Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on February 22, 2022, Steven Adams, 23, of Jackson, pled guilty to Aggravated Assault in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1b(1), before the Honorable Guy P. Ryan, J.S.C., in connection with an incident that occurred in Seaside Park on November 15, 2021. At the time of Adams’ sentencing on April 8, 2022, the State will be seeking a term of five years New Jersey State Prison, subject to the terms of the No Early Release Act, N.J.S.A. 2C:43-7.2.
On November 15, 2021, at approximately 7:00 p.m., Officers from the Seaside Park Police Department were dispatched to the Desert Palm Inn for a report of an injured male who had fallen from a balcony. Responding Officers found Chad Atwood, 42, of Seaside Park, lying on the pavement. It was apparent that Mr. Atwood was suffering from serious injuries, and he was airlifted to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune for treatment of those injuries.
An investigation conducted by the Seaside Park Police Department determined that Adams and Mr. Atwood – both guests at the Desert Palm Inn – were involved in an altercation in the parking lot of the establishment. The altercation then proceeded to the second floor balcony. Adams charged at Mr. Atwood, pushing him over the railing of the balcony and causing him to fall to the ground below. Adams was taken into custody and transported to the Ocean County Jail, where he has remained lodged since November 15, 2021.
Prosecutor Billhimer commends the diligence of Assistant Prosecutor Kimberly Carr who is handling the case on behalf of the State, as well as the efforts of the Seaside Park Police Department relative to this investigation, leading to Adams’ arrest, guilty plea, and soon his state prison sentence.
Steven Adams, 23, of Jackson Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on February 22, 2022, Steven Adams, 23, of Jackson, pled guilty to Aggravated Assault in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1b(1), before the Honorable Guy P. Ryan, J.S.C., in connection with an incident that occurred in Seaside Park on November 15, 2021. At the time of Adams’ sentencing on April 8, 2022, the State will be seeking a term of five years New Jersey State Prison, subject to the terms of the No Early Release Act, N.J.S.A. 2C:43-7.2.
FREEHOLD – A Middlesex County man has been arrested and charged in connection with a hit-and-run incident that left an off-duty Aberdeen Police Department official hospitalized earlier this week, Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Lori Linskey announced Wednesday.
Christopher Uszenski, 49, of Old Bridge is charged with first-degree Attempted Murder and third-degree Knowingly Leaving the Scene of a Motor Vehicle Collision with Serious Bodily Injury.
Shortly before 12:15 p.m. on Monday, February 21, members of the Aberdeen Police Department responded to a call for service originating from the area of North Concourse and Wayside Drive in the Cliffwood Beach section of the Township. Arriving officers found the victim, Lt. Craig Hausmann, at that location, having sustained injuries caused by a vehicle that had already left the scene, according to the preliminary investigation.
Authorities learned that Hausmann had been attempting to stop the motorist in question from driving erratically in the area when he was struck. The investigation, which also involved members of the Monmouth County Serious Collision Analysis Response Team (SCART) and Keyport and Old Bridge police departments, quickly led to Uszenski being identified as a suspect, and he and his vehicle, a Nissan Altima, were located on Pomona Boulevard in Old Bridge shortly thereafter.
Following his arrest, Uszenski was lodged in the Monmouth County Correctional Institution (MCCI) pending a first appearance to take place in Monmouth County Superior Court.
“The speed and professionalism with which this investigation was conducted was nothing short of extraordinary, and we’re pleased that the person responsible has been identified and apprehended,” Acting Prosecutor Linskey. “We’d also like to wish Lt. Hausmann a swift and thorough recovery, and let him and his Department know that they have our firm support.”
Hausmann is a 20-year veteran of his Department who currently oversees its Administration Division, according to Aberdeen Police Chief Matthew T. Lloyd.
“Lt. Hausmann remains hospitalized in stable condition, and on behalf of the entire Department, we extend to him our very best well-wishes,” Chief Lloyd said. “Despite being off duty, he nonetheless was leveraging his many years of experience in vigilantly seeking to keep his community safe at the time of his injury, and we cannot commend those efforts enough.”
If convicted on the Attempted Murder charge, the defendant would face a term of up to 20 years in state prison.
If anyone has any information about or witnessed any portion of this incident, they are urged to contact Detective Thomas Manzo of the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office at (800) 533-7443 or Detective Bruce Monro of the Aberdeen Township Police Department at (732) 566-2054.
Despite the 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.
This case has been assigned to MCPO Assistant Prosecutor Meghan Doyle.
FREEHOLD – A Florida man has admitted to falsely portraying himself as a modeling agent in order to manipulate a minor into sending him sexually explicit images and videos of herself, Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Lori Linskey announced Wednesday.
Joseph Germain, 31, of Casselberry, Florida (Seminole County), late last week pleaded guilty to first-degree Manufacturing Child Sexual Abuse Materials and second-degree Distribution of Child Sexual Abuse Materials. Sentencing in the case has been scheduled for Friday, May 13, at which time Germain will face a term of eight years in state prison, subject to New Jersey’s No Early Release Act (NERA), meaning a minimum of 85 percent of the sentence must be served before the possibility of parole. He will also be required to register as a sex offender under Megan’s Law and remain subject to Parole Supervision for Life.
The investigation into Germain’s activities was initiated by the Brielle Police Department, which determined that several years ago, the defendant created a false online persona, claiming to be “Alex” from a company called “Elite Model Management,” using the email address alexxcaveelite@gmail.com.
In 2017, the investigation determined, Germain contacted a juvenile living in Brielle, claiming he wanted to help her create a modeling portfolio and promising a $50,000 contract. After the victim agreed, Germain convinced her to electronically send him numerous photos and videos of herself in sexually explicit poses.
During the course of their interactions, the victim openly indicated to Germain that she did not feel comfortable sending the photos and videos due to her age, but he persisted in demanding additional files. At times, Germain sent her fake screenshots from an employee purportedly named “Cassandra,” promising to release the money once the victim’s “portfolio” was complete.
