HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)-Hamilton Police say that on November 7, 2023, at approximately 3:35 p.m., Officers Tim Young, Joshua Doan, Anthony Lucidi responded to a shoplifting in progress at the Home Depot located on Route 130 in Hamilton Township. Officers Young and Doan identified the vehicle and occupants described to Hamilton Police dispatch and approached the vehicle in the parking lot. Officer Young ordered the driver of the vehicle, Daray L. Wesby, out of the vehicle. When Daray exited the vehicle, the front-seat passenger, Eric D. Murphy, got into the driver’s seat and attempted to drive away. Officer Young immediately tried to stop Eric by grabbing him. Eric Murphy put the car into drive and dragged Officer Young, going backward and forward, with the vehicle numerous times until Officer Young was able to gain control of Eric and place him in custody. Once the vehicle was stopped, the rear passenger, Michael C. Brown, exited the vehicle and ran on foot. He was chased down and taken into custody by Officer Joshua Doan. During this altercation, the original driver of the vehicle, Daray L. Wesby, fled the area on foot towards Route 130.
Michael C. Brown was arrested and charged with Aggravated Assault, Resisting Arrest, and Shoplifting. He was placed on a warrant and transported to the Mercer County Corrections Center.
Eric Murphy was arrested and charged with Aggravated Assault, Resisting Arrest, and Shoplifting. He was placed on a warrant and transported to the Mercer County Corrections Center.
Daray Wesby was placed on a summons for Obstructing the administration of law.
During this event, some of the initial proceeds of the shoplifting were dropped in the parking lot and picked up by Stephanie L. Diaz, who attempted to return the items for a refund. She was turned away because she could not produce a receipt, so she left the Home Depot with the aforementioned proceeds. Stephanie L. Diaz has been charged with shoplifting and placed on a summons.
All parties are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Manchester Township NJ- A visit to a popular privately-owned 7000-acre tract of land in Manchester on Saturday morning ended tragically for a 33-year-old Howell Township man, Edwin Toro-Mejia, who unlawfully visited the Heritage Mineral property and attempted to swim in the lake with other individuals around 09:30 am. Toro-Mejia and a juvenile family member were attempting to cross Crystal Lake when Toro-Mejia appeared to suffer from a muscle cramp in his leg and went into distress approximately thirty yards from the shoreline. Family members went to the aid of Toro-Mejia who eventually submerged underwater and disappeared in the current.
The Manchester Township Police Department, with the assistance of the Manchester Township EMS, the Manchester, Ridgeway, Whiting, Lakehurst, Lacey, Toms River, and South Toms River Volunteer Fire Departments, the Lanoka Harbor and Ocean Beach Search and Rescue Squads, and the New Jersey State Police Aviation Unit responded to the scene were search and rescue operations were conducted for approximately an hour and a half before Toro-Mejia was located unresponsive. He was pulled from the water where he was pronounced deceased. The preliminary investigation indicates the drowning to be accidental.
Assisting with this investigation is the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department Crime Scene Investigation Unit and the Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office. Anyone who may have been at “Crystal Lake” and witnessed this incident is asked to contact Detective Richard Jupinka of the Manchester Township Police Department’s Investigations Bureau at 732-657-2009 ext. 4206.
The Manchester Township Police Department would like to remind the public that the Heritage Minerals or “ASARCO” site is private property. It is closed for recreational and/or other use and it is a criminal offense to enter or remain on the property. In the interest of public safety, the Manchester Township Police urges everyone to obey the “No Trespassing” signs posted at the site. Trespassers are subject to substantial fines and penalties up to and including incarceration for being on the property.
Photo: Whiting Fire Company Sta. 33, Facebook Page
Past stories related to this site:
Cliffside Park Man Drowned In “Crystal Lake” On ASARCO Site
Brings Depth of Experience in Academic Medicine and Customer Service
October 18, 2021
NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH), an RWJBarnabas Health facility, has named Alan Lee as its Chief Operating Officer (COO).
A proven leader and expert in driving clinical excellence across integrated health care systems, Mr. Lee will draw on his experience at nationally distinguished academic medical centers and at internationally renowned hospitality brands to advance care at New Jersey’s largest academic medical center.
In his new role, Mr. Lee is responsible for aligning hospital operations with the RWJUH mission of delivering world-class patient care at the highest standards of clinical quality, performance and patient experience. As COO, he is charged with fostering new collaborations among Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School faculty physicians, RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group physicians and community physicians that contribute to clinical innovation and that promote groundbreaking research.
“We’re excited to welcome Mr. Lee to our team at RWJUH,” said Bill Arnold, President and Chief Executive Officer of RWJUH. “As we work to strengthen RWJUH’s position as a premier academic medical center in our state and region, Mr. Lee brings a wealth of experience and knowledge as an administrative leader. He has a proven track record of leading teams known for exceptional quality, outcomes, patient experience and research programs. We are confident that his expertise will prove invaluable to RWJUH as we enter this phase of expansion and transformation.”
RWJUH Board of Directors Chair Jack Morris adds, “Throughout his career, Mr. Lee has demonstrated a strong bottom-up management style, empowering frontline healthcare providers to identify challenges and develop strategies for improvement. His diverse body of professional experience and outstanding collaborative skills align perfectly with our vision for what we want to achieve with our academic partners.”
RWJUH is a 614-bed academic medical center that serves as the principal teaching hospital for Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and the flagship Cancer Hospital of Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey. In addition, The Bristol-Myers Squibb Children’s Hospital at RWJUH is a 105-bed, dedicated children’s hospital that serves as the focal point of the growing pediatric academic medical campus in New Brunswick. This campus also features the Child Health Institute of New Jersey, PSE&G Children’s Specialized Hospital and Ronald McDonald House New Brunswick.
Mr. Lee joins RWJUH from New York-Presbyterian (NYP), where he served in multiple senior leadership roles since 2009. He was Vice President of Support Services and Patient Experience at NYP/Weill Cornell, then Vice President of Operations at NYP/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, before assuming the role of Chief Operating Officer at NYP Brooklyn Methodist Hospital. During his time there, Mr. Lee led strategic initiatives focused on patient experience, operations and capital expansion, environmental services, patient throughput and length of stay management.
Mr. Lee began his career in hotel management where he established a strong foundation in customer service and environmental standards at several New York City-based luxury and deluxe hotel brands, including the Millennium Broadway, the Regent Wall Street, and the Ritz-Carlton New York Battery Park and Hudson, an Ian Schrager Hotel.
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH), an RWJBarnabas Health facility, has named Alan Lee as its Chief Operating Officer (COO).
HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Police say that on Sunday February 11, 2024 at 10:48 p.m., Hopewell Township Police officers were dispatched to a motor vehicle crash on State Highway 31, at mile post 8.8, between Yard Road and Woosamonsa Road. Officers arrived on scene and found that a blue Jeep Grand Cherokee had struck a Grey Nissan Maxima.
