June 12, 2024
FREEHOLD – A local man has been convicted at trial of committing an armed robbery of a Neptune Township convenience store last year, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced Wednesday.
A jury on Monday returned a guilty verdict against William A. Herndon, 41, of Neptune Township, following a trial before Monmouth County Superior Court Judge Christie Bevacqua.
Shortly after 1 a.m. on Friday, March 31, 2023, members of the Neptune Township Police Department responded to the 7-Eleven on Route 35 South near the intersection at West Lake Avenue for a report of an alarm activation. The investigation subsequently revealed that while a store employee attempted to give change to a customer, the suspect suddenly brandished a sawed-off shotgun and reached over the counter in an attempt to take money out of the cash register. The man then fled the area in an unknown direction.
The investigation resulted in Herndon being identified as the suspect, and he was arrested without incident on Tuesday, April 18, 2023 and lodged in the Monmouth County Correctional Institution (MCCI).
At trial, the State presented physical evidence, witness testimony, and video evidence – including recovered video depicting Herndon sawing off the end of the shotgun he used in the robbery – in order to prove their case.
This case was prosecuted by Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutors Nicole Wallace and Jamie Fitzgerald. Herndon was represented by Anthony Aldorasi, Esq., with an office in Freehold.
Sentencing in the case has been scheduled for Friday, August 30 before Judge Bevacqua, at which time Herndon will face a term of up to 20 years in state prison, subject to New Jersey’s No Early Release Act (NERA), which mandates that 85 percent of the sentence be served prior to the possibility of parole.
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June 12, 2024
Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Chief Dennis McFadden of the Carteret Police Department announced today that a shooting is under investigation in the Borough of Carteret.
Today, June 12, 2024, authorities responded to the area of Roosevelt Avenue following the report of a shooting. Upon their arrival, officers located two female victims, who had both sustained gunshot wounds and were airlifted to the hospital in critical condition. One victim has succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased at the hospital. The other victim is still in critical condition.
An initial investigation led by Detective Keith Cassens of the Carteret Police Department and Detective Javier Morillo of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office have determined that suspect is a man believed to be age 20-30. He was last seen on foot in the area of Roosevelt Avenue. It is unknown if the suspect is still in the area. We are asking for the assistance of the public. If you have any information related to this investigation please contact the authorities.
The investigation is active and continuing. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Keith Cassens of the Carteret Police Department at 732-541-3852 or Detective Javier Morillo of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at 732-745-8843.
Person of interest is a man believed to be age 20-30. He was last seen on foot in the area of Roosevelt Avenue. It is unknown if the suspect is still in the area. We are asking for the assistance of the public. If you have any information related to this investigation please contact the authorities.
Students Set to Open Pollinator Garden Behind Robbinsville High School on Friday
June 12, 2024
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER) – Sahana Iyer is proud to be a local protector of bees.
Since her freshman year at Robbinsville High School, the 16-year-old student has been focused on the plight of pollinators, making sure they have access to the types of plants they need to survive and thrive.
“The Garden State is beautiful, and that is because it has the bees and butterflies for the greenery,” she said. “But the population of the pollinator species is declining, and I want to do all I can to help them.”
As the co-founded of the non-profit, student-run SHINE program, Sahana has launched the “Bee Better Project.” Sahana, and her fellow pollinator supporters, have planted a garden behind the baseball field in the back of the high school campus.
On Friday, at 2:15 p.m., the students will join Schools Superintendent Brian Betze to officially mark the opening of the fenced-in garden, created with the generous donations of plants from local flower shops.
“I was very pleased to work closely with the students on mapping out this garden and helping ensure it is a success,” Betze said. “I am very impressed with Sahana and the other members of the Bee Better Project for making this all happen.”
While school will be dismissed for summer in the next few days, Sahana – a rising senior – plans to visit the garden with her friends this summer to water the plants and ensure its survival during the hottest days of the year.
As part of the project, she said, community awareness has been key. Sahana said she and her fellow students have attended local events, talked with senior citizens and scouts and have used social media to highlight the plight of the pollinator. They have discussed how habitat loss, disease, parasites, and environmental contaminants have all contributed to the decline of many species of pollinators, including bees, moths and butterflies.
