Two U.S. Indictments Charge Defendant with Attacks Against Law Enforcement Agencies in New Jersey, Washington, D.C., and Other Victims Worldwide; U.S. State Department Offers $10 Million Reward.

The coconspirators allegedly also deployed Hive ransomware against a nonprofit behavioral healthcare organization headquartered in Mercer County, New Jersey.

Total ransom demands allegedly made by the members of these three global ransomware campaigns to their victims amount to as much as $400 million, while total victim ransom payments amount to as much as $200 million.

May 16, 2023

NEWARK, N.J. – The Justice Department today unsealed two indictments charging a Russian national and resident with using three different ransomware variants to attack numerous victims throughout the United States, including law enforcement agencies in New Jersey and Washington, D.C., as well as victims in healthcare and other sectors nationwide.

“From Russia and hiding behind multiple aliases, Matveev is alleged to have used these ransomware strains to encrypt and hold hostage for ransom the data of numerous victims, including hospitals, schools, nonprofits, and law enforcement agencies, like the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, D.C.,” Philip R. Sellinger, U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey, said. “Thanks to the extraordinary investigative work of prosecutors from my office and our FBI partners, Matveev no longer hides in the shadows ¬– we have publicly identified his criminal acts and charged him with multiple federal crimes. Let today’s charges be a reminder to cybercriminals everywhere ¬– my office is devoted to combatting cybercrime and will spare no resources in bringing to justice those who use ransomware attacks to target victims.”

“From his home base in Russia, Matveev allegedly used multiple ransomware variants to attack critical infrastructure around the world, including hospitals, government agencies, and victims in other sectors,” Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division said. “These international crimes demand a coordinated response. We will not relent in imposing consequences on the most egregious actors in the cybercrime ecosystem.”

“We want the indictment, sanctions and reward for Mikhail Matveev to sound an alarm in the ranks of cyber criminals all over the world,” James E. Dennehy, FBI-Newark special agent in charge, said. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners, as well as our international partners, are coming after you. These malicious actors believe they can operate with impunity – and don’t fear getting caught because they sit in a country where they feel safe and protected. That may be the case now, but the safe harbor may not exist forever. When we have an opportunity, we will do everything in our power to bring Matveev and his ilk to justice.”

According to the indictment obtained in the District of New Jersey:

From at least 2020, Mikhail Pavlovich Matveev, aka Wazawaka, aka m1x, aka Boriselcin, aka Uhodiransomwar, allegedly participated in conspiracies to deploy three ransomware variants. These variants are known as LockBit, Babuk, and Hive, and Matveev transmitted ransom demands in connection with each. The perpetrators behind each of these variants, including Matveev, have allegedly used these types of ransomware to attack thousands of victims in the United States and around the world. These victims include law enforcement and other government agencies, hospitals, and schools. Total ransom demands allegedly made by the members of these three global ransomware campaigns to their victims amount to as much as $400 million, while total victim ransom payments amount to as much as $200 million.

On June 25, 2020, Matveev and his LockBit conspirators allegedly deployed LockBit ransomware against a law enforcement agency in Passaic County, New Jersey. On May 27, 2022, Matveev and his Hive coconspirators allegedly deployed Hive against a nonprofit behavioral healthcare organization headquartered in Mercer County, New Jersey. On April 26, 2021, Matveev and his Babuk conspirators allegedly deployed Babuk against the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, D.C.

“Data theft and extortion attempts by ransomware groups are corrosive, cynical attacks on key institutions and the good people behind them as they go about their business and serve the public,” U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves for the District of Columbia said. “Whether these criminals target law enforcement, other government agencies, or private companies like health care providers, we will use every tool at our disposal to prosecute and punish such offenses. Thanks to exceptional work by our partners here, we identified and charged this culprit.”

“The FBI is steadfast in our commitment to disrupting cybercriminals like Matveev,” Assistant Director Bryan Vorndran of the FBI’s Cyber Division said. “The FBI will continue to impose costs on cyber adversaries through our joint collaboration with our private sector and international partners, and we will not tolerate these criminal acts against American citizens.”