The driver of the Jeep, 32-year-old Kongmi Khu, from Brooklyn, NY, was transported by ambulance from the scene and was later released after being treated for minor injuries at Capital Health Regional Medical Center. Khu remains in custody and will be charged with two counts of Vehicular Manslaughter and additional charges. The two rear seat passengers (a 32-year-old female and a 35-year-old female, from Brooklyn, NY) were transported by ambulance to St. Mary’s Hospital where they remain in serious but stable condition. The front seat passenger, a 13-year-old male, from Brooklyn, NY, was transported to the Capital Health Regional Medical Center by ambulance and then flown to Cooper University Medical Center where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
The driver of the Nissan, a 59-year-old male, from Ewing, was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The initial investigation shows that the driver of the Jeep was traveling south on State Highway 31, when he attempted to pass two vehicles in a no-passing zone. As he began the pass, the Jeep struck the Nissan, which was traveling north. The investigation is ongoing at this time.
The crash is being investigated by Officer Robert Voorhees and Detective Christopher Collins of the Hopewell Township Police Department, as well as Detectives from the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office.
Anyone who may have witnessed this crash is asked to contact Detective Christopher Collins at 609-737-3100 ext. 5790.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER) – Acting Mercer County Prosecutor Theresa L. Hilton and Trenton Police Director Steve Wilson announced today the arrest of a former teacher and basketball coach for multiple counts of sexual assault between 2014 and 2019.
Darrell R. Moody, 51, of Plainfield, NJ, was arrested in Trenton on Monday. He is charged with one count of first-degree aggravated sexual assault, one count of second-degree sexual assault, two counts of third-degree aggravated criminal sexual contact, two counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual contact and two counts of second-degree endangering the welfare of a child. The prosecutor’s office has filed a motion to detain Moody pending trial.
In May 2024, the victim contacted the Trenton police to report incidents of sexual assault that began when the victim was in middle school. A joint investigation with the MCPO Special Victims Unit commenced. Detectives learned that the victim met Moody when Moody was teaching fifth grade at Parker Elementary School. Moody sexually assaulted the victim over the course of several years beginning in middle school and continuing to high school. Moody was also coaching basketball at Joyce Kilmer Middle School during that time.
In an unrelated incident, on June 27, 2023, South Plainfield Police Department charged Moody with one count of second-degree endangering the welfare of a child and one count of second- degree solicitation of a minor for prostitution.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the prosecutor’s SVU at (609) 989-6568 or [email protected].
Despite having been charged, every defendant is presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Change Healthcare Offering Two Years of Free Credit Monitoring, Identity Theft Protection
July 10, 2024
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin today is sharing consumer protection reminders and raising awareness about the availability of free credit monitoring and identity theft protection services following Change Healthcare’s unprecedented February data breach.
The February cyberattack at Change Healthcare, a unit of UnitedHealth, resulted in millions of Americans’ sensitive health and personal data being leaked onto the dark web—a hidden portion of the Internet where cyber criminals buy, sell, and track personal information.
Change Healthcare is the nation’s biggest electronic data clearinghouse and is used by tens of thousands of providers, pharmacies, and insurers to verify insurance, confirm pre-authorization of procedures or services, exchange insurance claim data, and perform other administrative tasks. The cyberattack interrupted operations for thousands of doctors’ offices, hospitals, and pharmacies nationwide, and impacted delivery of care to patients.
While the definitive number and identities of affected patients are currently unknown, Change Healthcare has publicly stated that the data breach could impact up to one-third of the American population.
Typically, when there is a data breach impacting New Jersey residents, consumers receive an individualized letter or email if their data may have been leaked. However, Change Healthcare has not yet provided individual notice to consumers.
Given the delay between the data breach and notification to those impacted, Attorney General Platkin wants every New Jersey resident to know about the breach and the credit monitoring resources that Change Healthcare is offering to consumers. All New Jersey residents who think they may have been impacted are eligible for free credit monitoring and identity theft protections for two years.
To enroll in this free credit monitoring and identity restoration service, consumers should visit www.changecybersupport.com or call 1-888-846-4705.
Other steps consumers can consider taking include:
Placing a free credit freeze on your credit report. Identity thieves will not be able to open a new credit account in your name while the freeze is in place. You can place a credit freeze by contacting each of the three major credit bureaus:
Placing a fraud alert on your credit report. A fraud alert tells lenders and creditors to take extra steps to verify your identity before issuing credit. You can place a fraud alert by contacting any one of the three major credit bureaus.
The dedicated website and call center will not be able to provide individuals any specific details about whether their data was compromised, but representatives can guide consumers through getting set up for the free credit monitoring and identity theft protections.
Additionally, consumers should be aware of potential warning signs that someone is using their medical information. The signs include:
A bill from their doctor for services they did not receive;
Errors in their Explanation of Benefits insurance statement, such as medical services they never received or prescription medications they do not take;
A call from a debt collector about a medical debt they do not owe;
Medical debt collection notices on their credit report that they do not recognize;
A notice from their health insurance company indicating they have reached their benefit limit; or
They are denied insurance coverage because their medical records show a pre-existing condition they do not have.
More information about identify theft is available through the Office of Consumer Protection in the Division of Consumer Affairs.
EAST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–An as-yet unknown number of people were left homeless by a three-alarm blaze that burned the roof off two-thirds of a 24-unit condominium building Monday afternoon (June 10, 2024) in the Twin Rivers section of town.
This is a breaking news story that will be updated as additional information becomes available.
The blaze in Building K of the American Way condominiums on Avon Drive, off Probasco Road, was reported about 4:30 p.m. Heavy smoke was showing from the two-story building when the first police and firefighters arrived. A short time later, flames were reported to be burning through the roof. Three alarms were transmitted to bring enough fire apparatus and manpower to the scene to fight the fire. Numerous hoselines and three aerial master streams were put in service to flow water on the flames.
Assisting East Windsor firefighters with battling the blaze were fire companies from Robbinsville, Allentown-Upper Freehold Hope Fire Company, Plainsboro, Monroe, Hightstown, West Windsor, Hamilton, Lawrence, Ewing, North Brunswick, Millstone, Manalapan, Cranbury, and Howell.
By the time the blaze was brought under control several hours later, the roof of the parts of the building containing units 9 through 24 had been burned away. Extensive damage was visible to most second second-floor units in those areas, while water and smoke damage was probable in the first-floor units there. It appeared that firefighters had been mostly successful in preventing significant damage to units 1 through 8.
Several firefighters reportedly suffered minor injuries and were being treated on scene by emergency medical personnel from Hightstown, Capital Health System, Princeton, and elsewhere. Signal 22, the volunteer fire and police canteen unit from Trenton, was on scene providing firefighters with refreshments.
The Red Cross was requested to the scene to help shelter displaced residents. The cause of the blaze is under investigation by township police and fire officials and the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office.
The blaze sent up a large column of smoke that was visible on the other side of the county, while hundreds of local residents watched the firefighting effort up close from behind police line tape.
Updated story at link below:
47 Left Homeless from East Windsor 3-Alarm Blaze, Investigation Continues
Several families left homless after this 3-Alarm fire on Avon Drive in East Windsor, New Jersey
Above photos: Dennis Symons, MidJersey.news
Above photos by: Michael Ratcliffe, MidJersey.news
June 10, 2024
MANCHESTER, NJ (OCEAN)–Police say that on Sunday, June 9, 2024, at approximately 1:11 pm, officers from the Manchester Township Police Department responded to a motor vehicle crash at the intersection of County Route 571 and Beacon Street involving a motorcycle and a car.
