HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)—MidJersey.News was made aware of a possible NJ State Police bust of a tractor trailer full of marijuana on the NJ Turnpike near the 6N Woodrow Wilson Service Area in Hamilton Township June 28, 2021. MidJersey.news checked both rest areas and the highway and found nothing, because allegedly the truck was already being towed to NJ State Police Headquarters in West Trenton for processing. Around dark the West Trenton Fire Company was dispatched to provide assistance to the NJ State Police for lighting at NJSP Headquarters. Once the fire company cleared the truck was driven to the Hamilton NJ State Police barracks to unload its contents to a secure site.
MidJersey.News was made aware and noticed that something was awry after returning from the situation that night on Rt. 130 and Broad Street. It was noticed that a tractor trailer with tow trucks and a NJ State Police escort was making a turn at Route 130 and Horizon Drive for Troop C headquarters. Parking across the street in an office complex from Troop C it was observed that a tractor trailer was being unloaded just before midnight on Monday June 28, 2021 and the product was taken inside with a fork lift and secured. We do not know the exact contents of the tractor trailer, but we believe it to me marijuana. By the size and how many pallets were removed from the back of the truck it is believed to be tons of pot, if that is what was in there.
MidJersey.news has reached out to NJ State Police on the afternoon of the 28, and on the afternoon of June 29 NJ State Police replied “We are in the process of working on a press release for this incident. I’ll be sure to send it to you once it is complete.” When reached out again today June 30we received, “It is in the process but unfortunately I do not have a time frame for release.”
MidJersey.News has held the story for over 48 hours to allow NJSP and/or other agencies to complete and wrap up any investigations before making the public aware that something may have occurred.
This is all we know and that something did occur involving the NJ State Police and a tractor trailer full of product. Once MidJersey.News finds the out the complete details the story will be updated an any corrections made.
Investigation follows two workers’ deaths after outbreaks in Howell, Lumberton
June 30, 2021
MOUNT HOLLY, NJ (BURLINGTON)–Following a coronavirus outbreak in March that led to the deaths of two workers, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration found that a Mount Holly-based healthcare provider failed to implement a required coronavirus prevention program at two of its locations.
OSHA determined that Oaks Integrated Care Inc. did not develop and implement timely and effective measures to mitigate the spread of the virus following outbreaks at its Bock Bay group home in Howell and the Pat LeBon Center in Lumberton. The company failed to identify and isolate clients suspected of having the coronavirus who resided in its group homes, and did not adequately inform staff who worked with these clients about the associated risks.
As a result, two workers – one at Bock Bay and the other at the Pat LeBon Center – suffered exposure and eventually died from the coronavirus. The outbreaks also exposed workers at other Oaks Integrated Care group homes, including Turner Lane Group Home, Evergreen Manor Group Home, R.I.S.E., Jerry Gavin House and the Martha’s Boulevard Group Home.
Additionally, OSHA found the company failed to:
Develop and implement a respiratory protection program.
Provide NIOSH-certified respirators to employees who provided care to confirmed coronavirus-positive clients.
Provide workers with fit tests or medical evaluations to ensure effective use of the required respirators.
Provide effective training in the use, cleaning and storage of a respirator.
OSHA cited the company with a serious violation of the respiratory protection standard, and a serious violation of the general duty clause that requires employers to ensure workplaces are free of recognized hazards that may cause death or serious physical harm. Proposed penalties total $27,306.
“Healthcare workers must have increased protections since they face the greatest risks of coronavirus exposure,” said OSHA’s Area Office Director Paula Dixon-Roderick in Marlton, New Jersey. “Employers in the healthcare and long-term care industries have an obligation to ensure effective safeguards and controls are in place to protect employees, patients and others from infection and further spread of the coronavirus.”
Oaks Integrated Care Inc. offers healthcare services in 19 New Jersey counties for adults, children and families with mental illness, addiction or developmental disabilities.
The employer has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
On March 12, OSHA launched a national emphasis program focusing enforcement efforts on companies that put the largest number of workers at serious risk of contracting the coronavirus. The program also prioritizes employers that retaliate against workers for complaints about unsafe or unhealthy conditions, or for exercising other rights protected by federal law.
On June 10, OSHA also issued an emergency temporary standard to protect healthcare workers from contracting coronavirus. The ETS is effective immediately upon publication in the Federal Register.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–MidJersey.news has learned that NJ Task Force One, Urban Search And Rescue Team will be responding to Miami for the building collapse, at Champlain Towers South condo, located at 8777 Collins Ave, Surfside, FL 33154. Final preparations are being made at the Task Force’s Headquarters for the trip.
UPDATE:
New Jersey Task Force 1 Deploys to Miami
New Jersey Task Force 1 (NJ-TF1) has been activated as 1 of the 28 teams of the National Urban Search & Rescue (US&R) Response System and will be deploying tomorrow morning to assist with the rescue and recovery efforts resulting from the Champlain Tower Collapse.
NJ-TF1 is deploying as a Type 1 US&R Team consisting of 70 team members, in 21 technically skilled positions, and 10 ground support personnel. The team will be responding via; two crew carriers, three tractor-trailers, two box trucks, five F-450 crew trucks, two passenger vans, two K-9 units, two utility terrain vehicles, and a fleet service truck. A water rescue component of six boats with trailers and a water support trailer are also being deployed.
NJ-TF1 is deploying to a staging area in Miami, Florida. This will be the team’s eighth deployment as a FEMA US&R Team since 2016. The team has past experience in structural collapse from 9/11, Tropicana Hotel Parking Garage Collapse and the Hackensack Parking Garage Collapse among others.
NJOEM & NJ-TF1 continue to send our thoughts and prayers to everyone impacted by this deadly tragedy.
Our hearts go out to the brave first responders who are working around the clock in search of survivors. We’ll see you soon.
JACKSON, NJ (OCEAN)–On Tuesday June 29, 2021 detectives assigned to the department’s Special Enforcement Unit concluded an investigation into a report of narcotics distribution with the arrest of a male suspect.
At approximately 10:45 pm, detectives conducted a motor vehicle stop on South New Prospect Road with a male who was operating a 2009 Mercedes Benz. During the investigation 100 bags of heroin packaged for sale were recovered and detectives placed Matthew Vandenberg, age 36 of Farmingdale NJ under arrest. Cash in excess of $250.00 was also seized and the vehicle was impounded pending forfeiture proceedings.
Mr. Vandenberg was processed and later lodged in the Ocean County Jail. He was charged with possession of heroin, possession of heroin with the intent to distribute, possession of a controlled dangerous substance while operating a motor vehicle and other motor vehicle violations.
Residents wishing to report suspected narcotics activity or suspicious activity are asked to contact police headquarters at 732-928-1111 or though the department’s StopIt app online.
– The media and the public are reminded that any persons arrested or charged with any offenses or crimes are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
Charged: Jakeem Q. Thompson AKA “Carti” Resident of Trenton, NJ, Aggravated Assault (2 Counts), Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose (2 Counts), and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon (2 Counts)
June 30, 2021
WEST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)—Police said that just prior to 4:00 a.m. on Saturday June 5, 2021 the West Windsor Police Department was contacted by the Trenton Police Department (TPD) and advised that two (2) males were at the Trauma Center at Capital Health Regional Medical Center, each with multiple stab wounds.
Information provided by the victims at the hospital indicated that their injuries were sustained during an altercation that took place at Hyatt Place in West Windsor.
West Windsor Township Police Officer LaForge responded to the hospital to begin the initial investigation.
Victim #1 was determined to have multiple stab wounds to his right oblique/abdomen and incised cuts to the cheek and nose. Victim #2 was determined to have multiple stab wounds (abdomen, back, & forearm).
Upon the arrival at the hospital by WWPD Detective Woodrow, Victim #2 was coming out of surgery and was listed as stable. Further investigation revealed multiple actors had been involved in the initial altercation at a Birthday “After” Party (17th Birthday) at the Hyatt Place.
The (2) victims were stabbed during the altercation and were ultimately transported to the hospital by others.
Detective Woodrow and the WWPD Detective Bureau continued the arduous investigation where Jakeem Q. Thompson AKA “Carti” was found to be the actor who stabbed the (2) Victims. Thompson was arrested in Monmouth County on unrelated charges on 6/24/2021. Thompson was later turned over to the custody of Trenton PD on an NCIC Warrant Hit, and later lodged at the Mercer County Workhouse in connection to this stabbing incident.
The WWPD would like to thank the Trenton PD, the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office, the US Marshals Fugitive Task Force, and the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office for assistance in this investigation. Both Victims were expected to survive their injuries although Victim #2 sustained the greater of the knifing injuries.
It should be noted that the altercation began inside the Hyatt Place and ended outside. No one connected to the “After’ Party contacted anyone affiliated with the Hyatt Place to report this incident to the staff.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on June 30, 2021, Mayra Gavilanez-Alectus, 49, of Brick Township, was indicted by a Grand Jury sitting in Ocean County on a charge of Murder, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:11-3a(1), in connection with the death of Rebecca Gavilanez-Alectus, in Brick Township, on May 17, 2020. Mayra Gavilanez-Alectus was also indicted on charges of Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4d; and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5d.
