“There is circumstantial evidence that suggests these drones could be the work of foreign adversaries, specifically Iran. Right now, we know that there are drones flying in from the direction of the ocean. We also know there is an Iranian drone mothership that is missing from port in Iran, with a timeline matching the emergence of these drones.”
December 11, 2024
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Over the past few days, Congressman Van Drew has been investigating the disturbing reports that have emerged of drones flying over New Jersey. He has been meeting with officials to gather information on these incidents, which he believes could be part of a much larger national security threat.
“What we have uncovered so far is deeply troubling,” said Congressman Van Drew. “There is circumstantial evidence that suggests these drones could be the work of foreign adversaries, specifically Iran. Right now, we know that there are drones flying in from the direction of the ocean. We also know there is an Iranian drone mothership that is missing from port in Iran, with a timeline matching the emergence of these drones. The time to act on this information is now before the threat escalates any further. These drones are intentionally flying in uncontrolled airspace, expertly navigating around areas with radar coverage. We should have already taken action by imposing flight restrictions to regain our control. Whether this is a foreign adversary or even just a group of drone hobbyists, we cannot allow unidentified drones to operate freely in our airspace with no consequences and it is time we eliminate the threat they pose and shoot them down.
“We are currently falling behind our enemies in terms in terms of drone technology, and because of it, our country is exposed. We need to catch up, and fast. South Jersey is home to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) William J. Hughes Technical Center, which is uniquely equipped to address these challenges. As Vice Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and a member of the Aviation Subcommittee, I will be working to prioritize the development of a comprehensive national strategy to enhance our radar coverage along the East Coast and beyond, as well as the creation of a drone patrol network to monitor and defend our skies. Our enemies are not waiting for us to catch up–and neither should we.”
Washington, DC –Today, Congressman Van Drew sent a letter to President Biden demanding immediate action to eliminate the threat of the drones by imposing flight restrictions and issuing an order to neutralize them as soon as possible.
Notable passage from the letter:
“It has come to my attention that New Jersey drone incursions may be an operation by the Iranian government to undermine the national security of the United States of America. I urge you to act swiftly. Our military does not generally test experimental aircraft in such populated areas, and I would hope that the military would have clarified this situation if it were responsible. This leaves the possibility that they are under the control of an adversarial nation.“
Sauickie Expresses Deep Frustration After State Police Drone Briefing
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–On Saturday, July 20th at 11:00 a.m. there will be a street sign dedication ceremony for Tre’Devon Lane at the corner of Kirkbride Ave and New Willow Street.
On September 22, 2012, Tre was shot and killed after sacrificing his life to save two young ladies while sitting on his grandmother’s porch on New Willow Street. At the time of his death he was 19 years old. Tre’ attended Mercer County Community College in West Windsor in pursuit of a degree in social work, while also working part-time as a security guard. He loved basketball and is remembered by his infectious smile.
In honor of his act of courage and his life, Tre’ Devon Lane Foundation was formed. The organization strives to serve the young people and their families in Trenton, providing them with opportunities and scholarships to help them realize their full potential on the road to a satisfying career and productive future as responsible and caring citizen. The foundation has started programs multiple programs including “Sisters Inspiring Sisters” girls Mentoring Program and “Project M.E.N.S ( Men Empowering New Seeds)” boys mentoring program, developing young girls and boys into the future leaders of our community.
Since its inception the Tre’Devon Lane Foundation has hosted the 2013 & 2014 Memorial Classic Basketball Tournament, was the 2016 and 2017 Recipient of the I AM Trenton Grant, presented 34 Community Service Awards to recipients, presented two Tre’ Lane Hero Awards to recipients, presented five Scholarships to recipients, honored six fathers in 2016 who lost children to gun violence, honored seven mothers in 2015 who lost children to gun violence, hosted an Anti-Violence march, from the Battle Monument to Trenton’s City Hall (September, 2017), met with elected officials, organized a petition drive on Change.org. to support Assembly Bill A3626 & Senate Bill S2849, fighting for stronger protections for Witnesses (Fall, 2016). (A3626 was created by Assemblywomen Angela McKnight Shavonda Sumter; S2849 was sponsored by Senator Linda Greenstein-D, Co-sponsored by Senator Shirley Turner-D.), recorded a PSA with Trenton Now. Participating in the PSA with our Foundation was BENS Way, The Cornelius Foundation and Assemblywoman Angela McKnight, traveled to Washington, DC and spoke on the steps of Capital Hill to support tougher Gun Control Laws (July, 2016, and the Foundation was a 2016 Honoree and recipient of the Fierce and Fearless Award for all the work they are doing in the community.
City officials including honorable Mayor Reed Gusciora and City Council members will be in attendance. Opportunities for photos, videos, and interviews will be available.