The victim never received any payments – but did ultimately begin receiving text messages from multiple phone numbers claiming to be employees of “Elite Model Management,” threatening to post her photos and videos to the Internet unless she sent additional explicit material. Eventually, some of the videos did make their way online.
The investigation determined that Germain was responsible for the various threatening texts – and for posting the videos online. Germain was arrested in Florida in 2019 and extradited back to New Jersey for prosecution.
“This investigation left us strongly convinced of the very real possibility that there may be additional victims who have yet to come forward,” Acting Prosecutor Linskey said. “To any remaining victims who may be out there, I would just say this: what was done to you wasn’t just wrong, deceitful, and cruel – it was criminal. We urge you to come forward and speak with us, and offer the assurance that you will be treated with the utmost dignity and respect. We need your assistance to ensure that justice is served.”
If anyone feels that they or someone they know was a victim of a similar or identical scam, they are urged to contact Detective Ryan Maxsiell of the Brielle Police Department at 848-232-5016, or the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Bureau at 732-431-7160, Ext. 7731.
Anyone who feels the need to remain anonymous but has information about a crime can submit a tip to the Monmouth County Crime Stoppers by calling their confidential telephone tipline at 1-800-671-4400; by downloading and using the free P3 Tips mobile app (available on iOS and Android – https://www.p3tips.com/1182), by calling 800-671-4400 or by going to the website at www.monmouthcountycrimestoppers.com.
The case is assigned to Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Joseph Cummings of the MCPO Special Victims Bureau.
Germain is represented by Tara Breslow-Testa, Esq., with offices in Freehold and Red Bank.
Joseph Germain, 31, of Casselberry, Florida (Seminole County)
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)– Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes has presented to the County Board of Commissioners his administration’s proposed 2022 budget, a $358 million spending plan that stays within the state-mandated 2-percent cap and would result in no increase to the tax levy.
Mr. Hughes on Feb. 22 presented an overview of his administration’s budget proposal to the commissioners, who will review the document over the coming weeks before voting on its adoption.
Of the total budget, $269 million would be collected through property taxes, the same levy as last year.
“This document represents our effort to provide the best possible government in the most cost-effective manner to the taxpayer,” Mr. Hughes said. “The ongoing pandemic has tested us as never before. While we may have changed the way we deliver some services, I am proud of the fact that we have continued to provide resources our residents expect, and I applaud the creativity of our county workforce, including this board, for their flexibility.”
A resident’s actual tax rate will rise or fall depending on his or her municipality once the county rate is equalized to reflect the difference between municipal property assessments and property market values.
The budget proposes that $6.5 million of the County’s surplus be used, leaving a $33 million balance, along with $22 million from the federal American Rescue Plan fund to “help offset the enormous expenditures incurred during the unprecedented pandemic response,” Mr. Hughes said. The spending plan “reflects our continued response to the challenges brought by the pandemic and the toll it has taken on the health of our residents, as well as our county finances, and as a result of our responsible planning, we can propose a budget that is considerate of our taxpayers and offers relief by holding the line,” Mr. Hughes added.
Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes File Photo Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes File Photo
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Mayor W. Reed Gusciora today announced that Trenton has nearly completed demolitions on a row of derelict properties on Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. – including the infamous JoJo’s Steakhouse from the Tony Mack corruption scandal – as part of its sweeping urban blight reduction program that was announced in September 2021.
As of Feb. 22, 2022, Trenton’s Department of Housing and Economic Development (HED) has approximately 125 properties – ranging from active construction to collecting proposals – underway for demolition. Since the start of 2022, HED has submitted five demolition proposals comprising 66 properties. These efforts are part of Mayor Gusciora’s blight reduction plan, which seeks to improve public safety and encourage redevelopment by eliminating abandoned properties that are beyond repair and all too often become fire hazards and locations for criminal activity.
The most recent project on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard includes the former business owned by Joseph Giorgianni, a/k/a “Jo Jo,” who was convicted and sentenced for his role in a bribery scheme involving former Mayor Tony Mack, among other charges. According to federal prosecutors, the steakhouse was one of the locations where the defendants planned the corrupt activity.
“This effort is about cultivating a brighter future for Trenton,” said Mayor Gusciora. “What better way to show that then by razing a relic of one of the most corrupt eras in Trenton history. Now this area can finally be repurposed for the benefit of the surrounding community, whether it’s green space, safe housing, or new business opportunities.”
Users can report crumbling roofs, squatters, illegal activity, fire hazards, vermin, or other conditions that make a neglected property dangerous to nearby homeowners, children, and pedestrians. The properties will then be evaluated by HED inspectors for consideration in upcoming rehabilitation, demolition, or redevelopment efforts.
Demolitions on more than 20 properties on Fountain Ave, Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Wilson St, North Clinton Ave, Frazier St, and Stuyvesant Ave are nearing completion. Next up is cleanup for the six properties on Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd that will be demolished this week, followed by the first 15 properties of a demolition and remediation plan targeting nearly 30 properties on Sanford St. The city also has proposals out for more than two dozen properties on Chambers St, Tyrell Ave, and Bond Street.
HED uses two parallel tracks for demolitions: imminent hazards and long-term strategic demolitions of city-owned properties. Imminent hazards are evaluated and taken down on a case-by-case basis according to their immediate threat to nearby residents and property. Strategic demolitions are targeted based on several factors:
Proximity to attractive development areas
History of complaints from residents, subcode officials, and first responders
Cost effectiveness due to location near properties of similar condition
Location within ‘hot zones’ of historically high abandonment
Jo Jo’s is now a pile of rubble Photos by: Brian McCarthy OnScene News
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Hamilton Police say that on February 22, 2022 at approximately 12:00 p.m., a 2004 Suzuki GSX motorcycle operated by Xavier Zayas 39 years old of Hamilton NJ traveling west on S. Broad St. attempted to pass a 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander on the right, as the Mitsubishi was making the right turn on to Gropp Ave. The motorcycle struck the passenger side of the vehicle and veered off the roadway into a grove of trees. Mr. Zayas was transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center with serious injuries. The operator of the Mitsubishi Outlander, Marta Ortiz 70 years old of Hamilton NJ refused medical assistance at the scene.
