BREAKING NEWS REPORT: From radio and on scene reporting. If official information becomes available the story will be updated and corrections made if needed.
October 19, 2020
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Around 11:05 pm shots rang out on Spring Street and a man was found shot in the middle of the 200 Block between Calhoun and White Streets. Trenton Police were on scene quickly and called for Trenton EMS to respond.
TEMS and Capital Health Paramedics arrived treated the patient and transported the person to the Trauma Center at Capital Health Regional Medical Center. A “trauma alert” was called due to the seriousness of the injures.
Trenton Police were on scene investigating. No further details were available at the time of this report. If further details become available the story will be updated and additions-corrections made.
There have been serval acts of senseless gun violence on Spring Street this year you can read about those below:
Additional MidJersey.News stories on Spring Street gun violence:
LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Around 11:00 pm The Lawrence Township Fire Department, Lawrence Township EMS and Mercer County Paramedics were called to 3231 for an serious accident with a person trapped. It appears a person lost control on Route 1 south bound and drove up an embankment and hit a parked van in the parking lot of the location.
When firefighters arrived it was reported that one person was trapped and rescue tools would be needed to free the victim from the wreckage. Firefighters had the victim out within 20 minutes. EMS transported the victim to Capital Health Regional Medical Center.
Lawrence Township Police are investigating.
Accident at 2331 Route 1 south bound.
Another accident was reported at 11:36 pm on Interstate 295 South Bound near Route 1 a vehicle lost control and hit a guard rail. NJ State Police was on location and Lawrence Township Fire Department and EMS was also responding to that incident. No details were available about the accident.
October 19, 2020 Updated at 7:44 pm with testimony from Holmdel Mayor Gregory Buontempo
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Several New Jersey mayors testified in front of the NJ State Senate, Law and Public Safety Committee today about lack of response of restoring utilities after recent storms and other problems. The mayors expressed most dissatisfaction with Jersey Central Power and Light JCP&L, and Optimum-Altice USA.
The first two mayors called were Hamilton Township Mayor Jeff Martin and Robbinsville Mayor Dave Fried regarding the service of local utility companies.
In particular, Mayor Martin focused on the poor quality of service that Optimum/Altice USA has provided to Hamilton Township residents, specifically over the last several months. While understanding that strains have been put on phone, internet and cable services with such a high volume of residents working from home, the quality of customer service that residents have received is unacceptable. Mayor Martin stated that PSE&G, Public Service Electric and Gas is Hamilton’s electric utility.
Mayor Dave Fried expressed dissatisfaction with both JCP&L and Optimum/Altice USA with restoring service after recent storms and other problems. Full transcript from Mayor Dave Fried below.
Committee Chair, Senator Linda Greenstein
Senator Joseph Cryan
Senator Vin Gopal
Senator Declan J. O’Scanln, Jr.
Senator Declan J. O’Scanln, Jr.
Senator Declan J. O’Scanln, Jr.
Senator Anthony M. Bucco
Senator Anthony M. Bucco
NJ Senate Committee On Law And Public Safety members: Chair Senator Linda Greenstein, Senator Joseph Cryan, Senator Vin Gopal, Senator Declan J. O’Scanin, Jr., and Senator Anthony M. Bucco at the hearing today in Trenton.
NJ Board of Public Utilities, Commissioner, President Joseph L. Fiordaliso testifies on utilities responses to storms in NJ.
Hamilton Township Mayor Jeff Martin
Robbinsville Township Mayor Dave Fried
Robbinsville Township Mayor Dave Fried
Holmdel Mayor Gregory Buontempo
Holmdel Mayor Gregory Buontempo
Hamilton Township Mayor Jeff Martin
Hamilton Township Mayor Jeff Martin, Robbinsville Township Mayor Dave Fried, Holmdel Mayor Gregory Buontempo testify at today’s hearing.
Transcription of Mayor Dave Fried’s testimony before the NJ Senate Committee on Law and Public Safety. Monday, October 19, 2020.
