Day: May 5, 2020

Beachwood, Freehold, Monmouth County, Neptune, Ocean County

Monmouth County Corrections Officer Admits Sexual Contact At Jail

May 5, 2020

FREEHOLD, NJ (MONMOUTH)– A Monmouth County corrections officer admitted he engaged in sexual contact with an inmate at the Monmouth County Correctional Institution last year, announced Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni.

Thomas J. Mauro, 42 of Beachwood, pleaded guilty today to fourth degree Criminal Sexual Contact before Monmouth County Superior Court Judge Vincent N. Falcetano, Jr. Mauro admitted he had sexual contact with a female inmate at the Monmouth County Correctional Institution last year. Mauro is scheduled to appear before Judge Falcetano for sentencing on July 17, 2020.

“All law enforcement officers have a duty to maintain the public’s confidence that they are conducting themselves with honor and integrity.  Corrections officers have the added responsibility of ensuring that those who are serving sentences for breaking the law are doing so in an environment that is safe and free from the abuse of authority demonstrated in this case,” Gramiccioni said.

The victim, a 31-year-old female inmate from Neptune City, was observed on April 27, 2019, entering a bathroom at the correctional facility reserved for the exclusive use of Monmouth County Correctional Institution (MCCI) staff. Moments later, Mauro followed her into the same bathroom. While in the bathroom, Mauro engaged in sexual contact with the inmate before they each exited the bathroom separately.  The investigation revealed that Mauro and the woman had a prior relationship in 2013 while the woman was not an inmate at the facility.

“I’m proud of the corrections officers who tirelessly serve this agency.  Any officer who violates their oath does a disservice to their fellow officers, the inmates and public, and will be held fully accountable for their conduct,” said Sheriff Shaun Golden. 

As part of his plea agreement with this Office, Mauro faces a recommended sentence of probation with 180 days in jail.  Mauro also agreed to permanently forfeit his ability to hold public office in the State of New Jersey.

The case is assigned to Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Melanie Falco, Director of the Office’s Professional Responsibilities and Bias Crime Unit.

Mauro is represented by Jeffrey Garrigan, Esq., of Jersey City.

More can be found at this link

Hightstown, Hightstown, Hightstown-East Windsor, Mercer County, Middlesex County, South Brunswick

Update: South Brunswick Route 1 Crash Under Investigation, Hightstown Woman Injured

Read earlier story here

May 5, 2020

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–Middlesex County Acting Prosecutor Christopher L.C. Kuberiet and Chief Raymond Hayducka of the South Brunswick Police Department announce that authorities are investigating a crash that occurred earlier today in the Township.

The crash occurred at approximately 8:38 am on Route 1 Northbound in the vicinity of Northumberland Way.

Patrolman Michael Leung of the South Brunswick Police Department and Detective Jonathan Berman of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office determined that at approximately 8:38 am, a 2005 Kenworth T80 dump truck loaded with gravel was traveling on Route 1 when it struck a 2016 Nissan Rogue.

The driver of the Nissan Rogue, a 48-year-old female, of Hightstown was injured and transported to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital.

 The truck driver, a 24-year-old male from Staten Island, in an attempt to avoid the collision, swerved, overturned, and lost its load on the roadway; the truck then caught on fire. The truck driver did not suffer significant injuries.

No charges have been filed, but the investigation is active and is continuing.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Patrolman Leung at (732) 329-4646, or Detective Berman at (732) 745- 4328.

Middlesex County, Monroe Twp, Spotswood

Bicyclist In Fatal Accident in Monroe Identified As Army Reservist

May 5, 2020

MONROE TOWNSHIP, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–Middlesex County Acting Prosecutor Christopher L.C. Kuberiet and Chief Michael J. Biennas of the Monroe Police Department announced today that a 19-year-old bicyclist died in a fatal accident on May 2, 2020.

 The deceased bicyclist was identified as Christopher Pina, 19, of Spotswood. He was pronounced at the scene due to the injuries he sustained in the accident.

During the investigation it was determined that on May 2, 2020,  the victim left a residence at Avenue J in Monroe and proceeded to the Avenue K Park in Monroe.  Pina, who was on his bicycle latched onto the open passenger window of an acquaintance’s car. The victim lost control of his bicycle, fell to the ground, and hit the concrete which caused his fatal injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene at approximately 11:23 pm.

Anyone with information is asked to call Traffic Officer Daniel Mosakowski of the Monroe Police Department at (732) 521-0222 , or Detective Mark Morris of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at (732) 745-3927.

No charges have been filed, but the investigation is active and is continuing.

Obituary

Christopher John Alexander Pina was a 20 year old man who tried every moment to live his life to the fullest. When he wasn’t competing in basketball or video games there was nothing that he enjoyed more than making his friends and family laugh. He would do anything for the people that he loved, and with his enormous heart he had the capacity to love a great many people. Last June he finished his basic training and joined the Army Reserves, so that he could love and protect his country the same way he did his friends and family.

Christopher will be kept alive by all the many people whose lives he was able to touch, even in so short a time. He is survived by a loving mother and father, Debbie and Fidel, and two sisters, Amanda and Ashley, who adored him. His memory will also live on with his grandmother, Christine Lavell, and aunt and uncle, Linda and Tim Hagerty, and their four sons, David, Daniel, Dylan, and Douglas on his mom’s side. On his father’s side he will be remembered lovingly by his aunts Yolanda and Fior, his uncles, Chelo, Bienvenido, and Manuel, his cousins, Stephanie, Kevin, and Kelsey.

Due to the covid-19 pandemic, funeral services were private under the direction of Spotswood Funeral Home.

To send the family a message of condolence, please visit http://www.spotswoodfh.com.

  • Christopher John Alexander Pina
Middlesex County, South Brunswick

Serious Crash Closes Route 1 In South Brunswick

May 5, 2020

UPDATE: ROAD HAS BEEN REOPENED

UPDATE: SEE UPDATED STORY HERE

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–A serious motor vehicle accident between a truck and a car has closed Route 1 this morning. The accident happened near Northumberland Way and Route 1 is closed between Beekman Road and Northumberland Way. Avoid the area. Story will be updated when information is release from South Brunswick Police.

Photo from South Brunswick Police Department