TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–An investigation conducted by the Mercer County Homicide Task Force (MCHTF), the Trenton Shooting Response Team and the New Jersey State Police’s Intelligence & Criminal Enterprise Section – Crime Suppression Central Unit has resulted in the arrest of a Trenton man for the shooting death of a 44-year-old city resident, Mercer County Prosecutor Janetta D. Marbrey announced.
Najir Tripp, 29, is charged with one count of first-degree murder, one count of second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, one count of second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon and one count of second-degree certain persons not to possess a weapon. He was arrested on Sunday, December 29, during a search warrant execution at his Trenton residence. The prosecutor’s office will file a motion to detain him pending trial.
At approximately 11:30 a.m. on Friday, December 27, 2024, Trenton police responded to the 300 block of West Hanover Street on a ShotSpotter activation for more than 20 rounds. Responding officers arrived on scene to discover the victim, later identified as Michael Jones, 44, of Trenton, in the driver’s seat of a black Mercedes sedan suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Jones was transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center where he died the next day.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact MCHTF Detective Ryan Minnick at (609) 989-6406 or Sgt. William Jett Jr. at (609) 331-5010. Information can also be emailed to [email protected].
Despite having been charged, every defendant is presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Names of the 2024 Trenton Homicide Victims
01/13/2024 Eduardo Lopez-Cruz, 38, of Trenton, Shooting
01/16/2024 Stefon Locke, 33, Shooting on 1/16 died 2/8/2024
02/28/2024 Shawn Moore, 45, Trenton, Shooting
03/19/2024 Donnell Jenkins age 52, Stabbing
04/04/2024 Jose Alfredo Azcona Garcia, 46, of Trenton, Shooting
05/01/2024 Jerome Francis, 43, of Hamilton
05/01/2024 Chevaughn Fagan, 28, of Trenton
05/19/2024 Stephon Fisher, 18, of Trenton, Shooting
05/26/2024 Dwayne Penix, 20, of Trenton, Shooting
06/01/2024 Shydasia Merrick, 26, of Trenton (Hit and Run)
06/11/2024 Johnathan Applegate
06/23/2024 Samier Vincent, 30, of Trenton, Shooting, died 6/27/2024
07/02/2024 Capriest Ruiz, 23, of Camden, Shooting, died on 2/3/2024
07/04/2024 Amir Williams, 32, of Trenton, Shooting
07/12/2024 Johny Emmanuel Cruz-Rodrigez, Shooting
07/14/2024 Luis Torres Marrero, 47, of Trenton, Shooting 7/9/2024
09/22/2024 Opium Leverette, 17, of Trenton, Shooting
12/08/2024 Kristoffer Givens, 47, of Ewing, Shooting
12/22/2024 Shakeem Lemach Davis, 32, of Trenton, Shooting
12/27/2024 Michael Jones, 44, of Trenton, Shooting
Homicide Victims in Mercer County outside of Trenton:
All Drop Boxes will be open by October 5, 2020 until General Election Night of November 3, 2020 at 8:00 pm.
October 4, 2020
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Recently a secured election ballot drop box has been installed at the Robbinsville Township Municipal Building. The box is to the left of the rear parking lot entrance to the building. Just look for the flag pole and the box is in that location. There are also signs located in the parking lot to show the way to the secure drop box.
Robbinsville’s newly installed secured voting drop box at the Robbinsville Municipal Building, 2298 NJ-33, Robbinsville, NJ 08691 (In back parking lot of Municipal Bldg.) Look for the flag pole it is right under the American Flag.
Robbinsville Township Municipal Clerk Michele Seigfried explains the 2020 General Election process on November 3 in the wake of COVID-19 in this informative video.
For the most up to date information on the 2020 elections and drop box locations visit the Mercer County Board of Elections website here and here: Mercer County Board Of Elections
All Active Registered Voters will receive a Mail-In-Ballot that can be placed in a drop box at any one of the fifteen (15) locations (see below), mailed, or hand delivered at the polling location on November 3 from 5:15 am-8:00 pm.
