July 18, 2024
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–On Saturday, July 20th at 11:00 a.m. there will be a street sign dedication ceremony for Tre’Devon Lane at the corner of Kirkbride Ave and New Willow Street.
On September 22, 2012, Tre was shot and killed after sacrificing his life to save two young ladies while sitting on his grandmother’s porch on New Willow Street. At the time of his death he was 19 years old. Tre’ attended Mercer County Community College in West Windsor in pursuit of a degree in social work, while also working part-time as a security guard. He loved basketball and is remembered by his infectious smile.
In honor of his act of courage and his life, Tre’ Devon Lane Foundation was formed. The organization strives to serve the young people and their families in Trenton, providing them with opportunities and scholarships to help them realize their full potential on the road to a satisfying career and productive future as responsible and caring citizen. The foundation has started programs multiple programs including “Sisters Inspiring Sisters” girls Mentoring Program and “Project M.E.N.S ( Men Empowering New Seeds)” boys mentoring program, developing young girls and boys into the future leaders of our community.
Since its inception the Tre’Devon Lane Foundation has hosted the 2013 & 2014 Memorial Classic Basketball Tournament, was the 2016 and 2017 Recipient of the I AM Trenton Grant, presented 34 Community Service Awards to recipients, presented two Tre’ Lane Hero Awards to recipients, presented five Scholarships to recipients, honored six fathers in 2016 who lost children to gun violence, honored seven mothers in 2015 who lost children to gun violence, hosted an Anti-Violence march, from the Battle Monument to Trenton’s City Hall (September, 2017), met with elected officials, organized a petition drive on Change.org. to support Assembly Bill A3626 & Senate Bill S2849, fighting for stronger protections for Witnesses (Fall, 2016). (A3626 was created by Assemblywomen Angela McKnight Shavonda Sumter; S2849 was sponsored by Senator Linda Greenstein-D, Co-sponsored by Senator Shirley Turner-D.), recorded a PSA with Trenton Now. Participating in the PSA with our Foundation was BENS Way, The Cornelius Foundation and Assemblywoman Angela McKnight, traveled to Washington, DC and spoke on the steps of Capital Hill to support tougher Gun Control Laws (July, 2016, and the Foundation was a 2016 Honoree and recipient of the Fierce and Fearless Award for all the work they are doing in the community.
City officials including honorable Mayor Reed Gusciora and City Council members will be in attendance. Opportunities for photos, videos, and interviews will be available.
July 18, 2024
TRENTON, N.J. – A U.S. Air Marshal admitted selling “Law Enforcement Family Member” cards that were embossed with the insignia of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and making a false statement to a federal officer who was investigating an individual who possessed one of the cards, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.
Jonathan J. Ledesma, 38, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Georgette Castner in Trenton federal court on July 17, 2024, to a two-count information that charged him with making false statements and selling official insignia without authorization.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From October 2021 through January 2023, Ledesma purchased cards that identified their bearers as being a “family member” of “Jonathan J. Ledesma,” a “Federal Officer.” These cards were each embossed with the apparent insignia of DHS as well as a QR code that was linked to Ledesma’s cellular phone. Though Ledesma was not authorized to sell the insignia of DHS, or any colorable imitation of the insignia, Ledesma then sold the cards to others.
In July 2022, Ledesma sold a card to a person who was arrested on Jan. 30, 2023, while in possession of the card. A federal officer scanned the QR code and spoke with Ledesma, who indicated that he had provided the card to person because he was a friend and business associate of the person’s father. This statement was false because, as Ledesma well knew, he had never met or done business with person’s father. On Jan. 18, 2023, Ledesma sold a second card to another individual.
Making a false statement is punishable by a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $250,000. The unauthorized sale of official insignia is punishable by a maximum penalty of six months in prison and a maximum fine of $5,000. Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 20, 2024.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark; the New York Field Office of the Department of Homeland Security – Office of Inspector General, under Acting Special Agent in Charge Luke Devlin; the Detroit Field Office of the Department of Homeland Security – Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge John Pias; and the Detroit Field Office of the Transportation Security Administration, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Phil Spampinato, with the investigation leading to the charges. U.S. Attorney Sellinger also thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Kentucky for its assistance with this investigation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Francesca Liquori and Thomas S. Kearney of the Special Prosecutions Division.
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Defense counsel: Mary E. Toscano Esq., Roseland, New Jersey
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July 18, 2024
Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw announced that a 55-year-old Willingboro man has been charged with possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM).
Arthur Pitt was taken into custody at his residence on July 16 and lodged in the Burlington County Jail in Mount Holly. He was released yesterday following a first appearance in Superior Court. The case will be prepared for presentation to a grand jury for possible indictment.
The investigation began after detectives from the BCPO High-Tech Crimes Unit received a tip from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children concerning Pitt’s online activities. The investigation revealed that Pitt was in possession of more than 1,000 CSAM images and videos, and utilized an online cloud storage application to store the material.
The investigation was conducted by the BCPO High-Tech Crimes Unit, with assistance from the Willingboro Township Police Department and United States Homeland Security Investigations – Cherry Hill Office.