The LockBit ransomware variant first appeared around January 2020. LockBit actors have executed over 1,400 attacks against victims in the United States and around the world, issuing over $100 million in ransom demands and receiving over $75 million in ransom payments.

The Babuk ransomware variant first appeared around December 2020. Babuk actors executed over 65 attacks against victims in the United States and around the world, issuing over $49 million in ransom demands and receiving as much as $13 million in ransom payments.

Since June 2021, the Hive ransomware group has targeted more than 1,400 victims around the world and received as much as $120 million in ransom payments.

The LockBit, Babuk, and Hive ransomware variants operated in the same general manner: first, the ransomware actors would identify and unlawfully access vulnerable computer systems, sometimes through their own hacking, or by purchasing stolen access credentials from others. Second, the actors would deploy the ransomware variant within the victim computer system, allowing the actors to encrypt and steal data thereon. Next, the actors would send a ransom note to the victim demanding a payment in exchange for decrypting the victim’s data or refraining from sharing it publicly. Finally, the ransomware actors would negotiate a ransom amount with each victim willing to pay. If a victim did not pay, ransomware actors would often post that victim’s data on a public website, often called a data leak site.

Matveev is charged with conspiring to transmit ransom demands, conspiring to damage protected computers, and intentionally damaging protected computers. If convicted, he faces over 20 years in prison.

The FBI Newark Field Office’s Cyber Crimes Task Force is investigating the case with valuable assistance from the Jersey City Police Department, New Jersey State Police, Newark IRS Criminal Investigation, and international partners from European Cyber Crime Centre of Europol, National Police Agency of Japan, Gendarmerie Nationale Cyberspace Command of France, National Crime Agency and South West Regional Organized Crime Unit of the United Kingdom, Kantonspolizei Zürich of Switzerland, High-Tech Crime Unit of the Dutch Police Services Agency of the Netherlands, Bundeskriminalamt and Landeskriminalamt of Germany, Mossos d’Esquadra Police Department of Spain, Norwegian Police Service of Norway, and Swedish Police Authority of Sweden.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew M. Trombly and David E. Malagold for the District of New Jersey’s Cybercrime Unit in Newark; Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Aloi for the District of Columbia’s Fraud, Public Corruption, and Civil Rights Section; and Trial Attorneys Jessica C. Peck, Benjamin Proctor, and Jorge Gonzalez of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS).

The FBI Tampa Field Office and Orlando Resident Agency, along with Assistant U.S. Attorney Chauncey Bratt for the Middle District of Florida and CCIPS Trial Attorneys Christen Gallagher and Alison Zitron, made critical contributions to the case. The FBI Washington Field Office and Metropolitan Police Department also provided valuable assistance.

The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and National Security Division also provided significant assistance.

Victims of LockBit, Babuk, Conti, or Hive ransomware should contact their local FBI field office for further information. For additional information on ransomware, including the LockBit, Babuk, and Hive variants, please visit www.StopRansomware.gov.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) today announced that it is designating the defendant for his role in launching cyberattacks against U.S. law enforcement, businesses, and critical infrastructure.

The Department of State has also announced an award of up to $10 million for information that leads to the apprehension of this defendant. Information that may be eligible for this award can be submitted at tips.fbi.gov or RewardsForJustice.net. Congress established the Transnational Organized Crime Rewards Program in 2013 to support law enforcement efforts to dismantle transnational criminal organizations and bring their leaders and members to justice. The Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs manages the program in coordination with other U.S. federal agencies.

The charge and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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matveev.indictmentDownload Photo by Sora Shimazaki on Pexels.com

June 15, 2022

ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–A U.S. Department of Labor investigation into the fatal fall of a contractor at a Robbinsville frozen food manufacturer identified a wide range of potentially fatal workplace hazards at CJ TMI Manufacturing America LLC, leading the department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration to issue the employer citations for 36 violations and propose $368,513 in penalties.

A contractor suffered fatal injuries in December 2021 when they fell 11 feet while using a scissor lift to replace a freezer drain. OSHA’s investigation found a damaged and inoperable snap hook on the lift’s safety chain and that the company did not inspect the lift before work began.

