Day: August 19, 2020

Mercer County, Robbinsville, Robbinsville

Robbinsville Mayor Dave Fried Testified About Utility Company Restoration Of Services After Major Storm Events

“JCP&L was so poor during Irene that we actually filed suit against them. They promised they would improve communication, and frankly I have not seen any improvement whatsoever. I will be signing a complaint today and filing a lawsuit against them (through the NJ Board of Public Utility) for a second time.–Robbinsville Mayor Dave Fried

August 19, 2020

ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Robbinsville Township Mayor Dave Fried testified via Zoom before the Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee and the Assembly Homeland Security and State Preparedness Committee today. The Committees met jointly to take testimony from invited guests – including management of JCP&L, Atlantic City Electric and PSE&G – on public utility emergency response and restoration of services after major storm events, including Tropical Storm Isaias.

Below is the crux of Mayor Fried’s testimony, which began around 1:10 p.m.

“JCP&L was so poor during Irene that we actually filed suit against them. They promised they would improve communication, and frankly I have not seen any improvement whatsoever. I will be signing a complaint today and filing a lawsuit against them (through the NJ Board of Public Utility) for a second time. One of the Assemblymen talked about how JCP&L always comes in fourth (place) among the four power companies (testifying Wednesday before the Assembly). If there were 20 (companies), I have every confidence (JCP&L) would come in 20th. We do meet with them after every storm and nothing ever improves and the communications never gets any better.
“My ask to the Assembly would be for the towns being served by two utility companies to allow us to have a choice to switch to the one that is performing and remove those who are not performing. I want the ability to have that conversation. There’s no real reason for one to have such a large footprint if they cannot perform with the footprint they have. Perhaps if we can take away (some of that footprint) we can make it a little better for them and for some of the other communities they represent. Give us the ability to have some choices and to be able to work with the ones that are working. It is wholly unfair for the residents of a town with two utilities where half the town has power, things are going well and there is good communication (with PSE&G), and the other half that is so poor. It’s frustrating as an elected official to have to tell people we have one relationship here, and an entirely different relationship over there. PSE&G did an exceptional job with this last storm. Those here from JCP&L, you clearly know how I feel. I just really think it’s time for us to have a change.”

Hamilton, Hamilton, Hopewell, Lawrence, Mercer County, Princeton, Robbinsville, Robbinsville, West Windsor, West Windsor

58 Arrested and Charged in Mercer County in Multi-Jurisdictional ATM Theft Scam

During the investigation, bank cards, debit cards, credit cards, cash, marijuana, and a handgun were recovered.  Additionally, more than a dozen vehicles were seized throughout the county.  Robbinsville K-9 Quori sniffed out cocaine totaling 150 grams in the trunk of one of the suspect vehicles in Robbinsville.

See previous MidJersey.News stories here:

UPDATE: 20 Arrested And Charged In Hamilton In Multi-Jurisdiction ATM Scam

UPDATE: Additional Santander Bank ATMs Hit In Mercer County

BREAKING: Police and FBI Investigating Multi-State ATM Robberies, Many Subjects Are In Custody More Actively Being Arrested

August 19, 2020

MERCER COUNTY, NJ—Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri announced today that 58 individuals were arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit theft by deception in an organized scheme that used prepaid debit cards to steal from ATMs across the county.

On August 18, 2020, at approximately 8 a.m., Robbinsville Township police officers responded to the Santander Bank on Route 33 after receiving information that multiple individuals were gathering around the ATM using stacks of cards to withdraw money and attempting to avoid the camera on the ATM.   As officers approached, the group took notice and began to hurriedly move away from the ATM.  Ultimately, 20 individuals were taken into custody by police, each with multiple debit/credit cards and money in their possession.

Robbinsville police reached out to the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office for assistance and investigators from both agencies quickly began collaborating with authorities in nearby towns like Hamilton, Hopewell, Lawrence, Princeton and West Windsor, as well as Santander Bank.