Pitt will be prosecuted by the BCPO Special Victims Unit.
All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Arthur Pitt, 55, was taken into custody at his residence on July 16 and lodged in the Burlington County Jail in Mount Holly. He was released yesterday following a first appearance in Superior Court. The case will be prepared for presentation to a grand jury for possible indictment.
July 18, 2024
CAMDEN, N.J. – A Guatemalan man was indicted by a federal grand jury for traveling to Cape May County, New Jersey, to kidnap a minor, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.
Sergio Gomez, aka “Abner Abigail Chub-Choc,” 22, of Guatemala, made his initial appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew J. Skahill in Camden federal court and was detained. Gomez was indicted on July 17, 2024, on one count each of enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity, transportation of a minor to engage in sexual activity, and kidnapping.
According to the indictment:
Gomez used the internet and cellphone to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity. On July 30, 2023, Gomez arrived in Cape May County, New Jersey, and took the minor to Georgia with the intent to engage in sexual activity with the minor. The FBI recovered the minor in Georgia on Aug. 3, 2023.
The count of enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; the count of transportation of a minor to engage in sexual activity carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum sentence of life in prison; and the count of kidnapping carries a maximum sentence of life in prison. All of the counts also carry a maximum fine of $250,000 per count.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy, in Newark. He also thanked the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office and Middle Township Police Department.
The government is represented by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Katelyn R. Waegener of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Camden.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Defense counsel: James Maguire Esq, Assistant Federal Public Defender, Camden
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July 18, 2024
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Robbinsville Fire Department reported that firefighters were dispatched to Patricia Lane at 6:54 a.m. on July 18, 2024, for a resident reporting smoke in their home. After dispatch, additional information was provided reporting an active structure fire at the address. When firefighters arrived at the location, they reported visible fire from the rear of the home extending to the attic area. The residents had self-evacuated upon arrival and were uninjured. An “all hands” was called for sending additional firefighters and equipment, including tankers due to the lack of fire hydrants in the area, from Hamilton Township, West Windsor, Plainsboro, Monroe, and Upper Freehold. Fire crews advanced two, inch and 3/4″ handlines into the burning home quickly knocking the fire down and conducted overhaul to prevent further extension. The fire was brought under control within 30 minutes. The Robbinsville Township Fire Marshal is actively investigating the cause of the fire, which was not suspicious in nature.
July 18, 2024
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer and Brick Township Police Chief David Forrester announced that on July 17, 2024, Daniel Santaniello, 46, of Brick Township, was charged with Theft and Uttering a Forged Instrument relative to his position as Director of Recreation for the Township of Brick.
These charges are the result of a joint investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Economic Crime Squad, Brick Township Police Department, Brick Township Police Department Internal Affairs Unit, and Brick Township Police Department Detective Bureau. The investigation revealed that in his position as Director of Recreation, Santaniello was responsible for issuing permits to private organizations for utilizing the township’s recreational facilities, including the township’s various softball fields. Private organizations wishing to utilize the fields were charged fees for their usage. The investigation further revealed that Santaniello required certain organizations wishing to use the township’s fields to pay him directly in cash, rather than issuing checks to the township. Instead of depositing the cash into the township’s accounts, Santaniello kept the monies for himself. In order to conceal his theft, Santaniello provided the private organizations who paid him in cash with fraudulent permits.
On July 17, 2024, Santaniello was taken into custody at his residence without incident by Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Economic Crime Squad and Brick Township Police Department. He was processed and served with the charges via summons pending an upcoming first appearance in Ocean County Superior Court.
“This investigation remains active and ongoing. Anyone with additional information concerning Santaniello’s conduct is urged to contact Detective Joseph Mitchell of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Economic Crime Squad at (732) 929-2027, extension 3532, or Lieutenant Paul Catalina of the Brick Township Police Department at (732) 262-1100,” Prosecutor Billhimer stated.
Prosecutor Billhimer and Chief Forrester commend the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Economic Crime Squad as well as the Brick Township Police Department, Brick Township Police Department Internal Affairs Unit, and Brick Township Police Department Detective Bureau, 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).
July 18, 2024
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on July 15, 2024, Quaison Ellis, 25, of Barnegat Township, pled guilty to Possession of More than One Half Ounce but Less than Five Ounces of Heroin with Intent to Distribute before the Honorable Kenneth T. Palmer, J.S.C., in connection with an incident that occurred in Barnegat on September 10, 2021. Additionally, Ellis pled guilty to Possession of More than One Half Ounce but Less than Five Ounces of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute, being a Certain Person Not to Possess a Firearm, and Burglary, all in connection with an incident that also occurred in Barnegat on December 9, 2022. At the time of his sentencing on September 13, 2024, the State will be seeking a term of ten years New Jersey State Prison (NJSP) as to the possession with intent to distribute heroin charge, ten years NJSP relative to the possession with intent to distribute cocaine charge, five years NJSP – with a five year period of parole ineligibility – as to the weapon offense, and three years NJSP with regard to the burglary charge. The sentences are to run concurrently.
