Day: October 30, 2021

“Operation Checkmate” Dismantles Major Cocaine Networks

October 30, 2021

TOMS RIVER, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer has announced the culmination of a four-month-long cooperative, multi-jurisdictional investigation conducted by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, United States Drug Enforcement Administration – High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) Group 5, Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, and New Jersey State Police – Trafficking Central Unit, in concert with many other state, county, and local law enforcement agencies. “The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force managed and directed three simultaneous multi-agency investigations into high level cocaine distribution in Ocean, Monmouth, and Middlesex Counties, as well as New York City. During the course of these investigations, approximately 50 additional law enforcement personnel were assigned to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force on a full-time basis. Multiple agencies – both within and outside of Ocean County – assisted in every aspect of all three investigations. The investigations, identified as “Operation Checkmate,” began in July 2021 and concluded this week,” Prosecutor Billhimer stated.

The three cocaine networks were responsible for the import of more than three kilograms of cocaine per week into the Ocean, Monmouth, and Middlesex County areas. Through sophisticated surveillance methods and undercover operatives, “Operation Checkmate” was successful in disrupting and dismantling illicit controlled dangerous substance (CDS) distribution activities in these three counties, as well as New York City, by the following individuals: Luis Feliz, 41, of New York; James Hemenway (also known as “King James”), 43, of Morganville; Dale McCord, 44, of Manalapan; Mark Capichana, 54, of Hazlet; Mark Kelber, 44, of Manalapan; and Andrew Contaldi, 47, of Brick. On October 26, 2021, “Operation Checkmate” closed with the apprehension of 24 individuals for various offenses involving distribution of controlled dangerous substances. Additionally, 24 search warrants were executed resulting in the seizure of more than four kilograms of cocaine, over 15 pounds of marijuana, in excess of $650,000 in United States currency, seven firearms (three handguns, three “ghost guns,” and one pistol grip shotgun), ten vehicles, and additional illegal narcotics.

The following individuals were arrested as a result of Operation “Checkmate”:

Luis Feliz, 41, of New York, charged with Possession of Cocaine in an Amount Greater than Five Ounces with Intent to Distribute; Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine in an Amount Greater than One-Half Ounce; and Financial Facilitation. Feliz is presently in custody in New York City, pending extradition to New Jersey.

James Hemenway, 43, of Morganville, charged with Possession of Cocaine in an Amount Greater than Five Ounces with Intent to Distribute; Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine in an Amount Greater than One-Half Ounce; Possession of MDMA in an Amount Greater than One-Half Ounce with Intent to Distribute; Possession of Psilocybin Mushrooms with Intent to Distribute; Possession of Cocaine; Possession of Psilocybin Mushrooms; two counts of Financial Facilitation; and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Hemenway is currently lodged in the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.

Dale McCord, 44, of Manalapan, charged with Possession of Cocaine in an Amount Greater than Five Ounces with Intent to Distribute; Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine in an Amount Greater than One-Half Ounce; Possession of Cocaine; Possession of Psilocybin Mushrooms with Intent to Distribute; Possession of Psilocybin Mushrooms; Possession of Marijuana; Possession of Drug Paraphernalia; Possession of a Weapon During Controlled Dangerous Substance Activity; Certain Person not to Possess a Firearm; three counts of Possession of a Large Capacity Ammunition Magazine; and two counts of Financial Facilitation. McCord is currently lodged in the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.

Mark Capichana, 54, of Hazlet, charged with Possession of Cocaine in an Amount Greater than Five Ounces with Intent to Distribute; Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine in an Amount Greater than One-Half Ounce; Maintaining or Operating a Controlled Dangerous Substance Production Facility; Possession of Cocaine; and Financial Facilitation. Capichana is currently lodged in the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.

Mark Kelber, 44, of Manalapan, charged with Possession of Cocaine in an Amount Greater than Five Ounces with Intent to Distribute; Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine in an Amount Greater than One-Half Ounce; Possession of Cocaine; Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute; two counts of Possession of Marijuana; Possession of Oxandrolone; Possession of Trenbolone; Possession of Drostanalone; Possession of Mesternolone; Possession of Drug Paraphernalia; and Certain Person not to Possess a Firearm. Kelber is currently lodged in the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.

Andrew Contaldi, 47, of Brick Township, charged with Possession of Cocaine in an Amount Greater than Five Ounces with Intent to Distribute; six counts of Distribution of Cocaine; Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine in an Amount Greater than One-Half Ounce; Possession of Cocaine; Possession of Drug Paraphernalia; and Financial Facilitation. Contaldi is currently lodged in the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.