The crash is under investigation by Officer K. McDonald and Officer J. Galant. Any witnesses are asked to please contact the Hamilton Police Traffic Unit at (609)581-4000.
Information may also be left anonymously on the Hamilton Police Crime Tip Hotline at 609-581-4008
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–A two-month investigation into narcotics distribution in the Trenton area has culminated with the arrest of an Illinois man and the seizure of $300,000 in heroin and fentanyl, Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri reported.
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.
A search of Carranza-Ocampo, 31, of Melrose Park, Illinois, revealed $467 in cash. Carranza-Ocampo was charged with numerous narcotic-related offenses, including first- and second-degree possession of a controlled dangerous substance with the intent to distribute. The prosecutor’s office has filed a motion to detain him pending trial.
According to Prosecutor Onofri, the street value of the confiscated fentanyl is approximately $100,000 and the heroin is approximately $200,000.
Despite having been charged, all persons are presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Carranza-Ocampo, 31, of Melrose Park, Illinois A search of Carranza-Ocampo, 31, of Melrose Park, Illinois, revealed $467 in cash. Carranza-Ocampo was charged with numerous narcotic-related offenses, including first- and second-degree possession of a controlled dangerous substance with the intent to distribute. The prosecutor’s office has filed a motion to detain him pending trial. According to Prosecutor Onofri, the street value of the confiscated fentanyl is approximately $100,000 and the heroin is approximately $200,000.
FREEHOLD, NJ (MONMOUTH) – A Manalapan resident has been arrested and charged with stealing more than $175,000 from 10 victims who had entrusted him to invest large sums of money on their behalf, Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Lori Linskey announced Tuesday.
Jeffrey Loretta, 60, is charged with one count of second-degree Theft, three counts of second-degree Misapplication of Entrusted Property, and seven counts of third-degree Misapplication of Entrusted Property.
An investigation by the Prosecutor’s Office’s Financial Crimes and Public Corruption Unit revealed that the 10 alleged victims gave Loretta a combined total of slightly more than half a million dollars at various times between January 2020 and February 2021, in exchange for promises that the funds would be responsibly invested. On several occasions, the investigation revealed, Loretta provided multiple victims with inaccurate and false gains figures, inducing them to reinvest additional money.
Instead, Loretta lost nearly $200,000 of the funds via bad investments and spent more than $175,000 of the funds on himself, taking out thousands of dollars at a time in ATM withdraws and making checks out to himself, payable in cash.
Loretta turned himself in to authorities on Friday and was released pending a first appearance to take place in Monmouth County Superior Court.
If convicted of a second-degree crime, Loretta would face up to 10 years in state prison.
Despite the 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.
This case has been assigned to Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Lawrence Nelsen, Director of the Financial Crimes and Public Corruption Unit.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–A Trenton man was recently sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the May 2019 murder of Maurice Rowe, Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri announced.
Hamilton Morgan, was sentenced by Mercer County Superior Court Judge Darlene Pereksta on February 17. A jury found Morgan guilty of all counts in August 2021. After the conviction, the state moved for mandatory extended-term sentencing under New Jersey’s Three Strikes Law. Judge Pereksta also sentenced Morgan to concurrent terms of 10 years on the firearms possession charge and the certain persons not to possess a weapon charge.
Just after 6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 7, 2019, a Trenton Police Street Crimes Unit was responding to an unrelated call on Hoffman Avenue when they heard shots fired. Detectives John Carrigg and Stephen Szbanz observed a large group of people at the corner of Stuyvesant and Hoffman avenues and the suspect, later identified as Morgan, fleeing the scene with a gun. The detectives pursued Morgan on foot down an alley and were able to take him into custody on Ellsworth Avenue. A handgun was located and an additional loaded magazine was found on Morgan’s person.
The victim was identified as 30-year-old Maurice Rowe of Trenton. He was shot multiple times and pronounced dead at the scene.
Administrative Assistant Prosecutor Stacey M. Geurds and Assistant Prosecutor Narline Casimir prosecuted the case for the state. Administrative Assistant Prosecutor Kathleen M. Petrucci represented the state at sentencing.
EAST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–Mayor Janice S. Mironov announced that East Windsor Township is sponsoring a Gun Safety Program, through which gun locks will be distributed free of charge to any East Windsor resident. The program commences March 1 and will run through the end of March.
According to Mayor Mironov, “This is a pro-active initiative, geared to promote and provide improved gun safety. These locks if properly used by lawful gun owners can help prevent accidental deaths or injuries in the home, as well as deaths and injuries caused by the intentional misuse of guns.”
Mayor Mironov added, “The use of gun locks is a no-brainer, which keeps guns out of the hands of children and helps prevent unnecessary tragedies. We hope that programs such as this will remind and educate lawful gun owners about their important responsibility to handle firearms safely and to store them in a secure manner.”
Township residents can obtain free safety locks at the Township police/court facility located at 80 One Mile Road, by contacting Detective Brian Gorski at (609) 448-5678, ext. 236.
The gun locks are made available to the Township at no cost, through Project ChildSafe. Project ChildSafe is the nation’s largest firearms safety program, and is sponsored by the National Shooting Sports Foundation.
LINCOLN, NEW HAMPSHIRE–A Jersey City woman was rescued from a hiking trail in Lincoln, New Hampshire on Sunday. New Hampshire Fish and Game report that At 4:30 p.m. on February 20, 2022 the New Hampshire Fish & Game Department was notified of a hiker in distress on the Liberty Springs Trail in Lincoln. The hiker was not able to continue descending the trail and a companion with her called 911 for help. The hikers were only planning a day hike and did not have the equipment to spend the night. Conservation Officers and volunteers with the Pemigewasset Valley Search and Rescue team responded to mount a rescue effort as darkness approached.