July 18, 2024
TRENTON, N.J. – A U.S. Air Marshal admitted selling “Law Enforcement Family Member” cards that were embossed with the insignia of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and making a false statement to a federal officer who was investigating an individual who possessed one of the cards, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.
Jonathan J. Ledesma, 38, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Georgette Castner in Trenton federal court on July 17, 2024, to a two-count information that charged him with making false statements and selling official insignia without authorization.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From October 2021 through January 2023, Ledesma purchased cards that identified their bearers as being a “family member” of “Jonathan J. Ledesma,” a “Federal Officer.” These cards were each embossed with the apparent insignia of DHS as well as a QR code that was linked to Ledesma’s cellular phone. Though Ledesma was not authorized to sell the insignia of DHS, or any colorable imitation of the insignia, Ledesma then sold the cards to others.
In July 2022, Ledesma sold a card to a person who was arrested on Jan. 30, 2023, while in possession of the card. A federal officer scanned the QR code and spoke with Ledesma, who indicated that he had provided the card to person because he was a friend and business associate of the person’s father. This statement was false because, as Ledesma well knew, he had never met or done business with person’s father. On Jan. 18, 2023, Ledesma sold a second card to another individual.
Making a false statement is punishable by a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $250,000. The unauthorized sale of official insignia is punishable by a maximum penalty of six months in prison and a maximum fine of $5,000. Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 20, 2024.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark; the New York Field Office of the Department of Homeland Security – Office of Inspector General, under Acting Special Agent in Charge Luke Devlin; the Detroit Field Office of the Department of Homeland Security – Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge John Pias; and the Detroit Field Office of the Transportation Security Administration, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Phil Spampinato, with the investigation leading to the charges. U.S. Attorney Sellinger also thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Kentucky for its assistance with this investigation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Francesca Liquori and Thomas S. Kearney of the Special Prosecutions Division.
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Defense counsel: Mary E. Toscano Esq., Roseland, New Jersey
Ledesma.InformationDownload Photo by Sora Shimazaki on Pexels.com
July 18, 2024
Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw announced that a 55-year-old Willingboro man has been charged with possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM).
Arthur Pitt was taken into custody at his residence on July 16 and lodged in the Burlington County Jail in Mount Holly. He was released yesterday following a first appearance in Superior Court. The case will be prepared for presentation to a grand jury for possible indictment.
The investigation began after detectives from the BCPO High-Tech Crimes Unit received a tip from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children concerning Pitt’s online activities. The investigation revealed that Pitt was in possession of more than 1,000 CSAM images and videos, and utilized an online cloud storage application to store the material.
The investigation was conducted by the BCPO High-Tech Crimes Unit, with assistance from the Willingboro Township Police Department and United States Homeland Security Investigations – Cherry Hill Office.
Pitt will be prosecuted by the BCPO Special Victims Unit.
All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Arthur Pitt, 55, was taken into custody at his residence on July 16 and lodged in the Burlington County Jail in Mount Holly. He was released yesterday following a first appearance in Superior Court. The case will be prepared for presentation to a grand jury for possible indictment.
July 18, 2024
CAMDEN, N.J. – A Guatemalan man was indicted by a federal grand jury for traveling to Cape May County, New Jersey, to kidnap a minor, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.
Sergio Gomez, aka “Abner Abigail Chub-Choc,” 22, of Guatemala, made his initial appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew J. Skahill in Camden federal court and was detained. Gomez was indicted on July 17, 2024, on one count each of enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity, transportation of a minor to engage in sexual activity, and kidnapping.
According to the indictment:
Gomez used the internet and cellphone to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity. On July 30, 2023, Gomez arrived in Cape May County, New Jersey, and took the minor to Georgia with the intent to engage in sexual activity with the minor. The FBI recovered the minor in Georgia on Aug. 3, 2023.
The count of enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; the count of transportation of a minor to engage in sexual activity carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum sentence of life in prison; and the count of kidnapping carries a maximum sentence of life in prison. All of the counts also carry a maximum fine of $250,000 per count.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy, in Newark. He also thanked the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office and Middle Township Police Department.
The government is represented by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Katelyn R. Waegener of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Camden.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Defense counsel: James Maguire Esq, Assistant Federal Public Defender, Camden
Photo by Sora Shimazaki on Pexels.com
July 18, 2024
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Robbinsville Fire Department reported that firefighters were dispatched to Patricia Lane at 6:54 a.m. on July 18, 2024, for a resident reporting smoke in their home. After dispatch, additional information was provided reporting an active structure fire at the address. When firefighters arrived at the location, they reported visible fire from the rear of the home extending to the attic area. The residents had self-evacuated upon arrival and were uninjured. An “all hands” was called for sending additional firefighters and equipment, including tankers due to the lack of fire hydrants in the area, from Hamilton Township, West Windsor, Plainsboro, Monroe, and Upper Freehold. Fire crews advanced two, inch and 3/4″ handlines into the burning home quickly knocking the fire down and conducted overhaul to prevent further extension. The fire was brought under control within 30 minutes. The Robbinsville Township Fire Marshal is actively investigating the cause of the fire, which was not suspicious in nature.
