Day: January 27, 2021

Ocean County, Stafford Township

Barnegat Man Pleads Guilty To Vehicular Homicide And DWI For March 25, 2020 Fatal Crash In Stafford Twp.

January 27, 2021

STAFFORD TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on January 27, 2021, Jeydon Lowe, 24, of Barnegat, pled guilty to Vehicular Homicide in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:11-5, before the Honorable Linda G. Baxter, J.S.C.  At the time of sentencing on March 19, 2021, the State will be recommending a term of seven years New Jersey State Prison, subject to the terms of the No Early Release Act, N.J.S.A. 2C:43-7.2.  Additionally, Lowe pled guilty to Driving While Intoxicated in violation of N.J.S.A. 39:4-50.

On March 25, 2020, at approximately 5:30 p.m., members of the Stafford Township Police Department responded to a single vehicle crash on Stafford Avenue near Hilliard Boulevard. An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Vehicular Homicide Unit, Stafford Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit revealed that a 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt operated by Lowe was traveling eastbound on Stafford Avenue at an extremely high rate of speed.  Lowe lost control of the vehicle as he was attempting to navigate a right-hand turn, and consequently crashed into a tree.  A passenger in the front seat of the vehicle, Robert Parlin, 24, of Little Egg Harbor, succumbed to his injuries as a result of the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Lowe sustained minor injuries and was taken to Hackensack Meridian Health Southern Ocean County Medical Center in Stafford Township. A search warrant was obtained for a draw of his blood. On April 14, 2020, Detectives received the laboratory results from the blood draw which indicated that Lowe had a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of nearly .12 percent.  An operator of a motor vehicle is presumed to be over the legal limit for purposes of alcohol consumption where his/her BAC is .08 or greater.

Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the diligence of Senior Assistant Prosecutor Jamie Schron who handled the case on behalf of the State, as well as the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Vehicular Homicide Unit, Stafford Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit for their collaborative efforts in connection with this investigation which ultimately resulted in Lowe’s guilty plea.

  • Jeydon Lowe, 24, of Barnegat
Jeydon Lowe, 24, of Barnegat, pled guilty to Vehicular Homicide in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:11-5, before the Honorable Linda G. Baxter, J.S.C.  At the time of sentencing on March 19, 2021, the State will be recommending a term of seven years New Jersey State Prison, subject to the terms of the No Early Release Act, N.J.S.A. 2C:43-7.2.  Additionally, Lowe pled guilty to Driving While Intoxicated in violation of N.J.S.A. 39:4-50.
Lakewood, Ocean County

Lakewood Man Pleads Guilty To Robbery

January 27, 2021

LAKEWOOD, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on January 27, 2021, Elioenai Aguinaga, 32, of Lakewood, pled guilty to Robbery in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:15-1a(2), before the Honorable Rochelle Gizinski, J.S.C.  At the time of his sentencing on March 24, 2021, the State will be seeking a term of eight years New Jersey State Prison, subject to the terms of the No Early Release Act, N.J.S.A. 2C:43-7.2.

On March 26, 2020, Officers of the Lakewood Township Police Department were summoned to Taylor’s Pharmacy on Madison Avenue for a report of a robbery. Responding Officers learned that a male suspect had entered the pharmacy, brandished a semi-automatic handgun at the store clerk, and demanded money from the cash register. The suspect took approximately $130 and fled the pharmacy.

A subsequent investigation by the Lakewood Township Police Department Detective Bureau ultimately determined that Aguinaga was, in fact, the individual who committed the robbery at Taylor’s Pharmacy on March 26th.  On April 25, 2020, Aguinaga was arrested by Officers from the Lakewood Township Police Department, processed at Lakewood Township Police Headquarters, and transported to the Ocean County Jail – where he has been lodged since his apprehension.

Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the diligence of Assistant Prosecutor Kaitlyn Burke who handled the case on behalf of the State, as well as the hard work and determination exhibited by Officers of the Lakewood Township Police Department and Detective Bureau in their investigation of this matter which ultimately resulted in Aguinaga’s guilty plea.

  • Elioenai Aguinaga, 32, of Lakewood
Elioenai Aguinaga, 32, of Lakewood, pled guilty to Robbery in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:15-1a(2), before the Honorable Rochelle Gizinski, J.S.C.  At the time of his sentencing on March 24, 2021, the State will be seeking a term of eight years New Jersey State Prison, subject to the terms of the No Early Release Act, N.J.S.A. 2C:43-7.2.
Hamilton, Mercer County, Trenton

Iron Mikes Strong: “Please save our school, Trenton Catholic Academy, from closing”

January 27, 2021

See related MidJersey.News’ story here: Trenton Catholic Academy will close its doors in June.

By: Tyler Eckel

ironmikesfund.com is seeking help in saving TCA.

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP (MERCER)– On January 8, 2021, it was announced by the Diocese of Trenton that Trenton Catholic Academy, a Pre-K through 12th grade school, will permanently shut its doors on June 30, 2021.