During the course of the investigation, officers learned that Camden County Prosecutor’s Office reported that multiple thefts occurred at Santander ATMs in its jurisdiction by individuals to fraudulently obtained money.  Camden County Prosecutor’s Office advised that the suspects in those thefts came from New York to commit the fraud in New Jersey.  Officers also received information from multiple law enforcement sources that instructions were being shared on social media on how to defraud Santander ATM machines.

Prosecutor Onofri praised the teamwork of local law enforcement and said the open lines of communication and sharing of resources allowed law enforcement to get ahead of these scammers in some instances. 

At about 9:40 a.m., West Windsor dispatch relayed the information that Robbinsville had a number of individuals in custody.  Dispatch also advised that Princeton reported a large sum of money fraudulently obtained from a Santander ATM in its jurisdiction.  Information also came in relating that the FBI and the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office were actively investigating these cases.

“As a result, heightened awareness was given to the activity at Santander locations in West Windsor,” Prosecutor Onofri said.  “West Windsor officers and detectives from my office were able to detain and investigate five separate crews of suspects at different times throughout the day at the Santander Bank on Princeton-Hightstown Road, resulting in many arrests.”

In Lawrence Township, police were also alerted to the ATM scam perpetrated against the Princeton Santander, and a description was provided of the suspects and the vehicles used in commission of that crime.  Lawrence was further made aware of the countywide scam that was occurring and heightened attention was given to the Santander banks in their town.  Shortly thereafter, at about 9:45 a.m., a vehicle matching the description of the vehicle used in the Princeton scam was spotted in the area of the Santander bank at on Franklin Corner Road.  The occupants from the suspect vehicle were stopped and investigated, and ultimately charged with the conspiracy.  The bank reported abnormally high ATM usage and a shortage of approximately $40,000.

In Hamilton Township, at approximately 10 a.m., Hamilton police were detailed to the Santander Bank located on South Broad Street on the report of two suspicious vehicles in the parking lot of the bank.  It was reported that other Santander Banks in neighboring jurisdictions were reporting suspicious activities at the ATMs so units were detailed to Santander Bank ATM locations throughout Hamilton.  Additional vehicles and suspects were located throughout the day at the ATMs found at 1700 Nottingham Way, 1700 Kuser Road and 2730 Nottingham Way.  During the investigations bank cards, cash, marijuana, and a handgun were recovered.

Hopewell Township had three separate incidents involving separate crews that started around 11:30 a.m. at the Santander Bank on Pennington Road.  Several foot chases ensued and all subjects were apprehended.  In addition to the conspiracy charge, Sekou Touray, of East Orange, NJ, was charged with resisting arrest and aggravated assault of a prosecutor’s detective.

Similar incidents were reported in multiple other jurisdictions throughout the state.  The investigation is ongoing and additional charges may be pending.  Authorities are still executing search warrants and working with Santander Bank to determine exactly how much money was stolen.  At this time, the total across municipalities in Mercer County is more than $250,000.

During the investigation, bank cards, debit cards, credit cards, cash, marijuana, and a handgun were recovered.  Additionally, more than a dozen vehicles were seized throughout the county.  Robbinsville K-9 Quori sniffed out cocaine totaling 150 grams in the trunk of one of the suspect vehicles in Robbinsville.

The following individuals were arrested and charged in Mercer County on Tuesday, August 18, 2020:

Hamilton Township

  1. Tyler Holness, 21, of Yonkers, NY
  2. Rasheem Lee Jr., 18, of Bronx, NY
  3. Kymani Hinds, 18, of Bronx, NY
  4. Michael Santiago, 26, of Bronx, NY
  5. Saquan Vaines, 21, of Arverne, NY
  6. Kareema Hall, 20, of Bronx, NY
  7. Justin Brown, 22, of Arverne, NY
  8. Michael Manroop, 24, of Cambridge Heights, NY
  9. Nayvon Patten, 18, of Linderhurst, NY
  10. Jerry Trujillo, 24, of Maplewood, NJ
  11. Zaire Lewis, 18, of Maplewood, NJ
  12. Frankie Jerome, 21, of Maplewood, NJ
  13. Ahmad Muhammad, 18, of Maplewood, NJ
  14. Jordan Saquan, 24, of Brooklyn, NY
  15. Arian Rasul, 22, of Brooklyn, NY
  16. Starsheen Jones, 24, of Brooklyn, NY
  17. Jordan Amador, 27, of Brooklyn, NY
  18. Steven Wilson, 23, of New York, NY
  19. Nikye Bee, 25, of New York, NY
  20. Kevin Jones, 23, of New York, NY

