Long Branch, Monmouth County, Sea Bright

U.S. Coast Guard, Unified Command continues response to tar balls near Long Branch, New Jersey

November 29, 2023

NEW YORK— The unified command composed of the Coast Guard, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, and Monmouth County, New Jersey, continued their response, Wednesday, to reports of tar balls on the beach from Sea Bright, New Jersey, south to Asbury Park, New Jersey.

The Coast Guard has opened the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund and contracted Ken’s Marine, an oil spill removal organization, to conduct shoreline assessments and cleanup operations. Clean-up operations today were focused on the Long Branch and Monmouth Beach areas, where the heaviest concentration of tar balls has been observed. Operations are scheduled to continue through the day tomorrow in the other impacted areas.

Response crews from the Coast Guard, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Monmouth County, and the National Park Service completed shoreline assessments. Shoreline assessments were conducted from Sandy Hook, New Jersey, to Asbury Park, New Jersey, to locate and document the extent of tar balls present. Focus areas included Gateway National Park at Sandy Hook and the communities of Sea Bright, Monmouth Beach, Long Branch, Deal, Allenhurst, and Asbury Park, New Jersey.

There are no reports of broader impact to the environment of wildlife at this time. Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City conducted an overflight of the area Tuesday to identify any oil pollution in the water. No oil was observed in the water during the flight.

The source of the tar balls is under investigation.

Assisting agencies include:

– U.S. Coast Guard Sector New York

– U.S. Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay

– NOAA

– U.S. National Park Service

– U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

– New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection

– Monmouth County Sheriffs Office of Emergency Management

– Monmouth County Health/HAZMAT Department

– Long Branch Office of Emergency Management

Coast Guard Sector New York received initial reports of tar balls ranging in size from approximately 1-2 inches and smaller near Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park on Tuesday and dispatched pollution response personnel to investigate.

Beach goers and mariners are advised to avoid contact with the tar balls. Anyone who notices any tar balls or oil sheen in the area should contact the National Response Center at 1-800-424-8802.

U.S. Coast Guard Photos

U.S. Coast Guard, Unified Command established in response to tar balls near Long Branch, New Jersey
Mercer County, Princeton

West New York Man Struck and Killed in Princeton, NJ

November 29, 2023

PRINCETON, NJ (MERCER)—Princeton Police Department reported that on November 29, 2023, at 9:56 a.m., police responded to a motor vehicle crash on Red Hill Road where a vehicle struck and fatally injured pedestrian Meliton Hernandez-Morales, a 61-year-old male from West New York, NJ.

The preliminary investigation indicates that Huimei Qiu, a 53-year-old female driver from Princeton, NJ, reversed a 2011 Lexus GX in a residential driveway. Hernandez-Morales was in the driveway and was struck by the vehicle, pinning him between the vehicle and a detached garage. Hernandez-Morales succumbed to his injuries, while Qiu remained uninjured.

The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office Serious Collision Response Team responded to the scene to assist with the ongoing investigation. Anyone with pertinent information directly related to this collision is asked to contact Ptl. Jonathan Myzie at (609) 921-2100 ext. 1875. The crash’s cause is still under investigation and police say updates will be provided with an additional update.

Ewing, Ewing, Mercer County

Ewing Man Found Guilty of June 2020 Murder

June 29, 2023

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER) – A Ewing Township man was found guilty by a Mercer County jury for the 2020 death of his girlfriend, Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri announced today.

Aaron Adams, 41, was found guilty of murder and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.

The conviction was the result of an investigation led by the Mercer County Homicide Task Force and the Ewing Police Department.  At approximately 6:30 p.m. on June 1, 2020, Ewing police were alerted to a deceased female in a home on Glen Stewart Drive.  Upon arrival, they located the victim, identified as Ashley Davis, 32, of Levittown, Pennsylvania, in the basement.  There were visible wounds to Ms. Davis’ body and she was pronounced dead at the scene.

During the execution of a search warrant at the home, two air rifles and a handheld BB gun were located in the same room as the victim’s body.  Numerous used bags of suspected heroin with various stamps were also discovered during the search.  The victim’s boyfriend, Aaron Adams, resided at the Glen Stewart home, and was charged with a weapons offense.

Following an autopsy, Ms. Davis’ death was ruled a homicide.  Investigation revealed she suffered a gunshot wound by a metal air gun pellet that struck internal organs and caused massive internal bleeding.

