Manalapan – MidJersey.News – reviewthickandthin.com

June 29, 2023

FREEHOLD, NJ (MONMOUTH)–Law enforcement officials are requesting help from anyone who may have witnessed a fatal shooting that took place in Neptune Township in July 2022, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago stated Thursday.

Neptune Township Police Department responded to a report of gunfire on Monday July 4, 2022, just before 1:45 a.m. in the area of Route 35/South Concourse. Upon arrival, officers located 26-year-old Ayres Gray Jr. of Manalapan in a parked vehicle on South Concourse, having sustained multiple gunshot wounds.

Gray was then rushed to Jersey Shore University Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries approximately an hour later.

Further investigation revealed that a house located on the 20 block of Hillview Drive also in Neptune Township was hosting a party where there was a shots fired incident shortly before the fatal shooting took place on South Concourse. Investigators continue to identify the link between the two incidents.

Members of the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office’s Major Crimes Bureau and the Neptune Township Police Department continue to investigate both incidents. Anyone with information on either of these incidents is urged to contact Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Thomas Manzo at 800-533-7443 or Neptune Township Police Detective Carrie Bartlett at 732-988-8000.

Anyone who feels the need to remain anonymous but has information about a crime can submit a tip to Monmouth County Crime Stoppers by calling their confidential telephone tip-line at 1-800-671-4400; by downloading and using the free P3 Tips mobile app (available on iOS and Android – https://www.p3tips.com/1182), by calling 800-671-4400 or by going to the website at www.monmouthcountycrimestoppers.com

March 16, 2023

MILLSTONE TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH)–Millstone Township Fire Department responded to a crash last night on Smithburg Road between Baird and Route 33 on the border with Manalapan Township. The vehicle reportedly hit a utility pole, overturned and was fully engulfed in fire on arrival of the fire department. NJ State Police reported that Manalapan Township Police is handling the investigation. No other information is available at this time.

February 21, 2023

MANALAPAN, NJ (MONMOUTH)–Around 4:10 p.m. Manalapan Police, Fire and EMS were dispatched to Route 33 and Yates Road for a motor vehicle crash with reported heavy entrapment. Upon arrival the Assistant Chief of Manalapan Fire Company confirmed entrapment. Mutual aid was called from Millstone Township Fire Department to assist with the extrication. After the person was extricated from the wreckage they were transported to a local hospital for treatment in an unknown condition. If official information becomes available the story will be updated.

Photos by: Steven Kadir

December 18, 2022

HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri and Hopewell Township Police Chief James Rosso reported that a 20-year-old Manalapan man was fatally shot in Hopewell Township Saturday evening.

At approximately 7 p.m. on Saturday, December 17, 2022, Hopewell police responded to the Hopewell Valley Nature Preserve off of Harbourton-Woodsville Road. Upon arrival, officers located a white Mercedes C300 on a trail with a male slumped over in the driver’s seat. The victim was transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center where he was pronounced dead from a gunshot wound a short time later. The victim has been identified as Phillip Urban of Manalapan.

The shooting is under investigation by the Mercer County Homicide Task Force and the Hopewell Township Police Department. Preliminary investigation indicates Urban arranged to meet an acquaintance at the preserve and was shot at some point during the encounter. No arrests have been made. Anyone with information is asked to contact the MCHTF at (609) 989-6406 or the HTPD at (609) 737-3100 ext. 5740. Information can also be emailed to [email protected].

Phillip Urban of Manalapan is listed on the Post University Athletics, 2022-2023 Men’s Basketball Roster in Waterbury, Connecticut. He graduated from the Pennington School this past June.

This past weekend we lost one of our own to a tragedy. Phil, you will be missed by the entire Post community and especially your teammates and coaches. My condolences to the Urban family. Please join me in praying for his family! Gone too soon.

— Marc Kuntz (@CoachK_PostU) December 20, 2022

Post University Men’s Basketball | 12/19/2022 11:19:00 AM

It is with great sadness that Post University announces the passing of student and men’s basketball player, Phil Urban.

Urban passed away tragically in a shooting near his home in New Jersey on Saturday evening.

