked down in minutes, but traffic was backed up west bound for miles due to rubbernecking delays. No further information is available at this time.

November 16, 2021

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone announced that a pedestrian killed in a collision involving a New Jersey State Police trooper has been identified.

On November 11, 2021, at approximately 5:55 A.M., members of the South Brunswick Police Department responded to the southbound lane of Route 1 near Raymond Road in South Brunswick following a report that a marked New Jersey State Police vehicle was involved in a fatal collision with a male pedestrian. Upon their arrival, authorities located a male pedestrian who was pronounced dead at the scene. Following a notification from the South Brunswick Police, detectives of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office responded and assumed control of the scene.

Based on the continuing investigation, authorities have identified the pedestrian as Donelle Miles, 50, of Plainsboro.

The investigation is active and continuing. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Jonathan Berman of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at (732) 745-4328.

November 16, 2021

EDISON, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone announced today a Township man has been arrested and charged for his involvement in a child pornography investigation.

Yesterday, William Geisz, 79, of Edison was arrested and charged with first-degree using a file-sharing program to store items depicting the sexual exploitation or abuse of children, second-degree distribution of child pornography, second-degree possession of child pornography, and disorderly persons lewdness.

Geisz was charged following an investigation by Detective Daniel Lojek of the Internet Crimes Against Children Unit of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office. The investigation determined Geisz utilized the public Wi-Fi at various retail locations in Edison, Woodbridge, and East Brunswick to upload and distribute images and videos depicting the sexual exploitation or abuse of children.

The investigation is active and continuing. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Lojek at (732) 745-5924.

As is the case with all criminal defendants, the charges against Geisz are merely accusations and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

November 16, 2021

CAMDEN, N.J. – A Camden County man was sentenced today to one year and one day in prison for his role in conspiring with members of a white supremacist hate group to threaten and intimidate African Americans and Jewish Americans by vandalizing minority-owned properties throughout the country in September 2019, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.

Richard Tobin, 20, of Brooklawn, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Robert B. Kugler to an information charging him with conspiracy against rights. Judge Kugler imposed the sentence today in Camden federal court.

“Richard Tobin encouraged hateful acts of violence against individuals and their houses of worship, based on their religion or the color of their skin,” Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig said. “Justice demanded that he be held accountable for these racist and antisemitic actions, and we are proud to have joined with our colleagues in the Civil Rights Division and the Joint Terrorism Task Force in doing so in this case. Our commitment to protecting the civil rights of all in New Jersey is steadfast.”

“The defendant conspired with a white supremacist hate group to vandalize and destroy property owned by Jewish and Black Americans, intending to instill fear into those communities across the country,” Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division said. “This sentence makes clear that targeting persons owning and using property simply based on their race or religion will not be tolerated. The Department of Justice will continue to prosecute civil rights conspiracies and vindicate the rights of victims of bias motivated crimes.”

“Richard Tobin’s white supremacist beliefs are abhorrent, but his beliefs aren’t why he’s going to prison,” Jacqueline Maguire, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Philadelphia Division, said. “He actively conspired with others to commit a crime of violence, to victimize innocent people because of who they are or how they worship. That’s what crossed a line and made it the FBI’s business. We’re always going to pursue individuals inciting violent, hateful acts meant to intimidate and isolate members of our community.”

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

Tobin admitted that from Sept. 15 to Sept. 23, 2019, he was a member of a white supremacist group, “The Base,” and during that time, he communicated online with other members and directed them to destroy and vandalize properties affiliated with African Americans and Jewish Americans. Tobin dubbed this coordinated attack “Kristallnacht,” or “Night of Broken Glass,” after an attack in Germany on Nov. 9 and 10, 1938, in which Nazis murdered Jewish people and burned and destroyed Jewish homes, synagogues, stores and schools. Tobin implored members of The Base to post propaganda flyers and to break windows and slash tires belonging to African Americans and Jewish Americans. On Sept. 21, 2019, members of The Base vandalized synagogues in Racine, Wisconsin, and Hancock, Michigan, by spray painting them with hate symbols.

A conspirator, Yousef Omar Barasneh, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy against rights in federal court in the Eastern District of Wisconsin, for his role in vandalizing the synagogue in Racine, Wisconsin.

In addition to the prison term, Judge Kugler sentenced Tobin to three years of supervised release.

Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the FBI Philadelphia Division’s South Jersey Resident Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Maguire, and the Joint Terrorism Task Force and its member agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations, the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, the New Jersey State Police and the Camden County Police Department, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing. She also thanked the Brooklawn and Cherry Hill police departments for their assistance.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen M. Harberg of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Camden and Trial Attorney Eric Peffley of the Civil Rights Division, Criminal Section.

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Defense counsel: Lisa Evans Lewis Esq., Assistant Federal Public Defender, Camden

Photo by Sora Shimazaki on Pexels.com

November 16, 2021

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–A Mercer County, New Jersey, man with six prior felony convictions was sentenced today to 100 months in prison for firearms and distribution of controlled substances offenses, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.

Alfred Donaldson, 39, of Trenton, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Anne E. Thompson to an information charging him with possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon and possession with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

On Jan. 4, 2019, law enforcement officers arrived at Donaldson’s residence to execute two arrest warrants issued for his failure to appear for his sentencing hearings on unrelated charges at the Mercer County Superior Court. They lawfully entered the residence and recovered a 9-millimeter Taurus handgun loaded with eight rounds of ammunition, 27 bricks of heroin, and more than one ounce of cocaine. At the time of the firearm and narcotics possession, Donaldson had sustained several convictions, including three convictions for controlled substance offenses. As a previously convicted felon, Donaldson is not permitted to possess firearms under federal law.

In addition to the prison term, Judge Thompson sentenced Donaldson to three years of supervised release.

Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Newark Division, Trenton Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey L. Matthews; officers of the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff John A. Kemler; and the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Angelo Onofri, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ray A. Mateo of the Opioid Abuse Prevention and Enforcement Unit in Newark.

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Defense counsel: Lisa Van Hoeck Esq., Assistant Federal Public Defender, Trenton

Photo by Sora Shimazaki on Pexels.com

November 16, 2021

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–An Ocean County, New Jersey, man was charged with illegally possessing a loaded semi-automatic rifle as a previously convicted felon, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced today.

Jeremy W. Barringer, 46, of Toms River, New Jersey, is charged by criminal complaint with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Barringer was taken into federal custody this morning, appeared today by videoconference before U.S. Magistrate Judge Tonianne J. Bongiovanni in Trenton federal court, and was detained.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

On Oct. 24, 2021, at 3:05 a.m., Mantoloking and Bay Head police officers responded to the area of Herbert Street and Highway 35 in Mantoloking in response to a report of a motor vehicle crash involving a single vehicle. Officers found Barringer, a previously convicted felon, behind the wheel of his vehicle and observed a 5.56-millimeter semi-automatic rifle on the floorboard of the back seat of Barringer’s vehicle. The rifle was later found to be loaded with approximately 21 rounds of 5.56-millimeter full metal jacket ammunition. When officers ordered Barringer to step out of the vehicle, they observed that Barringer was wearing a tactical, bullet-proof vest and an empty handgun holster on his hip. After taking Barringer into custody, officers conducted a further search of Barringer’s vehicle and discovered a black 9-millimeter semi-automatic pistol with no serial number (commonly referred to as a “ghost gun”), loaded with 14 rounds of hollow-point ammunition, three 9-millimeter pistol magazines loaded with hollow-point ammunition, and three 30-round rifle magazines loaded with 5.56-millimeter ammunition.

The count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the FBI, Newark Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr.; officers of the Mantoloking Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police Stacy S. Ferris; and officers of the Bay Head Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police William A. Hoffman, with the investigation leading to the charges. She also thanked detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer, officers from the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Michael G. Mastronardy, and officers from the Toms River Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police Mitchell A. Little, for their assistance in the investigation.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ian D. Brater of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Trenton.

The charge and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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Defense counsel: Andrea D. Bergman Esq., Assistant Federal Public Defender, Trenton

November 16, 2021

PLUMSTED TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on November 16, 2021, Richard Knight, 40, of New Egypt, pled guilty to Distribution of Child Pornography in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(a)(i), and Possession of Child Pornography in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(b)(ii), before the Honorable Michael T. Collins, J.S.C. At the time of his sentencing on January 14, 2022, the State will be recommending a sentence of five years New Jersey State Prison (NJSP) with a two year period of parole ineligibility as to the Distribution of Child Pornography charge, as well as five years NJSP as to the Possession of Child Pornography charge. The sentences are to run concurrently. Knight will also be subject to the terms of Meghan’s Law, along with Parole Supervision for Life.

This investigation, which began in December 2020, was the result of numerous referrals from the New Jersey State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The Task Force detected that a user of the program Google Meets was uploading images of child pornography to the internet. An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit identified a residence in New Egypt as the source of the uploaded images of child pornography. On June 9, 2021, Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, United States Homeland Security Investigations, and Plumsted Township Police Department, executed a court-authorized search warrant on Knight’s residence in New Egypt. As a result, Detectives seized two cell phones from the residence. Further investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit revealed that Knight’s cell phone contained more than 1,000 images but less than 100,000 images of child pornography. The investigation also revealed that Knight distributed child pornography using Google Meets and other social media platforms.

Knight was subsequently arrested at his place of employment in Browns Mills on June 9, 2021; he has been lodged in the Ocean County Jail since that date.

Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the diligent efforts of Senior Assistant Prosecutor Shanon Chant-Berry who is handling the case on behalf of the State, as well as the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, Plumsted Township Police Department, New Jersey State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and United States Homeland Security Investigations, for their collective and collaborative assistance in connection with this investigation leading to Knight’s arrest, guilty pleas, and soon his state prison sentence.

Richard Knight, 40, of New Egypt,

November 16, 2021

WALL TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH)–The Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office has assumed sole responsibility for conducting separate criminal investigations stemming from allegations that acts of hazing occurred within the Wall Township High School football program and unrelated allegations that one or more sexual assaults involving juveniles took place off campus, Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Lori Linskey announced Tuesday.

Members of the Wall Township Police Department had been assisting during the early stages of these investigations, yet out of an abundance of caution, and in order to avoid any appearance of impropriety and to protect the integrity of the investigations, the Department has since been walled off from participating further.

Multiple MCPO assistant prosecutors and detectives have been assigned to manage the continuing investigations. The information gathered as a result will continue to be reviewed.

The Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office reiterates that while these are serious allegations, juvenile records are strictly confidential under state law, so at this time, no additional specific information about these investigations can be released. Likewise, Superior Court proceedings involving juvenile defendants, meaning defendants under the age of 18, are closed to the public, and the identities of such defendants are kept confidential.

The Prosecutor’s Office intends to issue statements regarding the findings of its investigations, keeping in accordance with the strict confidentiality requirements of juvenile matters. These statements will constitute the only definitive factual accounts of the investigations, made at the appropriate times, and the Prosecutor’s Office strongly urges against the spread of misinformation and rumor, both online and otherwise.

“As these investigations unfold, we remain fully aware of the intense focus and unique pressure a national media spotlight has placed on the Wall Township High School community, and are sensitive to safeguarding the mental health and general well-being of students while simultaneously serving the interests of justice,” Acting Prosecutor Linskey said. “We are conducting these investigations with the utmost diligence, dedicating every necessary resource in order to uncover the entire truth, and this process will be thorough, fair, and unbiased from beginning to end.”

While these investigations are still ongoing, anyone with any information about these matters, including those in possession of any relevant video recordings, is urged to contact Prosecutor’s Office Detective Jose Rodriguez at (732) 431-7160, Ext. 7172. Anyone who feels the need to remain anonymous but has information about this or any crime can submit a tip to Monmouth County Crime Stoppers by calling their confidential telephone tip-line at 1-800-671-4400; by downloading and using the free P3 Tips mobile app (available on iOS and Android – https://www.p3tips.com/1182); or by going to the website at www.monmouthcountycrimestoppers.com

Letter to Families Regarding Thanksgiving Day Game

November 16, 2021

Dear Wall Township Public Schools Community:

The decision has been made to end the football season and not play the Thanksgiving Day game. We acknowledge that this is difficult news for many in our community. Please be assured that the Mental Health Association of Monmouth County is working closely with the Wall High School counseling staff supporting students. If you know of a student that is in need of support please do not hesitate in reaching out to 732-556-2063. In addition, please see the attached document for outside support resources.

Sincerely,

Tracy R. Handerhan, D. Litt.
Superintendent of Schools

Important Message from the Principal and Superintendent

November 12, 2021

Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s):

During these most difficult days, please be assured that we are first and foremost committed to our students’ physical and mental well-being. Your children are our top priority and we are steadfast in our mission to work together to ensure their safety and to provide the social, emotional and academic experiences they deserve. The administration, faculty, staff and school crisis team remain deeply committed to supporting our students as they cope with recent events. District counselors have been providing support services for our students and will continue to do so.

It is not unusual for adolescents to feel anxious, sad, fearful, angry or vulnerable as a result of traumatic events. This is compounded by the fact that so many rumors are circulating online and in the media. In response, Wall High School has partnered with the Mental Health Association of Monmouth County (MHA of MC). A team from the MHA of MC will begin working with the Wall High School students and staff on Monday. The goals of this partnership are (1) to assist the Wall High School community with immediate mental health and wellness needs of students and staff during this difficult time and (2) to develop a long-term student wellness strategy that will serve as a foundation to strengthen the Wall High School community moving forward. Attached you will find a document prepared by the MHA of MC specifically for the Wall Township school community. Additionally, attached to this correspondence is a compilation of counseling resources should you or someone you know be in need of these services.

The last two weeks have been extremely difficult for our school community. We recognize this. Once again, we are committed to supporting you and your children through these difficult times.

Sincerely,

Ms. Rosaleen Sirchio
WHS Principal

Dr. Tracy Handerhan
Superintendent of Schools

Wall Township High School Football Scoreboard File Photo

November 15, 2021

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–During a special meeting at noon today, Trenton City Council approved a proposal to move Trenton radio operations to N.J. State Police frequencies and provide $10.1 million to upgrade the City’s entire emergency radio system with state-of-the-art equipment, Mayor W. Reed Gusciora announced.

The proposal gives Trenton police, fire, public works, and water utility personnel access to superior state radio frequencies and new equipment compatible with that system, including a complete retrofit of the TPD emergency radio room. The City’s 911 phone system – which is outdated and at risk of malfunction – will also be replaced well in advance of related statewide public safety mandates in the next few years.

“Trentonians can rest easy knowing that we have an agreement in place that will keep a state-of-the-art radio system online into the foreseeable future,” said Mayor Gusciora. “This year alone we’ve seen major water main breaks, terrifying storms, and criminal activity that required coordination with first responders from multiple jurisdictions. There is no doubt that this city deserves the best public safety communications system available. Thanks to these resolutions, one of Trenton’s greatest public safety weaknesses will become one of its biggest strengths.”

“With this plan, our radio and 911 system is set for the next 20 years, at least,” said Acting TPD Director Steve E. Wilson. “I’m grateful that Council allowed us to present the updated plan at today’s special meeting and that they have given their support for this crucial investment in Trenton’s public safety.”

The proposal consisted of two resolutions, both of which were approved by a vote of 4-0. One approved the funding allocation and the use of the N.J. State Police radio frequencies; the other approves a contract with Motorola Solutions Inc. to provide the new equipment.

Previously, the City of Trenton’s current radio service provider, MPS Communications, said that it would shut off service on Oct. 31, 2021, after City Council indefinitely tabled a resolution to pay MPS for services rendered. The City and MPS have since consented to an injunction halting shutoff off the city’s radio system until Dec. 31, 2021.

Meanwhile, the Gusciora Administration proposed a long-term solution with American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds, starting with the police department radio equipment and 911 phone system. However, the City still needed an alternative system for Trenton Water Works and the Department of Public Works.

Today’s resolutions, while substantially more expensive that the initial proposal, will still be covered by the ARP, and will be available to all City departments. Also, the added radio room equipment upgrades and statewide coverage will be a significant upgrade for a police department that constantly works with law enforcement partners throughout the region and a water utility that must respond to customers outside the greater Trenton area.

The new system will take between 60-90 days to come online. As the plan will be covered the ARP, the City does not need to take on additional debt to fund this program.

June 2020 – Page 2 – MidJersey.News

December 5, 2021 maximios News

June 19, 2020

TRENTON AND ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. Dating back to 1865, it was on June 19th that the Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free.

Robbinsville celebrated this historic day as a community at the Town Center Gazebo by the lake. Several speakers talked about their feelings and experiences to those in attendance.

