June 27, 2024
TOMS RIVER, NJ (OCEAN)–Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention reports that on Wednesday June 26th, 2024 at approximately 11:37 a.m. units from Ocean Beach Fire Company No. 3 responded to Las Vegas Rd in the Monterey Beach section of Toms River for a reported fire involving an electric bike. First arriving units confirmed a fire involving the battery pack of an electric bike outside of the home. The fire was primarily extinguished by the homeowner prior to the fire department’s arrival. The fire was extinguished without incident and the nature of the damaged battery prompted a response from the Berkeley Township Hazmat Team. The scene was documented by Inspector Carlin and the damaged battery was packaged in a container for disposal.
After the battery was packed by the Berkeley Township Hazmat Team, the homeowner placed the container in his vehicle for disposal. Inspector Carlin was still on scene documenting the incident and observed the container on fire in the back of the vehicle. This prompted a second response from Ocean Beach Fire Company and the Berkeley Hazmat Team to repack the battery for a second time. Crews operated for several hours over the span of this incident.
The battery was original to the bike, not recently used, and only used with the manufacturer’s charger. The device was stored outside in direct sunlight at the time the fire occurred. Fires involving Lithium-Ion Batteries can be extremely dangerous to life and health.
The Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone about using safe practices in your home or business when utilizing Lithium-Ion batteries.
Visit www.batteryfiresafety.org for more information.
June 13, 2024
TOMS RIVER, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on June 13, 2024, Anthony Brown, 20, of Toms River, was charged with Aggravated Assault, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, all in connection with an incident that occurred on June 12, 2024, in Toms River.
On June 12, 2024, at approximately 11:30 p.m., Officers from the Toms River Township Police Department responded to a residence on Adams Avenue for a report of a gunshot victim. Responding Officers discovered a 24-year-old male victim with a gunshot wound to his leg. The victim was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune for treatment of his injuries, where he was treated and subsequently released.
An ensuing investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit and Toms River Township Police Department revealed that Brown retrieved a handgun from the subject residence and fired two shots at the victim’s vehicle, striking the victim. Brown then fled the scene.
A short time later, Brown was taken into custody at his residence without incident. Brown was transported to the Ocean County Jail where he is presently lodged pending a detention hearing.
Prosecutor Billhimer commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Toms River Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, for their combined and cooperative 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).
June 13, 2024
TOMS RIVER — Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on June 12, 2024, Million Brown-Bey, 47, of Toms River, was indicted by a Grand Jury sitting in Ocean County on charges of Attempted Murder, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, and being a Certain Person Not to Possess a Firearm.
On January 7, 2024, the Lakewood Township Police Department received a 911 call reporting gunshots in the area of the West Gate Shopping Complex. A short time after the 911 call, a 27 year-old male victim arrived at Hackensack Meridian Health Ocean Medical Center in Brick Township with gunshot wounds to both of his arms. The victim was treated for his injuries and released.
A subsequent investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit and Lakewood Township Police Department Detective Bureau revealed that the victim arrived at a residence on Hillside Avenue, at which time an individual approached his vehicle and fired at least one round – striking the victim, causing injury to both of his arms. The victim was able to leave the area and drive himself to the hospital. Through further investigation, law enforcement identified Brown-Bey as the individual responsible for the victim’s shooting.
On January 11, 2024, Brown-Bey was taken into custody by Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit and Lakewood Township Police Department. Brown-Bey was transported to the Ocean County Jail, where he has been lodged since his apprehension.
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the diligent efforts of Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Mara Brater who presented the case to the Grand Jury on behalf of the State, and commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Gangs/Intelligence/Homeland Security Squad, Lakewood Township Police Department, Lakewood Township Police Department Detective Bureau, South Toms River Police Department, Lakehurst Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, for their collective and cooperative 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).
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June 7, 2024
TOMS RIVER, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on June 5, 2024, Sorah Tyner, 37, of Toms River, was charged with two counts of Vehicular Homicide, Manslaughter, Endangering the Welfare of a Child, Assault by Auto, Hindering, and Obstruction, all in connection with a motor vehicle crash that occurred on May 30, 2024, in Jackson Township.
