This site uses cookies. By continuing, you agree to their use. Learn more, including how to control cookies.
August 12, 2020
BRICK TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County First Assistant Prosecutor Michael T. Nolan, Jr. announced that Patrick Fasano, 31, and Maria Fasano, 27, both of Brick Township, have been charged with Operating a Controlled Dangerous Substance Production Facility in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-4; Possession of Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) with Intent to Distribute in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5b(4); Possession of less than One-Half Ounce of Psilocybin Mushrooms with Intent to Distribute in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5b(5); Possession of DMT in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(1); Possession of Psilocybin Mushrooms in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(1); Possession of less than 50 Grams of Marijuana in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(4); Possession of Drug Paraphernalia in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:36-2; Possession of a Firearm While in the Course of Committing a Controlled Dangerous Substance Offense in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4.1a; and Maintaining and Occupying a Fortified Structure in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-4.1c.
The United States Department of Homeland Security alerted the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force that a parcel had been intercepted entering the United States from the Netherlands, which was addressed to Patrick Fasano at a Brick Township address. The parcel contained approximately 920 grams of DMT, a Schedule I Narcotic known to produce hallucinogenic effects. An undercover Ocean County Narcotics Strike Force Detective delivered the package to Maria Fasano at that residence, and she accepted delivery of the package. On August 11, 2020, Detectives executed a search warrant on the subject residence, which resulted in the seizure of quantities of DMT, Psilocybin Mushrooms, and Marijuana. They also seized numerous firearms, ammunition, and approximately $1900 in cash. Additionally, Detectives located numerous items suggestive of maintaining a Controlled Dangerous Substance Production Facility, and further observed the residence to have an exterior mounted surveillance camera system indicative of a warning mechanism against potential law enforcement entry. Patrick and Maria Fasano were transported to Brick Township Police Headquarters to be processed and are currently lodged in the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.
First Assistant Prosecutor Nolan extends his gratitude to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, United States Department of Homeland Security, and Brick Township Police Department for their cooperative assistance in this investigation leading to these arrests.
The press and public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Patrick Fasano, 31, and Maria Fasano, 27, both of Brick Township, have been charged with Operating a Controlled Dangerous Substance Production Facility
This site uses cookies. By continuing, you agree to their use. Learn more, including how to control cookies.
June 18, 2020
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Governor Phil Murphy has announced that indoor malls can reopen on June 29, 2020. Once executive order is posted later will update the story see details released so far below:
NEW: Indoor portions of retail shopping malls may REOPEN on 6/29:
Masks required to be worn
All stores limited to 50% capacity
Restaurants may provide take-out or outdoor dining
Food court seating and common seating areas remain closed
Theaters and arcades remain closed
This site uses cookies. By continuing, you agree to their use. Learn more, including how to control cookies.
June 6, 2020
ALLENTOWN-UPPER FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH)–This evening a Senior Class Car Procession was held from 5 to 7 pm to celebrate the Allentown High School Class of 2020. Tonight would have been Allentown’s Prom but since the covid-19 pandemic that was canceled.
The Seniors were be led by the New Jersey State police, DJ Nebbs Entertainment and Hope Fire Company also assisted with traffic control around the township.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–At 12:50 a.m. Trenton EMS, Trenton Police, Fire and Capital Paramedics responded to the area of 550 Lamberton Street for a report of a female shot in the head. Police arrived on scene and secured the scene. EMS arrived and treated the injured person. TEMS and Capital Paramedics were transporting to the Trauma Center at Capital Health Regional Medical Center at 1:00 a.m. a “Trauma Alert” was called. Trenton Police Department Shooting Response Team was on scene at the time of this report and investigating. No further information is available at this time.
There have been 8 murders in the City of Trenton in October so far with a total of 32 for the year 2021.
This is a breaking news story once official information becomes available the story will be updated.
file photos
MidJersey.News stories on recent gun violence in Trenton:
This site uses cookies. By continuing, you agree to their use. Learn more, including how to control cookies.