In Trenton Governor Phil Murphy delivered a keynote address at a Juneteenth ceremony at the Friendship Baptist Church in Trenton.

Press pool story below by: Linn Washington Jr., The South Jersey Journal

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, during a keynote address at a Juneteenth ceremony in Trenton, declared that the goal of American society must be to ensure that the pain from past and present racist inequalities “does not become the pain of tomorrow.”

While listing the actions his administration has taken to ameliorate systemic inequalities Gov Murphy emphasized that all citizens of New Jersey have a stake in supporting substantive change.

“The reason why black lives matter is because we are one state, one family…This must be a personal call to action.”

Murphy pointed out that the systemic racism that permeates American society stunts the path to freedom for all.

“This is about all of us together,” Murphy said noting that demonstrations for change have occurred in white as well as black communities across New Jersey. He saw progress in the fact that the 425 protests in NJ since the death of George Floyd resulted in just 58 arrests, unlike mass arrests during strident enforcement in other states.

Addressing the gathering that included elected officials and clergy from across New Jersey assembled inside the Friendship Baptist Church In Trenton, Murphy listed a series of actions initiated by his administration that he said placed his state “squarely at the forefront of the national fight for justice.”

Items Murphy listed in the arena of criminal justice reform included restoration of voting rights to persons on parole and probation, streamlining the process to expunge criminal records which helps persons seeking employment and New Jersey’s Attorney General initiating policies to increase transparency in policing along with changing the culture of policing.

Juneteenth is a celebration gaining wider recognition that dates to the end of America’s Civil War. On June 19, 1865 a Union Army General arrived in Galveston, Texas where announced that slavery was over, a fact not then known to blacks in that far end of the former Confederacy.

NJ Lt Gov Sheila Oliver, during her remarks at the celebration, also extolled the progress being made in New Jersey from improvements in educational opportunities and increases in the minimum wage to environmental justice initiatives.

Oliver said New Jersey has benefited from having a Governor who knew the struggles of black people “long before Black Lives Matter caught fire” throughout America.

Gov Murphy, when concluding his remarks, stressed that on the issue of addressing institutional racism “It is well past time to account for our past.”

ADVERTISEMENT: Washington Wellness Center, Robbinsville NJ https://washingtonwellnesscenter.com/

“Why Black Lives Matter in New Jersey”

Full remarks by Governor Phil Murphy:

Good afternoon, everyone!

First, I want to give Glory and Honor to God for allowing me to be here today.

To my Friend Reverend John Taylor, I give greetings to you and the First Lady, and to the Deacons, Trustees, Officers, members, and friends and family of Friendship Baptist Church.

Pastor Taylor, I must also thank you for your transformational leadership here in Trenton, and for all you do not just within the spiritual community here, but in the greater community that extends well beyond these walls. You have stood with the people of this great city during triumphant days and days where there have been trials.

You have stood with me in our commitment to socio-economic justice. We have known each other since before I took office, and I have always appreciated your guidance and support.

And, I thank you for inviting me to your house to celebrate this Juneteenth.

It was this day 155 years ago when Union General Gordon Granger, a white man, landed with troops in Galveston, Texas, to spread the word that all enslaved Blacks were, at last, free.

Yet, President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation on New Year’s Day, 1863 – 900 days earlier.

For 900 days, thousands of enslaved Black Americans continued to toil in the most horrible of conditions, not knowing that they were free men and women.

But, look at the history of Black America since then. Yes, we can celebrate the end of the literal and physical chains which held Blacks as chattel, but in doing so we cannot ignore the figurative chains which have kept our proud Black communities from achieving the full equality which they deserve, which they have been promised, and which is their most basic right.

This Juneteenth, it is Black America rising to tell us that we can no longer ignore the 401-year history of slavery and systemic racism – 401 years since the first enslaved Africans arrived on the shores of this continent – a history that is writ-large in the inequalities in wages and wealth, health care, in housing, in education, in economic opportunity, and on and on down the line, and, including in treatment by law enforcement.

The long history of slavery and the stain of racism is directly linked to the conditions of African Americans today. Systemic racism has not only existed in America and in New Jersey, but it still exists.

Those of us who have been granted privilege because of the color of our skin must recognize the many generations of pain which have been visited upon those without that privilege. I also recognize and celebrate the new generation of Americans who refuse to inherit this legacy.

Across our nation – and, indeed our world – hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of people are awakening to the words written in Scripture, the Book of John Chapter 8, Verse 32, “you shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free.”

Too many among us have kept our blinders on for too long. It has taken more than 400 years for the truth that “Black Lives Matter” to finally be given meaning and humanity.

For too long, and in too many corners, we couldn’t see, or – even worse, in some cases did not want to see – the truth that systemic racism still to this day permeates our society, and our failure to address that truth has stunted our path to freedom.

Not your path to freedom – our path to freedom. This is not about one man or one woman. This is about all of us. Together.

And, let us always remember, that these values are the ones we must also bring to our fight for justice for our immigrant communities, who also face discrimination.

The reason that Black Lives Matter is because We are one state, one family, and we rise and fall – and we march and protest – as one. Saying Black Lives Matter is saying that in the struggle for the soul of humanity that we must acknowledge a community that has been victimized for 401 years by racism and discrimination.

Saying Black Lives Matter boldly states that we will not inherit your racism. We will fight it wherever it raises its ugly head.

Several weeks ago, I had an opportunity to attend a rally in Westfield organized by a 16-year-old student who challenged her city and school to look inside their souls and to proclaim, “Black Lives Matter.” And there, I saw thousands of people – mostly White residents who have awoken the reality of what it means to be good allies – proclaim to the world that Black Lives Matter.

However, Black Lives Matter are not just words. It is a personal call to action.

Let me be clear, systemic racism is a crisis that has infected every aspect of American life. And I will work tirelessly to address it and its cascading effects.

I will continue to work with my advisors, members of my Cabinet, and the Legislature – especially with the members of the Legislative Black Caucus, led by Senator Ron Rice and Assemblywoman Shavonda Sumter – on policy that will highlight and work to root-out the disparities in housing, income, transportation, education, and other issue areas, that have a direct impact on Black and Brown people.

And, I did not decide that Black Lives Matter last week – this has been a lifelong commitment.

Black Lives Matter in wages and wealth creation, so we will push for additional meaningful economic opportunities for our families.

Black Lives Matter in criminal justice reform, so we will continue reshaping a more community-centered form of law enforcement.

Black Lives Matter in housing, where we will continue to provide resources to support affordable homeownership and those needing rental assistance.

Black Lives Matter in infant and maternal health, where we must eliminate disparate treatment in medical care.

Black Lives Matter in education, from pre-school to a college degree, where we must make equity a core value in how we develop education policy.

Black Lives Matter in the environment, where we must eliminate unequal community impacts.

And, Black Lives Matter in Camden, Atlantic City, and Trenton, and in suburban and rural communities alike.

Already, we have taken big steps together.

We have put our minimum wage on a solid path to $15 an hour. We have given everyone who works the guarantee of a paid sick day and access to expanded paid family leave. We know these progressive steps predominately benefit people of color, who have held a disproportionate number of low-wage jobs.

We have increased funding for our public schools and investments in pre-K – a cornerstone for building a stronger future for countless thousands of kids. And we started a historic program which today is allowing thousands of residents to attend community college and get their associate’s degree tuition-free.

Through the tremendous work of the First Lady – who has brought together 18 different state departments and agencies, faith and community leaders, health care leaders, and elected officials from across our state – we are meaningfully confronting our infant and maternal health crisis. A black woman in New Jersey is nearly five times more likely than a white woman to die from pregnancy-related complications, and a black baby is three times more likely than a white baby to die before his or her first birthday.

This abhorrent reality is why we have joined together with hundreds of partners throughout the state to develop a statewide strategic plan to decrease our rate of maternal mortality by 50 percent over five years, and completely eliminate the inequities in birth outcomes.

And, given the current national tenor, we have put New Jersey squarely at the forefront of the national fight for justice.

In December of last year, I was proud to sign bills addressing some of the ways our criminal justice system holds people back even after conviction. New Jersey now has the most progressive expungement reform in the nation allowing for the expungement of records of residents whose futures have been held back because of past convictions, and gives residents on parole or probation back their right to vote.

I believe in second chances, and that is why we created the second chance agenda. As I sought this office, I heard the stories of those whose futures were uncertain because of a low-level offense on their record and because of that record could not get employment. The expungement law, in particular, helps to reverse the impact of unjust laws and sentencing that started during slavery and continued for decades.

Our commitment to creating safe communities and neighborhoods through a criminal justice system that lives up to that all-important word, “justice,” and enacting the recommendations of the Criminal Sentencing and Disposition Commission – which include the elimination of mandatory minimum sentences for non-violent drug offenses – has only grown stronger.

And, through the tremendous work of Attorney General Gurbir Grewal and State Police Superintendent Colonel Pat Callahan, we are undertaking a transformation in the culture of policing across our state.

They have, to their credit, traveled across our state building partnerships with faith and community leaders, residents, and stakeholders so that this transformation in policing and police culture is achieved through direct and open collaboration with our diverse communities.

And, we have seen across our state over the past few weeks the natural outgrowth of these efforts – law enforcement joining their communities in committing to the simple, natural law that Black Lives Matter.

Under Attorney General Grewal, New Jersey has emerged as a national leader in increasing accountability, transparency and professionalism – which bring us closer to a reimagined police culture.

Just this week, the Attorney General directed all law enforcement agencies to make public the names of officers who are fired, demoted, or suspended for more than five days due to serious disciplinary violations.

This speaks to a core value – those who discredit their badge should not be allowed to hide behind that badge.

Superintendent Callahan is taking this directive even further. He has committed to not just releasing these names in the future, but releasing twenty-years-worth of names from State Police. As a result, other agencies are taking similar steps – a sure sign that they not only wish to change for the future, but that they also wish to account for their own pasts.

That is what lays at the heart of this matter. It is well time for us to account for our past.

We cannot escape the fact that our own criminal justice system has an inconsistent past in its relationship with Black and brown communities.

In New Jersey, we have our own history of police-involved deaths. Maurice Gordon is just one example. Our condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Mr. Gordon and every family who has shared this kind of tragic loss. And, here, we have a law which I signed that requires our Attorney General to independently investigate officer-involved deaths and to present evidence before a grand jury.

We will lead the nation in creating a system of transparency and integrity in the legal process.

Ours is a nation conceived in liberty, and, yet, 244 years after our founding document declared “to a candid world,” that “all men are created equal,” we must reckon with the fact, in the starkest of terms, and in the sharpest of images, that we are far from achieving that promised equality.

Ask George Floyd if he was treated as an equal. Ask Breonna Taylor. Ask Ahmaud Arbery. Ask Rayshard Brooks.

Ask John William Smith, whose arrest in Newark in 1967 sparked the Newark uprisings.

Ask Medgar Evers. Ask Emmitt Till. Ask Dred Scott.

This brings hope to the quest for justice.

The names of the slaves in Texas who learned of their freedom on Juneteenth are unknown but to history. But, the names of those whose lives have been cut short because of systemic racism are known to us all. They must be.

And, lest we forget, the first American killed in the nation’s first fight for independence and liberty, in 1770, was a Black man, Crispus Attucks. How have we honored that legacy?

We cannot allow ourselves to walk through this world with blinders on, claiming emptily that we don’t “see race” – when what that means is we are ignoring the inequalities that exist today.

We cannot escape the fact that systemic racism – not the outward racism of hate groups, but the silent racism of complacency – has bled into nearly facet of facet of our society.

New Jersey is a leader – and will remain a leader – in bringing the change we need. Our administration came to office with a commitment to tackling and dismantling systemic racism, but despite our strides thus far, we know that work is far from over.

We will continue to stand in solidarity with everyone in this sanctuary, with every one of you watching, and with everyone protesting in the streets.

Our goal – not as an administration, but as a society – is this: That the pain of yesterday, and the pain of today, does not become the pain of tomorrow.

There are too many who are not with us as we continue this work to ensure true freedom and equality – in word and in deed – for all. But their memories, and their spirits will guide us forward, as they always have.

Let’s do this together. Let’s make this Juneteenth 2020 a day not just of historical celebration, but the day where we took another step forward in transforming our state in a way that future generations will celebrate.

And, as we move forward, let us be led by the words found in Second Corinthians, Verse Three, Chapter 17, “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”

Let this be our charge.

Thank you, and may God bless you all.

Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. Dating back to 1865, it was on June 19th that the Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free. Robbinsville celebrated this historic day as a community at the Town Center Gazebo by the lake. Several speakers talked about their experiences to those in attendance.

January 2020 – Page 2 – MidJersey.News

December 5, 2021 maximios News

Photos and story by: Brian McCarthy

WEST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–Friends and families packed the gymnasium at Mercer County Community College for Mercer County Police Academy, graduation exercises held for the Basic Recruit Class # 22-19. Marty P. Masseroni Director, Detective Robert Gioscio Chief Instructor, Inv. Michael Winget Staff Instructor, Rene Mastroianni Staff Secretary, Detective Dennis Schuster (Retired) Range Master Sheriff’s-Liaison, Brian Hughes County Executive, Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri, John Kemler Mercer County Sheriff Board Chairman, Chief Lance Maloney President Chief’s of Police Association and Dr. Jianting Wang President of Mercer County College.

Mercer County Press Release:

WEST WINDSOR—Sixty-one cadets who made up the 22nd basic class of police officers took part in today’s Mercer County Police Academy commencement held in the gymnasium at Mercer County Community College (MCCC).

An audience of several hundred family members, friends, Mercer County dignitaries and law enforcement officials from around State of New Jersey saw the cadets receive graduation certificates to officially make them police officers.

The graduates endured 21 weeks of training at the academy in all aspects of law enforcement and will now serve in police agencies within Mercer County and elsewhere (see complete list below). The academy, which was created in October 2006, is located on the grounds of MCCC.

Michael Flanagan, who will join the New Jersey Transit Police Department and was chosen by his fellow graduates as class speaker, told the gathering that he was inspired by a Police Academy instructor’s pep talk in which he asked the cadets if they knew why police officers train so hard. “It’s because we always win … we have to.”

“Mercer Class 22-19, I want you to leave this graduation today with the mindset that we always win,” Officer Flanagan said. “Maintain your physical fitness because we always win. Keep up on your case law because we always win. Take your in-service training seriously because we always win. Know what’s around you 360 because we always win. While on this job, stay locked in and do not get complacent, because you always have to win.”

Also addressing the class were Police Academy Director Martin Masseroni, Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes, Mercer County Sheriff John A. Kemler, Hopewell Township Police Chief Lance Maloney, president of the Mercer County Chiefs of Police Association; and Dr. Jianping Wang, MCCC president. Also in attendance were Freeholders Ann Cannon, John Cimino and Lucylle Walter.

During training, the class studied in disciplines such as use of force, firearms, vehicle pursuit, hostage negotiation, advanced crime scene processing and domestic violence prevention, among others. Several cadets received awards at the graduation ceremony for their excellence in training. Ethan Fisher, Somerset County Sheriff’s Office, was chosen by his classmates to receive the Certificate of Merit awarded by the N.J. Police Training Commission to the best all-around graduate. Officer Fisher also received the academic award; Ayaz Kahn, New Jersey Transit Police Department, and Danae Rebelo, Middlesex County Sheriff’s Office, both earned the firearms qualification award with perfect scores; Alyssa DiPierro, Trenton Police Department, and Thomas Tramontana, Mercer County Sheriff’s Office, both received the physical training award; and Jonathan White, New Jersey Transit Police Department, received the emergency vehicle operations award.

The Mercer Police Academy consists of two classrooms specially designed for the needs of law enforcement training, and recruits use MCCC grounds, its library and its gymnasium for training purposes. The campus includes a padded training room that is used for “defensive tactics” classes. A shooting range in Hopewell Township operated by the prosecutor’s office is part of the academy as well.

The following is a list of the graduates, their hometowns and the law enforcement agency each will join. (Alternate Route trainees attend the academy at their own expense and now can pursue employment as a certified police officer.)