Hopewell Township

  1. Ebrama Touray, 23, of East Orange, NJ
  2. Mbemba Kaba, 23, of East Orange, NJ
  3. Yacouba Sanogo, 24, of Newark, NJ
  4. Sekou Touray, 22, of East Orange, NJ
  5. Kingsley Nicolas, 22, of East Orange, NJ
  6. Orlando C. Chambers Jr., 21, of Lindenhurst, NY
  7. Emmanuel Edoise Oyakhilome, 22, of Lindenhurst, NY

Lawrence Township

  1. Elijah N. Oliver, 22, of Brooklyn, NY
  2. Dandrea Taylor Dey, 22, of Brooklyn, NY
  3. Quentin A. Hosten, 22, of Brooklyn, NY
  4. Zachary B. Johnson, 21, of Brooklyn, NY

Robbinsville Township

  1. Amoire Dupree, 26, of Brooklyn, NY
  2. Brittany Gittens, 20, of Brooklyn, NY
  3. Hurshum Gittens, 26, of Brooklyn, NY
  4. Charles Gordon, 30, of Brooklyn, NY
  5. Veronica Gregory, 22, of Brooklyn, NY
  6. Oswin Philander, 21, of Brooklyn, NY
  7. Jeffrey Debrosse, 31, of Brooklyn, NY
  8. Bolade Akingboy, 29, of West Hempstead, NY
  9. Jeffrey Desir, 34, of Brooklyn, NY
  10. Julio Ramos, 33, of Jamaica, NY
  11. Kevin Philander, 26, of Newark, DE
  12. Jishawn Lee, 19, of Brooklyn, NY
  13. Marlon Owens, 28, of Bronx, NY
  14. Alex Burnett, 30, of Jersey City, NJ
  15. D.T., 16, of Brooklyn, NY
  16. J.F., 16, of Brooklyn, NY
  17. Ackeem Samuel, 25, of Brooklyn, NY
  18. Brandon Esperance, 20, of Brooklyn, NY
  19. Kevin Owusu, 19, of Brooklyn, NY
  20. Kareem Courtney, 23, of Brooklyn, NY

West Windsor

  1. Philek Barington, 25, of Queens, NY
  2. LaTonya S. Stevens, 26, of Bronx, NY
  3. Qwashan D. Mack, 19, of North Brunswick, NJ
  4. Hymeen S. Reynolds, 19, of East Orange, NJ
  5. Brajae U. Jones, 23, of Englewood, NJ
  6. Bryon K Jones Jr., 28, of Garfield, NJ
  7. Carla E. Donayre-Solano, 28, of Garfield, NJ

Despite having been charged, every defendant is presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

At least 3 under arrest on Yardville-Hamilton Square Road at the I-195 overpass in Hamilton Township.
Santander Bank, Nottingham Way, Hamilton Township, suspect car being towed.
Santander Bank, Broad Street, Hamilton Township
Police activity at Santander Bank, Route 33 and Main Street, Robbinsville
Asbury Park, Freehold, Monmouth County

Law Enforcement Asking For Public’s Assistance In Finding Shooter Of 4 Year Old Child In Monmouth County

See MidJersey.News update here: Lakewood Man Has Been Arrested For Attempted Murder In Shooting Of 4 Year Old Girl

August 19, 2020

FREEHOLD, NJ (MONMOUTH)–Monmouth County law enforcement officials are asking for the public’s assistance to bring a shooter, responsible for causing serious injuries to a 4-year-old, to justice. The shooting took place in Asbury Park on August 18, 2020, announced Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni.

