Camden, N.J. – Detectives are investigating the fatal shooting of a man on Wednesday night in Camden City, reported Camden County Prosecutor Grace C. MacAulay and Camden County Police Chief Gabriel Rodriguez.
On Wednesday, June 28, 2023, at approximately 11:07 p.m., Camden County Police Department Officers responded to Ablett Village in reference to a report of gunfire. Upon arrival, officers located Bryan Roberts, 21, of Trenton, who was unresponsive and not breathing. EMS arrived at the scene and Roberts was found to be deceased.
The investigation is active and ongoing at this time.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Tanner Ogilvie of the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Unit at (856) 650-6398 and Detective Vincent Russomanno of the Camden County Police Department at (609) 941-9517. Tips can also be sent to CAMDEN.TIPS.
NEWARK, N.J. – An Ocean County, New Jersey, man admitted his role in a durable medical equipment kickback scheme, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.
Alexander Schleider, 57, of Lakewood, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Michael A. Shipp in Trenton federal court to an information charging him with one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and one count of wire fraud.
According to documents filed in the case and statements made in court:
Schleider owned and operated durable medical equipment (DME) companies in New Jersey that provided orthotic braces to beneficiaries of Medicare and other federal and private health care benefit programs without regard to medical necessity. Schleider and his conspirators obtained prescriptions for the DME braces through the payment of kickbacks and bribes to individuals operating marketing call centers, who in turn utilized the service of telemedicine companies to obtain prescriptions for the DME. Schleider caused losses to Medicare and other health care benefit programs of $21.7 million.
Schleider also committed wire fraud in connection with funds made available in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. After one of his DME companies received $322,237 from the Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Resources and Services Administration Provider Relief Fund, Schleider submitted a fraudulent attestation to HRSA in which he claimed that the DME company provided diagnoses, testing, and care for individuals with possible or actual cases of COVID-19 after Jan. 31, 2020. In reality, the DME company had ceased billing for any services in April 2019. The attestation also falsely claimed that the payment would only be used to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus, and that the payment shall reimburse the recipient only for health care related expenses or lost revenues that are attributable to coronavirus. Schleider did not use the funds for those purposes, but transferred them into other accounts and subsequently used them to purchase real estate and vehicles, among other things.
The charge of conspiracy to commit health care fraud is punishable by a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000, or twice the gross profit or loss caused by the offense, whichever is greatest. The charge of wire fraud is punishable by a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000, or twice the gross profit or loss caused by the offense, whichever is greatest. Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 8, 2023.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark; the Department of Health and Human Services-Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Naomi Gruchacz; and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Christopher F. Algieri, with the investigation leading to the guilty plea.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sean M. Sherman and DeNae Thomas of the Health Care Fraud Unit in Newark.
UNION BEACH, NJ (MONMOUTH)–On Wednesday, June 28, 2023, hundreds of people gathered in Union Beach New Jersey, to welcome an American hero back into the community.
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation held a home dedication ceremony for USMC Staff Sergeant Ben Webb, handing over the keys to a brand new, mortgage-free smart home.
“It’s been a long road, a long struggle, many dark days of worry, of wondering, and hoping, of praying, and waiting but not anymore. I never stopped believing this day would come, that I would be able to come home, here in my little corner of the world,” said Staff Sergeant Webb.
Staff Sergeant Webb served four overseas deployments, three to Afghanistan and one to Iraq. During his 15 years of service to his country, he suffered multiple concussions and shrapnel wounds from RPG and IED blasts. He was awarded 3 Purple Hearts and retired in 2017.
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s Smart Home Program builds specially-adapted smart homes, giving America’s catastrophically injured veterans some of their day-to-day independence back and delivering them mortgage-free to these American Heroes.
“Having a mortgage-free home has improved my life immensely not just mentally, but both physically and emotionally, I’m able to enjoy life again. This home will cater to my everyday physical needs, it is such a relieving feeling,” said Staff Sergeant Webb.
All of the essential features of SSgt Webb’s home, the lights, thermostat, and security system, can be controlled via an app or touchscreens installed around the home. The bathroom is completely ADA compliant and the kitchen features lower countertops and a stove that raises and lowers to wheelchair height.