On May 30, 2024, at approximately 5:00 p.m., Officers from the Jackson Township Police Department responded to the area of Cleveland Court and East Veterans Highway for a report of a serious motor vehicle crash. An initial investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Vehicular Homicide Squad and Jackson Township Police Department revealed that a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica being operated by Tyner and containing two minor passengers was traveling westbound on East Veterans Highway. While trying to negotiate a left-hand curve, Tyner crossed into the eastbound lane – striking a 2010 GMC Terrain operated by Carolina Bonilla-Hernandez, 36, of Jackson Township. As a result of the crash, Tyner and the two minors in her vehicle were transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune for treatment of their injuries. Upon arrival at the hospital, one of the juveniles was pronounced deceased. The second juvenile remains hospitalized and is listed in stable condition. Tyner was treated for her injuries and released.
Ms. Bonilla-Hernandez was transported to Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus in Lakewood, where she succumbed to her injuries.
Detectives determined that Tyner’s vehicle was in the oncoming lane for some distance prior to impact, and that she did not take corrective actions to avoid the crash. The investigation also revealed that only one of the minors was seated in an appropriate child car seat. The second minor, who died as a result of the crash, was restrained only by a seatbelt – notwithstanding the fact that due to his age and weight, he should have been retrained in a rear/front facing child car seat.
Detectives executed a court-authorized search warrant for Tyner’s cell phone. A forensic extraction of the device by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit revealed that Tyner was using her cell phone at the time of the crash. Detectives determined that Tyner made inconsistent statements at the scene of the crash.
On June 6, 2024, Tyner was taken into custody at her residence without incident. She was transported to the Ocean County Jail, where she is presently lodged pending a detention hearing.
Prosecutor Billhimer commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Vehicular Homicide Squad, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, Jackson Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Jackson Township Police Department Patrol Division, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and Ocean County Medical Examiner’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).
June 4, 2024
TOMS RIVER, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on May 31, 2024, Kailyn Gorga, 18, of Toms River, was charged with Vehicular Homicide and Assault by Auto in connection with a motor vehicle crash that occurred in the early morning hours of April 14, 2024, in Manchester Township.
On April 14, 2024, at approximately 2:50 a.m., Officers from the Manchester Township Police Department responded to the area of Lacey Road in Whiting for a report of a one-car motor vehicle crash. An investigation by responding Officers revealed that a 2008 Mazda 3 – operated by Gorga, and containing rear-seat passengers John Winkowski, 19, and Catalina Reinoso, 18, both of Brick Township, as well as three additional passengers – was traveling southbound on Lacey Road when it struck a center curbed median and overturned. As a result of the crash, Ms. Reinoso was airlifted to Jersey Shore University Medical Center (JSUMC) in Neptune Township for treatment of her injuries. Mr. Winkowski was likewise taken to JSUMC for treatment of his injuries and thereafter released. The remaining occupants of the vehicle were also treated at JSUMC for minor injuries and subsequently released.
On April 19, 2024, Ms. Reinoso succumbed to the injuries she sustained in the crash on April 14th.
Following the crash, a draw of Gorga’s blood was obtained pursuant to a court-authorized warrant. Laboratory results of the initial blood draw taken from Gorga at the hospital revealed her Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) to be .099 %. In the State of New Jersey, an operator of a motor vehicle is presumed to be over the legal limit for purposes of alcohol consumption where his/her BAC is .08 or greater. The laboratory results further revealed that Gorga had an active THC (marijuana) level of 4 nanograms (ng) with a Metabolite THC level of 47 ng.
On May 31, 2024, Gorga surrendered herself to Manchester Township Police Headquarters in the presence of her attorney, and was charged with Vehicular Homicide and Assault by Auto. She was transported to the Ocean County Jail, where she is presently lodged pending a detention hearing.
Prosecutor Billhimer commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Vehicular Homicide Squad, Manchester Township Police Department, 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).
May 15, 2024
TOMS RIVER, NJ (OCEAN)–On May 14th, 2024 at approximately 4:05 p.m. multiple Toms River Police officers responded to the area of Camino Medio for reported gunshots heard in the area. Contact was made with a male victim who stated that he was riding his bicycle through the Friendly Village development and was shot at by a juvenile he apparently knew. Multiple rounds were fired, none of which hit the victim but some did hit neighboring houses.