Trenton Catholic Academy, also known as McCorristin High School and St. Anthony’s High School, have been a cornerstone of Catholic education in the community since its establishment in 1962, with outstanding academics and athletics, a 100% graduation rate, and 100% college acceptance rate. Despite the changing of names, the school’s icon remains the Iron Mike, paying respect to Michael P. McCorristin, the man who built the school with volunteers and contractors, and made it all possible.

“It is a sad day for the Diocese of Trenton, Trenton Catholic Academy (TCA), and Hamilton Township,” said Hamilton Mayor Jeff Martin in his statement. “Whether known as Anthony’s, McCorristin, or TCA, there has always been a great partnership between the school and the Township. Hamilton is committed to helping TCA and the Diocese in the months to come. On behalf of the Township, I thank them for their nearly 60 years of providing a high quality, well-rounded education to those in our greater Hamilton community,” Martin continued.

The school has sent many of their students to top colleges and universities. Iron Mike alumni have gone on to prestigious careers and several have advanced to play professional sports. “Most importantly, the school has succeeded in meeting the hopes of the school’s late founding president St. Joseph Sister Dorothy Payne, who wanted her students to be: ‘Good kids that live good lives that make the world a better place,'” Diocese of Trenton said in a statement.

ironmikesfund.com is seeking your help to help save the school.

The group is made up of alumni, administrators, coaches, business people, and supporters.

ironmikesfund.com is available now to accept tax-deductible donations. “We are asking for your financial support, or better yet, your investment in the future of our children and our world. A united group of alumni, administrators, coaches, business professionals and supporters are currently working on a detailed plan to keep the doors open for many years to come. Please help by donating to www.ironmikesfund.com. Your gift to the Iron Mikes Fund provides the financial means to keep our school open as an independent school. This will help our students to continue to excel in academics, athletics and overall student life. Your contribution will have far reaching rewards into the future,” ironmikesfund.com told MidJersey.News.

ironmikesfund.com would like to thank donors in advance for your careful consideration and tax-deductible pledge to save their school.

Photos of TCA Campus, January 8, 2021.
Ewing, Ewing, Mercer County

BREAKING: One dead in Ewing house fire

January 27, 2021

Published by: Tyler Eckel

EWING TOWNSHIP (MERCER): Around 12:40 Wednesday afternoon, Ewing Police and Ewing Fire Department responded to 133 Beacon Avenue after received a call from a delivery driver reporting some coming from a house.

Officers arrived on scene to find heavy smoke coming from the residence and were quickly alerted by a neighbor that a resident was inside. From there, Officers immediately entered the house, but were driven back to do the heavy fire conditions.

While responding to the scene, a Ewing Township fire officer received the update from police and called the “All hands,” sending additional manpower, fire equipment, and additional EMS/paramedics to the scene.

Within minutes of Ewing firefighters arriving to the scene, they located a man deceased inside of the burning home. The fire was placed under control at approximately 1:03 pm.

Ewing Police detectives and the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office are currently investigating the cause of the fire. The identity of the victim has not yet been determined.

Photos by Brian McCarthy, OnScene News
State of NJ

Dancer proposes constitutionally dedicating Horizon payments to reduce premiums for policyholders

January 27, 2021

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–The $1.25 billion Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey must pay New Jersey over the next 18 years needs to be used to reduce premiums, says Assemblyman Ron Dancer. The lawmaker recently introduced a constitutional amendment to guarantee lower health insurance costs for policyholders. 

“Unless the annual assessments are constitutionally dedicated, they could be raided through the budget process to pay for unrelated things because the annual appropriations bill can override any statutory dedication of funds,” explained Dancer (R-Ocean). “We have to learn a lesson from diversions such as the use of energy bill taxes to pay for New Jersey Transit rather than true clean energy initiatives as intended. We must put the money in a constitutional lock box so that it can’t be used to balance the budget or for pet projects.”

New Jersey’s largest health insurer is required to make payments to the state, including $600 million this year, as part of legislation Gov. Phil Murphy recently signed allowing Horizon to transition from a not-for-profit business entity to a not-for-profit mutual holding company.

“Nearly half of the money happens to arrive in an election year,” said Dancer. “The $600 million can certainly make for a more electorate-pleasing budget, especially when there is less revenue due to Covid and business restrictions. The public will only be made more cynical about government priorities if we blow this windfall on new spending instead of dedicating it to help the 3.6 million Horizon members who paid it in the first place.”

If Dancer’s proposed constitutional amendment (ACR207) is advanced by the Legislature, voters would need to approve it during the following election. 

“Neither this year’s payment nor the 17 following assessments are dedicated to any specific use whatsoever,” said Dancer. “We should be lowering the costs of health insurance for Horizon’s policyholders, not letting the state cash a check worth $1.25 billion dollars that it can spend at a whim.”

Dancer’s resolution has been referred to the Assembly Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee.