June 26, 2024
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer recently announced that on June 24, 2024, Michele Nycz, 60, of Brick Township, pled guilty to two counts of Animal Cruelty before the Honorable Guy P. Ryan, P.J.Cr.P., in connection with an investigation that began on December 2, 2022 in Brick Township. Yesterday, Aimee Lonczak, 51, also of Brick Township, pled guilty before Judge Ryan to Child Neglect, as well as two counts of Animal Cruelty, in connection with the same investigation. At the time of their sentencing on August 16, 2024, the State will be seeking 364 days in the Ocean County Jail as a condition of probation as to each defendant, a lifetime ban on owning animals, a ban on working with animals, and community service not involving animals.
On December 2, 2022, Officers from the Brick Township Police Department were summoned to a residence on Arrowhead Park Drive in reference to an anonymous complaint that the residents at the address were running a puppy mill. While speaking with the residents – Lonczak and Nycz – in the driveway of the residence, responding Officers could detect a strong odor coming from the residence, and heard barking. Officers were subsequently permitted to enter the residence and immediately detected an intense odor and unsanitary conditions. Additionally, the Officers observed animal crates containing dogs and cats stacked on top of one another. Due to the conditions existing in the home at that time, the Officers were forced to exit the residence and requested that a Hazmat team respond. Rescuers in Hazmat equipment subsequently removed approximately 129 dogs and 43 cats located in the residence, and the bodies of two deceased dogs. Lonczak and Nycz – who resided at the residence with Lonczak’s 16-year-old child – were both taken into custody at the scene and transported to the Ocean County Jail. They were both subsequently released as a consequence of New Jersey Bail Reform.
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the diligent efforts of Assistant Prosecutor Victoria Veni who is handling the case on behalf of the State, and commends the Brick Township Police Department and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office for their efforts in connection with this investigation leading to the defendants’ guilty pleas.
180 Animals Removed From Brick Township “Puppy Mill”
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April 24, 2024
TOMS RIVER, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on April 22, 2024, Olivia Paige, 35, of Toms River, pled guilty to Robbery before the Honorable Guy P. Ryan, P.J.Cr.P., in connection with an incident that occurred on August 29, 2023, in Lakewood Township. Additionally, Paige pled guilty to Possession of Cocaine in connection with an incident that occurred on January 11, 2023, also in Brick Township. Finally, Paige pled guilty to Aggravated Assault in connection with an incident that occurred on April 14, 2023, likewise in Lakewood. At the time of her sentencing on June 28, 2024, the State will be seeking a term of eight years New Jersey State Prison (NJSP) – subject to the terms of the No Early Release Act – as to the Robbery charge, three years NJSP as to the narcotics offense, and 18 months NJSP as to the Aggravated Assault charge. The sentences are to run concurrently.
On August 29, 2023, Officers from the Lakewood Township Police Department were summoned to the area of Clifton Avenue for a reported robbery. Responding Officers determined that a female was sitting in her car on Clifton Avenue, when she was approached by a female suspect who brandished a knife and demanded money. The victim handed the suspect money, at which time the suspect fled the area. The Officers were able to ascertain a detailed description of the suspect. A short time later, the Officers located the suspect – later identified as Paige – at a nearby eatery. Paige was taken into custody without incident; she was searched incident to arrest, and found to be in possession of a five-inch utility knife. Paige was transported to the Ocean County Jail, where she has been detained since August 29, 2023.
On January 11, 2023, Officers from the Brick Township Police Department were summoned to a convenience store on Maple Avenue for a reported shoplifting. An investigation by responding Officers determined that Paige was responsible for taking items from the store without paying for them. Paige was located behind the store with the missing items, and taken into custody without incident. Paige was searched incident to arrest, and found to be in possession of cocaine. Paige was transported to the Ocean County Jail, and subsequently released as a consequence of New Jersey Bail Reform.
On April 14, 2023, Officers from the Lakewood Township Police Department were dispatched to the area of First Street for a report of a disorderly female. Responding Officers found that the female – later identified as Paige – was shouting profanities and acting in an erratic manner. As Officers attempted to subdue Paige, she spit in their faces. Paige was taken into custody, transported to the Ocean County Jail, and subsequently released as a consequence of New Jersey Bail Reform.