The Ocean County CSI Unit responded to document the scene and collect evidence. The juvenile suspect (in white shirt) has been identified and juvenile complaints were approved and signed for Attempted Murder and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon.
Investigators need your help to identify the individual in the black shirt and/or the silver vehicle depicted. This investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Mastronardy 732-349-0150 X1346.
May 2, 2024
TOMS RIVER, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Vehicular Homicide Squad, Toms River Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, are currently investigating a fatal pedestrian strike that occurred on May 1, 2024, at approximately 8:25 p.m., in the area of Route 166 and Hilltop Road in Toms River Township.
Prosecutor Billhimer urges anyone in possession of information regarding this investigation to please contact Sergeant Brad Frank of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office at 732-929-2027, extension 3689, or Officer William Resetar of the Toms River Township Police Department at 732-349-0150.
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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April 22, 2024
TOMS RIVER, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on April 20, 2024, Erick Perez-Ramirez, 40, of Jackson, was charged with two counts of Assault by Auto, in connection with an automobile crash that occurred in Toms River during the early morning hours of April 20, 2024.
On April 20, 2024, at approximately 4:45 a.m., Officers from the Toms River Township Police Department responded to the area of Bay Avenue and Ethan Court for a report of a serious motor vehicle crash. An initial investigation by responding Officers determined that a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado operated by Perez-Ramirez and containing front seat passenger Viviana Arciniegas-Diaz, 33, of Toms River, and rear seat passengers William Rubiano, 31, and Maria Vega-Diaz, 33, both of Toms River, was traveling eastbound on Bay Avenue when it failed to negotiate a right hand turn in the roadway. The Silverado then left the roadway and struck a tree. As a result of the crash, Ms. Arciniegas and Ms. Vega-Diaz were transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune for treatment of their injuries. They are both listed in stable condition. Mr. Rubiano and Perez-Ramirez were uninjured and remained at the scene.
Responding Officers observed that Perez-Ramirez appeared to be intoxicated at the scene of the crash. Based upon those observations, Officers attempted to administer the standardized field sobriety tests (FSTs) to Perez-Ramirez. Perez-Ramirez was unable to successfully perform the FSTs; as such, he was charged with Driving Under the Influence and placed under arrest. Perez-Ramirez was thereafter transported to Community Medical Center in Toms River, where a draw of his blood was obtained pursuant to a court-authorized warrant. The results of the blood draw remain pending. Perez-Ramirez was subsequently transported to the Ocean County Jail, where he is presently lodged pending a detention hearing.
Prosecutor Billhimer commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Vehicular Homicide Squad, Toms River Township Police Department, 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).
Photo by Sora Shimazaki on Pexels.com
April 22, 2024
TOMS RIVER, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on April 21, 2024, Edward Lynch, 52, of Toms River, was charged with Distribution of Child Pornography and Possession of Child Pornography.
This investigation was the result of a referral from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). NCMEC received cyber-tips that an individual was downloading images of child pornography from the internet; an investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit identified an IP address associated with a residence in Toms River as the location from which the individual was downloading these images.
On August 24, 2023, Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, Toms River Township Police Department, and Toms River Township Police Department Emergency Services Unit, executed a court-authorized search warrant on the subject residence. As a result, Detectives seized multiple electronic devices from the residence. An initial forensic examination of the devices by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit led to the discovery of more than 1000 items of child pornography. Further investigation revealed that Lynch was the individual responsible for downloading the child pornography in question. On August 24, 2023, Lynch was charged with Possession of Child Pornography. Lynch was taken into custody at his residence without incident; he was thereafter transported to the Ocean County Jail, and subsequently released as a consequence of New Jersey Bail Reform.
In furtherance of the investigation, a full forensic examination on all seized electronic devices by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit revealed that Lynch knowingly distributed more than 1000 items of Child Pornography by using the internet applications of Telegram, Session, and Wickr Me. As a consequence, Lynch was additionally charged on April 21, 2024 with Distribution of Child Pornography, along with a second count of Possession of Child Pornography. On that date, Lynch surrendered himself to Toms River Township Police Headquarters. He was transported to the Ocean County Jail, where he is presently lodged pending a detention hearing.
Prosecutor Billhimer commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, Toms River Township Police Department, Toms River Township Police Department Emergency Services Unit, and National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, for their collaborative 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).
