ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–A motorcycle lost control on Old York Road between New Street and Herbert Road. The motorcycle ran off the roadway and into a farm field injuring the driver around 7:30 pm tonight. The Robbinsville Township Police Department, Robbinsville Township Fire Department responded for the injured motorcyclist. The victim was transported to the Trauma Center at Capital Health Regional Medical Center in Trenton for treatment. Robbinsville Township Police are investigating.
No further information is available about the accident.
FREEHOLD, NJ (MONMOUTH)–A Monmouth County corrections officer was sentenced to two-years probation after admitting 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, was sentenced by Monmouth County Superior Court Judge Vincent N. Falcetano, Jr. Although the State argued that Mauro should be incarcerated for 180 days in jail, Judge Falcetano instead suspended the imposition of any jail term on the defendant, indicating he would serve the 180 days if he violated his probation. Judge Falcetano further ordered Mauro to maintain full time employment, obtain substance abuse and mental health evaluations, and follow all recommendations, and attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. The Court had previously ordered Mauro to permanently forfeit his ability to hold public office at his guilty plea earlier this year.
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. Regardless of any prior relationship, such sexual contact is prohibited by law. A correction officer’s power and authority over an inmate invalidates any possible consent that an inmate could provide.
“Law enforcement officers have an obligation to maintain the public’s trust that they are conducting themselves at the highest standards. Corrections officers have the added obligation to ensure that they are maintaining an environment free of the abuse demonstrated in this case,” Gramiccioni said.
“Let this serve as a warning to every officer: violating your oath does harm to your fellow officers, the inmates, and public. Any officer violating that oath will be held fully accountable for their conduct. I’m proud of the corrections officers who diligently serve this agency, and no one will tarnish that reputation,” said Sheriff Shaun Golden.
The case was prosecuted by 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.
WASHINGTON, DC–Bipartisan legislation named in honor of Samantha “Sami” Josephson—a senior at the University of South Carolina and a Robbinsville High School, NJ graduate, who was kidnapped and brutally murdered in 2019 by a predator pretending to be her Uber driver—was passed today in the House of Representatives.
Sami’s Law—HR 4686—passed in a unanimous voice vote.
Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) the bills prime sponsor, said that among its provisions, Sami’s Law will “require ride-hailing companies like Uber and Lyft to deploy a verifiable electronic access system to match drivers with passengers before the ride begins to enhance safety for the ride-hailing public.
“I am especially grateful to the Speaker for her strong personal commitment to this cause and for bringing Sami’s Law to the floor today and who—like leader Kevin McCarthy and others—welcomed Marci and Seymour with deep respect, kindness and total empathy for their loss. See Smith’s floor remarks
Chief cosponsor Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-NY) said, “Our Smith/Suozzi bill works to provide consumers with a level of safety before entering a vehicle… As Members of Congress, it is our duty to do all we can do protect our constituents. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to pass this commonsense, bipartisan legislation in short order.”
Sami’s parents, Marci and Seymour said “It’s bittersweet. It’s been emotional. We’d much rather have Samantha sitting with us here on the couch, but to create a law so nobody else gets hurt is a good thing. It’s a huge step to get it through the House. Now we need to get the Senate to act on it hopefully soon.”
Speaker Nancy Pelosi(D-CA) said “After the heartbreaking murder of their daughter Samantha, Seymour and Marci Josephson turned their agony into courageous action to promote rideshare safety and education and to prevent future tragedies. Passing Sami’s Law is a fitting tribute to her memory, and it is critical to ensuring that rideshare companies have protections in place for the safety and well-being of all their passengers. I applaud the relentless advocacy of Congressman Chris Smith, along with Congressman Tom Suozzi, for crafting this important bill and ensuring its strong, bipartisan support on the House Floor.”
Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA): said: “Sami should be with us today. She should be alongside her loving parents Seymour and Marci, and she should have graduated from the University of South Carolina and gone on to attend law school like she had been planning. But her life was cut short because of the horrific actions of a predator. While we cannot bring Sami back, here is the promise we make to her family and her loved ones: this Congress will take action to not only memorialize her life, but we will also implement changes needed to keep innocent people safer when they use ride share apps in the future. The passage of Sami’s Law will establish additional layers of security, including requiring digital methods to establish driver/rider identities before the ride starts, so that we can prevent these types of crimes from happening. I am grateful for the leadership of Rep. Chris Smith, who has been committed to making sure Sami’s Law becomes a reality, and to the efforts of the ridesharing companies for their willingness to work together on this important initiative. Today Sami’s Law is on its way to the Senate, one step closer to being signed into law.”