“CJ TMI Manufacturing America LLC could have prevented this tragedy had it followed proper safety precautions,” said OSHA Area Director Paula Dixon-Roderick in Marlton, New Jersey. “The company must address and correct a substantial number of hazardous conditions identified during our inspection so that nobody else has to risk their life.”

OSHA also found the company exposed workers to:

• Amputations and lacerations from unguarded or inadequately guarded machinery.
• Explosion hazards from accumulations of combustible flour dust on equipment, floors and surfaces throughout the plant.
• Confined space hazards when entering a wastewater pit to service a water meter.
• Hexavalent chromium hazards during welding operations.
• Chemical burns from caustic chemicals due to inaccessible decontamination showers and eyewash stations.
• Being struck by forklifts operated by untrained employees.
• Numerous electric shock hazards.

View the citations. OSHA has placed the company in the agency’s Severe Violator Enforcement Program.

CJ TMI manufactures frozen dumpling, wontons and noodles for the Twin Marquis and Chef One brands.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. Visit OSHA’s website for information on developing a workplace safety and health program. Employers can also contact the agency for information about OSHA’s compliance assistance resources and for free help on complying with OSHA standards.

osha20221101_-cj-tmi-citationsDownload

CJ TMI Manufacturing America LLC. Located at 2 Applegate Drive in Robbinsville, NJ — MidJersey.News file photos

Fennelly has helped the organization raise nearly $3M since 2003

HAMILTON, NJ (MERCER) – Fennelly Associates, one of New Jersey and Pennsylvania’s most experienced and successful independent full-service commercial real estate service providers, announces its President Jerry Fennelly has been honored by Eden Autism Services for his efforts to help raise $2.8M over the past two decades.

For over four decades, Eden has been a recognized leader in providing support to children and adults with autism and their families. A devoted advocate for the autism community, Fennelly helped start the Eden Autism 5K & Fun Run/Walk 20 years ago to raise awareness of the organization in the local community and create a recurring source of fundraising support. In addition to Eden, Fennelly has helped several organizations across the Mercer County area create 5K races including Casa New Jersey, the Princeton YMCA and the Parkinson’s Alliance.

“Jerry has given so much of his time and energy to organizations just like ours across our region,” said Melinda McAleer, Chief Development Officer of Eden Autism Services. “As we celebrated our 20th anniversary of this important event, it was an easy decision for us to honor Jerry for his two decades of tireless support.”

Fennelly added, “Making a positive impact on local communities has always been important to me. The Eden Autism Foundation is a tremendous organization, and it is my honor to be able to support their goals and initiatives with such a fun event.”

According to a study conducted by Rutgers University, the autism rate rose 300% in New Jersey between 2000 and 2016. In 2000, the U.S. rate was 1 in 150, according to the CDC. Six years later, it was 1 in 110 and six years after that it was 1 in 69. In New Jersey today, the rate of children identified with autism spectrum disorder is 1 in 35.

To support the Eden Autism Foundation by making a donation, please visit the “donate” tab on their website here.

About Eden Autism

Eden Autism Services is a 501(c)(3) state-approved non-profit licensed provider of services in New Jersey. A leader in treating children and adults with Autism, Eden supports individuals and their families throughout their lifespan-from the point of diagnosis through the school years, adulthood, and into aging with autism.

About Fennelly Associates

Fennelly Associates is one of New Jersey and Pennsylvania’s most experienced and successful independent full-service commercial real estate solutions providers. Since 1986, Fennelly Associates has taken a strategic and data-driven approach to provide flexible solutions that drive results for clients of every size and asset class. A leader in market research and leveraging the latest real estate technologies, Fennelly Associates provides its local, regional and national client base with unmatched expertise that helps them achieve their goals in an ever-changing and competitive real estate market.

For more information on Fennelly Associates, contact Jerry J. Fennelly, SIOR, at the company’s Hamilton office at (609) 520-0061 or visit www.fennelly.com.