On May 17, 2020, Brick Township Police were summoned to a residence on Creek Road for a report of an unresponsive female. Upon arrival, Officers found the lifeless body of Rebecca Gavilanez-Alectus in an upstairs bedroom of the residence. On May 18, 2020, the Ocean County Medical Examiner performed a post-mortem examination of Ms. Gavilanez-Alectus’ body, and determined the manner of her death to be a homicide. A subsequent investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Brick Township Police Department Detective Bureau, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit revealed that both the victim and the defendant resided at the Creek Road address. The investigation further revealed that a cylindrical container used for the purpose of chilling wine was utilized in the commission of the murder. The injuries sustained by Rebecca Gavilanez-Alectus were consistent with the implementation of this item. Further investigation ultimately determined that Mayra Gavilanez-Alectus did, in fact, cause the victim’s death. On May 18, 2020, a warrant for the arrest of Mayra Gavilanez-Alectus was issued. On May 21, 2020, Mayra Gavilanez-Alectus was taken into custody by law enforcement in Houston, Texas. She was extradited back to New Jersey and has been lodged in the Ocean County Jail since her return to New Jersey.
Prosecutor Billhimer would like to acknowledge the diligent efforts of Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Robert Cassidy, Assistant Prosecutor Ashley Angelo and Assistant Prosecutor Genna Moscato who are handling the case on behalf of the State as well as the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, Brick Township Police Department, Brick Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Department of Homeland Security, United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, New York Police Department, United States Marshals Service, and Houston Police Department for their collective assistance relative to this investigation resulting in today’s indictment.
Mayra Gavilanez-Alectus, 49, of Brick Township, was indicted by a Grand Jury sitting in Ocean County on a charge of Murder
Mayra Gavilanez-Alectus, 49, of Brick Township, was indicted by a Grand Jury sitting in Ocean County on a charge of Murder
Saleh and his conspirators deprived the state of New Jersey of more than $594,000 in taxes as a result of this conspiracy.
June 30, 2021
NEWARK, N.J. – A New York man today admitted participating in a scheme to traffic in contraband cigarettes, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
Obadah Saleh, 39, of Queens, New York, pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Esther Salas to an information charging him with conspiracy to traffic in contraband cigarettes.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Most states, including New Jersey, require a stamp to be placed on packs of cigarettes indicating the appropriate state tax has been paid. From October 2014 to October 2019, Saleh worked with conspirators to buy and sell millions of dollars’ worth of untaxed, contraband cigarettes, which they believed were stolen from large cigarette shipments from cigarette manufacturers. Saleh and his conspirators often made these purchases with large sums of cash. Saleh and his conspirators deprived the state of New Jersey of more than $594,000 in taxes as a result of this conspiracy.
The charge to which Saleh pleaded guilty is punishable by a maximum potential penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greatest. Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 2, 2021.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr. in Newark, with the investigation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys James Donnelly and Joshua L. Haber of the Office’s Criminal Division in Newark.
21-297
Defense counsel: Lance Lazzaro Esq., Brooklyn, New York
Second Solicitation Award Advances State Toward Clean Energy Goals While Creating Thousands of Jobs and Billions in Economic Benefits
June 30, 2021
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) today awarded a combined 2,658 MW of offshore wind capacity to EDF/Shell’s Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind and Ørsted’s Ocean Wind II, bringing the state’s total planned capacity to over 3,700 MW and moving New Jersey closer to Governor Phil Murphy’s goal of 7,500 MW of offshore wind by 2035 and 100 percent clean energy by 2050. Today’s award is the nation’s largest combined award to date.
In a unanimous vote, the Board awarded 1,510 MW of capacity to Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind and 1,148MW to Ocean Wind II. In addition to strong environmental and fisheries protection plans, each project has committed to investing in New Jersey’s burgeoning offshore wind industry by building new manufacturing facilities at the New Jersey Wind Port, utilizing the foundation manufacturing facility at the Port of Paulsboro, creating tens of thousands of jobs, and injecting billions of dollars in economic benefits into the State.
“Expanding New Jersey’s offshore wind industry is a major component of achieving our goal of 100 percent clean energy by 2050, while providing significant opportunities and economic benefits for our state,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “By leveraging a whole-of-government approach and the strengths of our state, this award ensures that our investment in clean energy is also an investment in our communities, and will generate good-paying, union jobs and bring valuable investments to New Jersey. Today’s award, which is the nation’s largest combined award to date, further solidifies New Jersey as an offshore wind supply chain hub and leader in the offshore wind industry in the United States.”
“We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to establish New Jersey as the epicenter of a new industry that will provide tens of thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in economic benefits when we need it most,” said Joseph L. Fiordaliso, NJBPU President. “Under Governor Murphy’s leadership, we have made significant progress toward our goal of 7,500 MW of offshore wind by 2035 and will continue fighting for a clean energy future that benefits all New Jersey residents, improves public health, mitigates climate change, and bolsters our economy with sustainable, good-paying jobs.”
“It is an exciting time for clean energy in New Jersey thanks to Governor Murphy’s leadership,” said Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette. “The responsible development of offshore wind will help New Jersey reduce the worsening effects of climate change while creating family-sustaining green jobs capable of lifting all people and communities across the Garden State.”
“Offshore wind is a central component of Governor Murphy’s efforts to build a stronger, fairer, and greener economy in New Jersey,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “Establishing New Jersey as a hub of the rapidly-growing American offshore wind industry will bring billions of dollars of investment into the state and create thousands of family-sustaining jobs for residents throughout the state. The solicitation award announced today is another exciting step forward that will help to cement New Jersey’s leadership in this emerging industry.”
Combined, the two projects are estimated to create 7,000 full and or part time jobs across the development, construction and operational phases of the projects. This yields approximately 56,000 Full Time Equivalent job years, as some jobs will be shorter term and others will last for many years. They will also generate $3.5 billion in economic benefits and power 1.15 million homes with clean energy. As required by the solicitation, the project developers will also contribute $10,000 per MW to fund research initiatives and wildlife and fishery monitoring in the region – totaling $26 million that will be administered by NJBPU and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection through a robust stakeholder process.
Each project includes a commitment to build a nacelle assembly facility at the New Jersey Wind Port. The nacelle houses the components that convert the mechanical energy of the rotating blades into electrical energy, and is the highest value add offshore wind component. Atlantic Shores plans to partner with MHI Vestas for this facility while Ocean Wind will collaborate with GE. Both projects will utilize the foundation manufacturing facility at the Port of Paulsboro. Additional benefits to the region include a green hydrogen pilot facility from Atlantic Shores and a truck electrification pilot project at Port Newark from Ocean Wind.
In an effort to identify the most efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally sensitive ways of bringing offshore energy ashore, NJBPU is also engaged in a first-of-its-kind transmission solicitation managed by regional grid operator PJM Interconnection. The solicitation seeks ready-to-build options for an open access transmission solution that can deliver offshore wind energy to the existing grid.
Developing New Jersey’s offshore wind resources is a core strategy of Governor Murphy’s Energy Master Plan, which identifies the most ambitious and cost-effective ways of reaching 100 percent clean energy by 2050. Since taking office in 2018, the Murphy Administration has led a concerted effort across State government to bolster this transition while focusing on jobs and economic growth. This includes developing the NJ Wind Port in Salem County, establishing a WIND Institute to coordinate workforce development and research and development in offshore wind, and a $250 million investment in the Port of Paulsboro for turbine component manufacturing.
The State’s comprehensive approach to offshore wind development aims to secure the best overall value for ratepayers while protecting the environment and commercial and recreational fishing interests. On track with the Governor’s solicitation schedule, the Board anticipates opening a third offshore wind solicitation for at least 1,200 MW in 2022.
In 2019, New Jersey made history by awarding the largest single offshore wind solicitation in the country to Ørsted’s 1,100 MW Ocean Wind project to be built 15 miles off the coast of Atlantic City.
Governor Murphy announces $250 million investment in state-of-the-art manufacturing facility to build wind turbine components to serve entire U.S. offshore wind industry on Tuesday, December 22, 2020 (Edwin J. Torres/ NJ Governor’s Office). –File Photo
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Mayor W. Reed Gusciora announced today that Steve E. Wilson, a retired Lieutenant with nearly thirty years of experience with the Trenton Police Department (TPD), will start effective tomorrow, July 1, 2021, as the Interim Police Director.
“Director Wilson is a highly-decorated TPD veteran that is respected both in our community and the rank and file,” said Mayor Gusciora. “His knowledge of the city and its unique challenges, which he has dealt with throughout his extensive career with the department, gives him the necessary perspective to help us improve accountability, recruitment, and community policing.”
“This is the only job that could pull me out of retirement,” said Director Wilson. “I can’t think of a better way to repay the city for all it has given me than by using my decades of experience to help the TPD better serve our residents. For me, community policing isn’t just having a dedicated outreach unit. It’s about making sure our patrol officers are seen as trusted resources on everything from violent crime to everyday quality-of-life concerns.”
Director Wilson had been with the TPD since 1994 before retiring in April of 2020. Most recently, he served as General Assignment Commander for the Criminal Investigative Bureau, where he managed the Property Crimes Unit, the Special Victims Unit, and the TPD Youth Section, which focuses on missing youths and youth offenders. Before that he was a Commander with the Special Operations and Criminal Investigation Bureaus, where he directed TPD operations in critical hotspots throughout the City.