At 5:56 p.m. a Conservation Officer met the hiker, who was slowly hiking down, about one mile from the trailhead. The distressed hiker was identified as Aleeza Shaikh, 26, from Jersey City, NJ. A group of Good Samaritan hikers also descending the trail had come across Aleeza, who was laying in the trail at the time, and provided her help to start moving again. Aleeza was able to hike the rest of the way down the trail with minor assistance, accompanied by a small rescue party. She reached the Liberty Springs parking lot without further incident at 7:00 pm. Due to the inaccurate planning and inadequate equipment of the hiker, the New Hampshire Fish & Game Department will be recommending that she be billed for this preventable rescue.
Hiking in the White Mountains can be extremely challenging and quickly become dangerous, even deadly, especially in winter conditions. People often underestimate the time required to complete a mountain hike in snowy and icy conditions. It is also easy to be deceived by trail distances, as hiking 4 miles on flat ground does not require nearly as much energy as hiking 4 miles in steep terrain. Conservation Officers would like remind everyone to plan for a safe hike and give plenty of time. Always bring dedicated lights, even on a day hike. For information please visit http://www.hikesafe.com/ for more information.
Franconia Notch State Park is a public recreation area and nature preserve that straddles eight miles of Interstate 93 as it passes through Franconia Notch, a mountain pass between the Kinsman Range and Franconia Range in the White Mountains of northern New Hampshire, United States. MidJersey.News file photo of the area of the rescue.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)—Today a row of derelict properties on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, which includes the infamous JoJo’s Steakhouse were torn down as part of Trenton’s Urban Blight Reduction Program. The former business was run by Joseph Giorgianni, a/k/a “Jo Jo,” who was convicted and sentenced for his role in a bribery scheme involving former Mayor Tony Mack, among other charges. According to federal prosecutors, the steakhouse was one of the locations where the defendants planned the corrupt activity.
According to the Federal Bureau of Prisons JOSEPH A GIORGIANNI was released on: 08/13/2020
According to the Associated Press in a December 15, 1985 article, “Joseph A. ″Jo-Jo″ Giorgianni was also convicted, along with Clarence ″Larry″ Sindora, of carnally abusing and debauching the morals of a 14-year-old girl after supplying her with liquor in the back room of Giorgianni’s Trenton restaurant in 1978. Both were sentenced to 15 years.”
The Gazette reported in September 6, 1982 article that talked about the public outcry of the release of the 565-pound sex offender Joseph “Jo Jo” Giorgianni who abused a 14-year-old girl. According to the article the 15-year prison sentence was reduced simply because the convicted sex offender was fat. The NJ Superior Court released Giorgianni because his defense attorney found doctors that would say the obese convict could die in prison. According to the article Giorgianni is said to have chronic asthma and hypertension. Later Giorgianni would be seen at a prize fight and witnesses reported they saw Giorgianni gambling and smoking in Atlantic City, NJ.
Above photos by: Brian McCarthy OnScene News City of Trenton Photos
File photos by: Brian McCarthy OnScene News
Prior press releases from the US Attorney’s Office and FBI below:
Two Mercer County Men Sentenced to Prison for Conspiring with Former Trenton Mayor to Extort Bribes
Sentences Also Consider Separate Extortion, Narcotics Distribution and Weapons Charges
TRENTON, N.J. – Two Mercer County, New Jersey, men were sentenced today for conspiring with the former Mayor of Trenton and others to extort bribes and kickbacks in connection with a Trenton parking garage project, and for unrelated drug charges, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.
Joseph Giorgianni, a/k/a “Jo Jo,” 65, of Ewing Township, New Jersey, and Charles Hall III, 51, of Trenton, were sentenced to 78 and 48 months in prison, respectively. U.S. District Judge Michael A. Shipp imposed the sentences today in Newark federal court.
Giorgianni previously pleaded guilty before Judge Shipp to an indictment charging him with one count of conspiring with former Trenton Mayor Tony F. Mack, 48, Ralphiel Mack, 41, (Tony Mack’s brother) both of Trenton, Hall and others to obstruct interstate commerce by extorting individuals under color of official right in connection with the development of an automated parking garage. Giorgianni also pleaded guilty to one count of extorting individuals under color of official right in connection with the administration of a power washing contract, as well as charges contained in a separate indictment, including one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute oxycodone and one count of possessing a firearm as a felon.
Hall previously pleaded guilty before Judge Shipp to an information charging him with one count of conspiring to obstruct interstate commerce by extorting individuals under color of official right. Hall also pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute oxycodone.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Tony Mack, Ralphiel Mack, Hall, and Giorgianni conspired to accept approximately $119,000 in cash and other valuables – actually accepting $54,000 and planning to accept the rest – from two cooperating witnesses. In exchange for the payments, Tony Mack assisted them in their efforts to acquire a city-owned lot on East State Street to develop an automated parking garage. The scheme included a plan for the city of Trenton to sell the lot for far less than one of the cooperating witnesses was willing to pay – diverting $100,000 of the suggested purchase amount as a bribe and kickback payment to Giorgianni and Tony Mack. The mayor authorized and directed a Trenton official responsible for disposition of city-owned land to offer the East State Street lot to one of the witnesses for $100,000, significantly less than the amount originally proposed, so the rest could be taken as a bribe.
The defendants went to great lengths to conceal their corrupt activity and keep Tony Mack “safe” from law enforcement. For example, Giorgianni and Ralphiel Mack acted as intermediaries, or “buffers,” who accepted cash payments for Tony Mack’s benefit.