To stay connected with Fennelly Associates and for updates on the latest transactions and news, please follow Fennelly Associates on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

October 19, 2023

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER) — Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri recently announced the promotion of Michael C. Borgos to deputy first assistant prosecutor.  DFAP Borgos was sworn in last month by the Honorable Peter E. Warshaw, J.S.C., at the Mercer County Criminal Courthouse.

DFAP Borgos began his career as an assistant prosecutor with the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office in 2001, after completing a one-year criminal clerkship in Camden County.  During his 22 years with the office, he has worked as a line AP in the Juvenile, Trial, Domestic Violence, Special Investigations, Special Victims and Homicide units and has served as the Prosecutor’s Office liaison to the Mercer County Drug Court.  While assigned to the Special Investigations Unit, DFAP Borgos participated in several long-term investigations into large narcotics distribution rings and assisted in multiple wiretap investigations, and during his three years with the Special Victims Unit, he was able to use the investigative skills he acquired and apply them to victim-centric prosecutions.

In 2014, DFAP Borgos was designated chief of the Juvenile Unit and held that position until 2016 when he was named chief of the Grand Jury Unit.  As chief of Grand Jury, he was tasked with helping develop the new internal systems needed to address Criminal Justice Reform.  In addition to overseeing the Trial, Grand Jury and Detention units and Recovery Court, DFAP Borgos also serves as part of the Internal Affairs and the Officer-Involved Shooting Response units. He has served as executive assistant prosecutor since 2019.

During his career, DFAP Borgos has investigated and prosecuted several high-profile cases, including State v. Lamar Gibson et al., State v. Anthony Kidd et al., State v. Plesi Nichols and Anthony Roberson and most recently in September, while working with DFAP Kathleen Petrucci, attained a guilty verdict in the double homicides contained in State v. Tyzir Hamilton.

DFAP Borgos has shown a passion for teaching criminal justice topics both within law enforcement and to the greater community.  He oversees the Training Unit for the MCPO and is a regular lecturer at the Mercer County Police Academy, where he serves as MCPO liaison.  He has also presented lectures to school officials, local police departments and CLE courses for attorneys regarding search and seizure law and other topics.  DFAP Borgos served as an adjunct professor at The College of New Jersey and Rutgers University – Camden, teaching undergraduate courses on a variety of topics related to the criminal justice system.

DFAP Borgos earned his bachelor’s degree from Gettysburg College (PA) in 1997 and his law degree from Rutgers School of Law – Camden in 2000.

Left to Right: First Assistant Prosecutor Jennifer Downing-Mathis, DFAP Borgos, Prosecutor Onofri and DFAP Kathleen Petrucci.

October 19, 2023

EWING, NJ (MERCER)–A month-long investigation into narcotics distribution in the Mercer County area has culminated with one arrest and the seizure of $40,000 in heroin, Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri reported.

On Monday, October 16, 2023, members of the Mercer County Narcotics Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Ewing, Hamilton and Trenton police, initiated surveillance in the parking lot of the River’s Edge Apartments on Country Lane in Ewing Township based on information received during the investigation.  At approximately 8:30 p.m., officers observed the target of the investigation, Onasis Santos-Estevez, arrive in a red Mitsubishi Outlander.  The driver and Santos-Estevez were detained without incident.  Sgt. Tom Paglione utilized his K-9 partner, Indy, to conduct an exterior sniff of the vehicle, which resulted in Indy alerting to the scent of narcotics on the rear passenger side door.  A search warrant was executed and, inside of the Outlander, detectives located a blue reusable shopping bag containing approximately 200 bricks of heroin under the front passenger seat.

Santos-Estevez, 47, of Philadephia, PA, was charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance and possession with the intent to distribute.  The prosecutor’s office has filed a motion to detain him pending trial.

According to Prosecutor Onofri, the street value of the confiscated heroin is approximately $40,000.

Despite having been charged, all persons are presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Santos-Estevez, 47, of Philadephia, PA, was charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance and possession with the intent to distribute.  The prosecutor’s office has filed a motion to detain him pending trial.

