ALLENTOWN, NJ (MONMOUTH)–The 2022 Allentown Lions Memorial Day Parade was held Monday, May 30th. The Parade began at 10:30 a.m. on North Main Street and ended in front of the elementary school on High Street. The 2022 Parade Grand Marshal was, Mr. Mark Guterl, UFRSD Superintendent
Partial list of parade participants:
• Active Military
• Allentown and Upper Freehold Twp. Dignitaries
• Civil Air Patrol Color Guard
• Knights of Columbus TAVI Float
• Allentown and Robbinsville High School Marching Bands
• Stonebridge Middle School Marching Band
• Ancient Order of Hibernians Bagpipe Band
• Shamrock & Thistle Bagpipe Band
• Jerry Rife’s Rhythm Kings
• Fire Departments & First Aid Squads
• Local Service Clubs & Organizations
• Shrine Crescent Temple Clowns
• Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts
• Future Farmers of America with Cavalcade of Tractors, Little League Teams, 4 H Clubs
Update: As of 5:15 p.m. traffic issues from this accident have resolved.
Update from NJ State Police: Trooper Brandi Slota from the New Jersey State Police, Public Information Unit told MidJersey.news that the crash occurred at 2:29 p.m. on the Turnpike inner lanes northbound at milepost 67.1. Preliminary investigation reveals that a box truck was traveling on the outer lanes when it came through the guardrail and struck a Jeep, then subsequently struck a Honda. There were two minor injuries.
EAST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–At 2:32 p.m. the Robbinsville Township Fire Department, Hightstown Fire Department, Robbinsville EMS, Hightstown First Aid and Captial Health Paramedics responded to the NJ Turnpike north bound near Exit 8. It appears that a box truck traveling north bound in the outer roadway broke though a guard rail into the inner roadway crossed over multiple lanes of traffic, and collided with two vehicles before coming to rest near the off ramp for the NJ Turnpike. There were reports of two people with non-life-threating injuries that were transported to local hospitals for treatment. Firefighters assisted the injured and applied oil absorbent from spilled fuel and oil from the vehicles. NJ State Police is investigating the crash.
At times traffic in the north bound direction was backed up six miles in the north bound direction all the way to Exit 7 A in Robbinsville.
At 4:35 p.m. Google Traffic reports a 4-mile delay prior to Exit 8 in the north bound direction prior to the crash.
See update from NJ State police above the origninal MidJersey.News story.
Crash and Crash with Injuries on New Jersey Turnpike Inner Roadway northbound South of Interchange 8 – NJ 33 (East Windsor Twp) All lanes blocked https://t.co/foOaEHJHyv
Delays on New Jersey Turnpike Inner Roadway northbound North of Interchange 7A – I-195 (Robbinsville) to South of Interchange 8 – NJ 33 (East Windsor Twp) All lanes open 5 mile delay due to an incident on the NJ Turnpike https://t.co/hX0P4MrdDM
Delays on New Jersey Turnpike Outer Roadway northbound South of Interchange 8 – NJ 33 (Robbinsville) to South of Interchange 8 – NJ 33 (East Windsor Twp) All lanes open 3 mile delay due to an incident on the NJ Turnpike https://t.co/rtohU5PiBT
Delays on New Jersey Turnpike Outer Roadway northbound North of Interchange 7A – I-195 (Robbinsville) to South of Interchange 8 – NJ 33 (East Windsor Twp) All lanes open 5 mile delay due to an incident on the NJ Turnpike https://t.co/tBLdWuf3Og
Crash and Crash with Injuries on New Jersey Turnpike Inner Roadway northbound South of Interchange 8 – NJ 33 (East Windsor Twp) 3 Right lanes of 4 lanes blocked https://t.co/WlmStlKOFU
Delays on New Jersey Turnpike Inner Roadway northbound North of Interchange 7A – I-195 (Robbinsville) to South of Interchange 8 – NJ 33 (East Windsor Twp) All lanes open 5 mile delay due to an incident on the NJ Turnpike https://t.co/46eTx98cpH
Delays on New Jersey Turnpike Inner Roadway northbound South of Interchange 8 – NJ 33 (Robbinsville) to South of Interchange 8 – NJ 33 (East Windsor Twp) All lanes open 3 mile delay due to an incident on the NJ Turnpike https://t.co/drsqcEQ6wl
EWING TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Ewing Township Firefighters, EMS and Police responded to a motor vehicle accident with extrication on West Ingham Avenue near Kelsey Avenue at 1:12 p.m. Firefighters were able to extricate the trapped occupants. EMS transported the injured to a local hospital for treatment. Ewing Township Police is investigating the crash. No further details are available at this time.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–It was only yesterday when a bullet went flying through a window of a Trenton Fire Station on West State Street. Today a fire department engine calls in shots fired as a Shot Spotter activation comes into Trenton Police in the area of Southard Street and New Willow Street around 1:14 p.m. The firefighters asked for police to respond since they heard several gunshots near their location. Police, Trenton EMS and Captial Health Paramedics responded to the scene. There were reports of a person shot but it was unclear if anyone was hit and transported to the hospital.