July 18, 2024
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer and Brick Township Police Chief David Forrester announced that on July 17, 2024, Daniel Santaniello, 46, of Brick Township, was charged with Theft and Uttering a Forged Instrument relative to his position as Director of Recreation for the Township of Brick.
These charges are the result of a joint investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Economic Crime Squad, Brick Township Police Department, Brick Township Police Department Internal Affairs Unit, and Brick Township Police Department Detective Bureau. The investigation revealed that in his position as Director of Recreation, Santaniello was responsible for issuing permits to private organizations for utilizing the township’s recreational facilities, including the township’s various softball fields. Private organizations wishing to utilize the fields were charged fees for their usage. The investigation further revealed that Santaniello required certain organizations wishing to use the township’s fields to pay him directly in cash, rather than issuing checks to the township. Instead of depositing the cash into the township’s accounts, Santaniello kept the monies for himself. In order to conceal his theft, Santaniello provided the private organizations who paid him in cash with fraudulent permits.
On July 17, 2024, Santaniello was taken into custody at his residence without incident by Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Economic Crime Squad and Brick Township Police Department. He was processed and served with the charges via summons pending an upcoming first appearance in Ocean County Superior Court.
“This investigation remains active and ongoing. Anyone with additional information concerning Santaniello’s conduct is urged to contact Detective Joseph Mitchell of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Economic Crime Squad at (732) 929-2027, extension 3532, or Lieutenant Paul Catalina of the Brick Township Police Department at (732) 262-1100,” Prosecutor Billhimer stated.
Prosecutor Billhimer and Chief Forrester commend the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Economic Crime Squad as well as the Brick Township Police Department, Brick Township Police Department Internal Affairs Unit, and Brick Township Police Department Detective Bureau, for their collaborative efforts in connection with this investigation.
The charges referenced above are merely accusations and the press and public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
R.P.C. 3.6(b)(6).
July 18, 2024
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on July 15, 2024, Quaison Ellis, 25, of Barnegat Township, pled guilty to Possession of More than One Half Ounce but Less than Five Ounces of Heroin with Intent to Distribute before the Honorable Kenneth T. Palmer, J.S.C., in connection with an incident that occurred in Barnegat on September 10, 2021. Additionally, Ellis pled guilty to Possession of More than One Half Ounce but Less than Five Ounces of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute, being a Certain Person Not to Possess a Firearm, and Burglary, all in connection with an incident that also occurred in Barnegat on December 9, 2022. At the time of his sentencing on September 13, 2024, the State will be seeking a term of ten years New Jersey State Prison (NJSP) as to the possession with intent to distribute heroin charge, ten years NJSP relative to the possession with intent to distribute cocaine charge, five years NJSP – with a five year period of parole ineligibility – as to the weapon offense, and three years NJSP with regard to the burglary charge. The sentences are to run concurrently.
On September 10, 2021, in furtherance of a narcotics investigation, Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, Barnegat Township Police Department Crime Reduction Unit, and Stafford Township Police Department Drug Enforcement Unit, established stationary and mobile surveillance on a residence on Hawthorne Lane in Barnegat. Detectives observed Ellis leave the residence and enter the front passenger seat of a motor vehicle. Detectives followed the vehicle to a residence in Paterson, New Jersey, where Ellis was observed meeting with a male. After a few minutes, Ellis returned to the vehicle and placed a bag in the trunk. The vehicle then returned to Barnegat. Officers from the Barnegat Township Police Department then effectuated a motor vehicle stop on the vehicle, and the driver of the vehicle consented to its search. As a result, Detectives seized approximately 1,550 wax folds of heroin. Ellis was transported to the Ocean County Jail, and subsequently released as a consequence of New Jersey Bail Reform.
On December 9, 2022, also in furtherance of an ongoing narcotics investigation, Officers from the Barnegat Township Police Department and Ocean County Regional SWAT Team executed a court-authorized search warrant on the same residence on Hawthorne Lane. As a result, Detectives seized quantities of cocaine and heroin, as well as a Keltec .32 caliber firearm. Further investigation revealed that the subject firearm was stolen from a vehicle in Stafford Township on September 29, 2022, resulting in an additional charge of burglary. Ellis was taken into custody and transported to the Ocean County Jail, and subsequently released as a consequence of New Jersey Bail Reform.
