August 16, 2023

A Burlington County, New Jersey, man admitted today that he illegally laundered the proceeds of a mail fraud scheme, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.      

Pablo Estrada, 26, of Florence, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before Chief U.S. District Judge Renée Marie Bumb in Camden federal court to an information charging him with one count of money laundering.      

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

From August 2020 through January 2023, Estrada received money from victims of various scams, including a lottery scam – an advance fee fraud which begins with victims receiving an unexpected notification that they have won large sums of money in a lottery, but are required to pay various fees and expenses before their winnings can be released to them. Estrada deposited the money into various bank accounts that he maintained for purposes of receiving criminal proceeds. He transferred the funds to other bank accounts, keeping a percentage for himself. Estrada laundered more than $4 million in this manner.      

The money laundering charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross profits or gross loss, whichever is greatest. Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 19, 2023.      

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited postal inspectors with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service in Newark, under the direction of Inspector in Charge Christopher A. Nielsen, Philadelphia Division; special agents of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Thomas Mahoney; and special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Tammy Tomlins in Newark, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea. He also thanked the Burlington County Prosecutors Office under the direction of LaChia L. Bradshaw and the Florence Township Police Department under the direction of Brian Boldizar for their assistance.      

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel A. Friedman of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Camden.      

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Defense counsel: Brad V. Shuttleworth Esq., Philadelphia

Estrada.Information-Download Photo by EKATERINA BOLOVTSOVA on Pexels.com

June 26, 2023

UPDATE:

Hightstown Police Department, Lt. Benjamin L. Miller reports that the missing 14-Year-Old has been located safe.

HIGHTSTOWN, NJ (MERCER)–The Hightstown Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance with locating a 14-year-old missing juvenile.

On Wednesday, June 21, 2023, at approximately 7:32 p.m., a parent reported that their daughter, 14-year-old Emily Montenegro-Ortiz, missing. Emily was last observed at Hightstown High School, on the same date, June 21, 2023, at 12 p.m. Emily was carrying a black, Nike backpack and wearing a gray sweatshirt, black/red checkered sweatpants, and white/black Converse shoes, at the time Emily went missing.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the detective bureau at 609-448-1234 x 540 or may leave a tip on the department’s tip line at 609-448-1234 and press option #2. Anonymous tips are welcome, which may also be provided via the department’s website at:  www.hightstownpolice.com under the “Information” tab.  Thank you for any and all assistance.

August 31, 2023

“It was a travesty when Governor Murphy bailed out Orsted at the expense of New Jersey taxpayers the first time they threatened to walk away. I’m calling on the Murphy administration to state unequivocally that our residents will not be sold out for Orsted a second time,” said Testa (R-1). “Supply chain issues and rising inflation prove that these projects are unsustainable and the cost of continuing these projects will be too much of a burden for our state to bear. Not to mention the environmental damage that has ensued since survey work on these projects began. In the real-world costs matter and our residents cannot afford to be thrown under the bus again for the sake of saving Orsted.”

Shares of Orsted A/S stock crashed 25% on Wednesday leading to a massive $8 billion loss in market value. The foreign wind developer warned they could additionally lose up to $2.3 billion which could lead them to cancel projects being developed along the New Jersey coast.

Orsted CEO Mads Nipper has frequently blamed supply chain issues, inflation, and rising interest rates as reasons for the company to consider walking away from the projects.

In July, Governor Murphy and Democrats in Trenton gave Orsted a $1 billion bailout with money that was originally earmarked to offset rising energy costs for utility customers.

Senator Testa warned that offshore wind developers would be “lining up at the trough of big government” to beg for money in the wake of Orsted’s first bailout, paid by New Jersey taxpayers.

“Recent polling suggests that support for offshore wind development is plunging. Despite this, Governor Murphy has shown that he is willing to forge ahead with his expensive energy master plan no matter the cost to New Jersey families,” Testa added. “If we even consider the possibility of subsidizing Orsted for a second time, who’s to say they won’t ask for a third, or a fourth bailout further down the road. We cannot allow foreign wind developers to continue taking advantage of our state. It’s time for Governor Murphy and every lawmaker in Trenton to stand up for New Jersey and say enough is enough.”

Governor Murphy file photo.(Rich Hundley III/Governor’s Office)

Image from Yahoo Finance

Save LBI: “Promises and Realities -Wind Turbine Projects Off LBI Shores”

Images SAVELBI.ORG

Update – The area has been deemed safe and there is no danger to the public. Updates will be provided at a later time.

