JACKSON, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer and Jackson Township Police Chief Matthew Kunz announced that on March 8, 2023, Gerson Aguilar-Lara, 24, of Lakewood, was charged with two counts of Kidnapping, Endangering the Welfare of a Child, and Robbery, in connection with a series of events that occurred in Jackson Township between March 7, 2023 and March 8, 2023.
On March 7, 2023, at approximately 10:30 p.m., the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call from a female victim seeking help; the call was subsequently disconnected. Upon callback, the victim was able to provide her name and basic information before the connection was again terminated. The Jackson Township Police Department was able to ascertain the address of the victim as a residence on North Chapel Road in Jackson. Through investigation, responding officers determined that the victim and her infant child had been taken from the residence against their will. Further investigation revealed that Aguilar-Lara, who was in a dating relationship with the victim and father of the infant, had forced the victim and her child into a Chevrolet Equinox and then fled the area.
The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit and Jackson Township Police Department put out a description of the vehicle, and utilized various investigative techniques to locate the victims as well as Aguilar-Lara. On March 8, 2023, at approximately 3:15 a.m., the Toms River Police Department observed Aguilar-Lara’s vehicle as it turned into a parking lot on Route 37 in Toms River. As the vehicle came to a stop, Aguilar-Lara fled on foot; he was taken into custody by officers of the Toms River Township Police Department shortly thereafter. Neither the victim nor her infant child were harmed.
Aguilar-Lara was transported to Jackson Township Police Headquarters, where he was processed and he is currently lodged in the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.
Prosecutor Billhimer and Chief Kunz acknowledge the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Special Offenders Unit, Jackson Township Police Department, Jackson Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Lakewood Township Police Department, Toms River Township Police Department, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office, and New Jersey State Police Aviation Unit, for their collaborative efforts in connection with this investigation leading to Aguilar-Lara’s apprehension.
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.
HIGHTSTOWN, NJ (MERCER)–Hightstown Engine Company # 1 announced the passing of Past President , Chief , and Life Member Neal M. Glackin. Neal has over 50 years of service with the fire department and has held every fire line position, multiple executive line positions, chaired multiple committees, built numerous apparatus and served as the past two years as company President.
Neal was a longtime member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians Msgr. Crean Div. 1, having served as a parade marshal of the Trenton/Hamilton St. Patrick’s Day for the past 37 years. He was a lifelong member of St. Anthony of Padua Church, and a longtime member of Hightstown/East Windsor Lions Club and the Hightstown American Legion. Neal was very instrumental each year in organizing the Youth Fishing Derby at Peddie Lake.
Neal was also a supporter of MidJersey.news for covering local news and Hightstown.
See statement from Hightstown Engine Company #1 and obituary below:
It is with heavy hearts that the Hightstown Engine Company # 1 announces the passing of Past President , Chief , and Life Member Neal M. Glackin badge # 196.
Brother Neal was a pillar not only in the firehouse but within the community. In his 50 plus years of service Neal has held every Fire line position, multiple executive line positions, built numerous apparatus, chaired multiple committees and for the last two (2) has lead the company as our president.
Weekend mornings you would find him at the Hightstown diner getting the town news and later in the afternoon he would be sitting at the station reading a firehouse newspaper, watching the Fighting Irish, Jets, Yankees or sitting on the bench near his favorite piece (Engine 41) watching over his beloved Hightstown.
Neal leaves very big shoes to fill and a legacy that will live on in the Mercer County Fire Service Community. Neal may you rest easy brother, we have it from here.
“May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face; the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand”
Services and arrangements are as follows:
Viewing:
Sunday March 12, 2023
2pm-5pm
Firefighters Service at 5pm
Simplicity Funeral and Cremation Services at Glackin Chapel
136 Morrison Ave
Hightstown, NJ 08520
Funeral:
Monday March 13, 2023
10:30am Mass
St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church
156 Maxwell Ave,
Hightstown, NJ 08520
A procession will depart from St. Anthony’s to Cedar Hill Cemetery
385 Mercer St
Hightstown, NJ 08520
Neal was a longtime member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians Msgr. Crean Div. 1, having served as a parade marshal of the Trenton/Hamilton St. Patrick’s Day for the past 37 years. He was a lifelong member of St. Anthony of Padua Church, and a longtime member of Hightstown/East Windsor Lions Club and the Hightstown American Legion.
