Day: April 1, 2020

Burlington, Hamilton, Mercer County, Middlesex County, Monmouth County, Ocean County, Trenton

Department Of Justice Makes $850 Million Available, NJ $6 Million, Hamilton $51k, Trenton $373k, Mercer County $58k, Monmouth $58k, + More, Individual Town List Attached

April 1, 2020

$6 Million Available to New Jersey Counties and Municipalities

NEWARK, N.J. – The Department of Justice today announced that it is making $850 million available to help public safety agencies respond to the challenges posed by the outbreak of COVID-19. The Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, authorized by the recently passed stimulus legislation, will allow eligible state, local and tribal governments to apply immediately for these critical funds. The department is moving quickly to make awards, with the goal of having funds available for drawdown within days of the award.

“The COVID-19 outbreak has placed tremendous stress on our public safety professionals at all levels of government,” U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito said. “I urge the jurisdictions that are eligible for these vital resources to apply for them as soon as possible. Our goal is to get this emergency funding into the hands of the public safety providers who need it as quickly as possible.”

“This is an unprecedented moment in our nation’s history and an especially dangerous one for our front-line law enforcement officers, corrections officials, and public safety professionals,” Office of Justice Programs Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan said. “We are grateful to the Congress for making these resources available and for the show of support this program represents.”

The solicitation, posted by the Bureau of Justice Assistance in the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP), will remain open for at least 60 days and be extended as necessary. OJP will fund successful applicants as a top priority on a rolling basis as applications are received. Funds may be used to hire personnel, pay overtime costs, cover protective equipment and supplies, address correctional inmates’ medical needs and defray expenses related to the distribution of resources to hard-hit areas, among other activities. Grant funds may be applied retroactively to Jan. 20, 2020, subject to federal supplanting rules.

Agencies that were eligible for the fiscal year 2019 State and Local Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program are candidates for this emergency funding. A complete list of eligible jurisdictions and their allocations can be found at https://bja.ojp.gov/program/fy20-cesf-allocations.

For more information about the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, please visit: https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-18553. For more information about the Office of Justice Programs, please visit https://www.ojp.gov/.

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

  • state allocations
  • New Jersey
  • New Jersey
Agencies that were eligible for the fiscal year 2019 State and Local Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program are candidates for this emergency funding. A complete list of eligible jurisdictions and their allocations can be found at https://bja.ojp.gov/program/fy20-cesf-allocations.
Burlington, Mercer County, Middlesex County, Monmouth County, Ocean County, Trenton

AG Grewal: If You Threaten a Cop with COVID-19, You Will Face the Maximum Criminal Charges

AG’s Office Brings Enhanced Criminal Charges Against Six Individuals Who Spat or Coughed at Officers and Threatened Them with COVID-19

April 1, 2020

TRENTON – Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal today announced that the Attorney General’s Office has taken over prosecution of six cases and is filing upgraded charges against defendants who allegedly threatened police officers by spitting or coughing at them and claiming to have COVID-19. “Last week, I said the time for warnings is over and those violating the COVID-19 emergency orders will face strong law enforcement action,” said Attorney General Grewal.  “Police all across New Jersey are making good on that vow by charging violators with crimes. Now, with the cases being announced today, we’re letting our dedicated officers know that we have their backs as they work tirelessly to maintain public safety and health at this difficult time.” “We take all assaults on police officers seriously, but it is especially heinous for someone to spit or cough at an officer in an attempt to infect or threaten to infect them with COVID-19,” Attorney General Grewal added.  “Hundreds of officers across New Jersey are already infected with the virus, which, in many cases, they likely contracted by protecting and serving the public while on the frontlines of the battle against COVID-19.  We have zero tolerance for anyone who uses the coronavirus as a weapon or instrument of terror against officers bravely performing their duties during this health crisis.” “Troopers and officers throughout the State do not have the ability to work from home or practice social distancing while protecting and serving the residents of New Jersey in the midst of this pandemic. Law enforcement comes with many risks, none of which do the men and women who wear a badge shy away from,” said Colonel Patrick Callahan of the New Jersey State Police. “For a defendant to intentionally expose an officer to COVID-19 is not just an assault on that officer, it’s an assault on their family members, fellow officers, and the general public. Anyone who uses the virus as a weapon against an officer will face a swift law enforcement response.” “We have superseded these criminal cases to ensure that they are prioritized and consistently prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” said Director Veronica Allende of the Division of Criminal Justice.  “We have upgraded the charges in four cases by adding a second-degree charge of making terroristic threats during a state of emergency, and in all cases we have charged fourth-degree aggravated assault on an officer.  All six defendants now face both of those charges.” Second-degree crimes carry a sentence of five to 10 years in state prison and a fine of up to $150,000, while third-degree crimes carry a sentence of three to five years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000.  Fourth-degree crimes carry a sentence of up to 18 months in prison and a $10,000 fine. The following cases, which initially were charged by local police and county prosecutors, have been superseded for prosecution by the Division of Criminal Justice:

  • David Haley, 52, of Perth Amboy, is charged with terroristic threats during a state of emergency (2nd degree), aggravated assault on an officer (4th degree), throwing bodily fluid at an officer (4th degree), and resisting arrest (disorderly persons offense). On March 21, Haley allegedly spit on Perth Amboy officers who responded to a domestic violence call.  He claimed to be infected with the coronavirus.  He also is charged with simple assault/domestic violence.
  • Raymond Ricciardi, 51, of New Providence, is charged with terroristic threats during a state of emergency (2nd degree), aggravated assault on an officer and EMTs (4th degree),  resisting arrest (disorderly persons offense), and harassment (petty disorderly persons offense).  On March 25, during a domestic violence incident, Ricciardi allegedly claimed he had the coronavirus and purposely coughed at police and medics.  He also is charged with simple assault/domestic violence.
  • Marina Bishara-Rhone, 25, of River Edge, is charged with terroristic threats during a state of emergency (2nd degree), aggravated assault on an officer (4th degree), endangering (4th degree), throwing bodily fluid at an officer (4th degree), and false public alarm (2nd degree).  On March 14, she was involved in a domestic violence incident and allegedly coughed directly on a responding officer, claiming that she had the coronavirus and hoped he was now infected.
  • Kenneth Wideman Jr., 30, of Flemington, is charged with terroristic threats during a state of emergency (2nd degree), aggravated assault on an officer (4th degree), throwing bodily fluid at an officer (4th degree), possession of controlled dangerous substance (3rd degree), and related disorderly persons offenses.  During his arrest on March 19, Wideman allegedly yelled in the faces of police officers and actively coughed and spit at them, claiming to have the coronavirus.  He refused police commands that he wear a mask.
  • Vanessa Shaaraway, 35 of Kearny, is charged with terroristic threats during a state of emergency (2nd degree), aggravated assault on an officer (4th degree), two counts of throwing bodily fluid at an officer (3rd degree), resisting arrest (3rd degree), obstruction (4th degree), and shoplifting (4th degree).  On March 27, Belleville Police responded to a report of a shoplifter and encountered the suspect, Shaaraway, who allegedly fled and refused commands to stop. When she was caught by two officers, she purposefully coughed on them and claimed that she was infected with COVID-19.
  • Jennifer Burgess, 35, of Plainfield, is charged with terroristic threats during a state of emergency (2nd degree), aggravated assault on an officer (4th degree), resisting arrest (3rd degree and disorderly persons offense), throwing bodily fluid at an officer (4th degree), disorderly conduct, and DWI. During a motor vehicle stop on March 16 in Dunellen, Burgess allegedly attempted to elude police and deliberately coughed on an officer, telling the officer that she had the coronavirus.

The charges are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. If you are seeing a lack of compliance with Governor Murphy’s emergency orders in your town, please contact your local police department or report here https://covid19.nj.gov/violation The Attorney General’s Office and New Jersey State Police will continue to work with law enforcement throughout New Jersey to deter non-complaint behavior.