Throughout his career, Director Wilson instructed officers in case law, body worn camera use, and N.J. Attorney General guidelines, even serving as a Mercer County Police Academy instructor for nearly four years. He also has extensive experience coordinating joint law enforcement operations with the City’s several state and federal partners, including the FBI, DEA, and the N.J. State Police.
Mayor W. Reed Gusciora announced today that Steve E. Wilson, a retired Lieutenant with nearly thirty years of experience with the Trenton Police Department (TPD), will start effective tomorrow, July 1, 2021, as the Interim Police Director.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Narcotics Strike Force joined forces with Barnegat Township Police Department Crime Reduction Unit and Patrol Division, Toms River Township Police Department Special Enforcement Team, Stafford Township Police Department Drug Enforcement Unit and K-9 Unit, Ocean Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Lacey Township Police Department Detective Bureau and the Ocean County Sherriff’s Office, to conduct an investigation into the distribution of narcotics in the Ocean County area. The investigation identified a residence in Barnegat as being utilized by Elex Hyman, age 49 and Jaime Steen, age 38, to store and distribute cocaine.
On June 29, 2021, Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, Barnegat Township Police Department Crime Reduction Unit and the Toms River Township Police Department Special Enforcement Team established surveillance on the residence in Barnegat. Detectives maintained surveillance on Hyman and Steen as they traveled to an area in Toms River. Detectives observed Hyman meet with another vehicle that was occupied by Jesse Jackson, age 38, of South Toms River and Alicia Walker, age 44, of Union Beach. After the vehicles parted ways, motor vehicle stops were executed on both vehicles and the occupants detained. As a result of the motor vehicle stops, Detectives recovered approximately 63 grams of powder and crack cocaine, 150 wax folds of heroin and 100 Ecstasy tablets. Hyman, Steen, Jackson and Walker were all placed under arrest. Detectives applied for and were granted a search warrant for the residence in Barnegat. As a result of the execution of the search warrant, approximately $14,500 in US currency was seized. Arrested and charged were;
Elex Hyman, age 49, of Barnegat, was charged with Possession of Cocaine in an Amount Greater than One-Half Ounce but Less than Five Ounces with Intent to Distribute in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5b(2); Distribution of Cocaine in an Amount Greater than One-Half Ounce but Less than Five Ounces in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5b(2); Possession of Cocaine in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(1); and Knowingly Wander to Obtain or Sell a Controlled Dangerous Substance in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:33-2.1B. Hyman is currently lodged in the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.
Jaime Steen, age 38, of Barnegat, was charged with Possession of Cocaine in an Amount Greater than One-Half Ounce but Less than Five Ounces with Intent to Distribute in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5b(2); Distribution of Cocaine in an Amount Greater than One-Half Ounce but Less than Five Ounces in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5b(2); Possession of Cocaine in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(1); and Knowingly Wander to Obtain or Sell a Controlled Dangerous Substance in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:33-2.1B. Steen was charged on a Summons and released pending a future court date.
Jessie Jackson, age 38, of South Toms River, was charged with Possession of Cocaine in an Amount Greater than One-Half Ounce but Less than Five Ounces with Intent to Distribute in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5b(2); Possession of Heroin with the Intent to Distribute in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5b(3); Possession of Cocaine in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(1); Possession of Heroin in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(1); and Knowingly Wander to Obtain or Sell a Controlled Dangerous Substance in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:33-2.1B. Jackson is currently lodged in the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.
Alicia Walker, age 44, of Union Beach, was charged with Possession of Cocaine in an Amount Greater than One-Half Ounce but Less than Five Ounces with Intent to Distribute in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5b(2); Possession of Heroin with the Intent to Distribute in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5b(3); Possession of Ecstasy tablets with the Intent to Distribute in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-3b(3); Possession of Heroin in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(1); Possession of Cocaine in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(1); Possession of Ecstasy tablets in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(1); Possession of Drug Paraphernalia in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:36-2a; and Knowingly Wander to Obtain or Sell a Controlled Dangerous Substance in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:33-2.1B. Walker is currently lodged in the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.
Prosecutor Billhimer commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Asset Forfeiture Unit, Barnegat Township Police Department Crime Reduction Unit and Patrol Division, Toms River Township Police Department Special Enforcement Team, Stafford Township Police Department Drug Enforcement Unit and K-9 Unit, Ocean Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Lacey Township Police Department Detective Bureau and the Ocean County Sherriff’s Office, for their collaborative assistance in connection with this investigation.
The charges referenced above are merely accusations and 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. R.P.C.3.6(b)(6).
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Governor Phil Murphy today announced that Andrew Bruck will serve as Acting Attorney General for the remainder of the Governor’s four-year term, following the departure of Attorney General Gurbir Grewal on July 16, 2021. Bruck currently serves as First Assistant Attorney General and has been part of the executive leadership team at the Attorney General’s Office since January 2018.
“I am pleased to announce that Andrew Bruck will step in to serve as Acting Attorney General and continue the office’s mission of fighting for equal justice for everyone who calls our state home,” said Governor Murphy. “Andrew’s wealth of experience will serve him well in this role and his historic appointment reflects our continuing commitment to ensuring that our state government reflects the rich diversity of our people.”
Before joining the Office of the Attorney General, Bruck spent five years at the U.S. Department of Justice. During that time, he served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, and held several roles in the office of Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates, including Senior Counsel, Deputy Chief of Staff, and Acting Chief of Staff. Before joining the Department of Justice, Bruck worked as a litigation associate in the New York office of Davis Polk & Wardwell and clerked for Chief Justice Stuart Rabner of the New Jersey Supreme Court. He is a graduate of Princeton University and Stanford Law School.
Bruck is a New Jersey native who grew up in Montclair and Mendham. He currently resides in Trenton with his husband Adam and 8-month-old daughter, Libby. Bruck will be the first member of the LGBTQ+ community to serve as Attorney General of New Jersey.
“I thank Governor Murphy for the confidence that he has placed in me, and I am honored by the opportunity to continue the groundbreaking work of Attorney General Grewal,” said First Assistant Attorney General Andrew Bruck. “I share their commitment to protecting public safety, building public trust, and ensuring the rights of all New Jerseyans. I look forward to working with our Department’s 7,700 extraordinary public servants to carry out our vital mission.”
“I am thrilled that Governor Murphy has selected Andrew Bruck to lead the Attorney General’s Office for the remainder of my term,” said Attorney General Gurbir Grewal. “Andrew is one of the sharpest legal minds and finest public servants that I have ever met. We entered office together on January 16, 2018, and since that day he has worked tirelessly to stand up for the rights of New Jerseyans, having helped shape some of our office’s most important policies and respond to many of our state’s most complex legal challenges. The people of New Jersey and the dedicated public servants in the Department of Law and Public Safety will be well-served by his leadership.”
“Andrew Bruck has the unique ability to lead by genuinely listening to all sides of issues, crafting bold, principled and practical solutions, and then giving everyone else credit for it,” said former Acting U.S. Attorney General Sally Yates. “He is trusted by both the civil rights and law enforcement communities because of his track record for forging much-needed meaningful reforms to our criminal justice system while respecting the difficult and crucial role of law enforcement. He is a public servant in the truest sense of the words, and the people of New Jersey can be confident that he will take his responsibility to represent them to heart.”
Andrew Bruck in Trenton, N.J. on Monday, Jan. 29, 2018. (Office of the Attorney General / Tim Larsen)
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal today announced that a man has been charged with attempted murder and bias intimidation for allegedly beating and choking a man he suspected of being gay in North Hudson Park in North Bergen, N.J., on June 22.
José Tobias Carranza Serrano, aka “Kevin Lopez,” 18, of Baltimore, Md., was arrested on June 23. He was charged by complaint with the following offenses:
Attempted Homicide (1st Degree)
Bias Intimidation (1st Degree)
Robbery (1st Degree)
Aggravated Assault (2nd Degree)
Carranza Serrano was charged as the result of an investigation by the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office, Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, and Division of Criminal Justice, assisted by the North Bergen, Hoboken, and Bayonne Police Departments. Carranza Serrano is being held in the Hudson County Correctional Facility pending a detention hearing.
In the early morning hours of Tuesday, June 22, Carranza Serrano allegedly attacked the victim near the south end of the lake in North Hudson Park. The investigation revealed that the victim was a stranger whom Carranza Serrano had just met. Carranza Serrano allegedly wanted to kill the victim because he suspected the victim was gay. Carranza Serrano allegedly punched and kicked the victim in the face, causing multiple fractures and knocking out several teeth. He also allegedly attempted to strangle the victim. Carranza Serrano allegedly took a smart phone and $8 in cash from the victim. The victim was found unconscious near the path around the lake by a passerby shortly before 5 a.m. on June 22.
“This defendant is charged with attempting to kill a complete stranger because he thought the man was gay,” said Attorney General Grewal. “The victim was beaten and choked so badly that he was unconscious for several hours before a passerby found him and called for help. Whether this type of hate-fueled violence is directed against the LGBTQ+ community or other groups, it is terribly destructive to society and we must push back against it in every way possible. That, of course, includes aggressively investigating and prosecuting those who commit such crimes. I commend the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office, Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, and other collaborating law enforcement agencies for the investigation that led to this arrest.”