Drop boxes will be open beginning in October 2020 until General Election Night of November 3, 2020 at 8:00 pm.
This box is located in Hamilton Township Hamilton Golf/Call Center – 5 Justice Samuel A. Alito Way, Hamilton, NJ, 08619
Please Note: We anticipate more drop boxes, however, at this time do not know how many and in what locations they will be placed. Any and all changes will be updated on the website.
** All Drop Boxes will be open by October 5, 2020
EAST WINDSOR:
East Windsor Police Station – 80 One Mile Road, East Windsor, NJ, 08520 (Courthouse)
EWING:
Ewing Municipal Building – 2 Jake Garzio Drive, Ewing, NJ, 08628 (In Front)
HAMILTON:
Hamilton Golf/Call Center – 5 Justice Samuel A. Alito Way, Hamilton, NJ, 08619
Hamilton Municipal Building – 2090 Greenwood Avenue, Hamilton, NJ, 08609 (Right side of Bldg.)
Nottingham Firehouse – 200 Mercer Street, Hamilton Square, NJ, 08690 (Right side of Bldg.)
HIGHTSTOWN:
Hightstown Firehouse #1 – 140 N. Main Street, Hightstown, NJ, 08520 (Front of Bldg.)
HOPEWELL TWP:
Hopewell Township Administration Building – 201 Washington Crossing-Pennington Rd, Titusville, NJ 08560 (at the intersection of Scotch Road)
LAWRENCE:
Lawrence Municipal Building – 2207 Lawrenceville Rd, (Rt 206) Lawrence, NJ 08648 (North Side-Right Side of the Municipal Bldg.)
PRINCETON:
Princeton Municipal Building – 400 Witherspoon St, Princeton, NJ, 08540(Front of Bldg. facing Witherspoon)
ROBBINSVILLE:
Robbinsville Municipal Building, 2298 NJ-33, Robbinsville, NJ 08691 (In back parking lot of Municipal Bldg.)
TRENTON:
County Clerk’s Office- Courthouse Annex- 209 S. Broad Street, Trenton, NJ, 08608 (in front)
Trenton City Hall – 319 E. State Street, Trenton, NJ, 08608 (In back/ near Municipal Clerks Office)
Henry J. Austin Center – 321 N. Warren St, Trenton, NJ, 08618(Corner of Tucker)
Trenton Central High School – 400 Chambers Street, Trenton, NJ, 08609(across from McDonald’s)
WEST WINDSOR:
West Windsor Municipal Complex, 271 Clarksville Rd, West Windsor, NJ,08550 (Between the Municipal building and the Senior Center)
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri, Lawrence Township Police Chief Christopher Longo and Trenton Police Director Steve Wilson announced today that a complex investigation into multiple sexual assaults in Mercer County has resulted in the arrest of a local restaurant owner.
Gerald Araya, 44, of Ewing, NJ, was arrested in Trenton on Wednesday afternoon. He is charged with five counts of first-degree aggravated sexual assault, one count of first-degree sexual assault, two counts of second-degree sexual assault, one count of first-degree kidnapping, two counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual contact and one count of third-degree endangering the welfare of a child. The prosecutor’s office has filed a motion to detain Araya pending trial.
On Wednesday afternoon, June 19, 2024, search warrants were executed at Araya’s residence in Ewing Township, along with three establishments he owns and operates in Trenton: El Catador Lounge Restaurant on New York Avenue, Dubai Restaurant & Lounge on New York Avenue, and Mill Hill Restaurant & Lounge on South Broad Street. He was taken into custody without incident outside of his Mill Hill Restaurant & Lounge.
Last month, a young woman contacted the Trenton police to report a sexual assault and a joint investigation with the MCPO Special Victims Unit ensued. The victim informed detectives that she met Araya during a job interview at Dubai Restaurant & Lounge. Araya wanted the victim to see his other establishments in Trenton so they left Dubai. They arrived at another bar in Trenton where Araya began making the victim drinks and insisting she try them so she knew what she was serving patrons. The victim reported feeling ill and telling Araya she wanted to go home.