Mercer County Assistant Prosecutor John P. Boyle Jr. represented the state during the three-week trial before Mercer County Superior Court Peter E. Warshaw.  The defendant was represented by Assistant Public Defender Jessica Lyons and Assistant Deputy Public Defender Deirdre Smith.

Adams faces a maximum sentence of life in prison when he is sentenced on February 1, 2024.

Update: Victim Died Of Gunshot Wound From Air Pellet Gun, Ruled A Homicide
Death in Ewing Township Under Investigation

Aaron Adams, 41, was found guilty of murder and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. Adams faces a maximum sentence of life in prison when he is sentenced on February 1, 2024.

Freehold, Long Branch, Monmouth County

14th Annual Motorcycle Toy Run Benefits Patients of The Unterberg Children’s Hospital at Monmouth Medical Center

November 28, 2023

LONG BRANCH, NJ (MONMOUTH)–Between 200 and 300 riders from the Blue Knights & Jersey Shore HOGs traveled to Monmouth Medical Center on November 26th for their Annual Toy Run, which was organized by Bill Blakely of Creative Performance.

Riders brought hundreds of toys for the children in The Unterberg Children’s Hospital (UCH) at Monmouth Medical Center. The group also brought a donation from The Elks Motorcycle Club to help support the Comprehensive Cystic Fibrosis Center at The UCH, the oldest and largest of the centers in New Jersey, offering patient care, teaching and research. The center — which includes both pediatric and adult programs — is accredited by the National Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and is designated by the State of New Jersey as a referral center for Cystic Fibrosis Newborn Screening and has been designated as a Therapeutic Development Center by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s Therapeutic Development Network.

Additionally, the Freehold Regional High School Football and Cheer Club worked with the two groups on a toy drive, and dozens of members of the club were on hand for the event.

“It’s always tough to be sick in the hospital when you’re a child,” said Jonathan Teitelbaum, Chair of Pediatrics at The Unterberg Children’s Hospital. “This type of event means the world to them – they get extra toys, and they know that the community really cares about them and wants them to get better.”

Front row from right, Robert Zanni, M.D., Chief of Pediatric Pulmonology, and Jonathan Teitelbaum, Chair of Pediatrics, gather with ride organizer Bill Blakely of Creative Performance, center, and riders from the Blue Knights NJ XV and Jersey Shore HOGs and local police departments.

Bill Blakely presents the donation for the Comprehensive Cystic Fibrosis Center at The UCH.

Dr. Zanni and Dr. Teitelbaum lend a hand unloading toys.

Long Branch, Monmouth County

Giving Thanks for Life: Laurie Williams Celebrates 10-Year Heart Transplant Anniversary and Advocates for NJ Sharing Network’s Life-Saving Mission

LONG BRANCH, NJ – This Thanksgiving, Laurie Williams of Long Branch, NJ, is not just counting her blessings but celebrating the gift of life she received a decade ago through a life-saving heart transplant at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center (NBI). Laurie’s journey underscores the impact of organ and tissue donation. She now proudly shares her story as a NJ Sharing Network volunteer to encourage others to register as organ and tissue donors to help save and enhance lives.

Laurie, a mother of eight with 17 grandchildren, reflects on the significance of family and faith in guiding her through the highs and lows of her health journey.

“I am overwhelmed by the many blessings that I have received. To honor my heart donor, I am trying to be the best person that I can be and live this life to its fullest without fear or limitations,” said Laurie. “Family is what guided me through. The medical staff worked miracles, and God above directs us all.”

Journey to Transplant

In 2003, Laurie’s connection to organ and tissue donation began when she intended to donate part of her liver for transplant to help save the life of her brother-in-law. At the time, testing revealed Laurie was facing her own serious heart health issues. A year later, Laurie had several episodes where she lost consciousness after feeling chest pain and shortness of breath.

“I simply did not worry about it (health issues) at the time. My husband Dave and I were always busy with work and our kids’ activities and sports, so we just kept on going,” said Laurie.

Unfortunately, Laurie’s condition grew progressively worse. She was diagnosed with ventricular tachycardia and received a pacemaker defibrillator. According to Laurie, her health took a positive turn for about three years after she and Dave took a spiritually uplifting vacation to Lourdes in France.