Upon arrival, officers observed a male, identified as 30-year-old Collins Oluleti of Toms River, lying in the roadway with a severe head injury. Collins was unresponsive to first responders, and he was transported via medevac helicopter to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, where he is listed as critical. Officers also observed a silver 2004 Toyota Camry stopped slightly past the stop bar located at the intersection of Beacon Street and County Route 571. A motorcycle, identified as a 2024 black Kawasaki Vulcan S, was observed facing eastbound in the eastbound lane of County Route 571, lying on the right side. Collins was identified as the operator of the Kawasaki. The Toyota was observed with damage to the front driver side bumper corner and the Kawasaki was observed with damage across the right side.
The investigation revealed that the Kawasaki was traveling eastbound on County Route 571 in the left lane. The Toyota was traveling northbound on Beacon Street and stopped at the stop sign located at the intersection of County Route 571. The Toyota then proceeded into the intersection and Collins observed the Toyota entering his lane of travel. At that time, Collins began to brake to avoid a collision, which caused him to lose control and fall to the pavement. Collins and the Kawasaki began to slide on the pavement and detach from each other. The Kawasaki continued sliding forward approximately 287 feet where it stopped. Collins continued sliding forward and impacted the front end of the Toyota. Following the impact, the Toyota reversed approximately 32 feet to the area of the stop bar at the intersection. This caused Collins to be dragged approximately 11 feet due to him being stuck underneath the Toyota. It was determined that Collins was wearing an approved DOT helmet, but the helmet fell off while he was sliding on the pavement prior to him impacting the Toyota.
The driver of the Toyota, identified as 26-year-old Andy Hernandez-Cheneaux of Toms River, was uninjured as a result of the crash. The Toyota’s three additional passengers, identified as 25-year-old Xiomara Lezama-Briceno of Toms River, 24-year-old Geraldine Requena-Carrasco of Manchester, and 28-year-old Juan Lezama-Briceno of Toms River, were also uninjured. There was no airbag deployment from the Toyota.
Assisting at the scene were EMTs from the Manchester Township Division of Emergency Services, firefighters from Ridgeway Volunteer and Manchester Volunteer Fire Departments, as well as Robert Wood Johnson Paramedics and Life Flight. The investigation into this crash is still on going, however, failure to yield right of way at an intersection appears to be the primary contributing factor. This crash is being investigated by Ptl. Michael O’Hara and Ptl. Sage Sysol of the department’s Traffic Safety Section.
June 10, 2024
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Trenton Police say that on Saturday, June 1, 2024 at approximately 4:30 a.m. Trenton Emergency Medical Services (TEMS) were dispatched to a person down on the street in the 800 block of S. Clinton Ave. It was believed at the time that the person suffered a cardiac arrest. TEMS arrived, found an unresponsive unidentified female in the street, and transported her to Capital Health Regional Medical Center.
At approximately 8:12 a.m., Trenton Communications received a call from a nurse at Capital Health Regional Medical Center. The nurse requested an officer respond to the hospital for a patient who arrived in the early morning with traumatic injuries which appeared consistent with being struck by a vehicle. The victim sustained multiple fractures and other serious injuries.
Detective Vincent Gribbin, from the Trenton Police Department Fatal Crash Unit, was contacted to begin an investigation. Trenton police officers, learning the victim was brought in from the 800 block of S. Clinton Ave, responded to the area. The officers located debris that was consisted with a motor vehicle crash. No vehicles in the immediate area had damage consistent with being involved in a hit and run. Detective Gribbin arrived at the hospital only to be informed that the victim had just been pronounced after suffering from a cardiac arrest. The victim was identified as 26-year-old Shydasia Merrick of Trenton.
The Trenton Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in locating the vehicle that fatally struck a pedestrian. The vehicle has been identified as a 2019 – 2024 Toyota Rav 4, white in color, possibly an XLE or higher trim with a sunroof and color-keyed mirrors. The vehicle should have sustained damage to the driver’s side, including the sideview mirror and headlight assembly.
This investigation is ongoing and the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office Serious Collision Response Team is assisting. Anyone with information on this crash is asked to please contact the Trenton Police Department non-emergency line at 609-989-4000 or text our tipline at CRIMES (274637) and enter the word TPDTIPS. Alternatively, tips/information can be emailed to: [email protected] .
June 10, 2024
EWING — The Township of Ewing Emergency Medical Services (EMS) celebrated its first Gala Dinner on June 7, 2024, at the Mountainview Golf Course and Country Club. The event, an evening of recognition, appreciation and community spirit, acknowledged the achievements of Ewing EMS and their unwavering dedication to the safety and health of the community.
Established in 1977, Ewing EMS has grown from its humble beginnings with just four employees to a dedicated team of 12 full-time professionals who respond to more than 5,000 calls annually, making a significant impact on countless lives in the community.
Mayor Bert H. Steinmann — taken by surprise when EMS Director Delorfette Clark presented him with a plaque in appreciation of the mayor and council’s ongoing support of the department — shared his thoughts on the importance of recognizing EMS technicians. “The technicians are the backbone of Ewing EMS, consistently showing exceptional dedication and compassion,” Mayor Steinmann said. “This gala is a way to honor their tireless efforts and the vital role they play in safeguarding our community’s health and well-being, and I believe they are among the best around.”
Director Clark also expressed a heartfelt thank you to all first responders. “I extend my deepest gratitude to all our first responders,” Clark said. “Your unwavering commitment, bravery, and selflessness make a profound difference in the lives of so many. Every day, you put others before yourselves, and for that, we are eternally grateful. This gala is not just a celebration of your achievements but a recognition of the heart and soul you pour into serving our community.”
Also in attendance were Council President Kevin Baxter, Council Vice President Jennifer Keyes-Maloney, Councilmember Kathleen Wollert, Sarah Steward and David Schroth; Police Chief Albert Rhodes; Fire Director Marc Strauss, and Township Administrator Aaron T. Watson.
AWARD RECIPIENTS
Years of Service Awards:
Captain Stephen Stackhouse – 5 years
EMT Christopher Biache- 5 years
Captain Charles Sista – 10 years
Captain Nicholas Portella – 10 years
EMT Jessica Cheverez – 10 years
Captain Grady C.L. Griffin, 20 years
2023 EMS Chief’s Award Recipient
2023 People’s Choice Award (As chosen by staff)
2023 Per Diem of the Year Award
2023 Medical Director of the Year Award
About Ewing EMS:
Ewing EMS is committed to delivering excellent pre-hospital care with compassion and respect. The organization advocates for each patient, ensuring they receive the highest standard of care and attention.
Reflecting the diversity of Ewing Township, Ewing EMS supports a team of professionals from various backgrounds and cultures, fostering an inclusive and collaborative environment. The service also prides itself on embracing innovation and leveraging the latest advances in critical care and technology to provide cutting-edge medical services to residents.
About Ewing Township:
Ewing Township is dedicated to maintaining a quality place of life for its residents through excellent public services, community engagement, and continuous improvement. For more information, visit our website at www.ewingnj.org
Ewing Township. Where Community Meets Progress
Clockwise, from left, Mayor Bert H. Steinmann, Chris Steinmann, Council members Sarah Steward and Kathy Wollert, Business Administrator Aaron T. Watson, Human Resources Director Raissa Walker
June 10, 2024 — UPDATE
HIGHTSTOWN, NJ (MERCER)–Hightstown Police say that on Monday, June 10, 2024, at approximately 11:40 a.m., Hightstown Police Department was dispatched to the rental office of the Deerfield/Westerlea Arms Apartment complex, Westerlea Avenue, for a thirty-nine (39) year old female with severe stomach pain. Upon the officers’ arrival, it was determined that the injury was sustained from an inert-type grenade that had detonated, once the pin was removed/tampered with. Robbinsville EMS arrived on scene, performed an evaluation, and transported the patient to Capital Health-Fuld Campus for non-life-threatening injuries.