October 17, 2021
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–On October 16, 2021, Hamilton Police were conducting an investigation in the area of Groveville / Allentown Road, regarding ongoing reports of numerous loud explosions in the area. At approximately 6:30 PM, the Hamilton Police Anti- Crime Unit witnessed and stopped a vehicle occupied by a male suspect that detonated an explosive device on Groveville Allentown Road. A motor vehicle stop was conducted a short distance from the explosion site and the suspect, 47 year old Hamilton resident, Branton B. Meshofski, was arrested.
The New Jersey State Police Bomb Unit responded and rendered the area safe.
Branton B. Meshofski was charged with several counts of 2nd degree Possession of an Explosive Device and 2nd degree Possession of a Destructive Device. Mr. Meshofski was transported to the Mercer County Correctional Facility and is awaiting arraignment for these charges.
Detectives from the Mercer County Prosecutors Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation also assisted with this Investigation.
Hamilton Police are asking the public if anyone has additional information concerning this incident to contact Hamilton Detective Daniel Inman of the Criminal Investigations Section at (609) 581-4035 or via email at [email protected] or 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.
Branton B. Meshofski, 47, Hamilton Township Branton B. Meshofski was charged with several counts of 2nd degree Possession of an Explosive Device and 2nd degree Possession of a Destructive Device. Mr. Meshofski was transported to the Mercer County Correctional Facility and is awaiting arraignment for these charges.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Trenton Police, Trenton EMS, Fire, and Capital Health Paramedics were dispatched to 900 Block of Brunswick Avenue near Olden at 3:26 a.m. for a shooting. EMS arrived on scene and raced the victim to the trauma center only two blocks away but the person was pronounced dead a short time later. Trenton Police and the Mercer County Homicide Taskforce are on scene investigating this morning.
October has been Trenton’s bloodiest month in 2021 with eight murders so far after this morning’s drive by shooting.
This is a breaking news story and once more information becomes available the story will be updated.
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
8/30/2021 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 Shooting
10/29/2021 Shooting
10/30/2021 Shooting
*Updated to reflect the person who died in 2021 from complications from a shooting on May 14, 2018 as per medical examiner report.
This site uses cookies. By continuing, you agree to their use. Learn more, including how to control cookies.
October 26, 2021
TOMS RIVER, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer and Ocean Township Police Chief Michael Rogalski announced that on October 25, 2021, the Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled that Megan Campana, 42, of Seaside Heights, whose body was found in Waretown on June 4, 2021, died of natural causes.
On June 4, 2021, the Ocean Township Police Department received a report of an unresponsive female located in a wooded area of the Barnegat Branch Rail Trail near County Line Road in Waretown; responding Officers located the body of a deceased female. On June 5, 2021, the Ocean County Medical Examiner positively identified the body as that of Ms. Campana. On October 25, 2021, the Ocean County Medical Examiner released the results of a forensic toxicology report issued in connection with the post-mortem examination performed on Ms. Campana. The Medical Examiner ruled the manner of Ms. Campana’s death to be from natural causes.
Prosecutor Billhimer and Chief Rogalski acknowledge the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Ocean Township Police Department Detective Bureau and Patrol Division, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office, for their collective assistance relative to this investigation.
Suspicious Death Being Investigated In Ocean Township
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Tradition is that every summer after the Stanley Cup Finals the winning team gets the cup for a tour for around 100 days a year in the off season. Robbinsville’s Ross Colton was the first team member of the Tampa Bay Lightning to tour with the cup for the day. Ross spend the morning in Hamilton at Ice-Land Skating Center and then Robbinsville Township in the afternoon.
Ross Colton grew up in Robbinsville and played hockey locally for Mercer Chiefs at Ice-Land and Princeton Day School before being drafted into the NHL with the Tampa Bay Lightning and was in his rookie year when he scored the only goal in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals clinching the cup for Tampa Bay.
