Month: February 2022

Hamilton, Hamilton, Mercer County

Hamilton Man Arrested on Child Pornography and Endangering the Welfare of a Child

February 28, 2022

Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri reported today that an investigation into online child exploitation has resulted in the arrest of a Hamilton Township man.

Michael Magliozzo, 41, is charged with third-degree possession of child pornography and second-degree endangering the welfare of a child. The prosecutor’s office has filed a motion to detain Magliozzo pending trial.

Detectives with the prosecutor’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit recently received information from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that an individual in Mercer County was uploading child pornography.  An investigation was initiated and Magliozzo was identified as a subject.  On Friday, February 25, 2022, detectives with ICAC and the prosecutor’s Special Victims Unit executed a search warrant at Magliozzo’s residence in Hamilton.  He was detained without incident and several electronics were seized.  A forensic preview of the devices revealed more than 100 images of child pornography and additional images of a clothed young girl Magliozzo knew where the focus of the photos was the girl’s intimate areas.  Detectives also located a backpack in the basement of the residence that contained two pairs of little girl’s underwear and women’s undergarments.  

Second-degree crimes carry a sentence of five to 10 years in state prison and a fine of up to $150,000.  Third-degree crimes carry a sentence of three to five years in state prison and a fine of up to $15,000.

Prosecutor Onofri urged anyone with information about suspected improper contact by unknown persons communicating with children via the internet or possible exploitation or sexual abuse of children to please contact his Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit at 609-989-6568 or the New Jersey Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force tip line at 888-648-6007.

Despite having been charged, every defendant is presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Michael Magliozzo, 41, Hamilton
Michael Magliozzo, 41, is charged with third-degree possession of child pornography and second-degree endangering the welfare of a child. The prosecutor’s office has filed a motion to detain Magliozzo pending trial.
Monmouth County, Upper Freehold, Upper Freehold

Occupants Escape Fiery Crash in Upper Freehold

February 28, 2022

UPPER FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH)–A Range Rover traveling east bound on Davis Station lost control near the curve in the area of Harvey Road causing the vehicle to leave the roadway. The Range Rover knocked over road sign, cut a cedar tree in half and burst into flames when it came to rest against a utility pole. The Hope Fire Company of Allentown-Upper Freehold, New Jersey State Police and Allentown-Capital Health EMS were dispatched to the scene around 2:24 p.m. Luckily, occupants were able to escape the fiery wreckage prior to first-responders arrival since the vehicle was found fully involved in fire. Hope Fire Company-Upper Freehold Firefighters quickly knocked down the flames. There was heavy fire damage to the utility pole and JCP&L and other utilities were notified. Occupants of the vehicle were walking around at the scene and appeared uninjured and may have been transported for a medical evaluation. The New Jersey State Police is investigating the crash. No further details are available at this time.

Mercer County, Trenton

“Trenton Makes The World Takes” Sign Illuminated in Yellow and Blue in Support for Ukraine

February 26, 2022

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–The Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commision has illuminated the Trenton Makes The World Takes sign in yellow and blue in support for Ukraine. The Commission says the sign will be lit in blue and yellow from February 25-March 4 in support of Ukraine (with the exception on Monday, February 28.)

Mercer County, Trenton

US Route 1 Temporarily Shut Down as Trenton Police Save Man from Jumping into Traffic

February 26, 2022

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Around 5:30 p.m. Trenton Police, Trenton EMS and Trenton Fire Department were called to the area of Route 1 North Bound just prior to the Perry Street Exit for reports of a person threatening to jump into the roadway. Trenton Police arrived on scene and worked to save the man from jumping into the roadway. Police shut down Route 1 both North and South Bound in the area. Trenton Police Officers were seen grabbing the man and pulling him back to the safe side of the barrier on the side of Route 1 South. Shortly after the man was safe the roadway was reopened. If further information becomes available, the story will be updated.