“Phil was well liked by everyone in the Post community. His quiet sense of humor was infectious and he was a valuable part of our basketball program,” Head men’s basketball coach Marc Kuntz said.

The Post University community expresses its deepest condolences and sympathy to Phil’s family, friends, teammates and all of those who loved him.

Phillip Urban from the Post University Athletics social media accounts.

Photos from Post University Athletics

Google Street View Image of the area

This kid has dealt with a lot of adversity in the last year and if I told you how he handled it, you’d be proud too! Super excited for Philly man— stayed humble, trusted the process and accomplished a goal! #earnedit https://t.co/EIBZx7Tg37

— Coach Zach Liu (@TheRealZachLiu) March 25, 2022

pic.twitter.com/yeUjpGE3U6

— Phil Urban (@philurban0) October 26, 2021

November 2, 2022

Manalapan, N.J. (November 2, 2022) – The Alan Kurlander Group from Coldwell Banker Realty’s Marlboro/Manalapan office Coldwell Banker Realty New Homes, a leading sales and marketing organization in the homebuilding industry, celebrated the grand opening of the first phase at Four Seasons at Manalapan Crossing, a new active adult 55+ community from K. Hovnanian in Manalapan, N.J. Coldwell Banker Realty New Homes and the Alan Kurlander Group have been selected to serve as the exclusive Realtor MLS listing agent and Realtor liaison on behalf of K. Hovnanian to create and implement a marketing strategy targeted at the Realtor community to support sales for the 280-home community.

Four Seasons at Manalapan Crossing features a range of single-family home designs starting at $769,990 that are meticulously designed to provide homeowners with contemporary floorplans and on-trend finish selections, where they can enjoy low-maintenance living surrounded by exciting local excursions in Monmouth County. Beyond their homes, residents will also enjoy a robust amenities package beyond their homes, including bocce and tennis courts, walking trails, open space, and a community clubhouse with a pool.

Four Seasons at Manalapan Crossing marks the next chapter in K. Hovnanian’s decades-long relationship with the Alan Kurlander Group and Coldwell Banker Realty New Homes. Since 1996, Kurlander has served as K. Hovnanian’s trusted Realtor outreach expert helping the company sell hundreds of homes in dozens of communities across Middlesex, Monmouth, and Ocean Counties. Throughout his time working with K. Hovnanian, Kurlander has tapped Coldwell Banker Realty New Homes’ highly experienced team to leverage their unmatched business intelligence and marketing tools to drive success at each community.

“The K. Hovnanian name has long been synonymous with high-quality, timeless homes paired with unmatched customer satisfaction,” said Kurlander. “Every aspect of Four Seasons at Manalapan Crossing echoes this legacy, and I am deeply honored to work with them and the Coldwell Banker Realty New Homes team to show potential residents all that Four Seasons at Manalapan Crossing offers.”

Coldwell Banker Realty New Homes partners with real estate developers and realtors through every step of the real estate marketing process to drive successful sales and leasing efforts at new residential properties.

Residents at Four Seasons at Manalapan Crossing will also enjoy an unmatched location in the heart of Monmouth County. The community’s location along Route 33 affords easy access to the top destinations at the Jersey Shore and nearby attractions. The community is also favorably located equidistant between New York City and Philadelphia which are just an hour’s drive away.

Four Seasons at Manalapan Crossing model home tours are available by appointment only. For more information, Realtors and buyers should contact Alan Kurlander at (732) 284-6302.

August 20, 2022

MANALAPAN TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH)–Just after 4 p.m., yesterday August 19, 2022, Manalapan, Millstone, Englishtown, Howell, Freehold Township fire departments were dispatched to a working structure fire at 13 Regency Way in Manalapan Township. Fire was though the roof on arrival and a large column of smoke could be seen for miles. The New Jersey Forrest Fire Service also sent units to the area since the Jamesburg Fire Tower was reporting a large column of smoke, additional brush units were called due to embers flying in the air and landing in brush. Additional water tankers from the Monmouth County Task Force were assigned to the fire and the fire went to 2-Alarms before being brought under control.

MidJersey.News has reached out to Manalapan Police Department for official information. The report above is based on emergency radio reports.

Further information to follow when it becomes available.