To conceal the corrupt arrangement, the defendants avoided discussing matters related to the scheme over the telephone. When those matters were discussed, they used code words and aliases, including “Uncle Remus,” which both Giorgianni and Hall regularly used to communicate to Tony Mack that a corrupt payment had been received. The defendants also concealed their activities by holding meetings concerning the corrupt activity away from Trenton City Hall, including a restaurant maintained by Giorgianni known as JoJo’s Steakhouse.
In addition to the parking garage bribe and extortion payments, Giorgianni and Hall admitted their involvement in a narcotics distribution conspiracy with Mary Manfredo, 67, of Lawrenceville, New Jersey, and others from May 2011 to July 2012. Hall said he obtained, in coordination with Giorgianni, 13 prescriptions for oxycodone-based pain medication from a doctor in Nutley, New Jersey, which included a total of 1,560 pills. JoJo’s Steakhouse served as a front where oxycodone pills and drug proceeds were received and distributed.
Also, on July 18, 2012, Giorgianni, a convicted felon, was found in possession of four guns, including three pistols and a pump-action shotgun.
Tony F. Mack and Raphiel Mack, both convicted following a five-week trial in February 2014, were sentenced to serve 58 months in prison and 30 months in prison, respectively.
In addition to the prison terms, Judge Shipp sentenced Giorgianni and Hall each to serve three years of supervised release.
Manfredo pleaded guilty to conspiring with Giorgianni, Hall and others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute oxycodone. Manfredo awaits sentencing.
U.S. Attorney Fishman credited special agents of the FBI’s Trenton Resident Agency, Newark Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Aaron T. Ford, for the investigation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eric W. Moran and Matthew J. Skahill of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Special Prosecutions Division in Trenton and Camden, respectively.
14-345
Defense counsel: Jerome A. Ballarotto Esq., Trenton
Trenton, N.J., Mayor, Brother And Associate Indicted On Extortion, Bribery And Mail And Wire Fraud Charges
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 6, 2012
TRENTON, N.J. – A federal grand jury in Trenton today returned an eight-count Indictment charging Trenton Mayor Tony F. Mack, his brother, Ralphiel Mack, and Mayor Mack’s close associate, Joseph A. “JoJo” Giorgianni, with extortion, bribery and mail and wire fraud U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.
The defendants were indicted in connection with a scheme to accept $119,000 in bribes in exchange for Mayor Mack’s official actions and influence in assisting cooperating witnesses in the development of an automated parking garage on City-owned land.
Tony F. Mack, 46, of Trenton, N.J., Giorgianni, 63, of Ewing, N.J. and Ralphiel Mack, 40, also of Trenton, originally were charged by Complaint on Sept. 10, 2012, with one count of conspiracy to obstruct commerce by extortion under color of official right related to the $119,000 extortion scheme. The Indictment returned today adds the following charges:
• One count of attempted obstruction of commerce by extortion under the color of official right against Tony F. Mack, Giorgianni and Ralphiel Mack (Count 2);
• One count of accepting and agreeing to accept bribes against Tony F. Mack and Ralphiel Mack (Count 3);
• One count of giving and agreeing to give bribes against Giorgianni (Count 4);
• Three counts alleging that the defendants devised a scheme to defraud the City of Trenton and its citizens of money and property and of defendant Tony F. Mack’s honest services (Counts 5 to 7);
• One extortion count charging Giorgianni with participating in an additional scheme of arranging to steer a power washing contract to a city vendor in exchange for a kickback to a Trenton employee (Count 8).
According to the Indictment and other documents filed in this case:
Mayor Mack, Giorgianni and Ralphiel Mack conspired to accept approximately $119,000 in cash and other valuables, of which $54,000 was accepted and another $65,000 that the defendants planned to accept, from two cooperating witnesses (“CW-1” and “CW-2”). In exchange for the payments, Mayor Mack agreed to, and did, assist CW-1 and CW-2 in their efforts to acquire a City-owned lot (the “East State Street Lot”) to develop an automated parking garage (the “Parking Garage Project”). The scheme included a plan to divert $100,000 of the purchase amount that CW-2 had indicated a willingness to pay to the City of Trenton for lot as a bribe and kickback payment to Giorgianni and Mayor Mack. The mayor authorized and directed a Trenton official responsible for disposition of City-owned land to offer the East State Street Lot to CW-2 for $100,000, significantly less than the amount originally proposed by CW-2.
The defendants went to great lengths to conceal their corrupt activity and keep Mayor Mack “safe” from law enforcement. For example, Giorgianni and Ralphiel Mack acted as intermediaries, or “buffers,” who accepted cash payments for Mayor Mack’s benefit. Mayor Mack also used another City of Trenton employee involved in the scheme (“CC-1”) to contact other Trenton officials to facilitate the Parking Garage Project and to inform the mayor when Giorgianni had received corrupt cash payments.
To conceal the corrupt arrangement, the defendants avoided discussing matters related to the scheme over the telephone. When those matters were discussed, they used code words and aliases. One such code word was “Uncle Remus,” which both Giorgianni and CC-1 regularly used to communicate to Mayor Mack that a corrupt payment had been received. For example, on Oct. 29, 2011, Giorgianni telephoned CC-1 and informed CC-1 that Giorgianni had to “see” Mayor Mack and that “I got Uncle Remus for him,” meaning a corrupt cash payment that Giorgianni had received from CW-1 two days earlier. Giorgianni directed CC-1 to bring Mayor Mack to a meeting location controlled by Giorgianni (“Giorgianni’s Clubhouse”), stating “we gotta talk” because “I got something that might be good for him” and that “they’ve already come with Uncle Remus,” meaning a corrupt cash payment. On June 13, 2012, Giorgianni telephoned Mayor Mack and informed him that “Uncle Remus,” meaning a corrupt cash payment, “was there.” Mayor Mack replied, “I’ll call you, J. Okay?” In text messages to Mayor Mack related to the scheme, Giorgianni would refer to himself only as “Mr. Baker.”
