August 16, 2024
A month-long investigation into cocaine distribution in Hamilton Township culminated recently with one arrest and the seizure of $1.1 million in narcotics, five handguns and $65,000 in cash, Acting Mercer County Prosecutor Theresa L. Hilton reported.
James Nalbone Jr., 35, of Hamilton, was arrested on August 7, 2024, as a result of the investigation conducted by the members of the Mercer County Narcotics Task Force, with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Ewing, Hamilton and Trenton police. Detectives detained Nalbone without incident at his residence on Byron Avenue and executed a search warrant. Sgt. Tom Paglione utilized his K-9 partner, Indy, who gave positive indications for narcotic odor at multiple locations within the premises and detectives located six kilograms of suspected cocaine, 130 pounds of suspected marijuana, two thousand suspected oxycodone pills, three handguns and a defaced ghost gun, and approximately $65,000 in cash. Assorted drug paraphernalia, including scales, packaging materials, and hydraulic presses used to re-rock cocaine into kilograms for distribution, was also seized.
A search of Nalbone’s Lincoln MKZ produced another handgun and paperwork indicating he was renting space at a nearby storage facility. Detectives again used a narcotics canine and were able to obtain a search warrant after Indy gave a positive indication at a storage unit rented by Nalbone on Quakerbridge Road in Hamilton. Inside of the storage unit, detectives discovered an additional 12 kilograms of cocaine, 20 pounds of marijuana and a large amount of edible marijuana.
Nalbone was charged with 18 narcotics and weapons offenses of various degrees and one count of money laundering. The prosecutor’s office has filed a motion to detain him pending trial.
According to Acting Prosecutor Hilton, the total street value of the confiscated drugs is $1,102,500. The cocaine is valued at approximately $630,000; the marijuana is valued at approximately $450,000; and the oxycodone is valued at approximately $22,500.
Despite having been charged, all persons are presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
James Nalbone Jr., 35, of Hamilton
August 16, 2024
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ – (August 16, 2024) – Robbinsville Township Mayor and Director of Public Safety Dave Fried announced today that Police Chief Michael K. Polaski will retire effective December 31, 2024, after 25 years of exemplary public service.
Polaski was named the full-time replacement for former Chief Chris Nitti on January 1, 2022. Nitti had served the RTPD for 28 years, including the last three as chief.
“Needless to say, Mike will be greatly missed,” Fried said. “He was the right man, at the right time, with the ideal skill set to tackle the many components and extra intangibles that come with being chief. He recognized the vital importance of community policing and kept pushing those initiatives, and our community, forward in a direction with a level of transparency I have never before seen from another department. Mike is universally respected, was always a pleasure to have around, and brings a professionalism to the job that every mayor looks for in a chief. On behalf of my staff and Council we congratulate Mike and wish him, Stephanie, and their boys nothing but the best.”
Polaski, 49, began his career with the former Washington Township (now Robbinsville) Police Department on March 8, 1999 as a patrolman. He was promoted to Sergeant in 2003, then Lieutenant in 2009. In 2016, Polaski was named Administrative Lieutenant and Office of Emergency Management (OEM) Coordinator.
“It’s been a privilege and an honor to serve the residents of Robbinsville for nearly 26 years.” Polaski said. “Thank you to the Mayor and Council for unwavering support, and I am proud of what we accomplished in my three years.”
Polaski spearheaded many important community outreach programs and events. As Chief, he expanded the S.A.F.E. Team for community members with autism or other communication disorders. Through the expansion of the Chaplain program, Polaski provided a vital tool to comfort families and individuals suffering from the various traumas associated with tragedy and loss.
“We’re seeing substantially more positive community engagement, and that’s something we are all very proud of in the department,” Polaski said. “The increased transparency, an updated website, along with an increased social media presence is allowing us to stay better connected to the community.”
Beyond his community work, Polaski has worked to lead the RTPD well into the 21st century.
“We have replaced all in-car and body worn camera systems and have added additional training across the board.” Polaski said, “We expect to transition to the State’s radio system by year’s-end and the RTPD anticipates a full accreditation assessment this fall.”
Mayor Fried plans to begin interviews for Polaski’s replacement in October.
“Throughout my tenure as Chief, I have focused on succession planning at all levels of the agency,” Polaski said. “We have a very deep bench of talent throughout the agency. I know I am biased, but I personally feel we have the best police and communications officers in all of New Jersey, so the responsibility of protecting Robbinsville residents will be in very good hands.”
-Robbinsville Township Office of Communications & Public Information.
Robbinsville Township Mayor and Director of Public Safety Dave Fried announced today that Police Chief Michael K. Polaski will retire effective December 31, 2024, after 25 years of exemplary public service.
Left Robbinsville Mayor Dave Fried and right Police Chief Michael K. Polaski / Robbinsville Township Office of Communications & Public Information.