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the diligent efforts of Senior Assistant Prosecutor Shanon Chant-Berry who handled these cases on behalf of the State, and commends the Lakewood Township Police Department and Brick Township Police Department for their efforts in connection with these investigations – leading to Paige’s guilty pleas, and soon her state prison sentence.
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March 6, 2024
TOMS RIVER, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced yesterday, that Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force collaborated with the Barnegat Township Police Department Crime Reduction Unit, United States Drug Enforcement Agency-Atlantic City Resident Office, Toms River Township Police Department Patrol Division and Street Crimes Unit, Brick Township Police Department Patrol Division and Street Crimes Unit, South Toms River Patrol Division and Detective Bureau, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office, to conduct a two month-long investigation into the distribution of illegal narcotics in the Ocean County area. This cooperative, multi-agency investigation identified three residences in Brick, Toms River, and South Toms River, as being utilized by Orthis Allen, 33 of Bayville, Lauren Torres and Anthony Martinez, both 23 and of Toms River, and Ashley Banks, 33, of Brick, for the purpose of distributing ecstasy, cocaine, and heroin/fentanyl in Ocean County.
On February 27, 2024, Detectives from the aforementioned law enforcement agencies established stationary and mobile surveillance on the subject residences. On that date, surveillance units observed Allen and Banks exit the Brick Township residence, enter a 2020 Dodge Durango, and leave the area. A motor vehicle stop was thereafter executed by Officers assigned to the Brick Township Police Department Special Emergency Response Team; Allen and Banks were detained without incident, and ultimately transported to Brick Township Police Headquarters for processing.
Court-authorized search warrants were subsequently executed at the subject residences in Brick, Toms River, and South Toms River. As a result, law enforcement seized 150 suspect ecstasy pills and approximately 41 grams of suspect cocaine from the Brick Township residence. Execution of the search warrant at the Toms River residence resulted in the seizure of 100 wax folds of suspect heroin/fentanyl, 15 suspect ecstasy pills, a digital scale, paraphernalia indicative of drug distribution, and two loaded 9mm firearms – one with a high capacity magazine. Torres and Martinez – who were present at the Toms River residence at the time the search warrant was executed – were transported without incident to Toms River Police Headquarters for processing. The execution of the search warrant at the South Toms River address revealed nothing of evidentiary value.
Allen was charged with Distribution of MDMA, Distribution of Cocaine, Possession of MDMA with Intent to Distribute, Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute, Possession of Heroin with Intent to Distribute, Conspiracy to Possess MDMA with Intent to Distribute, Conspiracy to Possess Cocaine with Intent to Distribute, Conspiracy to Possess Heroin with Intent to Distribute, Possession of MDMA, Possession of Cocaine, Possession of Heroin, Possession of Firearm During the Commission of a Narcotics Offense, Being a Certain Person not to Possess a Weapon, and Possession of High Capacity Magazine. Allen is presently lodged in Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.
Torres was charged with Possession of MDMA with Intent to Distribute, Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute, Possession of Heroin with Intent to Distribute, Conspiracy to Possess Heroin with Intent to Distribute, Possession of MDMA, Possession of Cocaine, and Possession of Heroin. Torres was served with the charges via summons pending an upcoming first appearance in Ocean County Superior Court.
Anthony Martinez was charged with Conspiracy to Possess MDMA with Intent to Distribute. Martinez was served with the charges via summons pending an upcoming first appearance in Ocean County Superior Court.
Banks was charged with Possession of MDMA with Intent to Distribute, Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute, Conspiracy to Possess MDMA with Intent to Distribute, Conspiracy to Possess Cocaine with Intent to Distribute, Possession of MDMA, and Possession of Cocaine. Banks was served with the charges via summons pending an upcoming first appearance in Ocean County Superior Court.
