NEWARK, N.J. – A German man made an intial court appearance on Friday, March 24, 2023 on charges that he traveled to New Jersey for the purpose of engaging in sexual conduct with a minor, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Christian Stefan Walther, 38, of Erfurt, Germany, is charged by complaint with one count of travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct. Walther is scheduled to make his initial appearance this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Edward S. Kiel in Newark federal court.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Law enforcement authorities have been investigating Walther since January 2023 for child exploitation offenses. Two undercover officers communicated with Walther via email, phone, and an encrypted messaging app concerning Walther’s desire for sexual encounters with young children. During the investigation Walther sent an undercover officer two videos, each of which depicted an adult male sexually assaulting a prepubescent female child. Walther also expressed his desire to engage in sexual conduct with children aged 8 to 12, and explained that he had lied to his friends in Germany about the purpose of his trip to the United States. On March 23, 2023, Walther traveled from Germany to New Jersey to meet the undercover officers in advance of what he believed would be a sexual encounter with one or more children at a hotel.
The charge of interstate travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct carries a maximum statutory penalty of 30 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel in Newark, with the investigation leading to the charge. He also thanked officers of the New Jersey State Police, under the leadership of Col. Patrick J. Callahan, for its assistance.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Specht of the General Crimes Unit in Newark.
The charge and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
MEDFORD, NJ (BURLINGTON)–The New Jersey State Police have charged Jonathan P. Ryker, 25, of Hammonton, N.J., with sexual assault for allegedly assaulting minors who he coached at Rockstar Cheer in Southampton, N.J.
In August 2022, detectives from Troop “C” Criminal Investigation Office, Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Medford Township Police Department began investigating explicit content that was sent from Jonathan P. Ryker to a minor via social media. During the 8-month investigation, detectives were able to identify another victim of Ryker who was also a student at Rockstar Cheer.
Ryker was additionally charged with endangering the welfare of a child, and aggravated criminal sexual contact. Ryker was lodged in Burlington County Jail pending a detention hearing.
If you or anyone you know may have been a victim please contact the New Jersey State Police Red Lion Station at 609-859-2282. Anonymous tips are welcomed.
Charges are mere accusations, and the accused is considered innocent until proven guilty
Robbinsville Police reported that a 22-year-old motorcyclist has died after the crash. The driver of a Toyota Camery from Yardly, PA was uninjured. Full Robbinsville Police Department Press Release listed in the image below earlier story.
March 31, 2023
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Around 5:47 p.m. multiple 9-1-1 calls to both Robbinsville and Monmouth County reporting vehicle hit a motorcycle at the intersection of Old York Road and Montgomery Way. Robbinsville Fire Department, EMS and Police responded as well as NJ State Police, Hope Fire Company, Capital Health EMS from Allentown responded to the scene. There were reports of serious life-threating injuries to the motorcyclist. The motorcyclist was transported by EMS with Captial Health Paramedics to RWJ at Hamilton Hospital. Robbinsville Township Police along with the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office Serious Crash Investigation Unit is investigating the crash. Old York Road will be closed from County Road 524 to Gordon Road until the accident investigation is completed. No further details are available at this time.
Fire Police from Mercer County and Monmouth County Fire Police are assisting with traffic control in the area.
UPDATE:
Robbinsville Police, NJ State Police, Robbinsville Fire Department, Hope Fire Company of Allentown, Captial Health Allentown EMS, Robbinsville EMS, Captial Health Paramedics at the scene of a serious crash on Old York Road at Montgomery Way in Robbinsville Township.
Police also noted in their report that during the investigation of the CO leak, Engine 40 discovered numerous hazards, safety concerns in the dwelling. Specifically, it was observed that there were no CO carbon monoxide detectors, not enough smoke detectors, and many points of egress were blocked. Police noted in the report that a door was screwed shut to the frame, and another with two planks of wood mounted across it, preventing it from being opened. As a result, there was only one working point of exit for the occupants.
March 31, 2023
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)—According to documents obtained from an OPRA (Open Public Records Act) request by MidJersey.news it was revealed that an EMT’s carbon monoxide alarm sounded in a North Main Street home while treating a patient for a possible stroke. High levels of carbon monoxide were found in the dwelling. It was later revealed that the home was turned into a boarding house and housing thirty-three BAPS Temple volunteers. The building was evacuated, the Police, Fire Department, Construction Department and Fire Marshal responded.
According to reports, Robbinsville Ambulance 40, EMS workers responded to 93 North Main Street in Windsor on March 15, 2023 for a person believed to be having a stroke. When the ambulance crew entered the structure “A40 single gas CO monitor began to alarm.” Warning the ambulance crew of carbon monoxide present. The Fire/EMS report states “The patient was removed from the building and into the ambulance for further assessment. A40 transported with ALS to RWJ Hamilton. Squad 40 remained on scene and investigated the CO alarm.”