“I had some prepared remarks, but I am going to be very brief. You will hear from all the mayors about the failures of both JCP&L and Optimum. My town is unique because it is divided between PSE&G and JCP&L, as well as Optimum and Verizon (FiOS). It really is a tale of the haves and have nots. I was Mayor during Hurricane Irene (2011) and it was so bad I filed a lawsuit against JCP&L. I made the mistake of settling that lawsuit. It was so bad during this last storm (Tropical Storm Isaias in August) that I have filed a lawsuit against them again … and this time I have no intention of settling. The idea that (JCP&L has gotten better at communication is false. It’s a false narrative. They are just as bad today as they were during Irene. If they are not giving us misinformation, they are just outright lying to us. I can’t go back to my residents and tell them anything JCP&L has told me because it is more likely to be untrue than true. We have a generator exchange program in Robbinsville because I have to provide them for my residents because I have no idea when the power is going to come back on. Meanwhile, I watch PSE&G and they are incredible. It is like watching the Yankees play a Little League team. They give me great information and they tell me where they are going to be. Bad news doesn’t get any better, but they tell me who will be the last one on so I know where to send my generators. There is a reason why JCP&L is so bad at this, and why they don’t take us, or you (NJ Senate Committee), seriously. A $100 fine is a joke to a CEO who makes millions. He then comes back here and gives us lip service, but the truth is he will go back to his board knowing he is not going to do anything, and the BPU is going to give him a rate increase. They gave them a rate increase after Irene, then another after Sandy, then more after almost every other storm. So, their failures basically allow more money for their shareholders who are out of state (Ohio). They go back to the board room and laugh. Why wouldn’t they?
Robbinsville Township Mayor Dave Fried testifies this afternoon.
“It’s embarrassing. JCP&L sets up meetings with us and they never tell us the truth. Oftentimes, when they send out communications to our residents it is the wrong information. My office is flooded with calls every time there is a storm. If I am going to take those calls and be in the customer service business, fine (JCP&L and Optimum) and give us the money so we can be in that business as that customer service front arm. I open my firehouse every week so Optimum customers without service can get online to go to school and so parents can work remotely. It is impossible for us to keep up with their failures. If we don’t hold both of them accountable, they are going to leave these proceedings and nothing is ever going to get better. JCP&L couldn’t even set up a water and ice station. If I was their CEO, I would be doing an apology tour all across to New Jersey. But, instead, they are going to ask BPU for another rate increase and they are probably going to get it. Thus, their failures will be rewarded again. When you look at Optimum, they are just as bad since they send their profits out of the country (France). The failures continue year after year. We don’t hold them accountable and we don’t give them serious fines. For mayors like myself, give us the ability to switch if we have another option.
I’m begging you. Please help us. We can’t continue to be their complaint department. We need effective change.”
Hamilton Township Mayor Jeff Martin (left), Robbinsville Township Mayor Dave Fried (right) testify at today’s Senate hearing.
Full transcript from Holmdel Mayor Gregory Buontempo from today’s hearing.
Thank you Chairwoman Greenstein and distinguished members of the Committee for this opportunity to come here, on behalf of the Township of Holmdel, and share with you our significant concerns regarding service delivery and emergency response of JCP&L as it relates to Tropical Storm Isaias and power outages in general.
I come here today on behalf of Holmdel’s angry and frustrated residents who are outraged by the absence of communication, the slow response and the general lack of customer service received from JCP&L. Following Tropical Storm Isaias, our community was severely impacted by service disruptions that lasted upwards of one week. These power outages not only interrupted our residents’ lives, but it also placed a strain on the Township’s first responders who had to respond to emergencies that resulted from the prolonged period without electricity. I can personally attest to numerous instances in which residents reached out to me directly for help with dire medical needs. While this frustration was exacerbated by Tropical Storm Isaias, the problems with response have gone on for far longer. Holmdel repeatedly faces long power outages, even when the weather is not as severe as the storm on August 3rd.
Holmdel Mayor Gregory Buontempo testifies at today’s hearing.
I want to give you some specific examples from this last incident.
Holmdel is home to Bayshore Medical Center one of only five hospitals in all of Monmouth County. In the midst of a pandemic their ability to provide services to patients is critical to managing the outbreak and reducing the spread of the disease. Unfortunately, it took 8 hours to get the hospital’s power up and running. The hospital was within two degrees of having a mandatory evacuation which would have been catastrophic! Such a critical care facility should be a top priority of any restoration plan.