October 19, 2023

LAKEWOOD, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on October 18, 2023, John Filistovich, 59, of Lakewood, was indicted by a Grand Jury sitting in Ocean County on charges of Murder and Theft in connection with the death of Betty Perry, 60, of Lakewood, which occurred on May 30, 2023.

On May 30, 2023, at approximately 12:15 p.m., Officers from the Lakewood Township Police Department responded to a residence on Thornbury Court to conduct a welfare check on Betty Perry.  Responding Officers made entry into the residence and found the deceased body of a female, later identified as Ms. Perry, on the floor of the bedroom. 

A subsequent investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Lakewood Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, revealed that Filistovich and Ms. Perry had been living together and were in a dating relationship.  Further investigation revealed that a 2015 Hyundai Elantra belonging to Ms. Perry had been taken from the residence. 

Later in the day on May 30, 2023, investigating Detectives received information that Maryland State Troopers had encountered Filistovich on the side of the road near Salisbury, Maryland, in the victim’s vehicle.  Filistovich was transported to a local medical facility in Salisbury.  On that date, Filistovich was charged in connection with the theft of Ms. Perry’s vehicle.

On May 31, 2023, the Ocean County Medical Examiner performed a post-mortem examination of Ms. Perry, and determined the cause of her death to be blunt force injuries to the head, neck, and chest with asphyxiation, and the manner of death to be homicide.  The investigation in this matter resulted in Filistovich being identified as the individual responsible for Ms. Perry’s death, and he was formally charged with her murder on June 1, 2023.

Upon being released from the medical facility in Salisbury, Maryland, on June 1, 2023, Filistovich was taken into custody without incident.  He was subsequently transferred to the Wicomico County Corrections Center, also located in Salisbury, and thereafter extradited to Ocean County.  Filistovich has been lodged in the Ocean County Jail since his extradition to New Jersey.

Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the diligent efforts of Assistant Prosecutor Kaitlyn Burke 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 High Tech Crime Unit, Lakewood Township Police Department, Lakewood Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office, Maryland State Police, and Salisbury (Maryland) Police Department, 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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October 19, 2023

MOUNT LAUREL, NJ (BURLINGTON)–Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw announced that a Mount Laurel man who was charged with harassing and using racial slurs against his neighbors has pled guilty to four counts of Bias Intimidation (Fourth Degree).

Edward C. Mathews, 47, formerly of Grammercy Way, also pled guilty to Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance with Intent to Distribute (Second Degree). Under an agreement with the Prosecutor’s Office, Mathews will receive an eight-year prison sentence for the offenses. The plea was entered yesterday in Mount Holly before the Hon. Gerard H. Breland, J.S.C., who scheduled sentencing for December 8.

The charges to which Mathews pled involve the mistreatment of five former neighbors. The drug offense was filed after numerous psilocin mushrooms, which are known for their hallucinogenic effect, were discovered during a search of his home.

The investigation began July 2, 2021, after a resident came to the Mount Laurel Police Department to file a harassment complaint against Mathews. A short time later on the same date, a Mount Laurel police officer responded to a Coventry Way residence for a report of a male needing to be removed from the area. Upon arrival, the officer found Mathews using racial slurs while engaged in a verbal altercation with four residents.

The investigation revealed a pattern of abuse from Mathews against his neighbors that included leaving a threatening note on one of their vehicles.

The investigation was conducted by the Prosecutor’s Office and the Mount Laurel Police Department, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The lead investigators are BCPO Detective Sgt. Daniel Schules and MLPD Detective Luis Amaro.

Mathews is being prosecuted by Assistant Prosecutor Jamie Hutchinson.

Edward C. Mathews, 47, formerly of Grammercy Way, also pled guilty to Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance with Intent to Distribute (Second Degree). Under an agreement with the Prosecutor’s Office, Mathews will receive an eight-year prison sentence for the offenses. The plea was entered yesterday in Mount Holly before the Hon. Gerard H. Breland, J.S.C., who scheduled sentencing for December 8.

October 14, 2023

NEWARK, N.J. – A Concord, New Hampshire, man pleaded guilty today in federal court in connection with the exploitation of a minor in New Jersey and possession of child sexual abuse material, U.S. Attorney Philip Sellinger and U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announced.