Ice Hockey, Marlboro, Mercer County, Monmouth County, Robbinsville, Sports

Marlboro Over Robbinsville Ice Hockey in NJSIAA State Tournament Public C

February 25, 2022

WEST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–Marlboro-Holmdel won their game against Robbinsville-Allentown with a final score of 3-0 at the Mercer County Skating Center. Marlboro-Holmdel advances to the Quarterfinal Round in the NJSIAA State Ice Hockey Tournament Public C Division. Marlboro-Holmdel takes on Governor Livingston on Monday February 28, 2022.

Middlesex County, Plainsboro

UPDATE: AG’s Office Investigating Fatal Police-Involved Shooting in Plainsboro

February 25, 2022

Plainsboro, NJ (MIDDLESEX)– The Attorney General’s Office is conducting an investigation of an officer-involved shooting that occurred on Feb. 16, 2022, in Plainsboro, N.J. The decedent has been identified as Atiba Lewis, 45, of Plainsboro.

The officer who fired at Mr. Lewis is Detective Phillip Nguyen of the Middlesex County Sheriff’s Office.

According to the preliminary investigation, the shooting occurred shortly after 11:30 a.m. on Ravens Crest Drive in Plainsboro, N.J. Law enforcement officers, including members of the Middlesex County Sheriff’s Office, were outside a residence when they encountered Mr. Lewis. During the encounter, one officer discharged his service weapon, fatally wounding Mr. Lewis. A knife was recovered near Mr. Lewis. Officers and emergency medical personnel rendered first aid to Mr. Lewis, who was transported to Princeton Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased at 12:10 p.m.

This investigation is being conducted pursuant to Attorney General Directive 2019-4, which implements the statutory requirement that the Attorney General’s Office conduct the investigation of any death that occurs during an encounter with a law enforcement officer acting in the officer’s official capacity or while the decedent is in custody, and which establishes clear standards and procedures for conducting such investigations.

The investigation is ongoing and no further information is being released at this time.

Farmingdale, Howell, Monmouth County, Shrewsbury, Tinton Falls

Woman Charged with Stealing from Another Employer

February 25, 2022

FREEHOLD – The Howell woman who was criminally charged last month with swindling a former employer out of more than $2.2 million over the course of seven years has been additionally criminally charged with stealing more than $67,000 from her next employer, Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Lori Linskey announced Friday.

Donna Cook, 52, is charged with third-degree Theft by Unlawful Taking, third-degree Forgery, and third-degree False Uttering.

After news coverage of Cook’s January arrest circulated, her next employer, a Shrewsbury-based excavating company, reviewed its financial records – and discovered that from early November 2021 into early January 2022, Cook had allegedly written multiple checks out to cash, and an additional check made out to directly pay a personal expense, with forged signatures, according to an investigation by the MCPO Financial Crimes and Public Corruption Bureau.

Cook turned herself in again to authorities on Friday, after which she was released with a pending first appearance to take place in Monmouth County Superior Court. The arrest was made a little more than a week after her scheduled first appearance in the initial case against her, which resulted in separate charges of second-degree Theft, third-degree Forgery, and third-degree False Uttering in connection with Cook’s alleged actions taken while at her previous employer, a Tinton Falls-based construction company.

The Prosecutor’s Office would like to thank the members of the Shrewsbury and Tinton Falls police departments who assisted the two investigations. Anyone with additional information about potentially problematic activities on the part of Cook at any of her places of employment is encouraged to contact MCPO Detective Michael Acquaviva toll-free at (800) 533-7443.

These cases are being prosecuted by Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Kristen Anastos. Cook is being represented by Allison Friedman, Esq., with an office in Freehold.

If convicted on the second-degree offense, Cook faces up to 10 years in state prison.

Despite the aforementioned pending charges, every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, following a trial at which the defendant has all of the trial rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and State law.