Born in Plainfield, NJ, he was a lifelong resident of Hightstown. Neal was a graduate of Hightstown High School. He began his career at Glackin Funeral Home on Morrison Avenue in Hightstown, NJ, a family-owned funeral home which his late parents founded in 1957 and ended his career with Glackin/Saul Funeral Home. Neal was a life member of Hightstown Engine Co No 1. He served as Past Chief and most recently Company President. Neal was a longtime member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians Msgr. Crean Div. 1, having served as a parade marshal of the Trenton/Hamilton St. Patrick’s Day for the past 37 years. He was a lifelong member of St. Anthony of Padua Church, and a longtime member of Hightstown/East Windsor Lions Club and the Hightstown American Legion. Neal was very instrumental each year in organizing the Youth Fishing Derby at Peddie Lake. He enjoyed blue fishing out of Point Pleasant, watching NASCAR races, Notre Dame Football, and New York Jets football
“J!-E!-T!-S!…………………..Jets, Jets, Jets”.
Son of the late William F. and Patricia Glackin; he is survived by his daughter Samantha Glackin and her husband Steve Barclay, his son Corey Glackin; his beloved grandson Liam Barclay; his former spouse and friend Elly Glackin; his sister and her fiancé Barbara Glackin and Frank Myernick, his brother and sister-in-law Timothy and Gwyn Glackin; his godson Mario Lanzetta; and a very large extended family.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, March 13, 2023 at 10:30AM at St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church 251 Franklin Street, Hightstown, NJ 08520. All funeral attendees are asked to arrive to the church no later than 10:15AM.
Interment will be held at Cedar Hill Cemetery, Hightstown, NJ.
Visitation will be held on Sunday afternoon from 2-5PM at Simplicity Funeral and Cremation Services at Glackin Chapel, 136 Morrison Ave., Hightstown, NJ. Fire company services will begin at 5:00PM.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Hightstown Engine Co No 1, 140 N. Main Street, Hightstown, NJ 08520 or to Fox Chase Cancer Center http://www.foxchase.org
BOONTON — Attorney General Matthew J. Platkintoday announced charges against a Boonton police captain who allegedly stole his own internal affairs records and computer hardware containing police data from the Boonton Police Department.
Stephen Jones, 42, of Toms River, has been charged by complaint with computer theft, tampering with public records, and other offenses in connection with the April 2022 incident. The charges are a result of an investigation by the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability’s (OPIA) Corruption Bureau.
The investigation revealed Jones removed at least five computer towers from the Boonton Police Department, three of which contained police information, including files on internal affairs (IA) matters. Additionally, he allegedly stole his own personnel file and IA file, stashing the computer towers in his Toms River home and the files at his in-laws’ home in Edison.
Then the officer-in-charge of the Boonton Police, Jones was allegedly captured on surveillance video late at night on April 13, 2022 removing containers and computer towers from the police department. According to the investigation, Jones removed the computer hardware and files without authorization and in violation of Boonton Police policies.
Jones is charged with one count of each of the following offenses:
• second-degree computer theft
• third-degree theft by unlawful taking
• third-degree tampering with public records
• fourth-degree falsifying or tampering with records
Second-degree crimes carry a five- to 10-year prison term with a $150,000 fine upon conviction. Third-degree crimes can carry a prison sentence of three to five years and a $15,000 fine. Fourth-degree offenses could lead to up to 18 months in state prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
Deputy Attorney General Eric Cohen is prosecuting the case for the OPIA Corruption Bureau under the supervision of Deputy Bureau Chief Jeffrey Manis, Bureau Chief Peter Lee, OPIA Deputy Director Anthony Picione and OPIA Executive Director Thomas Eicher.
These charges are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office is aware of a scam using letters claiming to be from a fictitious Tax Assessment Securities division of Mercer County. This is not an official notice from the Mercer County Board of Taxation.
It is believed that this is an attempt to scam residents into paying a fake tax debt. The fraudulent notice has a bold heading claiming the notice is a distraint warrant and a toll- free number listed on the letter, which may lead recipients to believe this is a legitimate piece of communication. These letters attempt to scare residents to respond by stating it is a final judgmental notice and that the recipient must call within 15 days of receiving the letter to avoid enforcement and additional penalties, fees or interest.
Residents should not take any action or call the number listed on the notice.
Property owners with questions can contact the Mercer County Board of Taxation at (609) 989-6704, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or email botinquiry@mercercounty.org.