Smith said “given the pain due to the unimageable loss of their daughter—Seymour and Marci have been heroic, tenacious and extraordinarily persuasive. They have been a critically important part of the often-intense negotiations with multiple stakeholders including Uber and Lyft.’
Both Uber and Lyft praised passage of Sami’s Law.
Danielle Burr, Head of Uber Federal Affairs: “The tragic death of Samantha Josephson left the rideshare community heartbroken and devastated. Today’s passage of ‘Sami’s Law’ is another step in the ongoing work to help improve safety on rideshare by leveraging education and technology. We’re grateful for the leadership of Congressman Chris Smith, the support and collaboration of the Josephson Family and the commitment of congressional leadership on both sides of the aisle to pass ‘Sami’s Law.’
In a statement Lyft said”The Josephson family and Congressman Smith have worked tirelessly to champion Sami’s Law. Their determination has led to today’s passage in the US House of Representatives. We have and will continue to prioritize safety within the Lyft community.”
The National Federation of the Blind, which was instrumental in writing the provision in the bill to ensure that there is a way for a passenger to use a non-visual arrangement to verify the authenticity of the TNC driver, also strongly supports the bill.
“We thank and commend Representative Smith for working closely with us in crafting this legislation, which will provide a fully nonvisual method for blind and deafblind passengers to identify and verify rideshare trips. We urge the Senate to swiftly follow the House in passing Sami’s Law,” said Mark Riccobono, President of the National Federation of the Blind:
Sami’s Law not only sets safety requirements for today’s technology and a process for successor technology performance standards, it also:
establishes a 15-member advisory council that reports to the Secretary of Transportation—SAMI’s Council—comprised of federal agency and public stakeholders to advance safety standards in the rideshare industry;
makes it unlawful to sell, or offer for sale, ride-share signage making it more difficult for imposters like Sami’s murderer to pose as a driver;
requires a GAO report on the incidence of assault and abuse of both passengers and drivers;
requires that the GAO also examine the nature and specifics of “background” checks conducted by companies and the varying standards set by States regarding background checks.
Please see the below for complete statements of those identified above.
“Both Marci and I and Sydney are extremely happy and proud to work with Chris Smith, Speak Pelosi and Leader McCarthy, Chairman DeFazio, Graves and Suozzi,” said Seymour Josephson, speaking for his wife and other daughter, Sydney. “We really appreciate the teamwork, having Chris Smith leading the charge and bringing in Speaker Pelosi and Leader McCarthy and Rep. DeFazio, Ranking Member Graves and others. It’s been a whirlwind of ups and downs. It’s bittersweet. It’s been emotional. We’d much rather have Samantha sitting with us here on the couch, but to create a law so nobody else gets hurt is a good thing. It’s a huge step to get it through the House. Now we need to get the Senate to act on it hopefully soon.”
Chris Smith (R-NJ), the bill’s author, said: “Notwithstanding their excruciating agony over the loss of their precious daughter, Sami’s parents—Seymour and Marci—began pushing for comprehensive new protection policies at Uber and Lyft and legislation to ensure to the maximum extent possible that no one else ever loses her or his life or gets assaulted by a rideshare driver or a predator who pretends to be one. For over a year—especially given the pain due to the unimageable loss of their daughter—Seymour and Marci have been heroic, tenacious and extraordinarily persuasive. They have been a critically important part of the often-intense negotiations with multiple stakeholders including Uber and Lyft.
I am especially grateful to the Speaker for her strong personal commitment to this cause and for bringing Sami’s Law to the floor today and who—like leader Kevin McCarthy and others—welcomed Marci and Seymour with deep respect, kindness and total empathy for their loss.
Congressman Tom Suozzi, (D-NY): “Last year, Sami Josephson called for an Uber, entered the wrong car, and was murdered. We face a tremendous challenge trying to determine what policies are necessary to ensure that companies like Uber and Lyft provide safe, efficient, and cost-effective solutions to consumers and employees,” said Rep. Tom Suozzi. “Our Smith/Suozzi bill works to provide consumers with a level of safety before entering a vehicle. I would like to thank Congressman Smith for his leadership on this issue. As Members of Congress, it is our duty to do all we can do protect our constituents. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to pass this commonsense, bipartisan legislation in short order.”
Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA): “After the heartbreaking murder of their daughter Samantha, Seymour and Marci Josephson turned their agony into courageous action to promote rideshare safety and education and to prevent future tragedies. Passing Sami’s Law is a fitting tribute to her memory, and it is critical to ensuring that rideshare companies have protections in place for the safety and well-being of all their passengers. I applaud the relentless advocacy of Congressman Chris Smith, along with Congressman Tom Suozzi, for crafting this important bill and ensuring its strong, bipartisan support on the House Floor.”
Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA): “Sami should be with us today. She should be alongside her loving parents Seymour and Marci, and she should have graduated from the University of South Carolina and gone on to attend law school like she had been planning. But her life was cut short because of the horrific actions of a predator. While we cannot bring Sami back, here is the promise we make to her family and her loved ones: this Congress will take action to not only memorialize her life, but we will also implement changes needed to keep innocent people safer when they use ride share apps in the future. The passage of Sami’s Law will establish additional layers of security, including requiring digital methods to establish driver/rider identities before the ride starts, so that we can prevent these types of crimes from happening. I am grateful for the leadership of Rep. Chris Smith, who has been committed to making sure Sami’s Law becomes a reality, and to the efforts of the ridesharing companies for their willingness to work together on this important initiative. Today Sami’s Law is on its way to the Senate, one step closer to being signed into law.”
Said Danielle Burr, Head of Uber Federal Affairs: “The tragic death of Samantha Josephson left the rideshare community heartbroken and devastated. Today’s passage of ‘Sami’s Law’ is another step in the ongoing work to help improve safety on rideshare by leveraging education and technology. We’re grateful for the leadership of Congressman Chris Smith, the support and collaboration of the Josephson Family and the commitment of congressional leadership on both sides of the aisle to pass ‘Sami’s Law.’ At Uber, our work on safety is never done and we remain committed to continue doing our part to help keep riders and drivers safe while using the platform.”
Mark Riccobono, President of the National Federation of the Blind: “We thank and commend Representative Smith for working closely with us in crafting this legislation, which will provide a fully nonvisual method for blind and deafblind passengers to identify and verify rideshare trips. We urge the Senate to swiftly follow the House in passing Sami’s Law.”
Dan Katz, Senior Director, Public Policy, Lyft: “The Josephson family and Congressman Smith have worked tirelessly to champion Sami’s Law. Their determination has led to today’s passage in the US House of Representatives. We have and will continue to prioritize safety within the Lyft community.”
SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Chief Raymond J. Hayducka of the South Brunswick Police Department announced today that a second suspect has been arrested in connection with the shooting that took place earlier this month in Royal Oaks Apartment Complex.
Jayvin Almestica, 20, of Lawrenceville, Georgia, was arrested in Dover, Delaware last week and extradited to New Jersey yesterday. He is charged with first degree attempted murder in connection to the shooting. Almestica will be held at the Middlesex County Corrections Center pending a Detention Hearing.
South Brunswick Police responded to the shooting on July 11, 2020, at approximately 3:59 pm which took place in the vicinity of the Royal Oaks Apartments clubhouse, located at 200 Henderson Road. An 18-year-old Monmouth Junction man was taken to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital and treated for gunshot wounds.
Chief Hayducka praised the efforts of the officers and detectives involved with solving the crime. “Gun violence is rare in our community, and I am thankful we have quickly tracked down those responsible,” said Hayducka. He added, “I also want to thank Prosecutor Ciccone and her office for all their assistance.”
The investigation is active and is continuing. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Timothy Hoover of the South Brunswick Police Department at (732) 329-4000 ext. 7443, or Detective Sean Sullivan of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at (732) 745-4060.
US Marshals Arrest 2nd Suspect in Shooting. Suspect captured in Delaware faces first degree attempted murder. https://t.co/jnEUibkyCG
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–The Mercer County Homicide Task Force and the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Serious Collision Response Team are investigating an incident that occurred in Trenton early this morning, July 29, 2020, that has left multiple Trenton police officers injured.