Prosecutor Billhimer commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Asset Forfeiture Unit, Barnegat Township Police Department, Barnegat Township Police Department Patrol Division, Barnegat Township Police Department Crime Reduction Unit, Barnegat Township Police Department K-9 Unit, Brick Township Police Department Patrol Division, Brick Township Police Department Street Crimes Unit, Brick Township Police Department K-9 Unit, Brick Township Police Department Special Emergency Response Team, South Toms River Police Department Detective Bureau, Toms River Township Police Department Patrol Division, Toms River Township Police Department Special Enforcement Team, Toms River Township Police Department Emergency Services Unit, Ocean County Regional SWAT Team, United States Drug Enforcement Agency-Atlantic City Resident Office, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office, for their combined and collective assistance in connection with this investigation.
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.
R.P.C. 3.6(b)(6).
August 18, 2023
BRICK TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Brick Township Police Department reported that on Friday, August 11th, at 3:56 p.m., Lieutenant Paul Catalina and Officers Andriy Shevchuk and Carissa Pagnotta, were patrolling on the Metedeconk River when they came upon a female in distress and an unoccupied wave runner personal water craft (PWC). The female had been operating a PWC when she collided with her boyfriend who was operating another PWC, at which time she was ejected from the craft and into the water. The female was complaining of pain in her leg which was later determined to be broken.
Officers utilized a boat pole to reach the victim and were able to pull her onto the patrol boat. The female was then transported to Pier 281 Marina on Princeton Avenue where EMTs were standing by to transport her to the hospital for treatment of her injuries. Officer Shevchuk drove her wave runner to the same marina for safe keeping. The NJSP Marine Unit responded to handle the crash report.
Body camera footage, which has been redacted due to the victim’s age, shows the officers pulling her onto the boat, and later carrying her off the boat onto the dock where EMTs were waiting. Chief David Forrester commends the officers for this water rescue whose quick and decisive actions prevented further harm to a young woman in danger.
July 7, 2023
BRICK TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on July 7, 2023, the Honorable Lisa A. Puglisi, J.S.C., sentenced Helecia Morris, 41, of Brick Township, to eight years New Jersey State Prison (NJSP), and Donna Jung, 57, of Lehigh Acres, Florida, to seven years NJSP, both having previously been found guilty of Endangering the Welfare of a Child in connection with incidents that occurred between April 1, 2015 and January 9, 2016 in Brick Township. Additionally, Judge Puglisi sentenced Morris to four years NJSP in connection with an unrelated charge of Theft, and eighteen months NJSP for an unrelated charge of Shoplifting. These sentences will run concurrent to one another but consecutive to Morris’ sentence for Endangering the Welfare of a Child. Jung and Morris were found guilty of Endangering on May 25, 2023, following a week-long jury trial before Judge Puglisi. Morris and Jung were remanded to the Ocean County Jail at that time pending sentencing.
On January 9, 2016, Officers from the Brick Township Police Department and representatives from the Division of Child Protection and Permanency responded to a residence on Queen Ann Road in reference to a wellness check on Morris’s biological eight-year old son. Responding Officers found the child locked in his room in abhorrent conditions. The room also reeked of urine. The eight year-old male child and two other minor children were removed from the residence. They were taken to Hackensack Meridian Ocean University Medical Center in Brick Township to be medically evaluated. All three children were subsequently placed in foster care.
An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victim’s Unit and the Brick Township Police Department revealed that the eight year-old male victim was locked in his room day and night by Morris and Jung. He was not allowed to use the bathroom in the residence and was excluded from socializing with the rest of the family. The room contained no bed, no furniture, no lights, and no toys. On January 11, 2016, Detectives executed a court-authorized search warrant on the residence, and Morris and Jung were arrested. Morris and Jung were transported to the Ocean County Jail and subsequently released on bail.
Prosecutor Billhimer commends the diligence and dedication of Senior Assistant Prosecutor Mara Brater who ably and skillfully tried the case on behalf of the State. The Prosecutor likewise extends his gratitude to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Victim Witness Advocacy Unit, Brick Township Police Department, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and Division of Child Protection and Permanency, for their combined and collective efforts ultimately resulting in guilty verdicts – and now Morris’ and Jung’s state prison sentences.