Photos sent to MidJersey.News

A Monmouth County, New Jersey, man was charged today with defrauding victims in an investment fraud scheme out of at least $1 million, and with fraudulently obtaining a loan of approximately $96,000 meant to help small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.

Anthony Mastroianni Jr., 48, of Manalapan, New Jersey, charged in a five-count complaint with wire and mail fraud. He is scheduled to make his initial court appearance this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael A. Hammer in Newark federal court.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

In 2016, Mastroianni consented to being permanently barred by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), which prohibited him from acting as a broker or intermediary in securities transactions. Despite that debarment, from January 2017 to August 2022, Mastroianni defrauded victim investors, many of whom were senior citizens, by falsely and fraudulently claiming that he would generate large investment profits for them through his company, Global Business Development & Consulting Corp. Instead of investing the money as promised, Mastroianni used victim funds on personal expenses, including household rent, automobile payments, credit card bills, and cash withdrawals. Mastroianni defrauded 10 victims out of $1 million.

Mastroianni also exploited the ongoing global pandemic by submitting a false and fraudulent application to obtain $96,300 from a federal COVID-19 emergency relief loan meant for distressed small businesses. As with his investment fraud scheme, Mastroianni misused the loan proceeds to make personal purchases and cash withdrawals.

Each count of mail and wire fraud carries a maximum potential punishment of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000, or twice the gross loss or gain caused by the offense.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Thomas Mahoney in Newark, with the investigation leading to today’s charges.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Carolyn Silane of the Economic 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: Emily Sherman Esq., Assistant Federal Public Defender, Newark

mastroianni.complaintDownload

July 18, 2022

NEWARK, N.J. – A Manalapan, New Jersey, man today admitted using online chat applications to entice an adolescent to engage in prohibited sexual activity, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.

Angelo N. Curato, 30, pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Brian Martinotti to a superseding information charging him with one count of online enticement of a minor.

According to documents filed in the case and statements made in court:

From February 2017 through June 2017, Curato used online chat applications to misrepresent his identity and entice or coerce an adolescent to engage in prohibited sexual activity, knowing that the victim was under the age of 18.

The online enticement charge carries a maximum penalty of life in prison, a mandatory minimum prison term of 10 years, and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 29, 2022.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jason J. Molina in Newark; and the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Acting Prosecutor Lori Linskey, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Barry O’Connell of the U.S. Attorney’s Office General Crimes Unit.

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Defense counsel: Rahul Sharma Esq., Assistant Federal Public Defender, Newark

curato.sinformationDownload Photo by Sora Shimazaki on Pexels.com

Multiple car burglaries in Millstone Township and Upper Freehold Township. Troopers discovered that 20 vehicles were burglarized in the area and that various items were stolen.

May 3, 2022

MILLSTONE TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH)–New Jersey State Police Report that they have arrested Michael Guzman, 38, and David Voight, 27, both of Manalapan, N.J., for a string of car burglaries in Monmouth County.

During the month of April, troopers from Troop “C” Hamilton Station began investigating multiple car burglaries in Millstone Township and Upper Freehold Township. Troopers discovered that 20 vehicles were burglarized in the area and that various items were stolen.

While investigating these crimes, troopers obtained surveillance footage from a residence that captured two suspects burglarizing several vehicles. Through various investigative means, troopers identified Guzman and Voight as the suspects.

On April 27, detectives from Hamilton Station along with members of the State Police Fugitive Unit located and arrested Guzman and Voight at their residence in Manalapan. During the ongoing investigation, a search warrant was executed at the residence and Voight’s vehicle. As a result, detectives recovered numerous items linked to the burglaries that will be returned to the victims in this case.

Michael Guzman and David Voight were charged with burglary and theft. They were lodged at the Monmouth County Jail.

Charges are mere accusations, and the accused are considered innocent until proven guilty.

April 11, 2022

FREEHOLD – Three men have been arrested and criminally charged in connection with a sexual assault that took place earlier this month at a residence in Marlboro Township, Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Lori Linskey announced Monday.