Then around 4:47 p.m. in the 1500 Block of West State Street shots were fired but there were no victims found. This was also in the area of Trenton Engine 9 the same area were a bullet flew though the window near the “watch desk” of the fire station yesterday.
As a thank you for combatting last September’s fire, Big SNOW’s ceremonial “first chair” honored representatives from various responding fire departments.
May 27, 2022
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ (May 2022) – Big SNOW American Dream, North America’s first indoor, real-snow ski and snowboard center providing guests with year-round winter indoors, reopened today, Friday, May 27. The indoor ski resort is open from 1:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. today. The indoor ski resort suffered a 3-alarm fire on September 25, 2021 and repairs have been completed just in time for Memorial Day Weekend. During the reopening event the venue hosted a snow-studded Beach Party, including DJ entertainment, live ice-sculpting, complimentary photo shoot sessions and an opportunity to meet and ride with athletes from Burton. There were also door prize giveaways throughout the day, including 50% off return visit vouchers.
“We are excited to reopen Big SNOW to guests this Memorial Day Weekend,” said Trish McLeod, Director of Resorts Marketing & Sales, SNOW Partners. “We thank our visitors and team for their patience as we’ve worked diligently to resume the full operation of the facility. We are appreciative of all the hard work that has gone towards this reopening and look forward to welcoming guests back to our slope where we offer endless winter fun right here in New Jersey.”
As a thank you for combatting last September’s fire, Big SNOW’s ceremonial “first chair” honored representatives from various responding fire departments. The venue will also offer discounted tickets to responding firefighters and their families interested in hitting the slopes this summer.
“We are tremendously thankful for the quick response and efforts made by the local fire departments last fall,” continued McLeod. “These complimentary tickets are just a small token of our appreciation. At Big SNOW, every day is a snow day, so we hope to see local firefighters and their families cool off and hit the slopes this summer.”
Ideal for first-timers or those just looking to keep their ski skills intact this summer, Big SNOW offers Snow Day packages that provide everything needed to enjoy a day on the snow. Packages include ski/board rental, outerwear, complimentary access to Terrain Based Learning skills areas and a team of dedicated instructors. This summer also marks the return of Camp BIG’s Summer Series – a four-day camp designed for children ages 5-12 to level-up on their ski and snowboard skills. Participating campers will receive continuous supervision with personalized on-snow instruction, complimentary ski or snowboard equipment rental and outwear rentals, as well as, slope access tickets, daily snacks and a goodie bag.
As a thank you for combatting last September’s fire, Big SNOW’s ceremonial “first chair” honored representatives from various responding fire departments. The venue will also offer discounted tickets to responding firefighters and their families interested in hitting the slopes this summer.
TRENTON, N.J. – The Assembly on Thursday passed Assemblyman Ron Dancer’s bill that names new management to the nation’s oldest and largest university-based environmental education facility.