As a result of the unknown device detonating and causing injury, the NJSP Bomb Squad, along with Hightstown Fire Department and Hightstown First Aid Squad were summoned to the scene to stand by until the scene was rendered safe by NJSP Bomb Squad. Officers from the Hightstown Police Department evacuated the immediate area and secured access points as a precautionary measure.
NJSP Bomb Squad personnel, shortly after arrival, rendered the scene safe, stating the device was a practice grenade that still had a fuse in the grenade that caused the detonation when the pin was removed or tampered with. No other citizens, residents, or emergency responders were injured during the incident.
This is a reminder for all that devices that seem inert or safe, may not be, and have the potential for serious injuries.
Anyone that comes in possession of such devices should contact their local police department, and/or NJSP Bomb Squad to assure the devices are safe.
Hightstown Police Department members are thankful that this incident was not more serious and wish the victim well in her recovery.
Earlier MidJersey.news story here:
Heavy Police Presence at Emergency Scene in Hightstown, NJ
Update – The area has been deemed safe and there is no danger to the public. Updates will be provided at a later time.
See latest update at below link:
June 10, 2024
HIGHTSTOWN, NJ (MERCER)-There is heavy police presence including what appeared to be bomb squad activity at an apartment on Westerlea Avene. Hightstown Police, Hightstown Fire Company, Hightstown First Aid Squad and NJ State Police are on scene at this incident.
UPDATE: Update – The area has been deemed safe and there is no danger to the public. Updates will be provided at a later time.
Hightstown Police released this statement on Facebook: “Public Safety Announcement – Heavy Police and Fire Department presence on Westerlea Ave and Grape Run Road. Please stay away from the area. Active investigation following a medical call for service at an apartment building is underway. Updates will be provided when the area is deemed to be safe.”
No additional information is available at this time.
June 10, 2024–Update
SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–South Brunswick Police Department responded at 7:45 pm Saturday evening to a report of a home on fire at 4 Beryl Court in the Kendall Park section of the Township. Upon arrival, officers and firefighters observed heavy flames at the rear of the home. The homeowner said he was able to get his wife, two sons, and pets out of the home before police arrived. He explained he was outside his home when he noticed smoke from the rear of his ranch-style home. Flames started to show and quickly spread up the rear of the home to the attic.
The Kendall Park, Monmouth Junction, and Kingston fire companies, with mutual aid assistance from North Brunswick and Franklin townships battled the blaze. Kendall Park First Aid also responded to the fire. The fire left the home uninhabitable. There were no injuries.
South Brunswick Fire Marshall John Funcheon indicated the fire was not suspicious but remains under active investigation.
STAFFORD TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Stafford Township Police reported that today, at approximately 1:00 p.m., Gary & Lorraine Parker were located deceased in a densely wooded area of Warren Grove in the vicinity of their residence. They were located by the Stafford Township Police Department’s drone. Autopsies will be performed later this week, however no foul play is believed to be involved. Our department sends its condolences to the Parker’s family and friends. We would also like to thank all of the assisting agencies, especially the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, Ocean County Sheriff’s Department, New Jersey State Police, and the Warren Grove Fire Company. Thank you. — Stafford Police Department
November 30, 2021
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is seeking information from the fishing community to develop guidance regarding mitigation of impacts from offshore wind projects. Comments are due January 7, 2022.
Comments in writing can be submitted through the Request for Information in the Federal Register. Oral comments can be made at a series of public meetings planned for December.
From the Federal Register,
BOEM, in consultation with the National Marine Fisheries Service and affected coastal states, intends to develop guidance for the mitigation of impacts from offshore wind energy projects on commercial and recreational fishing communities. To initiate the development of this guidance, BOEM is issuing this 45-day Request for Information to obtain input from the public.
Virtual Public Meetings will be held on the following dates, and information can be found here.
12/1 – 10 am EST – East Coast Workshop on Clams and Scallops (Bottom Gear) (Register)
12/2 – 10 am EST – East Coast Workshop on Mobile Gear/Mixed Trawl/Pelagic (Register)
12/6 – 10 am EST – East Coast Workshop on Fixed Gear (Register)
12/7 – 10 am EST – Recreational Fishing Workshop (Register)
Photo by Flickr on Pexels.com
November 30, 2021
NORTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Chief Joseph Battaglia of the North Brunswick Township Police Department announced today that a woman has been charged in connection with a fatal collision that resulted in the death of two nine-year-old children as well as serious injuries to others.
On Thursday, November 25, 2021, at approximately 11:53 P.M., authorities responded to the southbound lane of Route 130 near the on-ramp to Route 1 in North Brunswick Township following the report of a serious crash involving a marked Old Bridge Police patrol vehicle and a Honda Accord. Upon their arrival, authorities located Yokauri Batista-Alcantara, 31, of New Brunswick, and two children at the scene. Batista-Alcantara and the juveniles were transported from the scene to a nearby hospital where the juveniles were pronounced dead.
Authorities also located two Old Bridge Township police officers and an in-custody civilian passenger at the scene. The officers and the passenger were transported to a nearby hospital where they were treated for their injuries.
An initial investigation by Detective Jonathan Berman of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office determined the two police officers were transporting the in-custody passenger to the Middlesex County Adult Correction Center in North Brunswick Township when Batista-Alcantara drove the wrong way down the on-ramp and struck the police vehicle. At this time, reckless driving and alcohol consumption are believed to be contributing factors.
On Friday, November 26, 2021, Batista-Alcantara was arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree aggravated manslaughter, two counts of second-degree vehicular homicide, two counts of second-degree
endangering the welfare of a child, two counts of aggravated assault, and one count of fourth-degree assault by auto.
Batista-Alcantara is presently lodged at the Middlesex County Adult Correction Center where she is being held pending a pre-trial detention hearing in Superior Court.
As is the case with all criminal defendants, the charges against Batista- Alcantara are merely accusations and she is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The investigation is active and continuing. Anyone with information or video footage of the area is asked to call Detective Jonathan Berman of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at (732) 745-4328.
November 30, 2021
EWING TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–The Mercer County Homicide Task Force and the Ewing Police Department are investigating a Monday night shooting death in Ewing Township, Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri reported
At approximately 7:30 p.m. on November 29, 2021, Ewing police were dispatched to Public Storage on Parkside Avenue in Ewing. Officers arrived on scene and located the victim, identified as 29-year-old Cedric Hennessee Flippin of Trenton, unresponsive on the ground outside of one of the storage lockers. Detectives located a shell casing nearby and Flippin was pronounced dead at the scene.