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the diligent efforts of Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Meghan O’Neill and Assistant Prosecutor Taylor Toscano who are handling the case on behalf of the State, and commends the Barnegat Township Police Department, Barnegat Township Police Department Crime Reduction Unit, Barnegat Township Police Department K-9 Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, Stafford Township Police Department, Stafford Township Police Department Drug Enforcement Unit, and Ocean County Regional SWAT Team, for their collective and cooperative assistance in connection with these investigations resulting in Ellis’ guilty pleas, and soon his state prison sentence.
The charges referenced above are merely accusations and the press and public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
R.P.C. 3.6(b)(6).
Photo by EKATERINA BOLOVTSOVA on Pexels.com
July 18, 2024
Speeding is dangerous and aggressive behavior that accounts for more than one-quarter of all traffic-related fatalities nationally. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) urges drivers to stop speeding and end this risky driving behavior because Speeding Catches Up with You.
In 2022, there were 12,151 fatalities in speeding-related crashes, accounting for 29% of total traffic fatalities. The same year, they resulted in a decrease of 2.8%, from 12,498 deaths in 2021. No matter how safe of a driver one thinks they may be, speeding is dangerous. Speed limits aren’t a suggestion; they are the law. Obeying posted speed limits keeps drivers, passengers, and others using the road safe. Although vehicle safety and passenger protection advancements have progressed extraordinarily over the past few decades, it’s still a driver’s responsibility to control their speed while behind the wheel.
There are many reasons drivers choose to speed, but lateness, traffic, and a general disregard for others are the main culprits behind risky behavior. Like impaired driving, speeding is a selfish choice that can have deadly consequences. Speeding reduces a driver’s ability to steer safely around another vehicle, hazardous object, or unexpected curve.
“The effects of speeding are deadly,” said Chief of Police Sean O’Halloran. “Drivers on our township’s highways and secondary roadways should especially be aware of this campaign and their speed. These are the areas where many speeding related-crashes have occurred,” said Chief O’Halloran.
Young drivers and motorcyclists are especially susceptible to high speeds, representing the largest demographic in speeding-related vehicle crashes. In 2022, 35% of male drivers and 19% of female drivers in the 15-20-year-old age group involved in fatal crashes in 2022 were speeding. Motorcycle riders 21 to 24 years old involved in fatal crashes had the highest speed involvement at 51%
“We are urging our town to please slow down,” said Chief O’Halloran. “The choices you make behind the wheel could help save lives.
For more information, please visit www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/speeding
July 18, 2024
FREEHOLD – A former Wall Township High School teacher is now facing additional charges for having a sexual relationship with another student, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced Wednesday.
Julie Rizzitello, 36, of Brick Township, has been charged with one count of second-degree Sexual Assault and one count of third-degree Witness Tampering.
As a result of the continued investigation involving members of the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Bureau and Wall Township Police Department, assisted by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office and the Brick Township Police Department, it has been revealed that the alleged criminal conduct by Rizzitello began in 2017 with another student. On multiple occasions in Brick Township – Rizzitello allegedly engaged in various sexual acts with the second victim.
The collaborative investigation resulted in charges being filed both in Monmouth (on the Wall offense) and Ocean (on the Brick offense) counties.
Rizzitello was arrested without incident Wednesday July 3, 2024 and transported to the Monmouth County Correctional Institution (MCCI), where she remains incarcerated pending a detention hearing scheduled to take place in Monmouth County Superior Court on Tuesday, July 23, before the Honorable Judge Marc C. Lemieux.
Anyone with information about Rizzitello’s activities is being urged to contact MCPO Detective Jose Rodriguez at 800-533-7443 or Wall Township Police Department Detective Devin Corso at 732-449-4500.
This case is being prosecuted by Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Keri-Leigh Schaefer. Rizzitello is being represented by Francis R. Hodgson, Esq., with an office in Toms River.
Despite these charges, every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, following a trial at which the defendant has all of the trial rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and State law.
Defendants Included the Colombo Crime Family’s Underboss, Consigliere and Captains
July 17, 2023
NEW YORK–On Friday, July 14, 2023, at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn, Vincent Ricciardo, also known as “Vinny Unions,” a captain in the Colombo crime family of La Cosa Nostra, pleaded guilty to racketeering related to his extortion of a high-ranking official of a Queens-based labor union (the “Labor Union”), loansharking, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Ricciardo is the last of the defendants indicted in 2021 and 2022 in connection with various offenses committed by members and associates of the Colombo crime family involving extortion, money laundering conspiracy, drug-trafficking, fraud and loansharking offenses. Previously, Benjamin Castellazzo, the Colombo family underboss, pleaded guilty to money laundering conspiracy and Ralph DiMatteo, the Colombo consigliere, pleaded guilty to racketeering involving extortion and money laundering conspiracy. Colombo family captains Theodore Persico, Jr., who was slated to become the crime family’s next boss, and Richard Ferrara also pleaded guilty to racketeering. Other defendants convicted of racketeering included Colombo family soldier Michael Uvino and associates Thomas Costa and Dominick Ricciardo.