The case is being prosecuted jointly by the Division of Criminal Justice and the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office.
Deputy Attorney General Danielle Scarduzio is assigned to prosecute the case for the Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ) Specialized Crimes Bureau, under the supervision of Deputy Bureau Chief Jacqueline Smith, Bureau Chief Erik Daab, and Acting DCJ Director Annmarie Taggart. Detectives Samer Abboud and Brian Christensen are assigned to the case for the DCJ Bias Crimes Unit, under the supervision of Lt. Michael Fallon, Deputy Chief of Detectives Robert Stemmer, and Chief of Detectives Weldon Powell.
Attorney General Grewal thanked the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office, under the leadership of Sheriff Frank X. Schillari, the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, under the leadership of Prosecutor Esther Suarez, and the North Bergen, Hoboken, and Bayonne Police Departments.
The first-degree bias intimidation charge carries a sentence of 15 to 30 years in state prison. The attempted murder charge carries a sentence of 10 to 20 years in state prison, with parole ineligibility equal to 85 percent of the sentence imposed. Second-degree charges carry a sentence of five to 10 years in prison.
The charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
TABERNACLE, NJ (BURLINGTON))–The New Jersey State Police is seeking the public’s assistance with identifying a man who allegedly stole two trailer ramps from a business on Route 206 in Tabernacle Township, Burlington County. Yesterday at approximately 3:00 p.m., an unidentified man arrived at Rainbow International of Burlington County and inquired about purchasing trailer ramps through the company’s Ring camera. The suspect was then captured on video surveillance entering the property, removing two trailer ramps, and departing the scene on foot carrying the ramps. No vehicles were observed in the surveillance footage. Anyone with information is asked to contact Trooper Tyler Legezdh of Red Lion Station at 609-859-2282. Anonymous tips are welcome.
Updated with official information from Hamilton Police.
By: Tyler Eckel
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP (MERCER)– Officers from the Hamilton Township Police Department along with firefighters from Hamilton Township Fire Division rescued a man who was on the edge of a bridge after fleeing from Police, Monday night.
Police responded to the 100 block of Route 156 around 10:00 pm on a reported disturbance. Upon arrival Officers spoke to the victim who stated they had a restraining order against the suspect who fled prior to their arrival and threatened to jump off a bridge. The victim believed the suspect was hiding in the area waiting for Officers to depart. Officers checked the area but were unable to locate the suspect.
Officers cleared the scene but parked down the street to keep a visual on the residence. Shortly after, Officers A. Zuzzio and J. Avanzato saw the suspect return to the residence. The Officers drove up to the residence and the suspect took off from the Officers on foot. The suspect continued running away from Police after being ordered to stop numerous times. The suspect ran into oncoming traffic on South Broad Street towards the Route 130 overpass. When he reached the overpass he began to climb the fence in an attempt to jump off the overpass. Officers Zuzzio and Avanzato were able to grab the suspect and hold him until additional units responded to assist in removing the suspect from the overpass fence.
Hamilton firefighters also assisted in pulling the suspect to safety. According to radio reports, the initial caller stated the man was trying to jump from the overpass. An additional call then stated the man was dangling from the bridge. Firefighters arrived on scene and immediately established a plan to pull the suspect to safety.
A ladder truck was sent onto Route 130 to position their ladder under the bridge and bring the man to safety. Once positioned, a hole was cut into the fence of the overpass, and the suspect was pulled to safety.
The suspect was identified as Alexander Lanning, 33, of Hamilton. Lanning was charged with Contempt of Court (Violation of Restraining Order) and Resisting by Flight. He also had several outstanding warrants.
Lanning was transported to the crisis center by Robert Wood Johnson EMS for evaluation.
Absolute great job to all involved in the swift rescue of the suspect, especially to the officer who climbed onto the other side of the fence to protect the suspect from falling onto the highway. MidJersey.news is recognizing these officers and firefighters as hero’s.
Police and firefighters pull man dangling from highway overpass after disturbance, running from police in Hamilton. Photos by Tyler Eckel.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced that Gurbir S. Grewal has been appointed Director of the Division of Enforcement, effective July 26, 2021. Grewal currently serves as Attorney General for the State of New Jersey, a role he has held since January 2018, when he was confirmed by the New Jersey State Senate after being nominated by Governor Phil Murphy.
“I’m honored and delighted to welcome Attorney General Grewal to the SEC,” said SEC Chair Gary Gensler. “He has had a distinguished career as New Jersey’s chief law enforcement officer and as a prosecutor at both the local and federal levels. He has the ideal combination of experience, values, and leadership ability to helm the Enforcement Division at this critical time. I look forward to working closely with him to protect investors and root out wrongdoing in our markets.”
“I thank Melissa Hodgman for her service as the Enforcement Division’s Acting Director,” Chair Gensler added. “She will continue to be an important adviser to both Gurbir and me, and I look forward to our continued work together.”
“The Enforcement Division has a critical role to play in finding and punishing violations of the law,” said Grewal. “I’m excited to get to work with the talented team of public servants to uncover and prosecute misconduct and protect investors. I thank Governor Murphy for the opportunity to serve the people of New Jersey and all of the colleagues with whom I’ve had the pleasure to work during my career in the state.”
As New Jersey’s Attorney General, Grewal heads the Department of Law & Public Safety, which employs more than 3,700 uniformed officers, 750 lawyers, and thousands of additional public servants, including investigators, regulators, and administrative staff. Before becoming Attorney General, Grewal served as Bergen County Prosecutor, the chief law enforcement office of New Jersey’s most populous county. Earlier in his career, he was an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Criminal Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, where he served as Chief of the Economic Crimes Unit from 2014 to 2016 and oversaw the investigation and prosecution of all major white collar and cybercrimes in the District of New Jersey. He also previously served as an AUSA in the Criminal Division of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, where he was assigned to the Business and Securities Fraud Unit. Grewal worked in private practice from 1999-2004 and from 2008-2010.
Grewal graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service from the Georgetown University School of Foreign Service in 1995. He obtained his law degree from the College of William & Mary, Marshall-Wythe School of Law in 1999.
Statement by Governor Murphy on the Departure of Attorney General Gurbir Grewal:
“Through his efforts standing up to the Trump administration’s attacks on New Jersey and our diverse communities, instituting historic reforms in policing, and leading the fight against gun violence, Attorney General Grewal has been an invaluable member of our administration and a dedicated public servant to the residents of New Jersey. Though we’ll miss his leadership, I know he’s the right person to protect investors all across the nation, and I congratulate SEC Chair Gensler for this outstanding selection.“
New Jersey’s Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal headshot at the Hughes Justice Complex in Trenton, N.J. on Monday, Jan. 22, 2018. (Office of Attorney General / Tim Larsen)
Jamar Hall, a/k/a “Goo” Age 35, Hamilton, NJ Conspiracy to distribute heroin and crack cocaine; Conspiracy to possess firearms
June 29, 2021
NEWARK, NJ — Fifteen people were charged today for their roles in a Newark heroin and crack cocaine distribution organization that sold hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of illegal drugs out of a residential building on Fairmount Avenue, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
The alleged leader of the operation, Jakai Dennis (see chart below), is charged with engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise. Dennis also is charged, along with the 15 other defendants, with one count each of conspiracy to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin and 280 grams or more of crack cocaine, and conspiracy to possess firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. All of the defendants are in custody and are scheduled to have their initial court appearances later today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Leda Dunn Wettre in Newark federal court.
“This drug trafficking organization attempted to take control of an entire neighborhood,” Acting U.S. Attorney Honig said. “The defendants’ use of violence and intimidation made life intolerable for the community members who live there. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to disrupt operations like these and make our streets safer for the people who call Newark home.”
“The residents of this section of Fairmount Avenue have lived as a captive audience, watching their neighborhood degrade due to the daily drug dealing on their street and the unwelcome violence it brings,” Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr. said. “As shootings and violent crime continue to escalate in this and other cities around the country, the FBI will remain vigilant, working with our law enforcement partners – including the Newark Police Department – to combat this ongoing epidemic.”
According to the complaint:
The defendants allegedly ran a sophisticated operation that took advantage of the residential building’s location to sell drugs from the porch area, which was guarded by a locked steel door and difficult for law enforcement to infiltrate despite a constant stream of buyers approaching the front porch area day and night. One of the defendants was the building’s superintendent, who was paid in money and heroin to store drugs in his apartment and to give the other defendants access to an empty apartment on the second floor, which they also used to store drugs and guns.
The defendants worked in shifts from 6:00 a.m. until late in the evening. Buyers came on foot, in vehicles and on bicycles to purchase the illegal drugs. The heroin sold was of a high quality and was sold in various “brands,” which were stamped onto the glassine envelopes that contained the heroin, allowing buyers to identify and purchase the brands that they preferred. FBI surveillance witnessed hundreds of narcotics transactions from November 2020 to June 2021.
The charges are the result of an investigation by the FBI, which included surveillance, phone record review, the use of confidential informants to make more than 30 controlled purchases, and the review of arrests by local law enforcement, as well as seizures of heroin, crack cocaine and firearms. Based upon evidence obtained in the case, the defendants sold more than one kilogram of heroin and 280 grams of crack cocaine during the conspiracy period.