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. Information can also be emailed to [email protected]
Other Ewing Township shootings and murders in 2021:
Two Ewing Residents Arrested in Connection to Ewing Murder
One Pronounced Dead in Ewing Shooting
Update: Trenton Man Killed In Ewing Shooting Last Night
Developing: Shooting Investigation In Ewing Township
Trenton Resident Arrested In July 1 Ewing Shooting
21 Year Old Trenton Man Shot In Ewing
November 30, 2021
BORDENTOWN TOWNSHIP, NJ (BURLINGTON)–The Bordentown Township Police Department is investigating a fatal motor vehicle collision which occurred on November 29, 2021 that resulted in the death of a 58-year-old male from Pemberton Township, NJ.
Preliminary investigation has determined that the victim, David Jenkins – age 58 of 3rd Ave. Pemberton NJ, was traveling northbound on Rt. 130 in the area of Taconic Rd. at approximately 8:08 pm when his 2005 Dodge Caravan collided with a tractor trailer being operated by Eugene Mercer Jr., age – 58, of West Ave. Bridgeport CT. Jenkins sustained fatal injuries as a result of the collision.
Township Police continue to investigate the cause of this collision and anyone who witnessed or who has information regarding this incident is requested to contact Det. Anthony Nagle at 609-298-4300, ext. 2142.
BREAKING: Serious Crash Investigation on Route 130 in Bordentown Township
November 30, 2021
WEST WINDSOR-PENNINGTON, NJ (MERCER)–On Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021, from 10 a.m. to noon Mercer County Sheriff’s Officer Mike Mullen and his K9 partner Bodhi will be at the Dogs & Cats Rule pet store at 800 Denow Road in Pennington, N.J., to “pawtograph” the 2022 Cops & Dogs Police K9 calendar.
Officer Mike Mullen and K9 Bodhi, who appear in the calendar for the month of January, will be available at the store for a “meet & greet” where you’ll be able to ask questions, pet K9 Bodhi and have him pawtograph a copy of your calendar.
On Sunday, Dec. 5, 2021, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. West Windsor Police Sgt. Doug Montgomery and his K9 partner Mackey will be at the Dogs & Cats Rule pet store’s Princeton location at 3495 Route 1 in West Windsor to “pawtograph” the 2022 Cops & Dogs Police K9 calendar.
Sgt. Montgomery and K9 Mackey, who appear in the calendar for the month of December, will be available at the store for a “meet and greet” where you’ll be able to ask questions, pet K9 Mackey and have him pawtograph a copy of your calendar. Proceeds from calendar sales will benefit the Capital K9 Association which is a non-profit organization providing bullet proof vests and canine equipment for working police dogs.
John Baer, a former NYPD police officer and photographer of the Cops & Dogs calendar will also be at the store to discuss the calendar and answer questions about K9 photography.
The calendar can be purchased for $14.95 at the Dogs & Cats Rule pet store or online at: www.copsanddogs.com.
Sgt. Montgomery and K9 Mackey Officer Mike Mullen and K9 Bodhi
UPDATE from Bordentown Township Police:
The Bordentown Township Police Department is investigating a fatal motor vehicle collision which occurred on November 29, 2021 that resulted in the death of a 58-year-old male from Pemberton Township, NJ.
Preliminary investigation has determined that the victim, David Jenkins – age 58 of 3rd Ave. Pemberton NJ, was traveling northbound on Rt. 130 in the area of Taconic Rd. at approximately 8:08 pm when his 2005 Dodge Caravan collided with a tractor trailer being operated by Eugene Mercer Jr., age – 58, of West Ave. Bridgeport CT. Jenkins sustained fatal injuries as a result of the collision.
Township Police continue to investigate the cause of this collision and anyone who witnessed or who has information regarding this incident is requested to contact Det. Anthony Nagle at 609-298-4300, ext. 2142.
November 29, 2021
BORDENTOWN TOWNSHIP, NJ (BURLINGTON)–Sometime around 8:15 p.m. the Bordentown Township Police Department, Bordentown Fire Departments and EMS responded to Route 130 and Taconic Road for a serious accident. From the scene it appeared that a tractor-trailer was either making a U-turn or left turn from south bound Route 130 to north bound route 130 and a vehicle collided with the box section of the tractor-trailer. There were unconfirmed reports of possible fatalities. The U-turn/left turn is marked “Trucks Over 4 Tons No U-Turn”
This is a breaking news report once official information becomes available from authorities, corrections and updates will be made.
Be advised that Rt. 130 northbound at the intersection of Taconic Rd. is currently closed due to a motor vehicle collision investigation. Traffic is being detoured and we ask motorists to seek an alternate route at this time.
November 29, 2021
TOMS RIVER, NJ (OCEAN)–On Monday, November 29, 2021, at approximately 4:58 p.m., Toms River Police units were dispatched to the intersection of Vaughn Avenue and Windsor Avenue for a reported pedestrian struck. The initial investigation revealed Carl Cereghini, 61 of Toms River, entered the roadway in attempt to cross when he was struck by a vehicle travelling north on Vaughn Avenue. As a result of the accident, Mr. Cereghini sustained serious injuries and was flown to Jersey Shore Medical Center where he is listed in critical condition.
The driver of the vehicle stated that Mr. Cereghini entered the roadway in front of them leaving no time for the driver to stop or avoid hitting him. There were no signs of impairment of the driver who did not sustain any injuries as a result of the accident.
The accident remains under investigation by Toms River Traffic Safety Officer Ryan Fitzgerald.
November 29, 2021
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER) – A fire on the top floor of an apartment building in the 100 block of Pennington Avenue was quickly extinguished by city firefighters Monday night, Nov. 29, 2021. It was about 8:25 p.m. when Trenton firefighters were sent to 144 Pennington Avenue in response to multiple 911 calls reporting smoke and flames visible from the three-story structure. Dispatched as part of the initial assignment were Engines 1, 10 and 8, Ladder 1, Rescue 1, and the North Battalion Chief. The first-arriving company, Rescue 1, reported fire showing from the top floor. The “All Hands” signal for a working fire was issued and the balance of the first alarm – Engine 6, Ladder 4, the South Battalion Chief and Special Services 1 – was sent to the scene. Firefighters made an aggressive interior attack and were able to knock down the bulk of the fire in just minutes. The blaze was officially placed under control at 9:07 p.m. There were no immediate reports of any injuries. The American Red Cross was requested to respond to assist displaced residents with housing.
FBI began investigating Christopher Jensen, 68, for assuming the identity of a 17-year-old boy in order to entice and solicit an underage girl to send nude and sexually explicit images over the internet.
November 29, 2021
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–A Monmouth County, New Jersey man, was sentenced today to 87 months in prison for knowingly receiving child pornography, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
Herman Christopher Jensen, 68, of Union Beach, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Peter G. Sheridan to a one-count information charging him with knowingly receiving child pornography. Judge Sheridan imposed the sentence today in Trenton federal court.
According to the documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
FBI began investigating Jensen for assuming the identity of a 17-year-old boy in order to entice and solicit an underage girl to send nude and sexually explicit images over the internet. Jensen did this by creating a fake Facebook account, purporting to be a teenaged boy named “Kevin Bennett.” From January 2018 through about August 2018, Jensen used the “Kevin Bennett” Facebook account to communicate with the minor victim frequently, causing her to believe that she was involved in a romantic relationship with “Kevin Bennett.”