More than 80 percent of the world’s flowering plants need a pollinator to reproduce; and humans need pollinators too; most of our food comes from flowering plants. One out of every three bites of our food, including fruits, vegetables, chocolate, coffee, nuts, and spices, is created with the help of pollinators, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Sahana has taken this important campaign a step further, developing her own app – the “Pollinator Pal” – over the past year to help others create their own gardens and learn how to care for them. She hopes to take her interest into college, where she plans to study biology or environmental science.
For the Bee Better Project, Sahana expressed her appreciation to other clubs in the school, such as the Environmental Alliance and Outlet, which partnered with SHINE on this initiative. Upwards of 20 students have been involved.
“I’m just glad we can raise more awareness about this important issue,” Sahana said.
Students Set to Open Pollinator Garden Behind Robbinsville High School on Friday
June 12, 2024
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Robbinsville Fire Department, Hope Fire Company Upper Freedhold Township Fire Department and EMS were dispatched at 2:11 p.m. for an overturned truck with entrapment on I-195 west bound. Upon arrival a dump truck was found overturned near Exit 7 west bound in Robbinsville Township. It did not appear that there were severe injuries and firefighters did not remain on scene. Troopers from the New Jersey State Police were on location and actively investigating the crash. No further details are available at this time. 511NJ is reporting a 10-minute traffic delay in the area.
Crash with Injuries and Overturned Dump Truck on I-195 westbound East of Exit 7 – CR 526 (Robbinsville) 1 Right lane and shoulder of 3 lanes closed 5-10 minute delay use caution https://t.co/xclJ30qhBY
— 511NJ I195 (@511nji195) June 12, 2024
June 12, 2024
EWING, NJ (MERCER)–Ewing Township proudly celebrated its first Pride flag-raising event on June 11, marking a historic and joyous occasion for the community. The event, held at the Ewing Township Municipal Building and led by Mayor Bert H. Steinmann, brought together residents, officials, and supporters in an upbeat display of unity and inclusivity.
The ceremony featured heartfelt remarks by the Mayor, Council President Kevin Baxter, the Rev. Kim Wildszewski of the Washington Crossing Universalist Unitarian Church, and Ewing resident Elvin Montero of the Mercer LGBTQ Democratic Caucus, fun music, sweet treats, and the raising of the colorful Pride flag, symbolizing the township’s commitment to supporting and honoring the LGBTQ+ community. The event was a testament to Ewing Township’s dedication to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for all residents.
“This flag is a powerful symbol of love, resilience and pride,” Mayor Steinmann said. “It stands for our commitment to equality and the belief that everyone, and I mean everyone, deserves to live their truth openly and without fear.”
“We are overjoyed to have hosted our inaugural Pride flag-raising event,” Mayor Steinmann said. “This celebration is a significant step in promoting love, diversity, and acceptance in our community. We are proud to stand with our LGBTQ+ residents and advocate for equality and inclusion.”
Ewing Township Council President Kevin Baxter also shared his enthusiasm. “This celebration is a significant step in promoting love, diversity and acceptance in our community, and is a beautiful reminder of the strength and unity within our township.”
Joining Mayor Steinmann to raise the flag were township employees Miguel Martinez, Alex DeAngelis and Abe Conesa. Refreshments were provided, and the atmosphere was filled with joy, camaraderie, and a shared sense of purpose.
The success of this first Pride flag-raising event highlights Ewing Township’s ongoing efforts to celebrate diversity and promote inclusivity. The township looks forward to making this an annual tradition, reinforcing its commitment to equality for all.
Thank you to everyone who attended and supported this memorable event. Together, we are building a stronger, more inclusive Ewing Township.
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.gov.
Ewing Township. Where Community Meets Progress
June 12, 2024
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on June 10, 2024, Salvatore Umek, 46, of Point Pleasant Beach, pled guilty to Theft before the Honorable Dina M. Vicari, J.S.C., relative to his former position as Treasurer for the Point Pleasant Beach Fire Company Number 2. At the time of his sentencing on September 20, 2024, the State will be seeking a term of five years New Jersey State Prison, as well as restitution in the amount of $107,517.
