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May 20, 2020

JACKSON, NJ (OCEAN)–On Tuesday May 19, 2020, Police Officer Stephen Cilento was on patrol on Cassville Road when he observed motor vehicle violations regarding a 2011 Hyundai being operated on the roadway. As he followed the vehicle, a lookup of the vehicle license plate indicated that the vehicle registration and registered owner’s driver’s license were both suspended. He then conducted a motor vehicle stop with the vehicle.

As the officer approached the vehicle, he detected the odor of marijuana coming from the interior and observed two small children in the rear seat, one of which was not properly secured in a child’s car seat. While speaking with the occupants, it was determined that the male owner of the vehicle was in the passenger seat and a female was operating the vehicle.

Other officers arrived on scene and a search was conducted of the vehicle which resulted in the seizure of paraphernalia and several baggies of marijuana. A bag which had been in the male passenger’s possession was found to contain a large quantity of small bags of marijuana which appeared to be packaged for sale along with a quantity of baggies of cocaine which were also packaged for sale.

The male passenger was placed under arrest at this time and the female driver was issued motor vehicle summonses for: obstructed view, failure to wear a seatbelt, driving with a suspended registration, failure to use proper child restraint, possession of a controlled dangerous substance while operating a motor vehicle and failure to exhibit a valid driver’s license. The vehicle was impounded and she was released at the scene with the children after she was able to arrange for someone to pick her up. DCPP was later contacted to follow up with this incident.

The male was transported to police headquarters where he was processed.

Arrested: Andrew Angus, age 35 of Ewing, NJ. He was charged on a summons complaint with: possession of marijuana (greater than 50 grams), possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute, possession of cocaine, possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was then released pending a court appearance.

– The media and the public are reminded that any persons arrested or charged with any offenses or crimes are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

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June 14, 2020

PLUMSTED TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–New Egypt Warriors Against Racism, Black Lives Matter protested today in town. The event started at 11:30 am on Front Street and moved to Main Street at 1 pm.

Protesters could be seen and heard on Main street from the traffic light at Jackobstown Road to Church Street as they moved though town.

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June 17, 2020

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–On Wednesday morning, Trenton Police Director Sheilah Coley held roll call in Mill Hill Park and then deployed more than two dozen Trenton police officers, including command staff, to patrol on foot the city’s downtown business district.

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June 16, 2020

JAMESBURG, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–The Jamesburg Police Department investigating a child luring incident found the following:

**********ARREST NOTIFICATION**********

On June 15th, 2020 The Jamesburg Police Department received a call in reference to a possible child luring incident in the area of East Railroad Ave and Franklin Street. After speaking with the caller, Jamesburg officers located Spencer Pitt, 58, from Aberdeen New Jersey located in Green acres Park near the children’s playground area.

Pitt was highly intoxicated and combative toward officers. Pitt was placed under arrest for disorderly conduct. During the course of the arrest, Pitt assaulted a police officer and physically resisted arrest. Pitt was also in possession of a knife.

During processing at police HQ, Pitt spit on a police officer and refused to be finger printed. Pitt also made threats to kill the officers involved in the arrest.

Pitt was charged with disorderly conduct, public intoxication, littering, resisting arrest, assault on police, possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, obstruction, terroristic threats, and refusing to be finger printed.

The public is reminded that all subjects arrested by the Jamesburg Police Department are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.

Chief James J. Craparotta

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June 25, 2020

From radio reports if official information is made available the story will be updated.

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Around 12:10 am Trenton Fire Department responded to the 800 Block of Greenwood Avenue near Chambers for a report of a fire. When firefighters arrived there was no fire at that location but they smelled smoke and started spreading out looking for the fire. The fire was located a few blocks over at 611 Greenwood Avenue near Chestnut Avenue. The first arriving fire units reported heavy fire in a large mansion sized home and led off with a “deck gun” a master stream device.

About five minutes later a 2nd Alarm was called sending more fire apparatus and manpower to the scene. Fire command reported heavy fire though the roof and the possibility that the building would collapse from fire. About 10 minutes into the fire command was reporting they had water on the fire and fire was starting to darken down.

By 12:30 am command reported that there were 3 master streams in operation as well as 3 hand lines in operation. The fire was placed under control around 1:15 am.

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May 27, 20202

POINT PLEASANT, NJ (OCEAN)–Point Pleasant Beach is set for reopening, see message from the mayor below:

A message from the Mayor of Point Pleasant Beach:

Following the success of a very safe Memorial Day weekend, the Borough of Point Pleasant Beach is now ready to move forward with a broader reopening.