Jensen requested nude and semi-nude photographs from the victim minor through Facebook’s messenger service. As time went on, Jensen received increasingly explicit videos depicting the minor victim engaging in sexually explicit activity. In August of 2018, Jensen revealed to the minor victim that he was not, in fact, the 17 year-old teenager he purported to be, but instead an adult named Chris Jenson. The victim continued to communicate with Jensen via the “Chris Jensen” Facebook account. In December 2018, the minor victim traveled to New Jersey to live with Jensen.
On Dec. 19, 2018, local authorities became involved in the matter causing the removal of the victim from Jensen’s residence.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Sheridan sentenced Jensen to lifetime supervised release.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents and task force officers of the FBI and the Red Bank Resident Agency’s Jersey Shore Gang and Criminal Organization Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr., with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing. She also thanked the Union Beach Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police Michael J. Woodrow, for its assistance with the investigation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Perry Farhat of the Government Frauds Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Newark.
21-545
Defense counsel: John C. Feggeler Esq., Matawan, New Jersey
Photo by Sora Shimazaki on Pexels.com
November 29, 2021
EWING TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri announced today that an investigation conducted by the Mercer County Homicide Task Force and the Ewing Police Department has resulted in charges being filed against two Ewing residents in connection to last week’s murder of Mark Hudson Jr.
Tyshawn Smith, 23, is charged with murder, possession of a firearm for an unlawful purpose and unlawful possession of a handgun. Brianne Novak, 21, is charged with hindering apprehension for providing false information to the police. Both Smith and Novak were arrested at their respective Ewing residences on Saturday, November 27, by members of the Mercer County Tactical Response Team. The prosecutor’s office has filed a motion to detain Smith pending trial.
At approximately 3:30 p.m. on Monday, November 22, 2021, Ewing police were dispatched to Hudson’s residence in the 200 block of Douglas Avenue for a person shot. Upon arrival, officers located the victim suffering from gunshot wounds to his chest and left hand. Hudson was transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center and pronounced dead a short time later.
The murder remains under investigation and anyone with information is asked to call HTF Detective Jennifer Eyster at (609) 989-6406. Information can also be emailed to [email protected].
Despite having been charged, every defendant is presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
One Pronounced Dead in Ewing Shooting
November 29, 2021
EAST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–Mayor Janice S. Mironov and Council Members Peter Yeager, Alan Rosenberg and John Zoller joined facility executives Regional Sales Director Pam Farish-Ozoroski, General Manager Joseph Sidoti and Assistant Manager Katherine Guzman for the Grand Opening event for Crunch Fitness located in the Windsor Crossing Shopping Center directly across from The Home Depot.
Mayor Mironov stated, “East Windsor is excited to welcome Crunch Fitness, which offers a wide variety of exercise equipment and options, and a variety of health and wellness programs, including personal training and group fitness classes. Their convenient location and extensive class schedule provides residents in the area with another avenue to maintain a year-round fitness routine.”
The original opening of Crunch Fitness in February 2020 was interrupted by the pandemic, generating this grand opening celebration. Crunch Fitness, a 24,203 square foot facility, features state-of-the-art workout equipment, specialized high-intensity interval training equipment, free range of motion weights, cardio equipment, group fitness classes, circuit training, free weight and heavy weight areas, and other guest amenities including on-site childcare, saunas, steam rooms, tanning and massage beds. Crunch Fitness offers over 200 fitness classes including cycling, barre, Pilates, yoga and Zumba classes, and they also sell a variety of meal replacement low glycemic, less sugar and lower calorie meal-in-a-cup menu items, as well as blended shakes and kids options. Crunch Fitness has locations in the United States, Australia, Canada, Costa Rica, and Spain, including 21 locations in New Jersey.
Current hours of operation are Monday thru Thursday from 5:00 A.M. to 10:00 P.M., Friday from 5:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M., and Saturday thru Sunday from 7:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Registration for classes is required and available 22 hours to 30 minutes prior to a class on the Crunch app or at members.crunch.com website. Call (609) 371-7111 or visit www.crunch.com/locations/east-windsor for additional information.
NEWARK, N.J. – A Florida resident was arrested by the police after he was stopped with his handgun at a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security checkpoint at Newark Liberty International Airport on Friday, Nov. 26.
A TSA officer stopped the man with his gun among his carry-on items as they entered a checkpoint X-ray unit. The man told officials that he meant to declare the gun with his airline so that it would be transported with checked baggage, but that he forgot to do so. The gun was unloaded and packed in a hard-sided case with a box containing 35 bullets, which would be how firearms should be packaged and then declared to the airline.
Instead, when TSA officers spotted the gun, they alerted Port Authority Police, who responded to the checkpoint and arrested the man.
Firearms caught at the Newark-Liberty International Airport Checkpoints, 2019 to 2021*
Newark Airport
2017
2018
2019
2020*
2021*(As of 11-28-21)
Guns caught at the checkpoints
6
14
11
11
13
*Significantly fewer travelers due to the pandemic.
TSA reserves the right to issue a civil penalty to travelers who have guns and gun parts with them at a checkpoint. Civil penalties for bringing a handgun into a checkpoint can stretch into thousands of dollars, depending on mitigating circumstances. This applies to travelers with or without concealed gun carry permits because even though an individual may have a concealed carry permit, it does not allow for a firearm to be carried onto an airplane. The complete list of civil penalties is posted online. If a traveler with a gun is a member of TSA PreCheck®, that individual will lose their TSA PreCheck privileges.
When an individual shows up at a checkpoint with a firearm, the checkpoint lane comes to a standstill until the police resolve the incident. Guns at checkpoints can delay travelers from getting to their gates.
Passengers are permitted to travel with firearms in checked baggage if they are properly packaged and declared at their airline ticket counter to be transported in the belly of the plane. Guns are absolutely not permitted to be carried onto planes. Checked firearms must be unloaded, packed in a hard-sided case, locked, and packed separately from ammunition. TSA has details on how to properly travel with a firearm posted on its website. Firearm possession laws vary by state and locality and travelers should check into firearm laws before they decide to travel with their guns. Travelers should also contact their airline as they may have additional requirements for traveling with firearms and ammunition.
Nationwide, TSA officers detected 3,257 firearms on passengers or their carry-on bags at checkpoints last year, although the total number of passengers screened at airport checkpoints across the country fell by 500 million compared to 2019 due to the pandemic. The result was that twice as many firearms per million passengers screened were detected at checkpoints in 2020 compared to 2019. In 2020, TSA caught approximately 10 firearms per million passengers as compared to about five firearms per million passengers in 2019. Of the guns caught by TSA in 2020, about 83 percent were loaded.
A man told officials he forgot to declare his gun upon check-in with his airline at Newark Liberty International Airport on Nov. 26. (TSA photo)
November 29, 2021
MANCHESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–On Saturday, November 27, 2021, at approximately 6:04pm, officers from the Manchester Township Police Department responded to the area of Pinewald Keswick Road and Crestwood Parkway in the Whiting Section of town to investigate a motor vehicle accident involving an overturned Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV).
Upon arrival, officers observed a 2015 Jeep Patriot on the eastbound dirt shoulder of Pinewald Keswick Road, overturned resting on a utility pole. The sole occupant/ driver, was ejected from the vehicle and found lying in close proximity to the vehicle. The investigation revealed that the Jeep Patriot was traveling eastbound on Pinewald Keswick Road when it ran off the roadway to the right. The Jeep continued eastbound on the dirt shoulder striking roadway signs and brush before overturning and coming to final rest against a utility pole. Due to the vehicle overturning and the driver not properly seat belted into the vehicle, the driver was ejected from the vehicle through the front passenger side window.