Photo by Sora Shimazaki on Pexels.com
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).
March 1, 2024
TOMS RIVER, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on March 1, 2024, Raphael Powell, 38, of Toms River, was sentenced by the Honorable Guy P. Ryan, P.J.Cr.P., to an aggregate term of 25 years New Jersey State Prison (NJSP), having previously been found guilty of Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, Being a Certain Person Not to Possess a Firearm, Unlawful Possession of a Handgun with a prior conviction for a No Early Release Act (NERA) Offense, Terroristic Threats, Possession of Hollow Nose Bullets, Possession of a Large Capacity Magazine, and Possession of Fentanyl, all in connection with an incident that occurred in Toms River Township on July 2, 2022. Specifically, Judge Ryan sentenced Powell to 20 years NJSP with a 10-year period of parole ineligibility as to the Handgun Possession charge, and an additional five years NJSP with a 42-month period of parole ineligibility relative to the Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose offense – to run consecutive to the Handgun Possession charge. Additionally, Judge Ryan sentenced Powell to a concurrent five years NJSP with a five-year period of parole ineligibility as to the Certain Person Not to Possess a Firearm charge, concurrent to five years NJSP as to the Terroristic Threats charge, concurrent to 18 months NJSP as to the Possession of Hollow Nose Bullets charge, concurrent to 18 months NJSP as to the Possession of a Large Capacity Magazine charge, concurrent to five years NJSP as to the Possession of Fentanyl charge. In total, Powell will be required to serve at least 13.5 years of his 25-year state prison sentence before he may be considered for parole eligibility.
Powell was found guilty of all offenses on January 11, 2023, after a week-long jury trial before Judge Ryan.
On July 2, 2022, at approximately 11:00 p.m., Officers from the Toms River Township Police Department were dispatched to assist a male victim who had just been assaulted. Responding Officers met with the victim, who advised that he was entering a residence on Rory Road when a male approached him and asked him what he was doing in the area. The male suspect then punched the victim in the face and removed a handgun from his waistband. The male suspect brandished the handgun and then threatened to shoot and kill the victim. Another male then appeared at the scene and the victim was able to leave the area.
An investigation conducted by the Toms River Township Police Department determined that Powell was the individual who struck and threatened the victim with the handgun on July 2, 2022. Toms River Township Police Officers located Powell outside of his residence in Toms River in the early morning hours of July 3, 2022, and he was taken into custody without incident. Powell was searched incident to his arrest, and found to be in possession of a stolen handgun loaded with 17 rounds of hollow nose bullets. Powell was also found to be in possession of 30 wax folds of Fentanyl at the time of his arrest. Powell was arrested and transported to the Ocean County Jail, where he has remained lodged since July 3, 2022.
Prosecutor Billhimer commends the diligence and dedication of Assistant Prosecutor Kimberly Carr who ably and skillfully tried the case on behalf of the State. The Prosecutor likewise extends his gratitude to the Toms River Township Police Department and Berkeley Township Police Department for their combined and collective efforts in connection with this matter, ultimately leading to Powell’s lengthy state prison sentence.
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January 29, 2024
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 United States Drug Enforcement Administration – High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas-Monmouth/Ocean Post of Duty (HIDTA/MOPOD) Group 5, Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, Camden County Prosecutor’s Office, New Jersey State Police Crime Suppression Unit, Toms River Township Police Department Patrol Division, Toms River Township Police Department Special Enforcement Unit, Toms River Township Police Department K-9 Unit, Manchester Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Manchester Township Police Department Narcotics Enforcement Team, 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 Jireh Mathis, 27, and Tashawn McDonald, 23, both of Trenton, as being involved in the distribution of Heroin/Fentanyl and Cocaine in Ocean County.
In early December 2023, Detectives from the aforementioned law enforcement agencies established stationary and mobile surveillance on both Mathis and McDonald. On January 22, 2024, Detectives observed Mathis and McDonald arriving at the Green Meadow Apartment Complex in Toms River in a vehicle operated by Mathis. Mathis and McDonald both exited the vehicle, and they were approached by Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force. As Detectives made contact with Mathis, he attempted to flee the scene but was subsequently apprehended and taken into custody. McDonald was taken into custody without incident. In a subsequent search incident to his arrest, Mathis was found to be in possession of approximately 500 wax folds of Heroin/Fentanyl and ten grams of Cocaine. In total, law enforcement seized approximately 1,500 wax folds of Heroin/Fentanyl and 25 grams of Cocaine throughout the course of the investigation.