At approximately 1:35 p.m. on Tuesday, August 18, 2020, a 4-year-old child was shot while sitting outside the family’s home on Boston Way. The child was shot in the upper thigh area, breaking the femur bone. The injury is deemed serious, but non-life threatening.

“Enough is enough,” Gramiccioni stated. “We have a toddler who was struck and injured by a stray bullet while sitting outside her apartment in the middle of the day.  Thankfully, all indications are that the little girl will recover.  Unfortunately, though, this has not always been the case.  In 2018, 10-year-old Yovanni Banos-Merino, lost his life while hiding under a bed from gunfire. These senseless acts of violence must stop.  We must do everything in our power to ensure that Monmouth County’s citizens, and their children, are safe and protected.  We are requesting the public’s assistance to help bring the perpetrator to justice for this heinous and monstrous act.”

The case is being investigated by members of the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office and the Asbury Park Police Department. Anyone with information about this case is urged to call Detective William Anton of the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office at 1-800-533-7443 or Asbury Park Police Detective Dillon Gourley at 1-732-774-1300.

Anyone who feels the need to remain anonymous but has information about a crime can submit a tip to Monmouth County Crime Stoppers by calling their confidential telephone tip-line at 1-800-671-4400; or by downloading and using the free P3 Tips mobile app (available for iOS and Android – https://www.p3tips.com/community/index.htm).

Ocean County, Toms River

Man Sentenced To Life In Prison For Toms River Murder

August 19, 2020

TOMS RIVER, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on August 19, 2020, Anthony Barksdale, 26, of New York, was sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole by the Honorable Guy P. Ryan, J.S.C., in connection with the murder of Steven Stallworth in Toms River on March 5, 2018.

Barksdale was found guilty of Murder on June 29, 2020 following a jury trial that commenced in early March of this year – prior to the onset of the novel coronavirus – which needed to be suspended due to health and safety concerns related to the pandemic. The jury also found Barksdale guilty of Conspiracy to Commit Murder, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, Possession of a Firearm for an Unlawful Purpose, and Possession of a Weapon by a Convicted Person.

Prosecutor Billhimer extends his gratitude to Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Michael Abatemarco and Senior Assistant Prosecutor Robert Cassidy, who together tried the case on behalf of the State, for their skill and dedication in prosecuting this horrendous murder – particularly in light of the adverse conditions emanating from Covid-19. The Prosecutor likewise extends his gratitude to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Victim Witness Advocacy Unit, Toms River Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Toms River Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, for their collective assistance which led to Barksdale’s arrest, conviction, and sentence to life in prison. Prosecutor Billhimer stated: “This was a brutal and senseless murder. I am beyond proud of the teamwork exhibited by members of my office, along with the other law enforcement agencies involved in solving this heinous crime, for their exceptional and combined efforts which ultimately resulted in this defendant being brought to justice.” Prosecutor Billhimer concluded: “It is my sincere hope that Barksdale being sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole provides some measure of peace and closure to Mr. Stallworth’s family, who have been forced to endure needless and unspeakable suffering since that horrible day in March 2018. Justice has finally been accomplished in Steven’s name, and for his family.”

  • Anthony Barksdale, 26
Anthony Barksdale, 26, of New York, was sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole
Hamilton, Hamilton, Mercer County

UPDATE: 20 Arrested And Charged In Hamilton In Multi-Jurisdiction ATM Scam

During the investigations bank cards, cash, marijuana, and a handgun were recovered. 

This is still a developing story 20 people in Hamilton alone have been arrested in charged, there are many more from other towns and states to follow. MidJersey.News will keep you updated as we learn more about this criminal activity.

