Day: September 9, 2020

Vehicle Stops Lead to $33k+ In Cash and 202 Grams Of Cocaine, 2 Charged

September 9, 2020

TOMS RIVER, NJ (OCEAN)–On Tuesday, September 8th, 2020, members of the Toms River Police Department Special Enforcement Team were conducting surveillance on the east end of the Township. During this surveillance, officers observed suspicious activity that resulted in two separate motor vehicle stops.

The first motor vehicle stop and subsequent investigation led to the arrest of Jameer Jones, 26 of Toms River. Mr. Jones was found to be in possession of approximately 202 grams of cocaine and packaging material. The second motor vehicle stop, which was related to the first stop, led to the arrest of Gregory Deas, 47 of Asbury Park. Mr. Deas was found to be in possession of $33,703.00 in U.S. currency.

Jameer Jones was charged with possession of cocaine, possession of cocaine over 5 ounces with the intent to distribute (first degree) and possession of drug paraphernalia. Gregory Deas was charged with obstructing the administration of law, resisting arrest, possession of cocaine and distribution of over 5 ounces of cocaine.

Members from the department Patrol Division and K-9 Unit assisted the Special Enforcement Team with the investigation.

The media and the public are reminded that criminal charges are accusations only. Every criminal defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

Pemberton and Bayville, NJ Men Sentenced to Prison on Charges Resulting from Undercover Sweep “Operation Open House” Targeting Child Predators on Social Media

September 9, 2020

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal announced that two men were sentenced to state prison today for attempting to lure underage girls they met on social media to meet for sexual encounters.  The “girls” in reality were undercover detectives participating in “Operation Open House,” a multi-agency undercover operation in September 2018 led by the Attorney General’s Office that resulted in arrests of 24 men who allegedly were using social media to lure underage girls and boys for sexual activity.

William Singleton, 25, of Pemberton, N.J., and Charles Schlottfeld, 28, of Bayville, N.J., were each sentenced today to four years in state prison by Superior Court Judge Guy P. Ryan in Ocean County.  Each man pleaded guilty to second-degree luring, Singleton on Feb. 3, 2020, and Schlottfeld, on July 22, 2020.  Both men will be required to register as sex offenders under Megan’s Law and will be subject to parole supervision for life.

Deputy Attorney General Thomas Huynh prosecuted Singleton and Deputy Attorney General Rachael Weeks prosecuted Schlottfeld for the Division of Criminal Justice Financial & Cyber Crimes Bureau. 

Both men were arrested in September 2018 during Operation Open House.  In each case, an undercover detective with the New Jersey Regional Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force encountered the defendant on social media, and the defendant, believing the undercover detective was a 14-year-old girl, asked the “girl” to meet him for sexual activity.  Both Singleton and Schlottfeld discussed in detail the sexual acts they would perform with the underage girl.  Singleton was arrested on Sept. 7, 2018, and Schlottfeld was arrested on Sept. 9, 2018.  They were arrested when they arrived at the undercover house in Toms River, where dozens of officers and agents participating in Operation Open House were prepared to arrest offenders and process any evidence seized. 

“With these prison sentences, we are sending a strong message to predators who think they can freely hunt for vulnerable children online,” said Attorney General Grewal.  “We will continue to identify and arrest these offenders because there is no higher priority for us than the safety of our children.  But at a time when more young people are online as a result of the pandemic, we especially need parents and guardians to do their part by warning children that these dangerous predators use popular social media services, gaming platforms, and chat apps to target unsuspecting victims.”

“We will never cease in our efforts to arrest those who use the internet and social media to sexually exploit children, either by distributing child sexual abuse materials or by grooming children to sexually abuse or assault,” said Director Veronica Allende of the Division of Criminal Justice.  “We want predators like Singleton and Schlottfeld to know the child they stalk online may turn out to be a law enforcement officer.”

In addition to investigating cyber tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, members of the New Jersey State Police ICAC Unit, the Division of Criminal Justice Financial & Cyber Crimes Bureau, and the New Jersey ICAC Task Force routinely conduct undercover chat investigations on social media platforms leading to arrests of hands-on offenders and defendants seeking to lure children.  They also conduct proactive investigations to apprehend offenders by monitoring peer-to-peer file-sharing networks and identifying the IP addresses of individuals sharing child sexual abuse materials.

Attorney General Grewal and Director Allende urge anyone with information about the distribution of child sexual abuse materials on the internet – or about suspected improper contact by unknown persons communicating with children via the internet or possible exploitation or sexual abuse of children – to please contact the New Jersey Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Tipline at 888-648-6007.