Andre Johnson, 45, of Freehold, charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine in an Amount Greater than One-Half Ounce; Possession of Cocaine in an Amount Greater than One-Half Ounce with Intent to Distribute; Possession of Cocaine; Maintaining or Operating a Controlled Dangerous Substance Production Facility; Financial Facilitation; and Witness Tampering. Johnson is currently lodged in the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.

Brian Contey, 41, of Brick Township, charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine in an Amount Greater than One-Half Ounce, and Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute. Contey is currently lodged in the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.

Tyrone Finch, 36, of Parlin, charged with Possession of Cocaine in an Amount Greater than Five Ounces with Intent to Distribute; Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine in an Amount Greater than One-Half Ounce; Possession of Cocaine; Possession of Drug Paraphernalia; Financial Facilitation; Possession of a Weapon During Controlled Dangerous Substance Activity; Certain Person not to Possess a Firearm; and Possession of a Large Capacity Ammunition Magazine. Finch is currently lodged in the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.

Alex Johnson, 47, of Brick Township, charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine in an Amount Greater than One-Half Ounce. Johnson was charged on a warrant and released pursuant to New Jersey Bail Reform.

George Sirleaf, 47, of Keyport, charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine in an Amount Greater than One-Half Ounce. Sirleaf was charged on a warrant and released pursuant to New Jersey Bail Reform.

Terrence Brown, 44, of Matawan, charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine in an Amount Greater than One-Half Ounce. Brown was charged on a warrant and released pursuant to New Jersey Bail Reform.

Irene Patelaros, 46, of Morganville, charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine in an Amount Greater than One-Half Ounce. Patelaros was charged on a warrant and released pursuant to New Jersey Bail Reform.

John Dolan, 46, of Matawan, charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine in an Amount Greater than One-Half Ounce. Dolan was charged on a warrant and released pursuant to New Jersey Bail Reform.

Shawn McCord, 25, of Matawan, charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine in an Amount Greater than One-Half Ounce. McCord was charged on a warrant and released pursuant to New Jersey Bail Reform.

Daniel Jeandron, 41, of Keyport, charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine in an Amount Greater than One-Half Ounce. Jeandron was charged on a summons and released pending a future court appearance.

Alexander Nagy, 42, of Laurence Harbor, charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine in an Amount Greater than One-Half Ounce. Nagy was charged on a summons and released pending a future court appearance.

John Sozomenou, 46, of Matawan, charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine in an Amount Greater than One-Half Ounce. Sozomenou was charged on a summons and released pending a future court appearance.

Joseph Horvath, 33, of Toms River, charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine in an Amount Greater than One-Half Ounce. Horvath was charged on a summons and released pending a future court appearance.

Christopher Lyons, 42, of Matawan, charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine in an Amount Greater than One-Half Ounce. Lyons was charged on a summons and released pending a future court appearance.

Robert Dazinski, 59, of Hazlet, charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine in an Amount Greater than One-Half Ounce. Dazinski was charged on a summons and released pending a future court appearance.

Diana Roman-Porpora, 54, of Howell, charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine in an Amount Greater than One-Half Ounce. Roman-Porpora was charged on a summons and released pending a future court appearance.

Bobbie Parsells, 42, of Keyport, charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine in an Amount Greater than One-Half Ounce. Parsells was charged on a summons and released pending a future court appearance.

Daniel Votapek, 36, of Point Pleasant, charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine in an Amount Greater than One-Half Ounce. Votapek was charged on a summons and released pending a future court appearance.

“An investigation of this magnitude requires the cooperation of numerous law enforcement agencies and officers.” Prosecutor Billhimer stated. “Law enforcement officers at the local, county, state, and federal levels demonstrated outstanding teamwork in connection with this very wide-ranging, comprehensive investigation. This team of professionals literally worked around the clock for the last several months with a singular goal in mind: removing dangerous drug dealers from our streets. I am so grateful for the resolve and dedication exhibited by all the Officers and Detectives involved in “Operation Checkmate,’” Prosecutor Billhimer concluded.

Prosecutor Billhimer recognizes the following agencies for their collaborative assistance and cooperation with the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force in connection with this investigation:

– Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Asset Forfeiture Unit

– Ocean County Regional SWAT Team

– United States Drug Enforcement Administration – HIDTA

Group 5

– Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force

– New Jersey State Police – Trafficking Central Unit

– New Jersey State Police Teams Unit

– New Jersey Air National Guard Counter Drug Task Force

– Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Unit

– Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Task Force

– Matawan Borough Police Department and

– Matawan Borough Police Department K-9 Unit

– Keyport Borough Police Department

– Manalapan Township Police Department

– Ocean County Sheriff’s Office

– Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Field Services Unit

– Ocean County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit

– Barnegat Township Police Department

– Brick Township Police Department Street Crimes Unit

– Brick Township Police Department Special Response Team

– Brick Township Police Department K-9 Unit

– Beachwood Borough Police Department

– Berkeley Township Police Department

– Jackson Township Police Department

– Lakewood Township Police Department Drug Enforcement

Unit

– Lakewood Township Police Department Special Response

Team

– Lakewood Township Police Department K-9 Unit

– Manchester Township Police Department Special Enforcement

Team

– Ocean Township Police Department (Waretown)