Alternate Route: Ahmet Ekiz, Hamilton; Arthur Juba, South River; Anthony Leone, Springfield; William Revesz, Montgomery; and Tyler Vandergrift, Hamilton

Hamilton Township Police Division: Gregory Danley, Hamilton

Hunterdon County Sheriff’s Office: Timothy Althamer, Flemington

Lawrence Township Police Department: Nigel Davis and Michael Hammond, both of Lawrence

Linden Police Department: Michael Linebaugh and Antoine Suggs, both of Linden

Mercer County Sheriff’s Office: Tyler Beers, Hamilton; Alesha Bethea, Trenton; Anthony Herold, Lawrence; Dylan Tallman, Hamilton; Thomas Tramontana, Hamilton; and Lawrence Windsor, Lawrence

Middlesex County Sheriff’s Office: Taylor Clanton, Piscataway; Jaquan Cook, New Brunswick; Devin Gray, Milltown; Lawrence Lenahan, Sayreville; Jennifer Lukacs, Perth Amboy; Christian Paez, Sayreville; Helder Paredes, Monroe; Danae Rebelo, Middlesex; Islam Saad, Sayreville; Jessica Tymitz, Woodbridge; Jeremy Vargas, Woodbridge; and Antonios Zaferellis, South River

New Jersey Transit Police Department: Mohammed Ahmed, Haledon; Michael Baloga, North Arlington; Michael Dowdy, Irvington; Michael Flanagan, Jersey City; Sean Gallagher, Belvidere; Paul Gawin, Saddlebrook; Kevin Guy, Fairlawn; Katherine Hormaza, Morristown; Ayaz Kahn, Nutley; Kevin Kolbenschlag, Brick; Joseph Mastropfilipo, Paramus; Christopher Montalvo, Bloomfield; Matthew Reiter, Manalapan; Elias Statham, Bayonne; Jonathan White, Jefferson; and Jonathan Ydo, Bloomfield

Somerset County Sheriff’s Office: Ethan Fisher, Branchburg; and Kyle Lippincott, Milford

Trenton Police Department: Michael Cahill, Lawrence; Julio Casso, Hamilton; Alyssa DiPierro, Hamilton; Austin Fountain, Hamilton; Michael Giovannetti, Ewing; Scott Hussey, Hamilton; Michael Kovacs, Hamilton; Alyssa Mantuano, Hamilton; Matthew Martindell, Hamilton; Jeffrey Pownall, Yardville; Michael Tylutki, Hamilton, Christopher Vitoritt, Hamilton; Brandon Walker, Hamilton; and Justin Walker, Hamilton

Monroe County, PA, Man Sentenced to 16+ Years in Prison for Heroin and Cocaine Distribution in Bayshore Area of Monmouth and Middlesex Counties in NJ – MidJersey.News

December 3, 2021 maximios News

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December 3, 2021

TRENTON, N.J. – A Monroe County, Pennsylvania man was sentenced today to 200 months in prison for his role in distributing large quantities of heroin and cocaine in the Bayshore area of Monmouth and Middlesex counties, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced today.

Guy Jackson, 49, of Effort, Pennsylvania, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Brian R. Martinotti in Trenton federal court to an information charging him with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin. Jackson also admitted to conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine. Judge Martinotti imposed the sentence today via videoconference.

Today’s sentence follows a coordinated takedown in November 2018 of 15 defendants charged in a federal criminal complaint with conspiracy to distribute heroin and cocaine. To date, 13 defendants have pleaded guilty. Supplier Gregory Gillens was sentenced on Sept. 8, 2020, to 10 years in prison. Co-defendant Daniel McHugh was sentenced to 90 months in prison; co-defendant David Nagy was sentenced to one year and one day in prison; co-defendant Shavar Williams was sentenced to time served, which amounted to approximately 14 months in prison; co-defendant Daryl Jackson was sentenced to five years’ probation with 10 months of home detention; and co-defendant Brian Hall was sentenced to three years’ probation with eight months of home detention. Co-defendants Krystal Cordoba, Daniel Alfano, Tyler Scarangello, Christy Dube, Richard Gethers, and Lashawn Mealing are awaiting sentencing. Defendant Deberal Rogers has been indicted, and charges were dismissed against one defendant.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

From May 2017 to November 2018, Jackson and others engaged in a narcotics conspiracy that operated in the Raritan Bayshore region of Middlesex and northern Monmouth counties. Through the interception of telephone calls and text messages pursuant to court-authorized wiretap orders, controlled purchases of heroin and cocaine, the use of confidential sources of information, and other investigative techniques, law enforcement learned that Jackson regularly supplied large quantities of heroin and cocaine for further distribution. Some of the heroin distributed by the conspiracy contained fentanyl, a dangerous synthetic opioid.

In addition to the prison terms, Judge Martinotti sentenced Jackson to five years of supervised release. Four vehicles that Jackson used in the course of the drug conspiracy, as well as in excess of $10,000 in cash that Jackson admitted was proceeds of drug trafficking, were previously seized and administratively forfeited.

Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the FBI, Newark Division, Red Bank Resident Agency, Jersey Shore Gang and Criminal Organization Task Force (including representatives from the Bradley Beach Police Department, Brick Police Department, Howell Police Department, Marlboro Police Department, Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office, Toms River Police Department, and Union Beach Police Department) under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch, Jr.; special agents of the FBI, Philadelphia Division, Scranton Resident Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jacqueline Maguire; the New Jersey State Police, under the direction of Col. Patrick J. Callahan; the Matawan Police Department, under the direction of Chief Thomas J. Falco, Jr.; the Holmdel Police Department, under the direction of Chief John Mioduszewski; the Highlands Police Department, under the direction of Chief Robert Burton; the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Lori Linskey; the Old Bridge Police Department, under the direction of Chief William A. Volkert; the Keansburg Police Department, under the direction of Chief Wayne Davis; the Hazlet Police Department, under the direction of Chief Ted A. Wittke; and the Aberdeen Police Department, under the direction of Chief Alan Geyer, with the investigation leading to this week’s sentencings.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elisa T. Wiygul of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Trenton.

The charges and allegations against the remaining defendant are merely accusations, and she is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

21-555

Defense counsel: Lorraine Gauli-Rufo Esq., Verona, New Jersey

Photo by Sora Shimazaki on Pexels.com

July 2020 – Page 2 – MidJersey.News

November 28, 2021 maximios News

July 26, 2020 — Update 3:30 pm and 4:30 pm

July 27, 2020 Update 9:55 pm to include additional information for reporting to NJ Department of Agriculture:

The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is aware that people across the country have received unsolicited packages of seed from China in recent days. APHIS is working closely with the Department of Homeland Security’s Customs and Border Protection and State departments of agriculture to prevent the unlawful entry of prohibited seeds and protect U.S. agriculture from invasive pests and noxious weeds.

Anyone in New Jersey who receives an unsolicited package of seeds from China should immediately contact the New Jersey Department of Agriculture at 609-292-3976 or [email protected]. Also, you can contact the APHIS State plant health director. Please hold onto the seeds and packaging, including the mailing label, until someone from your State department of agriculture or APHIS contacts you with further instructions. Do not plant seeds from unknown origins.

Reports from several state’s department of agriculture reporting unsolicited seeds being mailed to random residence around the country. Moments after posting the story today, MidJersey.News received a post via Facebook of a pack of seeds sent to Hopewell Township-Washington Crossing, NJ area. Be on the lookout, Do Not Plant and report to USDA APHIS link posted below.

So far reports of seeds being sent to NJ, NY, Virginia, Utah, Louisiana, Washington State and the United Kingdom.

MidJersey.News did communicate with the NJ Department of Agriculture on Sunday about the seed issue and see links below on how to report to the USDA:

Report here: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/planthealth/import-information/sa_sitc/ct_antismuggling

If individuals are aware of the potential smuggling of prohibited exotic fruits, vegetables, or meat products into or through the USA, they can help APHIS by contacting the confidential Antismuggling Hotline number at 800-877-3835 or by sending an Email to [email protected]. USDA will make every attempt to protect the confidentiality of any information sources during an investigation within the extent of the law.

A package sent to Hopewell Township-Washington Crossing, NJ, provided by post on MidJersey.News Facebook:

A pack of seeds sent to Hopewell Township-Washington Crossing, NJ area sent in via MidJersey.News Facebook

A pack of seeds sent to Hopewell Township-Washington Crossing, NJ area sent in via MidJersey.News Facebook

Press release from Virginia:

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) has been notified that several Virginia residents have received unsolicited packages containing seeds that appear to have originated from China. The types of seeds in the packages are unknown at this time and may be invasive plant species. The packages were sent by mail and may have Chinese writing on them.

Please do not plant these seeds. VDACS encourages anyone who has received unsolicited seeds in the mail that appears to have Chinese origin to contact the Office of Plant Industry Services (OPIS) at 804.786.3515 or through the [email protected] email.

Invasive species wreak havoc on the environment, displace or destroy native plants and insects and severely damage crops. Taking steps to prevent their introduction is the most effective method of reducing both the risk of invasive species infestations and the cost to control and mitigate those infestations.

Warning from Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) today about resident in St. Rose, La. receiving an unsolicited package of seeds originating from China. Similar reports from Utah, Virginia, Washington and the United Kingdom cited. Notify authorities if receive pic.twitter.com/MSkQ6TsIFJ

— Pam Smith (@PamSmithDTN) July 24, 2020

July 25, 2020

From on scene reporting, information about the accident most likely will not be available so we will report what was heard from eye witness accounts.

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Around 3 pm this afternoon a car traveling south bound on Route 29 hopped a divider, went airborne, rolled and landed upright while also crashing into a vehicle traveling north bound, and ended up in the north bound lanes. Trenton Police, Trenton Fire Department and TEMS responded to the scene. It did not appear that there were any major injuries in the wreck.

No further information is available, if information becomes available the story will be updated.

Photos by: Brian McCarthy OnScene News

July 25, 2020

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–The Robbinsville Township Fire Department, Capital Health Ambulance and Capital Health Paramedics were dispatched to the NJ Turnpike for a serious motorcycle crash. The accident occurred just before 10:00 am on the south bound ramp back to the car lanes inner roadway, leaving the 6S Richard Stockton Service Area back onto the NJ Turnpike.

Upon arrival of fire department and EMS there were two people injured one more serious requiring a “trauma” alert to be called on the way to The Trauma Center at Capital Health Regional Medical Center in Trenton.

Breaking news report, no further information is available at this time. If NJ State Police releases information the story will be updated. NJ State Police is investigating the crash.

July 24, 2020

MOUNT LAUREL, NJ (BURLINGTON)–Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina and Mount Laurel Police Chief Stephen Riedener announced that a Burlington Township man has been charged with fatally shooting an employee and wounding a patient inside a township medical office this afternoon.

Bruce Gomola Jr., 51, of Kingsbridge Drive, was charged with Murder (First Degree), two counts of Aggravated Assault (Second Degree), and Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose (Second Degree).

He will be scheduled for a first appearance in Superior Court, and the case will then be prepared for presentation to a grand jury for possible indictment. Gomola is employed as a corrections officer at the Burlington County Jail in Mount Holly. He is being held in the Camden County Correctional Facility in Camden.

The incident occurred near the Mount Laurel Police Department, with officers responding to the Delaware Valley Urology office in the 15000 block of Midlantic Drive at 12:50 p.m. today after receiving reports of a shooting inside the building.

The investigation revealed that Gomola apparently became upset concerning an appointment for his father. When Patient Services Representative Stephanie Horton attempted to discuss the situation with Gomola, he pulled a .40 caliber handgun and fired one shot into her chest. The bullet exited through her back and struck a female patient in the knee.

Gomola then left the building and drove away, but soon returned to the scene and surrendered without incident to a Mount Laurel detective.

Horton, 44, of Willingboro, was pronounced dead at 4:18 p.m. at Cooper University Hospital in Camden. The other victim, a woman in her fifties, was treated at the same facility for non-life-threatening injuries.

The investigation is being conducted by the Mount Laurel Police Department and the Prosecutor’s Office.

All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

July 24, 2020

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Hamilton Mayor Jeff Martin is pleased to announce Yolanda Hill as the new, permanent Chief Financial Officer for the Township.

Hill comes with nine years of experience serving as the Principal Accountant for the City of Vineland, where she previously held the title of Accounting/Finance Co-op. While in Vineland, she was intimately involved in all aspects of the Financial Department, including preparing the Annual Financial Statement, Annual Debt Statement, municipal and utility budget and supervising employees. In total, Vineland’s municipal and utility budgets total over $175 million in 2020, compared to Hamilton’s total of $125 million in 2020.

“I am eager to work with Mayor Martin and for this new opportunity to serve the residents of Hamilton Township. I look forward to building a strong financial foundation for Hamilton and finding long term solutions to build its economic health,” said Hill.

Hill is a graduate of Rowan University with a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting. She is a Certified Municipal Finance Officer, attaining her certification in 2016.

“I am excited to have Yolanda join my leadership team and fill this critical position,” said Mayor Martin. “I am thankful for her willingness to serve and am confident that the residents of Hamilton Township will be well-served by her ambition, experience and dedication to public service. “

“I would also like to thank our Business Administrator Kathy Monzo for filling the position of Acting CFO while we searched for a permanent hire. I know Kathy and Yolanda, working together as a team, are the perfect fit to ensure a strong financial future for Hamilton.”

Hill will assume the role of Director of Finance/Chief Financial Officer on Monday, July 27, 2020. This nomination requires, and is expected to receive, the consent of the Hamilton Township Council.

Hamilton Mayor Jeff Martin is pleased to announce Yolanda Hill as the new, permanent Chief Financial Officer for the Township. Photo: Provided

July 24, 2020

Previous MidJersey.News stories on this search here:

Massive Search Underway In West Windsor For Missing Person Cameron Ward

Police Ask For Assistance Locating Missing Person In West Windsor

WEST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)—On Wednesday July 22, 2020 at 8:54 pm, a 25-year-old resident was reported at missing/endangered. West Windsor Police responded, and the 25-year-old was believed to have been last seen at approximately 5:30 pm walking 3 family dogs and usually takes them to West Windsor Community Park-Dog Park. The victim’s mother contacted the West Windsor Police after “good Samaritans” found the 3 dogs wondering without any caretaker nearby and returned them to the mother’s residence.

West Windsor patrol units along with Sargent LaTorre began a search of the victim’s residence and the Community Park at 193 Princeton Hightstown Road. The missing person was not found during the initial search that night.

On Thursday July 23, 2020 another search was conducted during daylight with multiple officers and K-9 units from West Windsor Police, Robbinsville Township Police, and Mercer County Sheriff’s Office. Once again on Thursday after searching all day the person was not found.

Today, on Friday July 24, 2020 a task force of Search and Rescue teams set up for a massive search of Community Park and nearby neighborhoods. The West Windsor Community Park was closed to the general public by the Fire Police while the search continued as well as the investigation into the missing person. Patrol Sabatino who is a drone pilot and K-9 units working in unison were searching the banks of the Grover’s Mill Pond. At 2:27 pm, Drone Pilot Sabatino with K-9 support located the missing/endangered person in a very secluded (thick foliage) area. The man had been missing for approximately 45 hours. Those 45 hours included very heavy thunderstorms and extreme heat. The victim, who was conscious, was transported to a local hospital for evaluation by West Windsor Emergency Services Squad 45.

West Winsor Police Chief Garofalo wanted to thank each and every person who assisted in the successful outcome. They never game up in finding this person. Without the teamwork, incredible efforts from numerous agencies, and the usage of the latest technologies (including K-9s, and drones) this incident would have had a tragic ending.

Agencies responding, West Windsor Township Police including Patrol Division, Detective Bureau & Administration, West Windsor Emergency Services Squad 45, Princeton Junction Fire Company, West Windsor Fire Company, Fire Police, Plainsboro Fire Department, Mercer County Sheriff’s Office, Robbinsville Township Police, NJ State Police, New Jersey Search and Rescue, Mid-Atlantic Search and Rescue, Community Search and Rescue, Lambertville Search and Rescue, Ramapo Rescue Dogs, Central Jersey K-9, Mercer County Communications, Mercer County Communications Center.

After 45 Hours Missing Man Found Alive In West Windsor

**WWPD Press Release: Missing/Endangered Person FOUND Friday 7/24/2020 by Contingent of Multiple Agencies.–Lt. Lee https://t.co/PIUQJlzDpr

— West Windsor Police (@westwindsorpd) July 24, 2020

July 24, 2020

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–The Hamilton Township Fire Department, Hamilton Township Police Dept and RWJ Hamilton EMS responded to a 2 car accident at Nottingham Way and Donald Drive just before noon. No serious injuries were reported in the accident where one of the vehicles ended up on its roof. No other information is available.

Photos by: Brian McCarthy OnScene News

UPDATE HERE: After 45 Hours Missing Man Found Alive In West Windsor

See MidJersey.news story yesterday: Police Ask For Assistance Locating Missing Person In West Windsor

July 24, 2020

FOUND JULY 24, 2020

WEST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–A massive search for missing person Cameron Ward of West Windsor is under way at West Windsor Community Park and Grover’s Mill Pond area of the Township.