Photos from today’s events:
Ross Colton hoisting the cup in Robbinsville at the Town Center Gazebo
Jeff Sagnip Communications Director from Rep. Chris Smith’s officer presents a certificate from Rep. Smith
Ross Colton with Robbinsville Township firefighters in front of Squad 40.
(Ed Note: Some Robbinsville firefighters share a ticket plan for the NJ Devils a number of years ago and when I could not make a Devils/Rangers game for work or another reason, I gave the tickets to a friend of Ross (a NJ Devils fan back then) and went with Richie S. that was a Ranger fan and was prior to him going to PDS since I remember asking him if he was playing for Robbinsville at that point and said PDS– prior to MidJersey.news I used to take a lot of hockey photos for local papers and that’s how it worked out. Section 1 Row 19 Seats 1 & 2 on 3-19-13) So 8 years later here he is in front of our Squad
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–The Robbinsville Township Police Department received 9-1-1 calls reporting a crash in the 1300 Block of Old York at 6:31 p.m. The Robbinsville Police Department, Robbinsville Fire Department and EMS responded to the scene of the head on crash. Robbinsville EMS and firefighters treated the injured on scene and requested an additional ambulance from Allentown for assistance. Two people were transported to local hospitals with non-life-threating injuries.
The Robbinsville Township Police Department temporarily closed the roadway between New Street and Herbert Road in the New Sharon section of town.
The Robbinsville Township Police Department is investigating the crash.
Charges Include Murder of 32-Year-Old Man, Attempted Murder of Police Officer
June 16, 2020
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal today announced first-degree criminal charges against 16 alleged members and associates of the “Get Money Boys” or “GMB,” a violent street gang linked to multiple shootings, including the December 2019 murder of Michael Barnes, a 32-year-old Trenton man, and the February 2020 attempted murder of a police officer. Fifteen GMB members and associates, including its alleged leader, Charles Willis, 27, are charged with first-degree racketeering, and 10 GMB members, including Willis, are charged with either murder, attempted murder, or conspiracy to commit murder. As alleged in court documents, Willis and GMB engaged in violent criminal conduct in furtherance of their heroin and cocaine distribution activities in the area of the Oakland Street Apartments in Trenton. GMB Members have been charged in connection with the following shootings:
Sept. 17, 2019 Shooting. Shaiquan Hearns, 21, is charged with attempted murder for allegedly shooting a man in the leg in the early morning hours of Sept. 17, 2019 on Lamberton Street in Trenton.
Dec. 27, 2019 Murder of Michael Barnes. Michael Barnes, 32, was shot in the face on Commonwealth Avenue in Trenton on the night of Dec. 27. Davion Fenderson, 25, is charged with the murder, and Willis, Hearns, Bobby Hood, 28, and Jayshawn Fisher, 26, are charged with conspiracy to commit murder.
Feb. 12, 2020 Shooting of Civilians and Attempted Murder of Police Officer. On Feb. 12, GMB members allegedly shot at two men, causing them to crash their car. When a police officer pursued the GMB members, they allegedly fired at him. He was not hit. Hearns, Dion Battle, 28, and Yahonatan Salter, 28 were charged on Feb. 12 with attempted murder in the shooting involving the officer. Those men and Willis are now charged with attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder in the shooting involving the two civilian victims.
May 1, 2020 Shooting. On the night of May 1, 2020, five GMB members allegedly opened fire on a group of individuals on Sanhican Drive in Trenton, wounding two men. Willis, Hood, David Williams, 28, Shawn Anderson, 21, and Zaire Jackson, 24, are charged with attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder in that shooting.