Andrew J. Gallucci, of Marlboro, Richard S. Gathy, of Manalapan, and Ronald W. Hondo, of Monroe Township (Middlesex County), each 24 years of age, are all charged with first-degree Aggravated Sexual Assault, second-degree Sexual Assault, and third-degree Criminal Restraint.

An investigation by members of the Prosecutor’s Office’s Special Victims Bureau and the Marlboro Township Police Department revealed that on the night of Saturday, April 2, the three defendants gathered at a Marlboro Township bar, where they met the victim, an adult female, for the first time. Later on in the evening, the investigation revealed, the defendants brought the victim back to Gallucci’s residence, where they allegedly restrained her against her will in a bedroom and repeatedly sexually assaulted her.

All three men were taken into custody on Friday, April 8 and transported to the Monmouth County Correctional Institution (MCCI) in Freehold Township pending detention hearings to take place in Monmouth County Superior Court.

“This was a disturbingly coordinated and predatory attack,” Acting Prosecutor Linskey said. “We commend the courage of the victim in coming forward to report what happened to her, and we look forward to bringing those responsible to justice.”

Investigators are actively seeking additional information about the activities of these three defendants, and photos of each are being distributed along with this press release. Anyone with any information is urged to please contact Detective Kayla Santiago of the MCPO Special Victims Bureau at 732-431-7160, Ext. 3588, or Marlboro Township Police Department Detective Ed Ungrady at 732-536-0100.

Anyone who feels the need to remain anonymous but has information about a crime can submit a tip to the Monmouth County Crime Stoppers by calling their confidential telephone tipline at 1-800-671-4400; by downloading and using the free P3 Tips mobile app (available on iOS and Android – https://www.p3tips.com/1182), by calling 800-671-4400, or by going to the website at www.monmouthcountycrimestoppers.com.

This case has been assigned to Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Joseph Cummings of the Office’s Special Victims Bureau. Gallucci is being represented by Yan Katsnelson, Esq., while Gathy and Hondo are being represented by Mario Gallucci, Esq., both attorneys with offices on Staten Island.

If convicted, these defendants would face up to 20 years imprisonment on the Aggravated Sexual Assault charges, up to 10 years on the Sexual Assault charges, and up to 5 years on the Criminal Restraint charges. In addition, the defendants would be subject to Parole Supervision for Life and required to register under Megan’s Law.

Despite these charges, every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, following a trial at which the defendants have all of the trial rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and State law.

Andrew J. Gallucci, of Marlboro, Richard S., of Manalapan, and Ronald W. Hondo, of Monroe Township (Middlesex County), each 24 years of age, are all charged with first-degree Aggravated Sexual Assault, second-degree Sexual Assault, and third-degree Criminal Restraint. Ronald W. Hondo of Monroe Township (Middlesex County) Richard S. Gathy, of Manalapan Andrew J. Gallucci, of Marlboro

February 22, 2022

FREEHOLD, NJ (MONMOUTH) – A Manalapan resident has been arrested and charged with stealing more than $175,000 from 10 victims who had entrusted him to invest large sums of money on their behalf, Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Lori Linskey announced Tuesday.

Jeffrey Loretta, 60, is charged with one count of second-degree Theft, three counts of second-degree Misapplication of Entrusted Property, and seven counts of third-degree Misapplication of Entrusted Property.

An investigation by the Prosecutor’s Office’s Financial Crimes and Public Corruption Unit revealed that the 10 alleged victims gave Loretta a combined total of slightly more than half a million dollars at various times between January 2020 and February 2021, in exchange for promises that the funds would be responsibly invested. On several occasions, the investigation revealed, Loretta provided multiple victims with inaccurate and false gains figures, inducing them to reinvest additional money.

Instead, Loretta lost nearly $200,000 of the funds via bad investments and spent more than $175,000 of the funds on himself, taking out thousands of dollars at a time in ATM withdraws and making checks out to himself, payable in cash.

Loretta turned himself in to authorities on Friday and was released pending a first appearance to take place in Monmouth County Superior Court.

If convicted of a second-degree crime, Loretta would face up to 10 years in state prison.

Despite the 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.

This case has been assigned to Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Lawrence Nelsen, Director of the Financial Crimes and Public Corruption Unit.