The Friends of the New Jersey School of Conservationare named manager under Dancer’s legislation (A3149), taking the reins from Montclair State University, which had managed the New Jersey School of Conservation since 1981. The school is located on 240 acres in Stokes State Forest in Sussex County.
“The Friends has been an indispensable asset to the running of the school, and stepped in when Montclair found it was no longer viable to keep the school open during the Covid-19 pandemic,” Dancer (R-Ocean) said. “The organization submitted a plan to keep the school running. It will be exciting to witness what this new chapter brings to the school and the thousands of teachers and students who benefit from it.”
The Friends has shifted its focus to restoration, preservation and advocacy in recent years. With Montclair out, at the height the pandemic, the Friends reopened the school on a limited basis in the summer of 2020 and secured $1 million from the state Legislature for repairs at some of the 55 buildings that comprise the campus. Partnering with Rutgers University, Ramapo College and Sussex County Community College, the organization plans to upgrade and transform the school into a premier training and research facility. Dancer noted he appreciates Montclair’s role in the transition.
Dancer’s bill requires the Friends to submit a financial statement annually to the Department of Education, which would be responsible for funding the school. Its plan proposes a $1.72 million budget by FY2025.
“The New Jersey School of Conservation has provided valuable environmental education programs for decades,” Dancer added. “My bill will ensure the school continues to provide that for years to come.”
The bill now heads to the governor’s desk for signing.
Located on a 240-acre tract of land in Stokes State Forest in Sussex County, New Jersey, the School of Conservation is our nation’s oldest and largest environmental education center. NJSOC has a long and celebrated history, beginning in 1949 when officials from the Department of Higher Education, college presidents, the Department of Conservation and Economic Development, politicians, and conservationists worked together to realize the promise of a world-class outdoor education center in an abandoned CCC camp. It played a key role in the development of the environmental education movement, and has served as a model for environmental centers throughout the world. The SOC’s resident programs and summer camps have served more than 400,000 students, teachers, masters and doctoral candidates, faculty and visiting professionals from every walk of life through the nearly 40,000 workshops and environmental education programs offered at the SOC over its 71-year history.
TRENTON, N.J. – The Assembly on Thursday passed Assemblyman Ron Dancer’s bill that will allow wineries on preserved farmlands to continue hosting special occasion events.
Dancer’s bill (A4037) reinstates the pilot program allowing those special occasion events for two years once the bill is adopted. The bill also retroactively approves such events held since May 30, 2020, when the program expired and confusion reigned over its status.
“Reports from the initial winery pilot program showed it to be a huge success. Not only did it improve farms’ bottom lines, but we saw an increase in overall ‘agritourism,’” Dancer (R-Ocean) said. “My bill helps the state’s agricultural community remain economically viable by permitting more public activities at wineries on preserved farms.”
The bill allows wineries on preserved farmland to hold special occasion events, such as weddings or other milestone celebrations, provided the farm produces agricultural or horticultural products. The pilot program was launched back in 2014, and renewed in 2018, with seven of the 19 wineries on preserved farmland participating.
“Agritourism is a $1 billion industry in the U.S. that has created 9 million jobs since 2007, and continues to grow,” Dancer said. “I am committed to helping this industry grow in the Garden State, and I’m gratified that this goal has strong bipartisan support.”
The bill now goes to the governor’s desk for signing.
According to Prosecutors, Tsamas was working for a company hired by Verizon to solicit customers on a door-to-door basis.
May 27, 2022
JACKSON TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer and Jackson Township Police Chief Matthew Kunz announced that on May 26, 2022, Michael Tsamas, 32, of Laurence Harbor, was charged with Murder in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:11-3a(1), in connection with the death of Joseph Delgardio in Jackson Township on May 26, 2022. Tsamas was also charged with Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4d, and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5d.
On May 26, 2022, at approximately 6:15 p.m., Officers from the Jackson Township Police Department responded to the area of West Veterans Highway and Conor Road in reference to a 911 call stating that a male was lying in the roadway in a pool of blood. Responding Officers found Joseph Delgardio, 44, of Jackson Township, with a severe wound to his neck. At the time of the Officers arrival, Mr. Delgardio was already receiving first aid CPR from Fire Department personnel. Life-saving measures were unsuccessful, and Mr. Delgardio was pronounced deceased at the scene.
An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Jackson Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, revealed that Tsamas was working for a company hired by Verizon to solicit customers on a door-to-door basis. Tsamas knocked on Mr. Delgardio’s door in an attempt to solicit his business. Mr. Delgardio told Tsamas that he was not interested, and Tsamas left Mr. Delgardio’s residence. A short time later, Mr. Delgardio confronted Tsamas on the street and a physical altercation ensued. During the altercation, Tsamas removed a knife from his pocket and stabbed Mr. Delgardio in the neck. Tsamas was taken into custody without incident at the scene, and is currently lodged in the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.
Prosecutor Billhimer and Chief Kunz commend the collaborative efforts of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, Jackson Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, for their collective and cooperative assistance in connection with this investigation leading to Tsamas’ apprehension.
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).
Michael Tsamas, 32, of Laurence Harbor
Michael Tsamas, 32, of Laurence Harbor, was charged with Murder in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:11-3a(1), in connection with the death of Joseph Delgardio in Jackson Township on May 26, 2022. Tsamas was also charged with Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4d, and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5d.
According to Prosecutors, Tsamas was working for a company hired by Verizon to solicit customers on a door-to-door basis. Tsamas knocked on Mr. Delgardio’s door in an attempt to solicit his business. Mr. Delgardio told Tsamas that he was not interested, and Tsamas left Mr. Delgardio’s residence. A short time later, Mr. Delgardio confronted Tsamas on the street and a physical altercation ensued. During the altercation, Tsamas removed a knife from his pocket and stabbed Mr. Delgardio in the neck.
ROBBINSVILLE – UPPER FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP — Around 9:44 p.m. 9-1-1 calls were received for a crash at the intersection of Old York Road and Herbert Road, NJ State Police and Robbinsville Police responded to the scene. It appeared that a vehicle proceeded though a stop sign on Herbert Road and crossed Old York Road and came to rest on an embankment on the opposite side of Old York Road.
Hope Fire Company of Allentown and Robbinsville Township Fire Department and EMS were detailed for reported injuries. Upon arrival of emergency services, it was determined that the injury was minor, and no transport was needed.
Firefighters stood by while a tow truck from Treat’s Garage, Mackey’s Towing removed the vehicle.
Robbinsville Township Police Department is investigating the accident.
5/27/2022 UPDATE from Hamilton Township Police Division:
On May 26, 2022 at approximately 9:10 pm, a 2016 Nissan Versa, driven by a 36yoa male from Easton Pennsylvania, was traveling northbound on E. State St Extension near Montana Ave when it entered into the right-side shoulder of the roadway and struck the rear of a 2020 EAS Trailer, owned and operated by David’s Express, of Hamilton NJ, which was parked and unoccupied in the shoulder of E. State St Extension. The driver of the vehicle was transported to Capital Health Hospital at Fuld where he succumbed to his injuries. His name is being withheld pending notification to family.
The crash is being investigated by Officers B. Wood, F. LaVacca, and C. Clugsten of the Hamilton Police Traffic Unit.
Any witnesses are asked to contact the Hamilton Police Traffic Unit at (609)581-4000.
Original MidJersey.News story here:
May 26, 2022
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Hamilton Police, Hamilton Township Fire Department, RWJ EMS and Captial Health Paramedics responded to East State Street Extension near Montana Avenue for a serious crash where a car rear ended a tractor trailer around 9:15 p.m. The occupant was extricated by the fire department and transported to the Trauma Center at Capital Health Regional Medical Center in Trenton. Hamilton Township Police Division is conducting a serious crash investigation.
The story will be updated as information becomes available.
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Hamilton Police say that on May 26, 2022 at approximately 5:50pm, a 2003 Acura TL, driven by Ashley Williams, 35yoa female from Hamilton, was traveling southbound on Pitman Ave near Rennie St when she lost control of her vehicle and struck a tree. The Acura continued traveling southbound and Ms. Williams was ejected from the vehicle before the vehicle finally came to a stop. Her front seat passenger, Cedric Williams, 59yoa male from Hamilton, had to be extricated from the vehicle by members of the Hamilton Fire Division. Both the driver and front passenger suffered serious injuries and were transported to Capital Health Hospital at Fuld for treatment. A rear seat passenger, 11yoa male, was uninjured and released to a family member
The crash is being investigated by Officers C. Clugsten, B. DiBiasi, and F. LaVacca of the Hamilton Police Traffic Unit.
Any witnesses are asked to contact the Hamilton Police Traffic Unit at (609)581-4000.
The last firehouse to be shot was only a month ago, when one firefighter working out on an elliptical trainer in the firehouse gym was struck by gunfire inside the station.
May 26, 2022
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–A month to the day another Trenton Firehouse has been shot up again by neighborhood gun violence.
Trenton Police Department, Detective Lieutenant Bethesda Stokes stated that at 4:26 p.m. police responded to 1519 West State Street for a Shot Spotter activation of eight rounds. Police discovered that Trenton Fire Department Engine 9’s quarters had been struck. No one was injured.
It was exactly a month ago on April 26, 2022 that a city firefighter narrowly escaped serious injury when he was grazed by a stray bullet while he was on duty working out at the firehouse of Engine 1 and Ladder 1 on Calhoun Street.
Above photos by: Brian McCarthy OnScene News
MidJersey.news has reached out to the Trenton Firefighters Union FMBA Local 6 and 206 for comment.
Statement from FMBA Local 6 President Andres Perez:
Firefighters in the city already have a dangerous job, running into burning buildings and going to EMS calls where violent crimes have been committed. And that is just a small bit of our duties as firefighters in the capital city. While we go to these calls knowing there is danger we take calculated risks to do what’s best for city residents. These risk don’t usually consist of doing our duties at a watch desk and having gunfire erupt and actually hit the buildings and in within the past month actually hit a firefighter. The administration both Fire and the city is usually reactive, however in these cases we have yet to see anything from our administration. This has been all to familiar in recent years with the uptick of crime and gunplay within the city. Both police and fire seem to not have the resources nor the funding to do their jobs efficiently and safely. Even with the previous shooting at Calhoun we have yet to do any proactive measures to help protect Firefighters while within the walls of their respective stations. —FMBA Local 6 President Andres Perez
Union Spokes Person for both locals, Kevin Soto who happened to be hit by gunfire working out at the Calhoun Street firehouse during the shooting last month stated:
“What we need is bullet proof windows and some kind of safety for all of us, what are they waiting for? For one of us to be dead? This has got to stop man! Now I can’t go to work without having to worry about if I’m going to make it home to my family just sitting around in the firehouse. We all put our lives on the line every single day to save another life. When we are called upon to perform our duty but we don’t go to work to sit like ducks waiting to get shot. I signed up for this job to save another life and knowing mines can be at risk in the process of doing that duty and I’m ok with that. What I am not ok with is sitting at a firehouse table talking to all my brothers and sisters waiting for the tones to drop and end up getting shot. This needs to stop! Our safety needs to be put first and they need to put up bullet proof windows, etc. around all firehouses and police departments if they care so much about us. Show us and stop giving us a political show and start making moves actions speak louder than words!“— Kevin Soto FMBA Locals 6 and 206 Spokesperson and shooting victim from Calhoun Street Firehouse
The photos above show a bullet hole that came though the window near the “watch desk” The watch desk is where firefighters sit and monitor the radio desk for calls to respond to.
This is still a developing story check back for further information.
Charges Stem from “Operation Risky Business,” a Collaborative Investigation Led by the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, Division of Criminal Justice, New Jersey State Police, and U.S. Homeland Security Investigations
May 26, 2022
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–New Jersey Acting Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri today announced the arrests of 21 alleged child predators in “Operation Risky Business,” a multi-agency undercover operation targeting individuals who allegedly were using social medial in an attempt to lure underage girls and boys for sexual activity. The defendants will be prosecuted by the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office and the Division of Criminal Justice.