However, in 2012, Laurie’s health concerns became critical, leading to congestive heart failure. Despite initial resistance to a left ventricular assist device (LVAD), Laurie used it as a bridge to transplant for ten months. She maintained a positive outlook for her family by incorporating the LVAD into her daily life and placing it into a colorfully designed backpack.

In November 2012, Laurie received ‘the call’ from NBI that a heart was available for her transplant.

“I remember a powerful feeling of peace came over me right at that moment,” said Laurie. “But we all moved quickly to get prepared as we rushed to get to the hospital.”

Following Laurie’s seven-hour transplant surgery, she recalls seeing her family in the room around her bed.

“I could not speak or move, but my mind and spirit were completely there. Dave told me ‘don’t stop fighting.’ Thanks to God and their words of encouragement at my bedside, I rebounded, and my heart grew stronger. Just 24 hours later, my breathing tube was removed, and I could begin my path to recovery as I made it home just in time for Thanksgiving,” said Laurie.

Laurie is also forever grateful for her heart donor, a 39-year-old professional tree-trimmer who tragically lost his life in a work accident. As Laurie celebrates her 10-year transplant milestone, she emphasizes the crucial role of NJ Sharing Network in her journey.

“NJ Sharing Network was always there to support me and my donor family. I will never forget that, and I will do everything I can to support their life-saving mission and encourage people to register as organ and tissue donors to help save more lives.”

According to United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), there are over 100,000 Americans – nearly 4,000 of whom live in New Jersey – waiting for a life-saving transplant. However, the generosity of those in the Garden State is providing hope for the future. In 2022, the number of organ donors and organs transplanted in a single year reached all-time highs. This marked the fourth consecutive year NJ Sharing Network has reported new records, underscoring the clear trend of increased support for organ donation.

To learn more, get involved, and join the National Donate Life Registry as an organ and tissue donor, visit http://www.NJSharingNetwork.org.

Laurie and Dave Williams (Photo courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)

Laurie Willaims surrounded by her family and loved ones as she celebrates the 10th anniversary of her life-saving heart transplant. (Photo courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)

Long Branch, Monmouth County, Sea Bright

U.S. Coast Guard, Unified Command established in response to tar balls near Long Branch, New Jersey

November 28, 2023

A unified command was established Tuesday, consisting of the Coast Guard, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, and Monmouth County, New Jersey, in response to reports of tar balls in the vicinity of Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park in Long Branch, New Jersey.

Coast Guard Sector New York received initial reports of tar balls ranging in size from approximately 1-2 inches and smaller near Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park on Tuesday morning and dispatched pollution response personnel to investigate. Additionally, Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City conducted an overflight of the area to identify any oil pollution in the water. No oil was observed in the water during the flight.

The Coast Guard has opened the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund in order to swiftly initiate response actions, and an oil spill removal organization (OSRO) has begun shoreline assessment and clean up.

Crews are working to assess both shoreline and waterway impacts from Sea Bright, New Jersey to Long Branch Beach, New Jersey, and additional personnel are investigating to determine the source of the tar balls.

Beach goers and mariners are advised to avoid contact with the tar balls. Anyone who notices any tar balls or oil sheen in the area should contact the National Response Center at 1-800-424-8802.

There are no reports of impacted wildlife at this time.

State of NJ

German man admits traveling to New Jersey to engage in sexual activity with a minor following HSI Newark-led investigation

November 28, 2023 – updated

NEWARK, N.J. – An investigation conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Newark led to a plea from a German man who admitted he traveled from Germany to New Jersey to engage in illicit sex acts with a minor.

Christian Stefan Walther, 39, of Erfurt, Germany, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Madeline Cox Arleo in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey in Newark to an information charging him with one count of travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger and HSI Newark acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Alfonso announced.

“Predators like Christian Walther who plan to victimize our children will face justice for their unfathomable acts,” said HSI Newark acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Alfonso. “Thanks to our partnership with New Jersey State Police, HSI Newark was able to intercept this predator in his travels and stop another child from being abused.”

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 children being sexually abused. Walther also expressed his desire to engage in sexual conduct with children aged 8 to 12. 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. Sentencing is scheduled for April 10, 2024.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of HSI Newark, under the direction of acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Alfonso, with the investigation leading to the guilty plea. He also thanked 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 Opioid Abuse Prevention and Enforcement Unit in Newark.