This morning, the Mayor, Chief of Police, Borough Administrator and Head of Public Works toured the boardwalk with business owners and their security personnel to make final decisions on the logistics needed for social distancing. At this meeting, it was determined that the proper pieces were in place for an opening of our boardwalk and northern beaches on Friday May 29th.

Opening up corridors on the boardwalk was ultimately deemed to be counterproductive to public safety and therefore all barriers will be removed accordingly.

Our Police Department has taken steps to ensure additional resources in order to handle this in a safe and orderly fashion. They have increased their numbers and will be at full seasonal strength within a few weeks.

Private businesses will be doing their part by providing social distancing ambassadors along the portions where they service customers. Hand sanitizing stations have been set up at every beach access point and signage will be going up shortly.

Rides, games and amusements remain closed by order of the Governor. Restaurants will be open for takeout only.

To accommodate this opening, on Friday May 29th parking restrictions will be partially scaled back to allow for private and public lots to be opened. The following Friday, June 5th, they will be repealed completely.

The inlet parking lot will be returned to normal operations effective Wednesday, May 27th. Guests must maintain a proper 6 foot distance at all times while fishing or conducting other activities.

Like every decision we make, these measures are subject to change if the COVID-19 situation does. We encourage all guests to take social distancing very seriously and help us create the safest environment on the Jersey Shore.

—

Paul M. Kanitra
Mayor

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June 14, 2020

ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Robbinsville Township Mayor Dave Fried has released a statement and prospective on the current climate and support of Robbinsville Township Police Department and its officers.

Below is Mayor Fried’s statement in a Facebook post this morning:

Since I like to start with good news, I am happy to report we are beginning the process of opening our municipal building, restaurants and other retail in town. There have been only two new COVID-19 cases, putting our total since March 22, 2020 at 109 with 88 cleared from isolation.

I would like to speak for a moment concerning the Robbinsville Township Police Department and the social unrest and debate surrounding police departments across the country. Robbinsville is a vibrant, diverse and safe community which we can all be proud to call home. We had a wonderful gathering last Sunday in support of Black Lives Matter and a charge to eliminate racism, ensure equality for all people … and to love one another. As a society, and as a town, we must do our part. To do that we must unite and acknowledge that some people around us are hurting and seek change.

In order to make meaningful change, it is important to acknowledge that thoughtful, courteous and professional police departments are part of the solution. They are needed to ensure we are safe in our homes, schools and country. Along with my administration, Township Council and I stand unequivocally with the Robbinsville Township Police Department. We could not ask for a more upstanding and caring law enforcement officers to protect and serve our residents. As Mayor, if I was not proud of them, you would certainly be asking me why not?
I am the town’s Public Safety Director and the RTPD is a direct reflection of my leadership.

One of my favorite lines from the movie “Remember the Titans” is when the young man says: “Attitude reflects leadership.” I would say that our police department reflects both mine and Chief Chris Nitti’s attitude. For those of you who have not met our Chief, he is as fine a gentleman you will ever meet. I think there are interesting aspects about Chief Nitti that we should all know. He was selected to participate in a highly prestigious FBI training for community policing in Quantico, Va. To participate, Chris had to leave his wife and two young sons for 10 weeks to complete the program. Upon his return, Chris and I sat down to discuss ways the RTPD could improve policing in Robbinsville. One of the things he requested was to invest in the first indoor facility to train our officers on de-escalation techniques and “shoot-don’t-shoot” responses.
The prospect of taking a life in the line of duty is not something many of us are required to do in our daily lives. It is something that each law enforcement person has to contemplate each day they go to work. The ability to train our officers, as well as others departments from around the County, in a controlled environment was something we both felt would make a tremendous difference. Day-in and day-out, the RPD continues to exemplify community policing under his leadership.

Other important policies and actions have unfolded in town that I feel are worthy of mentioning as it relates to our police department. We were the first to use cameras in all of our cars, and one of the first departments in the County to add body cameras. In addition to the D.A.R.E. program, they were the first in Mercer to implement the C.A.R.E. program to help get people suffering from addiction into treatment instead of arresting them over and over again. “Coffee With a Cop” events were very successful pre COVID, as was rewarding children with coupons for free ice cream at Friendly’s when they were “caught” doing something good by our officers. They are also there for each of us when we have been afraid, or when we just needed help. Imagine for one moment calling 911 and no one came?

I am aware that some people in town are advocating for the removal of the resources officers from our schools and breaking all ties with the police department as a whole. For those advancing this position, ask your children how they feel about the officers they have come to know. Ask other parents how they feel about not having the SROs in our schools. I have asked teachers, parents and students. The feedback is overwhelming positive. One young child out of school since March recently sent a message to one of our SROs, Melyssa Alonso, that said simply: “I love you. I miss you.”

