December 20, 2019

The Mercer County Narcotics Task Force concluded a month-long investigation recently withthe seizure of more than $100,000 in heroin, Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofrireported.Onofri stated that, on Wednesday morning, December 18, 2019, detectives with the MCNTFinitiated surveillance of the investigation’s target, Bryan Capellan, as well as two residences heutilizes in Hamilton. Detectives proceeded to execute search warrants at both locations, andMercer County Prosecutor’s Sergeant Joe Angarone utilized his K9 partner Bela to conductdrug searches. Bela gave positive indications for the presence of a narcotics in a 2007 CrownVictoria located at the residence in the 100 block of Marshall Avenue. During the search,detectives located 11,650 bags of heroin, 400 grams of raw heroin, 50 grams of fentanyl, threegrams of marijuana and $19,291 in cash.Onofri stated that the total amount of heroin seized has an approximate street value of$107,000. The fentanyl has an approximate street value of $800.Capellan, 31, was arrested at his residence on Deutz Avenue, Hamilton, and charged withfirst-degree narcotics offenses. He is being held at the Mercer County Correction Center.Officers with the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office, U.S.Homeland Security Investigations, and the Hamilton, Princeton and Trenton police, under thecommand of the prosecutor’s Special Investigations Unit, assisted with the investigation.Despite having been charged, every defendant is presumed innocent until found guilty beyond

a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Febuary 14, 2020

WASHINGTON, DC–Bipartisan legislation recognizing February as American Heart Month was introduced in the House of Representatives today.

   Congressman Smith (R-NJ), Co-Chair of the Congressional Heart & Stroke Coalition, along with fellow Co-Chair Joyce Beatty (D-OH), authored the resolution, HRes. 860, in honor of the approximately 647,000 Americans who die from some form of cardiovascular disease (CVD) each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

   “Heart disease is the leading killer of Americans, and more women die from heart disease than all cancers combined,” said Smith.  “In my home state of New Jersey alone, there are approximately 420,000 cases of coronary heart disease—the most common type of CVD—according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH); that is unacceptable. We must continue to work together to know and understand the risks of CVD, and the small steps we can take to prevent it.”

   “As Co-Chair of the Congressional Heart and Stroke Coalition and a stroke survivor, I have long championed the need for men and women to get ‘heart healthy,’” said Beatty. “To that effect, according to the American Heart Association, there are many steps that you can take right now to decrease your risk of heart disease, including exercising, eating a balanced diet, and knowing the early warning signs. That’s why I urge all Central Ohioans and all Americans to ‘Go Red’ and help spread the word this Heart Month.”

   The resolution is support by two of the leading organizations committed to promoting American heart health: the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology. 

   “Cardiovascular disease (CVD) continues to be the world’s leading cause of preventable death and disability. After decades of a steady decline in the U.S., CVD death rates are on the rise, which points to the urgent need for more research, prevention and early detection programs,” saidNancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association.  “Now, more than ever, we need support from Members of Congress to address the health and economic crisis that CVD poses to our nation. We are grateful to Representatives Joyce Beatty and Chris Smith, our Congressional Heart and Stroke Coalition Co-Chairs, for introducing this year’s Heart Month Resolution and for their ongoing advocacy in the fight against heart disease and stroke.”

   “Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 cause of death worldwide. While awareness of heart disease prevention is increasing, it is not nearly fast enough to curb the spread of this deadly disease, which is largely preventable in many cases,” said American College of Cardiology President Richard Kovacs, MD, FACC. “The ACC thanks Congressional Heart and Stroke Coalition Co-Chairs Reps. Joyce Beatty and Chris Smith for their continued advocacy to end the global health crisis of heart disease. The ACC is committed to working with Congress to continue raising awareness of heart disease prevention and to increase funding for cardiovascular research this Heart Month and every month.”

   Though Heart Month will be celebrated around the nation throughout February at awareness events, galas and free medical screenings, all Americans should work to live healthier lives all year long.

March 5, 2020

Church Street is closed from Main Street to Johnson Drive. 

Allentown, NJ (Monmouth)–There is sewer line maintenance work going on today. As such, Church Street is closed between Main Street and Johnson Drive. Traffic is being redirected onto Johnson Drive, to Mechanic Street,  to Broad Street, and back onto Main Street. It is estimated that this work will continue until 3PM today. If work needs to continue tomorrow, the same closures will be in effect. There will be traffic delays in the area. Please plan accordingly. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter. 