The Robbinsville Police Department report states police responded with Ambulance 40 and Engine 40 for a patient with possible stroke symptoms. As the EMT’s were evaluating the patient the EMT’s carbon monoxide detector emitted a warning about carbon monoxide levels in the dwelling.
The Robbinsville Police Department report also stated that the “building was currently housing thirty-three female work volunteers for the BAPS Temple (112 North Main Street).”
According the police record, Engine 40 investigated and confirmed that there was very high CO levels within the home. All occupants were evacuated immediately.
Police also noted in their report that during the investigation of the CO leak, Engine 40 discovered numerous hazards, safety concerns in the dwelling. Specifically, it was observed that there were no CO carbon monoxide detectors, not enough smoke detectors, and many points of egress were blocked. Police noted in the report that a door was screwed shut to the frame, and another with two planks of wood mounted across it, preventing it from being opened. As a result, there was only one working point of exit for the occupants.
Police notified the Robbinsville Township Engineer Construction Official and the Robbinsville Fire Marshal. The building was not allowed to be occupied until a inspection the following day.
The record states that, after Engine 40 had been able to properly vent the building and the carbon monoxide was at a safe level, the residents were allowed to retrieve their necessary belongings, and were then relocated by BAPS representatives. Once the residents all left, the building was secured and police tape was put across the doorways.
The report stated that the Township Engineer Construction Official did respond to the location to investigate and posted the building as an Unsafe Structure/Immediate Hazard due to the unapproved boarding and various code violations.
The Property Record Card indicates that the property is owned by PRAMUKH SWAMIJI LLC, 8005 Pulaski Highway, Baltimore, Maryland. It was purchased for $1,001,000 on December 20, 2017. The Property Class is 3A “Farm Property (Regular)”
The Construction Department issued a “Notice of Unsafe Structure” on March 16, 2023 states “Unapproved Boarding/Rooming House, Unsafe Equipment, No Smoke or CO Alarms”
The Construction Department “Notice of Violation and Order To Terminate” on March 16, 2023 states “Unapproved Boarding/Rooming House”
There are three “Notice of Violation and Order to Terminate” indicating that “Work Done Without A Permit”
There are also three “Notice and Order of Penalty” notices issued on March 16, 2023 with “failed to obtain construction permit” with an order to pay of $2,000 with a combined total of the three orders of $6,000. In penalties were issued.
UPDATE: Statement from Robbinsville Township Council Regarding BAPS Investigation
April 10, 2023
Members of Township Council are profoundly disturbed by the recent findings at dwellings on North Main Street and Voelbel Road. The conditions found within those buildings, the number of occupants residing there, along with the myriad of Fire Code and Uniform Construction Code violations are obviously unacceptable. The safety and well-being of all residents and visitors to Robbinsville Township is paramount, and we will continue to do everything within our power to hold the person(s) responsible for these violations accountable. As Mayor Dave Fried stated previously in media interviews, all the houses known to be boarding dozens of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha volunteers have been shut down with some deemed uninhabitable until all required repairs are completed, and inspections conducted. All Code violations found will be pursued in Municipal Court. Robbinsville Township Administration and the Police Department have referred the case to the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office. While outside agencies are investigating, including the FBI, we ask for your patience as they carefully and methodically review the case. While we understand people want to know all the details as soon as issues occur, that is not always possible because those pieces of information could very well disrupt and even derail an investigation. There is a team of people working hard every day to keep everyone safe. Please keep in mind Robbinsville officials, with the help of residents, initiated these raids. Please continue to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the Township Administration and our Police Department. Also feel free to reach out to us at council@robbinsville.net.
Sincerely,
Debbie Blakely – President Mike Todd – Vice President Chris Ciaccio Ron Witt Mike Cipriano
**********
All documents obtained by OPRA, Open Public Records Act request by MidJersey.News are listed below:
Police noted in the report that a door was screwed shut to the frame, and another with two planks of wood mounted across it, preventing it from being opened. As a result, there was only one working point of exit for the occupants.
The Robbinsville Police Department report also stated that the “building was currently housing thirty-three female work volunteers for the BAPS Temple (112 North Main Street).
Photo obtained by OPRA request states CO pipe heater
HILLSBOROUGH, N.J. – Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald, Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Chief of County Detectives John W. Fodor and Hillsborough Township Chief of Police Michael McMahon announced the arrest of Amanda O’Keefe, age 37, Hillsborough, New Jersey in relation to the death of her husband, Robert O’Keefe, age 41, Hillsborough, New Jersey who died after being struck with a vehicle at his residence on Saturday, February 25, 2023, in Hillsborough.