The driver of the Jeep, 64-year-old, Robert Casper of Whiting, NJ, suffered head trauma and was flown to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune by medevac helicopter, where he is listed in critical but stable condition.
Assisting at the scene were EMTs from the Manchester Township Division of Emergency Services, Paramedics from Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, and volunteer firefighters from the Whiting Volunteer Fire Company. The investigation into the crash is still ongoing, but at this point, failure to maintain lane and failure to wear a seatbelt are the contributing factors of the crash. The crash is being investigated by Patrolman Conner Yatauro of the department’s Traffic Safety section.
“Typically, Trenton Sewer Utility personnel are not permitted to operate on private property. However, given the serious potential public safety risks involved, they went above and beyond, not only finding the cause but alleviating it as well.“
November 28, 2021– Updated November 29, 2021
UPDATE:
The Trenton Mayor’s Office says, There are no issue with the City-managed mainlines in the area. The problem is on non-city property.
The cause appears to have been a sewer line obstruction originating from 455 W. State St at the Colonial Gardens Apartment Complex. City sewer personnel were able to successful clean out the obstruction, which has abated the problem for now. They have also successfully contacted the building manager and advised him on additional measures to properly clean the lines and prevent this issue from happening again.
Typically, Trenton Sewer Utility personnel are not permitted to operate on private property. However, given the serious potential public safety risks involved, they went above and beyond, not only finding the cause but alleviating it as well.
While there does not appear to be any risk to nearby residents at this time, the City of Trenton is also deploying health and housing inspectors to the site to assess the sewage leak and any other issues. The N.J. Department of Environmental Protection has also been contacted as well.
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, and later determined to be at 455 West State Street at the Colonial Gardens Apartment Complex. The Mayor reports that Luther Towers was notified at the time, then notified Colonial Gardens Apartments as well as the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection about the issue.
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.”
BERKELEY TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–A 10:00 p.m. a witness noticed a fishing vessel run aground on Island Beach State Park in Area 23. The witness and 9-1-1 caller stated that it appeared the the vessel lost power and drifted onto shore. According to other sources there were three aboard and no injuries reported.
Last night, watchstanders at the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay command center received notification via channel 16 from a 68-foot fishing vessel stating that the vessel had three people aboard and ran aground on the beach off #BarnegatLight. A 47-foot Motor Lifeboat boatcrew from Coast Guard Station Barnegat Light arrived on scene and confirmed that the mariners were not in immediate distress.The Sector Delaware Bay command center maintained communication with the vessel throughout the night.The boatcrew from Station Barnegat Light, Towboat US, and Shamrock Marine Towing and Salvage are currently on scene assisting the vessel.
As of right now, we know that a 47-foot Motor Lifeboat from Coast Guard Station Barnegat Light is on scene with the vessel. Towboat US and another local towing and salvage company are also currently assisting the vessel. — USCG District 5 Public Affairs
The vessel is marked “Bear” and home port appears to be Barnegat Light, NJ according to the Boat Database and USCG Maritime Information Exchange, Port State Information Exchange. https://cgmix.uscg.mil/psix/psixsearch.aspx
Vessel Information:
Vessel Particulars:
Vessel Name: BEAR Primary Vessel Number: 674417 (Official Number (U.S.)) Hull Identification Number: N/A Manufacturer Hull Number: N/A IMO Number: N/A Vessel Flag: UNITED STATES Vessel Call Sign: WDD6926
Service: Commercial Fishing Vessel Length: 68.00 ft Breadth: 19.00 ft Depth: 8.00 ft Build Year: 1984 Alternate VINs:CG246444 (Coast Guard Number)
Service Information:
Tonnage Information:
Service Status: Active Out Of Service Date: N/A Last Removed From Service By: N/A
Cargo Authority: N/A Tonnage:72 – Simplified, Gross Ton57 – Simplified, Net Ton
TOMS RIVER, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer has announced the culmination of a four-month-long cooperative, multi-jurisdictional investigation conducted by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, United States Drug Enforcement Administration – High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) Group 5, Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, and New Jersey State Police – Trafficking Central Unit, in concert with many other state, county, and local law enforcement agencies. “The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force managed and directed three simultaneous multi-agency investigations into high level cocaine distribution in Ocean, Monmouth, and Middlesex Counties, as well as New York City. During the course of these investigations, approximately 50 additional law enforcement personnel were assigned to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force on a full-time basis. Multiple agencies – both within and outside of Ocean County – assisted in every aspect of all three investigations. The investigations, identified as “Operation Checkmate,” began in July 2021 and concluded this week,” Prosecutor Billhimer stated.
The three cocaine networks were responsible for the import of more than three kilograms of cocaine per week into the Ocean, Monmouth, and Middlesex County areas. Through sophisticated surveillance methods and undercover operatives, “Operation Checkmate” was successful in disrupting and dismantling illicit controlled dangerous substance (CDS) distribution activities in these three counties, as well as New York City, by the following individuals: Luis Feliz, 41, of New York; James Hemenway (also known as “King James”), 43, of Morganville; Dale McCord, 44, of Manalapan; Mark Capichana, 54, of Hazlet; Mark Kelber, 44, of Manalapan; and Andrew Contaldi, 47, of Brick. On October 26, 2021, “Operation Checkmate” closed with the apprehension of 24 individuals for various offenses involving distribution of controlled dangerous substances. Additionally, 24 search warrants were executed resulting in the seizure of more than four kilograms of cocaine, over 15 pounds of marijuana, in excess of $650,000 in United States currency, seven firearms (three handguns, three “ghost guns,” and one pistol grip shotgun), ten vehicles, and additional illegal narcotics.
The following individuals were arrested as a result of Operation “Checkmate”:
Luis Feliz, 41, of New York, charged with Possession of Cocaine in an Amount Greater than Five Ounces with Intent to Distribute; Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine in an Amount Greater than One-Half Ounce; and Financial Facilitation. Feliz is presently in custody in New York City, pending extradition to New Jersey.
James Hemenway, 43, of Morganville, charged with Possession of Cocaine in an Amount Greater than Five Ounces with Intent to Distribute; Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine in an Amount Greater than One-Half Ounce; Possession of MDMA in an Amount Greater than One-Half Ounce with Intent to Distribute; Possession of Psilocybin Mushrooms with Intent to Distribute; Possession of Cocaine; Possession of Psilocybin Mushrooms; two counts of Financial Facilitation; and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Hemenway is currently lodged in the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.
Dale McCord, 44, of Manalapan, charged with Possession of Cocaine in an Amount Greater than Five Ounces with Intent to Distribute; Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine in an Amount Greater than One-Half Ounce; Possession of Cocaine; Possession of Psilocybin Mushrooms with Intent to Distribute; Possession of Psilocybin Mushrooms; Possession of Marijuana; Possession of Drug Paraphernalia; Possession of a Weapon During Controlled Dangerous Substance Activity; Certain Person not to Possess a Firearm; three counts of Possession of a Large Capacity Ammunition Magazine; and two counts of Financial Facilitation. McCord is currently lodged in the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.
