The Mercer County Narcotics Task Force concluded a month-long investigation this week with the seizure of more than $46,000 in drugs and two handguns, Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri reported.
Onofri stated that, on Tuesday evening, February 25, 2020, detectives with the MCNTF executed search warrants at two Trenton residences. One of the investigation’s targets, Kenneth Veal, was located in a garage near his Ardmore Avenue residence and taken into custody without incident. A search of his home in the 300 block of Ardmore Avenue revealed 15 bricks of heroin, 47 oxycodone pills, one gram of cocaine and half a pound of marijuana. An additional brick of heroin was found in a 2009 Audi CP used by Veal. During the search warrant execution at a residence used by Titus Carver in the 900 block of Greenwood Avenue, detectives located a kilogram of ecstasy. Also recovered during the searches were two 9mm handguns, one of which had a defaced serial number, ammunition and $5,733 in cash.
As a result of the investigation, Veal, 31, was arrested and charged with second- and third-degree narcotics offenses. He is being held at the Mercer County Correction Center pending a detention hearing. Arrest warrants were issued charging Carver with first- and third-degree narcotics offenses and second- and fourth-degree weapons offenses. He remains at large.
Onofri stated that the total amount of ecstasy seized has an approximate street value of $40,000. The heroin, marijuana, oxycodone and cocaine have approximate street values of $3,200, $2,000, $1,410 and $100, respectively.
Officers with the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, and the Hamilton and Trenton police, under the command of the prosecutor’s Special Investigations Unit, assisted with the investigation.
Despite having been charged, every defendant is presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
As a result of the investigation, Kenneth Veal, 31, was arrested and charged with second- and third-degree narcotics offenses. He is being held at the Mercer County Correction Center pending a detention hearing.
The Mercer County Narcotics Task Force (MCNTF) concluded a three-month investigation last week with one arrest and the seizure of almost $8,000 in drugs, Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri reported.
Onofri stated that, on Friday evening, February 21, 2020, detectives with the MCNTF initiated surveillance of the investigation’s target, Viktor Drobyshevskiy, as well as his Monroe Township residence on Fernhead Avenue. A motor vehicle stop of Drobyshevskiy was conducted at Meadow Road and the Route 1 bypass in West Windsor, NJ, and he was taken into custody without incident. Mercer County Prosecutor’s Sergeant Joe Angarone utilized his K9 partner Bela to conduct a narcotics search of Drobyshevskiy’s 2011 Mazda and Bela indicated positive to locating narcotics within the vehicle. A search warrant for the vehicle was obtained and detectives located liquid LSD in a clear jar, five tabs of LSD and eight grams of marijuana. The investigation revealed that Drobyshevskiy was transporting the LSD to sell at a party in West Windsor.
Detectives with the MCNTF, the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Unit and the Monroe Township Police Department executed a search warrant for Drobyshevskiy’s residence after he was taken into custody. During the search, detectives located liquid LSD in a clear jar, approximately 10 grams of psilocybin, 232 grams of marijuana, a .22 caliber rifle, a 9mm handgun and $505 in cash.
Onofri stated that the total amount of LSD seized was about one and a half ounces with an approximate street value of $7,500. The psilocybin and marijuana have approximate street values of $200 and $250, respectively.
Drobyshevskiy, 28, was arrested and charged with first-degree narcotics offenses. He is being held at the Mercer County Correction Center pending a detention hearing.
Officers with the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office, the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, the Monroe Township Police Department, and the Hamilton and Princeton police, under the command of the prosecutor’s Special Investigations Unit, assisted with the investigation.
Despite having been charged, every defendant is presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Viktor Drobyshevskiy, 28, was arrested and charged with first-degree narcotics offenses. He is being held at the Mercer County Correction Center pending a detention hearing.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri announced that a Mercer County grand jury returned a three-count indictment this week charging a Trenton man for the shooting death of William Johenkins in January 2019.
Andreas Crews, 37, of Trenton, was indicted on one count of first-degree murder, one count of second-degree possession of a firearm for an unlawful purpose and one count of second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon. He remains in the Mercer County Correction Center.