Defense Attorneys

For Singleton: Assistant Deputy Public Defender Marissa K. DeAnna, Ocean County

For Schlottfeld: Alexandra Nieves-Martinez , Esq., Berkeley Township, N.J.

Worker Suffers Serious Injures In Construction Accident At Sharon Station Road Site

September 9, 2020

UPPER FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH)–New Jersey State Police spokesman Sgt. Philip Curry stated Troopers were detailed to Sharon Station Road in Upper Freehold Township at 2:09 pm for a male injured at a construction site. The male construction worker suffered serious injures and was transported to the Trauma Center at Capital Health Regional Medical Center in Trenton. The accident is currently under investigation.

Firefighters from Hope Fire Company of Allentown-Upper Freehold Twp., Capital Health-Allentown EMS, and paramedics responded to the scene. A landing zone was set up near the accident for a helicopter but was recalled due to length of time for the helicopter to respond.

DCA Local Finance Board Approves Dissolution Of Fire Districts # 1 through 9 In Hamilton Township

September 9, 2020 updated 5:00 pm

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Today the Department of Community Affairs, Local Finace Board approved the dissolution of Fire Districts 1 though 9 in Hamilton Township.

11:30 AM Hamilton Township
Mercer – NJSA 40A:5A-20
Proposed Dissolution of Fire Districts #1-9

Hamilton Township will now move forward to become one fire department under management of Hamilton Township instead of multiple fire districts.


Local Finance Board Approves Hamilton Fire Consolidation

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–The Department of Community Affairs’ Local Finance Board unanimously approves Hamilton Township fire service consolidation.

Under current structure, Hamilton fire services are comprised of nine, autonomous fire districts. Each of the nine districts is governed by five elected commissioners and have their own individual budgets.  Under the proposal submitted before the Local Finance Board today, all nine districts would be consolidated and become part of a newly formed Hamilton Township Fire Department funded by municipal taxes.

The process to consolidate the fire districts has been one the Township has considered for over twenty years with the most recent proposal beginning in 2015. This proposal has faced many setbacks of the last five years, but remained one of the top priorities for Mayor Jeff Martin’s administration.

“With today’s approval by the State, we are one step closer to having one Hamilton Township Fire Department in early 2021,” stated Mayor Jeff Martin. “In an unprecedented year of economic difficulties, consolidation could save the township, and therefore our residents, roughly $1.5 million a year in reduced fire service costs all while keeping the same number of fire houses and firefighters.  This is an extraordinary moment in both Hamilton and New Jersey history. I want to thank all that have worked to make this happen including Governor Murphy and his administration, our Legislative leaders – Senator Greenstein, Assemblyman DeAngelo, and Assemblyman Benson, our Township Council, our fire consolidation subcommittee members including — Councilman Pat Papero, Jr., Councilman Anthony Carabelli, Jr., Mark Murranko, Joe Monzo, Chief Richard Kraemer, Scott Goldsmith, Nick Buroczi, Shane Mull, Richard Braslow, and all of the Hamilton Firefighters.

“Creating a unified Hamilton Fire Department through the dissolution of Hamilton’s 9 fire districts is a challenging, forward-thinking initiative that has been years in the making. The scope and impact of this effort are substantial, and its success reflects the strong local partnership among all participants,” said Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver, who serves as Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs. “DCA congratulates Hamilton on receiving LFB approval to move this project forward today, and looks forward to continuing to support their efforts through the January 1 transition date. More broadly, the Murphy Administration and DCA stand ready to partner with all local governments in New Jersey to help them develop initiatives that result in more efficient services and taxpayer savings.”

“This is a great step forward in ensuring our firefighters have the ability to continue their excellent quality of service to our community,” said Senator Linda Greenstein. “I commend the work of the Martin Administration and our Hamilton Firefighters who worked so hard to find a workable plan.”

“I’m thrilled that the Local Finance Board has approved the Hamilton’s fire consolidation proposal,” commented Assemblyman Wayne DeAngelo.  “This is an important step in securing a more responsive and effective fire service that will save taxpayers money. I look forward to seeing this continue moving forward so that we can improve the safety and well-being of Hamiltonians in every neighborhood.”