The next memory the victim had was of waking up in a room naked and being sexually assaulted by Araya. Further investigation revealed that the assault took place at a motel in Lawrence Township while the victim was physically helpless.
Through an intricate, sensitive investigation by the MCPO SVU, the TPD and the LTPD, detectives were able to identify three more victims who previously worked for Araya.
“This investigation was truly a cooperative effort and a perfect example of how successful law enforcement can be when we work together,” said Prosecutor Onofri. “From the lead detectives who operated with unwavering commitment on this case from the beginning to the four brave woman who came forward to share their stories and work with investigators to ensure this predator was taken off of the streets. No one can do it alone. We will continue to work with our partners and our communities to make Mercer County safe.”
“First and foremost, I want to acknowledge the victims of these heinous acts. They are survivors. It took a great deal of courage, trust in our detectives, and patience with the process to get to this point,” said Director Wilson. “I appreciate the tremendous work of all the personnel involved, specifically Trenton Police SVU Detective Lizmary Rivera and Trenton Police ABC Detective Cathiria Colon, for their months of tireless hard work and dedication to this investigation. This was a collaborative effort that could not have been achieved without the resources and assistance of the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, under the leadership of Prosecutor Angelo Onofri, and the Lawrence Township Police Department under the leadership of Chief Christopher Longo. This investigation is a testament to our dedication to bringing criminals to justice, regardless of who they are or how much money they have.”
“The investigation and subsequent arrest of Gerald Araya is the result of a strong partnership and collaboration between the Lawrence Township Police Department, the Trenton Police Department and the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office,” said Chief Longo. “The arrest in this case underscores our collective dedication to bringing justice to victims of sexual assault.”
Prosecutor Onofri commended all of the individuals and agencies involved in this extensive investigation. He thanked the members of his Special Victims Unit who led and coordinated the operation for the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, particularly Detective Sergio Sanchez, Sergeant Ahmad Mansur, Assistant Prosecutor Brett Berman and Assistant Prosecutor Alycia Beyrouty, SVU chief; and lead detectives Suzanne Girard of the Lawrence Township Police Department, and Cathiria Colon and Lizmary Rivera of the Trenton Police Department.
Prosecutor Onofri also thanked the following local, county and federal agencies for their investigative support and assistance with yesterday’s search warrant executions:
• Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office• Mercer County Prosecutor’s Special Investigations Unit• Mercer County Tactical Response Team• Ewing Police Department• Lawrence Township Police Department• Trenton Police Department
• Homeland Security Investigations
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the prosecutor’s SVU at (609) 989-6568 or [email protected].
First-degree crimes carry a sentence of 10 to 20 years in state prison and a fine of up to $200,000. Second-degree crimes carry a sentence of five to 10 years in state prison and a fine of up to $150,000. Third-degree charges carry a sentence of three of five years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000. Fourth-degree charges carry a sentence of up to 18 months in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
Despite having been charged, every defendant is presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Gerald Araya, 44, of Ewing, NJ, was arrested in Trenton on Wednesday afternoon. He is charged with five counts of first-degree aggravated sexual assault, one count of first-degree sexual assault, two counts of second-degree sexual assault, one count of first-degree kidnapping, two counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual contact and one count of third-degree endangering the welfare of a child. The prosecutor’s office has filed a motion to detain Araya pending trial.