Farmingdale Woman Charged with Stealing $2.2 Million from Tinton Falls Construction Company
Photo by Sora Shimazaki on Pexels.com
Mercer County, Trenton

Another Large Drug Bust in Mercer County; This Time $300K Cocaine in Trenton

Makes second large bust in a week

February 25, 2022

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–A two-month investigation into narcotics distribution in the Trenton area has culminated with the arrest of a Trenton man and the seizure of $300,000 in cocaine, Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri reported.

Early Friday morning, February 25, 2022, members of the Mercer County Narcotics Task Force, the Mercer County Tactical Response Team, the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration and Homeland Security Investigations executed a search warrant at the West State Street apartment of Cesar Cedeno-Correa.  During the search, Cedeno-Correa was detained without incident.  Three kilograms of cocaine and more than $195,000 in cash were located in a backpack in the bedroom.  An additional 60 grams of cocaine, a money counter and two digital scales were also seized.

Cedeno-Correa, 28, is charged with numerous narcotic-related offenses, including first-degree possession of a controlled dangerous substance and possession with the intent to distribute, and money laundering.  The prosecutor’s office has filed a motion to detain him pending trial.

According to Prosecutor Onofri, the street value of the confiscated cocaine is approximately $300,000.

Despite having been charged, all persons are presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Cesar Cedeno-Correa, 28, Trenton
Cedeno-Correa, 28, is charged with numerous narcotic-related offenses, including first-degree possession of a controlled dangerous substance and possession with the intent to distribute, and money laundering.  The prosecutor’s office has filed a motion to detain him pending trial.

Recently announced, on Thursday, February 17, 2022, as part of an ongoing investigation, members of the Mercer County Narcotics Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations and the FBI were conducting surveillance in a parking lot on Route 130 in Hamilton Township.  As a result of the investigation and surveillance, detectives detained Job Carranza-Ocampo without incident and located two kilograms of heroin in the bed of his Ford F-150 pickup truck.  A kilogram of fentanyl was located on the ground behind his truck. Full story below:

Illinois Man Arrested in $300K Drug Bust on Route 130 in Hamilton Township; Fentanyl and Heroin Seized
Mercer County, Trenton

Second Man Charged in August 2021 Ditmar Alley Homicide

February 25, 2022

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri reported today that an investigation by the Mercer County Homicide Task Force and the Trenton Police Department has led to charges being filed against a second individual in the August 2021 homicide of Herberth Ramirez-Pimentel.

Domonic Hodges, 26, of Hamilton, is charged with murder, felony murder, robbery, and multiple weapons offenses.  He is currently being held in the Mercer County Correction Center on a parole violation.  The prosecutor’s office has filed a motion to detain Hodges pending trial.  Last month, a 15-year-old Trenton male was charged with the same offenses in the case.  The juvenile was taken into custody by members of the Mercer County Homicide Task Force, the Trenton Police and the U.S. Marshals NY/NJ Regional Fugitive Task Force and is currently being held in the Middlesex County Youth Detention Center.

Trenton police responded to Ditmar Alley just after 4 a.m. on Thursday, August 19, 2021.  Officers located Herberth Ramirez-Pimentel, 37, of Trenton, unresponsive and suffering a gunshot wound.  He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Despite having been charged, every defendant is presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Update: Shooting Homicide in Trenton Under Investigation
Homicide Task Force Investigating Early Morning Death In Trenton
Jackson, Ocean County

Jackson Man Pleads Guilty to Leaving Scene of Fatal Motor Vehicle Crash

February 25, 2022

JACKSON, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on February 24, 2022, Roberto Alcazar-Sanchez, 27, of Jackson, pled guilty to Knowingly Leaving the Scene of a Motor Vehicle Accident Resulting in Death in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:11-5.1, before the Honorable Guy P. Ryan, J.S.C., in connection with a motor vehicle crash that occurred in Jackson Township on December 24, 2020. At the time of his sentencing on April 22, 2022, the State will be seeking a term of seven years in New Jersey State Prison.