Trenton police responded to the first block of Hanford Place at approximately 12:40 a.m. on January 24, 2019, after receiving a call about a man shot in the head. Upon arrival, police located 45-year-old Johenkins in a silver minivan with a gunshot wound to the face. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Following an investigation by the Mercer County Homicide Task Force and the Trenton police, criminal complaints were signed charging Crews with Johenkins’ murder. He was arrested in Burlington Township in December 2019.
Assistant Prosecutor Joseph Paravecchia presented the case to the grand jury.
Despite having been indicted, every defendant is presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Andreas Crews, 37, of Trenton, was indicted on one count of first-degree murder, one count of second-degree possession of a firearm for an unlawful purpose and one count of second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon. He remains in the Mercer County Correction Center.
Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), the Ranking Member of the House global health subcommittee, said today that the growing threat of the coronavirus, or COVID-19, requires Congress to immediately and adequately provide emergency funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other federal agencies already working to protect US citizens.
“This week, the Trump administration is requesting at least $2.5 billion in additional funding to combat the coronavirus,” said Smith. “The President, Secretary Azar, and others have moved swiftly to identify comprehensive ways to protect US citizens and prepare for a potential pandemic.”
Smith recommended the CDC website for its background on the coronavirus and its guide on actions people can take to slow the spread of a pandemic virus and protect family and friends.
The CDC reports, as of Feb. 25, that 14 cases have been diagnosed in the United States, plus 39 cases among repatriated persons from high-risk settings (such as the Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan), for a current total of 53 cases within the United States.
“We cannot afford to underestimate the potential risk to Americans across the country,” Smith said. “We must bring to bear the full expertise, weight and resources of the federal government to help mitigate the dangers and foster real protection going forward,” he said.
MidJersey.news update:(this is not from Chris Smith’s office but wanted to add to the same topic without starting another article). The CDC and several other health organizations have stated to “Prepare for the virus” and there are a number of ways that can help spread the flu, germs and the coronavirus. Download the CDC document on how to prepare and get ready here.
Some tips on items you may want to keep clean to protect yourself and others:
Wash your hands, scrub with soap and water for 15 to 20 seconds. Do this after using the bathroom and several times per day.
Clean your cell phone. I personally use an alchol based wipe to clean my phone and accessories.
Computer key board, clean the keys on the board every day.
Land line phones clean at least daily and possibly after every use with a antiseptic wipe.
Door knobs, and other items frequently touched clean with a disinfectant.
Vehicle steering wheels, knobs, door handles.
Some experts also say to stock up on food, diapers, medicines, and other items. One of the main reasons they say to stock up on those items is because the supply chain could be interrupted so it would be a good idea to have a couple week supply of essentials handy just in case.
CS-3421542
One of the most important things you can do to prevent the spread of flu and virus is to wash your hands. Your cell phone also has plenty of germs so clean that regularly too. Graphics provided by the CDC.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–In Mercer County Tournament’s final four Trenton Catholic Academy boys defeated Hightstown High School with a final score of 85-63. Trenton Catholic Academy will take on Nottingham High School in the final Friday at 7 pm at the Cure Insurance Arena.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–The Mercer County Tournament’s final four girls Trenton Catholic Academy defeated Trenton High School with a final score of 93-42. Trenton Catholic Academy plays Stuart Country Day School at 5 pm at the Cure Insurance Arena.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–In Mercer County Tournament’s final four held a the Cure Insurance Arena tonight, Nottingham defeated Robbinsville boys basketball with a final score of 61-47. Nottingham will advance to the final game against Trenton Catholic Academy on Friday Night 7 pm at the Cure Insurance Arena.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–A Hamilton man was convicted by a jury on Tuesday of robbery and a weapons offense, Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri reported.
On February 25, 2020, a Mercer County jury found Dwayne Penix, 40, of Hamilton, guilty of one count of first-degree robbery and one count of fourth-degree possession of an imitation firearm for an unlawful purpose.