In addition, various employee welfare benefit plan brokers and providers, including Albert Alimena, Joseph Bellantoni, and Erin Thompkins, pleaded guilty to health care fraud conspiracy stemming from their agreement with Colombo family members to divert benefit funds to the Mafia family. The guilty pleas took place before United States District Judge Hector Gonzalez.
Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, announced the guilty pleas.
“Today, there can be no doubt that the Colombo crime family has been decapitated as a result of the guilty pleas by its leadership and other facilitators of lucrative schemes,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “This Office, and the outstanding prosecutors, Special Agents, and detectives responsible for this significant blow are nevertheless mindful of the resilience of organized crime and we will not relent in our efforts to dismantle, disrupt, and disable this destructive menace in our communities.”
Mr. Peace expressed his appreciation to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), the New York City Police Department, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employee Benefits Security Administration and Office of the Inspector General, the Nassau County Police Department, the New York City Department of Investigation, the U.S. Department of Labor, and the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime and Gang Section for their invaluable assistance in the investigation.
According to earlier court filings and facts presented during the guilty plea proceedings, the defendants and their co-conspirators committed a variety of crimes – including extortion, loansharking, fraud, and drug-trafficking – to enrich themselves and to promote the continued operation of the Colombo organized crime family of La Cosa Nostra. The Colombo family’s administration, including boss Andrew Russo (who passed away during the pendency of the case), underboss Castellazzo and consigliere DiMatteo, as well captains Persico, Ferrara, and Vincent Ricciardo, agreed to use extortionate means, including threats of bodily harm, to force the official to give over a portion of his salary and, eventually, to take decisions at the Labor Union and with its affiliated healthcare benefit fund (the “Health Fund”) that would enrich the Colombo crime family’s administration, including attempts to force the trustees of the Health Fund to select vendors who were associated with the Colombo crime family and handpicked by some of the defendants. The crime family’s administration sought to divert more than $10,000 per month from the Health Fund’s assets to the Mafia.
In addition, Castellazzo, DiMatteo, Persico, Ferrara, Ricciardo, and Uvino joined with defendants Alimena, Thompkins, and Bellantoni to devise a scheme to launder money from Health Fund contracts and vendor payments. These defendants attempted to re-bid Health Fund vendor contracts for claims administration, pharmaceuticals, and other health services to persons and companies affiliated with Bellantoni, and to select a company run by Alimena as the Health Fund’s third-party administrator.
Bonanno crime family soldier John Ragano, who was also known as “Bazoo” and the “Maniac,” also led a scheme to issue fraudulent workplace safety training certifications from two occupational safety schools he purported to operate in Long Island. Rather than provide workplace safety trainings required to obtain Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) certification, Ragano along with John Glover and Domenick Ricciardo, falsified paperwork submitted to the U.S. Department of Labor and other government agencies which represented that hundreds of workers had completed construction safety training courses when they had not. Instead, various defendants used Ragano’s schools to conduct meetings involving members of La Cosa Nostra and to store illegal drugs and fireworks. In November 2022, Ragano pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit fraud in connection with a means of identification. He was sentenced in April 2023 to 57 months’ imprisonment. In December 2022, Domenick Ricciardo pleaded guilty to racketeering and was sentenced in June 2023 to 28 months’ imprisonment.
When sentenced, Castellazzo, DiMatteo, Ferrara, Martino, Persico, Vincent Ricciardo, and Uvino each face up to 20 years in prison. Costa faces up to 30 years in prison. Glover faces up to 15 years in prison. Alimena, Bellantoni, and Thompkins face up to 10 years in prison.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Organized Crime and Gangs Section. Assistant United States Attorneys James P. McDonald, Devon Lash, Michael W. Gibaldi, and Andrew Reich are in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendants:
ALBERT ALIMENAAge: 69
Pompano Beach, Florida
JOSEPH BELLANTONIAge: 41
Massapequa, New York
BENJAMIN CASTELLAZZO (also known as “Benji”)Age: 85
Manahawkin, New Jersey
THOMAS COSTAAge: 54
West Islip, New York
RALPH DIMATTEOAge: 68
Merrick, New York
RICHARD FERRARAAge: 61
Brooklyn, New York
JOHN GLOVERAge: 64
Queens, New York
VINCENT MARTINOAge: 45
Medford, New York
THEODORE PERSICO, JR. (also known as “Teddy”)Age: 59
Brooklyn, New York
JOHN RAGANO (also known as “Bazoo” and the “Maniac”)Age: 61
Franklin Square, New York
DOMENICK RICCIARDOAge: 57
Franklin Square, New York
VINCENT RICCIARDO (also known as “Vinny Unions”)Age: 77
Franklin Square, New York
ERIN THOMPKINSAge: 55
Franklin Square, New York
MICHAEL UVINOAge: 57
Garden City, New York
E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 21-CR-466 (S-1) (HG) United States Attorney’s Office
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH), an RWJBarnabas Health facility, Community Health Ambassador Irma Nolasco recently participated in the Johnson & Johnson Foundation-sponsored event, “Stories from the Heart of Health” held during the United Nations General Assembly in New York City last month.