“This year, as we celebrate July 4th, I am honored to hand over the keys to a home that will deliver financial and personal independence back to Staff Sergeant Ben Webb, who has given so much to this country we all love,” said Frank Siller, Chairman & CEO of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
To join the Tunnel to Towers Foundation on its mission to provide these life-changing homes to America’s heroes please go to T2T.org and consider donating $11 per month.
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Today, after 26 plus years of serving as a police officer, Ptl. Shawn Emmons is retiring. Shawn began his career with the Rutgers Police Department before getting hired by then Washington Township in 1998. Shawn was assigned to the Bike Unit, Traffic Unit, and was a K-9 Officer with K-9 Zilke from 2004 to 2010. In 2020, Shawn was assigned as the School Resource Officer at Pond Road Middle School.
Shawn is a “Cops Cop” and throughout his career he has been involved and assisted with many high-profile cases with the Mercer County Prosecutors Office and Attorney General Office. Shawn served as an Officer in Charge, a Field Training Officer, Humane Law Enforcement Officer and mentor to many of our officers.
We wish Shawn the best of luck as he transitions into his well-earned retirement.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on June 29, 2023, Patrick Pennell, 55, of Toms River, was indicted by a Grand Jury sitting in Ocean County on charges of Bias Intimidation and Criminal Mischief, in connection with an incident that occurred in Toms River on November 22, 2022.
On November 22, 2022, Officers from the Toms River Township Police responded to a residence on Parisian Drive for a report of a disturbance in progress. Responding Officers discovered a vehicle with a shattered driver’s side window parked in the driveway of the residence. A subsequent investigation revealed that the victim was visiting an acquaintance at the residence when Pennell – a neighbor of the acquaintance – approached him and became confrontational. Pennell proceeded to make racial and homophobic slurs to the victim. As the victim was trying to leave, Pennell punched the driver’s side window of the victim’s vehicle, causing it to shatter. Pennell was taken into custody and transported to Toms River Township Police Headquarters. He was processed and charged on a summons pending future appearances in Ocean County Superior Court.
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the diligent efforts of Senior Assistant Prosecutor Ashley Angelo and Assistant Prosecutor Julie Peterson who presented the case to the Grand Jury on behalf of the State, and commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Bias Crime Unit and Toms River Township Police Department for their collaborative 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.
TOMS RIVER, NJ–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on June 29, 2023, John Vincentini, 62, of Lacey Township, was indicted by a Grand Jury sitting in Ocean County on the charges of Bias Intimidation and Terroristic Threats, in connection with an incident that occurred in Lacey Township on September 5, 2022.
An investigation conducted by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Bias Crime Unit and Lacey Township Police Department Detective Bureau determined that on September 5, 2022, Vincentini was operating a motor vehicle in Lacey Township and followed an Amazon delivery driver into a cul-de-sac as the driver was making deliveries; Vincentini parked his vehicle in such a way as to block the Amazon driver’s vehicle. Vincentini proceeded to confront the driver, questioned why the driver was in his neighborhood, and further inquired as to whether the driver understood that it was a racist neighborhood. Vincentini then asked the driver whether he wanted him to go back to his car, get his rifle, and shoot the driver in the head. The Amazon driver then drove away and contacted the Lacey Township Police Department.
On October 5, 2022, Vincentini surrendered himself to the Lacey Township Police Department. He was processed and released on a summons pending future appearances in Ocean County Superior Court.
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the diligent efforts of Senior Assistant Prosecutor Ashley Angelo and Assistant Prosecutor Julie Peterson who presented the case to the Grand Jury on behalf of the State, and commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Bias Crime Unit and Lacey Township Detective Bureau for their collaborative 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.
UPPER FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH)–About 6:35 p.m. yesterday June 29, 2023, a vehicle ran off the roadway, struck a utility pole head on and ended up on the opposite side of roadway and burned on CR 524 in front of Keris Tree Farm. Hope Fire Company of Allentown/Upper Freehold responded to the scene and found a fully involved vehicle and extinguished the flames. The occupants were lucky to escape the crash and flames on their own power and were treated by Captial Health EMS/Allentown. It was unclear if anyone was transported to the hospital from the scene. New Jersey State Police is investigating the crash. Jersey Central Power and Light will need to replace the damaged utility pole. No other information is available.