On December 23, 2017, Penix robbed the Family Dollar on Greenwood Avenue in Hamilton Township. While wearing a black mask and gray rain suit, Penix threatened the cashier with a silver object she thought to be a firearm, grabbed the entire cash register and fled the store. About 12 minutes after the robbery, Penix’s vehicle was stopped and after executing a search warrant of Penix’s vehicle, Hamilton police located a gray rain jacket in the trunk matching the description of the rain jacket depicted on Family Dollar’s video surveillance system. A block away from the Family Dollar, in the backyard of a vacant house, Hamilton police located a black mask on the ground next to Family Dollar’s cash register and the imitation firearm used in the robbery. The black mask was submitted to New Jersey State Police Office of Forensic Sciences and testing revealed the mask to contain Penix’s DNA.
Penix is scheduled to be sentenced on April 17. He faces a state prison sentence of 10 to 20 years, subject to the No Early Release Act.
Assistant Prosecutors Scott Gershman and Michael Nardelli represented the state during the five-day trial before Mercer County Superior Court Judge Darlene J. Pereksta. The defendant was represented by Mark Fury, Esq.
The Airsoft pistol pictured above was taken from the internet and is the same make and model used in the robbery.
On February 25, 2020, a Mercer County jury found Dwayne Penix, 40, of Hamilton, guilty of one count of first-degree robbery and one count of fourth-degree possession of an imitation firearm for an unlawful purpose.
On February 25, 2020, a Mercer County jury found Dwayne Penix, 40, of Hamilton, guilty of one count of first-degree robbery and one count of fourth-degree possession of an imitation firearm for an unlawful purpose.
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)— On Thursday February 20, 2020 around 7:12 pm. the Robbinsville Township Police Department received a call for two cars broken into at Jersey Strong on Route 130. While responding one of the victims whose car was broken into received information via cell phone application their credit card was used at Rite-Aid on Route 33. Robbinsville Police responded to Rite-Aid to gather evidence as well as check other surrounding stores for the suspect. Robbinsville police quickly checked other stores and found a person matching the description in Walgreens on Route 33 and was noticed gathering gift cards and put them back when police arrived. Police located subject and subject and had in possession credit cards from the broken into vehicles at Jersey Strong. Robbinsville Township Police have charged Paige Leddick, Age 19 from Middle Village, NY with two counts of theft. Patrolwoman Allisoin Ricci was the investigating officer. Despite having been charged, every defendant is presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Theft (two separate vehicles) Date: February 20, 2020 Time: 1912 Location: Jersey Strong Reporting Officer: Patrolwoman Allison Ricci
Accused: Paige Leddick Age 19 Middle Village NY Charged: 2 Counts of theft Charged and released pending Court.
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ – (February 25, 2020) – The lawsuit filed by Hamilton Township under the administration of former mayor Kelly Yaede against Robbinsville regarding past sewer charges has been dismissed without prejudice.
The suit, filed August 20, 2019, could be reinstituted if the two townships cannot come to an agreement, but that is not likely. Robbinsville had filed a formal denial of the allegations in the lawsuit, and the two sides were set for mediation at the time the suit was dismissed, per a Trentonian report Monday.
“We will be doing the rate study and letting the professionals come up with a fair and equitable solution,” Mayor Fried said Monday. “It’s easy to work with your neighbors when they do what they say they will.”
Soundly defeated by Jeff Martin in November, yaede had rejected calls for an independent sewer rate study after initially saying she supported the action. That rate study will now go forward.
Hamilton filed suit in New Jersey Superior Court August 26, 2019, claiming Robbinsville owed its sewer utility $2.8 million, this despite never producing an official invoice to back that purported debt.
Yaede falsely claimed in an interview with the Hamilton Post Aug. 22 that Robbinsville’s usage of the sewer system has increased, from 15.9 percent in 2016 to 19 percent in 2019, but yet again provided no proof of increased flow, and never presented her Township Council with any documentation or proof that Robbinsville owed anything.