Mathis was charged with Possession of More than One-Half Ounce but Less than Five Ounces of Heroin with Intent to Distribute, Possession of More than One-Half Ounce but Less than Five Ounces of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute, Conspiracy to Distribute More than One-Half Ounce but Less than Five Ounces of Heroin, Conspiracy to Distribute More than One-Half Ounce but Less than Five Ounces of Cocaine, Possession of Heroin, Possession of Cocaine, and Resisting Arrest. Mathis is presently lodged in the Ocean County Jail pending trial.
McDonald was charged with Conspiracy to Distribute More than One-Half Ounce but Less than Five Ounces of Heroin, and Conspiracy to Distribute More than One-Half Ounce but Less than Five Ounces of Cocaine. McDonald 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-Monmouth/Ocean Post of Duty (HIDTA/MOPOD) Group 5, Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, Camden County Prosecutor’s Office, New Jersey State Police Crime Suppression Unit, Toms River Township Police Department Patrol Division, Toms River Township Police Department Special Enforcement Unit, Toms River Township Police Department K-9 Unit, Manchester Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Manchester Township Police Department Narcotics Enforcement Team, 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).
January 5, 2024
NEWARK, N.J. – The chief executive officer of a Lyndhurst, New Jersey, company was charged with falsely representing to law enforcement customers that the security cameras and equipment he sold were compliant with the National Defense Authorization Act, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.
Tamer Zakhary, 49, of Toms River, New Jersey is charged by complaint with three counts of wire fraud and one count of making false statements. Zakhary appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Edward S. Kiel in Newark federal court and was released on $100,000 unsecured bond.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
In August 2018, in order to address increased concerns that foreign intelligence actors were looking to infiltrate United States systems and exploit technologies, Congress signed into law Section 889 of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2019. Section 889 prohibits the federal government from procuring or obtaining video surveillance and telecommunications equipment from specifically identified Chinese companies and from entering into contracts with any entity that uses such video surveillance equipment from those specifically identified Chinese companies.
From August 2019 through December 2022, Zakhary, the owner and chief executive officer of a company that sells surveillance and security cameras and equipment, sold millions of dollars’ worth of surveillance cameras and equipment to public safety and law enforcement agencies in New Jersey, including prosecutors’ offices, sheriffs’ offices, police departments, and townships. Zakhary fraudulently misrepresented to these customers that his company’s products were compliant with Section 889. Zakhary, in fact, obtained the cameras and equipment he sold from a Chinese company specifically identified in Section 889. The customers purchased at least $35 million in surveillance cameras and equipment from Zakhary’s company, over $15 million of which consisted of federal funds and grants.
The wire fraud charges each carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; the false statements charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison. All counts are also punishable by a fine of $250,000, or twice the gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greatest.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark; and special agents of Homeland Security Investigations Newark, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Alfonso, with the investigation leading to the charges.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Amore, Chief of the General Crimes Unit in Newark.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Defense counsel: Charles B. McKenna Esq., Morristown, and Matthew E. Beck Esq., Roseland, New Jersey
Zakhary.ComplaintDownload 
December 18, 2023
TOMS RIVER, NJ (OCEAN)–On Sunday morning, at approximately 12:45 a.m., multiple police units were dispatched to the Days Hotel on Route 37 for a large fight in progress in the parking lot area. While responding, officers received further information regarding possible gunshots. Further investigation revealed evidence that shots were fired but no victims were struck. The Ocean County Sheriff’ Department CSI unit responded to assist in processing the scene. One male suffered a seizure during the incident and was transported to Community Medical Center by Silverton First Aid. The investigation is ongoing at this time.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Toms River Police Department Detective Bureau at [email protected] or by calling 732-349-0150 x 1323. All information will remain confidential.
We’d like to thank our neighboring police departments in Manchester, Island Heights, Berkeley, South Toms River, Jackson, Brick, Seaside Heights, and Lavallette for providing assistance at the scene, as well as handling a variety of calls throughout the town during the investigation.