A second critical issue involved a cul-de-sac community in Holmdel, Allocco Drive. This is a community with many elderly residents. As a result of the storm a tree came down across the street completely blocking vehicular access in an out of the neighborhood. If an emergency were to occur it would have been impossible for response vehicles to reach these residents. In situations such as sudden cardiac arrest, two minutes can actually be the difference between life and death! Despite numerous attempts for information, JCP&L was unable to tell us if the tree blocking access was entangled in live wires. This left our residents stuck in their homes for days with no power, no air conditioning and no access to emergency medical services. As the Township, we would have removed the tree ourselves, even though it is not our responsibility, in order to protect our residents. However, we were unable to do so because of a lack of information. As a last resort, our Police Department had to station an ATV on location in case anyone needed to be evacuated on an emergency basis. This is simply unacceptable.
My last example is a matter of common sense coordination. On Sunday, August 9th, almost a full week after the storm, there were two trucks parked in the Southern portion of town. One was a Verizon truck and one was from JCP&L. They were not working on anything. When approached, both parties said they were waiting for direction. Eventually the Verizon truck left because no one from JCP&L was providing information. I personally had to step in and manage the coordination, calling my personal Verizon connections to have them come back to the site. Eventually services were restored to the residents in the area – almost a week after the storm. The problem is that in this instance the crews were ready willing and able to work but did not get the direction that they need. This shows that the issues are coming from JCP&L’s lack of a clear strategy. While our government relations contact, Frank Luna, is always very responsive and available, it was apparent that even he was not provided the information that could have improved the situation.
Holmdel Mayor Gregory Buontempo testifies at today’s hearing.
This is by no means an exhaustive list of the public safety concerns that we have with the response from JCP&, but in the interest of time, I am giving you these as examples of some of the issues we face.
After the devastating impact of Superstorm Sandy, the Township believed that JCP&L was embarking upon infrastructure improvements to prevent prolonged power outages. Two years ago, in July 2018, the Reliability Plus Initiative was announced aimed at enhancing the reliability and resiliency of the JCP&L distribution system. Yet Holmdel Township has not seen improvement in service.
The Township is respectfully requesting that JCP&L provide a detailed action plan for how it can better prepare and respond to power outages. Specific items that need to be addressed include:
Status of the Reliability Plus Initiative
Strategy to be implemented in order to prevent future outages
Pre-weather event deployment procedures
Details of the company’s deforestation plan
Improved communication plan to advise residents in a timely manner of the length of outages and where crews will be working
Rebates to our residents for lost food, similar to those offered to customers of other power companies
Rebates to residents for the installation of generators given the continued loss of power
I want to stress that we are willing to work with JCP&L in order to ensure the safety and health of our residents. As Mayor, I am pleased that the company moved its corporate headquarters to Bell Works in Holmdel. I know that an effective plan is possible, and we are willing to do our part to make this happen.
On behalf of the residents of Holmdel and I thank you for your time and attention to this important matter.
SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–The South Brunswick Police Department announced the successful resolution to a gunman at an area hotel on Friday. Chief Raymond Hayducka said, “So often you only hear of these cases when officers are forced into a deadly situation. Here officers were confronted by a gunman who threatened to harm others and was acting out. Officers used de-escalation techniques and time to safely take him into custody. This is a credit to the officers and their training.”
The incident unfolded just after 2 pm at the Hotel Vicenza at 3793 Route 1. Officers arrived and learned that Louis Smith age 46, a guest at the hotel, had an argument with a staff member, and pulled out a handgun. Police set up a perimeter and attempted to make contact and de-escalate the situation. As police attempted to speak with Smith, he repeatedly paced back and forth between the front breezeway and rear balcony of his second-floor room. Smith kept yelling profanities at unoccupied cars in the parking lot. At one point, Smith began using his cellphone to videotape officers while blowing kisses. A team of officers, Sergeant Anthony Pisano, Detective Rick Delucia, PFC Mike Leung, Officer Ryan Bartunek, Officer Kent English, and Officer Jason Stonkus approached Smith on the second floor. Smith retreated and ran back into his room, locking the door. Officers negotiated for thirty minutes trying to get Smith to speak with them. Smith’s erratic behavior continued with him yelling about diabetes and who he was going to vote for. Officers then made attempts to contact family members and were able to speak to a sister. At 4:45 pm Smith who was profusely sweating opened the door briefly and Detective Delucia and Officer English grabbed him from the room and pulled him into the breezeway. Smith was placed under arrest and transported to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick for evaluation.