“Gang violence has taken the lives of too many young people in Trenton, and the Get Money Boys have been a major contributor to that violence,” said Attorney General Grewal. “We will continue doing everything we can to make our capital city safe for its residents.” “But we also know that arrests alone won’t stop the cycle of gang involvement, violence, and incarceration,” continued Attorney General Grewal. “That is why we plan to work closely with the community in the coming months to develop programs that have the power to turn young people away from the false glamor of gang life and show them a healthy and positive path forward.” “Through this collaborative investigation, we charged 16 alleged members and associates of this violent gang with first-degree charges carrying lengthy prison sentences,” said Director Veronica Allende of the Division of Criminal Justice. “Each time we take down a dangerous gang like this one, we make Trenton safer for residents and for the law enforcement officers who work heroically every day to protect them.” “These individuals have threatened Trenton’s hard working, law abiding citizens with their guns and drugs for too long. They pose a danger to the entire community, not just gang members, and I am extremely proud of the collective efforts and hard work of all of the agencies involved in this investigation,” Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri said. “My office will continue to work with state and local law enforcement to arrest and prosecute those assaulting our cities with acts of violence. We also intend to work with Attorney General Grewal and the community to cultivate programs and solutions that will give our youth population an alternative to gangs, drugs and violence.” “Street gangs like the Get Money Boys tear apart communities through their drug trade, violence, and murder, and by actively recruiting impressionable young people,” said Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “Our involvement will not stop with these arrests. We will continue to work cooperatively with our partners in the community to develop programs that present positive alternatives for the youth of our capital city.” The complaint charging Willis with conspiracy to murder Michael Barnes alleges that in 2019, Willis and other GMB members began targeting Barnes and that Willis threatened Barnes’ life on social media. It further alleges that Willis ordered GMB members to actively hunt for Barnes and kill him. It is alleged that Fenderson committed the murder at Willis’s direction on Dec. 27, 2019. When Willis was arrested at his home on June 2, 2020 in Willingboro with his girlfriend, DayshaM. Brown, 24, detectives seized a defaced firearm – which allegedly was within access of a toddler who lives in the home – and an illegal large capacity magazine. Willis and Brown were each charged with second-degree endangering the welfare of a child, fourth-degree possession of a defaced firearm, and fourth-degree possession of a large capacity magazine. Willis also was charged with possession of a weapon as a convicted felon. Additional details about the Feb. 12 attempted murder of a police officer and related charges are provided in the press release at this link: https://www.nj.gov/oag/newsreleases20/pr20200213b.html
In that incident, a Hamilton Township police officer assigned to the New Jersey State Police Crime Suppression Central Unit Task Force observed a shooting in progress in the area of West State Street and Parkside Avenue in Trenton. The officer, who was operating an unmarked vehicle, followed the suspect vehicle to the area of the Oakland Park Apartments on Coolidge Avenue, where he was fired upon by the occupants of the vehicle. Three guns were seized from defendants during the course of this investigation. On May 31, 2020, detectives executed a search warrant for a storage unit in Hamilton, Mercer County, rented by defendant Briana Blue, 22, where they seized 254 bricks of heroin, consisting of approximately 12,700 individual doses packaged in wax folds that were stamped with the brands “Dope Dick” and “Fruit Loops.” On the same date, detectives executed a search warrant for a car rented by defendant Tre Whetstone, 26, and seized 130 bricks of heroin, or approximately 6,500 doses, bearing the same stamps. The following 16 alleged GMB members and associates have been charged as indicated: Charles M. Willis, 27, of Willingboro, N.J.
First-degree Racketeering
First- Degree Conspiracy to Commit Murder – Michael Barnes
First- Degree Conspiracy to Commit Murder – Michael Barnes
First-Degree Murder of Michael Barnes
Frederick Eustsey, 45, of Ewing, N.J.
First-degree Racketeering
Second-Degree Conspiracy to Distribute CDS
John Colvin, 23, of Trenton, N.J.
First-degree Racketeering
Second-Degree Conspiracy to Distribute CDS
David Williams, 28, of Camden, N.J.