The count of running a continuing criminal enterprise carries a minimum sentence of 20 years in prison and a maximum of life in prison. The count of conspiracy to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin and 280 grams or more of crack cocaine carries a minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum of life in prison. The charge of conspiracy to possess firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the FBI under the supervision of Special Agent in Charge Crouch in Newark, with the investigation leading to the charges. She also thanked police officers and detectives of the Newark Police Department, under the direction of Public Safety Director Brian O’Hara; officers of the Essex County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Armando B. Fontoura; detectives of the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Acting Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II; the East Orange and Bloomfield police departments and the Essex County Department of corrections for their assistance with the investigation.
The government is represented by Senior Trial Counsel Robert Frazer of the Organized Crime/Gangs Unit in the Criminal Division in Newark.
The charges and allegations contained in the federal criminal complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Defendant
Age
Residence
Charge
Jakai Dennis, a/k/a “Bop
31
Newark
Continuing criminal enterprise;Conspiracy to distribute heroin and crack cocaine; Conspiracy to possess firearms
Angel Kearney, a/k/a “Jim,” a/k/a “Dred”
31
East Orange, NJ
Conspiracy to distribute heroin and crack cocaine; Conspiracy to possess firearms
Thomas Gibson, a/k/a “Tommy,”
44
Newark
Conspiracy to distribute heroin and crack cocaine; Conspiracy to possess firearms
Jamar Hall, a/k/a “Goo”
35
Hamilton, NJ
Conspiracy to distribute heroin and crack cocaine; Conspiracy to possess firearms
Kasim Thurston, a/k/a “Kai,” a/k/a “Kaz”
37
Newark
Conspiracy to distribute heroin and crack cocaine; Conspiracy to possess firearms
Ibn Thurston, a/k/a “Wheezy,” a/k/a “Saheed”
33
Newark
Conspiracy to distribute heroin and crack cocaine; Conspiracy to possess firearms
Antwan Williams, a/k/a “Ant,” a/k/a “Rue”
30
Newark
Conspiracy to distribute heroin and crack cocaine; Conspiracy to possess firearms
Kevin Hall
31
Newark
Conspiracy to distribute heroin and crack cocaine; Conspiracy to possess firearms
Andre Fuller, a/k/a “Draco”
31
Newark
Conspiracy to distribute heroin and crack cocaine; Conspiracy to possess firearms
Akim Gibson, a/k/a “Ching”
24
Newark
Conspiracy to distribute heroin and crack cocaine; Conspiracy to possess firearms
Shalamar McCall, a/k/a “Shaggy”
34
Newark
Conspiracy to distribute heroin and crack cocaine; Conspiracy to possess firearms
Hakis Moses, a/k/a “Hak”
43
Newark
Conspiracy to distribute heroin and crack cocaine; Conspiracy to possess firearms
Jaleel Drake, a/k/a “Lil”, a/k/a “SK”
27
Newark
Conspiracy to distribute heroin and crack cocaine; Conspiracy to possess firearms
Elijah Shumate, a/k/a Eli”, a/k/a “E”
50
Newark
Conspiracy to distribute heroin and crack cocaine; Conspiracy to possess firearms
David Williams
51
Newark
Conspiracy to distribute heroin and crack cocaine; Conspiracy to possess firearms
Defense counsel: Jakai Dennis: Gary Mizzone Esq., Little Falls, New Jersey Thomas Gibson: Lorraine Gauli-Rufo Esq., Verona New Jersey Jamar Hall: Stephen Turano Esq., Newark Kasim Thurston: Christopher Adams Esq., Red Bank, New Jersey Ibn Thurston: Dennis Cleary Esq., West Orange, New Jersey Antwan Williams: Kevin Buchan Esq., Roseland, New Jersey Kevin Hall: Julian Wilsey Esq., Livingston, New Jersey Andre Fuller: Andrew Olesnycky Esq., Westfield, New Jersey Akim Gibson: Joseph Rubino Esq., Union, New Jersey Shalamar McCall: Michael Calabro Esq., Newark Jaleel Drake: Wanda Akin Esq., Newark Angel Kearney: Elvis Jardines Esq., Union City, New Jersey Hakis Moses: Stacy Biancamano Esq., Cranford, New Jersey David Williams: Paul Condon Esq., Jersey City, New Jersey Elijah Shumate: Georgina Pallitto Esq., Newark
The NJ Sharing Network Foundation’s Betsy Niles Scholarship Fund has awarded a scholarship to Jessica Riepe of Englishtown, NJ, for her passion and dedication to raising awareness of organ and tissue donation. Riepe was presented with her scholarship award at the NJ Sharing Network’s headquarters in New Providence during a private ceremony with her family members in the Landscape of Life Meditation Garden.
Riepe is a 2021 graduate of Marlboro High School, and she plans to attend Holy Family University in Philadelphia the Fall. Her connection to donation and transplantation came when her closest cousin passed away and became a donor in 2016. Riepe recalls how difficult this time was for her and her entire family, but she was so inspired by her cousin’s selfless gift of life that she shares his story with anyone who will listen. Riepe soon joined Marlboro High School’s Donate Life Club where she has met many others with connections to donation. Riepe plans to continue to spread awareness in her community about donation to help educate others about the power and importance that it holds in saving lives.
The NJ Sharing Network Foundation’s scholarship program provides an opportunity to recognize and award graduating high school senior advocates whose lives have been touched by organ and tissue donation and transplantation. The Betsy Niles Scholarship Fund was created in memory of Elizabeth “Betsy” Niles, a lifelong Montclair resident who passed away in 2011 after a tragic accident. Niles spent most of her career in educational publishing and was passionate about helping to improve the education system. Her organ and tissue donations touched the lives of over three dozen people, including a life-saving kidney transplant for one recipient. Dan Sarnowski of Sparta, Niles’ loving companion, established The Betsy Niles Scholarship Fund in 2014. Sarnowski and Niles’ family decided the best way to honor Betsy was through supporting education programs. Betsy’s Dash, one of NJ Sharing Network’s most-prominent 5K Celebration of Life teams, has raised nearly $100,000 since its inception.
“Betsy was known for always giving the perfect gift for every occasion and her last gift was the greatest gift of all – the gift of life,” said Sarnowski, who serves as Treasurer of the NJ Sharing Network Foundation’s Board of Trustees and Betsy’s Dash 5K Team Captain. “I feel it’s a perfect tribute to Betsy to have a fund and a scholarship program in her honor. Jessica serves as perfect example of what it means to take an active role in supporting these important outreach efforts.”
Scholarship applicants were measured on academic achievement, community and volunteer efforts, extracurricular activities and advocacy for organ and tissue donation. The application process included a thorough review by a committee of NJ Sharing Network Foundation Board members and volunteers.
“We are grateful for the generous support of the Betsy Niles Scholarship Fund and their ongoing commitment to rewarding students who share a commitment to our life-saving mission,” said Elisse E. Glennon, Executive Director of the NJ Sharing Network Foundation. “We know that Jessica and all of our scholarship recipients will continue to be strong leaders in educating others about donation and transplantation.”
According to NJ Sharing Network, there are nearly 4,000 New Jersey residents currently waiting for a life-saving transplant, and one person in New Jersey dies every three days waiting for a transplant. Just one organ and tissue donor can save eight lives and enhance the lives of over 75 people. To learn more, get involved and register as an organ and tissue donor, visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org.
About NJ Sharing Network NJ Sharing Network is the federally designated non-profit organization responsible for recovering organs and tissue for the nearly 4,000 New Jersey residents currently waiting for a life-saving transplant. With headquarters in New Providence, NJ, the organization is part of the national recovery system, serving the 110,000 people on the national waiting list. NJ Sharing Network was selected by NJBiz as one of the state’s “Best Places to Work” for the third consecutive year. To learn more, get involved and register as an organ and tissue donor, visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org.
About the NJ Sharing Network Foundation The NJ Sharing Network Foundation is committed to increasing the number of lives saved through innovative transplant research, family support, public awareness and education about the life-saving benefits of organ and tissue donation and transplantation. By making a contribution, you empower our efforts, bringing us a step closer to providing the greatest gift of all… the Gift of Life.
The NJ Sharing Network Foundation’s Betsy Niles Scholarship Fund has awarded a scholarship to Jessica Riepe of Englishtown, NJ, for her passion and dedication to raising awareness of organ and tissue donation. Riepe was presented with her scholarship award at the NJ Sharing Network’s headquarters in New Providence during a private ceremony with her family members in the Landscape of Life Meditation Garden. Photo: NJ Sharing Network
A TSA officer stopped the Plainfield, New Jersey, man with a 9mm gun and gun magazine loaded with 17 bullets, inside his carry-on bag.
June 29, 2021
EWING TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–A Union County, New Jersey, resident was arrested by police after Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers caught him with a handgun at the security checkpoint at Trenton-Mercer Airport on Monday, June 28.
A TSA officer stopped the Plainfield, New Jersey, man with a 9mm gun and gun magazine loaded with 17 bullets, inside his carry-on bag. In addition to his arrest, the man also faces a stiff federal financial civil penalty.