Detectives obtained a telephonic search warrant to search the room. A search of the room located a Taurus 9MM handgun, 2 fully loaded magazines, 27 ounces of marijuana, a pair of black gloves, a black ski mask, ziplock bags, and a scale. Smith has been charged with aggravated assault with a firearm, unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, terroristic threats, and distribution of CDS.
On Friday, while Smith was awaiting evaluation in the emergency room of Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, two South Brunswick officers were guarding him. Smith began to act up, even while cuffed to his hospital bed. At one point, he threw urine at the hospital staff. The officers moved in and Smith spit in their faces. Smith has been charged with two additional counts of aggravated assault for spitting on the officers. Both officers required medical treatment. As of Monday afternoon, Smith remains in the emergency room at the hospital with two South Brunswick officers guarding him until he can be moved to a secure facility.
Chief Hayducka added, “Too many people don’t realize the risks and dangers officers are willing to take to keep their communities safe. This group of officers showed the best of who we are.”
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–A Monmouth County, New Jersey, man today admitted to being a felon in possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Rashon Alexander, 42, of Long Branch, New Jersey, pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Michael A. Shipp to an indictment charging him with one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On Jan. 13, 2020, officers from the Eatontown Police Department received information that a man fitting Alexander’s description was staying in a local hotel and was in possession of a firearm. The officers observed Alexander – a convicted felon prohibited from possessing a firearm – and another man approaching the hotel. Officers approached Alexander, who admitted to being in possession of marijuana. Officers searched Alexander and found a quantity of marijuana in his sweatshirt pocket. Officers placed Alexander under arrest and searched him, recovering an RG Industries .22 caliber revolver from his pants pocket.
The felon in possession of a firearm charge carries a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for February 22, 2021.
This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensured that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Charlie J. Patterson, Newark Field Division, Trenton Field Office, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea. He also thanked the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni, the Eatontown Police Department, under the direction of Chief William P. Lucia, III, and the New Jersey State Police, under the direction of Col. Patrick J. Callahan for their assistance.
The government is represented by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Matthews of the Criminal Division in Trenton.
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Defense counsel: Andrea D. Bergman Esq., Assistant Federal Public Defender, Trenton
BORDENTOWN TOWNSHIP, NJ (BURLINGTON)–The Bordentown Township Police Department is seeking assistance with the investigation into a pedestrian struck by a vehicle on Saturday evening, 10/17/20.
This incident originated at approximately 6:55 pm when a 42 year-old male was crossing Farnsworth Ave. in the area of Municipal Dr. The male was then struck by a vehicle which fled the scene and continued traveling towards Rt. 130. The pedestrian suffered serious injuries as a result of the collision and was transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center where he remains in stable condition.
The only description of the vehicle at this time is a gray colored sedan with possible passenger side damage. Anyone with information concerning this incident is asked to contact Dsgt. Pavlov at 609-298-4300, ext. 2128, or via email at jpavlov@bordentowntownshippd.com.
FREEHOLD, NJ (MONMOUTH)–Separate investigations have netted fifteen Monmouth County individuals for possessing and or trafficking child sexual abuse materials, announced Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni.
Between July 21, 2020 and October 15, 2020, the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Computer Crimes Unit and Monmouth County Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force arrested individuals. Assisting in this Operation were members of the New Jersey State Police Digital Technology Investigations Unit (DTIU), the New Jersey ICAC Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Monmouth County Sherriff’s Office, The Monmouth County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, which includes members from the following police departments: Eatontown, Howell Township, Long Branch, Manalapan, Marlboro, Neptune Twp., Spring Lake, Tinton Falls, and Holmdel; and support from the following Monmouth County Police Departments: Asbury Park, Aberdeen, Middletown, Highlands, Freehold Township and Freehold Borough.