  • David Haley, 52, of Perth Amboy, is charged with terroristic threats during a state of emergency (2nd degree), aggravated assault on an officer (4th degree), throwing bodily fluid at an officer (4th degree), and resisting arrest (disorderly persons offense). On March 21, Haley allegedly spit on Perth Amboy officers who responded to a domestic violence call. He claimed to be infected with the coronavirus. He also is charged with simple assault/domestic violence.
  • Raymond Ricciardi, 51, of New Providence, is charged with terroristic threats during a state of emergency (2nd degree), aggravated assault on an officer and EMTs (4th degree), resisting arrest (disorderly persons offense), and harassment (petty disorderly persons offense). On March 25, during a domestic violence incident, Ricciardi allegedly claimed he had the coronavirus and purposely coughed at police and medics. He also is charged with simple assault/domestic violence.
  • Jennifer Burgess, 35, of Plainfield, is charged with terroristic threats during a state of emergency (2nd degree), aggravated assault on an officer (4th degree), resisting arrest (3rd degree and disorderly persons offense), throwing bodily fluid at an officer (4th degree), disorderly conduct, and DWI. During a motor vehicle stop on March 16 in Dunellen, Burgess allegedly attempted to elude police and deliberately coughed on an officer, telling the officer that she had the coronavirus.
  • Vanessa Shaaraway, 35 of Kearny, is charged with terroristic threats during a state of emergency (2nd degree), aggravated assault on an officer (4th degree), two counts of throwing bodily fluid at an officer (3rd degree), resisting arrest (3rd degree), obstruction (4th degree), and shoplifting (4th degree). On March 27, Belleville Police responded to a report of a shoplifter and encountered the suspect, Shaaraway, who allegedly fled and refused commands to stop. When she was caught by two officers, she purposefully coughed on them and claimed that she was infected with COVID-19.
  • Kenneth Wideman Jr., 30, of Flemington, is charged with terroristic threats during a state of emergency (2nd degree), aggravated assault on an officer (4th degree), throwing bodily fluid at an officer (4th degree), possession of controlled dangerous substance (3rd degree), and related disorderly persons offenses. During his arrest on March 19, Wideman allegedly yelled in the faces of police officers and actively coughed and spit at them, claiming to have the coronavirus. He refused police commands that he wear a mask.
AG’s Office Brings Enhanced Criminal Charges Against Six Individuals Who Spat or Coughed at Officers and Threatened Them with COVID-19
Burlington, Mercer County, Monmouth County, Ocean County, Trenton

Close to 1 Million Worldwide, USA Passes 200k, New Jersey 22,255, Monmouth 1,307, Ocean 1,256

April 1, 2020

3:55 PM UPDATE: According to the 3:45 pm Johns Hopkins University COVID-19 Tracker the United States of America has passed the 200k mark and currently at 206,207 while there is 911,308 cases world wide, closing in on 1 million cases. As test results come in from around the world we are looking at 1 million cases shortly.

Monmouth County reports 1,307 cases and town list is below for 4/1/2020

Ocean County has not released their list yet for 4/1/2020 and is expected shortly usually after 4 pm.

USA: 190,740 confirmed cases and 4,127 deaths from COVID-19 as of the 12:02 pm Johns Hopkins University COVID-19 Tracker As the numbers come in from across the nation the USA could very well be well over 200k and close to 5k deaths reported by this evening. It is still early and states could report later in the day.

I will update the site with Monmouth and Ocean County numbers with individual towns as it becomes available. Mercer County does not report individual towns.

New Jersey-Positive 22,255 Deaths 355

COVID-19 Cases by County

Data is provisional and subsequent to revision.

4,512 Positives Pending Further Information

Bergen County:   

 3,494 Positive Test Result(s)

 75 Deaths

Essex County:   

 2,262 Positive Test Result(s)

 69 Deaths

Hudson County:   

 1,910 Positive Test Result(s)

 29 Deaths

Union County:   

 1,661 Positive Test Result(s)

 29 Deaths

Passaic County:   

 1,494 Positive Test Result(s)

 15 Deaths

Middlesex County:   

 1,493 Positive Test Result(s)

 27 Deaths

Monmouth County:   

 1,301 Positive Test Result(s)

 24 Deaths

Ocean County:   

 1,209 Positive Test Result(s)

 23 Deaths

Morris County:   

 942 Positive Test Result(s)

 25 Deaths

Somerset County:   

 472 Positive Test Result(s)

 15 Deaths

Mercer County:   

 333 Positive Test Result(s)

 3 Deaths

Camden County:   

 289 Positive Test Result(s)

 3 Deaths

Burlington County:   

 255 Positive Test Result(s)

 5 Deaths

Sussex County:   

 158 Positive Test Result(s)

 6 Deaths

Gloucester County:   

 149 Positive Test Result(s)

 2 Deaths

Hunterdon County:   

 117 Positive Test Result(s)

 0 Deaths

Warren County:   

 96 Positive Test Result(s)

 3 Deaths

Atlantic County:   

 40 Positive Test Result(s)

 0 Deaths

Cumberland County:   

 27 Positive Test Result(s)

 1 Deaths

Cape May County:   

 22 Positive Test Result(s)

 0 Deaths

Salem County:   

 19 Positive Test Result(s)

 1 Deaths

Please practice social distancing

Monmouth County has 1,307 positive cases 
of COVID-19

FREEHOLD, NJ –Monmouth County Freeholder Director Thomas A. Arnone and Freeholder Deputy Director Susan M. Kiley have announced that, as of April 1, there are 1,307 positive cases of COVID-19 in Monmouth County.

The breakdown by municipality is as follows:

  • Aberdeen: 38
  • Asbury Park: 20
  • Atlantic Highlands: 8
  • Avon-by-the-Sea: 3
  • Belmar: 2
  • Bradley Beach: 6
  • Brielle: 10
  • Colts Neck: 23
  • Deal: 7
  • Eatontown: 42
  • Englishtown: 12
  • Fair Haven: 13
  • Farmingdale: 6
  • Freehold Borough: 14
  • Freehold Township: 101
  • Hazlet: 50
  • Highlands: 6
  • Holmdel: 49
  • Howell: 102
  • Keansburg: 26
  • Keyport: 10
  • Lake Como: 4
  • Little Silver: 17
  • Long Branch: 48
  • Manalapan: 98
  • Manasquan: 14
  • Marlboro: 99
  • Matawan: 33
  • Middletown: 127
  • Millstone: 13
  • Monmouth Beach: 4
  • Neptune City: 7
  • Neptune Township: 51
  • Ocean: 43
  • Oceanport: 14
  • Red Bank: 27
  • Rumson: 17
  • Sea Bright: 2
  • Sea Girt: 6
  • Shrewsbury Borough: 15
  • Shrewsbury Township: 3
  • Spring Lake: 5
  • Spring Lake Heights: 7
  • Tinton Falls: 24
  • Union Beach: 1
  • Upper Freehold: 14
  • Wall: 49
  • West Long Branch: 17

The Freeholders remind residents that today, April 1, is Census Day and ask all residents to go to 2020census.gov or call 844-330-2020 to make sure everyone in their household is counted. The Census count determines how New Jersey is represented in Congress and directly impacts federal funding.

The Freeholders also remind residents that Monmouth County’s healthcare workers and first responders are in desperate need of personal protective equipment which has become increasingly scarce due to the ongoing battle against COVID-19.

Donations of personal protective equipment items are being accepted at Thompson Park, 805 Newman Springs Road, in Lincroft, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Monday through Friday. For additional information, or to arrange the drop-off of personal protective equipment, please call 732-842-4000, ext. 4312.

