August 21, 2024
DELRAN, NJ (CAMDEN) — Delran Township Police say that Bobbyjean Orak, 29, from Hamilton, NJ was criminally charged with two counts of robbery and theft for two robberies that occurred at the 7-11 convenience store located at 3111 Bridgeboro Road Delran. The first robbery occurred on July 24, 2024 and the second robbery at the 7-11 store occurred on August 19, 2024. Orak was charged with two second-degree robbery charges and two counts of theft. Orak is currently incarcerated at the Camden County jail on unrelated charges in Camden County.
Bobbyjean Orak, 29, from Hamilton, NJ was criminally charged with two counts of robbery and theft for two robberies that occurred at the 7-11 convenience store located at 3111 Bridgeboro Road Delran.
August 21, 2024
EWING TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–In a significant move to revitalize a long-vacant and underutilized commercial area, the Ewing Township Council has recently adopted a redevelopment plan for the Lexington, Parkway, and Olden Avenue Redevelopment Area. This decision follows the planning board’s confirmation that the plan aligns with the township’s master plan, and the formal adoption took place at the Aug. 13 meeting of the Township Council.
The newly adopted plan designates approximately 6 acres at the Lexington, Parkway, and Olden Crossroads as an “Area in Need of Redevelopment” and an “Area in Need of Rehabilitation” under New Jersey Land Use regulations. This initiative underscores Ewing’s commitment to fostering sustainable growth, enhancing public safety, and promoting economic prosperity.
“The designation of the Lexington, Parkway & Olden area as redevelopment and rehabilitation zones is something we’ve been working toward for quite a while,” said Mayor Bert H. Steinmann. “This initiative demonstrates our commitment to revitalizing underutilized spaces, fostering economic growth, and creating a more livable community for all residents.”
Key Objectives of the Redevelopment Plan
Long-Term Investment: The redevelopment and rehabilitation designations highlight the commitment to strategic investments that yield long-term benefits, ensuring the area’s vibrancy for future generations.
Enhancing Attractiveness: Through thoughtful planning and design, and with the guidance of the Ewing Township Redevelopment Agency, the plan aims to improve the visual appeal of the area, making it more inviting for residents and visitors.
Improving Safety: Prioritizing pedestrian safety and creating safe pathways for school children and residents will be central to the redevelopment effort, ensuring a secure environment for all.
Promoting Economic Sustainability: The township aims to attract new businesses and revitalize existing commercial properties, creating a sustainable economic system that generates employment opportunities and enhances the tax base.
August 21, 2024
NEWARK, N.J. – A Middlesex County, New Jersey, man was charged with producing and possessing photos depicting child sexual abuse, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.
Anthony Lagotta Jr., 54, of Plainsboro, New Jersey, is charged by complaint with one count each of production and possession of child pornography. He had his initial appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Stacey D. Adams in Newark federal court and was detained.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Approximately 15 years ago, Lagotta sexually assaulted two minor victims and took photos depicting that abuse. In July 2022, Lagotta uploaded approximately 30 of those images to a child pornography website hosted on the darknet. During a search of Lagotta’s residence on Aug. 19, 2024, authorities discovered on Lagotta’s computer approximately 700 images depicting sexual abuse of one of those two minor victims, including some of the same images that Lagotta had previously posted on the darknet forum.
The charge of production of child pornography carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison and a maximum potential penalty of 30 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The charge of possession of child pornography carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited FBI Newark’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark, with the investigation leading to the charges. U.S. Attorney Sellinger also thanked the Plainsboro Police Department and the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) in the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit: https://www.justice.gov/psc.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ariel Douek of the General Crimes Unit in Newark.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Defense counsel: Candace Hom Esq., Assistant Federal Public Defender, Newark
Lagotta.ComplaintDownload 
August 21, 2024
HIGHTSTOWN, NJ (MERCER)–Habitat for Humanity of South Central New Jersey (Habitat SCNJ) announced the dedication of two newly constructed homes in Hightstown, on August 15, 2024. These homes mark a significant milestone for two local families and the community, symbolizing hope, resilience, and the power of partnership.
The completion of these homes was made possible through the generous support and collaboration of many organizations. These homes were part of Habitat SCNJ’s first-ever Unity Build, held at First Presbyterian Church of Hamilton Square. During this event, volunteers from various houses of worship and the community came together to build the walls for these homes entirely by hand, using just hammers and nails. This hands-on effort not only embodied the spirit of unity but also laid the foundation for these homes in a truly meaningful way. Pastor Kyle Doebler from the church performed a house blessing, further symbolizing the community’s collective commitment to this project.
Additional foundational support for the homes comes from the First Presbyterian Church of Plainsboro, whose congregation made a substantial donation, ensuring that this project could move forward. The Carpenters Union generously donated their time and expertise to frame the homes, while volunteers from Bloomberg contributed their efforts on the build site. The Women Build teams from Freedom Mortgage and Cenlar also played a crucial role in the construction process. Hightstown Township also provided financial support, reflecting the broader community’s dedication to affordable housing.
The homes, sold to low- and moderate-income families, reflect Habitat SCNJ’s ongoing commitment to creating affordable housing opportunities. These families have invested hundreds of hours of sweat equity, working on the construction site, engaging with their community, and participating in homeowner preparation and financial education classes. The duplex homes are two stories, equipped with energy-efficient appliances, and are located adjacent to other Habitat families, fostering a vibrant and diverse community.
Meet the Homeowners:
Plaza-Guaraca Family
Aida Plaza-Guaraca, along with her young son and mother, are eagerly anticipating moving into their new home. Currently living in a cramped two-bedroom apartment, Aida has worked tirelessly as a single parent to provide for her family. As an Administrative Analyst for the New Jersey Department of the Treasury, Aida has balanced her career with caring for her son and supporting her mother, who works part-time cleaning offices.
Aida discovered Habitat for Humanity while at work, where a flyer about the homes in Hightstown caught her eye. “Last year, while at work, I was walking towards the kitchen and a flyer caught my attention, and it was the Habitat flyer about the three houses in Hightstown. I went online, looked over the website, called, and now we are here,” Aida recalls. The family is excited to start this new chapter in their lives, achieving what Aida describes as her “American dream.”
Staple Family
Shala Staple and her adolescent daughters are looking forward to the stability and space that their new home will provide. After spending 14 years in an apartment with persistent issues like water damage and mold, Shala has long dreamed of owning a home. Her oldest daughter currently sleeps in the living room due to a lack of space.
Shala first learned about Habitat for Humanity eight years ago through a commercial and word of mouth from a friend who completed the program in another county. She has been working diligently toward her goal, balancing her job as a Discharge Planning Assistant at a hospital with her studies for a Master of Social Work (MSW) at Rutgers University. For Shala, this home represents the culmination of years of hard work and dedication to providing a better life for her family.
Photos and story of the event provided by: Habitat for Humanity of South-Central New Jersey