Five-day Operation with Federal, State, and Local Law Enforcement Partners nets 23 stolen vehicles worth $1.33+ Million being shipped out of the United States
March 8, 2023
NEWARK, NJ. – On February 13, 2023, U. S. Customs and Border Protection at the Port of New York/Newark conducted a five-day operation named “Operation Terminus,” to detect and recover stolen vehicles being shipped out of the United States. CBP worked with Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Dept. of Commerce, the New Jersey State Police, the NYPD Auto Crime Unit, the Hudson County, NJ Sheriff’s Office, the Port Authority Police Department – Criminal Investigation Bureau, and the National Insurance Crime Bureau leveraging their collective expertise and shared intelligence.
Operation Terminus concluded on February 17, with a total of 23 stolen vehicles recovered, all of which were destined to Western African countries (Togo, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Monrovia, and Liberia) with an estimated value of $1,333,425. Additionally, 109 rounds of various caliber ammunition were discovered concealed in a vehicle destined to Nigeria.
On the matter of outbound stolen vehicles, TenaVel T. Thomas, CBP Port Director, Port of New York/Newark said, “Identifying, degrading, and disrupting transnational networks requires a multi-layered approach that includes a focus on analytics and partnerships. CBP is proud to leverage our unique authorities, data holdings, and analytical abilities, combined with our robust collaboration with our federal, state, and local partners to dismantle these networks. These partnerships are the cornerstone of our recent success.”
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the comprehensive management, control, and protection of our nation’s borders, combining customs, immigration, border security, and agricultural protection at and between official ports of entry.
NEWARK, N.J. — On March 3, Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Newark arrested a citizen and national of Brazil in Newark who was subject to a foreign arrest warrant and is wanted in Brazil to serve 15 years and six months in prison for murder.
On an unknown date and unknown location, the fugitive entered the U.S without admission or parole.
On Jan. 26, 2010, the Pennsauken Police Department arrested subject for possession of a controlled dangerous substance. On Sept. 28, 2010, the Pennsauken Municipal Court convicted the fugitive of possession of a controlled dangerous substance and issued fines.
On Sept.18, 2018, ERO Newark officers encountered the subject, who was detained at the Essex County Correctional Facility in Newark, and lodged an immigration detainer with the facility.
Two days later, ERO Newark arrested the subject upon release from Essex County Correctional Facility and served them with a Notice to Appear in violation of the Immigration and Nationality Act. ERO Newark detained the subject at the same facility pending removal proceedings. On Jan. 24, 2019, the subject was released from ICE custody after posting a bond.
ERO Newark confirmed that subject is wanted by the Brazilian Federal Police for murder. The subject was convicted of felony crimes against life in the state of Goias and sentenced in absentia to 15 years and six months of imprisonment on April 5, 2018.
On March 3, 2023, ERO Newark arrested the subject, who was then placed in ICE custody without bond pending removal proceedings. The case is currently pending before an immigration court.
In fiscal year 2022, ERO arrested 46,396 noncitizens with criminal histories; this group had 198,498 associated charges and convictions. These included 21,531 assault offenses; 8,164 sex and sexual assault offenses; 5,554 weapons offenses; 1,501 homicide-related offenses; and 1,114 kidnapping offenses.
Members of the public can report crimes and/or suspicious activity by dialing 866-347-2423 or completing the online tip form.
Regardless of nationality, ICE makes custody determinations on a case-by-case basis, in accordance with U.S. law and U.S. Department of Homeland Security policy, considering the individual merits and factors of each case.
ERO is focused on smart, effective immigration enforcement that protects the homeland through the arrest and removal of those who undermine the safety of our communities and the integrity of our immigration laws.
ERO, a directorate of ICE, upholds U.S. immigration law at, within, and beyond our borders. ERO operations target public safety threats, such as convicted criminal noncitizens and gang members, who have violated our nation’s immigration laws, including those who illegally re-enter the country after being removed and immigration fugitives ordered removed by federal immigration judges. ERO deportation officers assigned to Interpol also assist in targeting foreign fugitives for crimes committed abroad at-large in the U.S. ERO manages all aspects of the immigration enforcement process, including identification and arrest, detention, bond management, supervised release, transportation, and removal. Additionally, ERO repatriates noncitizens ordered removed from the U.S. to more than 150 countries worldwide.
Learn more about ERO’s public safety mission in your community on Twitter @ERONewark
The company donated $25,000 to Habitat and provided volunteers for new home construction and home repair projects in Mercer County
March 8, 2023
Hamilton, NJ – A volunteer group from Freedom Mortgage, a top mortgage lending company, lent their hearts, hands, and hammers to Habitat for Humanity of South Central New Jersey to build and repair homes for local women in need of a safe place to call home. Their work in the community was part of Habitat’s “Women Build Week” and amplified by a donation of $25,000 to support Habitat SCNJ’s affordable housing initiatives.