HSI is the principal investigative arm of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), responsible for investigating transnational crime and threats, specifically those criminal organizations that exploit the global infrastructure through which international trade, travel, and finance move. HSI’s workforce of more than 8,700 employees consists of more than 6,000 special agents assigned to 237 cities throughout the United States, and 93 overseas locations in 56 countries. HSI’s international presence represents DHS’s largest investigative law enforcement presence abroad and one of the largest international footprints in U.S. law enforcement.

Follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter, @HSINewark to learn more about HSI’s global missions and operations.

Photo by EKATERINA BOLOVTSOVA on Pexels.com
Mercer County, Trenton

South Toms River Man Charged with Aggravated Sexual Assault and Endangering the Welfare of a Child

November 28, 2023

TOMS RIVER, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on November 24, 2023, William Gleason, 68, of South Toms River, was charged with two counts of Aggravated Sexual Assault, Sexual Assault, Aggravated Criminal Sexual Contact, and two counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child.

An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit and South Toms River Police Department Detective Bureau revealed that between 2015 and 2020, Gleason sexually assaulted a minor victim who resided in his home.  As such, Gleason was charged with the aforementioned offenses on November 24, 2023; he surrendered himself at South Toms River Police Headquarters on November 25, 2023, and was subsequently transported to the Ocean County Jail where he is presently lodged pending a detention hearing.

“Although the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office does not typically issue press releases in matters such as this due to their sensitive nature and out of respect for the victim’s privacy, Gleason’s previous position as head of the South Toms River Recreation Commission, and perhaps more importantly his former role as a foster parent, necessitated this particular alert to the public.  I urge anyone in possession of information concerning this investigation, or any additional information concerning this defendant’s conduct, to contact Detective Delaney Huber of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office at 732-929-2027, extension 3218, or Detective Timothy Meier of the South Toms River Police Department at 732-363-0200, extension 112,” stated Prosecutor Billhimer.

Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, and South Toms River Police Department Detective Bureau, for their combined assistance 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.

R.P.C.  3.6(b)(6).

Mercer County, Princeton, Somerset, Somerville

Two Community Leaders Donate 100,000 To Support Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset

November 28, 2023

SOMERVILLE, NJ, – Two community leaders have donated $100,000 to Somerset Health Care Foundation to support the growth and expansion of Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) Somerset, an RWJBarnabas Health facility.

Haresh Shaba Kane, MD, CWSP, founder of Kane Wound Care in Princeton, recently donated $50,000 which will support the hospital’s cardiology services. Josh Kalafer, co-owner of Clinton Honda and Land Rover Princeton and co-owner and co-chairman of the Somerset Patriots, matched Dr. Kane’s gift with a $50,000 donation to support the hospital’s two-story vertical expansion project.

Dr. Kane recently joined the Somerset Health Care Foundation Board of Trustees. Kalafer is co-vice chair of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees.

“We are extremely grateful for these generous gifts which will help ensure that we continue to offer our community world-class health care in state-of-the-art facilities with the most advanced treatments and technologies,” said Patrick Delaney, Chief Administrative Officer, RWJUH Somerset. “We also thank Dr. Kane and Josh for their leadership as members of our Foundation Board of Trustees, helping to guide our fundraising efforts and garner support from our community.”

RWJUH Somerset recently completed a 5-year Cardiology Services expansion project, which included renovations to the hospital’s 2-East and 2-West Cardiac Pavilions, the relocation of its Cardiac Diagnostic Testing Department to renovated space and renovations to its Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory.

The vertical expansion above the hospital’s existing Orthopedics Pavilion and Emergency Department building will house 35 fully private patient rooms, a rehabilitation gym for orthopedic patients and a 10-room Emergency Department Rapid Decision Unit. It is expected to be completed in the fall of 2024.

For more information about Somerset Health Care Foundation and ways to support RWJUH Somerset, visit www.rwjbh.org/somersetgiving or call 908-685-2885. 

(L to R) Haresh Shaba Kane, MD, CWSP, founder of Kane Wound Care in Princeton; Donna Castronovo, Vice President, Somerset Health Care Foundation; Josh Kalafer, co-owner of Clinton Honda and Land Rover Princeton and co-owner and co-chairman of the Somerset Patriots; Paul Hubert, chair, Somerset Health Care Foundation Board of Trustees; and Patrick Delaney, Chief Administrative Officer, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset.