February 4, 2020

By: Dennis Symons, Jr.

WEST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–The visiting Allentown Redbirds with a strong comeback in the 4th period defeated the West Windsor Plainsboro South Pirates 72-71 with seconds left in the game.

Photo gallery:

January 25, 2020

By: Dennis Symons, Jr.

ALLENTOWN, NJ (MONMOUTH)—Allentown High School wrestler Nick Golden reached his 100^th career win milestone on Saturday January 25, 2020 at a quad meet in New Brunswick, NJ. Golden is the 5^th Allentown High School wrestler to reach the 100-win milestone. The match was against Jazzarell Bull from New Brunswick with a fall at 1:32 of the first period to get the 100.

Nick, 17 years old is a senior and wrestling in the 170-pound weight class and began wrestling in the 5^th grade. Currently Golden is 100-26 with 65 pins and so far this season 23-1 and is looking for a strong finish this season.

When asking Nick how he sees the rest of the season he says he is continuing to do the right thing with proper nutrition, wrestling club and spending time in the weight room. He is looking forward to the upcoming county, districts and regions in preparation for the state tournament in Atlantic City.

Next year Nick will wrestling at The College of New Jersey next year and has signed a commitment. Nick’s major at TCNJ will be math and looking for a career as an actuary working for an insurance company or major corporation in the future.

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–The Steinert wresting team held their Senior Day at a tri meet at home today. During the first meet Steinert won their match against West Windsor Plainsboro South with a team score of 45-19, individual scores below:

132lbs. Steinert: Anthony Verdi (w: Pin 1:00) WWPS: Jason Carrol138lbs. Steinert: Dan Fernandez WWPS: Paranav Anil (w )145lbs. Steinert: Josh Muller WWPS: Alex Yu (w )152lbs. Steinert: Dennis Divilla (w: Pin 1:50) WWPS: Rocco Valentine160lbs. Steinert: Dante Hawkins (w: Pin 0:24) WWPS: Shyam Kumar170lbs. Steinert: FFT WWPS: Murali Thirumalai (w )182lbs. Steinert: Clayton Resch WWPS: Ireayo Kuku (w: Pin 1:42)195lbs. Steinert: Will Laster (w: Pin 0:59) WWPS: Franco Valentiene220lbs. Steinert: Yousef Yaakoub WWPS: FFT285lbs. Steinert: Larry Premah (w ) WWPS: FFT106lbs. Steinert: Anthony Lapiana WWPS: FFT113lbs. Steinert: FFT WWPS: FFT120lbs. Steinert: FFT WWPS: FFT

126lbs. Steinert: Matthew Ancelc WWPS: Mikey Eltvedt

126lbs. Steinert: Matthew Ancelc WWPS: Mikey Eltvedt

126lbs. Steinert: Matthew Ancelc WWPS: Mikey Eltvedt

126lbs. Steinert: Matthew Ancelc WWPS: Mikey Eltvedt

126lbs. Steinert: Matthew Ancelc WWPS: Mikey Eltvedt

132lbs. Steinert: Anthony Verdi (w: Pin 1:00) WWPS: Jason Carrol

132lbs. Steinert: Anthony Verdi (w: Pin 1:00) WWPS: Jason Carrol

132lbs. Steinert: Anthony Verdi (w: Pin 1:00) WWPS: Jason Carrol

138lbs. Steinert: Dan Fernandez WWPS: Paranav Anil

138lbs. Steinert: Dan Fernandez WWPS: Paranav Anil

138lbs. Steinert: Dan Fernandez WWPS: Paranav Anil

145lbs. Steinert: Josh Muller WWPS: Alex Yu

145lbs. Steinert: Josh Muller WWPS: Alex Yu

152lbs. Steinert: Dennis Divilla (w: Pin 1:50) WWPS: Rocco Valentine

152lbs. Steinert: Dennis Divilla (w: Pin 1:50) WWPS: Rocco Valentine

152lbs. Steinert: Dennis Divilla (w: Pin 1:50) WWPS: Rocco Valentine

152lbs. Steinert: Dennis Divilla (w: Pin 1:50) WWPS: Rocco Valentine

152lbs. Steinert: Dennis Divilla (w: Pin 1:50) WWPS: Rocco Valentine

160lbs. Steinert: Dante Hawkins (w: Pin 0:24) WWPS: Shyam Kumar

160lbs. Steinert: Dante Hawkins (w: Pin 0:24) WWPS: Shyam Kumar

182lbs. Steinert: Clayton Resch WWPS: Ireayo Kuku (w: Pin 1:42)