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June 14, 2023
BRICK TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on June 13, 2023, John Kisch, 57, of Brick Township, was charged with Possession of Child Pornography.
This investigation was the result of a referral from the New Jersey State Police Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. The ICAC Task Force received cyber-tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that an individual was uploading images of child pornography to the internet. An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit identified an IP address associated with a Brick Township residence as the location where the individual was uploading the images of child pornography; that individual was ultimately identified as Kisch. Kisch is employed as a part time Class I Special Police Officer in Brick Township.
On June 13, 2023, Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, United States Department of Homeland Security Investigations Newark, and New Jersey State Police ICAC Task Force, executed a court-authorized search warrant on Kisch’s residence in Brick Township. As a result, Detectives seized a desktop computer. A forensic examination of the computer by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit led to the discovery of more than 100 images of child pornography on the computer. Kisch was taken into custody at the residence. He was transported to the Ocean County Jail, where he is lodged pending a detention hearing.
“Kisch is alleged to have possessed images of child pornography, every image is a risk to further victimize those being depicted,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Newark Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel. “HSI special agents and our partners with the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office and the New Jersey State Police will continue to bring to justice those that are engaged in any activity involving the exploitation of our innocent children.”
“We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to protect the most vulnerable among us. Children are most deserving of our unwavering commitment to investigating and prosecuting these types of offenses,” said Prosecutor Billhimer.
Prosecutor Billhimer commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, United States Department of Homeland Security Investigations Newark, New Jersey State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, for their collaborative assistance in connection with this investigation leading to Kisch’s arrest.
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.
R.P.C. 3.6(b)(6).
June 6, 2023
TRENTON, N.J. – An Ocean County, New Jersey, man today admitted distributing child pornography, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Alec Donovan, 26, of Brick, New Jersey, a youth wrestling coach and referee, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Zahid N. Quraishi in Trenton federal court to an information charging him with one count of distribution of child pornography.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From January 2021 through March 2021, Donovan used an internet-based application to exchange multiple images and videos of child sexual abuse, including depictions involving pre-pubescent children. Donovan also used the web-based messaging application to solicit and engage in conversations with minors, including requesting nude photographs from the minors and sending nude photographs to them.
The charge of distribution of child pornography carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison, and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 10, 2023.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica R. Ecker of the General Crimes Unit in Newark.
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Defense counsel: Nikole Pezzullo Esq., Freehold, New Jersey
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May 23, 2023
TOMS RIVER, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force collaborated with the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Asset Forfeiture Unit, United States Drug Enforcement Administration – High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) Group 5, Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, Lakewood Township Police Department, Lakewood Township Police Department Street Crimes Unit, Lakewood Township Police Department K-9 Unit, South Toms River Police Department, South Toms River Police Department K-9 Unit, Brick Township Police Department Drug Enforcement Unit, Eatontown Borough Police Department, Howell Township Police Department K-9 Unit, City of Long Branch Police Department Street Crimes Unit and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office to conduct an investigation into the distribution of cocaine in the Ocean County and Monmouth County areas. This cooperative, multi-agency investigation identified a residence in South Toms River and a residence in Brick Township, as being utilized by Octavaeous Jenkins, 49, to store and distribute cocaine. Additionally, the investigation identified a residence in Long Branch, as being utilized by Ralph Durand, 56, Krystal Villano, 36, Emily Durand, 53 and Jaiden Durand, 18, to store and distribute cocaine.
Detectives from the aforementioned law enforcement agencies initiated surveillance on the subject residences in South Toms River, Brick Township and Long Branch. On May 9, 2023, Detectives observed Jenkins meeting with Durand in Monmouth County. Jenkins and Durand were detained and found to be in possession of approximately one kilogram of cocaine. Jenkins and Durand were thereafter placed under arrest.
Multiple court-authorized search warrants were then executed on all of the subject residences. As a result, law enforcement seized – in combination from all three residences – approximately 1.25 kilograms of cocaine, $56,000 in United States currency, twenty grams of crack cocaine and fifty dosage units of heroin. Emily Durand, Jaiden Durand and Krystal Villano were placed under arrest at the residence in Long Branch. Additionally, Detectives seized approximately seized $488,522 in personal banking accounts belonging to Ralph Durand and Krystal Villano, believed to be related to their narcotics distribution network.