First-degree Racketeering
First-degree Attempted Murder – May 1 Shooting
First-Degree Conspiracy to Commit Murder – May 1 Shooting
Second Degree Aggravated Assault
Second-Degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose
Second-Degree Unlawful Possession of a Weapon
Second-Degree Possession of Weapon as Convicted Felon
Second- Degree Solicitation, Recruitment of Juveniles to Join a Street Gang
Zaire Jackson, 25, of Trenton, N.J.
First-degree Racketeering
First-degree Attempted Murder – May 1 Shooting
First-Degree Conspiracy to Commit Murder – May 1 Shooting
Second Degree Aggravated Assault
Second-Degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose
Second-Degree Unlawful Possession of a Weapon
Shawn Anderson, 21, of Trenton, N.J.
First-degree Racketeering
First-degree Attempted Murder – May 1 Shooting
First-Degree Conspiracy to Commit Murder – May 1 Shooting
Second Degree Aggravated Assault
Second-Degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose
Second-Degree Unlawful Possession of a Weapon
Juvenile Male, 17, of Trenton, N.J.
First-degree Racketeering
First-Degree Conspiracy to Commit Murder – May 1 Shooting
Jayshawn Fisher, 26, of Trenton, N.J.
First- Degree Conspiracy to Commit Murder – Michael Barnes
Briana Blue, 22, of Princeton, N.J.
First-degree Racketeering
Second-Degree Conspiracy to Distribute CDS
First-Degree Possession with Intent to Distribute CDS
Willis, Hearns, Salter, Battle, Colvin, and Fisher were previously in jail and were served with the charges outlined above while in jail. The other 10 defendants were arrested since June 5. Attorney General Grewal commended all of the prosecutors, detectives, investigators and officers who participated in the investigation for the Division of Criminal Justice, Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, New Jersey State Police, Trenton Police Department, Trenton Shooting Response Team, and New Jersey Department of Corrections. Deputy Attorneys General Cassandra Montalto and Mohammad Mahmood are the lead prosecutors for the Division of Criminal Justice Gangs & Organized Crime Bureau, under the supervision of Bureau Chief Lauren Scarpa Yfantis and Deputy Bureau Chief Erik Daab. The detectives who conducted the investigation for the Division of Criminal Justice are Sgt. Brian Woolston, Sgt. Kevin Gannon, Detective Scott Caponi, Detective Zachary Grey, and other members of the Gangs & Organized Crime Central Squad, under the supervision of Lt. Brian Bruton, Deputy Chief of Detectives Frederic Moore, and Chief of Detectives Weldon Powell. Attorney General Grewal also thanked the following agencies that assisted with arrests and execution of search warrants: Hamilton Township Police Department, Ewing Township Police Department, West Windsor Police Department, Falls Township Police Department (Pennsylvania), U.S. Marshals Service New Jersey/New York Regional Fugitive Task Force, and Mercer County Tactical Response Team. First-degree murder carries a sentence of life in state prison, including 30 years of parole ineligibility, while the first-degree charges of attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder carry a sentence of 10 to 30 years in state prison. The other first-degree charges carry a sentence of 10 to 20 years in prison and fine of up to $200,000. The racketeering charges carry a period of parole ineligibility equal to 85 percent of the sentence imposed. Second-degree crimes carry a sentence of five to 10 years in state prison and a fine of up to $150,000. Possession of a weapon as a convicted felon carries a mandatory period of parole ineligibility of five years, and unlawful possession of a weapon carries a mandatory period of parole ineligibility equal to one-third to one-half of the sentence imposed or three years, whichever is greater. Third-degree crimes carry a sentence of three to five years in state prison and a fine of up to $15,000. The charges are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Defense AttorneysFor Tre Whetstone: John Furlong, Esq., Furlong & Krasny, Ewing, N.J.For Shawn Anderson: Arun Lavine, Esq., Lawrenceville, N.J.For Shaiquan Hearns: Mark Fury, Esq., Mount Holly, N.J.For Dion Battle: Rukiya Blackwell, Esq., Mount Holly, N.J. A number of defendants are currently represented by the Public Defender’s Office.