Three suspects are in custody at this time and criminal charges are pending, including attempted murder, eluding and weapons offenses. Zaire Butler, 19, suffered internal injuries in the motor vehicle crash, and remains hospitalized in critical condition. Nazere Crews, 18, suffered a fractured femur and remains hospitalized. A 16-year-old male suffered a fractured wrist, and was treated and released. All three suspects are Trenton residents.
An investigation has revealed that Trenton police officers were made aware of a social media posting that showed a group of individuals with guns driving around the west district of the city looking for people to shoot. An alert was broadcast via the radio and at approximately 2:26 a.m., Officers Michael Gettler and Jeffery Pownall came upon a 2003 red Ford Focus four-door sedan. After checking the license plate and confirming it was stolen in Trenton, the officers tried to initiate a traffic stop on Parkside Avenue when the vehicle began to elude them. The officers pursued the vehicle into Ewing Township onto Olden Avenue and then back into Trenton. As the officers pursued the vehicle past the Home Depot on Olden Avenue in Ewing, at least four rounds were fired from the Ford Focus at the patrol vehicle before entering back into the city. The patrol vehicle was struck one time in the top light bar before bouncing off the roof of the patrol vehicle. The officers continued their pursuit of the Ford Focus back into Trenton and as the vehicle approached the intersection of North Olden and North Clinton avenues, the stolen vehicle struck a responding Trenton police vehicle containing Officers Kevin Starkey and Brian Walker. Both vehicles spun and the stolen vehicle struck a white minivan that was traveling in the opposite direction.
Trenton Police Officers Orlando Santiago and Andy Gomez then approached the stolen vehicle and Officer Santiago slipped in fluids from the crash. He sustained cuts to his elbow as a result. Officer Gomez sustained lacerations to his hand from glass that was broken out. The three suspects were taken into custody without further incident. All injured officers and suspects were transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center.
One shell casing and two projectiles were recovered by the Home Depot in Ewing. A FN PS90 sub-gun was recovered in the city in the area in front of 664 Olden Avenue. A Glock 26 9mm and an AR-15 pistol were recovered in the backseat of the stolen Ford Focus, and three spent 9mm casings were recovered in the front passenger seat floor board.
Officer Starkey is currently in critical condition suffering serious head trauma. Officer Walker also sustained serious head injuries. He remains hospitalized in stable condition. Officer Santiago was treated for a head injury and elbow abrasions. Officer Gomez was treated for lacerations to his hands and released. Officers Gettler and Pownell were evaluated and released.
Despite having been charged, every defendant is presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
CHECK OUT THE LIST OF MIDJERSEY.NEWS STORIES ON CITY OF TRENTON 2020 SHOOTINGS, GUN VIOLENCE, STABBINGS AND HOMICIDES HERE:
And the list grows: Other Recent Trenton Shooting and Homicide Stories:(There has been a lot more gun violence, stabbings and shootings but these are ones we have enough information to report on)
Linda Mika, 69, and Paul Mika, 73, both of Jackson, New Jersey, and Kenneth Mika, 49, of Ewing, New Jersey, were arrested today and are scheduled to have their initial appearances this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Lois H. Goodman in Trenton federal court.
July 29, 2020
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Three people have been charged for their alleged roles in a years-long conspiracy to defraud the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) by providing military equipment parts that were not authorized by contract, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced today.
Linda Mika, 69, and Paul Mika, 73, both of Jackson, New Jersey, and Kenneth Mika, 49, of Ewing, New Jersey, were arrested today and are scheduled to have their initial appearances this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Lois H. Goodman in Trenton federal court.
“As described in the criminal complaint, these defendants sought to make a greater profit by substituting products that were not those they had contractually agreed to provide to the Department of Defense,” U.S. Attorney Carpenito said. “By doing so, they potentially risked the safety of our men and women in uniform. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to root out this kind of fraud.”
“Protecting the integrity of the defense procurement system is a top priority for the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS),” Special Agent in Charge Leigh-Alistair Barzey, DCIS Northeast Field Office, said. “This case, which resulted in today’s arrests, confirms the DCIS’ ongoing commitment to work with the USAO-NJ and the FBI, to investigate and prosecute contractors who engage in fraudulent schemes targeting the U.S. Department of Defense.”
“Today’s arrest of Linda Mika, Paul Mika and Kenneth Mika reflects the continuing impact federal and state partnerships have on combatting those who defraud the Department of Defense,” Acting FBI Special Agent in Charge Joe Denahan said. “These contractors of Monmouth Marine Engines Inc. knowingly provided substituted parts for military equipment for their own personal gain. We will continue to investigate these types of schemes and hold those who endanger the U.S. military accountable.”