As your Public Safety Director, having resource officers in our schools is the No. 1 thing I can do to keep your kids safe. These officers are not aggressive people looking to cause problems or promote division or inequality. They are there to protect and serve, and all three of our resource officers do a tremendous job. While I want your child to have an amazing, well-rounded school experience, it is also important that they come home at the end of every day.

In closing, I want to acknowledge that Council President Ron Witt helped me craft this post. He feels exactly as I do. We want all people who are hurting to know we respect that you are upset and deeply concerned about racism. Help us do whatever is necessary to collectively stomp it out. One of the many things that is great about being human is we can feel two things simultaneously. We can be outraged at the abuses in other cities and departments around the country AND proud of our police department at the same time.

We believe until black lives matter, all can’t matter.

While we face a difficult path, we must try. We also must work together to achieve substantive change. This includes our men and women in blue. We are also calling on all mayors and elected officials across the State to be accountable for their police departments and organizations. It is time to take a long, serious look inward. Elected leaders need to stand up and be held accountable for the departments they have created. Remember United we stand divided we fall.

God bless you all.

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May 19, 2020

ROBBINSVILLE TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Robbinsville Mayor Dave Fried presents the 2020 State of Robbinsville Township Address, including this year’s “Pay it Forward” initiative to benefit the “We Love R’Ville Neighbors” campaign via video – courtesy of Pulse Productions.

Originally designed to recognize Township residents for performing random acts of kindness, the “We Love R’Ville Neighbors” program has grown to support residents who suddenly find themselves struggling through an unexpected tragedy or loss, including those triggered by the pandemic.

“We’ve had several families in town who have faced, or will face, catastrophic losses and are in need of financial assistance,” Mayor Fried said. “Whether they lost their home in a fire, or may have suffered the loss a loved one, or lost their job due to COVID-19. We want to be able to help those who need us most.”

Since 2015, Robbinsville “Pay it Forward” events have raised close to $350,000 for local individuals, families and organizations.The Berkshire Bank Foundation was this year’s title sponsor with a $10,000 grant.

Not surprisingly, COVID-19 and the response to the ongoing pandemic was a recurring theme. Mayor Fried also congratulates the memorable Class of 2020 and announced an eighth straight year of either flat, or reduced municipal taxes.

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Statement from City of Trenton Mayor W. Reed Gusciora on Chambersburg Columbus Statue

July 7, 2020

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–The current national debate on racial justice has led to a long-overdue examination of how we honor our past, including our statues, monuments, and the names of our parks and schools. Our communities rightfully expect that the individuals we celebrate actually represent the principles of freedom and equality that we all hold dear.

The statue of Christopher Columbus, long held in the park of the same name, will be taken down and placed in storage. We’re grateful for the community input we’ve received on both sides of the issue, but what we know about Columbus simply makes his image a poor fit for a city that is as diverse as Trenton. We will continue to engage the community on where the statue should go and what the new name of the park will be. –City of Trenton Mayor W. Reed Gusciora

Photos by: Brian McCarthy OnScene News

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Action Comes as Division Focuses on How Professional Boards Address Allegations of Sexual Misconduct by Licensees

July 7, 2020

Filed Orders:

Edwards https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/Actions/20200622_26NH13812500.pdf

De Gonzalez https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/Actions/20200702_26NH17216200.pdf

De Fernandez  https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/Actions/20200615_26NH16790500.pdf

Llanes  https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/Actions/20200521_26NH10139400.pdf

Dornelus https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/Actions/20200521_26NH10179200.pdf

Protas https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/Actions/20200213_26NH10594800.pdf

Pade https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/Actions/20200213_26NH10164200.pdf

Dungee https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/Actions/20200129_26NH16121200.pdf

NEWARK – Continuing its commitment to protecting the elderly from abuse at the hands of their caretakers, and addressing sexual misconduct and abuse by licensed professionals, the Division of Consumer Affairs (“the Division”) today announced the temporary suspension of a certified homemaker-home health aide (“CHHA”) charged with aggravated criminal sexual contact against an 84-year-old patient at an Ocean County long-term care facility where the CHHA worked. 

Michael A. Edwards, a.k.a. Michael A. Donaldson, 32, of Manchester, was arrested on May 21 after his employer, Sunrise Senior Living facility in Jackson, told police that another employee caught Edwards inappropriately touching an elderly woman in her room at the facility. His employment at the facility has been terminated.

Edwards is one of eight CHHAs sanctioned by the State Board of Nursing (“the Board”) this year following arrests for crimes allegedly committed on or off the job. In a Consent Order filed by the Board on June 22, Edwards agreed to the temporary suspension pending the outcome of his criminal case.