Una Investigación Conjunta Conduce al Arresto del Dueño de un Restaurante Local por Múltiples Agresiones Sexuales
TRENTON – El Fiscal del Condado del Mercer, Angelo J. Onofri, el Jefe de Policía del Municipio de Lawrence, Christopher Longo, y el Director de Policía de Trenton, Steve Wilson, anunciaron hoy que una investigación compleja sobre múltiples agresiones sexuales en el Condado del Mercer resultó en el arresto del dueño de un restaurante local.Gerald Araya, de 44 años, de Ewing, NJ, fue arrestado en Trenton el miércoles en la tarde. Está acusado de cinco cargos de agresión sexual agravada en primer grado, un cargo de agresión sexual en primer grado, dos cargos de agresión sexual en segundo grado, un cargo de secuestro en primer grado, dos cargos de contacto sexual delictivo en cuarto grado y un cargo de poner en peligro el bienestar de un niño en tercer grado. La Fiscalía presentó una moción para detener a Araya en espera de juicio.El miércoles, 19 de junio de 2024 en la tarde, se ejecutaron órdenes de allanamiento en la residencia de Araya en Ewing Township, junto con tres establecimientos que posee y opera en Trenton: El Catador Lounge Restaurant en New York Avenue, Dubai Restaurant & Lounge en New York Avenue y Mill Hill Restaurant & Lounge en South Broad Street. Fue detenido sin incidentes fuera de su Mill Hill Restaurant & Lounge.El mes pasado, una joven se puso en contacto con la policía de Trenton para denunciar una agresión sexual y se produjo una investigación conjunta con la Unidad de Víctimas Especiales de MCPO. La víctima informó a los detectives que conoció a Araya durante una entrevista de trabajo en Dubai Restaurant & Lounge. Araya quería que la víctima viera sus otros establecimientos en Trenton, por lo que se fueron de Dubai. Llegaron a otro bar en Trenton donde Araya comenzó a prepararle bebidas a la víctima e insistir en que las probara para saber qué les estaba sirviendo a los clientes. La víctima informó que se sintió mal y le dijo a Araya que quería irse a casa.“La investigación y el posterior arresto de Gerald Araya es el resultado de una sólida asociación y colaboración entre el Departamento de Policía del Municipio de Lawrence, el Departamento de Policía de Trenton y la Fiscalía del Condado del Mercer”, dijo el Jefe Longo. “El arresto en este caso subraya nuestra dedicación colectiva para hacer justicia a las víctimas de agresión sexual”.El Fiscal Onofri elogió a todas las personas y agencias involucradas en esta extensa investigación. Agradeció a los miembros de su Unidad de Víctimas Especiales que dirigieron y coordinaron la operación para la Oficina de la Fiscalía del Condado del Mercer, particularmente al Detective Sergio Sánchez, al Sargento Ahmad Mansur, al Fiscal Auxiliar Brett Berman y a la Fiscal Auxiliar Alycia Beyrouty, jefa de la SVU; y a los detectives principales Suzanne Girard del Departamento de Policía del Municipio de Lawrence, y Cathiria Colon y Lizmary Rivera del Departamento de Policía de Trenton.
El Fiscal Onofri también agradeció a las siguientes agencias locales, del condado y federales por su apoyo y asistencia en la investigación con las ejecuciones de las órdenes de allanamiento de ayer:
Oficina de la Fiscalía del Condado del Mercer
Unidad de Investigaciones Especiales de la Fiscalía del Condado del Mercer
Equipo de Respuesta Táctica del Condado del Mercer
Departamento de Policía de Ewing
Departamento de Policía del Municipio de Lawrence
Departamento de Policía de Trenton
Investigaciones de Seguridad Nacional
La investigación está en curso. Se solicita a cualquier persona que tenga información que se comunique con la SVU del fiscal al (609) 989-6568 o [email protected] delitos de primer grado conllevan una pena de 10 a 20 años de prisión estatal y una multa de hasta $200,000. Los delitos de segundo grado conllevan una pena de cinco a 10 años de prisión estatal y una multa de hasta $150,000. Los cargos de tercer grado conllevan una pena de tres a cinco años de prisión y una multa de hasta $15.000. Los cargos de cuarto grado conllevan una pena de hasta 18 meses de prisión y una multa de hasta $10,000.
A pesar de haber sido acusado, todo acusado se presume inocente hasta que sea declarado culpable más allá de toda duda razonable en un tribunal de justicia.
CRANBURY TOWNSHIP, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–Yesterday, December 3, 2024, around 4:30 p.m. Cranbury Police Department, fire department and EMS were sent to the area of 17 Hightstown – Cranbury Road near the NJ Turnpike overpass for a crash with reported entrapment. Monroe Township Station 57 was called due to the reported entrapment. Upon arrival it was determined there was no entrapment and occupants were treated by EMS and transported to a local hospital for treatment. Cranbury Township Police Department is investigating the crash. No further information is available.