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From at least March 2017 through February 2020, the Mikas conspired with each other and others to defraud the DoD and its combat logistic support arm, the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), by engaging in a pattern of unlawful product substitution. Paul Mika was the founder and owner of Monmouth Marine Engines Inc. (Monmouth Marine), a maritime equipment and servicing facility, which, as an approved federal contractor, also entered into contracts with DLA to supply DoD contracting entities with replacement parts for Naval vessels. Paul Mika’s wife and son, Linda Mika and Kenneth Mika, were employees of Monmouth Marine.
The Mikas, on behalf of Monmouth Marine, obtained contracts with the DoD by falsely claiming that the military parts they contracted to provide would be exact products furnished by authorized manufacturers. Once awarded the contracts, however, the Mikas sourced non-conforming substitute parts at a significantly reduced cost to fill the contracts. They did this to maximize their profit margin while also suppressing fair competition in the bidding of federal contracts. Upon receipt by Monmouth Marine, the non-conforming parts were then shipped to DLA in packaging disguising the parts’ identity in an effort by the Mikas to deceive DLA and its unwitting downstream purchasers.
The count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the U.S. Department of Defense, Defense Criminal Investigative Service Northeast Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Barzey; and special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Denahan with the investigation leading to today’s arrests.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric A. Boden of the U.S. Attorney=s Office Criminal Division in Trenton.
The charge and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
It is with great sadness that we, the NJAYF – Jersey Shore Conference Executive Board and Association Presidents, announce the cancellation of our 2020 football and cheer season, effective immediately. Although it was a difficult decision, it was made in the best interest of our participants, volunteers and families.
With the ongoing risk and increasing spread of the COVID-19 virus locally and nationally, the New Jersey American Youth Football and Cheer – Jersey Shore Conference Executive Board believes that the health risks involved in participating in a football and cheer season would come to the detriment of the children, coaches, and volunteers we are charged with servicing.
NJAYF – Jersey Shore Conference is an organization that has provided the very best youth sports forum for our members which has made a positive impact across Sussex, Middlesex, Union, Hunterdon, Monmouth and Ocean Counties. It is our hope that we are able to continue our mission in 2021, if conditions allow. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they are available and necessary. Please continue to take great care of your families and we look forward to seeing you all soon.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Trenton police officers observed a stolen vehicle in the area of Parkside and Olden Avenue and began to pursue the vehicle up Olden Avenue toward Ewing Township. Suspects in the stolen vehicle fired several shots at the officers, striking the police vehicle. No officers were struck by gunfire and the police officers did not return fire. The pursuit continued until the suspect vehicle crashed at the intersection of North Clinton and North Olden Avenue, striking a responding Trenton police vehicle and another vehicle not involved in the incident. Three Trenton police officers sustained injuries and are being treated. One is in critical condition, two are stable at this time.
Three suspects are in custody at this time and three firearms have been recovered. The investigation is continuing and more information will be provided as it becomes available.
CHECK OUT THE LIST OF MIDJERSEY.NEWS STORIES ON CITY OF TRENTON 2020 SHOOTINGS, GUN VIOLENCE, STABBINGS AND HOMICIDES HERE:
And the list grows: Other Recent Trenton Shooting and Homicide Stories:(There has been a lot more gun violence, stabbings and shootings but these are ones we have enough information to report on)
BREAKING NEWS REPORT: MidJersey.News has contacted official sources for more information and awaiting information on this accident. Once official information is released the story will be updated.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Around 3 am a Trenton Police vehicle collided with another vehicle at the intersection of North Olden Avenue and North Clinton Avenue. There were multiple patients and a police officer was taken to the truama center, with no official word on their condition.
Since we have not heard back from “official” sources what “unofficial” sources told us: One Trenton Police officer is in critical but stable condition at the Trauma Center at Capital Heath Regional Medical Center from the accident. A police chase was involved and the Trenton Police were shot at prior to the accident. Again this is from “unofficial” sources since we have not heard back.
This is a breaking news report once we find out more information we will update or post a updated story. We held the story waiting for information but since it is taking time to get official details together we are putting out what some of what we know for now.
You must be logged in to post a comment.