His suspension comes as the Division, under the direction of Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal, undertakes a sweeping review of how its 51 professional boards  — which oversee approximately 720,000 active licensed professionals, from accountants and doctors to plumbers and veterinarians — address allegations involving the sexual misconduct and abuse of licensees and applicants.

The review, which is currently underway, will include evaluations of whether boards should ask additional questions on license applications, how boards approach investigations and discipline, and how boards engage with complainants alleging sexual misconduct and abuse by a licensee or applicant.

“It’s an egregious abuse of trust when any licensee sexually preys on a patient or client, but it is especially heinous when the victim is an elderly individual under their care,” said Attorney General Grewal. “The actions announced today underscore both the need for our professional boards to remain vigilant in protecting vulnerable patients, as well as the importance of the review they are presently undertaking to better protect victims and hold licensees accountable for their actions.”

 “We take all allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse by licensees seriously, especially when they involve patients or clients in positions of vulnerability,” said Paul R. Rodríguez, Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs. “It is to protect victims in cases like these that we are committed to undertaking this review of how professional and occupational licensing boards handle allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse.”

Since January, the Board has also filed Orders against the following CHHAs charged with crimes:

• Yolanda A. Penalo De Gonzalez, 40, of Hackensack. De Gonzalez’s certification was temporarily suspended on June 29 pending the outcome of criminal charges filed against her in connection with an alleged knife attack on her husband during a domestic dispute on March 14, 2020.  De Gonzalez is charged with aggravated assault, terroristic threats, and domestic violence. The incident was unrelated to her employment.

• Josefina Milagros Brito De Fernandez, 49, of Camden. De Fernandez’s certification was temporarily suspended on June 15 pending the outcome of criminal endangerment charges stemming from her care of an 80-year-old woman during the COVID-19 public health crisis, which the Office of the Attorney General announced on May 15. De Fernandez allegedly defied health officials’ orders to self-isolate over fears she may have contracted the coronavirus, and instead continued caring for her elderly charge without wearing a face mask or other personal protective equipment.  The woman and four other people living in the household later contracted COVID-19. The elderly woman was subsequently hospitalized and died.

• Emma Llanes, 57, of North Bergen. Llanes’ certification was permanently revoked on May 21 after she pled guilty to endangering another person in connection with her mistreatment of a 90-year-old bedridden patient she cared for in the woman’s Clifton home. Llanes was arrested in May 2019 as a result of incriminating video showing her slapping the elderly woman’s legs, grabbing her by the neck and shoving her head forward, and otherwise mistreating her. The footage was captured by a hidden camera the victim’s family borrowed from Division’s Safe Care Cam program.

• Myrlande Dornelus, 41, of Elizabeth.  Dornelus’ certification was temporarily suspended on May 21 pending the outcome of murder and related weapons charges in connection with an alleged incident involving an elderly patient. Dornelus is accused of fatally stabbing Anna Pollard, a 62-year old woman she was caring for in the woman’s Elizabeth home on April 13, 2020.

• Oleg Protas, 53, of Marlton. Protas’ certification was permanently revoked on February 13, after he pled guilty to criminal sexual contact in connection with a 2017 incident involving a female acquaintance. Protas’ certification had been temporarily suspended by the Board pending the outcome of the criminal charges against him. The incident was unrelated to his employment.

• Adeola S. Pade, 53, of Plainsboro. Pade’s certification was temporarily suspended on February 13 pending the outcome of criminal charges stemming from a hit and run accident that killed a pedestrian in East Windsor in December 2019. Pade was charged with knowingly leaving the scene of an accident that resulted in death, and other related offenses. The incident was unrelated to her employment.

• Elizabeth H. Dungee, 33, of Roselle.  Dungee’s certification was temporarily suspended on January 29 pending the outcome of criminal charges in connection with the theft of a patient’s credit card. Dungee was working at Brightview Senior Living in Warren in October 2019 when she allegedly stole a credit card from a resident and used it to make $240 worth of fraudulent charges. Warren Township police arrested Dungee on December 4, 2019 and charged her with credit card fraud and credit card theft in connection with the alleged incident.

Investigators with the Enforcement Bureau within the Division of Consumer Affairs conducted investigations in these cases.

Deputy Attorney General Shirley Dickstein of the Consumer Affairs Counseling Section of the Division of Law is representing the State in these matters.

For more information about the Division’s Safe Care Cam, or to learn how to apply for a camera, visit the Consumer Affairs website at https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/SCC.

Patients who believe that they have been treated by a licensed health care professional in an inappropriate manner can file an online complaint with the State Division of Consumer Affairs by visiting its website or by calling 973-504-6200 to request a complaint form.