A TSA officer spotted the handgun when the carry-on bag entered a checkpoint X-ray unit. A Mercer County Sheriff’s deputy was alerted, confiscated the weapon and arrested the man on weapons charges.
“Trying to bring a gun onto a flight in a carry-on bag is not how to safely transport a firearm,” said Thomas Carter, TSA’s Federal Security Director for New Jersey. “The right way to transport a firearm for a flight is to make sure it is unloaded, packed in a locked hard-sided case and declared at your airline check-in counter. The airline will make sure that the gun case is placed in the belly of the aircraft where nobody has access to it during a flight. It’s a fairly simple process.”
TSA reserves the right to issue a civil penalty to travelers who have guns and gun parts with them at a checkpoint. Civil penalties for bringing a handgun into a checkpoint can stretch into thousands of dollars, depending on mitigating circumstances. This applies to travelers with or without concealed gun carry permits because even though an individual may have a concealed carry permit, it does not allow for a firearm to be carried onto an airplane. The complete list of civil penalties is posted online. If a traveler with a gun is a member of TSA PreCheck®, that individual will lose their TSA PreCheck privileges.
When an individual shows up at a checkpoint with a firearm, the checkpoint lane comes to a standstill until the police resolve the incident. Guns at checkpoints can delay travelers from getting to their gates.
Passengers are permitted to travel with firearms in checked baggage if they are properly packaged and declared at their airline ticket counter to be transported in the belly of the plane. Guns are absolutely not permitted to be carried onto planes. Checked firearms must be unloaded, packed in a hard-sided case, locked, and packed separately from ammunition. TSA has details on how to properly travel with a firearm posted on its website. Firearm possession laws vary by state and locality and travelers should check into firearm laws before they decide to travel with their guns. Travelers should also contact their airline as they may have additional requirements for traveling with firearms and ammunition.
Nationwide, TSA officers detected 3,257 firearms on passengers or their carry-on bags at checkpoints last year, although the total number of passengers screened at airport checkpoints across the country fell by 500 million compared to 2019 due to the pandemic. The result was that twice as many firearms per million passengers screened were detected at checkpoints in 2020 compared to 2019. In 2020, TSA caught approximately 10 firearms per million passengers as compared to about five firearms per million passengers in 2019. Of the guns caught by TSA in 2020, about 83 percent were loaded.
TSA officers at Trenton-Mercer Airport stopped a man from carrying this handgun onto his flight on June 28. (TSA photo)
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–As Pride month draws to a close, Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal is taking a series of unprecedented actions to recognize an ugly moment in the history of the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office: the systematic targeting of gay bars by the Office’s Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control (“ABC”) between 1933 and 1967. To right this historical wrong, Attorney General Grewal today apologized for these historical practices and issued a directive ordering ABC to vacate 126 enforcement actions that suspended or revoked the licenses of liquor establishments during that era because they served LGBTQ+ patrons.
Today’s actions mark the first time the Attorney General’s Office or ABC has formally apologized for their role in these actions that occurred prior to a landmark 1967 New Jersey Supreme Court decision, which held that ABC could not suspend a liquor license simply because the licensee allowed LGBTQ+ individuals to congregate at the premises. In addition, Attorney General Grewal and ABC Director James Graziano announced that ABC would both expand its current anti-bias training to root out any implicit bias or discriminatory enforcement efforts and undertake a broader review of the agency’s historical practices to determine whether any other communities were subject to discriminatory enforcement actions.
“For too many years, New Jersey failed to live up to its professed values of diversity, inclusion, and respect as it relates to our LGBTQ+ community,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “While we cannot undo the injustices of the past, today’s action by Attorney General Grewal demonstrates our commitment to recognizing the harms that have been suffered and acting to provide support to New Jersey’s LGBTQ+ residents.”
“The Attorney General’s Office is charged with furthering justice in New Jersey, and yet for more than three decades, our office fell far short,” said Attorney General Grewal. “The time has come to acknowledge this failing, to apologize for what happened, and to make sure it never occurs again. We are committed to righting this historical wrong and strengthening our relationship with New Jersey’s LGBTQ+ community.”
“To be clear, today’s ABC is committed to according respect, dignity, fairness and appropriate due process to all parties and persons before it and will not discriminate—or by extension allow licensees or permittees to discriminate—against protected classes or the public,” said Director Graziano. “We join Attorney General Grewal in acknowledging and condemning the harm our agency caused to members of the LGBTQ+ community and offer our sincere apologies to the generations of individuals impacted by it.”
Tonight in Asbury Park, Attorney General Grewal and representatives of ABC will gather with Garden State Equality and other community leaders to install a memorial at the former site of Paddock Bar, which was subject to three different enforcement actions by ABC between 1957 and 1960.
Those actions, like others targeting gay bars, were based on two ABC regulations issued shortly after the end of Prohibition: Rule 4, which prohibited licensed liquor establishments from allowing “female impersonators” (among others) on their premises; and Rule 5, which prohibited licensees from operating their business “in such a manner as to become a nuisance”—a term that, until 1967, included allowing the “congregation of apparent homosexuals” at the establishment. That year, the New Jersey Supreme Court held in One Eleven Wines & Liquors, Inc. v. Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control that ABC could not use its enforcement authority to target gay bars simply because they served LGBTQ+ patrons. However, since then, neither the Attorney General’s Office nor ABC has formally apologized for its actions prior to the 1967 ruling.
To address these failings, Attorney General Grewal ordered ABC to take the following actions, with the support of and in consultation with Director Graziano.
Issue a Special Ruling that formally vacates all 126 ABC enforcement actions issued prior to 1967 that relied on Rule 4 or Rule 5 to suspend or revoke a liquor license because the licensee served LGBTQ+ patrons;
Post on the agency’s website the records of all 126 actions vacated by today’s directive, to ensure that the historical record is available to the public;
Expand anti-bias and cultural diversity training for ABC investigators and attorneys, with a focus on interactions with the LGBTQ+ community, to ensure that the agency’s staff treat all New Jerseyans with dignity and respect; and
Conduct a full review of the agency’s historical records to determine if the agency’s enforcement authority was used to target any other marginalized communities, with a report to the Attorney General due no later than October 15, 2021.
“We are immensely grateful to the Attorney General for his historic acts of restorative justice today,” said Christian Fuscarino, Executive Director of Garden State Equality. “As the Garden State’s chief law enforcement officer, Attorney General Grewal is uniquely positioned to not only acknowledge past government persecution of LGBTQ establishments and community members, but also to correct that past wrongdoing and be a significant part of the decades-long efforts to bring equity and legal protections to New Jersey’s LGBTQ community.”
“This unprecedented action by Attorney General Grewal represents a profound and meaningful acknowledgment of the unfair discriminatory treatment visited upon the LGBTQ community in the past by state law enforcement officials,” said Thomas Prol, a founding and current Executive Committee member of Garden State Equality and the past president of the New Jersey Bar Association. “The very people who were supposed to protect my community were actually the ones who led the charge in persecuting us – often viciously so – and they lost their jobs, homes, friends and families by those devastating actions. Attorney General Grewal and his senior staff should be commended for taking this deep dive to explore these terrible law enforcement practices, expose the truth, and reconcile with members of the LGBTQ community.”
A full list of the 126 enforcement actions vacated appears as an appendix to Attorney General Grewal’s directive.
EAST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–East Windsor Fire Company and Hightstown Fire Company were dispatched to Mercer Street / Route 33 across from Home Depot for a tractor on fire around 2:18 p.m. Responding units reported a large column of smoke in the area and upon arrival found a well involved NJ DOT tractor on fire. Firefighters used water and firefighting foam to put the fire out. There was a small diesel spill on the side of the roadway and the NJ Department of Environmental protection was called. The roadway was shut down and a detour was set up in the area until the situation could be resolved.
LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Lawrence Township fire companies were dispatched to 6 Litho Road at 12:58 p.m. for a reported fire alarm. Upon arrival of the Fire Marshal and first units a smoke condition was found and an “all hands fire” was called, sending additional equipment to the scene. Evacuating employees also reported a machine on fire on the 2nd floor mezzanine and used a dry chemical extinguisher on the fire.
Mutual aid was called to the scene from Hamilton Township Fire Department and other surrounding departments covered Lawrence Stations. Workers were evacuated to their evacuation area across the street on Litho Road.
Firefighters stretched a hand line to a machine on the 2nd floor mezzanine and the fire was extinguished. Crews were sent to the roof and other areas to check for any extension. The fire was brought under control at 1:27 p.m.
The Lawrence Township Fire Marshal is investigating the fire.
TRENTON (MERCER)– A Burlington County, New Jersey, man was sentenced today to 28 months in prison for attempting to interfere with law enforcement officers during a civil disorder when he attempted to set fire to a police vehicle during a civil disorder in the City of Trenton, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
Killian F. Melecio, 20, of Columbus, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Brian R. Martinotti to an information charging him with one count of attempting to obstruct, impede, or interfere with law enforcement officers during a civil disorder affecting commerce.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On May 31, 2020, large-scale protests were held throughout the United States, including in Trenton, in response to the death of George Floyd. Although the May 31st protest in Trenton was peaceful earlier in the day, violence erupted later. A group of individuals proceeded down East State Street in downtown Trenton and began to smash store fronts, loot stores, and attack multiple marked Trenton Police Department vehicles parked on the 100 Block of East State Street.