– Point Pleasant Borough Police Department

– South Toms River Police Department

– Stafford Township Police Department

– Toms River Township Police Department Special Enforcement

Unit

– Toms River Township Police Department Emergency Services

Unit

– Toms River Township Police K-9 Unit

– Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office

– Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit

– Aberdeen Township Police Department

– Asbury Park Police Department

– Hazlet Township Police Department

– Hazlet Township Police Department K-9 Unit

– Keansburg Borough Police Department

– Marlboro Township Police Department

– Middletown Township Police Department

– Sea Bright Borough Police Department

– Old Bridge Township Police Department – Bureau of Narcotics

– Union Beach Borough Police Department

– Union Beach Borough Police Department K-9 Unit

– New York City Police Department – 50 Precinct Field

Intelligence Office

– City of New York Office of Special Narcotics Prosecutor

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).

Big Snow At American Dream To Remain Closed For Repairs From Multi-Alarm Fire

Looking forward to a early 2022 re-opening.

October 30, 2021

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ — A multi-alarm fire broke out in the early morning of September 25, 2021 at Big Snow American Dream. A multitude of firefighters were on scene for hours extinguishing a fire in a hard to reach area. Since the fire the indoor ski area has been closed for repairs. In a statement released yesterday it states that Big Snow is looking towards an early 2022 re-opening.

The statement reads:

We know you are all as eager as we are for us to get back up and running. Our team has made great progress in the reopening process; however, we are not yet ready to welcome you back to Big SNOW as there are still several items that need to be addressed.  Based on current timelines, we are tracking towards an early 2022 re-opening. We remain optimistic that this can change for the better, but we wanted to be transparent with you.
 
We will continue to update our community on our progress and are looking forward to announcing an official date when Big SNOW will be back up and running. As always, thank you for your continued support, patience and understanding. 

For any guests who booked for visits through the end of December, we will automatically refund your purchases and there is no need to contact us. Refunds can take up to 3-5 business days to post.

If you purchased a multi-visit card within the last year, we will extend your expiration date to use your visits by the amount of our closure time.


Sincerely, 
The Big SNOW Team






Previous Big Snow American Dream stories:





Accident On Route 206 In Bordentown By Mastoris Restaurant

October 30, 2021

BORDENTOWN TOWNSHIP, NJ (BURLINGTON)–At 7:22 p.m. a traffic collision was reported on Route 206 north bound in front of Mastoris Restaurant that left one vehicle with front end damage and another on its side. Initial reports that there was one person with a leg injury, it was unclear if that person was transported to the hospital. Bordentown Township Fire Department was on scene providing lighting. Bordentown Township Police Department is investigating the crash. No further information is available at this time.


South Brunswick man sentenced in North Brunswick serious crash

October 30, 2021

NORTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Chief Joseph Battaglia of the North Brunswick Police Department announce today that a man has been sentenced for his role in causing a serious crash that left multiple people injured on August 8, 2020.

An investigation by Patrolman Jason Zier of the North Brunswick Police Department and Detective Jonathan Berman of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office determined that on August 8, 2020, at approximately 8:50 pm Christopher L. Mertens, 42, of Monmouth Junction was driving while intoxicated. The investigation determined Mertens, accompanied by his two young children, was travelling southbound on Route 1 at a high speed when he rear ended a 2003 Chevrolet Blazer causing it to roll over and catch on fire.

The driver of the Blazer, a nineteen-year-old man, sustained burn injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. The sole passenger of the Blazer, a twenty-one-year-old woman, along with Mertens’ children were also transported from the scene for medical treatment.

On August 9, 2020, Mertens was arrested and charged with second- degree aggravated assault, second-degree endangering the welfare of a child, third-degree assault by auto, third-degree endangering another person by knowingly engaging in conduct which creates a substantial risk of death, three counts of fourth-degree assault by auto, and fourth-degree obstruction.

On October 27, 2021, following sentencing arguments from Assistant Prosecutor Keith Abrams and Assistant Prosecutor Kaitlyn Poggi, the Honorable Craig Corson, J.S.C. sentenced Mertens to eleven years in state prison on one count of second-degree aggravated assault, two counts of second-degree endangering the welfare of a child, one count of third-degree aggravated assault, and one count of fourth-degree causing serious bodily injury. Mertens must serve 85% of his sentence, approximately nine-and-a- half years, before he is eligible for parole. Upon his release, Mertens will be subject to an eight-year loss of license.