Mark Capichana, 54, of Hazlet, charged with Possession of Cocaine in an Amount Greater than Five Ounces with Intent to Distribute; Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine in an Amount Greater than One-Half Ounce; Maintaining or Operating a Controlled Dangerous Substance Production Facility; Possession of Cocaine; and Financial Facilitation. Capichana is currently lodged in the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.
Mark Kelber, 44, of Manalapan, charged with Possession of Cocaine in an Amount Greater than Five Ounces with Intent to Distribute; Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine in an Amount Greater than One-Half Ounce; Possession of Cocaine; Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute; two counts of Possession of Marijuana; Possession of Oxandrolone; Possession of Trenbolone; Possession of Drostanalone; Possession of Mesternolone; Possession of Drug Paraphernalia; and Certain Person not to Possess a Firearm. Kelber is currently lodged in the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.
Andrew Contaldi, 47, of Brick Township, charged with Possession of Cocaine in an Amount Greater than Five Ounces with Intent to Distribute; six counts of Distribution of Cocaine; Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine in an Amount Greater than One-Half Ounce; Possession of Cocaine; Possession of Drug Paraphernalia; and Financial Facilitation. Contaldi is currently lodged in the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.
Andre Johnson, 45, of Freehold, charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine in an Amount Greater than One-Half Ounce; Possession of Cocaine in an Amount Greater than One-Half Ounce with Intent to Distribute; Possession of Cocaine; Maintaining or Operating a Controlled Dangerous Substance Production Facility; Financial Facilitation; and Witness Tampering. Johnson is currently lodged in the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.
Brian Contey, 41, of Brick Township, charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine in an Amount Greater than One-Half Ounce, and Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute. Contey is currently lodged in the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.
Tyrone Finch, 36, of Parlin, charged with Possession of Cocaine in an Amount Greater than Five Ounces with Intent to Distribute; Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine in an Amount Greater than One-Half Ounce; Possession of Cocaine; Possession of Drug Paraphernalia; Financial Facilitation; Possession of a Weapon During Controlled Dangerous Substance Activity; Certain Person not to Possess a Firearm; and Possession of a Large Capacity Ammunition Magazine. Finch is currently lodged in the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.
Alex Johnson, 47, of Brick Township, charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine in an Amount Greater than One-Half Ounce. Johnson was charged on a warrant and released pursuant to New Jersey Bail Reform.
George Sirleaf, 47, of Keyport, charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine in an Amount Greater than One-Half Ounce. Sirleaf was charged on a warrant and released pursuant to New Jersey Bail Reform.
Terrence Brown, 44, of Matawan, charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine in an Amount Greater than One-Half Ounce. Brown was charged on a warrant and released pursuant to New Jersey Bail Reform.
John Dolan, 46, of Matawan, charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine in an Amount Greater than One-Half Ounce. Dolan was charged on a warrant and released pursuant to New Jersey Bail Reform.
Shawn McCord, 25, of Matawan, charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine in an Amount Greater than One-Half Ounce. McCord was charged on a warrant and released pursuant to New Jersey Bail Reform.
Daniel Jeandron, 41, of Keyport, charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine in an Amount Greater than One-Half Ounce. Jeandron was charged on a summons and released pending a future court appearance.
Alexander Nagy, 42, of Laurence Harbor, charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine in an Amount Greater than One-Half Ounce. Nagy was charged on a summons and released pending a future court appearance.
John Sozomenou, 46, of Matawan, charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine in an Amount Greater than One-Half Ounce. Sozomenou was charged on a summons and released pending a future court appearance.
Joseph Horvath, 33, of Toms River, charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine in an Amount Greater than One-Half Ounce. Horvath was charged on a summons and released pending a future court appearance.
Christopher Lyons, 42, of Matawan, charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine in an Amount Greater than One-Half Ounce. Lyons was charged on a summons and released pending a future court appearance.
Robert Dazinski, 59, of Hazlet, charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine in an Amount Greater than One-Half Ounce. Dazinski was charged on a summons and released pending a future court appearance.
Diana Roman-Porpora, 54, of Howell, charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine in an Amount Greater than One-Half Ounce. Roman-Porpora was charged on a summons and released pending a future court appearance.
Bobbie Parsells, 42, of Keyport, charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine in an Amount Greater than One-Half Ounce. Parsells was charged on a summons and released pending a future court appearance.
Daniel Votapek, 36, of Point Pleasant, charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine in an Amount Greater than One-Half Ounce. Votapek was charged on a summons and released pending a future court appearance.
“An investigation of this magnitude requires the cooperation of numerous law enforcement agencies and officers.” Prosecutor Billhimer stated. “Law enforcement officers at the local, county, state, and federal levels demonstrated outstanding teamwork in connection with this very wide-ranging, comprehensive investigation. This team of professionals literally worked around the clock for the last several months with a singular goal in mind: removing dangerous drug dealers from our streets. I am so grateful for the resolve and dedication exhibited by all the Officers and Detectives involved in “Operation Checkmate,’” Prosecutor Billhimer concluded.
Prosecutor Billhimer recognizes the following agencies for their collaborative assistance and cooperation with the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force in connection with this investigation:
– Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Asset Forfeiture Unit
– Ocean County Regional SWAT Team
– United States Drug Enforcement Administration – HIDTA
Group 5
– Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force
– New Jersey State Police – Trafficking Central Unit
– New Jersey State Police Teams Unit
– New Jersey Air National Guard Counter Drug Task Force
– Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Unit
– Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Task Force
– Matawan Borough Police Department and
– Matawan Borough Police Department K-9 Unit
– Keyport Borough Police Department
– Manalapan Township Police Department
– Ocean County Sheriff’s Office
– Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Field Services Unit
– Ocean County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit
– Barnegat Township Police Department
– Brick Township Police Department Street Crimes Unit
– Brick Township Police Department Special Response Team
– Brick Township Police Department K-9 Unit
– Beachwood Borough Police Department
– Berkeley Township Police Department
– Jackson Township Police Department
– Lakewood Township Police Department Drug Enforcement
Unit
– Lakewood Township Police Department Special Response
Team
– Lakewood Township Police Department K-9 Unit
– Manchester Township Police Department Special Enforcement
Team
– Ocean Township Police Department (Waretown)
– Point Pleasant Borough Police Department
– South Toms River Police Department
– Stafford Township Police Department
– Toms River Township Police Department Special Enforcement
Unit
– Toms River Township Police Department Emergency Services
Unit
– Toms River Township Police K-9 Unit
– Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office
– Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit
– Aberdeen Township Police Department
– Asbury Park Police Department
– Hazlet Township Police Department
– Hazlet Township Police Department K-9 Unit
– Keansburg Borough Police Department
– Marlboro Township Police Department
– Middletown Township Police Department
– Sea Bright Borough Police Department
– Old Bridge Township Police Department – Bureau of Narcotics
– Union Beach Borough Police Department
– Union Beach Borough Police Department K-9 Unit
– New York City Police Department – 50 Precinct Field
Intelligence Office
– City of New York Office of Special Narcotics Prosecutor
The charges referenced above are merely accusations and the press and public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Photo by Flickr on Pexels.com
Sgt. Montgomery and K9 Mackey 
Officer Mike Mullen and K9 Bodhi
Photo by Sora Shimazaki on Pexels.com
A man told officials he forgot to declare his gun upon check-in with his airline at Newark Liberty International Airport on Nov. 26. (TSA photo)