See latest update at below link:

June 10, 2024

HIGHTSTOWN, NJ (MERCER)-There is heavy police presence including what appeared to be bomb squad activity at an apartment on Westerlea Avene. Hightstown Police, Hightstown Fire Company, Hightstown First Aid Squad and NJ State Police are on scene at this incident.

UPDATE: Update – The area has been deemed safe and there is no danger to the public. Updates will be provided at a later time.

Hightstown Police released this statement on Facebook: “Public Safety Announcement – Heavy Police and Fire Department presence on Westerlea Ave and Grape Run Road. Please stay away from the area. Active investigation following a medical call for service at an apartment building is underway. Updates will be provided when the area is deemed to be safe.”

No additional information is available at this time.

September 2, 2022

MONTGOMERY, NJ (SOMERSET)–This September, Patrick Liu, a long-term resident of Montgomery, NJ and graduate of Montgomery High School (class of 2008), will be cycling in Coast 2 Coast 4 Cancer (C2C4C), a cross-country ride to raise money for cancer research. Liu will be riding in honor of his mother who was diagnosed and beat olfactory neuroblastoma, a cancer of her nose nerves, three times.

“My mom’s sheer-force of will and positive attitude in the face of cancer has been a huge inspiration for me,” says Liu. “I am inspired to never give up as I train for this ride just as my mom persevered while fighting this disease in 2012, 2015 and 2017. Despite facing several complications from her diagnosis, she continues to live every day like it’s the best day ever.” 

He remembers all the extended family, friends and colleagues who supported his family throughout his mom’s cancer journey. For Liu, this sense of community is something he feels the Coast 2 Coast 4 Cancer ride also helps foster connecting him even more with his family, as well as cancer patients and their loved ones.

Liu will be joining more than 126 fellow Bristol Myers Squibb employees who will set out to ride up to 80 miles per day for three days, contributing to nearly 3,000 miles from Cannon Beach, OR to Long Branch, NJ, as part of the Coast 2 Coast 4 Cancer ride.

“As I prepare for the incredible feat, I am reminded of what my mom went through in her cancer journey, which has kept me going through five months of rigorous training and as I anticipate all the climbs that I will face in my ~225 mile segment from Boise, ID to Salt Lake City, UT from September 12-15.”

Since 2014, more than 760 Bristol Myers Squibb employees have raised more than $9.83 million for cancer research through the Coast 2 Coast 4 Cancer ride. This year, the epic cycling event will once again raise funds for the V Foundation for Cancer Research, a charitable organization dedicated to achieving Victory Over Cancer® through research.

For Patrick, the ride represents the challenges cancer patients face daily and just like the patients, he hopes to come out the other side stronger.

For more information and to donate to the Coast 2 Coast 4 Cancer ride, visit the website here.

This September, Patrick Liu, a long-term resident of Montgomery, NJ and graduate of Montgomery HighSchool (class of 2008), will be cycling in Coast 2 Coast 4 Cancer (C2C4C), a cross-country ride to raisemoney for cancer research. Liu will be riding in honor of his mother who was diagnosed and beat

olfactory neuroblastoma, a cancer of her nose nerves, three times.

Patrick Liu

June 20, 2024

JACKSON, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on June 20, 2024, Andrew Fantasia, 27, of Beachwood, was indicted by a Grand Jury sitting in Ocean County on the charges of Possession of Child Pornography, two counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, two counts of Criminal Sexual Contact, and Official Misconduct, in connection with a series of incidents that occurred between February 2023 and June 2023, in Jackson Township.

An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit and Jackson Township Police Department determined that between February 2023 and June 2023, Fantasia – while employed in his official capacity as a teacher at Carl W. Goetz Middle School and club advisor at Jackson Memorial High School – had inappropriate sexual contact with a student on high school property.  The investigation further revealed that Fantasia requested nude photos from the victim.

On October 25, 2023, Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victim’s Unit, Jackson Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, executed a court-authorized search warrant at Fantasia’s residence; as a result, Detectives seized multiple electronic devices in Fantasia’s possession.  Fantasia was charged with Aggravated Sexual Contact, Endangering the Welfare of a Child, and Official Misconduct.  He was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Ocean County Jail.

A full forensic analysis of Fantasia’s electronic devices conducted by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit revealed nude images of the victim on Fantasia’s cellular phone.  On November 1, 2023, Fantasia was served with the additional charges of Possession of Child Pornography, as well as a second count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, by way of warrant at the Ocean County Jail.  Fantasia has since been released from the Ocean County Jail as a consequence of New Jersey Bail Reform.

Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the diligent efforts of Assistant Prosecutor Victoria Veni who presented the case to the Grand Jury on behalf of the State, and commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, Jackson Township Police Department, Jackson Township Police Department Detective Bureau, 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 EKATERINA BOLOVTSOVA on Pexels.com

July 14, 2023

By: Press Release, Assembly Republicans

TRENTON, N.J. – Assemblyman Alex Sauickie has introduced a measure that would create a grant program to save Revolutionary War sites under threat of development.“New Jersey, which is known as the “Crossroads of the American Revolution,” played too pivotal a role in our nation’s fight for independence to put profits over preservation,” Sauickie (R-Ocean) said.Because of New Jersey’s location between Philadelphia and New York, the state was the setting for more Revolutionary War battles and skirmishes than anywhere else.“The fate of America was decided in several significant battles on New Jersey soil. Every effort must be made to preserve as much of that history as possible for future generations,” Sauickie continued. The site of a Revolutionary War skirmish in Allentown and Upper Freehold, which was critical in helping George Washington plan the Battle of Monmouth, could soon be home to two giant warehouses. Once an encampment of Redcoats, the 66 acres looks like it did in 1778, but developers who purchased it have plans to transform it into storage facilities with more than 100 loading docks for the hundreds of trucks that will come through.As residents look for ways to save the site, Sauickie saw an opportunity to create a state grant program that would allow local governments and nonprofits to preserve Revolutionary War battlefields, encampments and skirmish sites in New Jersey. Under the proposal, the State Department would award grants to towns and organizations to save Revolutionary War sites that are endangered by development. “We are three short years away from celebrating our nation’s 250th birthday. To lose a part of our American Revolution history now to storage facilities that could be located elsewhere would be devastating,” Sauickie added. “Hoping that historical preservation prevails in this fight is not enough. We must support the people and towns that put in the work to save the sites and stories that make us Americans. This grant program is a way to bolster their tireless efforts.”

The bill (A5677) has been referred to the Assembly Tourism, Gaming and the Arts Committee.

September 7, 2023

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Hamilton Police reported that on Friday August 18, 2023, at approximately 9:02 p.m., Officers were dispatched to the area of South Olden Avenue and East Franklin Street on a report of shots fired. Upon arrival Officers located a victim who was shot several times on the 600 block of East Franklin Street. The suspect, who was described as a black male wearing all black, fled the scene towards South Olden Avenue. The victim, a 43-year-old male from Hamilton, was taken to Capital Health Fuld for treatment. His injuries were not life threatening, and he was treated and released. An investigation was conducted by Hamilton Police who obtained surveillance footage of the incident that showed the suspect ambush the victim shooting him several times including once at close range, and then robbing the victim of his money and cell phone. The suspect fled the area towards South Olden Avenue and was last seen walking down South Olden Avenue towards Trenton. Officers were able to recover evidential items and through video surveillance, identify the suspect as Michael Bagwell, 31, of Trenton. A warrant was signed against Bagwell and he was arrested in Trenton on Wednesday, September 6^th by Hamilton

Police Detectives and the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Unit.

Bagwell was charged with Attempted Homicide, Robbery, Aggravated Assault, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, Possession of Weapon for Unlawful Purpose, and Possession of a High- Capacity Magazine. He was transported to the Mercer County Correctional Facility pending a detention hearing.

The Hamilton Police would like to thank the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office, Trenton Police Department, and New Jersey State Police Crime Suppression Unit for their assistance in the investigation.

Anyone with any information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective James Rickey of the Hamilton Police Division Major Crimes Unit at (609) 689-5822 or the Hamilton Police Crime Tip Hotline at (609) 581-4008.

Michael Bagwell, 31, of Trenton. Bagwell was charged with Attempted Homicide, Robbery, Aggravated Assault, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, Possession of Weapon for Unlawful Purpose, and Possession of a High- Capacity Magazine. He was transported to the Mercer County Correctional Facility pending a detention hearing.