Freedom Mortgage has been a longstanding partner of Habitat SCNJ. They not only provide financial contributions to our project, but take it a step further by coming out to our builds and putting in the dirty work, even with a crisp chill in the air and a blanket of snow covering the ground. In the past, Freedom Mortgage has supported Habitat SCNJ’s Veterans Build, so this was an exciting first for the partners as they set out to work together for Women Build Week. Volunteers focused their work on two construction sites; one, framing a new home under construction in Hightstown, and the other, refurbishing basement doors and replacing the stairs to the cellar, building a shed roof, and repairing soffits around a home in Hamilton.
“The team at Freedom Mortgage is so invested in uplifting members of the community, and we’re so glad to have them out on the work site during Women Build Week so that we may empower local women together. The impact of their volunteer and financial support will last beyond today and this event, and we are so thankful to have partners like this who help us continue our work of building homes, community, and hope,” shared Habitat SCNJ Chief Development Officer, Annie Fox.
Women Build is an annual Habitat event that seeks to empower women and help them achieve stability, security, and independence with hands-on learning experiences, financial education, affordable homeownership, and home repairs. The event invites members of the community to devote their time to help families build strength, stability, and self-reliance through permanent housing solutions. Women Build takes place during the first week of March, which coincides with Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day on March 8th. By spotlighting the homeownership challenges faced by women and providing opportunities for skills training and homeowner education during this time, Habitat and Women Build participants aim to send the message that every woman can empower themselves and others through learning and using construction skills.
Women Build is not just about supporting local women in their efforts to build brighter futures for themselves and their loved ones, but it’s also an opportunity to highlight local businesses that play critical roles in the communities Habitat builds in and serves women in their efforts to achieve and maintain homeownership. Companies like Freedom Mortgage amplify their own work as a mortgage lender as well as Habitat’s through their involvement in Women Build. The company’s support will bring more affordable housing opportunities to the community and provide women with pathways to move onward and upward from substandard living situations.
Be sure to connect with @HabitatSCNJ on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to see photos from Freedom Mortgage’s volunteering. You can also visit http://www.HabitatSCNJ.org to learn more about Habitat’s events and services, find volunteer opportunities like Women Build, and give the gift of home to families in need.
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Habitat for Humanity of South Central New Jersey (Habitat SCNJ) is an independent affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, which operates through independent, local affiliates to ensure that all functions of the organization have maximum relevance and impact on individual communities. In January 2022, the affiliate changed its name to reflect its expanded service area, which covers Burlington, Mercer, Atlantic and parts of Middlesex Counties.
You can find affordable homeownership and home repair projects from the Delaware River to the Jersey Shore, as well as ReStore locations in Egg Harbor Township, Hamilton and Maple Shade. Since its inception, the affiliate has built 286 and repaired 266 homes for low- and moderate-income families, serving 77 municipalities and over 1.1 million residents. Learn more at http://www.HabitatSCNJ.org
Family-founded and operated since 1990, Freedom Mortgage is a top mortgage lender. The company specializes in mortgages that can help people buy or refinance a home regardless of unique circumstances. The company is particularly focused on helping service members realize the American dream of homeownership. For over 30 years, Freedom Mortgage has helped millions of Americans achieve their dreams of homeownership and financial betterment. The wellbeing and improvement of their customers’ lives and the communities in which they live fuels the organization’s ambition. They’re driven by boundless stamina and an unwavering focus on continuous collaboration, relentlessly seeking the right solutions for every customer and loan every day. Learn more by visiting http://www.freedommortgage.com
28 Municipalities Receive Notices of Violation for Publishing LGBTQIA+ Exclusionary Marriage License Application Forms On Their Websites
DCR has issued Notices of Violation to the following 28 municipalities: Audubon, Carney’s Point, Chester Township, Commercial, Delran, Fair Haven, Farmingdale, Hi-Nella, Lopatcong, Lumberton, Manasquan, Milltown, Morris Plains, Morristown, Ocean Gate, Oceanport, Old Bridge, Pemberton, Pennsauken, Pohatcong, Raritan Borough, Stockton, Sussex Borough, Vineland, West Cape May, Westhampton, Westville, and Woodlynne.
March 8, 2023
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division on Civil Rights (DCR) announced today that DCR has issued Notices of Violation to 28 municipalities across the state for allegedly violating the Law Against Discrimination by publishing marriage license application forms on their websites that exclude certain LGBTQIA+ individuals seeking to obtain marriage licenses.