These arrests were designed to reduce online threats to Monmouth County to decrease the market for child sexual exploitation by focusing on those individuals seeking out and trafficking in child pornographic-materials.
The following individuals were arrested:
Antonio Mejia, 38, of 806 5th Avenue, Asbury Park. Mejia was arrested on July 21, 2020 following an investigation that revealed he transmitted numerous images of child sexual abuse materials and engaged in sexual conversations with 3 males under the age of 16. Mejia was charged with one count second degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Distribution of Child Sexual abuse materials, contrary to N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(a)(i), one count of Attempted Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Manufacturing an Image of Child Exploitation Material), contrary to N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(3), one count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Materials), contrary to 2C:24-4b(5)(b)iii, three counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, N.J.S.A 2C:24-4a(1) and three counts of Attempted Obscenity to Minors, 2C:34-3. On July 30, 2020, defendant appeared for a detention hearing before the Honorable Paul X. Escandon, J.S.C. was released on the condition that he have no contact with the victims, no access to social media and no contact with anyone under 18. Mejia is represented by Joy Anderson, Esq. of Eatontown.
Brody Sullivan, 20, of 2 Ithaca Court, Aberdeen was arrested on July 22, 2020 following an investigation that revealed that he was in possession of child sexual abuse materials. Sullivan was charged with one count of second degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Possession of Child Sexaul Abuse Material), contrary to 2C:24-4b(5)(b)ii and released on the condition that he have no contact with anyone under 18 and no internet access. Sullivan is represented by Anthony Palumbo, Esq. of Cranford.
Anthony Lichtenau, 36, of 72 Brentwood Road, Eatontown was arrested on July 24, 2020 following an investigation that revealed he was in possession of child sexual abuse materials. Lichtenau was charged with one count of third degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material), contrary to 2C:24-4b(5)(b)(iii) and released on the condition that he have no contact with anyone under 18 and no internet access. Lichtenau is represented by Mitchell Ansell, Esq. of Ocean Township.
Matthew Fahmie, 33, of 30 Northover Place, Middletown, was arrested on September 10, 2020 following an investigation which revealed that he possessed over 1,000 images of child sexual exploitation material. Fahmie was charged with one count of second degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Materials), contrary to N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(b)(ii) and was released on the condition that he have no contact with anyone under 18 and restricted internet access. Fahmie is represented by Richard Incremona, Esq. of Freehold Township.
Valentin Valdetano, 20, of 359 North Bath Avenue, Long Branch, was arrested on July 31, 2020 following an investigation that revealed he possessed and traded images of child sexual abuse materials using a chat platform. Valdetano was charged with second degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Distribution of Child Sexual Abuse Materials), contrary to N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(a)(i) and third degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Materials), contrary to N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(b)(iii). Valdetano was released on the condition that he have no contact with anyone under 18 and that he not use the internet. Valdetano is represented by Charles Moriarty, Esq. of Long Branch.
Zachary Barnett, 24, 984 Twilight Way, Aberdeen, was arrested on August 7, 2020 following an investigation that revealed he possessed images of child sexual abuse materials. Barnett was charged with one count of third degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Materials), contrary to N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(b)(iii). Barnett was released on a summons. Barnett is represented by Allison Friedman, Esq. of Freehold.
Brian Wioncek, 62 of 317 Shore Drive, Apartment C, Highlands, was arrested on September 9, 2020 following an investigation that he possessed child sexual abuse materials. Wioncek was charged with one count of third degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Materials), contrary to N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(b)(iii). Wioncek was released on the condition that he have no contact with anyone under 18 and that his internet usage is restricted.
John Hynes, 21, of 90 Bannard Street, Freehold, was arrested on August 21, 2020 following an investigation that revealed he possessed images of child sexual abuse materials. Hynes was charged with one count of third degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Materials), contrary to N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(b)(iii) and one count of disorderly persons possession of a controlled dangerous substance contrary to N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10(a)(4). Hynes was released on a summons. Hynes is represented by Charles Clark, Esq. of Freehold.
Michael Townend, 19, 203 Colts Neck Road, Howell, was arrested on August 25, 2020 following an investigation that revealed he possessed images of child sexual abuse materials. Townend was charged with one count of third degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Materials), contrary to N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(b)(iii). Townend was released on a summons. Townend is represented by Steven Nelson, Esq. of Neptune.