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Yesterday, June 29, 2023 around 6:30 p.m. there was a muti-vehicle crash at the intersection of Route 130 North at Spirit of 76 Boulevard. The Hamilton Township Fire Department, RWJ EMS and the New Jersey State Police responded to the scene. EMS treated injuries and transported the injured to a local hospital for treatment. No further information is available.
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Air pollution caused by smoke from the Canadian wildfires has once again drifted down into the northeastern United States causing dangerous conditions in New Jersey, especially for those in sensitive groups such as children, the elderly, people suffering from asthma, or those with heart or lung conditions.
Currently, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in much of the region is measuring over 100 according to AirNow.gov, and the conditions are expected to continue throughout the day. Kristin Fless, MD, Pulmonologist at RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group and Maya Ramagopal, MD, Pediatric Pulmonologist at The Bristol-Myers Squibb Children’s Hospital (BMSCH) at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) and Associate Professor of Pediatrics at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School caution everyone, especially those in high risk groups, to take precautions to keep themselves and their families safe, including:
Staying indoors with windows closed
Limiting outdoor activity to only when necessary
Wearing an N95 respirator mask outdoors to block fine particles
Using air conditioners and air purifiers in your homes
Who is affected most by poor air quality?
“Wildfire smoke emits various compounds, but of most concern is particulate matter (PM). PM 2.5, fine, inhalable particles, which are 2.5 micrometers in diameter, is particularly dangerous as it is easily inhaled into the lungs and causes symptoms like coughing, shortness of breath, and eye, nose and throat irritation,” said Dr. Ramagopal.
“It’s essential that sensitive populations stay indoors as much as possible to avoid exposure to wildfire smoke,” said Dr. Fless. “Anyone with heart or lung disease, asthma, older adults, pregnant women, children and teens should limit outdoor activity and avoid any strenuous activity outside.”
What precautions should I take if I need to be outdoors?
“If possible, wait until the air quality improves before being active outdoors,” Dr. Fless stated. “But if you must be outside, try to shorten the amount of time you’re active or opt for a less strenuous activity such as walking over running.” She also suggests wearing an N95 respirator mask to help protect you from smoke and small air particles if you must spend a prolonged period outdoors.
How can I protect myself and my family at home?
“While at home, it’s important to keep the windows closed with your central air conditioner or window unit running,” stated Dr. Fless. You should also use high efficiency filters to capture fine particles from the smoke such as a HEPA filter. If you do not have air conditioning and it’s too warm to stay in your home with the windows closed, Dr. Fless suggests seeking shelter elsewhere.
Also be careful not to add any indoor air pollution to your home such as burning candles or using gas, propane, wood burning stoves, fireplaces, or aerosol sprays. Do not fry or broil meat, smoke tobacco products, or vacuum during this time as all of these can increase air pollution indoors.
What extra precautions should I be taking to keep my kids safe?
“Children with underlying conditions like asthma and cystic fibrosis are particularly vulnerable to this current environmental problem. The recommendations are similar to those that are made for ‘at-risk ‘adults, and I would like to emphasize the need to adhere to your child’s medication regimen to offer the lungs the most protection,” stated Dr. Ramagopal. “Your lungs don’t fully develop until you are about 20-25 years old so it is vital that you protect children and young adults from wildfire smoke and air pollution as it may affect their lung development and put them more at risk for long-term health conditions. Don’t let kids play outdoors during times when air quality is unhealthy and have them wear an N95 mask if they must be outdoors.”
If you or a family member are experiencing any of the following symptoms that may be caused by wildfire smoke, it’s important to contact your doctor or seek medical attention:
MANCHESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on June 29, 2023, the Honorable Wendel E. Daniels, J.S.C. (retired and temporarily assigned on recall), ordered that Ron Carr, 34, of Manchester Township, shall remain detained in the Ocean County Jail pending trial on 36 criminal counts which include Bias Intimidation, Aggravated Arson, Arson and Criminal Mischief, in connection with incidents that occurred in Manchester Township on June 6, 2023 and the early morning hours of June 7, 2023.
Carr has been lodged in the Ocean County Jail since his apprehension on June 7, 2023. The detention hearing was handled by Senior Assistant Prosecutor Ashley Angelo.
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.
R.P.C. 3.6(b)(6).
Ron Carr, 34, of Manchester Township, shall remain detained in the Ocean County Jail pending trial on 36 criminal counts which include Bias Intimidation, Aggravated Arson, Arson and Criminal Mischief, in connection with incidents that occurred in Manchester Township on June 6, 2023 and the early morning hours of June 7, 2023.