The Notices of Violation announced today have been issued to 28 municipalities that have posted marriage license application forms on their websites that do not permit nonbinary people to apply for marriage licenses unless they misgender themselves, under oath, as either “m” (male) or “f” (female). That practice is inconsistent with the marriage license application currently published by the New Jersey Department of Health, which has included a third gender option for nonbinary applicants and other people with undesignated or unspecified gender identities since 2019.
DCR has issued Notices of Violation to the following 28 municipalities: Audubon, Carney’s Point, Chester Township, Commercial, Delran, Fair Haven, Farmingdale, Hi-Nella, Lopatcong, Lumberton, Manasquan, Milltown, Morris Plains, Morristown, Ocean Gate, Oceanport, Old Bridge, Pemberton, Pennsauken, Pohatcong, Raritan Borough, Stockton, Sussex Borough, Vineland, West Cape May, Westhampton, Westville, and Woodlynne.
In each case, the Notice of Violation advises that the exclusionary gender options in the municipality’s marriage application form violates New Jersey’s Law Against Discrimination (LAD). The LAD prohibits places of public accommodation from discriminating on the basis of real or perceived sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, and gender expression. Under the LAD, it is also unlawful for a place of public accommodation to display or post any communication or notice indicating that any of their offerings are unavailable based on a person’s sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or gender expression.
“Marriage equality is not just the law. It is a fundamental right,” said Attorney General Platkin. “The marriage equality enforcement actions we are announcing today reflect our continued commitment to ensuring that municipal governments do not discriminate against couples seeking marriage licenses on the basis of their gender, gender identity, or gender expression.”
“The law in New Jersey is crystal clear: No one can be denied the fundamental right to marry based on their gender identity,” said DCR Director Sundeep Iyer. “Municipalities have an obligation to ensure that they are not excluding LGBTQIA+ individuals from applying for marriage licenses. Today’s enforcement actions underscore our ongoing commitment to ensuring that marriage equality remains a reality for our State’s LGBTQIA+ residents.”
The Notices of Violation announced today are the latest enforcement actions taken as part of DCR’s Marriage Equality Enforcement Initiative, which was launched in October 2022. The Marriage Equality Enforcement Initiative seeks to ensure that municipal governments across New Jersey comply with the LAD by providing gender-inclusive and non-discriminatory marriage licensing applications and instructions to the general public.
The discriminatory language used by municipalities to describe marriage licensing requirements was first flagged in Marriage Equality in New Jersey: A Latina/o/x Perspective, a joint report issued in July 2022 by the Latino Action Network, Hudson P.R.I.D.E., and Garden State Equality. The report found that the websites of certain municipalities violated the LAD by expressly limiting marriage licenses to “opposite-sex couples.” DCR’s investigation identified other discriminatory language employed by municipalities, including the exclusionary gender options identified in the Notices of Violation announced today.
Among other things, the Notices of Violation issued by DCR warn each municipality that the marriage license application form published on their websites violates the LAD, and that such violations could result in financial penalties of up to $10,000.
The Notices of Violation also contain an offer of settlement. If the municipality does not contest the facts as set out by DCR, it can resolve the matter by entering into an Assurance of Voluntary Compliance agreement. That agreement requires, among other things, that the municipality:
Update its websites to state that marriage licenses are available to qualifying couples of all gender compositions;
Ensure that its website does not contain gender-restrictive language regarding who may obtain a marriage license, and that the services the municipality offers will be open to all persons on an equal basis without regard to sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or gender expression;
Adopt a written policy prohibiting discrimination against persons using or seeking to use the municipality’s offerings and services;
Provide LAD training on compliance with the written anti-discrimination policy to all municipal employees involved in drafting website language and in issuing licenses; and
Remit to DCR a payment in lieu of penalty.
The Marriage Equality Enforcement Initiative will continue to investigate other possible violations related to the posting of marriage licensing information by municipalities across the State. The Initiative is being led by DCR’s Strategic Initiatives and Enforcement Unit, including Interim Chief Aarin Williams and Legal Specialist Iris Bromberg.
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DCR is the state agency responsible for preventing and eliminating discrimination and bias-based harassment in employment, housing, and places of public accommodation (e.g., places open to the public like schools, businesses, hospitals, etc.). DCR enforces the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD), the New Jersey Family Leave Act, and the Fair Chance in Housing Act (FCHA).
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