“From standing in front of Rusling Hose Fire Company three years ago to now, I have believed that the time is right to have a strong Township wide uniform fire service,” stated Assembly Dan Benson. “It’s safer for our residents, as well as, the firefighters serving us in harm’s way.  Just as importantly, it makes economic sense in the long run to ensure that all Hamilton residents receive the same high level of service regardless of their zip code. Congratulations to the Mayor and Council on this important milestone achieved through their hard work. “

“When Hamilton’s firefighters took on the consolidation effort nearly four years ago they did so with a goal of making their community safer,” Eddie Donnelly, President of the NJFMBA said. “Today’s result is a testament to the positive things that can happen when labor and management work together. Consolidation will make Hamilton safer for our firefighters and the residents they serve, and that makes Hamilton an even better community to call home.”

The Local Finance Board approved the application by a unanimous vote of 7-0. The next step would be coordination with the Civil Service Commission for organizational transfer of all current fire district employees.


Statement by the Hamilton Township Professional Firefighters, FMBA Locals 84 & 284

Today will go down in history for Hamilton Township. Over five years ago, our members took on the the important task of trying to consolidate the antiquated fire districts. With support from many, we were able to obtain over 10,000 signatures from residents who felt the same as we did. Today, the Local Finance Board lead by Director Walters, gave Hamilton Township the approval to move forward. We would like to thank Mayor Jeff Martin for his tireless effort and leadership. We would also like to thank Councilman Papero, Councilman Tighe, Councilwoman Phillips, Councilman Carabelli, Councilman Whalen, and former Councilwomen Schirmer for their effort. Without a team effort today doesn’t happen. Hamilton Township will be safer place live, work, and play because of the effort by so many.



Toms River Man Charged With Vehicular Homicide

September 9, 2020

TOMS RIVER, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that Roberto Sandoval-Guerrero, 37, of Toms River, has been charged with Vehicular Homicide in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:11-5b(1) relative to the death of Daniel Cintron on September 5, 2020. Sandoval-Guerrero was also charged with Knowingly Leaving the Scene of a Fatal Motor Vehicle Accident in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:11-5.1; Causing Death or Injury While Driving with a Suspended Driver’s License in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:40-22a; Assault by Auto in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1c(1); and Resisting Arrest in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:29-2a(2).

On Saturday, September 5, 2020, the New Jersey State Police received a report of a pedestrian having been struck by a motor vehicle in the area of Garden State Parkway South at or about mile-marker post 86 in Toms River, with said vehicle then fleeing the scene. The investigation determined that Daniel Cintron had previously been involved in a minor motor vehicle accident with another driver, Frank Puglisi. The men exited their vehicles and were in the process of exchanging insurance information on the shoulder of the Parkway when they were struck by a 2002 Mercury Mountaineer operated by Sandoval-Guerrero. Mr. Puglisi was struck on his left arm, while Mr. Cintron was thrown into the lanes of travel where he was run over by passing traffic. Mr. Cintron was pronounced dead at the scene. Further investigation revealed that Sandoval-Guerrero continued to operate the vehicle southbound on the Garden State Parkway; he ultimately abandoned the vehicle on the shoulder and fled on foot. Sandoval-Guerrero was eventually located in the area of Route 9 and Church Road and taken into custody. Sandoval-Guerrero is currently lodged in the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.

Prosecutor Billhimer would like to commend the collective efforts of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Vehicular Homicide Unit, New Jersey State Police, Toms River Township Police Department, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit for their collaborative assistance in this investigation leading to Sandoval-Guerrero’s apprehension.

The press and public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

3.1 Earthquake Centered In Freehold, NJ, Reports Through Mid Jersey, Stretching NYC To Philadelphia

September 9, 2020

FREEHOLD, NJ (MONMOUTH)–At 2 am The USGS Earthquake Information Center, Hazards Program reports a 3.1 earthquake in Freehold, NJ in the area of Kozloski Road near First Responders Way-Burlington Road.

The USGS has received over 5,100 reports of the earthquake being felt from all though the center of New Jersey from New York City though Philadelphia, PA.

Location40.262N 74.246W
Depth5 km
Distances2.1 km (1.3 mi) SSE of East Freehold, New Jersey2.4 km (1.5 mi) E of Freehold, New Jersey5.2 km (3.2 mi) ENE of West Freehold, New Jersey5.9 km (3.7 mi) S of Marlboro, New Jersey42.6 km (26.4 mi) E of Trenton, New Jersey

Looking at the Earthquake Reports Map it makes you wonder if A Greater Authority was defining if Central Jersey really does exist since it would almost be similar to how some people feel where Central Jersey really is.