The event provides an opportunity for front-line health workers to share their inspiring stories at the heart of health along with best practices that help health care providers better address challenges their local communities face today. Nolasco spoke about her outreach experiences working with RWJUH Team Salud. Team Salud is a group of bilingual volunteer community health workers that serve as a bridge between the healthcare system and the New Brunswick community.
A New Brunswick resident, Nolasco works with Team Salud’s Diabetes Spanish-language support group. She has also helped promote flu and COVID-19 vaccinations in the community, addressing barriers and questions community residents had about the vaccine.
“During the COVID-19 pandemic we saw our community scared, uninformed and in high-risk situations. We started calling on our people to share truthful, direct information from medical sources,” Nolasco explained. “We took the information to Bodegas and local businesses. We shared information on social media in English and Spanish. We worked hard to get our community to trust the information, get tested, and help them sign up for COVID and flu vaccines”
Nolasco dreamed of being a teacher while growing up in Oaxaca, Mexico. She immigrated to the United States to join her husband and had to put her dream on hold, due to the cost of education and her unfamiliarity with the English language. Instead, she and her husband focused on earning enough to support their children and give them a path to a better life.
Despite these obstacles, Nolasco was determined to help others.
“My first job here was as a cleaner at a rehabilitation clinic,” Nolasco recalls. “With my little English, I listened to the patients and just by patting them or touching their hand, they felt better. Patients needed to talk to someone and feel the human warmth.”
Nolasco continued helping and serving others at her church.
“Years later, I joined a group in my parish called Women of Social Justice focused on developing our leadership, self-love, and mutual help. There I met many migrant women, like me, who had the same dreams and desires,” Nolasco said. “We formed bonds of friendship and learned about the many challenges our community is facing – such as domestic violence, obesity in our children, and the importance of Community Health Workers in the Latino community.”
Nolasco may have found her true calling when RWJUH Director of Community Health Promotions Mariam Merced and her staff formed Team Salud. They began recruiting local, Spanish-speaking residents to serve as Community Health Promoters, also known as “Promotoras.”
“One day I was invited to join Team Salud to work as a health promoter,” Nolasco explained. “Being invited was emotional for me and at the same time a challenge. I was excited to think that there was something good that I could give to people and that I could continue my dream of educating. As a health promoter, I bring information and I teach my community. I can advise and encourage them as a teacher does.”
In the Team Salud program, Community Health Promoters complete health workshops and specialized training on how to effectively conduct community health outreach – from where to place a flyer, how to approach people and how to share strategies that motivate individuals to take control of their health and that of their family.
“I have learned that our job as a Promotora is to connect our community to health services,” Nolasco noted. “This job is also like being a teacher. We are part of our communities and we know what challenges we face when seeking medical services – we don’t speak the language, we work long hours, we don’t know where to look for services, we don’t have anyone to take care of our children so we can go get tested, and we are afraid to participate because we are undocumented. We have managed to make people trust us. They know us. They see us actively carrying information and walking the streets.”
During her presentation at the Johnson & Johnson Foundation event, Nolasco spoke about challenges that the Latino community faces when accessing health care services and how RWJUH’s Community Health Ambassadors serve as a bridge to these services for many in the Latino Community.
Nolasco also stressed the importance of health insurance for all and how it would improve access to healthcare and health equity for vulnerable communities during the concluding panel discussion.
Although Nolasco did not become a teacher as she originally planned, she believes that she ultimately achieved her dream.
“I can say that being a promoter has become my life project and my dream. I’m happy to be able to help people in one way or another,” Nolasco said. “Every day, I help my community with the health information I receive. Not only that, I also use it to take care of my health and that of my family. We are one voice – creating a culture of taking care of our health.”
Shown from left to right following the Johnson & Johnson Foundation Stories from the Heart of Health event held during the United Nations General Assembly are: Mariam Merced, Director of Community Health Promotions at RWJUH; Irma Nolasco, Community Health Ambassador at RWJUH; and Silvia Cruz-Vargas, Senior Director of Global Community Impact for Johnson & Johnson.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–The Children’s Home Society of New Jersey (CHSofNJ) held an open house for the public to climb aboard its newly outfitted and USDA-approved mobile WIC van. Dubbed the WOW (WIC on Wheels), this mobile unit represents the second one in New Jersey and the only one serving Mercer County.
Dubbed the WOW (WIC on Wheels), this mobile unit represents the second one in New Jersey and the only one serving Mercer County.