West Windsor Police, Mercer County Sheriff’s Office and many other police agencies, Search and Rescue teams, West Windsor and Princeton Junction Fire Departments and West Windsor Emergency Services are conducting a wide area search at West Windsor Community Park and Grover’s Mill Pond.

Agencies are using search and rescue dogs, drone type aircraft and even checking the pond by boats to try and locate the missing person.

West Windsor Community Park is closed until searches of area are completed.

If you have any relevant information about missing person Cameron Ward contact the West Windsor Township Police Department.

Missing Person: Cameron Ward 25 y/o white male 6’1 180 lbs wearing orange/gray shirt & black short. If seen call WWPD

A massive search for missing person Cameron Ward of West Windsor is under way at West Windsor Community Park and Grover’s Mill Pond area of the Township.

The circumstances surrounding his disappearance are unknown at this time and we are looking for any information regarding Mr. Ward or his current whereabouts. If you have any information please contact the West Windsor Police Department @ 609-799-1222.

*MISSING/ENDANGERED PERSON UPDATE: Cameron Ward STILL MISSING massive search in Comm Park area is continuing.-Lt. Lee https://t.co/YPOm7ZqRz5

— West Windsor Police (@westwindsorpd) July 24, 2020

Missing Person: Cameron Ward 25 y/o white male 6’1 180 lbs wearing orange/gray shirt & black short. If seen call WWPD https://t.co/8yITDxsbI4

— West Windsor Police (@westwindsorpd) July 23, 2020

July 23, 2020

WEST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–The West Windsor Police Department is requesting your assistance with locating Cameron Ward, last seen on July 22nd around 5:30 PM leaving his house on foot taking his dogs for a walk in the West Windsor Community Park.

Mr. Ward was discovered missing around 9 PM when the 3 dogs he was walking were returned to their home by a good samaritan.

Cameron is a 25 year old white male. He is 6’1 and weighs approximately 180 pounds with hazel eyes and brown hair. He was last seen wearing an orange/gray shirt, black shorts, and blue/black sneakers.

July 24, 2020

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–The Trenton Fire Department responded to the 700 Block of West State Street this morning around 6:30 am for a kitchen fire. Firefighters were met with heavy fire on the second floor in the area kitchen that extended to the 3rd floor. Firefighters were able to quickly put hose lines in service and knock down the fire.

The Trenton Building Department, Trenton Police, TEMS and PSE&G also responded to the scene.

July 24, 2020

MANALAPAN, NJ (MONMOUTH) and MOUNT OLIVE TOWNSHIP, NJ (MORRIS)–The New Jersey State Police have arrested Dante Desadario, 21, of Manalapan, N.J., and Joseph Serpe, 37, of Staten Island, N.Y., and seized 110 bags of heroin during a traffic stop yesterday.

At 12:11 a.m., troopers from Netcong Station stopped Desadario for a traffic violation on Interstate 80 in Mount Olive Township, Morris County. During the stop, troopers determined Desadario was under the influence and arrested him for DWI. After further investigation, troopers discovered Serpe was in possession of heroin and drug paraphernalia. He was arrested without incident.

Joseph Serpe was charged with possession of heroin, criminal under the influence, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Dante Desadario was charged with DWI. Both were released pending a court appearance.

Charges are mere accusations and the accused is considered innocent until proven guilty.

The New Jersey State Police have arrested Dante Desadario, 21, of Manalapan, N.J., and Joseph Serpe, 37, of Staten Island, N.Y., and seized 110 bags of heroin during a traffic stop earlier today.Joseph Serpe was charged with possession of heroin, criminal under the influence, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Dante Desadario was charged with DWI. Both were released pending a court appearance.

July 23, 2020

TOMS RIVER, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County First Assistant Prosecutor Michael T. Nolan, Jr., announced that Christopher Angulo, 46, of Toms River, was charged with making Terroristic Threats During a Declared State of Emergency in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:12-3a.

On July 22, 2020, Angulo contacted the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office and directly made threats that he was going to kill police officers. Angulo had previously made specific threats against members of the Bay Head Borough Police Department in May 2020, and was charged accordingly at that time.

Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit located Angulo at a residence in Toms River on July 22, 2020, and he was taken into custody without incident. Angulo is presently lodged in the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.

The public and press are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Christopher Angulo, 46, of Toms River

Ocean County First Assistant Prosecutor Michael T. Nolan, Jr., announced that Christopher Angulo, 46, of Toms River, was charged with making Terroristic Threats During a Declared State of Emergency in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:12-3a.

March 10, 2021 Update here: Convicted Felon Sentenced To Four Years In Prison For Selling Semi-Automatic Rifle In Trenton

July 23, 2020

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–A Trenton man today admitted unlawfully possessing a semi-automatic rifle during the course of an attempted sale to another individual, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.

Edwin Gaines, 59, pleaded guilty today by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Peter G. Sheridan to an information charging him with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

On Feb. 15, 2019, Gaines, who previously had been convicted of murder in New Jersey Superior Court and who has other felony convictions, arranged to sell to another individual a Ruger .22 semi-automatic rifle as well as an extended magazine. The purchaser, however, was acting at the direction and supervision of law enforcement. In a video- and audio-recorded transaction in the basement of a Trenton residence, the individual purchased the rifle and magazine from Gaines using money that law enforcement had provided.

The firearm charge to which Gaines pleaded guilty carries a statutory maximum term of 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000. Gaines’s sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 24, 2020.

U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Newark Division, Trenton Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Charlie J. Patterson, and detectives from the New Jersey State Police, under the direction of Superintendent Col. Patrick J. Callahan, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.

The government is represented by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Marita Navarro of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Trenton.

20-224

Defense counsel: Andrea D. Bergman Esq., Assistant Federal Public Defender, Trenton

UPDATE HERE: After 45 Hours Missing Man Found Alive In West Windsor

July 23, 2020

FOUND JULY 24, 2020

Mr. Ward was discovered missing around 9 PM when the 3 dogs he was walking were returned to their home by a good samaritan.

The West Windsor Police Department is requesting your assistance with locating Cameron Ward, last seen on July 22nd around 5:30 PM leaving his house on foot taking his dogs for a walk in the West Windsor Community Park.

Missing Person: Cameron Ward 25 y/o white male 6’1 180 lbs wearing orange/gray shirt & black short. If seen call WWPD https://t.co/8yITDxsbI4

— West Windsor Police (@westwindsorpd) July 23, 2020

$6 Million in CARES Act Funding to be Allocated to NJRA Small Business Lease – Emergency Assistance Grant Program

July 23, 2020

LONG BRANCH, NJ (MONMOUTH)–Governor Phil Murphy today announced a new relief program for small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Small Business Lease – Emergency Assistance Grant Program (SBL-EAGP) will allow businesses in 64 eligible municipalities to apply for grants of up to $10,000 for lease costs. The program will assist small business owners impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which also assists landlords, many of whom are also small businesses.

“We are committed to helping small businesses across our state survive this unprecedented crisis,” said Governor Murphy. “A stronger and fairer New Jersey starts from the bottom up. The Small Business Lease – Emergency Assistance Grant Program will infuse much needed funding into local economies by assisting both small businesses and the landlords that they rent from.”

“The Small Business Lease Emergency Grant Assistance Program is directly geared toward keeping the mom-and-pop shops on main streets and business centers afloat in this time of need, specifically in our most vulnerable communities in New Jersey,” said Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver, who serves as Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs and Board Chair of the New Jersey Redevelopment Authority. “Governor Murphy and I remain as committed as ever to supporting New Jersey’s small businesses and this new lease program will work hand-in-hand with other state assistance programs to help them emerge from this crisis stronger.”

“I am enormously proud to stand with Governor Murphy today to announce the New Jersey Redevelopment Authority Small Business Lease Emergency Assistance Grant Program. At NJRA, impact is and has always been our primary objective. And our number one priority is our state’s most vulnerable communities and neighborhoods. Not only do we invest in the communities that need it the most, but we’re there first in the areas that are often overlooked by traditional lenders. Right now New Jersey’s small and micro businesses, particularly those in economically challenged communities, are bearing the brunt of our nation’s health and economic crisis. These businesses deliver value and stability to our state, and yet, struggle to access capital. Today, we’re proud to be there with the Governor to offer these businesses both rental relief grants and support accessing them,” explained Leslie Anderson, President and CEO of the New Jersey Redevelopment Authority.

The SBL-EAGP, managed by the New Jersey Redevelopment Authority (NJRA), is the first component of a broader Main Street Commercial Corridors Relief Package to be paid for with federal CARES Act funding. Through the SBL-EAGP, small businesses located in NJRA’s 64 eligible municipalities that have been adversely impacted by COVID-19 will be able to apply for up to $10,000 to assist with lease payments. It will provide grants to:

Tenants leasing commercial space in mixed-use buildings
Tenants leasing space in commercial buildings
Tenants leasing space to operate a storefront business

The program will be targeted to businesses with 5,000 square feet of leased space or less, and is requiring standard debarment and legal qualifications from applying businesses. Applications will open August 10, 2020, online, and funds will be distributed on a first come first served basis. $6 million in federal CARES Act funding will be allocated for this program.

“Small business owners have been struggling to make ends meet throughout this pandemic—especially when it comes to fixed costs like rent and utilities,” said Senator Vin Gopal. “Without additional aid, thousands of these businesses will go under permanently. These commercial rental assistance grants will go a long way toward helping small businesses and Mom-and-Pop stores survive.”

“I’m grateful to the Governor for working to make these federal CARES Act funds available to our hard-working and struggling small businesses,” said Assemblywoman Joann Downey. “We can’t afford to let any of these businesses—which together support hundreds of thousands of jobs and families across our state—be forgotten and left behind.”

“We need to make sure that our economic recovery focuses first on Main Street—on the small businesses that form the backbone of our economy,” said Assemblyman Eric Houghtaling. “Many small stores, especially throughout the Jersey Shore, have desperately needed help in keeping the lights on. Now, with these commercial rental grants, many more will have the means to stay afloat.”

“We are very happy Governor Murphy chose Long Branch as the location to announce this new initiative,” said Long Branch Mayor John Pallone. “This is going to be a real boost for businesses here in Long Branch and through out the state.”

The NJRA Main Street Commercial Corridors Relief program is an excellent example of how the state and federal funding partnership is working together to help small businesses throughout NJ lead towards resilience,” said Jackeline Mejias-Fuertes, Regional Director of the Small Business Development Center at Brookdale Community College. “In addition, to giving small businesses a desperately needed “lifeline” that will not only keep businesses afloat but keep them alive.”

“COVID-19 has created multiple, compounding challenges for small business owners. Ensuring they are able to survive the current crisis and rebuild their businesses requires a comprehensive approach that addresses the many difficulties they are facing,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “We are proud to support the NJRA and Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver’s insightful approach to helping business owners to stabilize their operations and navigate a path toward recovery. The SBL-EAGP program will relieve a major pain point for commercial tenants and landlords in impacted cities across the state.”

July 23, 2020

ROBBINSVILLE TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Around 11:35 am it appears a car vs tractor trailer in the “Truck Lanes” of the NJ Turnpike was causing a 1 mile back up. The accident was located around the 64 mile marker and under the Windsor Road bridge. No injuries were reported.

Traffic is still backed up over a mile at the time of this report.

Crash on New Jersey Turnpike local lanes northbound North of Interchange 7A – I-195 (Robbinsville) all lanes open to traffic https://t.co/2761vMea5O

— 511NJ TPK (@511njtpk) July 23, 2020

July 22, 2020

UPPER FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH)–The Hope Fire Company of Allentown, Millstone Township Fire Department and New Egypt Fire Department responded to Steeple Chase Court around noon for a car fire. Upon arrival a car was on fire in the driveway that was spreading towards the house. Firefighters arrived and were able to quickly knock down the fire and prevented further damage to the home. The fire is under investigation by the Monmouth County Fire Marshal’s Office.

Hope Fire Company of Allentown reported on their Facebook page that they handled 2 serious accidents, 1 car fire with exposure to a home and a fire alarm today all in the 90F+ hot and humid heat wave. Millstone and New Egypt Fire Departments helped at calls today in the township.

Photo from Millstone Township Fire Department Facebook Page.

July 22, 2020, Updated July 23, 2020 at 11:15 am.

UPPER FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH)–At 6:46 am the Hope Fire Company of Allentown and the Millstone Township Fire Department responded to I-195 west bound in the area of mile marker 13.4 for a severe accident.

According to NJ State Police spokesman Philip Curry, Mario Shehata, 30 of Jackson was killed in the crash while operating a Honda Civic eastbound on 195.

The Honda Civic crossed the center median and struck an Acura which was going westbound. The driver of the Acura was Richard Carter, 37 ,of Farmingdale according to an update on Thursday from NJ State Police.

The westbound lanes were completely closed just before 8 a.m., for the accident investigation, creating a multi-mile delay approaching the crash scene. The left lane was reopened about 11:45 a.m.

Curry said that cause of the crash remains under investigation.

July 22, 2020

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Around 7:00 am the Hamilton Township Fire Department was dispatched to Victor Aveneu for a fire on a second floor of a home. Upon arrival fire was found in a bedroom on 2nd floor and firefighters quickly knocked down the fire using a “can” and an 1 3/4″ hose line. The fire was quickly under control and fire is under investigation.

Bystander photos sent into MidJersey.news

July 21, 2020

TRENTON NJ (MERCER)–Dirty Boyz Liedtka Trucking-Hamilton West baseball defeated Lawrence Road Irish-Notre Dame 6-2 at Arm & Hammer Park, during “Round of 32” of the Last Dance NJ High School World Series Tournament tonight.

Dirty Boyz Liedtka Trucking-Hamilton West heads to Lakewood tomorrow at 11:30 am the Round of 16 in the tournament taking on Brooklawn /Gloucester Catholic.

Photo gallery:

July 21, 2020

ROBBINSVILLE TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–At 5:19 pm the Hope Fire Company of Allentown and the Robbinsville Township Fire Department were dispatched to a large amount of straw bales on fire. The fire was located at Old York Road between Sharon and Herbert Roads. Due to the amount of bales on fire the Millstone Township Fire Department and the New Jersey Forrest Fire Service also responded with additional equipment. Firefighters had to break apart the flaming bales by hand to extinguish the fire during a heat wave, current temperature is over 90F in NJ.

Old York Road between Sharon Road and Herbert Road was closed during the fire.

Firefighters from Robbinsville, Allentown, Millstone and the New Jersey Forrest Fire Service are on scene of a large amount of bales on fire in a filed off of Old York Road between Sharon and Herbert on July 21, 2020.

Nicholas Vellenga, Ewing High School

Kaitlyn Young, Robbinsville High School

July 21, 2020

Philadelphia, PA–Dunkin’ and its greater Philadelphia-area franchisees, in partnership with Scholarship America, today announced the recipients of its eleventh annual Philadelphia Regional Scholarship Program. The program helps high school seniors and college students in Southeastern Pennsylvania, Southern New Jersey, and Kent and New Castle counties in Delaware pursue a part-time or full-time undergraduate degree at the institution of their choice.

From more than 1,500 applicants, Dunkin’ and Scholarship America selected 25 students to receive a $2,000 academic scholarship to an accredited two or four-year college, university or vocational-technical school of their choice for fall 2020. Dunkin’s Philadelphia Regional Scholarship Program was open to current part-time and full-time undergraduate students and high school seniors. Dunkin’ awarded a total of $50,000 to the 25 recipients who were selected based on their academic records, demonstrated leadership skills, and overall commitment to their schools and local communities.

To date, the Dunkin’ Philadelphia Regional Scholarship Program has awarded $450,000 in scholarships to 275 outstanding high school seniors and college students. The program was founded in 2009 by Dunkin’s Philadelphia-area franchisees as a way to ease the financial burden of college for students throughout the region.

“On behalf of my fellow franchisees, we are honored to award these 25 exceptional students with the 2020 Dunkin’ Regional Scholarships,” said Perry Shah, local Dunkin’ franchisee and Philadelphia regional advertising committee chairman. “We are so proud to see the scholarship program continue to grow each year and support students in our local communities. It is an honor to have the opportunity to further students’ educational goals and we look forward to the amazing achievements of these future leaders.”

To celebrate their 2020 Dunkin’ Regional Scholarship, each of the student recipients will enjoy a special visit at their residence from the Dunkin’ Community Cruiser. From July 30th through August 11th, Dunkin’ and its Community Cruiser will celebrate each student by providing a well deserved coffee break to the recipient’s family and friends.