February 17, 2022

Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Acting Chief Joseph Mandola of the Old Bridge Police Department announce a Manalapan man has been arrested and charged in connection with a fatal hit and run, which occurred in Old Bridge Township on the evening of February 14, 2022.

On February 15, 2022, at approximately 6:45 A.M., authorities responded to the area of Route 9 and Ferry Road following the report of a deceased male who was lying on the center median between the northbound and southbound lanes of Route 9. Upon their arrival, authorities located Anthony Allen, 64, of Asbury Park who had been struck by a vehicle and was later pronounced dead at the scene.

An investigation by Officer Steven Connolly of the Old Bridge and Detective Matthew Colonna of the Middlesex County Prosecutors’ Office identified Prince Fitzpatrick, 21, as the driver of the vehicle who struck Mr. Allen and then fled the scene.

Today, Fitzpatrick was arrested and charged with second-degree leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death and third-degree endangering an injured victim.

The investigation is active and continuing. Anyone with information is asked to call Officer Connolly of the Old Bridge at 732-721-5600 ext. 3821 or Detective Colonna of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at (732) 745-3317.

As is the case with all criminal defendants, the charges against Fitzpatrick are merely accusations and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

December 2, 2021

FREEHOLD, NJ (MONMOUTH)–A Monmouth County grand jury this week returned indictments against two defendants charged with crimes involving distribution and/or possession of child sexual abuse materials, bringing the total number of indictments of this kind over approximately the last month to eight, Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Lori Linskey announced Thursday.

Two of the eight defendants have been charged with first-degree crimes, the most serious applicable offenses under state law.

Indicted on Tuesday were:

Jonathan W. Cruz, 38, of Aberdeen, arrested January 2020 and indicted on charges of first-degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child via Distribution of Child Sexual Abuse Materials using a File-Sharing Program Available to Others and first-degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child via Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Materials; and
Neil Ridgway, 58, of Howell, arrested April 2019 and indicted on charges of third-degree Endangering via Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Materials.

Indicted earlier this fall were:

Michael Pipitone, 39, of Middletown, arrested in September 2020 and indicted on charges of first-degree Endangering via Distribution of Child Sexual Abuse Materials using a File-Sharing Program Available to Others and second-degree Endangering via Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Materials;
Charles Hoagland, 57, of Hazlet, arrested in November 2020 and indicted on three counts of second-degree Endangering via Distribution of Child Sexual Abuse Materials and one count of second-degree Endangering via Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Materials;
David Eidman, 53, of Long Branch, arrested in November 2020 and indicted on two counts of second-degree Endangering via Distribution of Child Sexual Abuse Materials and single counts of third-degree Endangering via Possession and third-degree Attempted Endangering;
Carl Aliwalas, 29, of Neptune Township, arrested in May 2021 and indicted for second-degree Endangering via Distribution of Child Sexual Abuse Materials and second-degree Endangering via Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Materials; and
John Coluzzi, 33, of Manalapan, arrested in May 2021; and Marvin Diaz, 35, of Howell, arrested in November 2019; both were indicted for second-degree Endangering via Distribution and third-degree Endangering via Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Materials.

Additionally, earlier this fall, 40-year-old Kenneth Megill of Wall Township, arrested in January 2020, was indicted on charges of third-degree Attempted Endangering the Welfare of a Child and third-degree Attempted Obscenity to a Minor for allegedly engaging in inappropriate conversations with and attempting to show inappropriate materials to a juvenile.

Investigations into the actions of these defendants were conducted by members of the Prosecutor’s Office’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, working in tandem with representatives of local police departments in the jurisdictions in which the crimes took place. The cases are assigned to Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Stephanie Dugan.

The Monmouth County ICAC Task Force includes members of the following police departments: Bradley Beach, Eatontown, Howell, Long Branch, Manalapan, Marlboro, Middletown, Neptune Township, Spring Lake, Spring Lake Heights, Tinton Falls, Keyport, Keansburg, Belmar, Holmdel, and Red Bank; the Task Force also receives investigative support from the New Jersey State Police (High Tech Crime Bureau).

Convictions on first-degree criminal charges are commonly punishable by terms of 10 to 20 years in state prison. Second-degree convictions can result in terms of 5 to 10 years; third-degree convictions can result in terms of 3 to 5 years.