“Our WIC Mobile Unit will be a traveling, fully-equipped WIC Satellite Clinic that will recruit, enroll and serve WIC eligible participants in safe, convenient, and welcoming community locations close to their neighborhoods and within walking distance to the mobile unit,” said Maritza Raimundi-Petroski, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, Prevention and Community Engagement for The Children’s Home Society of New Jersey (CHSofNJ).
In 2022, CHSofNJ’s overall WIC program enrolled 8,251 women, infants and families in WIC services for nutrition benefits, nutrition counseling and breastfeeding support through multilingual breastfeeding peer counselors. CHSofNJ’s WIC Program formed Partnership with Farmers Against Hunger and distributed 660 bags of food in 2022, weighing 23,100 pounds, with an estimated value of $26,400.
The WOW accommodates five WIC professionals and can be on-location for Mercer County families to get easy access for nutrition benefits and education. Additionally, the vehicle is energy-efficient and environmentally friendly, as it has been outfitted with roof-mounted solar power and is electric battery operated. For more information, visit www.chsofnj.org.
Speeding is dangerous and aggressive behavior that accounts for more than one-quarter of all traffic-related fatalities nationally. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) urges drivers to stop speeding and end this risky driving behavior because Speeding Catches Up with You.
In 2022, there were 12,151 fatalities in speeding-related crashes, accounting for 29% of total traffic fatalities. The same year, they resulted in a decrease of 2.8%, from 12,498 deaths in 2021. No matter how safe of a driver one thinks they may be, speeding is dangerous. Speed limits aren’t a suggestion; they are the law. Obeying posted speed limits keeps drivers, passengers, and others using the road safe. Although vehicle safety and passenger protection advancements have progressed extraordinarily over the past few decades, it’s still a driver’s responsibility to control their speed while behind the wheel.
There are many reasons drivers choose to speed, but lateness, traffic, and a general disregard for others are the main culprits behind risky behavior. Like impaired driving, speeding is a selfish choice that can have deadly consequences. Speeding reduces a driver’s ability to steer safely around another vehicle, hazardous object, or unexpected curve.
“The effects of speeding are deadly,” said Chief of Police Sean O’Halloran. “Drivers on our township’s highways and secondary roadways should especially be aware of this campaign and their speed. These are the areas where many speeding related-crashes have occurred,” said Chief O’Halloran.
Young drivers and motorcyclists are especially susceptible to high speeds, representing the largest demographic in speeding-related vehicle crashes. In 2022, 35% of male drivers and 19% of female drivers in the 15-20-year-old age group involved in fatal crashes in 2022 were speeding. Motorcycle riders 21 to 24 years old involved in fatal crashes had the highest speed involvement at 51%
“We are urging our town to please slow down,” said Chief O’Halloran. “The choices you make behind the wheel could help save lives.
For more information, please visit www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/speeding
HAMILTON, NJ (MERCER)–Hamilton Police reported that on July 10, 2024 at approximately 6:00 a.m., a 2020 Honda Accord, driven by a 51-year-old female from Bordentown NJ, was traveling southbound on Route 130 near Klockner Road. Upon entering the intersection with Klockner Rd, she struck a 2020 Ford Edge SUV, driven by a 55-year-old male from Voorhees NJ, which was traveling eastbound from Klockner Road. The Ford Edge SUV was also occupied by a 44-year-old female from Hamilton NJ. The occupants in both vehicles were transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center, where the driver of the Ford Edge succumbed to his injuries. The occupant of the Ford Edge is listed in critical condition, and the driver of the Honda Accord is being treated for non-life-threatening injuries. The names of the involved individuals are being withheld pending notification to family.
The preliminary investigation appears to indicate that the driver of the Honda Accord failed to observe a red traffic signal while traveling southbound on Route 130.
Assistance at the scene was provided by the Hamilton Township Fire Division, New Jersey State Police, Emergency Medical Services and the New Jersey State Department of Transportation.
The crash is being investigated by Officers J. Galant and B. Mandelko of the Hamilton Police Traffic Unit. Any witnesses are asked to contact the Hamilton Police Traffic Unit at (609) 581-4000.
Earlier Midjersey.news story below:
Serious Crash Investigation on Route 130 in Hamilton Township
NEWARK — A Somerset County, New Jersey, man has been charged with a federal hate crime for breaking into the Center for Islamic Life at Rutgers University (CILRU) in New Brunswick, New Jersey, and destroying property, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger for the District of New Jersey, Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, and New Jersey State Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced.
Jacob Beacher, 24, was arrested this morning and is charged by complaint with one count of intentional or attempted obstruction of religious practice and one count of making false statements to federal authorities. Beacher is scheduled to have his initial appearance this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge André M. Espinosa in Newark federal court.