On September 10, 2021, in furtherance of a narcotics investigation, Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, Barnegat Township Police Department Crime Reduction Unit, and Stafford Township Police Department Drug Enforcement Unit, established stationary and mobile surveillance on a residence on Hawthorne Lane in Barnegat. Detectives observed Ellis leave the residence and enter the front passenger seat of a motor vehicle. Detectives followed the vehicle to a residence in Paterson, New Jersey, where Ellis was observed meeting with a male. After a few minutes, Ellis returned to the vehicle and placed a bag in the trunk. The vehicle then returned to Barnegat. Officers from the Barnegat Township Police Department then effectuated a motor vehicle stop on the vehicle, and the driver of the vehicle consented to its search. As a result, Detectives seized approximately 1,550 wax folds of heroin. Ellis was transported to the Ocean County Jail, and subsequently released as a consequence of New Jersey Bail Reform.
On December 9, 2022, also in furtherance of an ongoing narcotics investigation, Officers from the Barnegat Township Police Department and Ocean County Regional SWAT Team executed a court-authorized search warrant on the same residence on Hawthorne Lane. As a result, Detectives seized quantities of cocaine and heroin, as well as a Keltec .32 caliber firearm. Further investigation revealed that the subject firearm was stolen from a vehicle in Stafford Township on September 29, 2022, resulting in an additional charge of burglary. Ellis was taken into custody and transported to the Ocean County Jail, and subsequently released as a consequence of New Jersey Bail Reform.
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the diligent efforts of Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Meghan O’Neill and Assistant Prosecutor Taylor Toscano who are handling the case on behalf of the State, and commends the Barnegat Township Police Department, Barnegat Township Police Department Crime Reduction Unit, Barnegat Township Police Department K-9 Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, Stafford Township Police Department, Stafford Township Police Department Drug Enforcement Unit, and Ocean County Regional SWAT Team, for their collective and cooperative assistance in connection with these investigations resulting in Ellis’ guilty pleas, and soon his state prison sentence.
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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July 18, 2024
Speeding is dangerous and aggressive behavior that accounts for more than one-quarter of all traffic-related fatalities nationally. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) urges drivers to stop speeding and end this risky driving behavior because Speeding Catches Up with You.
In 2022, there were 12,151 fatalities in speeding-related crashes, accounting for 29% of total traffic fatalities. The same year, they resulted in a decrease of 2.8%, from 12,498 deaths in 2021. No matter how safe of a driver one thinks they may be, speeding is dangerous. Speed limits aren’t a suggestion; they are the law. Obeying posted speed limits keeps drivers, passengers, and others using the road safe. Although vehicle safety and passenger protection advancements have progressed extraordinarily over the past few decades, it’s still a driver’s responsibility to control their speed while behind the wheel.
There are many reasons drivers choose to speed, but lateness, traffic, and a general disregard for others are the main culprits behind risky behavior. Like impaired driving, speeding is a selfish choice that can have deadly consequences. Speeding reduces a driver’s ability to steer safely around another vehicle, hazardous object, or unexpected curve.
“The effects of speeding are deadly,” said Chief of Police Sean O’Halloran. “Drivers on our township’s highways and secondary roadways should especially be aware of this campaign and their speed. These are the areas where many speeding related-crashes have occurred,” said Chief O’Halloran.
Young drivers and motorcyclists are especially susceptible to high speeds, representing the largest demographic in speeding-related vehicle crashes. In 2022, 35% of male drivers and 19% of female drivers in the 15-20-year-old age group involved in fatal crashes in 2022 were speeding. Motorcycle riders 21 to 24 years old involved in fatal crashes had the highest speed involvement at 51%
“We are urging our town to please slow down,” said Chief O’Halloran. “The choices you make behind the wheel could help save lives.
For more information, please visit www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/speeding
July 18, 2024
FREEHOLD – A former Wall Township High School teacher is now facing additional charges for having a sexual relationship with another student, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced Wednesday.
Julie Rizzitello, 36, of Brick Township, has been charged with one count of second-degree Sexual Assault and one count of third-degree Witness Tampering.
As a result of the continued investigation involving members of the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Bureau and Wall Township Police Department, assisted by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office and the Brick Township Police Department, it has been revealed that the alleged criminal conduct by Rizzitello began in 2017 with another student. On multiple occasions in Brick Township – Rizzitello allegedly engaged in various sexual acts with the second victim.
The collaborative investigation resulted in charges being filed both in Monmouth (on the Wall offense) and Ocean (on the Brick offense) counties.
Rizzitello was arrested without incident Wednesday July 3, 2024 and transported to the Monmouth County Correctional Institution (MCCI), where she remains incarcerated pending a detention hearing scheduled to take place in Monmouth County Superior Court on Tuesday, July 23, before the Honorable Judge Marc C. Lemieux.
Anyone with information about Rizzitello’s activities is being urged to contact MCPO Detective Jose Rodriguez at 800-533-7443 or Wall Township Police Department Detective Devin Corso at 732-449-4500.
This case is being prosecuted by Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Keri-Leigh Schaefer. Rizzitello is being represented by Francis R. Hodgson, Esq., with an office in Toms River.
Despite these charges, every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, following a trial at which the defendant has all of the trial rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and State law.