Hamilton operates a regional wastewater treatment facility serving residents of both Hamilton and Robbinsville. The sewage is ultimately treated at Hamilton’s Water Pollution Control plant before being discharged into Crosswicks Creek. Hamilton and Robbinsville have had a joint sewer agreement since 1976. Hamilton originally agreed to the rate study, which Robbinsville has repeatedly offered to pay half the cost of.
“The rate study would reveal with real data what is fair and reasonable for both towns,” Mayor Fried added. “We want to be a good neighbor and pay our fair share.”
The Hamilton Township Fire Department FMBA entry was “Plant based meatballs over pad tai” the entry did not place this year but in years past they have earned third, second and first places.
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–The Hamilton Township Fire Department was dispatched to the 1700 Block of South Broad Street tonight for a house of fire around 9:30 pm. Upon arrival, the first officer reported smoke showing from the 2nd floor and called an “All Hands” sending additional help to the scene as well as covers from surrounding towns. Crews searched for occupants and stretched a 1 3/4 landline to the 2nd floor where they found a fire in the wall. Firefighters located the base of the fire and quickly extinguished the fire as well as any extension. The fire was declared officially under control at 9:57 pm.
The Hamilton Township Fire Marshal and Hamilton Township Building Department Electrical Inspector were on scene investigating.
MANALAPAN, NJ (MONMOUTH)–The Allentown FFA held a wreath laying ceremony for the first FFA National President from Freehold, NJ today the 2nd day of FFA Week. This has been a tradition tracked back in Allentown FFA scrap books as far as 1975.
Applegate was elected first FFA president in 1928 (Called New Farmers of America in 1928) First National FFA Convention is held in Kansas City, Mo.: 33 delegates from 18 states (Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Nebraska, New Jersey, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Utah, Virginia, Wisconsin) are in attendance.
The Allentown FFA held a wreath laying ceremony for the first FFA National President from Freehold, NJ today the 2nd day of FFA Week. This has been a tradition tracked back in Allentown FFA scrap books as far as 1975.
Leslie N. Applegate was born on October 20, 1911 and died in December 1971. Anyone wishing to visit Applegate is buried in Old Tennent Cemetery 454 Tennent Rd, Manalapan, Section C, Lot 16, Grave 279
Today, February 23, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service will be conducting prescribed burning operations in the following areas.
DIVISION A Morris County – Mendham – Valley Road Somerset County – Bernardsville – Hardscrabble Road Sussex County – Andover – Kittatinny Valley State Park
DIVISION B Burlington County – Shamong – Wharton State Forest – Bass River – Warren Grove Bombing Range Ocean County – Berkeley – Township Line Road – Berkeley – Dover Forge Road – Jackson – Jackson Township Schools Monmouth County – Howell – Atlantic Avenue
DIVISION C Cumberland County – Commercial – Millville Wildlife Management Area – Lawrence – Millville Wildlife Management Area – Maurice River – Peaslee Wildlife Management Area Gloucester County – Franklin – White Oaks Wildlife Management Area
This schedule is weather dependent and subject to change.
If in doubt about the source of smoke or fire, call 9-1-1 or 877-WARN-DEP (877-927-6337).
The New Jersey Forest Fire Service has determined that the weather conditions on Monday, February 24th will be safe and suitable for prescribed burning.
The Pole Farm and Reed Bryan sections of Mercer Meadows will be CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE, beginning Monday morning.
The New Jersey Forest Fire Service has determined that the weather conditions on Monday, February 24th will be safe and suitable for prescribed burning. The Pole Farm and Reed Bryan sections of Mercer Meadows will be CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE, beginning Monday morning.