Recipient: Nicholas Vellenga

Hometown: Ewing, NJ

High School: Ewing High School

University: Georgia Institute of Technology

Bio: Nicholas Vellenga is a recent graduate of Ewing High School, where he served as valedictorian. He is a recipient of the Senior Mathematics Department Award, Senior Spanish Department Award, 2020 Robotics Club Activities Award, President’s Gold Award, and USMC Scholastic Excellence Award. Vellenga also served as a member of the National Honor Society, Robotics Team Technical Manager, and is an Eagle Scout. This fall, Nicholas will attend Georgia Institute of Technology, where he plans to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Recipient: Kaitlyn Young

Hometown: Robbinsville, NJ

High School: Robbinsville High School

University: La Salle University

Bio: Kaitlyn Young is a recent graduate from Robbinsville High School. She was the recipient of the Excellence in Design, Computer Science, and English Award, and the Robbinsville High School Citizenship Award. In addition, Young was a member of the International Thespian Society and the National Honor Society. Outside of the classroom, she was a Physics and Honors Biology Tutor, Community Theater Performer and Volunteer, FIRST Tech Challenge Team Student Mentor, and an Assistant Teaching Artist at the McCarter Theatre Center. During her free time, Kaitlyn enjoys dancing and learning new musical instruments. This fall, Kaitlyn will attend La Salle University, where she plans to pursue a degree in Speech-Language Pathology.

Kaitlyn Young, Robbinsville High School, Robbinsville, NJ

Dunkin’ of Philadelphia Awards Two Mercer County Students with Academic Scholarships, Nicholas Vellenga, Ewing High School and Kaitlyn Young, Robbinsville High School

31 States Include Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin

July 21, 2020

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Governor Murphy today advised individuals traveling to New Jersey from additional states with significant community spread of COVID-19 to quarantine for a 14-day period from the time of last contact within the identified state. The updated advisory includes 10 additional states – Alaska, Delaware, Indiana, Maryland, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, Nebraska, Virginia, and Washington – with Minnesota removed from the list. The travel advisory applies to any person arriving from a state with a positive test rate higher than 10 per 100,000 residents or a state with a 10 percent or higher positivity rate over a 7-day rolling average.

As of Tuesday, July 21, there are currently 31 states total that meet the criteria stated above: Alaska; Alabama; Arkansas; Arizona; California; Delaware; Florida; Georgia; Iowa; Idaho; Indiana; Kansas; Louisiana; Maryland; Missouri; Mississippi; Montana; North Carolina; North Dakota; Nebraska; New Mexico; Nevada; Ohio; Oklahoma; South Carolina; Tennessee; Texas; Utah; Virginia; Washington; and Wisconsin.

“It is critically important that all New Jerseyans remain committed to beating COVID-19 by remaining vigilant and continuing our collective efforts to reduce new cases and the rate of transmission throughout the state,” said Governor Murphy. “In order to prevent additional outbreaks across New Jersey and continue with our responsible restart and recovery process, I strongly encourage all individuals arriving from these hotspot states to proactively get a COVID-19 test and self-quarantine.”

Travelers and those residents who are returning from impacted states should self-quarantine at their home, hotel, or other temporary lodging. Individuals should leave the place of self-quarantine only to seek medical care/treatment or to obtain food and other essential items.

It is expected that individuals will follow the public health advisory to self-quarantine. The list of states will be updated on a rolling basis and is accessible here.

July 21, 2020

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Governor Phil Murphy today signed Executive Order No. 168, allowing the resumption of contact practices and competitions in outdoor settings for organized sports defined as “high risk” by the New Jersey Department of Health’s “Guidance for Sports Activities.” Governor Murphy signed Executive Order No. 149 on May 29, 2020, allowing organized sports to resume on a phased-in schedule as defined by the Department of Health as “low,” “medium,” and “high risk” activities.

“Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, my Administration has been committed to using all of the available science, data, and facts guide New Jersey’s strategic reopening and resumption of activities,” said Governor Murphy. “Today, our data gives us confidence, that in outdoor settings and with the proper public health and safety protocols in place, contact sports can resume while protecting players, coaches, and staff.”

The order stipulates that practices and competitions must be held in outdoor settings only, and encompasses sports including football, cheerleading, group dance, rugby, boxing, judo, karate, taekwondo, and wrestling. All sports will have to abide by a number of health and safety protocols, including screenings for athletes, coaches, and staff; limited equipment sharing; and strong requirements for disinfecting and sanitizing equipment. Additionally, sports under the oversight of either the New Jersey Interscholastic Athletic Association or the NCAA must abide by those associations’ rules. All sporting activities are subject to the “Guidance for Sports Activities,” and such activities must comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and Executive Orders.

The order will take effect immediately.

For a copy of Executive Order No. 168, please click here.

Governor Phil Murphy today signed Executive Order No. 168, allowing the resumption of contact practices and competitions in outdoor settings for organized sports defined as “high risk” File photos from 2019-2020 season.

Bullets continue to fly in Trenton in a wave of gun violence. Trenton’s last known homicide from gun violence was just days ago on July 17 read about the 21st Trenton homicide here.

See yesterday’s MidJersey.News story here: Multiple Shooting In Trenton

July 21, 2020

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Sources tell MidJersey.News that three people were shot yesterday in the 300 Block of Centre Street and were taken by private vehicle to St. Francis Medical Center around 7:30 pm.

Trenton Police were at the scene marking and collecting evidence such as bullet casings.

No press releases, public information or details come from Trenton Police unless it is a fatal shooting then details will come from the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office. If official details become available the story will be updated, corrections made if necessary.

The reports are from on scene reporting and radio information.

Photos by: Brian McCarthy OnScene News

CHECK OUT THE LIST OF MIDJERSEY.NEWS STORIES ON CITY OF TRENTON 2020 SHOOTINGS, STABBINGS AND HOMICIDES HERE:

And the list grows: Other Recent Trenton Shooting and Homicide Stories: (There has been a lot more gun violence, stabbings and shootings but these are ones we have enough information to report on)

Multiple Shooting In Trenton

Continuing Coverage: City Of Trenton’s 21st Homicide Of 2020

BREAKING: Shooting On Broad Street Is Fatal, Becomes City’s 21st Homicide of 2020

Trenton Murder Body Count = 20 As Mercer County Homicide Task Force Investigating Another 2020 Trenton Shooting

BREAKING: Reports Of Fatal Shooting In Trenton As Shootings And Stabbings Plague City

2020 Trenton Death Toll Rises to 19 As Detectives Investigating Double Homicide in Trenton

When Will “Enough Be Enough”? – Mercer County Homicide Task Force Investigating Wednesday Night Murder In Trenton, Ewing Man Is 17th Person Dead In 2020

Arrest Made In Trenton Stabbing Homicide

Trenton Stabbing Victim Identified, 16 Dead In 2020 So Far In The City

BREAKING: Multiple Stabbings In Trenton This Evening

16 Members & Associates of Violent Trenton-Based “Get Money Boys” Gang Linked to Four Shootings in Last 10 Months

BREAKING: A City Of Shootings, 24 Hours After City Officials And Leaders Exclaimed “Enough Is Enough!” Another Shooting

“Enough Is Enough!” Trenton Council President Kathy McBride, After 2 Children And 1 Man Shot, One Other Child Injured By Running Away From Gunfire

UPDATE: Blood Continues To Spill In City Gun Violence As Another Man Killed By Multiple Gunshot Wounds

BREAKING: Trenton Shootings Continue, Early Morning Shooting In Trenton

Trenton Shooting Victim Identified From Yesterday’s Shooting

Trenton Body Count Increases To 15 As Carnage Continues In The City

BREAKING: Trenton Shootings Continue, Early Morning Shooting In Trenton

BREAKING: Reported Another Shooting In Trenton As Gun Violence Plagues City

Reports Of A Shooting Last Night In Trenton at Rowan Towers

Trenton Man Dead From April 14th Shooting At Kingsbury Towers

Update: 25 Year Old Trenton Man Dead In PA Shooting At Holiday Inn Express

Large Crowd From Trenton, NJ Involved in PA Shooting At Holiday Inn Express

Trenton Shooting Suspect Charged With Murder

Developing Story: Trenton Shooting Victim From This Afternoon Identified

BREAKING: One Shot Dead; The Carnage Continues As Shootings Ravage City

Hamilton Teen Killed By Gun Violence In Trenton

BREAKING: Bloodbath In Trenton Continues, 1 Dead 1 Critical In Another Shooting

Bullets Continue To Fly, Three Hours After Mayor Releases Statement About Violence In The City

Trenton Mayor Gusciora Condemns Weekend Violence In City

BREAKING: Multiple Deaths From Daily Gun Violence That Plagues City

One Dead, Two Additional Victims In Another Trenton Shooting Last Night

Another Day Another Trenton Shooting

Developing Story: Shooting On Calhoun Street, Victim Driven By Personal Vehicle To Trauma Center

BREAKING: Shooting Blood Bath Continues, In Trenton This Morning

Breaking: 2 Shot at Kingsbury Towers In Trenton

Trenton Man Arrested in Hoffman Avenue Homicide

Trenton Mayor Gusciora And City Officials Address April 5th Violence

BREAKING NEWS: 3rd Multi-Shooting Tonight In Trenton

BREAKING NEWS: Another Shooting In Trenton Tonight

BREAKING NEWS: Shooting In Trenton One Possible Fatal And One Serious

BREAKING: Police Investigate Shooting On Trenton/Hamilton Border

March 2020 – Page 2 – MidJersey.News

November 28, 2021 maximios News

March 26, 2020

TRENTON – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board today approved a suite of new programs designed to support businesses and workers facing economic hardship due to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus COVID-19. The package of initiatives includes a grant program for small businesses, a zero-interest loan program for mid-size companies, support for private-sector lenders and Community Development Finance Institutions (CDFIs), funding for entrepreneurs, and a variety of resources providing technical support and marketplace information. Taken together, they will provide more than $75 million of State and private financial support, with the opportunity to grow to more than $100 million if additional philanthropic, State, and federal resources become available. The initiatives will support between 3,000 and 5,000 small and midsize enterprises and are meant to complement recently announced federal economic recovery initiatives. More information about the programs will be available here: https://cv.business.nj.gov. “The outbreak of the novel coronavirus in New Jersey has sent us into uncharted territory, and the economic impacts will be significant and far-reaching, especially on Main Street. The scope and scale of this new challenge requires immediate action to support New Jersey workers and businesses,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “The new NJEDA programs announced today are a critical step that will mitigate the economic impacts of this unprecedented challenge and help workers and businesses to weather the storm and come out stronger when things return to normal.” Development of the grant program, support for CDFIs, and flexibility for current NJEDA borrowers was enabled by the legislature through A3845. Primary sponsors of the legislation include Assemblymembers Roy Freiman, Louis D. Greenwald, Ronald S. Dancer, and Senators Nilsa Cruz-Perez, and Brian Stack. The new NJEDA initiatives focus on businesses that have been hit hardest by the novel coronavirus outbreak: local small businesses, mid-size businesses that have had to close or drastically reconfigure operations, and new businesses who were just getting on their feet before the crisis hit. The programs provide a suite of compatible offerings that address these businesses’ varied needs and include mechanisms to provide funding and assistance as quickly as possible. Many of the resources are designed to be scalable with the addition of federal and philanthropic resources if they become available. Philanthropic partners interested in donating to support the NJEDA’s small business grant program should reach out to [email protected]. “Small- and medium-sized enterprises are the heartbeat of New Jersey’s economy and it is crucial that we do what we can to provide the resources and assistance they need to withstand the outbreak of novel coronavirus,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “In coordination with our partners throughout State government, we are undertaking an unprecedented effort to support these businesses and the New Jersey residents who rely on them for their livelihoods. These are challenging times, but New Jerseyans are resilient, and together we will get through this and rebuild our economy.” The suite of new initiatives includes:

Small Business Emergency Assistance Grant Program – A $5 million program that will provide grants up to $5,000 to small businesses in retail, arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation, food service, and other services – such as repair, maintenance, personal, and laundry services – to stabilize their operations and reduce the need for layoffs or furloughs.
Small Business Emergency Assistance Loan Program – A $10 million program that will provide working capital loans of up to $100,000 to businesses with less than $5 million in revenues. Loans made through the program will have ten-year terms with zero percent for the first five years, then resetting to the EDA’s prevailing floor rate (capped at 3.00%) for the remaining five years.
Community Development Finance Institution (CDFI) Emergency Loan Loss Reserve Fund – A $10 million capital reserve fund to take a first loss position on CDFI loans that provide low interest working capital to micro businesses. This will allow CDFIs to withstand loan defaults due to the outbreak, which will allow them to provide more loans at lower interest rates to microbusinesses affected by the outbreak.
CDFI Emergency Assistance Grant Program – A $1.25 million program that will provide grants of up to $250,000 to CDFIs to scale operations or reduce interest rates for the duration of the outbreak.
NJ Entrepreneur Support Program – A $5 million program that will encourage continued capital flows to new companies, often in the innovation economy, and temporarily support a shaky market by providing 80 percent loan guarantees for working capital loans to entrepreneurs.
Small Business Emergency Assistance Guarantee Program – A $10 million program that will provide 50 percent guarantees on working capital loans and waive fees on loans made through institutions participating in the NJEDA’s existing Premier Lender or Premier CDFI programs.
Emergency Technical Assistance Program – A $150,000 program that will support technical assistance to New Jersey-based companies applying for assistance through the U.S. Small Business Administration. The organizations contracted will be paid based on SBA application submissions supported by the technical assistance they provide.

Additional details on the NJEDA’s new programs, including eligibility requirements will be available here: https://cv.business.nj.gov. Comprehensive information about New Jersey’s response to the novel coronavirus outbreak is available here: https://covid19.nj.gov/.

March 26, 2020

TRENTON – Governor Phil Murphy today announced that President Donald J. Trump has issued a Major Disaster Declaration for the State of New Jersey. The declaration will provide federal assistance to supplement statewide recovery efforts affected by the COVID-19 pandemic beginning on January 20, 2020.“With our major disaster declaration approved, New Jersey will now have access to greater essential federal support to help our residents through this emergency,” said Governor Murphy. “This declaration will allow us to lift remaining bureaucratic barriers to assistance and enhance our statewide response to COVID-19. I am grateful to the Administration and the Federal Emergency Management Agency for their collaboration and coordination in supporting our response and recovery efforts to COVID-19 in New Jersey.”In his request dated March 23, 2020, Governor Murphy requested two types of statewide assistance, including individual assistance, which provides assistance to individuals and households, and public assistance, which includes assistance for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities.To view Governor Murphy’s request for a major disaster declaration, click here.