On December 24, 2020, at approximately 6:00 p.m., Officers of the Jackson Township Police Department were summoned to the area of Cedar Swap Road and I-195 for a report of a motor vehicle crash with serious injuries. An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Vehicular Homicide Unit and Jackson Township Police Department revealed that a 2010 Mercedes Benz, driven by Norman Shtab, 83, of Howell Township, was exiting I-195 at Exit 21. His wife, Phyllis Shtab, 81, also of Howell, was a passenger in the vehicle. As Mr. Shtab was attempting to make a left-hand turn onto Cedar Swap Road, his vehicle collided with a 2003 Chevrolet Silverado.

Mr. and Mrs. Shtab were transported to Jersey Shore Medical Center in Neptune Township following the crash. Mr. Shtab was treated for his injuries and later released. On December 26, 2020, Mrs. Shtab succumbed to the injuries she sustained as a result of the crash, and was pronounced deceased at Jersey Shore Medical Center on that date.

On December 30, 2020, a warrant was issued for the arrest of the driver of the Chevrolet Silverado – identified through continuing investigation to be Alcazar-Sanchez – who fled the scene of the December 24, 2020 crash on foot. Further investigation revealed that Alcazar-Sanchez then fled the United States and traveled to Mexico. On March 3, 2021, Alcazar-Sanchez surrendered himself to United States Customs and Border Patrol Protection Agents in Laredo, Texas. He was ultimately extradited back to Ocean County, and has remained lodged in the Ocean County Jail since his return on March 31, 2021.

Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the diligent efforts of Senior Assistant Prosecutor Jamie Schron and Assistant Prosecutor Alyssa Mandara who handled the case on behalf of the State, and commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Vehicular Homicide Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Victim Witness Advocacy Unit, Jackson Township Police Department, Jackson Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Jackson Township Police Department Special Emergency Response Team, Brick Township Police Department, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Field Services Unit/Warrants, United States Customs and Border Protection, Laredo Texas Police Department, and the United States Marshals Service, for their collaborative efforts and assistance relative to this investigation ultimately leading to Alcazar-Sanchez’s arrest, guilty plea, and soon his state prison sentence.

Roberto Alcazar-Sanchez, 27, of Jackson
Roberto Alcazar-Sanchez, 27, of Jackson, pled guilty to Knowingly Leaving the Scene of a Motor Vehicle Accident Resulting in Death in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:11-5.1, before the Honorable Guy P. Ryan, J.S.C., in connection with a motor vehicle crash that occurred in Jackson Township on December 24, 2020. At the time of his sentencing on April 22, 2022, the State will be seeking a term of seven years in New Jersey State Prison.
Driver Fled On Foot After Fatal Jackson Crash And Still On The Run
Fugitive in Jackson Township fatal crash arrested in Texas
Jackson Man Indicted In Leaving The Scene Of Fatal Motor Vehicle Crash
Defendant Charged With Leaving The Scene Of Jackson Township Fatal Crash To Remain Detained Pending Trial
WANTED: Roberto Alcazar-Sanchez, 27, Of Jackson For Charges In Involving Fatal Crash
Lawrence, Mercer County

Overturned Salt Truck on Route 1 in Lawrence Township in front of Shake Shack

February 24, 2022

LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Lawrence Township Police, Fire Departments and EMS were dispatched around 9:33 p.m. for an overturned truck with reported entrapment in front of Shake Shack on Route 1. Upon arrival it was found that a truck carrying salt overturned and ended up in front of Shake Shack narrowly missing the building. The driver was uninjured and was able to self-extricate and there was a small spill of fluids. Heavy duty tow trucks arrived and were working to upright the truck. The Lawrence Township Police Department is investigating the crash. No further information is available at this time.

Mercer County, Trenton

Two Reported Shot on Hamilton Near Anderson in Trenton; One in Critical Condition

February 24, 2022

8:30 p.m. Update: Trenton Police Reports that there were two individuals shot, one is in critical condition and the other has a non-life-threatening injury. No further information is available at this time.