138 Hamilton North Nottingham David Aboasu with a 5-3 decision over Northern Burlington David Aboasu
152 Hamilton North Nottingham Joachim Larose with a 6-1 decision over Lawrence Sean Mills
160 Hamilton North Nottingham Kwanir Edwards with a 9-5 decision over Northern Burlington Jamie Lovenduski
NJSIAA District 22 held at Middletown North High School
113 Trenton Cory Stallworth 3rd place with a fall over Westampton Ibrahim Kermen at 2:18
120 Allentown Joey Lamparelli 1st place with a 9-3 decision over Middletown North Fred Luchs
145 Allentown’s Matt Paglia 2nd place after a 5-3 decision over CBA Tyler Barrett
160 Allentown’ Nick Golden 1st place after a 3-1 decision over Red Bank Catholic Sabino Portella
170 Trenton Central High School Te’amo Nazario 1st place, Allentown Paskal Miga 2nd place
195 Notre Dame Jaylen Bynes 3rd place with a fall against Trenton Jayson Williams at 1:47
220 Allentown Daniel Schweitzer 3rd with a fall against Willingboro Naeem Walker at 3:01
160 Allentown’ Nick Golden 1st place after a 3-1 decision over Red Bank Catholic Sabino Portella
145 Allentown’s Matt Paglia 2nd place after a 5-3 decision over CBA Tyler Barrett
220 Allentown Daniel Schweitzer 3rd with a fall against Willingboro Naeem Walker at 3:01
Allentown’s Matt Paglia with 100 career wins today at Middletown North High School During Districts
120 Allentown Joey Lamparelli 1st place with a 9-3 decision over Middletown North Fred Luchs
170 Trenton Central High School Te’amo Nazario 1st place, Allentown Paskal Miga 2nd place
4 Time District Champions left Allentown’s Joey Lamparelli and right Tyler Klinsky from Middletown North
District 22 Champions
NJSIAA District 22 held at Middletown North High SchoolAllentown’s Matt Paglia with 100 career wins today at Middletown North High School During Districts
NJSIAS District 23 held at Point Pleasant Beach High School
106 Robbinsville Shailen Savur 1st place with 8-1 decision over Pt. Pleasant Boro Lucas Toree
106 Hightstown Robert Fattore 3rd place TF 1.5 5:16 over Steinert-Hamilton East Nicholas Ricigliano
113 Hamilton East Steinert 1st with a 11-3 decision over Long Branch Dylan Kelleher
120 Robbinsville Dylan Cifrodelli 2nd after a 7-3 decision against Point Pleasant Boro James Latendorf 1st
120 Hightstown Joseph Obst 3rd place over Long Branch Ignacio Guzman
126 Robbinsville Drake Torrington 1st in 11-4 decision over Long Branch Joseph Conlon
126 Giovanni Morina 3rd place with a 9-4 decision over Anthony Verdi Hamilton East Steinert
132 Hightstown Kether Thornton 1st place with a 9-2 decision over Point Pleasant Beach Siley Simon
145 Hightstown Elijah Rodriguez 2nd after a decision against Point Pleasant Beach Jesse Bowers
160 Highstown Alex Stavrou 2nd after a 6-5 decision against Point Pleasant Boro Ty Bailey
195 Hightstown Chris Stavrou 2nd against Long Branch Patrick O’Dwyer 1st
195 Hamilton East Steinert 3rd against Point Pleasant Beach George Kaiafas
220 Hightstown Bryan Bonilla 3rd with at 4-0 decision over Point Pleasant Boro Patrick Frawley
285 Hightstown Brenden Hansen 1st over Neptune Isaias Thomas
Congrats to Hightstown Coach Russo who was named the District 23 Coach of the Year
3 guys moving on and a lot of experience gained today! We continue to improve and learn with every opportunity. #GoRavenspic.twitter.com/q2xcuw1WPW
UPPER FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH)–The Allentown FFA Chapter was at the Allentown-Upper Freehold Tractor Supply today showing scrap books and other items from the FFA Chapter. Several current FFA members as well as Allentown FFA Alumni were on hand. Tractor Supply is collecting donations for the FFA Paper Emblem Program during FFA Week.
Tomorrow the Allentown FFA Chapter will have a wreath laying ceremony at grave site of Leslie Applegate from New Jersey who was elected first National FFA president in 1929. Looking though chapter records this has been a tradition since at least 1975 during FFA Week.