The defendants also concealed their activities by holding meetings concerning the corrupt activity away from Trenton City Hall, including at Giorgianni’s residence, an eatery maintained by Giorgianni known as JoJo’s Steakhouse, Giorgianni’s Clubhouse and Atlantic City restaurants. At one Atlantic City meeting among Mayor Mack, Giorgianni, CC-1 and CW-2, Mayor Mack instructed Giorgianni to ensure that no photographs were taken in order to conceal the corrupt arrangement.
In addition to the Parking Garage Project-related bribe and extortion payments, Count 8 of the Indictment charges Giorgianni with conspiring with CC-1 to extort a payment from an individual interested in doing business with the City of Trenton. Giorgianni caused the individual to inflate an invoice for power washing services rendered to the City of Trenton by at least approximately $1,500. Using his authority as a City of Trenton employee, CC-1 assisted in obtaining the contract and, once the job was complete, shepherded the invoice through the approval process, causing the City of Trenton to issue the individual a $4,911.30 check. Giorgianni instructed the individual to remit $1,300 of that money to a JoJo’s Steakhouse employee, which Giorgianni later received. Giorgianni, in turn, provided approximately $500 to CC-1 in Atlantic City for CC-1’s efforts in securing the contract and expediting payment.
The extortion conspiracy and attempted extortion charges in Counts One, Two and Eight are each punishable by a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison. The bribery charges in Counts Three and Four are each punishable by a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison. The mail and wire fraud charges in Counts Five through Seven are each punishable by a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison. All of the counts also carry a potential fine of $250,000 or twice the gain or loss from the offense. The Indictment also seeks forfeiture of the $54,000 in bribes actually received by the defendants related to the Parking Garage Project, and the $1,300 kickback received by Giorgianni related to the power washing contract.
U.S. Attorney Fishman credited special agents of the FBI’s Trenton Resident Agency, Newark Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael B. Ward, for the investigation leading to the charge.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eric W. Moran and Matthew J. Skahill of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Special Prosecutions Division in Trenton and Camden, respectively.
The charges and allegations contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
12-422
Defense counsel: Tony Mack: Mark G. Davis Esq., Hamilton, N.J. Giorgianni: Jerome A. Ballarotto Esq., Trenton Ralphiel Mack: John W. Hartmann, Princeton Junction, N.J.
Trenton, N.J., Mayor, Brother And Associate Arrested And Charged With Conspiracy To Extort Bribes
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 10, 2012
Eight Others Also Arrested in Separate, Trenton-based Oxycodone Distribution Conspiracy
TRENTON, N.J. – Trenton Mayor Tony F. Mack, the mayor’s brother, Ralphiel Mack, and his close associate, Joseph A. “JoJo” Giorgianni, were arrested by federal agents this morning and charged by criminal Complaint in connection with a scheme to extort payments of more than $100,000 from others who were purportedly developing a public parking garage, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.
The Complaint charges that over the past two years Mack, 46, and his associates negotiated with two individuals who were cooperating with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and FBI and agreed to expedite approvals and sell city-owned property at a fraction of its value. Giorgianni also was charged in a separate Complaint along with eight other defendants with conspiracy to distribute oxycodone pills in the Trenton area.
The following defendants also were charged in the drug conspiracy Complaint:
Name
Age
Residence
Mary Manfredo
65
Lawrenceville, NJ
Anthony Dimatteo
31
Trenton
Ralph Dimatteo Sr.
62
Trenton
Giuseppe A. Scordato
47
Hamilton, NJ
Carol Kounitz
57
Hamilton, NJ
Stephanie Lima
41
Yardville, NJ
Mark Bethea
45
Trenton
Eugene Brown
70
Atlantic City, NJ
All 11 defendants are scheduled to make their initial court appearances this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Douglas E. Arpert in Trenton federal court.
“Time and again, we have seen public officials in New Jersey who are all too willing to sell their power and betray the public’s trust,” U.S. Attorney Fishman said. “Here, the Complaint charges that Mayor Mack and his coconspirators were willing to let city property go for a fraction of its worth. And he allegedly chose as his middleman a convicted felon who was simultaneously heading a conspiracy to traffic in prescription medication. Neither selling one’s oath of office or illegally selling prescription medication is acceptable on the streets of Trenton or anywhere else in New Jersey.”
“The citizens of New Jersey’s state capital deserve far better than politicians and cronies who aspire to the Boss Tweed-style, Tammany Hall politics of patronage, graft, and corruption,” said Michael Ward, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Newark Division. “Public service is not an open invitation to enrich one’s self via illegal means. At no time should elected officials have need for middlemen, ‘buffers,’ and coded conversations.”
The investigation, which lasted nearly two years, included the execution of search warrants, court-ordered wiretaps and consensually recorded conversations. The extortion conspiracy count with which the defendants are charged is punishable by a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The Extortion Conspiracy
According to the Complaint filed against Tony F. Mack, Joseph A. Giorgianni, 63, of Ewing, and Ralphiel Mack, 39, of Trenton:
As mayor, Mack influenced actions taken on behalf of the City of Trenton, including matters concerning the disposition of city-owned property. Giorgianni, a convicted felon and the proprietor of a Trenton sandwich shop called JoJo’s Steakhouse, is Mayor Mack’s associate. Ralphiel Mack is Mayor Mack’s brother and was employed by the Trenton Board of Education as Trenton Central High School’s head football coach.
The Macks, Giorgianni and others conspired to corrupt certain functions of Trenton city government in favor of a purported developer who was seeking to build a parking garage on a city-owned lot on East State Street. In reality, the developer was cooperating with federal authorities. During the course of the negotiations, which lasted almost two years, the defendants agreed to accept more than $119,000 in bribes, of which $54,000 had been paid at the time of their arrests.
To attempt to evade law enforcement detection, the defendants employed intermediaries, used code words, and attempted to limit their discussions of the scheme over the telephone.