Robert Sherman, 62, of 112 Route 36, Highlands, was arrested on September 1, 2020 following an investigation that revealed he possessed images of child sexual abuse materials. Sherman was charged with one count of third degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Materials), contrary to N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4B(5)(b(iii). Sherman was released on a summons. Sherman is represented by Michael Polloway, Esq. of Red Bank.
Michael Pipitone, 38, of 157 Rutledge Drive, Middletown, was arrested on September 2, 2020 following a proactive investigation which revealed he shared over 1,000 images and/or videos of child sexual abuse material. Pipitone was charged with one count of first degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Distribution of Child Sexual Abuse Materials), contrary to N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(a)(iii) and second degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Materials), contrary to N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(b)(ii). Pipitone was released on the condition of home detention, no internet usage and no contact with anyone under 18. Pipitone is represented by John Hogan, Esq. of Woodbridge.
George Ichkitidze, 39, of 27-08 Whistler Drive, Freehold Township, was arrested on September 25, 2020 following a proactive investigation which revealed he shared over 1,000 images and/or videos of child sexual abuse material. Ichkitidze was charged with one count of first degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Distribution of Child Sexual Abuse Materials), contrary to N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(a)(iii) and second degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Materials), contrary to N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(b)(ii). Ichkitidze was released on the condition of home detention, no internet usage and no contact with anyone under 18. Pipitone is represented by Kevin Clark, Esq. of Ocean Township.
Juvenile, of Freehold Borough, was arrested on September 11, 2020 following an investigation that revealed he possessed images of child sexual abuse materials. The juvenile was charged with one count of second degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Materials), contrary to N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(b)(ii).
Thomas Vilanova, 49, of 133 Newbury Road, Howell, was charged on October 13, 2020 following an investigation that revealed that he possessed images of child sexual abuse material. Vilanova was charged with one Count of third degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material), contrary to N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(b)(iii). Vilanova is currently on probation for a 2017 conviction for third Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material), contrary to N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(b)(iii). Vilanova is scheduled to appear in court before the Honorable Paul X. Escandon, J.S.C. for a detention hearing on October 22, 2020. Vilanova is represented by Michael Wenning, Esq. of Bradley Beach.
Jamie Khan, 43 of 19 Oxford Drive, East Windsor, was charged on October 15, 2020 following an investigation that revealed he was viewing and sending child sexual abuse material while working for his employer in Freehold Township. The investigation further revealed that he was also in possession of child sexual abuse material at his home in East Windsor. Khan was charged with one Count of third degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material), contrary to N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(b)(iii) and one count of second degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Distribution of Child Sexual Abuse Material), contrary to N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(a)(i). Khan was released on the condition of no internet usage and no unsupervised contact with anyone under 18.
If convicted of the first degree Endangering charge, a defendant will face a maximum sentence of 20 years in New Jersey State Prison, Megan’s Law, and Parole Supervision for Life. If convicted of the second degree Endangering charge, a defendant will face a maximum sentence of ten years in New Jersey State Prison Megan’s Law and Parole Supervision for Life. If convicted of the third degree Endangering charge, a defendant will face a maximum sentence of five years in New Jersey State Prison and Parole Supervision for Life. A conviction for disorderly persons Possession of Less than 50 Grams of Marijuana exposes a defendant to a maximum sentence of six months incarceration.
Ichkitidze’s case is assigned to Assistant Prosecutor Diane Aifer, Financial Crimes and Public Corruption Unit; the remaining cases are assigned to Assistant Prosecutor Stephanie Dugan, Computer Crimes Unit.
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; by downloading and using the free P3 Tips mobile app (available on iOS and Android – https://www.p3tips.com/1182), by calling 800-671-4400 or by going to the website at www.monmouthcountycrimestoppers.com
Despite these charges, every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, following a trial at which the defendant has all of the trial rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and State law.
FREEHOLD, NJ (MONMOUTH)–A Long Branch man was sentenced to 40 years in prison for murder and attempted murder, stemming from a 2018 shooting inside a Long Branch restaurant, announced Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni.