ROBBINSVILLE/HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Molly Aromando, a senior at Trenton Catholic Academy (Hamilton, NJ) and lifelong Robbinsville resident, recently accepted a basketball scholarship offer from The College of Saint Rose (Albany, NY) and signed a National Letter of Intent. The Golden Knights, an NCAA Division II program, are members of the Northeast 10 Conference.
“I’m so excited to be continuing my academic and basketball careers at Saint Rose,” said Aromando. “Coaches (Karen) Haag and (John) Ardizone are great people and teachers of the game. The Northeast 10 is one of the best conferences in Division II. I got along really well with my future teammates on my visits. I plan to be a teacher and coach, and their School of Education is excellent. And I love the campus in Albany, which is a beautiful city.”
Aromando, a smooth, versatile 5’11” guard with excellent range, playmaking ability and tenacity on defense, first attracted attention from colleges as the MVP of her AAU team, the Central Jersey Hawks-Lightning, coached by John Mayo. Her play in AAU and at TCA has enabled her to be only the second Robbinsville native to earn a basketball scholarship. Peddie grad Lisa Lebak, a star guard at Division I Quinnipiac from 2009-2013, was the first.
Aromando is also the first Robbinsville resident to play Girls Varsity Basketball for the legendary Lady Mikes. She has been building a laudable legacy at TCA since her arrival in Fall 2018. She enrolled there after two standout years at Robbinsville High School, where she earned a 4.1 GPA, letters in two Varsity sports (soccer and basketball), all-conference honors and recognition as one of the Top 100 Sophomores in NJ Girls High School Basketball.
During Aromando’s time at TCA, the Lady Mikes, under head coach Bob Fusik, have been among the best teams in the state and nation.
In 2018-19, TCA finished 25-4 and ranked #6 in the state. The Lady Mikes won Burlington County Scholastic League (BCSL) Liberty Division, Mercer County Tournament and NJSIAA South Jersey Non-Public B titles. Aromando became a key contributor after sitting the first 30 days of the season per state transfer rules. In her best outing, she registered 13 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists vs. Pennsauken.
This season, TCA has played a schedule filled with state and national powers. The Lady Mikes have more than risen to the challenge, posting a 22-1 record as of February 21. They are currently ranked #2 in NJ and in the Top 25 in several national polls, including MaxPreps (#14) and espnW (#24). The roster includes four senior D1 commits (three basketball; one track), as well as one junior and two freshmen with many D1 offers.
“I love my teammates,” said Aromando. “They are talented players and great people. We spend a lot of time together. We have so much fun. And we have each other’s back. You can see that in games. We play unselfish, team basketball.”
Indeed. TCA scores a whopping 72 points per game, but no player averages over 13 per game. Six average between 10 and 13 per game. As many as 11 players may see the floor. So individual contributions aren’t always visible in box scores.
Still, Aromando has made her mark on the Lady Mikes super season. In her last 10 games since returning to the lineup after an injury, she has contributed 7.4 points and 3.3 rebounds per game. In a recent start against Westampton Tech, defending Central Jersey Group 3 champions, she delivered 8 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 blocked shots. In another start in the MCT opener vs. Nottingham, Aromando exploded for a career-high 23 points on 8-13 shooting, including three 3’s, and recorded 6 steals, 6 rebounds, 3 blocked shots and 2 assists. And in the MCT quarterfinals against Hightstown, she registered 9 points, 6 steals, 4 assists and 3 rebounds.
“I’ve never cared about stats,” said Aromando. “My teammates feel the same way. We just want to win and play the right way. We have big team goals this season. We know we have to continue to work very hard, get better every day and bring our best each game to achieve them.”
Aromando also excels off the hardwood at TCA. She was named TCA’s Female Scholar-Athlete in 2018-19. She has made the Honor Roll of Distinction (no grades less than an A) in every semester of her TCA career, has earned an A in every class she has taken in high school (except for one B) and maintains a 4.0 GPA taking Honors and AP courses. She also serves as Student Council President, leads the TCA Chapter of Catholic Athletes for Christ, is a Peer Tutor and spent part of the past two summers as a volunteer for Project Appalachia, in which members of the St. Gregory The Great Catholic Church youth group perform home repairs for those in need in rural West Virginia.