Beginning in September 2010, Giorgianni had several recorded meetings with an individual who was cooperating with law enforcement (CW-1), during which Giorgianni agreed to serve as an intermediary, or “buffer,” for cash payments to Mayor Mack in exchange for the mayor’s support of a parking garage project. During these meetings, Giorgianni described his intent to promote and facilitate a corrupt system of government in Trenton. During a Sept. 14, 2010, meeting, Giorgianni stated that he conducted business in the City of Trenton the way “Boss Tweed” ran “Tammany Hall,” and provided examples of how kickbacks should be received in exchange for city contracts.
Between Oct. 27, 2011, and June 28, 2012, the conspirators accepted seven cash payments from CW-1 and another individual cooperating with law enforcement (CW-2):
Date
Amount
Oct. 27, 2011
$3,000
Jan. 6, 2012
$5,000
April 12, 2012
$3,000
April 25, 2012
$3,000
May 21, 2012
$5,000
June 8, 2012
$25,000
June 28, 2012
$10,000
TOTAL
$54,000
In exchange for those payments, it was agreed that Mayor Mack and another, uncharged public official (CC-1) would take official action favorable to CW-l’s and CW-2’s interests concerning the parking garage project. Following certain of these payments, Giorgianni would signal to the mayor that he had received cash by using the code words “Uncle Remus.”
• On Oct. 27, 2011, Giorgianni accepted a $3,000 corrupt cash payment from CW-1. Moments later, Giorgianni sent a text message to Mayor Mack stating, “Uncle remins (sic) landed uncles remnis (sic) call me.”
• On Jan. 25, 2012, Giorgianni, CC-1, CW-1 and CW-2 discussed the proposed corrupt transaction and future payments to Mayor Mack and Giorgianni. During a telephone call the next day, Giorgianni told the mayor that “Uncle Remus might be stopping by.” During a Feb. 1, 2012, telephone call, Giorgianni reiterated that “Uncle Remus is gonna stop and visit us, so I wanted to tell you about it.” Mayor Mack replied, “All right. I’m gonna stop by there to see you.”
• On April 25, 2012, Giorgianni accepted a $3,000 cash payment from CW-1. During an April 30, 2012 telephone call, Giorgianni informed Mayor Mack that “Ralphiel said he was going to stop up. Uncle Remus, ya know, stopped by.”
• On June 8, 2012, Giorgianni accepted a $25,000 cash payment from CW-2. The next day, while inside JoJo’s Steakhouse with Giorgianni, CC-1 called the mayor and informed him that “Uncle Remus came to town today.” The mayor stated: “Yeah?” and laughed. Later in the call, CC-1 repeated, “M–, Mr. Remus came around.” The mayor stated that he would “be around, I’ll be around today.”
• On June 28, 2012, CC-1 (who began cooperating with federal law enforcement on June 21, 2012) met with Giorgianni and delivered to him a $10,000 corrupt cash payment. The meeting between Giorgianni and CC-1 concluded at approximately 6:17 p.m. At approximately 6:19 p.m., Giorgianni sent Mayor Mack a text message stating, “Uncle remis (sic) is in town mr bakers.” (In text messages to the mayor, Giorgianni previously referred to himself as “Mr. Baker.”)
In connection with the $10,000 received on June 28, 2012, both Mayor Mack and Giorgianni expressed significant concern to CC-1 that they might be the subjects of a law enforcement investigation because CC-1 had received that money directly from CW-2 and because CW-2 did use not Giorgianni as a “buffer” to pass through the money on that occasion. In a June 28, 2012, recorded meeting during which Giorgianni accepted the $10,000 from CC-1, Giorgianni chastised CC-1 for taking this money directly from CW-2 and not going through Giorgianni, reminding CC-1 that the “ground rules … put down by Tony” were that “[n]obody in the administration touches nothing.” Giorgianni told CC-1 that it was important to use “buffers” to take corrupt money. “As long as you got buffers, you’re safe. Look Tony [Mack] knows they ain’t never gonna break me. Tony seen me do something real serious one day. He knows I’m not giving nobody up. I don’t give a ****. Jail, that’s my business. I don’t give a ****. So Tony’s safe.” Then referring to employing Ralphiel Mack as an intermediary to pass money for the benefit of the mayor, Giorgianni told CC-1: “I even keep Tony safe where I’ll give money to Ralphiel.”
Ralphiel Mack is charged with participating in the conspiracy by serving as an intermediary to receive certain corrupt cash payments from Giorgianni on Mayor Mack’s behalf. A July 18, 2012, search of Ralphiel Mack’s house revealed $2,500 in United States currency bearing the same serial numbers as the bills delivered to Giorgianni as part of the June 28, 2012, corrupt cash payment.
In exchange for the money, the agreement contemplated that the mayor would use his influence to get the necessary approvals for the project. As the conspiracy developed, the mayor and Giorgianni proposed that the city sell the land for the parking garage to the developer for a reduced price in exchange for a larger bribe.
Initially, on May 15, 2012, a City of Trenton official (Trenton Official-1) emailed CW-2 a letter stating that the total assessed value for the East State Street lot was $278,000 and that the land value was $271,600. CW-1 and CW-2 later discussed with Giorgianni that CW-2 and the project investors would be willing to purchase the East State Street lot for $200,000, and would be willing to pay a bribe to the mayor in exchange for the price reduction. Giorgianni, in turn, proposed that the City of Trenton set the sale price for the East State Street lot at $100,000 and that the $100,000 difference be split among Mayor Mack, Giorgianni and CC-1. Giorgianni requested a draft offer letter reflecting the $100,000 purchase price for the East State Street lot, which CW-2 provided to Giorgianni on May 23, 2012.