Bloody October As Another Person Shot Dead In Trenton, Victims In Yesterday’s Double Shooting Identified

October 30, 2021– Updated information added:

The Mercer County Homicide Task Force and the Trenton Police Department are investigating an overnight shooting homicide in Trenton.

At approximately 3:25 a.m. on Saturday, October 30, 2021, Trenton police received a Shot Spotter activation for multiple rounds in the 900 block of Brunswick Avenue.  Upon arrival, officers located the victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.  The victim, identified as 41- year-old Dartanian Ames of Lawrence, was transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center and pronounced dead a short time later.

No arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing.  Anyone with information is asked to contact the Mercer County Homicide Task Force at (609) 989-6406. Tips can also be emailed to mchtftips@mercercounty.org

UPDATE ON FRIDAY’S DOUBLE HOMICIDE ON CLEVELAND AVENUE:  The victims of yesterday’s double homicide in Trenton have been identified as Edwin Obdulio Gomez Interiano, 41, of Trenton, and Everth Barrera, 56, of Ewing.  There are no additional updates in that investigation.  


This morning’s breaking news story here:

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Trenton Police, Trenton EMS, Fire, and Capital Health Paramedics were dispatched to 900 Block of Brunswick Avenue near Olden at 3:26 a.m. for a shooting. EMS arrived on scene and raced the victim to the trauma center only two blocks away but the person was pronounced dead a short time later. Trenton Police and the Mercer County Homicide Taskforce are on scene investigating this morning.

October has been Trenton’s bloodiest month in 2021 with eight murders so far after this morning’s drive by shooting.

This is a breaking news story and once more information becomes available the story will be updated.


Names of 2021* homicide victims: 

  1. 2/18/2021 Jabree Saunders, 26, from shooting on May 14, 2018
  2. 2/22/2021  Khalil Gibbs, 25, of West Windsor, shooting
  3. 2/25/2021  Lovelle Laramore, 60, of Trenton shooting
  4. 4/15/2021  Kaheem Carter, 22, of Trenton, shooting
  5. 4/20/2021  Shaquan McNeil, 25, of Trenton, shooting
  6. 4/24/2021  Cheryl Jones, 65, of Trenton, shooting
  7. 4/29/2021  Ramire Harvey, 25, of Trenton, shooting
  8. 5/15/2021  David Williams 36, of Trenton, shooting
  9. 5/29/2021  Edgar Geovani Sis-Luis, 34, of Trenton, aggravated manslaughter
  10. 7/05/2021  Dion Ellis, 16, Trenton, Shooting
  11. 7/14/2021  Pablo Herrera Chun, 53, Trenton, Shooting
  12. 7/19/2021  William Mitchell, 33, Trenton, Shooting
  13. 7/19/2021  Jermel Carter, 38, Trenton, Shooting
  14. 7/29/2021  Leonard Pettigrew, 58, Trenton, Shooting
  15. 7/30/2021  Shaquil Loftin, 23, Shooting, Trenton
  16. 8/01/2021  Daquan Basnight, 30, of Ewing, Shooting
  17. 8/13/2021  Javier Chaj-Ajtun, 33, of Trenton, Shooting
  18. 8/19/2021  Herberth Ramirez Pimentel, 37, of Trenton, Shooting
  19. 8/23/2021  Yanquai Edwards, 25, of Rancocas, NJ, Shooting
  20. 8/25/2021  Daron Cheston, 18, Trenton, Shooting
  21. 8/30/2021  Fred Davis, 43, Trenton, Shooting
  22. 9/06/2021  Shamiem Young, 26, Trenton, Shooting
  23. 9/17/2021  Jeff Charles, 37, Trenton, Shooting
  24. 9/25/2021  Shemiah Davis, 15, Trenton, Shooting
  25. 10/2/2021  Omar Burgess, 49, of Trenton, Shooting
  26. 10/3/2021  Elias Juarez Lopez, 31, of Princeton, Shooting
  27. 10/4/2021  Candice Ruff, 19, of Trenton, Shooting On September 25
  28. 10/7/2021  Douglas Munn, 50, of Trenton. Shooting
  29. 10/13/2021 Melvin Williams 26, of Trenton, Shooting
  30. 10/29/2021 Edwin Obdulio Gomez Interiano, 41, Shooting
  31. 10/29/2021 Everth Barrera, 56, of Ewing, Shooting
  32. 10/30/2021 Dartanian Ames of Lawrence, 41, Shooting

*Updated to reflect the person who died in 2021 from complications from a shooting on May 14, 2018 as per medical examiner report.