Octavaeous Jenkins was charged with Distribution of More than Five Ounces of Cocaine, Possession of More than One-Half Ounce but Less than Five Ounces of Crack Cocaine with Intent to Distribute, Possession of Less than One-Half Ounce of Heroin with Intent to Distribute, Possession of Cocaine, Possession of Heroin, Conspiracy to Possess More than Five Ounces of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute and Financial Facilitation. Jenkins was transported to the Ocean County Jail, where he is currently lodged pending a detention hearing.
Ralph Durand was charged with Possession of More than Five Ounces of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute, Possession of More than Five Ounces of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute within 500 feet of a Public Library, Possession of Cocaine, Conspiracy to Possess More than Five Ounces of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Financial Facilitation. Durand was transported to the Monmouth County Jail, where he is currently lodged pending a detention hearing.
Krystal Villano was charged with Possession of More than Five Ounces of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute, Possession of More than Five Ounces of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute within 500 feet of a Public Library, Possession of Cocaine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Financial Facilitation. Villano was served with the charges via summons pending an upcoming first appearance in Ocean County Superior Court.
Jaiden Durand was charged with Possession of More than Five Ounces of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute, Possession of More than Five Ounces of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute within 500 feet of a Public Library, Possession of Cocaine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Financial Facilitation. Villano was served with the charges via summons pending an upcoming first appearance in Ocean County Superior Court.
Emily Durand was charged with Possession of More than Five Ounces of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute, Possession of More than Five Ounces of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute within 500 feet of a Public Library, Possession of Cocaine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Financial Facilitation. Villano was served with the charges via summons pending an upcoming first appearance in Ocean County Superior Court.
Prosecutor Billhimer commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Asset Forfeiture Unit, United States Drug Enforcement Administration-High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) Group 5, Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, Lakewood Township Police Department, Lakewood Township Police Department Street Crimes Unit, Lakewood Township Police Department K-9 Unit, South Toms River Police Department, South Toms River Police Department K-9 Unit, Brick Township Police Department Drug Enforcement Unit, Eatontown Borough Police Department, Howell Township Police Department K-9 Unit, City of Long Branch Police Department Street Crimes Unit and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office, for their combined and collective efforts in connection with this investigation.
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.
R.P.C. 3.6(b)(6).
Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, determined that students had viewed the pornographic images by accessing Banner’s public Twitter profile. Further investigation revealed that the photographs were taken in his classroom at Toms River Intermediate North. During the course of the investigation, Detectives also discovered that Banner sent inappropriate photographs of himself to a student via Snapchat in October of 2022. Detectives also recovered numerous images of Banner engaging in sexual conduct with himself in his classroom at Toms River Intermediate North.
May 23, 2023
TOMS RIVER, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on May 23, 2023, Kyle Banner, 48, of Brick Township, was charged with Official Misconduct and three counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child.
On April 23, 2023, administrators at Toms River Intermediate North were alerted that Banner, a teacher at both Toms River Intermediate North and Ocean County College, posted pornographic photographs of himself to his public Twitter profile. On April 24, 2023, Banner was suspended from his teaching position without pay.
A thorough investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, Toms River Township Police Department Detective Bureau and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, determined that students had viewed the pornographic images by accessing Banner’s public Twitter profile. Further investigation revealed that the photographs were taken in his classroom at Toms River Intermediate North. During the course of the investigation, Detectives also discovered that Banner sent inappropriate photographs of himself to a student via Snapchat in October of 2022. Detectives also recovered numerous images of Banner engaging in sexual conduct with himself in his classroom at Toms River Intermediate North.
On May 23, 2023, Banner surrendered himself to the Toms River Township Police Department. He was processed and transported to the Ocean County Jail, where he is currently lodged pending a detention hearing.
“I would encourage parents to have a conversation with their children if they had this defendant as a teacher. If anyone has additional information regarding this investigation, please contact Detective Graham Borg of the Toms River Township Police Department at 732- 349-0150, or Detective Stephanie Bayha of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office at 732-929-2027, extension 3861,” Prosecutor Billhimer stated.