Moments after a May 29, 2012, meeting with Mayor Mack, Giorgianni called CC-1 and stated, “I got the okay from you know who, right? Tell [Trenton Official-1] to get that letter out, today.” CC-1 then met with Trenton Official-1, whose responsibilities included negotiating the sale of city-owned property, and requested Trenton Official-1 to issue the $100,000 offer letter. Trenton Official-1, in turn, called Mayor Mack, who, instead of discussing the matter over the telephone, directed Trenton Official-1 to meet him in person. Trenton Official-1 then met with the mayor, who approved the letter offering the East State Street lot to CW-2 and the investors for $100,000, and the offer letter was issued that day.
The Drug Distribution Conspiracy
Giorgianni, along with eight other defendants, also appeared in court today facing oxycodone distribution charges. (Neither Mayor Mack or Ralphiel Mack were charged with the narcotics conspiracy.)
According to the Complaint:
Oxycodone, the active ingredient in brand name pills such as Oxycontin, Roxicodone and Percocet, is a Schedule II controlled substance – meaning that it has a high potential for abuse.
Giorgianni organized and oversaw a Trenton-based oxycodone distribution conspiracy responsible for the distribution of thousands of oxycodone pills. Giorgianni arranged for the sale of pain pills prescribed to him and facilitated the distribution of oxycodone prescribed to some of the other defendants and others in this case. JoJo’s Steakhouse, a sandwich shop that Giorgianni owned and that Mary Manfredo operated, served as a front for this drug distribution organization and a clearing house, where prescription pain pills were stored, provided to drug dealers for distribution, and where narcotics proceeds were returned. The investigation uncovered evidence that Giorgianni and the other coconspirators used a doctor and pharmacy in Mercer County and another doctor in Essex County to obtain and fill these prescriptions, which were in large part obtained through fraud.
Numerous conversations were intercepted on the wiretaps among Giorgianni, other defendants named in the complaint, and CC-1, prior to the time CC-1 began cooperating with authorities on June 21, 2012. Based on the recorded conversations and information subsequently learned from CC-1, Anthony Dimatteo, Ralph Dimatteo Sr. and Giuseppe “Joseph” Scordato, distributed prescription pain medication fraudulently obtained on behalf of the operation. In one recorded conversation, Scordato described to Giorgianni his efforts to cause an individual, who according to Scordato had just undergone open heart surgery, to become addicted to oxycodone by providing this individual with a free pill as a sample. Giorgianni, in many intercepted telephone calls, used coded language such as “steaks” to refer to the prescription pain pills.
CC-1 was supplied prescription pain medication from Eugene Brown, an Atlantic City resident, a portion of which Mark Bethea would distribute and a portion of which was delivered to Jojo’s Steakhouse for distribution. Carol Kounitz and Stephanie Lima also fraudulently obtained prescription pain medication and provided this medication to CC-1 to be distributed.
Giorgianni, who has a prior felony conviction, also is charged with unlawfully possessing four firearms which, along with hundreds of rounds of ammunition, were recovered from his residence during the execution of a search warrant. Eugene Brown, who also has a prior felony conviction, is charged with unlawfully possessing a loaded firearm, found in his residence during the execution of a search warrant.
The drug conspiracy count with which the defendants are charged is punishable by a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine. The felon in possession of firearms counts, with which Giorgianni and Brown are each charged, is punishable by a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
U.S. Attorney Fishman credited special agents of the FBI under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael B. Ward with the investigation leading to today’s arrests.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eric W. Moran and Matthew J. Skahill of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Special Prosecutions Division in Trenton and Camden, respectively.
The charges and allegations contained in the Complaints are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
TRENTON (Mercer) – City firefighters made quick work of extinguishing a fire in a rowhouse the 200 block of South Walter Avenue this morning (Monday, Feb. 21). It was about 9:20 a.m. when Engines 7, 6 and 10, Ladder 4, Rescue 1 and Battalion 6 were dispatched to 242 South Walter Avenue for a reported kitchen fire. Engine 7 arrived to find smoke showing from the dwelling. The “All Hands” signal for a working fire was transmitted and the balance of the first alarm assignment – Engine 3, Ladder 2, Special Services 1 and Battalion 8 – was dispatched. Firefighters quickly knocked down the flames in the kitchen at the rear of the first floor, preventing the fire was spreading to the attached exposure buildings. Primary and secondary searches of the home proved negative for any victims and the blaze was officially declared under control after at 9:41 a.m.
EWING TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–The Ewing Police Department reported that at 10:07 p.m., Ewing Police dispatch was notified by NJ Human Services Police that a male walked away from Trenton Psychiatric Hospital (TPH). Investigation revealed that Brian Thorne who is 48 year old, black male partially bald approximately 6’1” 176 pounds and was last seen wearing a black jacket, black hat, black sweatpants and black shoes. He walked away from the facility at approximately 8:30PM. Thorne was at TPH on a non-criminal hold. Human Services Police have entered Thorne into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) as a missing person. Thorne has ties to Essex County. If you see Brian Thorne, please do not approach him, and call 9-1-1. The photo below is from August 2021.
LOCATED NO LONGER MISSING
LOCATED NO LONGER MISSINGLOCATED NO LONGER MISSING
EWING TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–A serious two vehicle collision happened near the Parkway and Concord Avenue intersection around 5:00 p.m. Ewing Police, Ewing Fire Departments, Ewing EMS and Captial Paramedics responded to the scene. Victims were transported to local hospitals for treatment. No further information is available at this time.
About an hour later at 6:00 p.m., Ewing Police, Ewing Fire Departments and EMS were sent to the 700 Block of Parkway for a reported accident with entrapment. Upon arrival it was determined that there was no entrapment or injuries but there were fluids on the roadway.
A serious crash happened at Parkway and Concord Avenue intersection around 5:00 p.m. Ewing Police, Ewing Fire Departments, Ewing EMS and Captial Paramedics responded to the scene. The injured were transported to local hospitals for treatment. Photos by: Brian McCarthy OnScene News and MidJersey.News
You must be logged in to post a comment.