Allentown, Allentown, East Windsor, Ewing, Hamilton, Hightstown, Hightstown, Hightstown-East Windsor, Hopewell, Lawrence, Mercer County, Millstone, Monmouth County, Pennington, Princeton, Robbinsville, Roosevelt, State of NJ, Trenton, Upper Freehold, West Windsor

The National Weather Service Reports Wintry Tuesday for New Jersey

November 28, 2023

TRENTON – ROBBINSVILLE – ALLENTOWN, NJ — The National Weather Service forecast states a chance of snow showers between 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 37F. Breezy, with a west wind of 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. The chance of precipitation is 30%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Tonight, will be mostly clear, with a low around 22F. West wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Snow falls in the Allentown – Robbinsville, New Jersey area the moring of November 28, 2023

Good morning! The cold air has arrived and some flakes of snow may soon follow! It will be a blustery day with highs mostly in the 30s but winds gusting 25 to 35 mph making it feel a good 10-15 degrees colder. Also, lake effect flurries and snow showers have been ongoing across portions of central and western PA and as we head into the day today, some of these are likely to make it into eastern PA beginning this morning. It’s even possible some of these could briefly be on the heavier side especially across portions of Chester County north through the Lehigh Valley into the southern Poconos. Be alert for rapidly changing visibility and slippery roads!

Mercer County, West Windsor, West Windsor

West Windsor Police Investigate Fatal Pedestrian Accident Involving 12-Year-Old on Rabbit Hill Road

November 28, 2023

WEST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–West Windsor Police Department reported that on Monday November 27, 2023 at 5:37 p.m., police responded to a pedestrian struck at the intersection of Rabbit Hill Road and Abbington Lane. West Windsor Division of Fire and Emergency Services and police units arrived to find 12-year-old Ananta Ahuja and her dog lying on the roadway in the intersection. West Windsor Division of Fire and Emergency Services immediately rendered first aid to Ananta and transported her to Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center where she succumbed to her injuries. Her dog died at the scene.

A preliminary investigation indicated that a gray Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by a 65-year-old male traveling on Rabbit Hill Rd. struck Ananta and her dog while they were crossing the road.

The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office Serious Collision Response Team responded to the scene to assist with the ongoing investigation. The identity of the driver of the Jeep is being withheld pending further investigation. Anyone with pertinent information directly related to this collision is asked to contact Traffic Officer E. McQuade #597 at (609) 799-1222, our Anonymous Tipline at (609) 799-0452, or at his email: McQuade@westwindsorpolice.com.

Letter from David Aderhold, Ed.D Superintendent of Schools sent to Parents and Guardians of Community Middle School:

Dear Community Middle School Parents/Guardians:

I am saddened to report to you that one of our students at Community Middle School, Ananta Ahuja, tragically died when she was struck by a motor vehicle this evening, Nov. 27, 2023. Our condolences go out to her family and friends.

Ananta was a 7th grade student on Team 7A. Many adolescents and members of our community will be impacted (either directly or indirectly) by the news of the passing of a classmate. School counselors, case managers, and staff from Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care will be available tomorrow in the media center to assist students.

If you feel that your son or daughter is having difficulty coping with this event, please let us know as soon as possible. As always, our counselors and administration will remain accessible to the entire student body. We ask parents to notify us directly if their child may be having on-going difficulties.

Please keep in mind that any traumatic event can trigger an emotional reaction, even to an unrelated event (family illness, prior losses, etc.). Please review the below links for suggestions on how to comfort one after an unexpected loss and for some of the more common characteristics of an adolescent who may be having difficulty coping.

Additional resources can be found in the Counseling section of the District website.

Sincerely,

David Aderhold, Ed.D Superintendent of Schools

Manalapan, Monmouth County

NY, Man, Formerly of Manalapan, NJ, Admits to Evading Personal Income Taxes

As a result of this conduct, Raja evaded $543,815 in personal income taxes for tax years 2016, 2017, and 2018.

November 27, 2023

TRENTON, N.J. – A New York, man, formerly from Manalapan, NJ, today admitted evading personal income taxes for the tax years 2016 through 2018, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.