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER) – For the first time ever, the annual Congressional Art Competition held by Rep. Chris Smith as part of a national competition for his district’s high school students, will be a “virtual” online show to ensure the safety of students, parents, teachers and the interested public.
In response to the coronavirus national emergency, the artwork, which is normally displayed for a month at the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton’s Lakefront Gallery, will be posted on Smith’s congressional website ensuring that the students who have worked for many months can still take part in the national competition.
“For these young student artists whose school year has been turned upside down by coronavirus, I am happy we found a way forward and I am grateful to the parents, judges and teachers for making needed adjustments,” Smith said.
“We received strong support for a virtual art competition rather than cancel the show outright due to COVID-19 restrictions,” Smith said. “Safety is paramount, and a virtual gallery enables us to proceed safely not only for the students and parents, but for the patients and workers at RWJ-Hamilton, which has in the past, graciously hosted the show,” he said.
“I am delighted that this year’s show wasn’t canceled, but continued as an online competition,” said Wall High School art teacher, Jill Alexander, who has been preparing her students to enter the show every year for the past six years. “Students in the 4th district are thankful for the great show that Congressman Chris Smith puts on each year, but especially this year because of the challenges everyone is facing.”
“We love going to Robert Wood Johnson’s impressive gallery, and unfortunately that just wasn’t possible this year. My students start working in September preparing their best artwork to submit, and this show is the highlight of the year for us.
“High school students across the country will miss the opportunity to participate in many events this year, including proms, sporting events and even graduation,” Alexander said. “We are really pleased the art competition survives.”
The 2020 show will be exhibited in a virtual art gallery, will use online judging, with winners to be announced in May. Smith’s three-member team of professional judges, whose works are also normally displayed at the show, will also have artwork posted in an online gallery.
This year, students who place in the competition—as best-of-show, and first, second and third runners-up and honorable mentions—will receive ribbons and all participants will be mailed Congressional Certificates, instead of being presented them in person.
The best-in-show winner will be displayed in the Capitol Building in Washington along the busy public corridor/tunnel between the Cannon House Office Building and the Capitol Building for one year with other winners from across the nation. All the artwork entered into Smith’s competition this year will be displayed in his online gallery for one year.
Every year the Congressional Institute sponsors this national high school art competition to recognize and foster artistic talent in each congressional district. Since the competition began in 1982, more than 650,000 high school students have participated. Participation in the contest is at the discretion of each Member office. Currently, the Institute plans to accept the top winning artwork from every congressional show in America by June 18 and hold a reception in Washington on July 22.
For information about the 2020 NJ-04 show or to view the 2019 and prior year winners visit Congressman Smith’s Congressional Art Competition web page.
“American Graffiti,” by Jordan Heine of Wall High School won Best in Show in 2018.
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–On two separate dates this month, Hamilton Police were detailed to the area of Shady Brook Park (655 Pitman Avenue) on a Lewdness complaint. The first complaint occurred on September 8, 2021 at approximately 3:30 PM, involving a male suspect near the tennis courts in the park. Responding officers were advised by several Hamilton High School West students, they observed a naked male masturbating near the tennis courts. Hamilton Police Officer, Lance Mutek, located and arrested, 68 year old, Hamilton resident Theodore Wright, for Obstruction and Criminal Sexual Contact, after a brief foot chase in the park.
A second lewdness complaint occurred on September 10, 2021 at approximately 3:15 PM, at the same location near the tennis courts in Shady Brook Park. Responding officers were advised by a school official via several students, that the same male identified as Theodore Wright, was seen again in the park near the tennis courts naked and masturbating. Theodore Wright was not located on September 10, 2021, but through a second investigation, additional complaints were generated for his arrest.
Theodore Wright was arrested for a second time at his Hamilton residence on September 11, 2021, and charged with Criminal Sexual Contact, Lewdness and Endangering the Welfare of a Child. Mr. Wright is currently in custody awaiting arraignment for these charges.