Prosecutor McDonald stated that on Saturday, February 25, 2023, at approximately 2:28 a.m., Hillsborough Township Police Officers and Hillsborough Emergency Services were dispatched to a residence in Hillsborough Township in response to a 9-1-1 call. The victim, identified as Robert O’Keefe, was struck by a vehicle driven by his spouse, Amanda O’Keefe and was subsequently pronounced deceased at the scene. Detectives from the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit, Crime Scene Investigation Unit and members of the Somerset County Collision Analysis Reconstruction Team (C.A.R.T.) responded to the scene to investigate along with detectives from the Hillsborough Township Police Department. Investigators from the New Jersey Northern Regional Medical Examiner’s Office also responded to the scene to investigate.
Prosecutor McDonald stated that the investigation revealed that Amanda O’Keefe was over the legal Blood Alcohol Concentration (B.A.C.) limit at the time of incident. On March 29, 2023, as a result of this investigation, Amanda O’Keefe voluntarily responded to the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office, where she was arrested and charged with 2nd degree, Death by Auto. Defendant O’Keefe was lodged in the Somerset County Jail and subsequently released on Thursday, March 30, 2023 with conditions of release pending future court appearance.
The investigation remains on-going.
Prosecutor McDonald, Chief Fodor, and Chief McMahon request anyone with information relating to this investigation to contact the Somerset County Prosecutors Office Major Crimes Unit at (908) 231-7100 or the Hillsborough Township Police Department at (908) 369-4323 or via the STOPit app. The STOPit app allows citizens to provide anonymous reports including videos and photos. STOPit can be downloaded to your smart phone for free at the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, access code: SOMERSETNJ. Information can also be provided through the Somerset County Crime Stoppers’ Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477). All anonymous STOPit reports, and Crime Stopper tips will be kept confidential.
NOTE: The charges are merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–According to the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, a former Robbinsville Police Department employee, Eric Coran pleaded guilty yesterday, March 30, 2023, to one count of second-degree theft by unlawful taking before Mercer County Superior Court Judge Patrick J. Bartels. Under the terms of the plea agreement, the state will recommend Coran be sentenced to four years in state prison; forfeit all future public employment; and make restitution in the amount of $252,465.48. Sentencing is scheduled for July 13.
On Friday, August 12, 2022, a criminal complaint was signed charging Eric Coran, 41, of Medford, NJ, with second-degree official misconduct, multiple counts of theft, criminal computer activity and impersonation, and second-degree money laundering. Coran has been employed by the Robbinsville Township Police Department as a communications officer since 2002. His responsibilities included purchasing, ordering, programming, and maintaining police equipment including police radios, emergency lights, sirens and controllers. Coran was terminated from his job on Friday after being suspended without pay since July 2022.
TRENTON (March 31, 2023) – One lucky ticket matched all five numbers drawn winning the $140,764 Jersey Cash 5 jackpot from the Thursday, March 30, drawing. The winning numbers were: 03, 20, 35, 39 and 41 and the XTRA number was: 02. The retailer will receive a bonus check for $2,000 for the winning ticket sold. The winning ticket was sold at Rite Aid #1326, 1801 Kuser Rd., Hamilton in Mercer County.
HAMILTON / ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Twin sisters from Hamilton who have collected more than 18,000 pairs of pajamas for children in need are the recipients of the 2023 Vern Applegate Community Service Award sponsored by the Rotary Club of Robbinsville Hamilton.
The Rotary Club presented the award to Lauren and Mackenzie Multari who formed Lala & Mimi’s Pajama Project to provide basic bedtime comfort to less fortunate children in New Jersey and beyond.
“We are honored to recognize Lauren and Mackenzie with this special award,” said Rotary Club President Kalpana Patel. “They have put smiles on the faces of kids for more than 12 years through their selfless acts of community service. They are wonderful role models.”
The sisters, now college-bound seniors at The Peddie School, began collecting and donating pajamas as kindergartners, asking for PJs for others instead of birthday party presents. They later established the non-profit Lala and Mimi’s Pajama Project, an initiative regularly supported by the Rotary Club of Robbinsville Hamilton.
The award comes with a $500 donation. It is named for the late Vern Applegate, a former member of the Rotary Club who personified the Rotary ideal of “service above self.”
Rotary Club of Robbinsville Hamilton President Kalpana Patel (center) flanked by Lauren (l) and Mackenzie (r) Multari, winners of the Vern Applegate Community Service Award.
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