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Around 5:12 p.m. gunshots rang out on Hamilton Avenue near Anderson Street. Trenton Police, Trenton Fire Department, TEMS and Capital Health Paramedics responded to the scene. One was reported shot then another victim was found and an additional ambulance was dispatched. Both victims were transported to Captial Health Regional Medical Center and trauma alerts for both victims were called. A car was still running with broken and possibly shot out windows was found in front of the Investors Bank on Hamilton Avenue. No further details are available at this time.

Mercer County, Trenton

Another Stabbing Death in Trenton Makes Trenton’s 2nd Homicide of 2022

February 24, 2022

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–The Mercer County Homicide Task Force and the Trenton Police Department are investigating a Wednesday night stabbing death in Trenton, Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri reported.

Shortly after 5 p.m. on February 23, 2022, Trenton police responded to the 500 block of Whittaker Avenue for a report of a male stabbed.  The victim, later identified as Leonardo Fernandez, 32, of Trenton, was located at the scene with multiple stab wounds to the torso.  He was transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center where he was pronounced dead

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.  Information can also be emailed to mchtftips@mercercounty.org.

Names of the 2022 homicide victims in the City of Trenton:

  1. 2/15/2022 Antwone Barnes, 37, of Trenton, Stabbing
  2. 2/23/2022 Leonardo Fernandez, 32, of Trenton, Stabbing
Stabbing Death in Trenton is First Homicide Recorded in 2022
Bordentown Twp, Burlington

Inactive Correctional Police Officer Pleads Guilty to Aggravated Assault Charge for Breaking Wrist of Resident in Juvenile Justice Commission Facility in Bordentown

February 23, 2022

TRENTON – Acting Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced that an inactive correctional police officer for the New Jersey Juvenile Justice Commission (JJC) pleaded guilty today to a criminal charge for using unjustified force and breaking the wrist of a male resident at the JJC Juvenile Medium Security Facility in Bordentown, N.J.

Lt. Edward Day, 52, of Paulsboro, N.J.—who worked as a correctional police officer at the JJC Juvenile Medium Security Facility, but who currently is inactive and pending retirement—pleaded guilty today to an accusation charging him with third-degree aggravated assault before Superior Court Judge Philip Haines in Burlington County. Under the plea agreement, the state will recommend that Day be sentenced to a term of probation conditioned upon him serving up to 364 days in the county jail. He must forfeit his state position and will be permanently barred from public office or employment. Sentencing for Day is scheduled for April 13.

Day was charged as the result of an investigation by the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA) Corruption Bureau and JJC’s Office of Investigations.

“This guilty plea reflects our resolve to hold law enforcement officers accountable if they use unjustified and excessive force against civilians,” said Acting Attorney General Platkin. “No one is above the law, and all people are entitled to the law’s protections, including those in state custody.”

“We will not tolerate correctional officers who wrongfully assault and harm persons in custody,” said OPIA Executive Director Thomas Eicher. “We will fully investigate and prosecute any officers who abuse their authority in this manner.”

On Oct. 25, 2020, Lt. Day and other correctional police officers were escorting a 16-year-old juvenile resident from his room to another location in the facility, with his arms handcuffed behind his back, when Day, without apparent cause or justification, grabbed the victim’s ankle from behind, pulled his leg back, and pushed him face forward onto the ground. Day then grabbed hold of the juvenile’s handcuffed wrists and twisted and broke one of them.

Deputy Attorney General Brian Uzdavinis prosecuted the case, under the supervision of OPIA Corruption Bureau Chief Peter Lee and OPIA Deputy Director Anthony Picione. Acting Attorney General Platkin thanked JJC’s Office of Investigations for assisting in the investigation.

Defense Attorney: Mark A. Fury, Esq., Mount Holly, N.J.