Robbinsville Fire Captain Jason Palmer (left) and Police Chief Michael K. Polaski (center) at an accident scene on Route 130 in the Windsor section of Robbinsville on May 23, 2002. Photo: Dennis Symons, Jr./File Photo
Mayor Dave Fried swears-in new RT Police Chief Mike Polaski, accompanied by his wife, Stephanie, and sons Evan and Matthew.
2022 Robbinsville Township Council Reorganization Meeting
Former Governor’s Office Chief of Staff will Serve as U.S. Senator Until November General Election Winner is Certified
August 16, 2024
NEWARK – Governor Phil Murphy today announced that he will appoint George Samir Helmy to the United States Senate to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Senator Robert Menendez. Helmy will serve as one of New Jersey’s two United States Senators until the winner of the November General Election is certified on November 27, at which point Senator Helmy will resign and the Governor will appoint the winner of November’s election to the U.S. Senate.
“It is an honor to appoint George Helmy, a proven public servant who deeply understands the complexities of Congress, to the United States Senate,” said Governor Murphy. “George is the model of integrity we need to help restore public trust in our state’s leadership. There is no one better prepared — or more committed — to delivering for the people of our state, especially when it comes to providing the highest caliber of constituent services. For four and a half years, I witnessed firsthand George’s unique skillset, wealth of knowledge, and willingness to pour his heart and soul into serving the people of our state. I have absolute confidence that he will serve New Jerseyans well over the next few months.”
“Once the voters of New Jersey elect their next representative in the United States Senate, and their votes are certified, I will appoint the winner of November’s election to the United States Senate before the new year begins,” continued Governor Murphy. “This approach will allow the democratically-chosen winner of November’s election to embark on the smoothest possible transition into office so they can provide the best possible representation for New Jersey.”
Govenor’s Office photos
“I thank the Governor and accept this appointment with great humility and even greater determination to represent New Jerseyans in the United States Senate,” said incoming U.S. Senator George Helmy. “While I am honored to serve and provide New Jersey with a Senate office that they can depend on, I commit to stepping down early to give the duly elected Senator the chance to begin their work. As I serve my state as Senator for the next few months, I promise to work for the people of New Jersey and hope to restore their faith in public service.”
“George Helmy is one of the most committed public servants I have ever had the pleasure of working with,” said Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way. “I am confident that he will provide New Jerseyans with the principled and effective leadership that they deserve. George is brilliant, caring, and extremely dedicated to serving our state. This appointment by Governor Murphy ensures that our state is in good hands until the people of New Jersey elect their next Senator.”
“Governor Murphy has made a wise and historic choice in appointing George Helmy to the Senate,” said Senator Cory Booker. “New Jersey deserves the most prepared and capable person to serve in this interim period. There is perhaps no one else more qualified to hit the ground running and make an impact for New Jersey in this role over the next several months. From his dedicated years of service for Senator Lautenberg and his strong leadership as my state director, George knows how a Senator can be most effective for the people of New Jersey. Even more so, his experience as Governor Murphy’s chief of staff makes him deeply knowledgeable about the diverse needs of our state. George is a leader who will undoubtedly make a difference in the lives of New Jerseyans as our Senator, even in this short period of time. I will be proud to serve alongside him. And I know he will make New Jerseyans proud through his service too.”
Serving as Chief of Staff to Governor Phil Murphy from February 2019 to October 2023, George Helmy played a critical role in leading New Jersey’s pandemic response, negotiated six on-time state budgets, and ensured the completion of many of the Governor’s legislative goals. Prior to serving as Chief of Staff, Helmy served as State Director to U.S. Senator Cory Booker, serving on the Senator’s senior staff and overseeing the day-to-day operations of his New Jersey offices. Prior to that, he worked as Senator Booker’s Deputy Chief of Staff for two years. Helmy has also worked in the private sector with two Fortune 100 companies and served as an aide and caseworker to the late U.S. Senator Frank Lautenberg, handling issues such as gun safety and financial affairs.
Helmy currently serves as Executive Vice President and Chief External Affairs and Policy Officer at RWJBarnabas Health. A native of Jersey City, Helmy lives in Morris County with his wife and two children. He received his Bachelor of Arts from Rutgers University and Master’s degree from Harvard University.
Upon his appointment to the U.S. Senate, Helmy will become the only Arab-American Senator in the 118th Congress. Helmy is tentatively scheduled to be sworn in on September 9th, when the U.S. Senate reconvenes.
Governor Phil Murphy today announced that he will appoint George Samir Helmy to the United States Senate to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Senator Robert Menendez. Helmy will serve as one of New Jersey’s two United States Senators until the winner of the November General Election is certified on November 27, at which point Senator Helmy will resign and the Governor will appoint the winner of November’s election to the U.S. Senate.