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March 25, 2020

Cites 3 incidents where police charged persons for illegal gatherings

TRENTON—Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal today reiterated his message that law enforcement agencies across New Jersey are strictly enforcing the Governor’s Executive Orders during the COVID-19 pandemic, and those who refuse to comply will face criminal charges. Attorney General Grewal cited three recent examples where police charged individuals for holding prohibited gatherings, including a house party in Penns Grove and two large gatherings yesterday in Lakewood, one of which was a wedding reception. “Our first responders should not be expending their limited personal protective equipment and putting themselves at risk by breaking up large gatherings like they did twice yesterday in Lakewood and over the weekend in Salem County,” said Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal. “That’s why we’ve charged these three individuals and will charge anyone else who threatens public health by holding large gatherings during this emergency. Our message is clear: stay home!” Late Saturday night, police responded to a noise complaint on Lanning Avenue in Penns Grove, where more than 30 people were attending a house party. Officers of the Penns Grove Police Department broke up the party and charged the man who was hosting the party, Jacquon Jones, 37, with a disorderly persons offense for violating Governor Murphy’s order prohibiting large gatherings. Party guests were making videos of the party to post on YouTube. In Lakewood, police responded at approximately 2:30 p.m. yesterday to a large group of people gathered at a tent for a wedding outside a home. As police units responded to disperse the gathering, the homeowner continued the wedding. Lakewood Police issued a summons to the homeowner, Meir T. Gruskin, 37, charging him with a disorderly persons offense for violating the emergency order. After the summons was issued, the wedding ended and the crowd dispersed. The second incident in Lakewood took place at a school located on Main Street. Police responded at approximately 5:52 p.m. yesterday and discovered a gathering of approximately 25 teenage and adult males. Upon conclusion of the gathering, officers advised the school’s headmaster, Abraham Bursztyn, 48, that he was violating the emergency order and issued him a summons, charging him with maintaining a nuisance, a disorderly persons offense. The charges are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

March 25, 2020

TRENTON – Governor Phil Murphy today signed Executive Order No. 110, directing all child care centers in New Jersey to certify by Friday, March 27, that they will solely serve as emergency child care centers for the children of essential workers. Child care centers that do not certify that they can and will exclusively care for these children of essential workers must close by Wednesday, April 1. “Essential personnel are a vital part of our response and limiting child care to solely these individuals will assist in flattening the curve of COVID-19 cases, as well as provide our front-line workers with the critical services they need to get through this emergency,” said Governor Murphy. “A lack of child care cannot be a barrier for our essential employees, and while these workers commit themselves to our New Jersey family, we will commit ourselves to protecting their families.” “Safe, dependable childcare has always been a necessity for working families,” said New Jersey Department of Children and Families Commissioner Christine Norbut Beyer. “It is even more crucial now for parents working in professions deemed essential during this public health crisis. The state’s response to, and recovery from, the Novel Coronavirus really hinges on the skills and ability of our dedicated first responders and essential personnel. We need to do all we can to help them do their jobs without the worry and distraction of losing safe childcare options.” “In this ongoing emergency, child care providers and staff who care for the children of essential workers are vitally important to our children and to the State’s response,” Human Services Commissioner Carole Johnson said. “We thank the entire child care workforce for their dedication and commitment every day, and especially during this difficult time.”
Among the directives, the Governor’s executive order directs:

The Commissioner of the Department of Children and Families, in consultation with the Commissioners of the Departments of Education, Human Services, and Health, shall implement a plan permitting access to emergency child care services for the children of “essential persons.”
In order to be designated as an Emergency Child Care Center, any person or organization, requesting permission to stay open or resume operations on or after April 1, 2020, shall submit the certification form to the Commissioner of Children and Families for approval by Friday, March 27, 2020. If the certification form demonstrates that it will provide child care services exclusively to “essential persons” during the school closure period, and that it will follow all applicable emergency child care standards, the Commissioner shall authorize it to remain open or resume operations as an emergency child care center.
Any child care centers, including those as defined in this executive order, that fail to timely certify shall be closed to the public as of Wednesday, April 1, 2020, and remain closed through the school closure period. Centers shall receive notice of the Commissioner of Children and Families’ certification decision by Monday, March 30, 2020.
Child care centers, for purposes of this order, include entities providing care on a regular basis for children aged 0-13, including licensed child care centers.
For purposes of this order, essential persons shall include, but not be limited to: 1) Health care workers, including staff working in health care facilities and in community-based services including home health and behavioral health; 2) law enforcement personnel, fire and emergency services personnel, and staff at correctional facilities; 3) individuals employed at emergency child care centers operating on or after April 1, 2020; 4) staff working for entities that provide essential social services, including, but not limited to, group home and shelter staff; 5) essential government employees who are unable to work from home, including child protection services workers, child welfare workers, foster care workers, unemployment compensation processing staff, and public health employees; and 6) certain critical workers, as defined by the Commissioner of DCF, at essential retail businesses, as defined in Executive Order No. 107 (2020) and subsequent Administrative Orders. The Commissioner of DCF shall have the authority to make changes to this list.

The order will take effect immediately. For a copy of Executive Order No. 110, click here.To access the form for Child Care Centers, click here.

March 25, 2020

Johns Hopkins University COVID-19 Tracker

We have 736 new positive #COVID19 cases, bringing our total to 4,402.• Atlantic: 9• Bergen: 819• Burlington: 48• Camden: 61• Cumberland: 3• Cape May: 4• Essex: 381• Gloucester: 23• Hudson: 260• Hunterdon: 25• Mercer: 82• Middlesex: 316• Monmouth: 313• Morris: 223• Ocean: 222• Passaic: 255• Salem: 1• Somerset: 117• Sussex: 27• Union: 262• Warren: 18

• Under Investigation: 933

As of 1:30 PM, COVID-19 statewide stats:• Positive Tests: 4,402

• Deaths: 62

For updates: covid19.nj.gov

Covid-19 Total Cases (321) In Ocean County:

Total as of Wednesday 3/25/2020 at 2:00pm

Town Name	Number of Cases
Barnegat	10
Barnegat Light	1
Bay Head	1
Beach Haven	0
Beachwood	0
Berkeley	17
Brick	22
Eagleswood	0
Harvey Cedars	0
Island Heights	1
Jackson	35
Lacey	10
Lakehurst	0
Lakewood	141
Lavallette	0
Little Egg Harbor	3
Long Beach Township	2
Manchester	11
Mantoloking	0
Ocean Gate	1
Ocean Twp. (Waretown)	0
Pine Beach	0
Plumsted	3
Point Pleasant Beach	1
Point Pleasant Borough	13
Seaside Heights	0
Seaside Park	1
Ship Bottom	1
South Toms River	1
Surf City	1
Stafford	5
Toms River	40
Tuckerton	0
Total Positive Cases: 321

March 25, 2020

Hamilton, NJ –The Communicable Disease Reporting and Surveillance System (CDRSS) alerted the Hamilton Township Health Department that we have a total of 12 (twelve) positive COVID-19 cases in town. The residents range in age from 22-years-old to 91-years-old. All are either at home self-isolating or admitted to the hospital.

As a reminder to the public, confidentiality laws (HIPAA) prevent the Township from releasing certain details to the public. Please know that our Health Department has been diligently working to conduct comprehensive investigations for each positive case. Anyone who was in close or direct contact with the individuals who have tested positive is contacted by the Health Department to inform them that they have been in contact with an individual who has tested positive for COVID-19.

Over the weekend, Governor Murphy announced a stay at home order for all residents of New Jersey. We ask Hamilton Township residents that when venturing outside of your home to please cooperate with social distancing guidelines. Social distancing means remaining out of congregate settings, avoiding mass gatherings, and maintaining distance (approximately 6 feet) from others when possible.

We know that staying at home and limiting physical interaction is difficult, especially with the warming weather, but is a critical part in doing everything we can now to flatten the curve to keep people safe and save lives. We know that COVID-19 can have very serious consequences for our vulnerable populations, especially our seniors, and ask that you keep them in mind.

For general questions about COVID-19 please dial 2-1-1, text “NJCOVID” to 898-211, or visit covid19.nj.gov.

March 24, 2020

Clarifies Municipal Discretion for Beaches, Boardwalks

TRENTON – Governor Phil Murphy and Superintendent of the State Police Colonel Patrick Callahan today announced an Administrative Order, permitting additional retail businesses to operate during their normal business hours. Effective immediately, the following businesses are considered essential in accordance with Executive Order No. 107:

Mobile phone retail and repair shops;
Bicycle shops, but only to provide service and repair;
Livestock feed stores;
Nurseries and garden centers;
Farming equipment stores.

Businesses that remain operational must comply with social distancing.“While we understand that this an unprecedented time for our state, I thank each and every New Jerseyan for using their common sense and staying home as much as possible,” said Governor Murphy.The Administrative Order also clarifies that municipalities may impose additional restrictions on beaches and boardwalks.A copy of the Administrative Order can be found here.

March 24, 2020

TRENTON – Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal announced that criminal charges were filed today against a man who allegedly coughed on a food store employee in Manalapan, N.J., and told the woman that he has the coronavirus.

George Falcone, 50, of Freehold, N.J., was charged today by complaint-summons with the following criminal offenses:

Terroristic Threats (3rd Degree)
Obstructing Administration of Law or Other Governmental Function (4th degree)
Harassment (Petty Disorderly Persons Offense)

The incident occurred at about 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 22, at the Wegmans on US Highway 9. The employee was concerned that Falcone was standing too close to her and an open display of prepared foods, so she requested that he step back as she covered the food. Instead, Falcone allegedly stepped forward to within 3 feet of her, leaned toward her, and purposely coughed. He allegedly laughed and said he was infected with the coronavirus. Falcone subsequently told two other employees they are lucky to have jobs.

A detective of the Manalapan Police Department was working a security detail at the store and approached Falcone, who allegedly refused to cooperate or provide his name or driver’s license. After approximately 40 minutes, Falcone identified himself and was permitted to leave. Following additional investigation, summonses were issued today which will require Falcone to appear in court at a later date.

The case will be prosecuted by the Division of Criminal Justice within the Attorney General’s Office. Attorney General Grewal thanked the Manalapan Police Department and the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office for their strong response to the incident and investigation leading to today’s charges.

“These are extremely difficult times in which all of us are called upon to be considerate of each other— not to engage in intimidation and spread fear, as alleged in this case,” said Attorney General Grewal. “We must do everything we can to deter this type of conduct and any similar conduct that harms others during this emergency. Just as we are cracking down on bias offenses and those who use the pandemic to fuel hatred and prejudice, we vow to respond swiftly and strongly whenever someone commits a criminal offense that uses the coronavirus to generate panic or discord.”

“Exploiting people’s fears and creating panic during a pandemic emergency is reprehensible. In times like these, we need to find ways to pull together as a community instead of committing acts that further divide us,” said Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni.

“I commend the officers and detectives involved in this case for bringing criminal charges against the individual responsible for causing additional stress to the employees and patrons of Wegmans during these unprecedented times,” said Manalapan Police Chief Michael Fountain. “It sickens me to think an individual would lower their basic human standards during a time of crisis such as we are experiencing. As evident by these charges, law enforcement will not tolerate individuals breaking the law and placing others in fear during an already tense situation.”

Third-degree charges carry a sentence of three to five years in state prison and a fine of up to $15,000, while fourth-degree charges carry a sentence of up to 18 months in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Petty disorderly persons offenses carry a sentence of up to 6 months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.

The charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Defense Attorney: Undetermined.

George Falcone, 50, of Freehold, N.J., was charged today by complaint-summons with the following criminal offenses: Terroristic Threats (3rd Degree)
Obstructing Administration of Law or Other Governmental Function (4th degree)
Harassment (Petty Disorderly Persons Offense)

March 24, 2020

The New Jersey Turnpike Authority will suspend cash collections at all toll locations on the New Jersey Turnpike and Garden State Parkway as of 10:00 p.m. March 24th as a precaution against the spread of COVID-19. All tolls will be collected electronically.

If you have an E-ZPass tag in your vehicle, the process will not change. The equipment in the lane will read your E-ZPass tag, and the cost of the toll will be deducted from the balance in your account, as usual.

If you do not have an E-ZPass tag, the equipment in the lane will capture a photograph of the license plate on the vehicle you are driving, and an invoice for the cost of the toll will be mailed to the registered owner. You will be billed at the cash toll rate; no additional administrative fees will be charged.

Cash customers who do not want to be billed can open an E-ZPass account by calling the New Jersey E-ZPass Customer Service Center at 888-AUTO-TOLL (888-288-6865) or by visiting http://www.ezpassnj.com.

March 24, 2020

In an urgent phone conversation Saturday, March 21st with U.S. Ambassador to Peru, Krishna Urs, Rep. Chris Smith (NJ-04) a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, urged the Ambassador to reach out to U.S. citizens and reassure those spread-out across Peru that they have not been forgotten nor abandoned.

“There are reportedly 5,000 Americans trapped in Peru needing the immediate assistance of the U.S. government in order to get home,” said Smith, who has been contacted by more than a dozen travelers with New Jersey roots.

“The Administration has been working on some limited options, but we are asking the State Department to raise the bar and expand their efforts to include chartering planes or using military aircraft.”

“Seven hundred Americans, including some from my district, are stuck in parts of Peru, such as Cusco, which is 11,000 feet above sea level where air quality is thin and a strict curfew is enforced. It’s time to let these Americans and their worried families in the U.S. know that their country will employ more resources to bring them home safely,” Smith said.

In addition to speaking with the Ambassador, Smith has been working with State Department officials for several days. A human rights leader in the Congress, Smith has written three letters to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo outlining the location and needs of the New Jersey residents and others desperate for assistance to come home.

“I ask your assistance in prioritizing the evacuation from Peru of these and other Americans by any appropriate, practicable and timely manner, including the chartering of private or commercial aircraft or the utilization of military planes,” Smith said in his March 20th letter in which he named specific Americans needing assistance.

Smith also led a letter cosigned by two additional members of the Foreign Affairs Committee which said in part “Amid the press of so many concerns prompted by the coronavirus pandemic, we appreciate the efforts undertaken thus far on behalf of our citizens abroad, but nonetheless ask that you reassure trapped Americans and their families that their needs are being prioritized.”

“Americans in Peru and elsewhere around the globe should know that we are doing everything we can to reunite them with their loved ones,” he said.

According to news reports, on March 15 the Peruvian government abruptly announced it would close

all borders, effective March 16, subsequently issuing a 15-day quarantine. It later announced that March 22 would be the final day the country would allow official flights to repatriate foreign visitors before the country closed all borders, effectively trapping many Americans and other international visitors in the South American nation. Further repatriation efforts require diplomatic intervention, something Rep. Smith is urging our Ambassador and State Department to prioritize.

March 24, 2020

Johns Hopkins University COVID-19 Tracker is reporting 51,542 with 674 deaths nation wide.

NJ Updates:

We have 846 new positive #COVID19 cases, bringing our total to 3,675.• Atlantic: 6• Bergen: 701• Burlington: 42• Camden: 51• Cumberland: 2• Cape May: 3• Essex: 342• Gloucester: 19• Hudson: 234• Hunterdon: 25• Mercer: 58• Middlesex: 277• Monmouth: 288• Morris: 204• Ocean: 180• Passaic: 216• Salem: 1• Somerset: 102• Sussex: 18• Union: 246• Warren: 15

• Under Investigation: 645

As of 1:30 PM, COVID-19 statewide stats:• Positive Tests: 3,675

• Deaths: 44

For updates: covid19.nj.gov

Covid-19 Total Cases (200) In Ocean County:

Total as of Tuesday 3/24/2020 at 2:00pm

Town Name	Number of Cases
Barnegat	6
Barnegat Light	1
Bay Head	1
Beach Haven	0
Beachwood	0
Berkeley	6
Brick	14
Eagleswood	0
Harvey Cedars	0
Island Heights	0
Jackson	23
Lacey	4 *
Lakehurst	0
Lakewood	84
Lavallette	0
Little Egg Harbor	2
Long Beach Township	2
Manchester	6
Mantoloking	0
Ocean Gate	1
Ocean Twp. (Waretown)	0
Pine Beach	0
Plumsted	2
Point Pleasant Beach	1
Point Pleasant Borough	11
Seaside Heights	0
Seaside Park	1
Ship Bottom	1
South Toms River	1
Surf City	1
Stafford	4
Toms River	28
Tuckerton	0
* Lacey (corrected from being reported as 5 cases)Total Positive Cases: 200

March 24, 2020

TRENTON, NJ – Governor Phil Murphy today announced the launch of a new online portal to connect New Jersey residents with jobs in critical industries responding to COVID-19. The jobs portal is available here: https://jobs.covid19.nj.gov. Employers in critical industries should submit information about openings with urgent hiring needs related to COVID19 here: https://jobs.covid19.nj.gov/intake. “My Administration’s top priority is helping New Jersey residents and businesses overcome the unprecedented disruptions COVID-19 is causing while staying healthy and safe,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “The jobs portal will give residents who have lost their jobs or seen their hours reduced an opportunity to get back to work while also providing crucial support to the industries that are on the frontlines of fighting this pandemic.”The jobs portal already has more than 12,000 openings and more are being added every day. These openings are in industries that are critical to New Jersey’s COVID-19 response, such as grocery stores, shipping and logistics, healthcare, janitorial services, human services, and warehousing. By connecting workers to these new openings, the tool will allow New Jersey residents to get back to work while increasing these key industries’ capacity to perform their essential duties. “Helping workers who have seen their jobs disappear or had their hours reduced because of COVID-19 is one of our most pressing responsibilities,” said Department of Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo. “The jobs portal is a central component of our efforts to help these New Jersey residents get back to work and connecting them with openings in industries that play a vital role in fighting this virus will contribute to keeping us all healthy and safe.”The State has created a special intake tool for employers seeking to have openings posted on the portal. Employers can access the intake tool directly via https://jobs.covid19.nj.gov/intake. “COVID-19 presents a variety of new challenges for businesses throughout the state, but our employers are stepping up, and we’re doing everything we can to support their efforts to go above and beyond for our safety,” said New Jersey State Chief Innovation Officer Beth Simone Noveck. “Providing an easily-accessible online resource that will help essential businesses fill staffing shortages benefits everyone and contributes to a safe, effective response to the virus”Job openings currently available through the portal are primarily in industries that are central to the State’s COVID-19 response, but going forward the portal will expand to include any businesses that need to tap into New Jersey’s talent resources. “COVID-19 is directly impacting New Jersey’s physical and economic health in ways we have never seen before, but we are up to the challenge,” said New Jersey Economic Development Authority Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “The new jobs portal launched today takes on three of our most pressing challenges at once: putting residents who lost jobs or had hours reduced back to work, supporting businesses that provide crucial services, and ensuring we can all stay safe and healthy through this challenging time.” Additional information about New Jersey’s COVID-19 response is available at https://cv.business.nj.gov.