182lbs. Steinert: Clayton Resch WWPS: Ireayo Kuku (w: Pin 1:42)

182lbs. Steinert: Clayton Resch WWPS: Ireayo Kuku (w: Pin 1:42)

182lbs. Steinert: Clayton Resch WWPS: Ireayo Kuku (w: Pin 1:42)

182lbs. Steinert: Clayton Resch WWPS: Ireayo Kuku (w: Pin 1:42)

195lbs. Steinert: Will Laster (w: Pin 0:59) WWPS: Franco Valentiene

195lbs. Steinert: Will Laster (w: Pin 0:59) WWPS: Franco Valentiene

195lbs. Steinert: Will Laster (w: Pin 0:59) WWPS: Franco Valentiene

195lbs. Steinert: Will Laster (w: Pin 0:59) WWPS: Franco Valentiene

January 7, 2020

TRENTON, N.J. – The Assembly Appropriations Committee approved a bill (A544), sponsored by Assemblyman Ron Dancer, that will establish a loan program and provide tax credits for new vineyards and wineries in Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, Monmouth and Ocean counties.“New Jersey’s wine industry is very valuable. It not only supports the state’s economy and jobs, but also tourism,” said Dancer. “It’s smart to encourage the growth of new wineries and vineyards and help existing wineries stay competitive.” Under the bill, the Economic Development Authority in consultation with the Department of Agriculture will develop a 10-year pilot program to issue low-interest loans to farmers for qualified costs for new vineyards. The costs can include preparing the land for planting, purchasing vines or trees, and equipment and supplies for that purpose. This bill also allows eligible taxpayers to apply for a tax credit against either their Corporation Business Tax or Gross Income Tax liability for 25 percent of the qualified capital expenses for establishing a new vineyard or winery, or capital improvements to an existing vineyard or winery in the eligible counties.

According to a study released by the Garden State Wine Growers Association, New Jersey’s wine industry had a $323 million economic impact on the state in 2016, an increase of nearly 40 percent from 2011. During that same five-year period, the number of wineries in the state increased from 38 to 50. In 2016, wine, grapes and related industries accounted for 1,979 jobs with the majority of the jobs being in the actual wineries and vineyards with an associated payroll of $85.57 million.

The EDA will submit annual reports to the governor and the Legislature summarizing the loan and tax credit programs, including the effectiveness of increasing acreage of commercial vineyards and the number of wineries in the eligible counties.

The bill passed the Senate in 2018 and needs a vote by the fully Assembly before going to the governor. 

February 12, 2020

FREEHOLD – A Neptune Township man who coached a competitive youth softball team is facing charges of theft after he misused about $14,000 of the team’s funds earmarked for traveling expenses and tournament costs, announced Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni.

Michael Lane, 54, of Neptune Township, was charged Monday with third degree Theft by Unlawful Taking and third degree Misapplication of Entrusted Property by detectives from the Tinton Falls Police Department with assistance from the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office.

Lane, in his capacity as the coach for the Monmouth Surf softball team (a youth sports travel team) since 2013, received money from players to cover traveling expenses and tournament costs. But last July 2019, parents for the players were informed by Lane he misused the funds given to him for personal use and the money was no longer available. He then informed parents he would pay back the funds but the player’s participation would have to be cancelled. When money was not paid back, parents reported the crime to law enforcement and an investigation by the Tinton Falls Police Department, with assistance from the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, revealed the defendant did not utilize the funds for the softball team and instead deposited approximately $14,000 of the stolen money into his personal account.

If convicted of the third degree crimes, Lane faces up to five years in a New Jersey state prison on each count.The case is assigned to Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Diane Aifer. Lane is represented by Jacqueline E. Cistaro, Esq. of New York.

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.

January 16, 2020

By: Dennis Symons, Jr.

ALLENTOWN, NJ (MONMOUTH)–The Allentown High School Redbird wrestling team won their match against Nottingham Northstars tonight with a team score of Allentown 47 Nottingham 26. Individual scores are posted below with a W if they won their match and pin time of the winner.