January 16, 2025

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–The Hamilton Police Division has arrested Juan Cruz, a 21-year-old male and Nelson Cruz, an 18-year-old male, both from Hamilton NJ, in connection with Attempted Homicide/ Weapons offenses, that occurred on December 23, 2024.At approximately 10:50 a.m. on the morning of December 23, 2024, officers responded to the 2500 block of Liberty St. on the report of shots fired. While en route to the area, police dispatch relayed to responding officers that two victims suffered gunshot wounds and were being driven to the hospital.Video surveillance shows a dark colored sedan pulling into the driveway with two individuals exiting the vehicle and going toward the rear of the residence. While at the rear of the residence, an argument ensued and shortly after, gunshots rang out. The two individuals, later determined to be the gunshot victims, retreated to their vehicle and while attempting to flee the area, more gunshots are seen and heard coming through the window of the residence striking the vehicle in the windshield. The vehicle then speeds off down Liberty Street and out of sight.Through interviews of the homeowner and witnesses, positive identifications were made on the suspected shooters from the residence. Those identified were Juan Cruz and Nelson Cruz. Hamilton Police Detectives signed criminal complaints and warrants were issued for both Juan Cruz and Nelson Cruz; however, at the time warrants were issued, Juan Cruz and Nelson Cruz fled and were unable to be located.The assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service, The Mercer County Fugitive Task Force and The Mercer County Tactical Response Team was then requested in locating the suspects. Approximately 3 weeks later, The US Marshals were able to pinpoint the suspect’s location and warrants for both Juan Cruz and Nelson Cruz were executed and both were taken into custody without any further incident. Thank you to all involved.Special thanks to the Hamilton Police SWAT Team, Anti-Crime Unit and UAV (drone) unit for their participation in apprehending the suspects.Juan Cruz was charged with Attempted Homicide, Aggravated Assault, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose and two (2) counts of Prohibited Large Capacity Magazines.Nelson Cruz was charged with Aggravated Assault, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, and Certain Persons Not To Have Weapons.The Hamilton Police Division is committed to ensuring the safety and security of our community. We encourage anyone with additional information regarding this incident to contact Detective F. LaVacca #469 at 609-581-4080 or the Hamilton Police Crime Tip Hotline at 609-581-4008.

Despite having been charged, every defendant is presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law

August 1, 2024

TRENTON, N.J. – A Trenton man today admitted assaulting a federal agent with a deadly weapon, armed robbery, and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.

Jabree Johnson, 29, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Michael A. Shipp in Trenton federal court on July 31, 2024, to an indictment charging him with one count each of assault on a federal officer with a deadly weapon, robbery with a dangerous weapon of an individual with custody of federal property, and using and carrying a firearm during and relation to a crime of violence, in which the firearm was discharged.

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

On March 22, 2021, federal law enforcement officers were investigating firearms trafficking and other illegal activities in and around Trenton and Hamilton, New Jersey. A federal law enforcement agent, working in an undercover capacity, arranged to purchase multiple firearms from an individual later identified as Johnson.

After arriving at an agreed-upon location for the firearms transaction, Johnson entered the undercover federal agent’s vehicle, and handed the agent a black, semi-automatic firearm. The undercover federal agent inspected the firearm and then returned it to Johnson and requested to see the other firearms that Johnson had agreed to sell. Instead, Johnson pointed the loaded firearm directly at the undercover federal agent and demanded money from the agent. The undercover federal agent provided Johnson with an amount of U.S. currency that the agent had on him to purchase the guns. Johnson then ordered the undercover federal agent out of the vehicle at gunpoint. The agent exited the vehicle as ordered and immediately drew a service-issued firearm and fired at Johnson, striking Johnson in the shoulder. Johnson also fired his handgun multiple times at the undercover federal agent. Johnson fled the area with the money. Johnson was later identified at a local hospital as the individual who had assaulted and robbed the undercover federal agent at gunpoint and placed under arrest.

The charge of assault on a federal officer with a deadly weapon carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The charge of robbery of federal property with a dangerous weapon carries a maximum potential penalty of 25 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The charge of using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, which was discharged, carries a statutory mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, which must run consecutive to any other sentence imposed, and a maximum of life imprisonment. Sentencing is scheduled for January 16, 2025.

U.S. Attorney Philip Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark; special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Newark Field Division, Trenton Satellite Office, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Ross A. Marchetti; officers of the Trenton Police Department, under the direction of Police Director Steve E. Wilson; officers of the Hamilton Township Police Division, under the direction of Police Chief Kenneth DeBoskey; troopers of the New Jersey State Police, under the direction of Col. Patrick J. Callahan, and detectives and prosecutors of the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Angelo Onofri, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracey Agnew of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Trenton.

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Defense counsel: Mark Catanzaro Esq., Mount Holly, New Jersey

Johnson.IndictmentDownload

Jabree Johnson, 29, of Cleveland Avenue, Trenton, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Michael A. Shipp in Trenton federal court on July 31, 2024, to an indictment charging him with one count each of assault on a federal officer with a deadly weapon, robbery with a dangerous weapon of an individual with custody of federal property, and using and carrying a firearm during and relation to a crime of violence, in which the firearm was discharged.

Filen photos and video by: Brian McCarthy and Tyler Eckel