See Updated MidJersey.News story here: 58 Arrested and Charged in Mercer County in Multi-Jurisdictional ATM Theft Scam

See previous MidJersey.News stories here:

UPDATE: Additional Santander Bank ATMs Hit In Mercer County

BREAKING: Police and FBI Investigating Multi-State ATM Robberies, Many Subjects Are In Custody More Actively Being Arrested

August 19, 2020

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Yesterday, on August 18, 2020 at approximately 9:54 AM, Hamilton Police were detailed to the Santander Bank located at 2465 South Broad Street on the report of two suspicious vehicles in the parking lot of the bank.  It was reported that other Santander Banks in neighboring jurisdictions were reporting suspicious activities at the ATM’s.  During the investigation is was uncovered that the Santander Bank ATM’s were being targeted and suspects were using ATM cards, credit cards, and bank cards to access the ATM for withdrawals.  Units were detailed to Santander Bank ATM locations throughout the township and located additional vehicles and suspects throughout the day at the ATM’s located at 1700 Nottingham Way, 1700 Kuser Road, 2730 Nottingham Way, and again at 2465 South Broad Street.  During the investigations bank cards, cash, marijuana, and a handgun were recovered. 

The following individuals were arrested and charged:

-Tyler Holness, 21, of Yonkers, NY.  Charged with Conspiracy to Commit Theft by Deception, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Synthetic Marijuana, and Possession of Paraphernalia.

-Rasheem Lee Jr., 18, of Bronx, NY.  Charged with Conspiracy to Commit Theft by Deception and Possession of Marijuana.

-Kymani Hinds, 18, of Bronx, NY.   Charged with Conspiracy to Commit Theft by Deception and Possession of Marijuana.

-Michael Santiago, 26, of Bronx, NY.  Charged with Conspiracy to Commit Theft by Deception and Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Paraphernalia.

-Saquan Vaines, 21, of Arverne, NY.  Charged with Conspiracy to Commit Theft by Deception and Possession of Marijuana.

-Kareema Hall, 20, of Bronx, NY.  Charged with Conspiracy to Commit Theft by Deception and Possession of Marijuana.

-Justin Brown, 22, of Arverne, NY.  Charged with Conspiracy to Commit Theft by Deception and Possession of Marijuana, Possession of an Unlawful Weapon, and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon.

-Michael Manroop, 24, of Cambridge Heights, NY.  Charged with Conspiracy to Commit Theft by Deception and Possession of Marijuana.

-Nayvon Patten, 18, of Linderhurst, NY.  Charged with Conspiracy to Commit Theft by Deception and Possession of Marijuana.  

-Jerry Trujillo, 24, of Maplewood, NJ.  Charged with Conspiracy to Commit Theft by Deception and Possession of Marijuana.

-Zaire Lewis, 18, of Maplewood, NJ.  Charged with Conspiracy to Commit Theft by Deception and Possession of Marijuana.

-Frankie Jerome, 21, of Maplewood, NJ.  Charged with Conspiracy to Commit Theft by Deception and Possession of Marijuana.

-Ahmad Muhammad, 18, of Maplewood, NJ.  Charged with Conspiracy to Commit Theft by Deception and Possession of Marijuana.

-Jordan Saquan, 24, of Brooklyn, NY.  Charged with Conspiracy to Commit Theft by Deception and Hindering Apprehension.

-Arian Rasul, 22, of Brooklyn, NY.  Charged with Conspiracy to Commit Theft by Deception and Hindering Apprehension.

-Starsheen Jones, 24, of Brooklyn, NY.  Charged with Conspiracy to Commit Theft by Deception and Hindering Apprehension.

-Jordan Amador, 27, of Brooklyn, NY.  Charged with Conspiracy to Commit Theft by Deception and Hindering Apprehension.

-Steven Wilson, 23, of New York, NY.  Charged with Conspiracy to Commit Theft by Deception.

-Nikye Bee, 25, of New York, NY.  Charged with Conspiracy to Commit Theft by Deception.

-Kevin Jones, 23, of New York, NY.  Charged with Conspiracy to Commit Theft by Deception

Similar incidents were reported in multiple other jurisdictions throughout the state.  The investigation is still ongoing and additional charges may be pending.

Anyone with any information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective Thomas Clugsten (609-581-4027) or Detective Frank Burger (609-581-4010) of the Hamilton Police Division’s Criminal Investigations Section 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.