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.

Photo by Sora Shimazaki on Pexels.com

Pradeep Reddy, 39, of Manalapan, was indicted on one count of first degree Murder, in connection with the April 12^th, 2021 death of his father, Radhakrishna Reddy.

August 7, 2021

FREEHOLD, NJ (MONMOUTH)–On Friday August 6, a Monmouth County Grand Jury has returned an indictment against a Manalapan man in connection with the death of his father, announced Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Lori Linskey.

Pradeep Reddy, 39, of Manalapan, was indicted on August 6, 2021, on one count of first degree Murder, in connection with the April 12^th, 2021 death of his father, Radhakrishna Reddy.

At approximately 4:40 pm on Monday April 12^th, the Manalapan Township Police Department responded to 721 Summer Drive and discovered Radhakrishna Reddy, 78, unconscious and critically injured. The victim was taken to a local hospital for treatment, where despite significant medical intervention, the victim succumbed to these injuries on April 14.

A joint investigation by the Manalapan Police Department and the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office subsequently revealed Pradeep Reddy was responsible for assaulting his father, ultimately leading to his death. He was taken into custody and transported to the Monmouth County Correctional Institution where he has remained since his arrest.

If convicted of murder, Reddy faces up to 30 years in a New Jersey state prison. He would also be under parole supervision for five years following his release from state prison.

The case is assigned to Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Michael Luciano.

Reddy is represented by Joshua Hood, Esq., of Freehold.

Photo by Sora Shimazaki on Pexels.com

OSHA finds employers failed to ensure safe respirator use while testing hundreds daily

August 4, 2021

LAKEWOOD, NJ (OCEAN)–A Central New Jersey medical facility and temporary staffing agency failed to ensure the safety and health of nurses giving flu shots and testing potentially infectious patients for the coronavirus earlier this year, a U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration investigation has found.

OSHA’s investigation – initiated in January in response to a complaint – found that Lakewood Resource and Referral Center did not provide medical evaluations to determine each employee’s ability to use a respirator before they required workers to use them, and failed to fit test employees required to wear respirators. The agency proposed $273,064 after citing the facility for two willful violations. In 2020, OSHA cited the facility for similar hazards after the company failed to protect staff providing medical and dental care from coronavirus.

Investigators also found Homecare Therapies failed to ensure medical evaluations were done and did not provide fit tests for workers required to use respirators. OSHA cited the staffing agency for two serious citations with $13,653 in proposed penalties.

“A safe and healthful workplace is every worker’s right and every employer’s responsibility,” said OSHA Area Office Director Paula Dixon-Roderick in Marlton, New Jersey. “In this case, both employers failed to protect vital frontline healthcare workers from exposure to the coronavirus.”

Lakewood Resource and Referral Center Inc., which operates as the Center for Health, Education, Medicine and Dentistry in Lakewood, contracted with Homecare Therapies – doing business as Horizon Healthcare Staffing – in October 2020 for temporary nurses to assist staff with the administration of flu vaccines initially. After the assignments began, the facility required nurses to administer 200 to 300 coronavirus tests each day for patients and the public.

Founded in 2009, Lakewood Resource and Referral Center Inc. provides preventative, treatment and health education services in Lakewood and the surrounding areas. Licensed in New York and accredited in New Jersey, Homecare Therapies LLC has operations in Manalapan. It has provided services in the New York metropolitan area since 1992.

Read more about feasible and acceptable means of abatement for this hazard.

The employers have 15 business days from receipt of their citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

On March 12, OSHA launched a national emphasis program focusing enforcement efforts on companies that put the largest number of workers at serious risk of contracting the coronavirus. The program also prioritizes employers that retaliate against workers for complaints about unsafe or unhealthy conditions, or for exercising other rights protected by federal law.

On June 10, OSHA also issued an emergency temporary standard to protect healthcare workers from contracting coronavirus. The ETS became effective immediately upon publication in the Federal Register.

View OSHA’s COVID-19 information and resources. Agency Occupational Safety & Health Administration Date August 4, 2021Release Number 21-1430-NEW