FREEHOLD, NJ (MONMOUTH)–Law enforcement officials are requesting help from anyone who may have witnessed a fatal shooting that took place in Neptune Township in July 2022, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago stated Thursday.
Neptune Township Police Department responded to a report of gunfire on Monday July 4, 2022, just before 1:45 a.m. in the area of Route 35/South Concourse. Upon arrival, officers located 26-year-old Ayres Gray Jr. of Manalapan in a parked vehicle on South Concourse, having sustained multiple gunshot wounds.
Gray was then rushed to Jersey Shore University Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries approximately an hour later.
Further investigation revealed that a house located on the 20 block of Hillview Drive also in Neptune Township was hosting a party where there was a shots fired incident shortly before the fatal shooting took place on South Concourse. Investigators continue to identify the link between the two incidents.
Members of the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office’s Major Crimes Bureau and the Neptune Township Police Department continue to investigate both incidents. Anyone with information on either of these incidents is urged to contact Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Thomas Manzo at 800-533-7443 or Neptune Township Police Detective Carrie Bartlett at 732-988-8000.
Anyone who feels the need to remain anonymous but has information about a crime can submit a tip to Monmouth County Crime Stoppers by calling their confidential telephone tip-line at 1-800-671-4400; by downloading and using the free P3 Tips mobile app (available on iOS and Android – https://www.p3tips.com/1182), by calling 800-671-4400 or by going to the website at www.monmouthcountycrimestoppers.com
EAST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–Apple Montessori Schools is continuing its expansion to more communities in New Jersey and will be opening a brand-new location at 300D Princeton-Hightstown Road in East Windsor New Jersey this August. Apple Montessori Schools of East Windsor is a modern Montessori school that will offer infant, toddler, preschool/kindergarten, and summer camp programs. The school is now enrolling for the 23/24 school year.
“We are very excited to be expanding our footprint in NJ. East Windsor is a wonderful community and we look forward to working with students both from East Windsor and surrounding areas, “says Andrea Vargas, CEO of Apple Montessori Schools. “Student success in the Montessori environment is developed from engaging and nurturing teachers and an abundance of natural and challenging materials children can work with at their own pace. Our new location will provide this amazing opportunity for many new families and their children, as well as a beautiful facility and outdoor classroom to encourage an understanding and appreciation of nature and the world we live in together.”
Family-founded Apple Montessori Schools has a 50+ year legacy of providing a safe and nurturing environment coupled with advanced academics for the 25,000+ children that have graduated from their multiple locations throughout New Jersey since its inception in 1972. This is the 3rd location that Apple Montessori has opened since 2021 bringing their total schools to 17. Highlights of the newly renovated building include 7 spacious classrooms flooded with natural light (4 preschool, 1 infant, and 2 toddler), a multi-purposes space/indoor gym and advanced safety features including a state-of-the art access controlsystem and live parent video monitoring. The 3+ acre campus features age-appropriate outdoor play areas, a new salt water swimming pool, and a certified Outdoor Classroom with premium wooden materials.
This location is conveniently located off of the intersection of Princeton-Hightstown Road and Old Trenton Road, nearby major retailers and Route 130, Route 1 and 95.
Apple Montessori Schools strives to inspire children to reach their fullest potential— all in a safe, fun, and enriching environment. The Apple team is eager to bring their mission to the families of East Windsor and looks forward to being a part of the new community.
About Apple Montessori: Family-founded Apple Montessori has set exceptional standards in early childhood education since 1972. Guided by the principles of Maria Montessori, their modern Montessori environment goes beyond the traditional Montessori philosophy to provide an enriching environment where structured freedom creates the foundation for a lifetime of happiness and success. For over 50 years, Apple Montessori Schools has continued to innovate with ongoing professional development programs, well-rounded curriculum, and new additions to facilities including the introduction of Outdoor Classrooms. Apple’s efforts have been publicly recognized and affirmed through accreditation by the Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS) and IACET accreditation for its training department.
L-R New Apple Montessori East Windsor Building, Danielle Selby, Senior Regional Director and Brian Pascal, Construction Manager at Apple Montessori Schools, what the inside of a classroom will look like when open. Photo Credit Apple Montessori.