A City of Trenton street camera and other video footage taken by an individual present on the street captured Kadeem Dockery light an explosive device and throw it through the open front driver’s side window of a Trenton Police Department vehicle. Dockery then removed his shirt and handed it to Melecio, who then attempted to stuff the shirt in the gas tank of the police vehicle and ignite it. Melecio was then assisted by Justin Spry in attempting to set fire to the police vehicle. Law enforcement officers on scene arrested Spry, but Melecio and Dockery fled. Law enforcement later identified Melecio and Dockery through analysis of street camera and other video footage. They were arrested on Aug. 5, 2020.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Martinotti sentenced Melecio to three years of supervised release. Spry and Dockery have previously pleaded guilty. Spry is scheduled to sentenced on Aug. 3, 2021, and Docker is scheduled to be sentenced Sept. 21, 2021.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the FBI and task force officers of the Joint Terrorism Task Force in Newark, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr., with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea. She also thanked officers of the Trenton Police Department, under the direction of Acting Police Director James Slack; troopers of the New Jersey State Police, under the direction of Col. Patrick J. Callahan; and officers of the New Jersey Department of Corrections, under the direction of Commissioner Marcus O. Hicks, for their assistance.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexander E. Ramey and Michelle S. Gasparian of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Trenton.
The charges and allegations remaining against Kadeem Dockery and Justin Spry are merely accusations, and they are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP (MERCER)– A possible hit and run is to blame after a vehicle struck a Hamilton Police cruiser head on, Sunday evening.
The crash occurred around 8:00 pm. Prior to police arrival, the minivan was seen facing the wrong direction in the Whitehorse Circle after a possible minor crash (pictured in dash cam screen grabs below). It appears that when police arrived on the scene, the vehicle attempted to flee, where it then crashed into a police cruiser head on while continuing in the wrong lane of travel.
It is unknown if anyone was injured in the crash, or if anyone was arrested.
MidJersey.news has reached out to Hamilton Police for information. The post will be updated and any corrections made if information is released.
Vehicle strikes Hamilton police cruiser at Whitehorse Circle. Photos by Tyler Eckel.
Dash cam screen grabs show the incident prior to police arrival, the vehicle can be seen stopped in the Whitehorse circle facing the wrong way.
NEWARK, NJ –Two high-ranking members of the Pagan’s Motorcycle Club were arrested today for assault in aid of racketeering, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
Luis Arocho, aka “LuRoc,” 43, of Keansburg, New Jersey, and Maurice Guzman, aka “Dawg,” 51, of Newark, are charged by complaint with one count of aggravated assault in aid of racketeering. They are scheduled to appear by videoconference today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Leda Dunn Wettre.
“Today’s arrests are the latest in a long-running investigation into the illegal activities of the Pagan’s Motorcycle Club,” Acting U.S. Attorney Honig said. “We have now charged 11 members of this outlaw gang with various weapons, drug-trafficking and violent crimes. Together with our federal, state, and local partners, we remain fully committed to combatting violent crime in New Jersey and prosecuting the members of the criminal organizations who are responsible for it.”
“This investigation has dealt a significant blow to the Pagans motorcycle gang,” Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s New Jersey Division Susan A. Gibson said. “The use of violence, weapons, and intimidation was standard for this criminal organization, and law enforcement made it clear that their behavior would not be tolerated. It is a bad day for the Pagans when the combined forces of DEA, ATF, New Jersey State Police and Union County detectives come after you. These arrests made New Jersey safer and this investigation demonstrated the determination of DEA and our amazing partners to pursue the most violent criminal gangs who choose to violate the law.”
“I can say without question that our collective efforts have disrupted and dismantled the daily illegal activities of the Pagans outlaw motorcycle gang, by strategically removing their most violent and most egregious firearm and drug trafficking members and associates,” ATF Newark Field Division Acting Special Agent in Charge Toby C. Taylor said. “This collaborative investigation will undoubtedly make communities safer throughout our state and beyond.”
“The success and scale of this investigation is a testament to the impact a collaboration between law enforcement agencies can have on the safety and security of our communities,” Acting Union County Prosecutor Lyndsay V. Ruotolo said. “Thanks to the hard work and dedication of investigators and prosecutors in this long-term effort, which occurred during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, dangerous actors, along with mass quantities of narcotics and firearms, have been removed from our streets.”
“Long-term operations of this magnitude require a tremendous amount of work and patience by cooperating detectives, and while the full scope and impact of this investigation may yet be fully realized, its success continues a year after it began,” Col. Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police, said. “I commend the hard work and dedication of all the agencies involved. Their efforts have led to the arrests of violent offenders and the seizure of weapons and drugs, which has undoubtedly made our communities safer.”
According to documents filed in these cases and statements made in court:
On April 24, 2018, Arocho, Guzman, and other associates of the Pagans assaulted an associate of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club at a gas station in Newark. The Pagans and the Hells Angels have a long-standing rivalry. The victim was beaten with an axe handle, punched, and kicked by the Pagans assailants, resulting in significant injuries. Both Arocho and Guzman are high-ranking leaders in the Pagans’ organization.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig also announced that a federal grand jury returned an indictment today charging Nicholas Bucciarelli, aka “Booch,” 56, of Brooklawn, New Jersey, with aggravated assault in aid of racketeering, brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and possession of firearms by a convicted felon, arising from his commission of a gang-related gunpoint assault in which an associate of the Pagans was assaulted for breaking the organization’s rules. Nicholas Marino, aka “Lefty,” 75, of Williamstown, New Jersey, Anthony D’Alessandro, aka “Fugit,” 55, of Williamstown, New Jersey, and Michael Dorazo, aka “Cage,” 42, of Gloucester City, New Jersey, were previously charged by federal criminal complaint for their roles in the assault. At the time of their arrests, Bucciarelli was the sergeant at arms for the Pagans’ Camden County membership chapter, Marino and D’Alessandro served as the president and sergeant at arms, respectively, for the Pagans’ Gloucester County membership chapter, and Dorazo was a member of the Pagans. Bucciarelli was also indicted for distributing five grams or more of methamphetamine.
These charges were filed as part of a multi-agency investigation into the Pagan’s Motorcycle Club – an outlaw motorcycle gang known to engage in illegal activity, including narcotics trafficking, weapons trafficking, and violent crimes. The Pagans have established membership chapters in numerous states and U.S. territories, including multiple active chapters in New Jersey. This investigation involved court-authorized wiretaps, the use of multiple undercover law enforcement agents, and execution of multiple search warrants at physical locations in multiple jurisdictions. Through the investigation, law enforcement seized 10 firearms and more than 800 grams of methamphetamine.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office previously announced the arrest of Keith Richter , aka “Conan” – the national president of the Pagans – in connection with his illegal possession of a firearm on Feb. 20, 2021. Those charges remain pending.
Law enforcement officials also previously arrested the following individuals in connection with the investigation. (Each of the defendants is charged by federal criminal complaint; the specific charges and corresponding penalties are listed in the chart below.)
Larry Ortiz, aka “Savage,” 31, of Elizabeth, New Jersey, and Junius Aquino, aka “Jayo,” 38, of Vauxhall, New Jersey, were charged with aggravated assault in aid of racketeering and discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence for their roles in a gang-related shooting. On Oct. 28, 2020, Ortiz and Aquino shot at an associate of a rival gang while driving on the New Jersey Turnpike. The shooting was committed as part of an ongoing dispute between the Pagans and the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club.
Aquino was also charged in a separate criminal complaint with possession of ammunition by a convicted felon in connection with a shooting that occurred three days later. On Oct. 31, 2020, Aquino shot at an occupied vehicle in Elizabeth. Law enforcement officers recovered seven .40 caliber shell casings from the shooting scene. On Nov. 5, 2020, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Aquino’s residence and recovered, among other items, multiple .40 caliber rounds of ammunition and approximately 50 grams of cocaine. After law enforcement officers recovered the cocaine from Aquino’s residence, Aquino was charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine. At the time of Aquino’s arrest, he was the vice president of the Pagans’ Elizabeth membership chapter.
Ortiz was also charged with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. On Nov. 17, 2020, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Ortiz’s residence and recovered approximately 300 grams of methamphetamine and a loaded firearm. At the time of his arrest, Ortiz was the president of the Pagans’ Jersey City membership chapter.
Daniel Hooban, aka “Jersey,” 33, of Bayonne, New Jersey, was charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; possession with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. On June 29, 2020, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Hooban’s residence and recovered approximately 30 grams of cocaine and a loaded firearm. At the time of Hooban’s arrest, he was the sergeant at arms for the Pagans’ Jersey City membership chapter.
Glen Turner, aka “Glenny,” 73, of Marcus Hook, Pennsylvania, was charged with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Turner is a long-time member of the Pagans. On Dec. 10, 2020, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Turner’s residence and recovered approximately 450 grams of methamphetamine.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited a joint task force comprised of special agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Newark Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Gibson; special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Newark Division, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Taylor; the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Acting Prosecutor Ruotolo; and the New Jersey State Police, under the direction of Col. Callahan, with the investigation leading to these charges.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig also thanked the U.S. Marshals Service, under the direction of U.S. Marshal Juan Mattos Jr.; special agents of the FBI, Cherry Hill Resident Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Driscoll in Philadelphia; the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, under the direction of District Attorney Timothy D. Sini; the Elizabeth Police Department, under the direction of Chief Giacomo Sacca; and the West Deptford Police Department, under the direction of Chief John Chambers, for their assistance with this investigation.