Anyone with information regarding these incidents, or is aware of any similar incidents involving Theodore Wright, is asked to contact Hamilton Police Detective Patrick Quick at (609) 581-4111 or via email at [email protected]. Detective Thomas Clugsten can also be contacted at (609) 581-4027 or via email at [email protected]. The public can also contact the Hamilton Police Crime Tip Hotline at (609) 581- 4008.
Every defendant is presumed innocent until being found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
TRENTON (Mercer) – Two people had to be extricated from the wreckage of a Subaru Legacy after the vehicle crashed and flipped onto its side on Sunday (Feb. 2, 2025). The crash occurred along Mulberry Street not far from the intersection with North Clinton Avenue and Nottingham Way. Police, firefighters and EMS personnel were alerted about 11:55 a.m. Firefighters from Engine 6, Rescue 1 and Ladder 4 used hydraulic rescue tools to cut away part of the roof to free the driver and passenger. The men were treated on scene by Capital Health paramedics and EMTs from Trenton and Hamilton, then transported to the trauma center at Capital Health Regional Medical Center. The cause of the crash was being investigated by Trenton police.
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)—Charges have been filed against Brian J. Dibiasi and his wife Elizabeth M. Dibiasi of Marlin Pond Road, According to a Criminal Complaint Warrant and Affidavit of Probable Cause obtained from the Mercer County Superior Court in Trenton. Brian Dibiasi is charged with a first degree crime of permitting a child to engage in a prohibited sexual act of in the simulation of such an act or to be portrayed in a sexually suggestive manner, having legal custody for the care of the child, engage in sexual conduct which would impair or debauch the morals of a child in second degree, having less than 1,000 items depicting the sexual exploitation or abuse of a child in the third degree, knowingly distribute an item depicting the sexual exploitation or abuse of a child in second degree, and knowingly possess an item depicting the sexual exploitation or abuse of a child with the intent to distribute such items a crime of the second degree. Elizabeth Dibiasi is charged with having a legal duty for the care of a child engage in sexual conduct which would impair or debauch the morals of a child, a second-degree crime. The complaint was filed by C. Mannikus of the New Jersey State Police on January 29, 2025.
According to the Affidavit of Probable Cause, on January 28, 2025, the New Jersey State Police was assigned two CyberTipline reports from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). Kik (an application) reported that a user uploaded and distributed, unidentified, possibly newly produced and/or homemade content, specifically image and video files of suspected child sexual exploitation/abuse material (CSEAM), Additionally, Kik reported possible Child Sexual Molestation and Online Enticement. Kik reported the user was a 35-year-old male from New Jersey with two sons ages eight and ten years old. The user distributed multiple media files containing nude images of his wife in the presence of their children. In the chat logs, the suspect mentioned ejaculating near his children, and that the children were present when his wife had sex. The CyberTips reported a total of 36 files were uploaded to the Kik infrastructure and distributed to other users from an account belonging to the user (username, email and IP address redacted). The officer viewed and confirmed one of the image files was CSAEM as defined by N.J.S.A 2C:24-4, specifically depicting one nude prepubescent male, later identified as the suspect’s child. Additionally, the officer viewed and confirmed seven files are such that they impair or debauch the morals of a child, in violation of N.J.S.A 2C24-4. Specifically, one image file depicting an unclothed adult female, later identified as the suspect’s wife, bent over on a bed exposing her anus and vagina in front of a clothed prepubescent male child, later identified as their son. In response to a CDW, Kik provided the contents of the account, which contained the files provided in the Cybertip and confirmed the distribution of the files. In response to an Exigent request, Optimum identified the accused as the subscriber of the upload IP address which revealed the address on Marlon Pond Road. A residential search warrant was approved and executed on January 29, 2025 by New Jersey State Police enlisted members. After reading his rights as per Miranda, Brian admitted to owning the account and email address associated with the Kik account reported in the Cybertip Report. Additionally, he admitted to distributing the photos of his wife, and the photos of his naked child to users on the Kik platform and communicating with other users about the photos.
In the Affidavit of Probable Cause for Elizabeth Dibiasi after reading her rights as per Miranda, she admitted that the email address belonged to her husband. Admitted to her husband taking nude photos of her in situations where the children could potentially be present. Finally, she denied knowing about or using the Kik account in question
The case is being prosecuted by D.A.G Gina Imperato.
See yesterday’s story below:
Two Officers in Mercer County Charged with Sexual Crimes Against Children
A photo sent to MidJersey.news of the January 29, 2025 raid in Hamilton Township.
January 30, 2025
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)– — Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ) announced today that a husband and wife – both law enforcement officers working in different departments within Mercer County – have been charged in connection with their respective roles in creating, producing, and distributing images of child sexual abuse.
The male officer is charged with causing or permitting a child to engage in a sexual act that may be photographed, filmed or reproduced (1st degree), engaging in sexual conduct that would debauch the morals of a child (2nd degree); possessing fewer than 1,000 images of child sexual abuse (3rd degree); distributing images of child sexual abuse (2nd degree); and possessing images of child sexual abuse with the intent to distribute (2nd degree).
The female officer is charged with engaging in sexual conduct that would debauch the morals of a child (2nd degree).
“Sexual offenses against children are among the most serious crimes we charge,” said Attorney General Platkin. “It’s especially disturbing when, as in this case, the accused are members of law enforcement. My office works hand-in-hand with the New Jersey State Police and all 21 County Prosecutors to investigate and prosecute those who engage in this conduct. Protecting children from this kind of lasting harm is one of our most important responsibilities.”
“The Division of Criminal Justice is committed to actively investigating and prosecuting crimes of this nature,” DCJ Director Theresa L. Hilton said. “Once produced, these images exist indefinitely and cause immeasurable harm to the victims. We are fortunate to work with our law enforcement partners in bringing perpetrators to justice.”
On January 28, 2025, investigators received a report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) that a mobile messaging platform had reported that a user allegedly uploaded and distributed unidentified, possibly newly produced or homemade content, specifically, image and video files of suspected child sexual exploitation/abuse material.
The user allegedly distributed multiple media files containing nude images of his wife in the presence of children. In the chat logs, the suspect allegedly mentioned children being present while he and his wife had sex. The cyber tip line reported a total of 36 files allegedly uploaded from an account belonging to the user.
First-degree crimes carry a sentence of 10 to 20 years in state prison and a fine of up to $200,000.
Second-degree charges carry a sentence of five to 10 years in state prison and a fine of up to $150,000.
Third-degree charges carry a sentence of three to five years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000.
The prosecution is being handled by DCJ Deputy Attorney General Gina Imperato.
Charges are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
The New Jersey Attorney General’s Office does not provide defendants’ identifying information when doing so could compromise the anonymity of the children victimized.
Hamilton Township Mayor Jeff Martin and Chief of Police Ken DeBoskey have issued the below statement with regards to the news regarding a Township police officer:
Hamilton Township is aware of the disturbing allegations against one of our police officers. While we cannot comment on active investigations, we want to be unequivocally clear—Hamilton Township has zero tolerance for crimes of this nature. We remain fully committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accountability within our community and our police department and continue to fully cooperate with the New Jersey State Police (NJSP) investigation. We will have additional comments once an announcement is made by the NJSP.
We remind the public to report suspicious activity to the New Jersey State Police crime tip hotline at (800) 437-7839. This hotline is available 24/7, and all tips are confidential.
Media questions related to this investigation may be directed to the NJ State Police, Office of Public Information.
“Forensic previews conducted on those devices revealed a second-degree amount of child pornography depicting children as young as five years old. Additionally, detectives located several videos depicting Richtman performing sexual acts on a horse.”
January 31, 2022
EAST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri reported today that an investigation into online child exploitation has resulted in the arrest of an East Windsor man.
Mitchell B. Richtman, 31, of East Windsor, NJ, is charged with second-degree possession of child pornography and fourth-degree animal cruelty. The prosecutor’s office has filed a motion to detain Richtman pending trial.
Detectives with the prosecutor’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit recently received information from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that an individual in Mercer County was uploading child pornography. An investigation was initiated and Richtman was identified as a suspect. On Thursday, January 27, 2022, detectives with the ICAC unit executed a search warrant at Richtman’s residence in East Windsor. He was detained without incident and several electronic devices were seized. Forensic previews conducted on those devices revealed a second-degree amount of child pornography depicting children as young as five years old. Additionally, detectives located several videos depicting Richtman performing sexual acts on a horse.
Second-degree crimes carry a sentence of 5 to 10 years in state prison and a fine of up to $150,000. Fourth-degree crimes carry a sentence of up to 18 months in state prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
Prosecutor Onofri urges anyone with information about suspected improper contact by unknown persons communicating with children via the internet or possible exploitation or sexual abuse of children to please contact his Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit at 609-989-6568 or the New Jersey Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force tip line at 888-648-6007.
Despite having been charged, every defendant is presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Mitchell B. Richtman, 31, of East Windsor, NJ Mitchell B. Richtman, 31, of East Windsor, NJ, is charged with second-degree possession of child pornography and fourth-degree animal cruelty. The prosecutor’s office has filed a motion to detain Richtman pending trial. Forensic previews conducted on those devices revealed a second-degree amount of child pornography depicting children as young as five years old. Additionally, detectives located several videos depicting Richtman performing sexual acts on a horse.
Yesterday, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force collaborated with the Toms River Township Police Department, Toms River Township Police Department Special Enforcement Unit, Toms River Township Police Department K-9 Unit, Manchester Township Police Department, Manchester Township Police Department Narcotics Enforcement Team, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit, to conduct an investigation into the distribution of cocaine in Ocean County. This cooperative, multi-agency investigation identified a business in Toms River, known as “Leroy’s Tow Service,” as well as a residence in Manchester Township owned by Leroy Hairston, 43, as being utilized to store and distribute cocaine.
Detectives from the aforementioned law enforcement agencies initiated surveillance on the subject business in Toms River as well as the residence in Manchester. On April 26, 2023, Detectives observed Hairston leaving his business in Toms River, and continued to maintain surveillance on Hairston as he left the area. Hairston parked his vehicle in a nearby parking lot, at which time he was approached and detained by Ocean County Sheriff’s Officers without incident. Hairston was subsequently placed under arrest and transported to Toms River Township Police Headquarters for processing.
Toms River Township Police Department Emergency Services Unit executed a court-authorized search warrant on the subject business in Toms River. As a result, Detectives seized approximately 100 grams of cocaine and $7,000 in United States currency.
Ocean County Regional SWAT thereafter executed a court-authorized search warrant on Hairston’s residence in Manchester. As a result, Raekwon Strand, 26, of Lakewood – who was present at the residence at the time of the search warrant execution – was found to be in possession of approximately 100 wax folds of heroin/fentanyl. In addition, $4,000 in United States currency was seized from the residence. Strand was subsequently placed under arrest at the residence.
Leroy Hairston was charged with Possession of More than One-Half Ounce but Less than Five Ounces of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute, Possession of Cocaine, Financial Facilitation, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He was transported to the Ocean County Jail and subsequently released as a consequence of New Jersey Bail Reform.
Raekwon Strand was charged with Possession of Heroin/Fentanyl and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Strand was served with the charges via summons pending an upcoming first appearance in Ocean County Superior Court.
Prosecutor Billhimer commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Asset Forfeiture Unit, Toms River Township Police Department, Toms River Township Police Department Special Enforcement Unit, Toms River Township Police Department Emergency Services Unit, Toms River Township Police Department K-9 Unit, Manchester Township Police Department, Manchester Township Police Department Narcotics Enforcement Team, Manchester Township Detective Bureau, Ocean County Regional SWAT, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit, for their combined and collective 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.
Mitchell B. Richtman, 31, of East Windsor, NJ Mitchell B. Richtman, 31, of East Windsor, NJ, is charged with second-degree possession of child pornography and fourth-degree animal cruelty. The prosecutor’s office has filed a motion to detain Richtman pending trial. Forensic previews conducted on those devices revealed a second-degree amount of child pornography depicting children as young as five years old. Additionally, detectives located several videos depicting Richtman performing sexual acts on a horse.