“TCA welcomed me from Day 1 like I was family,” said Aromando. “It’s been that way ever since. The school community is so caring. The experiences, opportunities and support I’ve had here have been incredible. I’ll always cherish my time at TCA.”
ALLENTOWN, NJ (MONMOUTH)–It is National FFA Week and this year is celebrated from February 22 to 29, 2020. The Allentown High School Chapter of the FFA Organization has a deep history in the area. Recently I came across a set of negatives of the 1988-89 FFA Banquet in Allentown. From the mark on one of the negatives one of the group photos may have been published back in the Messenger Press, none of the other photos have been seen before. Enjoy a look back in time from 32 years ago. Also a few photos in the mix of the Allentown FFA Alumni meeting in 1988-89.
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–The Trenton Catholic Academy, Iron Mikes boys basketball team defeated the Allentown, Redbirds with a final score of 78-66. The Trenton Catholic Academy will advance in the Mercer County Tournament and take on Hightstown in the final 4 to be held at the Cure Insurance Arena.
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–The Trenton Catholic Academy “Iron Mikes” girls basketball team won their game against the Hightstown Rams tonight at the Iron Palace with a final score of 76-16. Trenton Catholic Academy will advance to the final 4 against Trenton High School.
ALLENTOWN, NJ (MONMOUTH)–The visiting Trenton Tornadoes girls basketball team defeated the Allentown Redbirds during the Mercer County Tournament with a final score of 47-41. Trenton High School Girls will advance to the final 4, their next game is against Trenton Catholic Academy.
TRENTON – A Trenton man was sentenced today to 40 years in state prison for multiple sexual assault crimes, Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri reported. Under the No Early Release Act, the sentence carries a mandatory period of parole ineligibility of 34 years.
Jordan Lester, 32, of Trenton, was convicted by a jury in October 2019 of two counts of first-degree aggravated sexual assault on a child under 13 years old and one count of second-degree endangering the welfare of a child. Mercer County Superior Court Judge Timothy P. Lydon presided over the trial and imposed sentence.
The victim first reported the sexual assaults to a family member in 2015. In 2016, the victim disclosed to detectives, specially trained in child forensic interviews at the Robin Scheiner Child Advocacy Center, that when she was 5- and 6-years-old, the defendant sexually assaulted her multiple times, both vaginally and anally.
The victim first reported the sexual assaults to a family member in 2015. In 2016, the victim disclosed to detectives, specially trained in child forensic interviews at the Robin Scheiner Child Advocacy Center, that when she was 5- and 6-years-old, the defendant sexually assaulted her multiple times, both vaginally and anally. The victim, 9 years old at the time of trial, testified at trial
Lester was sentenced to concurrent terms of 40 years incarceration for the two counts of aggravated sexual assault and a six-year term of incarceration for the count of endangering the welfare of a child. In addition to the sentence of incarceration, Lester is subject to parole supervision for life and will be required to register as a sex offender under Megan’s Law.
“The dedication and hard work of the detectives and attorneys who investigated and prosecuted this matter resulted in this guilty verdict,” Onofri said. “But we must give enormous credit to the young victim who bravely took the stand and testified against the man who caused her to suffer through months of sexual abuse. It is because of her courageousness that this defendant will no longer be able to hurt any other children.
Assistant Prosecutor Laura Kotarba, a member of the Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit, represented the state during the four-week trial. The defendant was represented by Jessica Lyons, Esquire.
Jordan Lester, 32, of Trenton,was sentenced today to 40 years in state prison for multiple sexual assault crimes, Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri reported. Under the No Early Release Act, the sentence carries a mandatory period of parole ineligibility of 34 years.
ALLENTOWN, NJ (MONMOUTH)–This past month Jennifer Healey of the Allentown FFA was named the January State Member of the Month for New Jersey. Any FFA member who wishes to become a member of the month for the state has to complete an application which then gets sent to the State. Many members apply for this award every month.
The Allentown FFA apparel sale came to an end this month. It was a huge success and everyone loved the design for the apparel. It was so popular that we decided to do another order due January 17th.