March 23, 2020

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–On March 19, 2020 Hamilton Detective executed a search warrant of a residential/farm property located on the 3800 block of Crosswicks Hamilton Square Road regarding stolen landscaping equipment being stored at that location. Hamilton Detectives working out of the Major Crimes Section have been working on a major theft ring involving two individuals identified as 39 year old Trenton resident Clint Riley and 24 year old Trenton resident Kevin Cedeno-Ruiz. Detectives have investigated thefts that began occurring early into 2019, which involved stolen landscaping equipment in excess of $380,000. Most of these thefts occurred in Hamilton, although several investigations from this theft ring led detectives into additional jurisdictions.

Detectives determined that arrestees, Clint Riley and Kevin Cedeno-Ruiz conspired together to steal local landscaping equipment from storage yards located throughout Hamilton Township, which was then stored in a pole barn located on the property belonging to Clint Riley on Crosswicks Hamilton Square Road. The stolen property was then sold off to buyers through Facebook Marketplace or though street buyers. The stolen merchandise consisted of large ticket items such as X-Mark, Toro and Bobcat industrial lawnmowers that are priced as high as $30,000. Each. Many of the stolen mowers were then stored at multiple locations on Genesee Street in Trenton and the property located on Crosswicks Hamilton Square Road belonging to Clint Riley.

Many times the stolen merchandise was off loaded from mobile storage trailers and then those trailers were dumped empty at various locations in Hamilton Township. Those trailers also contained smaller items such as weed -whackers, edgers and leaf blowers.

As a result of the warrant execution, Hamilton Detectives are still working to identify additional victims for some of the large ticket items recovered as a result of the search warrant.

The Hamilton Police Division would like to thank detectives Schulte, Inman, MacArthur, Ialacci and T. Clugsten for their investigative work involving this investigation. Additionally, the Hamilton Police Anti- Crime Unit and the Lawrence Police Detective Unit assisted in this investigation.

Hamilton Detectives would like to ask the public to contact our Major Crimes Unit at (609) 581-4009 if believe they have been a victim of these landscape burglary/thefts. A list of the stolen landscaping equipment has been compiled for victim purposes. Serial and model numbers will be essential for recovery of these items.

Anyone with additional information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective Nicholas Schulte at (609) 689-5825 or via email at [email protected] or Detective Daniel Inman at (609) 581-4035 or via email at [email protected] The public can also leave a message on the Hamilton Police Crime Tip Hotline at (609) 581-4008.

Every defendant is presumed innocent until being found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

March 23, 2020

The coronavirus COVID-19 is all over follow the CDC guidelines and official government information.

NJ COVID-19 Information Hub

NJ COVID-19 Dashboard

Johns Hopkins University Tracker reporting 41,708 cases in USA as of 2:55 pm update.

We have 935 new positive #COVID19 cases, bringing our total to 2,844.• Atlantic: 6• Bergen: 609• Burlington: 36• Camden: 33• Cumberland: 1• Cape May: 2• Essex: 273• Gloucester: 13• Hudson: 190• Hunterdon: 18• Mercer: 50• Middlesex: 210• Monmouth: 238• Morris: 177• Ocean: 144• Passaic: 141• Salem: 1• Somerset: 67• Sussex: 15• Union: 189• Warren: 12

• Under Investigation: 419

As of 11:30 AM, COVID-19 statewide stats:• Positive Tests: 2,844

• Deaths: 27

For updates: covid19.nj.gov

Monmouth County has 207 positive cases of COVID-19

FREEHOLD, NJ –Monmouth County Freeholder Director Thomas A. Arnone and Freeholder Deputy Director Susan M. Kiley have announced that, as reported to the Monmouth County Health Department on March 23, there are 207 positive cases of COVID-19 in Monmouth County.

“As we see these numbers climb, while anticipated, it reminds us why social distancing is so important,” said Freeholder Director Thomas A. Arnone. “It is critical for everyone to practice social distancing so that we can slow the spread.”

The breakdown by municipality is as follows:

Aberdeen: 7
Asbury Park: 4
Atlantic Highlands: 1
Belmar: 1
Bradley Beach: 1
Brielle: 2
Colts Neck: 8
Eatontown: 11
Englishtown: 2
Farmingdale: 1
Freehold Borough: 1
Freehold Township: 28
Hazlet: 15
Holmdel: 5
Howell: 17
Keansburg: 2
Keyport: 1
Lake Como: 1
Little Silver: 3
Manalapan: 22
Manasquan: 3
Marlboro: 21
Matawan: 2
Middletown: 7
Millstone: 1
Monmouth Beach: 1
Neptune: 10
Neptune City: 1
Ocean: 4
Oceanport: 4
Ocean Grove: 1
Red Bank: 2
Rumson: 1
Sea Girt: 1
Shrewsbury: 2
Tinton Falls: 4
Wall: 4
Upper Freehold: 4
West Long Branch: 1

The Freeholders also announced that they have been notified that NY Waterway has suspended all ferry service to the Belford Ferry Terminal. More information can be found on nywaterway.com.

Monmouth County Parks remain open, but with no access to any buildings or modern restrooms. Port-a-johns are provided at most locations. Golf courses and playgrounds are closed and all programs are cancelled through at least April 3. As always, Park Rangers are on duty to provide assistance as needed.

As more information becomes available, it will be shared with the public and the media. News updates and information regarding County events and programs affected by the COVID-19 situation are posted at www.visitmonmouth.com.

Monmouth 288 positive cases of CORONA-19 waiting for today’s town list to be released.

Hamilton Township Reports New Case of COVID-19

Hamilton, NJ –The Communicable Disease Reporting and Surveillance System (CDRSS) alerted the Hamilton Township Health Department that we have one (1) new positive COVID-19 case, bringing the total cases to six (6) in town. Three out of the six patients are hospitalized while the other three are self-isolating at home. The new positive case is a 58-year-old female.

The Hamilton Township Ecological Facility reopened to Hamilton Township residents this morning. Until further notice, residents may drop off household recycling and brush ONLY. At this time, contractors will not be allowed to enter the Facility. Upon arrival, a form of identification will be required. This policy will be strictly enforced.

Effective Tuesday, March 24^th all playground equipment and dog parks will be closed to the public. We ask that residents please cooperate with physical distancing guidelines. We know that staying at home and limited physical interaction is difficult, but is a critical part in doing everything we can now to flatten the curve to keep people safe and save lives. We know that COVID-19 can have very serious consequences for our vulnerable populations, especially our seniors, and ask that you keep them in mind in the coming days and weeks. We will get through this together and we will be stronger for it.

For general questions about COVID-19 please dial 2-1-1, text “NJCOVID” to 898-211, or visit covid19.nj.gov.

Due to COVID-19 precautions Hamilton Township Dog Parks and Playground Equipment are closed and in the process of being taped off with caution tape and signs will be placed. Photos by: Dennis Symons, Jr.

Township Facilities Update

HAMILTON– Effective Tuesday, March 24^th the following Township Facilities will be closed to the public:

* All Playground Equipment
* Dog Parks

We ask that residents please cooperate with physical distancing guidelines. We know that staying at home and limited physical interaction is difficult, but is a critical part in doing everything we can now to flatten the curve to keep people safe and save lives. We know that COVID-19 can have very serious consequences for our vulnerable populations, especially our seniors, and ask that you keep them in mind in the coming days and weeks. We will get through this together and we will be stronger for it.

Covid-19 Total Cases (149) In Ocean County:

Total as of Monday 3/23/2020 at 2:00pm

Town Name	Number of Cases
Barnegat	3
Barnegat Light	0
Bay Head	1
Beach Haven	0
Beachwood	0
Berkeley	3
Brick	5
Eagleswood	0
Harvey Cedars	0
Island Heights	0
Jackson	18
Lacey	4 *
Lakehurst	0
Lakewood	69
Lavallette	0
Little Egg Harbor	2
Long Beach Township	2
Manchester	6
Mantoloking	0
Ocean Gate	0
Ocean Twp. (Waretown)	0
Pine Beach	0
Plumsted	1
Point Pleasant Beach	0
Point Pleasant Borough	7
Seaside Heights	0
Seaside Park	1
Ship Bottom	1
South Toms River	0
Surf City	1
Stafford	4
Toms River	21
Tuckerton	0
* Lacey (corrected from being reported as 5 cases)Total Positive Cases: 149

March 23, 2020

NEWARK – Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal and Department of Health Commissioner Judith M. Persichilli announced today their Departments have issued guidance to thousands of health care professionals statewide on how to safely evaluate patients who may have COVID-19 and to care for patients who have COVID-19 in an outpatient office setting.Doctors, nurses, physician assistants, and respiratory care therapists are advised to follow best practices set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Department of Health when treating patients for COVID-19-related concerns or symptoms.Those practices include using telephone consults to triage patients prior to scheduling office vis-its, wearing appropriate personal protective equipment when evaluating symptomatic patients during in-person visits, and maximizing the delivery of health care services through telemedicine and other alternative methods.“As gatekeepers to the health care system, office-based health care professionals are vital to re-sponding to the threat posed by COVID-19 and helping to flatten the curve of infections,” said Attorney General Grewal. “By providing guidance to New Jersey practitioners, we are acting to ensure they follow best practices for evaluating and treating patients during this worldwide pan-demic.”“It is essential that practitioners are mindful of the critical need to avoid overwhelming the health care system by recommending inappropriate referrals or testing,” said State Health Commissioner Persichilli. “Practitioners’ clinical judgement will be of the greatest value to patients and will help to best conserve our health resources at this critical time.” The guidance was developed by the Communicable Disease Service within the Department of Health and the Division of Consumer Affairs within the Department of Law & Public Safety.In guidance emailed to all health care professionals licensed by the Division’s Board Medical Examiners, Board of Nursing, and Board of Respiratory Care, practitioners received information on the types and availability of tests that look for the COVID-19 virus.They were also provided with step-by-step guidance on how to address concerns of asympto-matic patients, how to assess the severity of symptomatic patients, and how to determine treat-ment based on those assessments, in accordance with CDC best practices.“Our health care professionals are facing new and unfamiliar challenges every day as they seek to evaluate and treat their patients, while minimizing the risk of exposure to themselves, their colleagues and staff, and their other patients,” said Paul R. Rodríguez, Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs. “The Division and its professional boards are working to provide guidance and support to those on the front lines of this pandemic response in every way that we can.”The learn more about what the Division is doing to help consumers and licensees stay safe amid the COVID-19 emergency, visit the Division’s Covid-19 Resources Page at

https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/COVID19/Pages/default.aspx.

Guidance: https://www.nj.gov/oag/newsreleases20/COVID-19-Outpatient-Provider-Guidance.pdf

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

March 22, 2020

ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Please see post from Robbinsville’s Mayor Dave Fried reposed from Facebook.

As we move into the second week of these unprecedented and unpredictable times, Robbinsville Township is doing everything possible to anticipate your needs.With the status of employment and everyday necessities changing daily, please know we have a wealth of volunteers at the ready to help. Township government is functioning very well despite closing its physical doors to the public, and we will continue to provide our basic services via other means, including drop boxes/bins, telecommunications and online tools.We want people out there exercising – walking, biking and fishing. However, we must reiterate the importance of speaking to your children about proper social distancing. We have received several discouraging reports of our young people outside engaging in various recreational and social activities while not conforming to the new global guidelines on social distancing. Please, if your kids are out and about playing with one or more children, ask them to be smart. Understandably, as the weeks move forward and the weather gets warmer, enforcing and reinforcing these new social interaction rules will become increasingly difficult. I want to keep our parks open (although the playgrounds are closed), so please work with us. It is imperative to the health and safety of our entire community … and beyond.We absolutely understand the unprecedented stress and frustration these events have caused.Please share and be kind to your neighbors, and try to count to five before answering anyone you disagree with either in person, or online.The Township – as well as Mercer County – are very low on masks for first responders as well as COVID-19 test kits for the public. This has been very frustrating for us in government, but we are working every hour of the day to help improve each of those situations. I hope and pray we have learned some very valuable lessons from this and will never cede the manufacturing of our most important healthcare items to other countries ever again. I will be speaking out about this more and more.We can’t emphasize this part enough: Our staff cares deeply about your well-being, and we want to do all we can to partner with you. Let us know what you or family may need and we will do our very best to help.Email us at [email protected] and we will try to help as quickly as we possibly can.Through adversity can emerge abundance. Join me in believing in the art of what is possible.This too shall pass. Thank you for your support and continued advocacy. Stay safe and continue looking out for your family and friends as we work through these daunting challenges together.

Last if you feel these messages are helpful please drop a like or a keep them coming. If there things I could ass to make them more helpful let me know.

God bless you all.

March 22, 2020 — Tracker numbers updated as of 4:25 pm 3/22/2020

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Govenor Phil Murphy announced that NJ currently has 1,914 cases of COVID-19 in the state.

Nationally the Coronavirus COVID-19 Dashboard is currently reporting a total of 32,346* cases in the United States of America. Click link for current statistics. **Adjusted numbers after a higher number was reported earlier the final number for day they will report at midnight.

John Hopkins University Tracker is reporting 32,057 cases in the United States.

We have 590 new positive #COVID19 cases, bringing our total to 1,914.• Atlantic: 5• Bergen: 457• Burlington: 26• Camden: 22• Cumberland: 1• Cape May: 2• Essex: 172• Gloucester: 8• Hudson: 126• Hunterdon: 16• Mercer: 40• Middlesex: 147• Monmouth: 158• Morris: 119• Ocean: 102• Passaic: 95• Salem: 1• Somerset: 51• Sussex: 12• Union: 124• Warren: 9

• Under Investigation: 211

As of 1:30 PM, #COVID19 statewide stats:• Positive Tests: 1,914

• Deaths: 20

For updates: covid19.nj.gov

March 21, 2020

ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–A pick up truck driver is lucky to be alive tonight, his after vehicle lost control crashing into the woods, then burst into flames.

The Robbinsville Township Fire Department was dispatched to a vehicle fire on I-195 West Bound between Exits 7 and 8 on March 21, 2020 at 9:19 pm. Robbinsville Township Police and NJ State Police arrived and found a pickup truck had run off the roadway, into the woods and was well involved in fire. The police found the driver in the vicinity and was reported over the radio as ok but was later transported to RWJ at Hamilton Hospital for treatment. Hamilton Township Fire Department Station 19 was called to the scene and provided additional assistance.

No further information was available at the time of this report.

March 21, 2020

Nationally we are closing in on 25,000 cases and currently stand at 24,148. at the 4:13 pm update of the John Hopkins University tracker. As expected with increased testing the number will go higher quickly with confirmed cases. John Hopkins University Tracker Here

In New Jersey specific here is what we have:

We have 442 new positive #COVID19 cases, bringing our total to 1,327.• Atlantic: 4• Bergen: 363• Burlington: 21• Camden: 15• Cumberland: 1• Cape May: 2• Essex: 107• Gloucester: 6• Hudson: 97• Hunterdon: 14• Mercer: 30• Middlesex: 116• Monmouth: 92• Morris: 64• Ocean: 62• Passaic: 67• Somerset: 34• Sussex: 6• Union: 81• Warren: 5

• Under Investigation: 140

As of 12:30 PM, COVID-19 statewide stats:• Positive Tests: 1,327

• Deaths: 16

For updates: covid19.nj.gov

March 21, 2020

Hamilton, NJ –The Communicable Disease Reporting and Surveillance System (CDRSS) alerted the Hamilton Township Health Department that we have two (2) new positive COVID-19 cases, bringing the total cases to five (5) in town. Two out of the five patients are hospitalized while the other three are self-isolating at home. Additionally, the Communicable Disease Reporting and Surveillance System (CDRSS) has ceased reporting of pending cases. The new positive cases are a 48-year-old female and a 30-year-old male.

While many members of the public have questioned where the individuals who have tested positive work and locations they have frequented, this information is protected by confidentiality laws (HIPAA) and prevent the Township from releasing certain details to the public. Please know that our Health Department has been diligently working to conduct comprehensive investigations for each positive case. Anyone who was in close or direct contact with the individuals who have tested positive is contacted by the Health Department to inform them that they have been in contact with an individual who has tested positive for COVID-19.

In an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19, Governor Murphy today signed Executive Order No. 107, directing all residents to stay home until further notice. We know that staying at home and limited physical interaction is difficult, but is a critical part in doing everything we can now to flatten the curve to keep people safe and save lives. We know that COVID-19 can have very serious consequences for our vulnerable populations, especially our seniors, and ask that you keep them in mind in the coming days and weeks. We will get through this together and we will be stronger for it.