According to the criminal complaint, on April 10, during the Eid-al-Fitr holiday, Beacher broke into the CILRU around 2:41 a.m., where he damaged the CILRU’s property, including several religious artifacts, such as Turbah prayer stones, which are clay stones on which Muslims prostrate during prayer, and numerous other items that contained holy language from the Qur’an, Islam’s sacred scripture. The complaint also alleges that Beacher stole a Palestinian flag and a charity box belonging to the CILRU.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger and Attorney General Platkin credited the many agencies that collaborated on this joint investigation: special agents of the FBI, Branchburg Resident Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark; prosecutors and detectives from the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice, under the direction of Director J. Stephen Ferketic; detectives from the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone; the Rutgers University Police Department-New Brunswick Division, under the leadership of Chief of University Police Kenneth Cop; the New Brunswick Police Department, under the leadership of Chief Vincent Sabo; the New Jersey State Police, under the leadership of Colonel Patrick J. Callahan and the New Jersey Regional Computer Forensics Laboratory.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Levin and Deputy Chief R. Joseph Gribko for the District of New Jersey and Trial Attorney Daniel Grunert of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
***
Defense counsel:
Patrick McMahon Esq., Assistant Federal Public Defender, Newark
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office says that the Mercer County Homicide Task Force and the Trenton Police Department are investigating a shooting homicide in Trenton.
This morning, Friday, November 24, at approximately 6:30 a.m., Trenton police responded to the first block of Oliver Avenue for a ShotSpotter activation. Responding officers arrived on scene to discover an adult male on the sidewalk shot multiple times. The victim was transported to Capital Heath Regional Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.
No arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact MCHTF Detective Elijah Phillips at (609) 414-2006 or Sgt. Roberto Reyes at (609) 256-0997. Information can also be emailed to [email protected].
CHESTERFIELD TOWNSHIP (BURLINGTON) – HAMILTON TOWNSHIP (MERCER)–Two separate fiery truck crashes involving multiple trucks sent firefighters from Burlington, Mercer and Monmouth to the two scenes on the New Jersey Turnpike between Exit 7A and Exit 7 this morning. Firefighters were sent from Bordentown Township, Robbinsville Township, Hamilton Township, Allentown-Upper Freehold – Hope Fire Company, and Chesterfield-Crosswicks.
Sgt. Philip Curry from the New Jersey State Police, Public Information Unit told MidJersey.News the first crash was at 9:48 a.m. a dump truck was involved in a crash on the NJ Turnpike southbound on the inner roadway at Mile Post 55.6 in Chesterfield. As a result of the crash, the dump truck became fully engulfed. The occupants of the truck were able to exit and did not report any injuries. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
The second crash occurred at 11:17 a.m. on the NJ Turnpike at Mile Post 59.3 on the southbound outer roadway in Hamilton Township. Two tractor trailers and a box truck were involved in a crash causing one of the tractor trailers and the box truck to become fully engulfed. The occupants of the trucks were able to exit and did not report any injuries. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Google Maps had delays of up to 5 miles going south bound south of Exit 7A.
Delays on New Jersey Turnpike Inner Roadway southbound South of Interchange 7A – I-195 (Hamilton Twp) to North of Interchange 7 – US 206 (Chesterfield Twp) All lanes open 2 1/2 mile delay due to an incident on the NJ Turnpike https://t.co/qBsfURUNQW
— 511NJ TPK (@511njtpk) August 16, 2022
Delays on New Jersey Turnpike Inner Roadway southbound South of Interchange 7A – I-195 (Hamilton Twp) to North of Interchange 7 – US 206 (Chesterfield Twp) All lanes open 3 1/2 mile delay due to an incident on the NJ Turnpike https://t.co/gEWv3YKR2Z
— 511NJ TPK (@511njtpk) August 16, 2022
Delays on New Jersey Turnpike Outer Roadway southbound South of Interchange 7A – I-195 (Hamilton Twp) to North of Interchange 7 – US 206 (Chesterfield Twp) All lanes open 3 1/2 mile delay due to an incident on the NJ Turnpike https://t.co/nxVjOCRSRS
— 511NJ TPK (@511njtpk) August 16, 2022
Truck fire on New Jersey Turnpike Outer Roadway southbound South of Interchange 7A – I-195 (Hamilton Twp) 2 Left lanes of 3 lanes blocked https://t.co/VZ9iueFICe
— 511NJ TPK (@511njtpk) August 16, 2022
Photos from the fiery Chesterfield crash on the NJ Turnpike:
Photos from the fiery truck crash on the NJ Turnpike in Hamilton Township:
https://twitter.com/Congressman_JVD/status/1866506612560793919 
Photo by Sora Shimazaki on Pexels.com
Photo by Sora Shimazaki on Pexels.com
Photo by EKATERINA BOLOVTSOVA on Pexels.com