Monmouth County news updates and information regarding the COVID-19 situation are posted at www.visitmonmouth.com.

Covid-19 Total Cases (1256) In Ocean County:

Total as of Wednesday, 4/1/2020 at 11:00 am

Effective as of March 28, 2020, the data represented below identifies the municipality or mailing address which was self-reported by the resident at the time of testing. It may not necessarily represent the municipality of residence.

Town NameNumber of Cases
Barnegat38
Barnegat Light2
Bay Head2
Beach Haven3
Beachwood11
Berkeley83
Brick125
Eagleswood0
Harvey Cedars0
Island Heights2
Jackson114
Lacey36
Lakehurst3
Lakewood450
Lavallette3
Little Egg Harbor9
Long Beach Township5
Manchester67
Mantoloking0
Ocean Gate0
Ocean Twp. (Waretown)4
Pine Beach0
Plumsted3
Point Pleasant Beach4
Point Pleasant Borough36
Seaside Heights5
Seaside Park2
Ship Bottom3
South Toms River16
Surf City1
Stafford25
Toms River204
Tuckerton0
Total Positive Cases: 1256
Hamilton, Hamilton, Mercer County

𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗖𝗢𝗩𝗜𝗗-𝟭𝟵 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗗𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗵 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗛𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘁𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝗼𝘄𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽

April 1, 2020

Hamilton, NJ – It is with a heavy heart that we report that the Communicable Disease Reporting and Surveillance System (CDRSS) alerted the Hamilton Township Health Department of our first COVID-19 related death in town. The individual was a 63-year-old male. Further information on the decedent and details surrounding their case will not be released.

“We all knew that this day would ultimately arrive in Hamilton Township, but it does not make the news any easier to digest and announce,” says Mayor Jeff Martin. Mayor Martin asks that we all join in prayer and thoughts for the decedent’s family and friends during this difficult time.

It is our responsibility to keep one another safe and save lives. We ask that residents stay home unless absolutely necessary. Remember the importance of practicing everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 such as maintaining safe physical distancing recommendations of 6 feet or more, washing your hands, cover your coughs and sneezes, and clean frequently touched surfaces or objects daily.

Additionally, Hamilton Township has moved to reporting active cases on the website. Active cases are those which are currently reported in the CDRSS as a confirmed positive case.

Active cases may be removed from the system when individuals have recovered or succumbed to complications caused by the virus. You will see our daily active case number fluctuate as new cases are reported and others are removed.

Millstone, Millstone, Monmouth County

Fatal Accident In Millstone

April 1, 2020

Updated: NJSP released the name of the victim, Jeremy Pulley, 38, of Freehold had passed away in the accident.

MILLSTONE TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH)—One person passed away from a single car crash on Route 537 near Six Flags Great Adventure this morning according to New Jersey State Police. The reportedly lost control and crashed into a utility pole around 7 am. The New Jersey State Police are investigating. The name of the deceased was being withheld pending notification of the family. The exit ramp from 195 to 537 was closed for several hours for the accident investigation.

Burlington, Mercer County, Monmouth County, Ocean County, Trenton

State Income Tax Filing And Corporation Business Tax Extended From April 15th to July 15th

April 1, 2020

TRENTON – Governor Phil Murphy, Senate President Steve Sweeney and Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin issued the following joint statement today on the tax filing deadline and the state budget timetable:“The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has caused hardships, financial strain, and disruptions for many New Jerseyans and New Jersey businesses. As part of our response, we have reached agreement that the state income tax filing deadline and the corporation business tax filing deadline will be extended from April 15th to July 15th.“Additionally, as part of the whole-of-government effort that is going into fighting COVID-19, we have agreed that the state fiscal year should be extended to September 30th . This will allow the Administration and the Legislature to focus fully on leading New Jersey out of this crisis, and to allow for a robust, comprehensive, and well-informed budget process later in the year. “We are committed to working together to enact the necessary legislation and supplemental appropriations to accomplish these goals.”