170 lbs. Allentown: Doug Fusco Nottingham Manuel Raman W

182 lbs. Allentown: Paskal Miga W, Nottingham Dorian Henry

195 lbs. Allentown: Walter Diebel Pin 1:07, Nottingham Naeem Rashid

220 lbs. Allentown: Dan Schweitzer Pin 3:32, Nottingham: Jonathan Jupiter

285/Heavy Weight: Allentown: Jake VanDen Bogard Pin 1:02, Nottingham: Jermine Lofland

106 lbs. Allentown: Jasmine Aizley, Nottingham: Stalin Arpi W

113 lbs. Allentown: Vinny Grassvllo W, Nottingham: Curtis Selmon

120 lbs. Allentown: Vin Grassullo, Nottingham: Gurung Sudesh Pin 1:00

126 lbs. Allentown: Joey Lamparelli Pin: 2:32, Nottingham: Melvin Deleon

132 lbs. Allentown: Jack McDonough, Nottingham: David Aboasu Pin 0:24

138 lbs. Allentown: Parker Schloss W, Nottingham: Angel Romero

145 lbs. Allentown: Chris Scheuerman, Nottingham: Anthony Mardoh Pin 2:32

152 lbs. Allentown: Matt Paglia Pin 2:49, Nottingham: Joachim Larose

160 lbs. Allentown: Nick Golden Pin: 0:51, Nottingham: Kwahir Edwards

Team Score: Allentown 47 Nottingham 26

285/Heavy Weight: Allentown: Jake VanDen Bogard Pin 1:02, Nottingham: Jermine Lofland

106 lbs. Allentown: Jasmine Aizley, Nottingham: Stalin Arpi W

106 lbs. Allentown: Jasmine Aizley, Nottingham: Stalin Arpi W

106 lbs. Allentown: Jasmine Aizley, Nottingham: Stalin Arpi W

113 lbs. Allentown: Vinny Grassvllo W, Nottingham: Curtis Selmon

113 lbs. Allentown: Vinny Grassvllo W, Nottingham: Curtis Selmon

113 lbs. Allentown: Vinny Grassvllo W, Nottingham: Curtis Selmon

113 lbs. Allentown: Vinny Grassvllo W, Nottingham: Curtis Selmon

120 lbs. Allentown: Vin Grassullo, Nottingham: Gurung Sudesh Pin 1:00

120 lbs. Allentown: Vin Grassullo, Nottingham: Gurung Sudesh Pin 1:00

120 lbs. Allentown: Vin Grassullo, Nottingham: Gurung Sudesh Pin 1:00

120 lbs. Allentown: Vin Grassullo, Nottingham: Gurung Sudesh Pin 1:00

126 lbs. Allentown: Joey Lamparelli Pin: 2:32, Nottingham: Melvin Deleon

126 lbs. Allentown: Joey Lamparelli Pin: 2:32, Nottingham: Melvin Deleon

126 lbs. Allentown: Joey Lamparelli Pin: 2:32, Nottingham: Melvin Deleon

132 lbs. Allentown: Jack McDonough, Nottingham: David Aboasu Pin 0:24

132 lbs. Allentown: Jack McDonough, Nottingham: David Aboasu Pin 0:24

138 lbs. Allentown: Parker Schloss W, Nottingham: Angel Romero

138 lbs. Allentown: Parker Schloss W, Nottingham: Angel Romero

138 lbs. Allentown: Parker Schloss W, Nottingham: Angel Romero

138 lbs. Allentown: Parker Schloss W, Nottingham: Angel Romero

145 lbs. Allentown: Chris Scheuerman, Nottingham: Anthony Mardoh Pin 2:32

145 lbs. Allentown: Chris Scheuerman, Nottingham: Anthony Mardoh Pin 2:32

145 lbs. Allentown: Chris Scheuerman, Nottingham: Anthony Mardoh Pin 2:32

152 lbs. Allentown: Matt Paglia Pin 2:49, Nottingham: Joachim Larose

152 lbs. Allentown: Matt Paglia Pin 2:49, Nottingham: Joachim Larose

152 lbs. Allentown: Matt Paglia Pin 2:49, Nottingham: Joachim Larose

152 lbs. Allentown: Matt Paglia Pin 2:49, Nottingham: Joachim Larose

152 lbs. Allentown: Matt Paglia Pin 2:49, Nottingham: Joachim Larose

160 lbs. Allentown: Nick Golden Pin: 0:51, Nottingham: Kwahir Edwards

160 lbs. Allentown: Nick Golden Pin: 0:51, Nottingham: Kwahir Edwards

160 lbs. Allentown: Nick Golden Pin: 0:51, Nottingham: Kwahir Edwards

Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office

FREEHOLD – Two men and a woman, all from Ocean County, were indicted Tuesday morning for their respective roles in the October shooting death of a Manalapan man, announced Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni.