Scott Wilkinson, 38, pleaded guilty to one count each of production of child pornography and one count of possession of child sexual abuse material before U.S. District Court Judge Joseph Laplante in federal court in New Hampshire.

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

Wilkinson traveled from New Hampshire to New Jersey in April 2022, where he engaged in sexual acts with a 12-year-old child. Wilkinson had been corresponding with the child online for approximately one year prior to traveling to New Jersey to meet the child. A video that Wilkinson created of himself engaged in sexual acts with the child was found on his cell phone, as were other images and videos of child sexual abuse material.

The count of production of child pornography is punishable by a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison and a maximum of 30 years in prison. The count of possession of child pornography is punishable by a maximum of 10 years in prison, or a maximum of 20 years in prison if the court finds the defendant possessed child pornography of a child under the age of 12. He also faces up o $250,000 in fines on each count.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger and U.S. Attorney Young credited special agents of the FBI the Newark Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task force, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy; and the Egg Harbor Township Police Department with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea. Valuable assistance was provided by the Concord Police Department.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsey Harteis of the District of New Jersey and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kasey Weiland of the District of New Hampshire.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

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Defense counsel: Jeff Levin Esq., Assistant Federal Public Defender, New Hampshire

Photo by EKATERINA BOLOVTSOVA on Pexels.com

June 20, 2024

NEWARK, NJ — A Burlington County, New Jersey, man today admitted possessing multiple images and videos of child sexual abuse, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.

Dennis Nerolich, 68, of Burlington, New Jersey, and formerly of New Egypt, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Brian R. Martinotti in Newark federal court to an information charging him with possession of child pornography.

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

From March 2016 to May 1, 2018, Nerolich possessed multiple images and videos of child sexual abuse. Nerolich received the images and videos from his roommate or landlord at the time, Frank Maile.

On Sept. 6, 2023, Maile pleaded guilty before Judge Martinotti to Count Four of a five-count indictment, charging him with travelling in foreign commerce and engaging in illicit sexual conduct, that is, a sexual act with a person under 18 years of age, a commercial sex act, and production of child pornography. Maile is scheduled to be sentenced on June 27, 2024.

The charge of possession of child pornography carries a statutory maximum of 10 years in prison, and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 6, 2024.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of Homeland Security Investigations Newark, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge William S. Walker, with the investigation leading to the guilty plea.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elisa T. Wiygul of the Criminal Division in Camden.

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Defense counsel: K. Anthony Thomas, Assistant Federal Public Defender, Newark

Photo by EKATERINA BOLOVTSOVA on Pexels.com

June 29, 2024

FREEHOLD, NJ (MONMOUTH)– A teacher at Freehold Intermediate School has been arrested and criminally charged for having a sexual relationship with a student, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced Saturday.

Allison Havemann-Niedrach, 43, of Jackson (Ocean County) is charged with one count of first-degree Aggravated Sexual Assault and one count of second-degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child.

An investigation involving members of the MCPO Special Victims Bureau and members of the Freehold Borough Police Department revealed that the alleged criminal conduct by Havemann-Niedrach began earlier this year.

Havemann-Niedrach was arrested without incident earlier this week and transported to the Monmouth County Correctional Institution (MCCI), where she remains incarcerated pending a first appearance and detention hearing to take place in Monmouth County Superior Court.

Anyone with information about Havemann-Niedrach’s activities is being urged to contact MCPO Detective Dawn Correia at 800-533-7443.

This case is being prosecuted by Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Danielle Zanzuccki, Director of the Special Victims Bureau. Havemann-Niedrach is being represented by Thomas Huth, Esq., with an office in Freehold.   

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.

Allison Havemann-Niedrach, 43, of Jackson (Ocean County) is charged with one count of first-degree Aggravated Sexual Assault and one count of second-degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child.

September 20, 2023

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–The Mercer County Homicide Task Force and the Trenton Police Department are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred this weekend in the city, Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri reported.