These cases are part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert Frazer, R. Joseph Gribko, and Samantha C. Fasanello, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Newark.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaints and indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
21-288
Defendant/Docket Number
Position
Charges
Penalties
Keith Richter,aka “Conan”Mag. No. 21-10099
National President
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
10 year statutory maximum
Luis Arochoaka “LuRoc”Mag. No. 21-9365
Mother Club Member, New Jersey
Aggravated assault in aid of racketeering
20 year statutory maximum
Maurice Guzmanaka “Dawg”Mag. No. 21-9365
President of Presidents, New Jersey
Aggravated assault in aid of racketeering
20 year statutory maximum
Larry Ortiz,aka “Savage”Mag. Nos. 20-8455, 21-9041
President, Jersey City Chapter
Discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence;Assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering;Possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine;Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
10 year mandatory minimum; up to life20 year statutory maximum10 year mandatory minimum; up to life5 year mandatory minimum; up to life
Discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence;Assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering;Possession with intent to distribute cocaine;Possession of ammunition by a convicted felon;
10 year mandatory minimum; up to life20 year statutory maximum20 year statutory maximum10 year statutory maximum
Daniel Hooban,aka “Jersey”Mag. No. 20-9262
Sergeant at arms, Jersey City Chapter
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crimePossession with intent to distribute cocaine;Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon;
5 year mandatory minimum; up to life20 year statutory maximum10 year statutory maximum
Nicholas Marino,aka “Lefty”Mag. No. 20-12328
President, Gloucester County Chapter
Brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence;Assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering
7 year mandatory minimum; up to life20 year statutory maximum
Anthony D’Alessandro,aka “Fugit”Mag. No. 20-12328
Sergeant at arms, Gloucester County Chapter
Brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence;Assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering
7 year mandatory minimum; up to life20 year statutory maximum
Nicholas Bucciarelli,aka “Booch”TBD
Sergeant at arms, Camden County Chapter
Brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence;Assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering;Possession of firearms by a convicted felonPossession with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of methamphetamine
7 year mandatory minimum; up to life20 year statutory maximum10 year statutory maximum5 year mandatory minimum; up to 40 years
Michael Dorazo,aka “Cage”Mag. No. 20-12328
Member
Possession of firearms by a convicted felon
10 year statutory maximum
Glen Turner,aka “Glenny”Mag. No. 20-13551
Member
Possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine
WALL TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH)–On Sunday, June 27, 2021 at approximately 10:09 a.m. the Wall Township Police Department responded to the area 2415 State Highway 35 for a report of a head-on collision. The on scene investigation revealed that a 26-year-old Wall Township man, was operating a 2017 BMW on State Highway 35 southbound when he collided with a 2013 Toyota Camry being operated by an 82-year-old Brick Township man that was traveling northbound of State Highway 35.
The driver of the Toyota Camry was extricated from his vehicle by South Wall Fire Rescue. He suffered serious injuries and was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center by Wall Township Police Emergency Medical Services. Hackensack-Meridian paramedics were on scene and assisted with first aid. The 26-year-old driver of the BMW was also transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center by Wall Township Police Emergency Medical Services for minor injuries.
State Highway 35 was shut down from the Manasquan Traffic Circle to Lakewood Road for approximately three and half hours while members of the Wall Township Police Department, Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office and Monmouth County Serious Collision Analysis Response Team investigated the collision. The New Jersey State Police and the New Jersey Department of Transportation Emergency Response Team also responded to the scene.
The cause of the collision is still under investigation. Anyone who may have witnessed the collision or has information pertaining to the investigation is asked to contact Lieutenant Chad Clark at (732) 449-4500 ext. 1143 or Ptl. Megan Alexander at (732) 449-4500 ext. 1183.
For any additional information please contact the Wall Police Public Information Officer:
Troopers seized an AR-15 rifle, two 9mm handguns, a high-capacity magazine, hollow point ammunition, $20,000 worth of marijuana, $2,500 worth of THC wax, $30,000 worth of fentanyl, $5,000 worth of xanax pills, $8,000 worth of oxycontin pills, $6,031 cash, and fraudulent medical marijuana labels.
Mount Laurel, NJ (BURLINGTON)–Last week, Maryland State Police Trooper First Class Jon Stoltzfus and Senior Trooper Michael Kemp visited New Jersey State Police Troop “D” Moorestown Station to thank NJSP troopers for arresting the suspect responsible for injuring TFC Stoltzfus during a motor vehicle pursuit in Maryland. Despite sustaining a leg injury, TFC Stolzfus made the trip to personally thank the Jersey troopers for their efforts during the arrest and subsequent investigation
On June 15, Moorestown Station troopers were alerted by dispatch of a box truck towing a passenger vehicle that was being pursued by Maryland State Troopers northbound on the New Jersey Turnpike. The driver of the vehicle, Benjamin Rivard, 26, of Orlando, FL, was wanted in connection to a drug investigation and assault on a Maryland State Trooper.
Within minutes, troopers located the vehicle traveling northbound near milepost 22.5. Using lights and sirens, troopers attempted to stop the vehicle, but Rivard refused to stop and continued driving erratically. In the area of milepost 38.4, troopers disabled the vehicle and Rivard fled on foot. After a brief foot pursuit, troopers located and arrested Rivard in a nearby business complex on Briggs Road in Mount Laurel Township, Burlington County.
Benjamin Rivard was charged with eluding and resisting arrest. He was lodged at the Burlington County Correctional Facility pending a detention hearing.
During the ongoing investigation, troopers determined that Rivard had been in possession of multiple firearms and narcotics. On June 17, troopers executed a search warrant on the box truck and passenger vehicle. As a result, troopers seized an AR-15 rifle, two 9mm handguns, a high-capacity magazine, hollow point ammunition, $20,000 worth of marijuana, $2,500 worth of THC wax, $30,000 worth of fentanyl, $5,000 worth of xanax pills, $8,000 worth of oxycontin pills, $6,031 cash, and fraudulent medical marijuana labels.
Benjamin Rivard was also charged with possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose, possession of a weapon during a CDS offense, unlawful possession of a weapon, certain person not permitted to possess a firearm, possession of hollow point ammunition, possession of extended magazine, possession of CDS with intent to distribute, possession of CDS, possession of drug paraphernalia, receiving stolen property, and forgery.
Charges are mere accusations, and the accused is considered innocent until proven guilty.
An internet search has revealed that this is not the first time Mr. Rivard from Orlando, FL has been in trouble with the law. This is from a 2017 Orange County Sheriff’s Office press release posted on their website.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Trenton Police Department, Detective Lieutenant Peter Szpakowski told MidJersey.News that around 9:08 p.m. a victim was standing in front of 267 Hamilton Avenue when a suspect, who was standing across the street, started shooting at him and struck the victim in his thigh. The suspect fled on foot. A white Toyota Highlander was parked across the street and hit one time. Numerous shell casings were recovered. The victim is at Capital Health Regional Medical Center and is in stable condition. Trenton Police Shooting Response Team is investigating.
MANCHESTER, NJ (OCEAN)–On Friday, June 25, 2021, at approximately 11:39 P.M., Manchester Township Police received a report of an active fire at a residence on Tern Court in the Pine Ridge section of Manchester Township. Upon arrival, officers observed that the fire had engulfed a large portion of the home with visible flames emanating from the rear door. The homeowner, who was the sole occupant, escaped from the residence and suffered from smoke inhalation. However, the family dog was unable to escape and perished in the fire. The homeowner, was treated on scene and subsequently transported by Manchester Emergency Medical Services to Southern Ocean County Hospital for treatment and evaluation of her injuries.
The fire was quickly extinguished by members of the Whiting Fire Company, the Manchester Fire Company, the Ridgeway Fire Company, the Lakehurst Fire Company, Joint Base McGuire Fire Department, and the Pinewald Pioneer Fire Department. The Ocean County Fire Marshall’s office conducted the investigation into the cause and origin of the fire. It was subsequently determined that the fire was accidental in nature and the result of improperly discarded smoking material.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Sometime around 9:45 p.m. shots were fired in the 600 Block of Indiana Avenue near Heil Avenue leaving bullet holes in the side of a vehicle. Trenton Police are investigating the shooting.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Around 9:15 p.m. the Trenton Police Department, Trenton EMS, Capital Health Paramedics and Trenton Fire Department were all detailed to a shooting at Hamilton Avenue near Hudson Street. When Trenton Police and EMS arrived on scene the victim had already left the scene and was taken by private vehicle to a local hospital according to radio reports.
Trenton Police shut Hamilton Avenue at Hudson Street down for the investigation. Shell casings could be seen in photographs of the scene.
There were reports of other shootings in the area but it was unclear if anything was found or there were additional victims.
This is a breaking news report from radio and on scene reporting. Once official information is released by Trenton Police the story will be updated an any additions or corrections made.
MidJersey.News 
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