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, Toms River Township Police Department Detective Bureau and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit for their collaborative efforts in connection with this investigation.
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.
R.P.C. 3.6(b)(6).
April 3, 2023
BRICK TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Around 2:15 p.m. April 2, 2023, Brick Township recieved a reported car fire in the driveway of 39 Garden Avenue with reported exposures. Shortly after, police arrived and confirmed there was a car fire and that it had already extended to the home. Chief 2300 arrived and sized up the home to be one story wood frame with car fire extending to the home. Fire crews stretched hose lines and quickly knocked down the fire that extended into the home. Crews operated for around two hours before clearing the scene. The cause of the fire is currently unknown. The fire is currently under investigation by the Brick Township Fire Bureau.
Photos and video below by: Ryan Mack, Jersey Shore Fire Response
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on March 22, 2023, Harry Bray, 35, of Manchester, was indicted by a Grand Jury sitting in Ocean County on the charges of Attempted Murder, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, in connection with an incident that occurred in Brick Township during the evening hours of January 5, 2023, resulting in serious bodily injuries to a female victim.
On January 5, 2023, at approximately 5:30 p.m., an Officer from the Brick Township Police Department was conducting a routine area check off of Cherry Quay Road when the Officer observed a vehicle with two flat tires in a parking lot area. Upon further examination, the Officer found a female victim on the ground near the vehicle suffering from multiple stab wounds. The victim was transported to a local area hospital; although she was initially treated for her injuries and released, complications from her injuries have resulted in the victim being readmitted to the hospital. An investigation conducted by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Brick Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, determined that Bray was responsible for the victim’s injuries.
Later in the evening on January 5, 2023, Bray was taken into custody, without incident, in Manchester Township by Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit and Brick Township Police Department. Bray was thereafter transported to the Ocean County Jail, where he has been lodged since his apprehension.
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the diligent efforts of Senior Assistant Prosecutor Ashley Angelo who presented the case to the Grand Jury on behalf of the State, and commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Brick Township Police Department, Manchester Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, for their collaborative assistance in connection with this investigation leading to Bray’s swift apprehension and now his indictment.
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.
R.P.C. 3.6(b)(6).
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March 6, 2023
BRICK TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer has announced the resolution of charges brought against two juveniles from Brick Township for the arson that occurred on the Garden State Parkway on January 19, 2022, which shut down the northbound and southbound lanes of traffic near milepost 91 in Brick Township for approximately 10 hours. Although the charges were resolved in late 2022, the State’s intention to identify the juveniles by name in a subsequent public disclosure was opposed by attorneys for the juveniles in motions pending before the court; those motions were only recently decided by the court in the juveniles’ favor in February 2023, when it was ordered that the juveniles could be identified solely by their initials.
On Wednesday, January 19, 2022, at approximately 5:00 p.m., New Jersey State Police responded to a report of a fire in the area of milepost 91 on the Garden State Parkway in Brick Township. During the investigation, State Police Detectives determined that the fire was started within a drainage culvert that runs underneath the Garden State Parkway – from the 91 north entrance ramp to the 91 south exit ramp. Further investigation revealed that two juveniles, I. J., 15, and A.R., 14, were responsible for the arson and various acts of delinquency related to that event.
Late last year, both juveniles pleaded guilty to Arson and Criminal Mischief, and admitted that a Christmas tree inside the drainage culvert was purposely lit on fire, resulting in the extensive damage to the area. Both I.J. and A.R. were sentenced to 60 days in the Ocean County Juvenile Detention Center as a condition of three years juvenile probation. Additionally, the Court ordered $15,000 in restitution to be split evenly between the juveniles. Finally, both juveniles were ordered to complete 50 hours of community service and attend and complete a fire setter’s education program.
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the diligent efforts of Assistant Prosecutor Iva Krasteva who handled the case on behalf of the State, as well as the New Jersey State Police, Brick Township Police Department, and New Jersey Department of Transportation, for their collaborative efforts in connection with this investigation.