“Even Governor Murphy’s own Division of Rate Council says bill will result in higher prices for NJ ratepayers“
June 29, 2023
TOMS RIVER—Citing Governor Phil Murphy’s own Division of Rate Council, Rep. Chris Smith (R-Manchester) today issued the following statement urging the New Jersey Legislature to reject legislation—A-5651 and S-4019—backed by the Governor that will redirect US federal tax credits to the Danish offshore wind company Orsted:
“The hardworking people of New Jersey deserve better than Trenton’s plan to bail out foreign offshore wind corporation Orsted and give away billions of federal tax credits intended for ratepayers.
It is abundantly clear that New Jersey’s massive industrialized offshore wind projects will not only have tremendous environmental, navigational, economic and national security implications, but also require an endless stream of US taxpayer subsidies to try to keep these foreign-run projects afloat.
Adding insult to injury, this New Jersey state legislation will force residents—who are already being crushed by an unfair tax burden and an exorbitant cost of living due to high inflation—to pay more for their electric bills.
Even Governor Murphy’s own Division of Rate Council admitted, ‘There should be no doubt that this bill will increase the amount the developer earns on this project and will result in higher…prices being paid by ratepayers. That is the inevitable result of this bill.’
In the name of sound governance and responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars, New Jersey state legislators must reject A-5651 and S-4019.”
TOMS RIVER, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on June 28, 2023, Raymond Waters, 71, of Pawlet, Vermont, was found guilty of five counts of Aggravated Sexual Assault and thirteen counts of Sexual Assault. Following a three week-long jury trial before the Honorable Guy P. Ryan, P.J.Cr.P., the jury concluded beyond a reasonable doubt that between September 2002 and September 2004, Waters sexually assaulted a minor in Toms River Township, Barnegat Township, and Hillsborough Township (Somerset County). Waters was remanded to the Ocean County Jail pending sentencing, the date of which has yet to be determined.
In January 2014, the victim responded to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office to report that he had been sexually assaulted by Waters and Waters’ husband, Allen Harbatuk, 76, of Hillsborough, New Jersey, between September 2002 and September 2004. A subsequent investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit and Toms River Township Police Department Detective Bureau revealed that the victim met Waters in 2002 when he was 14 years-old – while Waters was his art teacher at Toms River High School North. Further investigation revealed that Waters sexually assaulted the victim at Toms River High School North, the Joseph A. Citta Boy Scout Reservation in Barnegat Township, and Water’s then-residence in Hillsborough. Additionally, the investigation determined that Water’s husband, Harbatuk, sexually assaulted the victim at the Citta Boy Scout Reservation and the Hillsborough residence. On October 22, 2014, both Waters and Harbatuk were arrested at their residence in Hillsborough by Detectives from the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office and Hillsborough Township Police Department. They were transferred to the Ocean County Jail, and subsequently released on bail.
On June 21, 2018, Harbatuk was found guilty of Sexual Assault after a jury trial before the Honorable Therese Cunningham, J.S.C. On November 2, 2018, Judge Cunningham sentenced Harbatuk to seven years New Jersey State Prison.
Prosecutor Billhimer commends the diligence and dedication of Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Kristin Pressman and Assistant Prosecutor Kaitlyn Burke who ably and skillfully tried the case on behalf of the State. The Prosecutor likewise extends his gratitude to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Victim Witness Advocacy Unit, Toms River Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office, and Hillsborough Township Police Department, for their combined and collective efforts in connection with this matter, ultimately resulting in this guilty verdict.
GARFIELD, NJ (BERGEN)–Around 2:30 p.m. police reported a person was in the water in the 800 Block of River Drive in the area of the Passaic River Falls and requested fire department and rescue teams to the scene. It was reported that the person in the water was closer to Clifton and Clifton Fire Department responded. Around 3:00 p.m. it was reported that the Garfield fire boat went over the falls, Elmwood Fire Department put their boat in the water, additional boats and a dive team were requested to respond. The original victim was removed but two firefighters that went over the falls in their marine unit needed to be rescued. Around 3:45 p.m. the New Jersey State Police was requested to send their helicopter for a rescue. By 4:00 p.m. two firefighters were plucked from their partly submerged boat below the falls.
MidJersey.news has reached out to NJ State Police for additional information.
You must be logged in to post a comment.