Zoey S. Monte, 20, of Jackson, was arrested after she turned herself into authorities at the Manalapan Township Police Department yesterday. Monte was indicted on one count of second degree Burglary, one count of second degree Conspiracy to Commit Burglary, one count of second degree Unlawful Possession of a Handgun, one count of second degree Possession of a Firearm for an Unlawful Purpose, one count of fourth degree Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, and one count of third degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose.

Tyler J. Martucci, 22, also of Jackson is currently be held in the Ocean County Jail in Toms River on separate, unrelated charges. Martucci was indicted on one count of second degree Burglary, one count of second degree Conspiracy to Commit Burglary, one count of second degree Unlawful Possession of a Handgun, one count of second degree Possession of a Firearm for an Unlawful Purpose, one count of fourth degree Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, and one count of third degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose.

In October, Gerard A. Grimes Jr., 23, of Jackson, was arrested in connection with the shooting death of Narciso Rodriguez-Corona, 43, of Manalapan.  Tuesday, Grimes was indicted on one count of first degree Murder, one count of first degree Felony Murder, two counts of second degree Possession of a Firearm for an Unlawful Purpose, two counts of second degree Unlawful Possession of a Handgun, one count of second degree Burglary, one count of second degree Conspiracy to Commit Burglary, two counts of fourth degree Aggravated Assault, one count of second degree Eluding, one count of fourth degree Resisting Arrest, and one count of fourth degree Tampering with Physical Evidence. 

On Saturday, October 5, 2019 at 9:34 p.m., Manalapan police officers responded to a call, reporting a fight at 25 Fawn Run in the township. Several minutes later, police received another call for a confirmed shooting victim. Manalapan police officers arrived on scene and discovered RodriguezCorona suffering from a gunshot wound.  Mr. Rodriguez-Corona was transported to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, where he was pronounced deceased.   The investigation revealed Grimes, Monte and Martucci all came to the Manalapan residence armed with a handgun.  Grimes attempted to enter the residence while Monte and Martucci remained outside.  Residents of the home were alerted to Grimes’ presence and attempted to stop him from entering, resulting in a brief confrontation outside the home.  Shortly thereafter, a second encounter occurred nearby, where Grimes ultimately shot the victim.  Grimes, Monte and Martucci all fled the area

Police were quickly dispatched to the area and encountered the victim, who was suffering from lifethreatening injuries.  After receiving initial information regarding the incident, police began to search the area.  A few hours later, police attempted a motor vehicle stop of Grimes’ vehicle, but he failed to stop.  Thereafter, Grimes fled the vehicle.  Monte and Martucci were also onboard the vehicle and were arrested at that time.  A short time later, Grimes was in the backyard of a neighborhood residence.   

If convicted of Murder, Grimes faces a minimum sentence of thirty (30) years in New Jersey state prison without the possibility of parole, and a maximum sentence of Life imprisonment subject to the provisions of the “No Early Release Act” (NERA), requiring him to serve 85 percent of his imposed sentence before becoming eligible for release on parole.  Grimes would also be under parole supervision for five years following his prospective release from state prison.

If convicted of any of the second degree crimes, Grimes, Monte and Martucci each face up to 10 years in a New Jersey state prison on each count.  Any sentence resulting from a conviction for the second degree crime of Burglary is also subject to the provisions of NERA. Grimes, Monte and Martucci would also be under parole supervision for five years following their respective release from state prison. 

Grimes, Monte and Martucci are each being held in the Monmouth County Correctional Institution (MCCI) in Freehold Township. Grimes has been detained pending trial since his arrest on Oct. 5, 2019. Detention hearings for Monte and Martucci are schedule for Feb. 3, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. before Monmouth County Superior Court Judge Paul X. Escandon.

The case is assigned to Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutors Joseph Lanzot and Lawrence Nelson. 

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.