Photos and video by: Jersey Shore Fire Response
State Police Seeking Public’s Assistance with Arson Investigation
February 18, 2023
BRICK TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Around 7:15 a.m. Brick Police received a report of a car fire in the Emergency Room parking lot at Ocean Medical Center. The caller reported the car was in the lot with other cars around it. Chief 2300 arrived first and confirmed the working car fire with other vehicles as multiple exposures. When the engine arrived a 1 3/4″ hose line was stretched to attack the vehicle fire. It appears that was some extension to the other vehicles in the parking lot.
Story, photos and video by: Ryan Mack Jersey Shore Fire Response
February 13, 2023
BRICK TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Ryan Mack of Jersey Shore Fire Response reported that around 4:45 p.m., yesterday February 12, 2013, Brick Township received a 9-1-1 call for a structure fire involving a chimney. Chief 2110 arrived on the scene and confirmed the smoke condition inside the home. The fire was quickly upgraded to a 2nd Alarm. Chief 2200 established operations while 2231 was first due hooking the hydrant outside of the home. Crews stretched two 13/4″ hose lines off 2231 one inside and one to the exterior of the chimney. Crews operated for around and hour and twenty minutes before bringing the fire fully under control. Fire was held to the area around the chimney with some extension into the home. Mutual aid from Point Pleasant Borough, Point Beach, Bayhead, Mantoloking, and Toms River were requested to the scene or for cover assignments.
No further information is available at this time.
January 20, 2023
BRICK TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office has filed motions to revoke the pre-trial release of Aimee Lonczak, 49, and Michele Nycz, 58, both of Brick Township. On December 3, 2022, Lonczak and Nycz were arrested and charged with Animal Cruelty and Endangering the Welfare of a Child.
On December 2, 2022, Officers from the Brick Township Police Department were summoned to a residence on Arrowhead Park Drive in reference to an anonymous complaint that the residents at the address were running a puppy mill. While speaking with the residents, Lonczak and Nycz, in the driveway of the residence, responding Officers could smell a strong odor coming from the residence and heard barking. Officers were subsequently permitted to enter the residence and immediately detected a strong odor and unsanitary conditions. Additionally, the Officers observed stacks of animal crates on top of each other with dogs and cats in the crates. Because of the conditions, the Officers were forced to exit the residence and requested that a Hazmat team respond. Rescuers in Hazmat equipment subsequently removed approximately 129 dogs and 43 cats located in the residence, and six dogs and one cat living in a vehicle parked outside the residence. Lonczak and Nycz – who resided at the residence with Lonczak’s 16 year-old child – were both taken into custody at the scene and transported to the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.
Following a detention hearing on December 8, 2022, the Honorable Wendel E. Daniels, J.S.C. (retired and temporarily assigned on recall), released Lonczak and Nycz under the conditions that they were to have no contact with animals and not return to the residence without written approval from the Court. Judge Daniels likewise order that Lonczak have no contact with her 16 year-old daughter unless authorized by the Department of Child Protection and Permanency and the Family Part of the Superior Court, and that Nycz have no contact with the 16 year-old juvenile. On January 10, 2022, Nycz attempted to have the no-contact order with the juvenile lifted; that request was denied by the Honorable Linda G. Baxter, J.S.C. (retired and serving on recall).
On January 19, 2023, the Brick Township Police Department was contacted by management of the Ocean County Animal Shelter in Stafford Township. Management from the shelter reported that Lonczak and Nycz were at the shelter demanding the return of their dogs. They were also in the company of Lonczak’s daughter. The shelter ultimately refused to turn over the dogs to the defendants.
“The actions of the defendants on January 19, 2023 violate the pre-trial release conditions imposed by Judge Daniels on December 8, 2022. As such, we have filed motions to revoke the pre-trial release of both Lonczak and Nycz. Based on their actions yesterday, we will be requesting that these defendants be detained pending trial,” Prosecutor Billhimer stated.
The motions are pending a hearing date in Ocean County Superior Court.
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.
R.P.C. 3.6(b)(6).
180 Animals Removed From Brick Township “Puppy Mill”
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