January 16th was our monthly chapter meeting. We had the opportunity to welcome Mrs Pribell to come and speak to us. We learned alot about the Farm Bureau and how we can be involved. Mrs Pribell also spoke to us about her and her husband’s beekeeping business. It was very interesting to learn about the different types of honey and what it takes to be a beekeeper. We would like to thank Mrs Pribell for this amazing opportunity.
After the meeting was adjourned we held a cupcake decorating competition.
Coming up in February we have FFA Week. FFA week is held the last week of February which is February 23rd to the 29th. FFA week is a time for chapters all around the country to celebrate FFA and how it has affected each member. During this week we do many fun activities and attend a leadership conference. We are also preparing for our Valentine’s Day fundraiser. In this fundraiser we sell pre-ordered roses that will be sent to the person of their choice on Valentine’s Day.
Allentown FFA Officers: Rebecca Hopkins, Susan Mandeville, Jennifer Healey, and Alyssia Carotenuto
UPDATE: Meirs Road Construction will need to continue for an additional two weeks past the projected completion day previously stated. Should now be completed by March 10, 2020
February 8, 2020
UPPER FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH)– Meirs Road between Route 537 and Jonathan Holmes Road will be closed for repairs, Tuesday February 11 to Tuesday February 25. (weather dependent). A culvert at the bridge needs to be repaired and the road will need to be closed.
Local traffic from Jonathan Holmes or Route 537 to the bridge. Barriers will be placed at the bridge. First Responders will have access.
The school bus stop for these residents will be at Meirs and Jonathan Holmes.
TRENTON/HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Police are investigating a shooting that occurred on Home Avenue then continued down Home to a secondary scene on Lalor Street just prior to 2 pm this afternoon. Police were seen questioning individuals at the 2nd scene and were going door to door on Home to ask which vehicles were involved. Windows could be seen shot out of cars and bullet casings were lying on the ground.
Hamilton Township EMS and Hamilton Township Fire Department responded to the scene for a shooting victim. Trenton Engine 3 was also dispatched to the scene on the Trenton side.
Details are sketchy but and no further information is available at the time of this report. Check back for further information when it becomes available.
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)—On February 19, 2020 at approximately 7:51 pm, Hamilton Police were in the area of South Olden Avenue and Cedar Lane when they observed a male wearing a dark hoody pulled over his head with gloves exit a vehicle parked behind Old Cedar Liquor Store (1056 South Olden Avenue). The male walked to the front of the store and entered while pulling out what appeared to be a long gun. Officers responded to the store and as they approached the male was seen exiting the store. A brief foot chase ensued. The male dropped the long gun and was apprehended a short distance away with a cell phone and $573.00 in US currency that was taken from the store. Officers located a female waiting in the vehicle the male had previously exited parked behind the store and placed her under arrest. Thelong gun was recovered and was found to be a pellet gun. The male was identified as Jenell Carson of Hamilton and the female was identified as Eiana Harris-Harvey of Trenton. Jenell was charged with Robbery, Possession of a Weapon for Unlawful Purpose, Unlawful Possession of Weapon, Resisting Arrest by Flight and Possession of Marijuana. Harris=Harvey was charged with Robbery, Possession of Weapon for Unlawful Purpose, Unlawful Possession of Weapon and Possession of Marijuana. The Hamilton Police would also like to thank the Trenton Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigations for their assistance in the investigation.
Anyone with any information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective Robert Whartenby of the Hamilton Police Division’s Criminal Investigations Section at 609-581-4032 or the Hamilton Police Crime tip Hotline at 609-581-4008.
Despite having been charged, every defendant is presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–The Robbinsville boys basketball team defeated West Windsor Plainsboro North with a final score of 59-44 in their Mercer County Tournament game tonight.
ALLENTOWN, NJ (MONMOUTH)–The Allentown boys basketball team defeated Pennington during their game in the Mercer County Basketball Tournament tonight with a final score of 78-61.
MidJersey.News 
You must be logged in to post a comment.