Khuram Raja, 37, of Locust Valley, New York, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Zahid N. Quraishi in Trenton federal court to an information charging him with one count of tax evasion.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

During tax years 2016, 2017, and 2018, Raja owned and operated a company that provided construction and building services in Manalapan, NJ. Raja earned income from the company and filed business tax returns for the company for tax years 2016 and 2017 that materially understated the company’s income. Raja failed to report certain taxable income that the company received in cash and checks cashed at check-cashing facilities, and deducted expenses from the company’s reported income that included certain personal expenses that were not, in fact, expenses of the company. Raja failed to file business tax returns for tax year 2018 by the applicable deadline. Raja did not file personal income tax returns for tax years 2016, 2017, and 2018 by the applicable deadlines, and failed to report the income from the company that would have flowed through to his personal income tax returns. As a result of this conduct, Raja evaded $543,815 in personal income taxes for tax years 2016, 2017, and 2018.

The charge of tax evasion carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000, or twice the gross pecuniary gain or loss, whichever is greatest. Sentencing is scheduled for April 16, 2024.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of IRS – Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Tammy Tomlins, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine M. Romano of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Health Care Fraud in Newark.

23-348

Defense counsel: Ernesto Cerimele Esq., Morristown, New Jersey

RajaInformationDownload
Photo by Sora Shimazaki on Pexels.com
Manchester, Ocean County

Manchester, NJ, Man Sentenced to 20-Years in Prison for Drug and Weapon Charges

November 27, 2023

TRENTON, N.J. – An Ocean County, New Jersey, man was sentenced today to 240 months (20-years) in prison for his conviction on drug and weapon charges, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.

Dyshawn Moss, 42, of Manchester, New Jersey, was convicted on Oct. 27, 2022, following a four-day trial before U.S. District Judge Michael A. Shipp on five charges: possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute heroin, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Judge Shipp imposed the sentence today in Trenton federal court.

According to documents in this case and evidence at trial:

On May 24, 2019, law enforcement agents went to arrest Moss outside of his apartment building in Manchester, New Jersey. Inside his apartment, Moss possessed over 1,000 grams of fentanyl, over 1,300 grams of heroin, and over 2,600 grams of cocaine; drug-packaging materials; over $150,000 in cash; and a 9mm Taurus handgun loaded with 10 rounds of ammunition.

In addition to the prison term, Judge Shipp sentenced Moss to 10 years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited members of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Cheryl Ortiz; and the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago, with the investigation leading to the conviction.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Vera Varshavsky and Olta Bejleri of the Criminal Division in Newark.

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Defense Counsel: Mark Davis Esq., Hamilton, New Jersey

Photo by EKATERINA BOLOVTSOVA on Pexels.com
Mercer County, Trenton

Black Friday Shooting Victim in Trenton Identified by Prosecutor’s Office

There have been 27 homicides reported in the City of Trenton in 2023

November 27, 2023

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office has identified the victim of the early morning Black Friday shooting in Trenton as Leroy Tutt, 37, of Trenton. This brings the total homicide victims in Trenton for 2023 to 27 as of November 27, 2023.

On Friday, November 24, at approximately 6:30 a.m., Trenton police responded to the first block of Oliver Avenue for a ShotSpotter activation.  Responding officers arrived on scene to discover an adult male on the sidewalk shot multiple times.  The victim was transported to Capital Heath Regional Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.

No arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing.  Anyone with information is asked to contact MCHTF Detective Elijah Phillips at (609) 414-2006 or Sgt. Roberto Reyes at (609) 256-0997.  Information can also be emailed to mchtftips@mercercounty.org.

In a previous case not previously reported on, the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office sated that on September 25, 2022, at approximately 11:23 p.m., Trenton Police Officers were detailed to the area of the 400 block of N. Clinton Avenue on a report of a sick or injured person. Upon arrival officers located Andre Clark, who was conscious but could not speak. The victim was transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center for treatment. Additionally, the officers reported Clark had no visible signs of injury and nothing appeared suspicious.

On October 7, 2022, Officers conducted a welfare check and were informed Clark was in critical condition with a brain bleed from blunt force trauma. Further investigation would identify Tyquasia Peterson as the suspect who assaulted Clark and was charged accordingly.

This year, on June 11, 2023, Clark succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased. The Mercer County Homicide Task Force was notified, and Peterson was charged with the homicide.