On October 16, 2020, Miguel Camara, 42, of Long Branch, was sentenced by the Honorable Vincent Falcetano, J.S.C., to 40 years in New Jersey State Prison with 38 ½ years of parole ineligibility. Camara previously pled guilty to first degree Murder, first degree Attempted Murder, and third degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child, in connection with the killing of Marco Moreira, attempting to kill Fernanda Silva, and endangering the welfare of Silva’s 5-year-old child.
Camara had previously entered his guilty plea on July 15, 2020, before Judge Falcetano.
On August 21, 2018 at approximately 3:15 p.m., Long Branch Police Officer George Samol was flagged down by a motorist on Broadway who reported a fight inside the Bom DMais restaurant and a shot fired through the front window. Officer Samol responded to the restaurant and observed two males and one female wrestling with Camara who was holding a gun. Officer Samol unholstered his duty weapon and ordered Camara to drop the weapon. As the 18-year-old son of Fernanda Silva was able to gain control over Camara’s gun, Camara immediately turned to Officer Samol and grabbed ahold of his duty weapon, trying to take possession of it. Officer Samol was able to wrestle the gun from Camara as additional officers arrived on scene. After Camara was placed under arrest, officers observed the victim, Marco Moreira lying deceased on the floor of the business. He was pronounced dead at 3:38 p.m.
A joint investigation by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office and the Long Branch Police Department determined Camara entered the Bom DMais restaurant and approached the table where his ex-girlfriend Fernanda Silva, her two children ages 18 and 5, and Marco Moreira were seated. Camara threw a Final Restraining Order obtained by Silva less than a month earlier on the table, pulled out a handgun and pointed it at Marco Moreira’s head several times before shooting him. A struggle then ensued between Silva, her 18-year-old son and Camara for the gun. During the struggle Camara repeatedly pointed the gun at Silva, firing it twice but missing her. Silva’s five-year-old daughter was a few feet away during the struggle.
The sentence requires that defendant will serve 30 years New Jersey State Prison sentence with a 30 year period of parole ineligibility on the murder, a 10 year New Jersey State Prison sentence on the Attempted Murder charge, subject to the provisions of the No Early Release Act, which requires that the defendant serve 85 percent of the sentence before he is eligible for parole and 5 years New Jersey State Prison for the Endangering the Welfare of a Child. The Attempted Murder sentence will run consecutively to the Murder sentence, and the Endangering sentence will run concurrently, for an aggregate 40 years in New Jersey State Prison with 38 ½ years of parole ineligibility. Camara will also be under parole supervision for five years following his release from state prison and will face deportation back to his home country of Portugal.
The case is assigned to Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutors Hoda Soliman and Emily Cartmell.
Miguel Camara is represented by J. Michael Wicke, Esq., of Freehold
EAST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–On Saturday, October 17, 2020, at approximately 11:11 pm, East Windsor Police responded to the area of Bennington Drive for a noise complaint. When officers arrived, they observed a large group of approximately 20 people physically fighting. Officers attempted to calm and control the situation but some of the active participants failed to comply with orders. Officers from the Robbinsville and Monroe police departments also responded to assist with controlling the situation. While affecting multiple arrests, two East Windsor officers were assaulted resulting in minor injuries. Ultimately, six individuals were arrested, charged and released pending court action.
Defendant: Essence Bolden East Windsor, NJ 18 Years of Age Charges: Assault on Police Officer Disorderly Conduct
Defendant: Dana Flowers East Windsor, NJ 36 Years of Age Charges: Obstructing Justice Disorderly Conduct
Defendant: Juvenile East Windsor, NJ 17 Years of Age Charges: Resisting Arrest Obstructing Justice Disorderly Conduct
Defendant: Juvenile East Windsor, NJ 16 Years of Age Charges: Disorderly Conduct
Defendant: Juvenile Trenton, NJ 17 Years of Age Charges: Simple Assault (2 Counts) Resisting Arrest Disorderly Conduct
Defendant: Juvenile Hamilton, NJ 17 Years of Age Charges: Simple Assault (2 Counts) Disorderly Conduct
The scene on Bennington Drive Saturday Night.
As with every arrest we report on: Despite these charges, every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, following a trial at which the defendant has all of the trial rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and State law.
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