An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Economic Crime Squad and Point Pleasant Beach Police Department revealed that between February 2019 and November 2021, Umek – in his capacity as Treasurer for the Fire Company – unlawfully transferred funds from the organization’s bank account to pay off personal credit card debt in the amount of approximately $100,000. Umek also transferred a sum of money directly into his personal bank account, and utilized the funds for his own benefit.
On July 12, 2023, Umek surrendered himself to Point Pleasant Beach Police Headquarters. He was processed and served with the charge via summons pending an upcoming first appearance in Ocean County Superior Court.
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the diligent efforts of Senior Assistant Prosecutor Christopher Heisler who is handling the case on behalf of the State, and commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Economic Crime Squad and Point Pleasant Beach Police Department for their collaborative assistance in connection with this investigation, leading to Umek’s guilty plea, and soon his state prison sentence.
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June 12, 2024
The state’s police chiefs association is partnering with the New Jersey Utilities Association (NJUA) to urge New Jerseyans to be aware of criminals claiming to be utility workers to gain access to residences.
Despite ongoing efforts to educate residents, police have seen a steady stream of victims reporting that fake workers are finding ways to gain access to homes and stealing belongings.
The typical scam: Two workers knock on the front door, claiming to be utility workers. One distracts the resident, perhaps to check a utility panel or meter, while the other roams free, robbing the dwelling of money or valuable items. The scammers use many effective excuses, such as to discuss an allegedly overdue bill and demand cash, to check water and sewer lines, or to take a water sample.
“The police chiefs have a strong message for residents: Always check these workers for identification and never give them money,” said Mitch Sklar, executive director, New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP). “Unless there is a true emergency, it is extremely rare for service technicians to visit customers without a confirmed appointment.”
Richard Henning, President & CEO of the NJUA, said the association is commonly made aware of these ongoing scams. He noted a recent case in Paterson, in which a bold imposter was caught on camera looking in a mailbox before concocting a story for the resident to gain access as a utility worker. Fortunately, the resident would not let him inside to “change the service.”
“This is still too common of a problem in New Jersey and we are doing everything we can to spread the work to residents to be aware,” Henning said. “We appreciate the partnership with law enforcement, as we all need to work together to education people about what has become, sadly, a very successful scam in our state.”
The NJUA offers these important precautions:
- Always ask for a company-issued photo ID. All utility employees in New Jersey carry company-issued photo ID badges.
- Do not share your utility account numbers or other personal information. Legitimate technicians will not ask for this.
- Look for the corporate logo. All service personnel wear uniforms and drive company-branded vehicles with the company logo. At times, utilities use contracted services from other established companies, and those companies have branded vehicles and identification as well.
- Note the time. Technicians usually work regular business hours. If you are getting a knock at the door late at night or on weekends, and there is no apparent emergency, assume it is a scam.
- Never give money. Utility workers never collect money or credit card information from customers in the field.
- If you suspect someone may be a utility imposter, close and lock your door, and immediately call 911. You should also contact your utility company confirm whether service work is scheduled in your neighborhood.
Learn more at NJUA.com
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June 12, 2024
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Police say that on Monday, June 10, 2024, Trenton Police Department detectives assigned to the Crime Suppression Unit were on Turpin Street while patrolling the area. Detectives observed Joseph Moore with an assault firearm (rifle), which had an attached high-capacity drum magazine, slung over his shoulder. The high-capacity magazine can hold approximately 50 rounds of ammunition. Detectives placed Moore under arrest without incident, locating a live hollow point round in the chamber and more ammunition in the attached magazine. As the detectives were on scene with Moore, Trenton Communications reported they had received several calls for shots fired in the area. Two spent shell casings were recovered. No persons were injured and no property was struck during this incident.
Moore was charged with the following offenses.
Unlawful Possession of a Weapon (Assault Firearm)Unlawful Possession of High Capacity MagazineUnlawful Possession of Hollow Point AmmunitionCertain Person Not to Have WeaponsDischarge of Ammunition Restricted
Warrants
Joseph Moore