Just before midnight on Saturday, September 16, 2023, Trenton police responded to the area of Brunswick Avenue and Middle Rose Street for multiple ShotSpotter activations.  Upon arrival, officers located a male victim in a sidewalk area in the center of Middle Rose Street suffering from numerous gunshot wounds.  The victim, identified as Balil Lewis, 37, of Trenton, was transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center where he was pronounced dead a few hours later.

No arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing.  Anyone with information is asked to contact MCHTF Detective Jacob Schor at (609) 414-1179 or OIC William Jett Jr. at (609) 331-5010.  Information can also be emailed to [email protected].

Names of the 2023 Trenton Homicide Victims

1. 1/16/2023 Donnell Williams, 29, Trenton, Shooting.
2. 2/12/2023 Stephanie Vil, 34, of Burlington, Shooting.
3. 2/16/2023 Khalil Glanton, 23, Trenton, Stabbing.
4. 3/24/2023 Harold Rosario, 19, Trenton, Shooting.
5. 3/26/2023 Nyeisha Saunders, 41, Trenton, Shooting.
6. 4/09/2023 Jhosse Tolentino, 23, Trenton, Shooting
7. 4/12/2023 Jared Anderson, Trenton, Shooting (died May 29)
8. 4/14/2023 Daniel Garvin, 46, Trenton, Shooting
9. 4/20/2023 Ralph Conquest, 43, of Lawrence, Shooting
10. 5/14/2023 Roger Martinez-Rodriguez, 27, Trenton, Stabbing
11. 5/14/2023 Justin Reed, 24, of Ewing, Shooting (died May 22)
12. 5/26/2023 Sherief Treadwell, 36, Trenton, Shooting
13. 6/09/2023 Markell Biggs, 20, Trenton, Shooting
14. 6/11/2023 Shaquan Brown, 23, Trenton, Shooting
15. 6/15/2023 James Junior Journigan, 36, Shooting
16. 6/15/2023 Louis Washington, 38, Trenton, Shooting, (died June 17)
17. 6/19/2023 Ernest Denard, 61, Stabbing
18. 6/22/2023 Guillermo Sanchez, Shooting
19. 7/01/2023 Precious Saunders, 32, of Trenton
20. 8/23/2023 Taquan Foxworth, 29, of Trenton, Shooting 8/19
21. 9/02/2023 Ronald Taylor, 40, of Trenton, Shooting
22. 9/16/2023 Balil Lewis, 37, of Trenton, Shooting

August 23, 2023

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Around 8:35 a.m. Trenton firefighters responded to a car fire reported on Route 29 North Bound near the entrance to the tunnel. Firefighters arrived and quickly extinguished the fire. Expect traffic delays in the area until the vehicle is towed. Currently there is a 2-mile traffic delay into Hamilton Township and extends back to the I-295 interchange. South bound traffic is backed up to the ballpark.

Fire department activity and Heavy traffic on NJ 29 southbound south of Lalor St (Trenton) All lanes closed traffic getting by on the right shoulder 15-20 minute delay https://t.co/GUkHpP4Drn

— 511NJ I295 (@511nji295) August 23, 2023

Fire department activity and Heavy traffic on NJ 29 southbound south of Lalor St (Trenton) 1 Left lane of 2 lanes closed 15-20 minute delay use caution https://t.co/S2IadyBxwj

— 511NJ I295 (@511nji295) August 23, 2023

Photos are screen captures from 511nj.org

November 10, 2023

WALL TOWNSHIP, NJ- A 24-year-old Downingtown, Pennsylvania man has been charged with aggravated assault by auto stemming from an October 8, 2023, motor vehicle collision on State Route 35 in Wall Township.

On Saturday, October 7, 2023, at approximately 6:45 p.m. the Wall Township Police Department responded to the area of State Highway 35 and 18^th Avenue for a motor vehicle collision involving two vehicles with multiple injuries reported.

The investigation on scene revealed that 2011 Nissan Altima being operated by Mitchell G. Holley (34) of Downingtown, Pennsylvania was traveling on State Highway 35 southbound, when he left his lane of travel and entered the northbound lane of State Highway 35 striking a 2023 Mazda CX3 being operating by a 39-year-old man and occupied by a 31-year-old female both of Point Pleasant. All occupants were required to be extricated from their vehicles by emergency crews and transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center.