For general questions about COVID-19 please dial 2-1-1, text “NJCOVID” to 898-211, or visit covid19.nj.gov.

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March 21, 2020

NEWARK –Governor Phil Murphy today announced the launch of the New Jersey COVID-19 Information Hub, a new, visitor-friendly website available at covid19.nj.gov. The New Jersey COVID-19 Information Hub provides New Jerseyans with the most up-to-date information about COVID-19 and the State’s response, including information about services such as food assistance and small business assistance.
“We want to make it easier for New Jersey residents to access the critical resources they need as the State responds to COVID-19,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “This innovative new site, equipped with expert knowledge and vital information, is an essential resource for New Jerseyans during this time.”The New Jersey Office of Innovation, the New Jersey Department of Health, the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, and other state agencies have partnered with Yext, which has volunteered its time and resources to help build the website, and the Federation of American Scientists’ “Ask a Scientist” project, which sources hundreds of scientific experts to address general questions about COVID-19.“This user-friendly website allows the public to find information by topic, such as COVID-19 illness, employment benefits, education resources, and much more,” said New Jersey Department of Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli. “This website reflects the whole-of government response that Governor Murphy is leading.””The site is fully searchable, and allows the public to submit their questions about COVID-19 and get a reliable response,” said Beth Simone Noveck, the State of New Jersey’s Chief Innovation Officer. “At a time when access to accurate and fast-changing information is of utmost importance, we’re pleased to provide this service to the people of New Jersey.”The New Jersey COVID-19 Information Hub includes a COVID-19 Symptom Checker, so New Jerseyans can receive tailored advice depending on their symptoms, including information about testing. It will also increase the State’s ability to analyze the spread of COVID-19.The New Jersey COVID-19 Information Hub is accessible via mobile phone and for those with disabilities. All the content is easily searchable via Google and other search engines so the information can be found widely and consistently.Visit the New Jersey COVID-19 Information Hub at https://covid19.nj.gov.

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Order Also Prohibits All Social Gatherings, Mandates Work From Home Arrangements for Employees When Possible, and Invalidates Any Conflicting Local and County Regulations

March 21, 2020

NEWARK – To mitigate the impact of COVID-19 and protect the capacity of New Jersey’s health care system for the state’s most vulnerable, Governor Phil Murphy today signed Executive Order No. 107, directing all residents to stay at home until further notice. The order provides for certain exceptions, such as obtaining essential goods or services, seeking medical attention, visiting family or close friends, reporting to work, or engaging in outdoor activities. “From day one, we’ve made a commitment to be guided by the facts and take any action necessary to protect the health and safety of New Jersey’s nine million residents,” said Governor Murphy. “We know the virus spreads through person-to person contact, and the best way to prevent further exposure is to limit our public interactions to only the most essential purposes. This is a time for us all to come together in one mission to ‘flatten the curve’ and slow – and eventually halt – the spread of coronavirus.”In effort to strengthen the existing social distancing measures in place, the order also prohibits all gatherings of individuals, such as parties, celebrations, or other social events, unless otherwise authorized by the Order. When in public, individuals must practice social distancing and stay at least six feet apart whenever possible, excluding immediate family members, caretakers, household members, or romantic partners.Governor Murphy’s Executive Order further directs the closure of all non-essential retail businesses to the public, with the exceptions of:

Grocery stores, farmer’s markets and farms that sell directly to customers, and other food stores, including retailers that offer a varied assortment of foods comparable to what exists at a grocery store;
Pharmacies and medical marijuana dispensaries;
Medical supply stores;
Gas stations;
Convenience stores;
Ancillary stores within healthcare facilities;
Hardware and home improvement stores;
Banks and other financial institutions;
Laundromats and dry-cleaning services;
Stores that principally sell supplies for children under five years;
Pet stores;
Liquor stores;
Car dealerships, but only for auto maintenance and repair, and auto mechanics;
Printing and office supply shops;
Mail and delivery stores.

Nothing in the Order shall limit 1) the provision of health care or medical services; 2) access to essential services for low-income residents, such as food banks; 3) the operations of the media; 4) law enforcement agencies, or 5) the operations of the federal government.Additionally, the order mandates that all businesses or non-profits, wherever practicable, must accommodate their workforce for telework or work-from-home arrangements. To the extent a business or non-profit has employees that cannot perform their functions via telework or work-from-home arrangements, the business or non-profit should make best efforts to reduce staff on site to the minimal number necessary to ensure that essential operations can continue. Examples of employees who need to be present at their work site in order to perform their job duties include, but are not limited to, law enforcement officers, fire fighters, other first responders, cashiers or store clerks, construction workers, utility workers, repair workers, warehouse workers, lab researchers, IT maintenance workers, janitorial and custodial staff, and certain administrative staff.The Order continues existing bans on recreational and entertainment businesses, requirements that all restaurants operate by delivery and takeout only, and the directive that all pre-K, elementary, and secondary schools close and all institutions of higher education cease in-person instruction.Governor Murphy also signed Executive Order No. 108, which invalidates any county or municipal restriction that in any way will or might conflict with any of the provisions of Executive Order No. 107. Municipalities or counties cannot 1) make any additions to or deletions from the list of essential retail businesses; 2) impose any additional limitations on businesses beyond the Governor’s Order; 3) impose any additional density or social distancing requirements; or 4) impose any additional restrictions on freedom of movement. The only exceptions are two categories over which municipalities or counties may impose any additional restrictions: 1) online marketplaces for arranging or offering lodging and 2) municipal or county parks.All additional county and municipality restrictions, subject to the provisions above, are not only invalidated, but, going forward, municipalities or counties may not enact or enforce any rule or ordinance which will or might conflict with any of the provisions of Executive Order No. 107.For a copy of Executive Order No. 107, click here.For a copy of Executive Order No. 108, click here.The orders shall take effect on Saturday, March 21 at 9:00 p.m.

March 20, 2020

Robbinsville, NJ – (March 20, 2020) – The Robbinsville Township Office of Emergency Management and the West Windsor Health Department are announcing the first case of COVID-19 (coronavirus) in a Robbinsville resident.

The health department received notification of the test results on the evening of March 20 and has notified close contacts of this individual residing in town. The health investigation is ongoing, and contacts outside the jurisdiction also are being notified by public health officials. The patient has mild symptoms and has been self-isolating at home. Individuals who came in close contact are being informed to take preventative measures to stop further spread of the virus. Close contacts is defined as those persons in the community who had prolonged or close personal interaction with a positive COVID-19 case. Persons identified as close contacts must remain home for 14 days following exposure and self-monitor for symptoms. Public health officials will monitor these persons via telephone.

As we continue to see more cases identified throughout New Jersey, the public is reminded of the importance of adhering to social distancing precautions. This will help slow the spread of illness. Please follow public health preventative practices every day. Stay home when you are ill and avoid others with symptoms. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol. Cover your coughs and sneezes using a tissue or sleeve. Disinfect frequently touched surfaces often. If you become ill, call the doctor or hospital and wear a mask, if available.

Mayor Dave Fried and Health Officer Jill Swanson strongly encourage the public to reach out to family members and neighbors at highest risk for COVID-19 illness. The elderly and people of all ages with underlying medical conditions are the most vulnerable to serious health outcomes. Please identify the people in your life who are at-risk and take immediate steps to help them remain in their homes and away from crowded stores and venues. Check-in by telephone on a regular basis to ensure that they have adequate supplies and remain healthy. Working together, we can help lessen the impact of this outbreak in the community by doing our part to flatten the curve.

For more information, visit the West Windsor Township website at www.westwindsornj.org, the New Jersey Department of Health website at www.nj.gov/health, or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov.

March 20, 2020

We have 155 new positive #COVID19 cases, bringing our total to 890.• Atlantic: 3• Bergen: 249• Burlington: 17• Camden: 11 • Cape May: 1• Cumberland: 1• Essex: 73• Gloucester: 3• Hudson: 66• Hunterdon: 11• Mercer: 22• Middlesex: 76• Monmouth: 53• Morris: 35• Ocean: 49• Passaic: 49• Somerset: 28 • Sussex: 3• Union: 43• Warren: 3

• Under Investigation: 98

As of 11:30 AM, #COVID19 statewide stats:• Positive Tests: 890

• Deaths: 11

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March 20, 2020

ROBBINSVILLE TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Hankins Road is closed due to a motor vehicle accident where a car struck a utility pole. The Road is closed between Woodland Drive, East Windsor Township and South Lane West Windsor Township. The accident is reported in front of 121 Hankins Road.

Be prepared for the road to be closed for an extended time until the utility pole can be replaced.

The Robbinsville Township Police Department is on scene and the East Windsor Fire Company and Robbinsville Township Fire Departments responded to the scene.

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March 20, 2020

ALLENTOWN, NJ (MONMOUTH)–See letter sent out to families of Upper Freehold Regional School District:

March 20, 2020Dear UFRSD Family,I hope this letter finds you well. It is remarkable to think about how different things are in sucha short amount of time. In these times, we are seeing our schools, our staff, our students, ourcommunity, our state and country rise up to battle this moment in our history. I continue to beproud of the work that everyone is doing to make this moment meaningful for kids. We are all a partof this team of Redbirds, and I couldn’t be prouder of the entire UFRSD community.As you may remember, the UFRSD and Millstone Township School District made the decision last weekto close our schools through March 27, 2020. We made this decision to support the recommendation ofsocial distancing to help slow the spread of the Covid-19 (coronavirus) virus. This past week, theGovernor closed all schools in New Jersey “until further notice.” All indications point to a muchlonger closure for our schools. Therefore, Dr. Huss and I made the decision to close schoolsthrough spring break. Spring break begins on Thursday, April 9th (early dismissal schedule) and hasour schools reopening on Monday, April 20, 2020. There will be no remote learning during the weekof spring break (April 10 – April 19), because, more than ever, we recognize the real need for amental break this year..We are fully aware that this date may need to continue to be adjusted. We will monitor allinformation and continually consult with the Department of Health and the Department of Educationto determine if the April 20th date is a realistic one.I am an eternal optimist, and I know we will get through this challenging time together. We havealways been a great district, and this extraordinary community just continues to show how amazingpeople do amazing things.Stay healthy, and I will continue to look forward to our return to school at some point in thefuture. I miss everyone.My best,Mark GuterlMark Guterl

Superintendent of Schools

March 20, 2020

TRENTON – As part of a coordinated regional effort to combat COVID-19, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont, and Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf today urged the federal government to consider a fiscal stimulus in the form of a direct cash assistance program to provide an immediate financial infusion to all four states to help cover costs related to COVID-19 response operations. The four governors – whose states collectively represent 16 percent of the United States economy – made the request in a letter issued to President Trump, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy.The Governors emphasized that the financial impact of the aggressive mitigation efforts implemented this week will result in billions of dollars in lost revenue and unprecedented budgetary hardships without direct federal intervention. The letter estimates that for the four states alone, the direct cash assistance must total at least $100 billion to account for the fiscal challenges ahead of state budget deadlines.‘We owe an enormous debt to the relief efforts and resources that our federal partners have already provided,” wrote Governors Murphy, Cuomo, Lamont, and Wolf. “But our challenges are expanding daily and just beginning. Our states have all stepped up to take unprecedented action to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and do all we can to flatten the curve. We implore you to consider the devastating impact these efforts will have on our states – and millions of our residents – both in the immediate term and the months to come.”A copy of the coalition’s letter can be found here.

March 20, 2020

WEST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–West Windsor Health Department is reporting 3 additional cases of COVID-19, bringing the Township’s total to 4 residents. Public health investigations are actively underway and potential contacts will be notified. Our investigations have found that a symptomatic person positive for the illness attended a local gym. The facility has been notified by the Lawrence Township Health Department and management is in the process of contacting the membership directly. The individual attended the New Jersey Athletic Club located at 4152 Quakerbridge Road, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648 between the hours of 4 pm and 7:30 pm on March 9th, 11th, and 12th .

The purpose of this notification is to increase awareness to potential contacts, to encourage selfmonitoring for symptoms and isolation from those most at risk to serious health outcomes. This report reinforces the importance for those with underlying health conditions, pregnant women and the elderly to stay at home. As more cases are observed in New Jersey, we are urging all people to practice social distancing.

The public is advised to practice social distancing, avoid crowds and take every day preventative steps to protect themselves and others. It is very important to stay home when you are ill and avoid others with symptoms. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Cover your coughs and sneezes using a tissue or sleeve. If you become ill, you must call the doctor or hospital before you go. Wear a mask, if available.

Everyone and every organization must do their part to help prevent the spread of this virus. Working together as a team we can help lessen the impact of this outbreak on our local community.

For more information, visit the West Windsor Township website at http://www.westwindsornj.org or the New Jersey Department of Health website at http://www.nj.gov/health or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at http://www.cdc.gov .

March 20, 2020

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Hamilton Township Police have put a notice out to remind people of potential scams in relation the COVID-19 situation.

The Center of Disease Control, CDC is not going door to door testing people, be aware of e-mail and phone call scams, do not give personal information, the government will not be calling you about your personal relief check for $1,000 and they do not need your bank account number or anything related. Do not allow strangers in your home unless they have official ID and if you are unsure notify the police department right away.

This is similar advice as given per Robbinsville Township Police when it was reported that around March 9, 2020 someone was going door to door posing as the CDC. See previous article here

Don’t forget report any suspicious activity to the police department right away do not wait.

March 20, 2020

TRENTON – To ensure that individuals who are uninsured have access to testing for COVID-19, the Murphy Administration today required hospitals and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) to waive patient fees for testing and related diagnostic services for those who lack health insurance.In communication to the New Jersey Hospital Association and the New Jersey Primary Care Association, which includes 23 FQHCs with more than 120 satellite locations, New Jersey Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli said that the cost for testing and diagnosis should not be a barrier for any of New Jersey’s residents.

“Every single New Jerseyan with symptoms must have access to COVID-19 testing if we are going to end this crisis,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “Waiving testing fees for the uninsured is a critical step in allowing us to prevent more New Jerseyans from being infected and to identify those who already have been infected so they can get the care they need.”

“In order to remove barriers to testing for COVID-19, the Department of Health is issuing guidance today to hospitals and FQHCS to provide testing for COVID-19 to any resident of New Jersey who is not currently insured and who is not eligible for Medicaid. The hospitals and the FQHCs should instead charge the State for these costs through existing Charity Care programs” said Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli.
In the memo to the New Jersey Hospital Association, Commissioner Persichilli said hospitals will be able to submit claims for reimbursement to the charity care program, which provides subsidies to hospitals for care they provide to the uninsured. The FQHCs will be able to submit claims to the Uncompensated Care Fund. ADVERTISEMENT: SAVE 20% ON CBD PRODUCTS FOR YOU AND YOUR PETS at Buy CBD Online – CBD Oil, Gummies, Vapes. Use coupon code dennis during checkout. ADVERTISEMENT: SAVE 20% ON CBD PRODUCTS FOR YOU AND YOUR PETS CLICK HERE at Buy CBD Online – CBD Oil, Gummies, Vapes. Use coupon code dennis during checkout.

Trenton Investigates and Finds Large Sewer Leak Behind Luther Towers – MidJersey.News

November 28, 2021 maximios News

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November 28, 2021

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–After a tip last night on Trenton Orbit Facebook Group, the City of Trenton Sewer Department was investigating a reported large sewage leak on West State Street.

Mayor Reed Gusciora was seen with the Trenton Sewer Department working to locate the reported large sewage leak on West State Street this morning. After the investigation it was determined that the leak was behind the Luther Towers at 489 West State Street. The Mayor reports that Luther Towers was notified as well as the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

In a Facebook statement Mayor Reed Gusciora said:

“Hope you are still enjoying your holiday weekend. I ventured out to the woods behind Luther Towers on West State Street. Appears to be a sewage break that caused a spill. We have notified NJDEP and I was out with Trenton’s Sewage Authority to inspect. We also notified Luther Towers of their responsibilities. If anyone needs to report any sewage issues, please call us at 609-989-3180 or after hours, 609-989-4000. We are hear to serve. Thanks to the person(s) who reported the matter to us. God bless.”

Trenton Investigates and Finds Large Sewer Leak Behind Luther Towers – MidJersey.News

November 28, 2021 maximios News

November 28, 2021

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–After a tip last night on Trenton Orbit Facebook Group, the City of Trenton Sewer Department was investigating a reported large sewage leak on West State Street.

In a Facebook statement Mayor Reed Gusciora said:

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