Another case update includes Naquan Loveless. He was shot along with Ralph Conquest on April 20, 2023, but was not pronounced until August 15, 2023.

Names of the 2023 Trenton Homicide Victims

  1. 1/16/2023 Donnell Williams, 29, Trenton, Shooting.
  2. 2/12/2023 Stephanie Vil, 34, of Burlington, Shooting.
  3. 2/16/2023 Khalil Glanton, 23, Trenton, Stabbing.
  4. 3/24/2023 Harold Rosario, 19, Trenton, Shooting.
  5. 3/26/2023 Nyeisha Saunders, 41, Trenton, Shooting.
  6. 4/09/2023 Jhosse Tolentino, 23, Trenton, Shooting
  7. 4/12/2023 Jared Anderson, Trenton, Shooting (died May 29)
  8. 4/14/2023 Daniel Garvin, 46, Trenton, Shooting
  9. 4/20/2023 Ralph Conquest, 43, of Lawrence, Shooting
  10. 4/20/2023 Naquan Loveless, passed away 8/15/2023
  11. 5/14/2023 Roger Martinez-Rodriguez, 27, Trenton, Stabbing
  12. 5/14/2023 Justin Reed, 24, of Ewing, Shooting (died May 22)
  13. 5/26/2023 Sherief Treadwell, 36, Trenton, Shooting
  14. 6/09/2023 Markell Biggs, 20, Trenton, Shooting
  15. 6/11/2023 Shaquan Brown, 23, Trenton, Shootin
  16. 6/11/2023 Andre Clark, Blunt Force Trauma from incident on September 25, 2022
  17. 6/15/2023 James Junior Journigan, 36, Shooting
  18. 6/15/2023 Louis Washington, 38, Trenton, Shooting, (died June 17)
  19. 6/19/2023 Ernest Denard, 61, Stabbing
  20. 6/22/2023 Guillermo Sanchez, Shooting
  21. 7/01/2023 Precious Saunders, 32, of Trenton
  22. 8/23/2023 Taquan Foxworth, 29, of Trenton, Shooting 8/19
  23. 9/02/2023 Ronald Taylor, 40, of Trenton, Shooting
  24. 9/16/2023 Balil Lewis, 37, of Trenton, Shooting
  25. 9/28/2023 Unidentified Male Homicide Chestnut Avenue
  26. 10/19/2023 Corey Jones, 40, of Trenton, Stabbing
  27. 11/24/2023 Leroy Tutt, 37, of Trenton Shooting

Trenton Murders Per Year Since 1989

NJ State Police Uniform Crime Report available here: https://www.njsp.org/ucr/uniform-crime-reports.shtml

1989 = 22

1990 = 21

1991 = 7

1992 = 16

1993 = 11

1994 = 9

1995 = 16

1996 = 14

1997 = 12

1998 = 15

1999 = 8

2000 = 14

2001 = 13

2002 = 19

2003 = 13

2004 = 18

2005 = 31

2006 = 18

2007 = 25

2008 = 19

2009 = 18

2010 = 15

2011 = 23

2012 = 24

2013 = 37

2014 = 32

2015 = 17

2016 = 21

2017 = 23

2018 = 16

2019 = 15

2020 = 40

2021 = 40

2022 = 23

2023 = 27 as of November 27, 2023 **

* Prior to 1989 the known highest murder number was 1970 with 27

** Known as of November 24, 2023

*** NJ State Police Crime Statistics have not been updated since 2020

Ewing, Ewing, Mercer County

Police Identify Ewing Man as Motorcyclist Killed in Parkway Avenue Crash

November 25, 2023 updated November 27, 2023

EWING TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)—Ewing Township Police reported that on Saturday, November 25, 2023, at 4:54 p.m., Ewing Police Officer Austin Woolverton came upon a serious motor vehicle crash involving two vehicles, one of which was a motorcycle, in the area of Parkway Avenue at Walter Street. The driver of the motorcycle Theodore Condo, 57 of Ewing, NJ was pronounced deceased at the scene. The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office Serious Collision Response Team responded to assist with the investigation. Parkway Avenue was shut down between Lower Ferry Road and Scotch Road. The investigation into the crash is active and ongoing. Anyone with information concerning the crash is asked to contact Officer Abdelbasset Jibbou at (609) 882-1313. No additional information is available at this time.