State Highway 35 from Wall Church Road to 18^th Avenue was shut down in both directions for approximately an hour and half while emergency crews conducted extrication and medical treatment and crash investigators processed the scene. Fire and rescue crews from West Belmar Fire Department, Glendola Fire Department and South Wall Fire and Rescue responded to the scene as well as emergency medical crews from Wall Township Police EMS, Belmar EMS and paramedics from Hackensack Meridian.

After receiving toxicology results from the New Jersey State Police Forensic Laboratory Patrolman Hunter Manning charged Holley with (2) two counts of aggravated assault by auto (3^rd Degree Crime), (1) one count of causing seriously bodily injury while driving with a suspended driver’s license (3^rd Degree Crime), driving while suspended, driving while intoxicated and reckless driving. An arrest warrant has been issued for Holley.

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 the trial rights guaranteed by the United States Constitution and New Jersey State Law.

March 6, 2024

PERTH AMBOY, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–Morris Habitat for Humanity is preparing to break ground on constructing two single-family homes on Pearl Place, hoping to welcome new families early next year.

The latest Habitat project in the city could not have happened without the Perth Amboy Redevelopment Authority (PARA), which sold two 25-foot by 100-foot lots.

“Our mission is not just about redeveloping large swaths of underused property,” explained PARA Executive Director Tashilee Vazquez. “We are focused on rebuilding neighborhoods and looking for all opportunities. On this small parcel, we can fulfill homeownership for two families. This is a tremendous investment in Perth Amboy and an ideal fit for our mission.”

PARA’s agreement allows for a partnership between Morris Habitat and the Perth Amboy Redevelopment Team for Neighborhood Enterprise and Revitalization (PARTNER), a non-profit that creates housing and economic opportunities for low- and moderate-income residents.  Morris Habitat and PARTNER are serving as the project redevelopers.

Liz DeCoursey, CEO of Morris Habitat, anticipates a groundbreaking this summer. The three-bedroom homes will ultimately be sold to families who meet low-income guidelines. Still, the new residents must show the ability to pay an affordable mortgage, property taxes, utilities, and all other expenses related to home ownership.

The homeowner selection process will be random, but preferences will be given to veterans and current Perth Amboy Housing Authority residents.  Anyone interested in applying for a home should contact Morris Habitat.

The Pearl Place project is the latest venture for Morris Habitat in Perth Amboy, as the non-profit steadily increased its footprint in Middlesex County since it took over the territory in 2020. Homes have already been completed at 440 Lawrie St. and 662 Cortland St., while others are now under construction at 363 Inslee St. and 364 Garretson Ave.

Both Vazquez and DeCoursey expressed their appreciation to Doug Dzema, executive director of PARTNER and the Perth Amboy Housing Authority, for working closely with Morris Habitat, PARA and other program supporters to build quality, affordable homes in the city.

Morris Habitat has precise stipulations for the homes it builds. For example, all must be designed as “user friendly” as possible, with Energy Star appliances, maintenance-free materials, a single garage, handicap accessibility, the ability to use side and rear yards for recreation, and plenty of storage space. All homes are for sale; there are no rentals.

“We are excited to see Morris Habitat transform unused and neglected spaces into valuable assets for our residents, thereby enhancing the neighborhoods of Perth Amboy,” said Mayor Helmin Caba of Perth Amboy. “We look forward to working closely with all of our redevelopment partners to turn our collective vision for a rejuvenated city into reality.”

DeCoursey noted Morris Habitat also has plans to serve at least 400 families over the next three years through its home repair and aging-in-place programs.  Key team members are PARTNER and the Jewish Renaissance Foundation, leveraging grants to assist residents in two Perth Amboy neighborhoods. 

Separately, Morris Habitat is set to begin building 12 homes in Old Bridge, at 200 Laurence Parkway. 

Staff from the Perth Amboy Office of Economic & Community Development volunteering at the Inslee Street build of a Morris Habitat home.