The underage “children” were, in fact, undercover officers. Most of the defendants in Operation Risky Business were arrested at either the undercover residence in Hamilton Township or another meet-up location, including the Hamilton Train Station. Those who went to the undercover house allegedly expected to find their victims home alone. Instead, they found law enforcement officers prepared to arrest them and process any evidence seized. Those arrested include four Megan’s Law registrants, an injury lawyer from Georgia, an information technology worker, a dump truck driver, and a pastry chef from the Pocono Mountains region. One defendant was arrested and charged in two cases because he was chatting online with two separate undercover officers.
The operation was led by the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit, the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice Financial and Cyber Crimes Bureau, and the New Jersey State Police, in collaboration with U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, and additional federal, state and county law enforcement agencies listed below.
“Operation Risky Business is a great example of how successful law enforcement agencies can be when they collaborate across all levels like they did here by proactively investigating and arresting predators who sought to sexually exploit children,” said Acting Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin. “We are committed to working collaboratively in order to aggressively investigate and prosecute sex offenders. But we also need parents to talk to their children about the dangers of social media and let them know not everyone who they encounter online is who they initially claim to be.”
“Not in Mercer. Not our children. Not under my watch. That’s the message we are sending to sexual predators with collaborative efforts like Operation Risky Business,” said Prosecutor Onofri. “Social media sites have become hunting grounds for individuals looking to exploit children. Law enforcement will continue to use every investigative tool at our disposal to aggressively pursue and prosecute these predators that attempt to exploit our most innocent victims, but we can’t do it alone. Parents and guardians can do their part by remaining vigilant. Talk to your children about the dangers that exist on social media and gaming apps, and monitor their online activity.”
“Through collaborative efforts like this, we are sending a strong message to parents that we must remain vigilant and do our part to protect children by keeping communication open and warning them about the dangers of the Internet,” said Director Lyndsay V. Ruotolo of the Division of Criminal Justice. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners across all levels to investigate, apprehend, and prosecute offenders who attempt to sexually exploit children. There is no higher priority than keeping our children safe.”
“Operation Risky Business was a complete success; however, it is also a sobering reminder that there is no shortage of online predators willing to exploit children.” said Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “We remain committed to seeking out these criminals but remind parents and guardians that they need to be aware of the dangers that exist online and do their part to actively monitor and safeguard their children’s activity.”
“HSI is committed to supporting coordinated operations, helping ensure the children of our communities are protected from dangerous predators,” said Special Agent in Charge Jason J. Molina of HSI Newark.
About half of the arrests in Operation Risky Business were made over a four-day period from April 7 through April 10. The defendants were from New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and one from Georgia. They are variously charged with offenses including second-degree attempted luring, second-degree attempted sexual assault, third-degree attempted endangering the welfare of a child, and fourth-degree attempted criminal sexual contact. Arrest warrants for the remainder of the suspects were forwarded to the U.S. Marshals Service, who tracked down the rest of the alleged predators over the last few weeks.
The undercover law enforcement members who conducted the chats with the defendants were specially trained members of the New Jersey ICAC Task Force. The defendants typically initiated contact based on profiles posted on social media platforms by the undercover detectives and agents. The social platforms that were used in these encounters included Kik, Skout, Whisper, Grindr, GROWLr, and MeetMe. Once chatting began, the undercover officers clearly identified themselves as underage girls or boys. Despite that information, the defendants allegedly engaged the purported “children” in conversations about sex, and all 21 defendants are alleged to have made arrangements to meet the “children” for sex. Some of the chats were conducted over a period of several weeks leading up to the “meet-up” week when arrests were made.
Prosecutor Onofri advised parents to familiarize themselves with the apps their children use, as well as signs that their children may be targets of online exploitation. “Spending an increasing amount of time online, becoming secretive about their online conduct, switching screens or closing tabs or windows whenever a parent is close, using sexual language they would not be expected to know and becoming emotionally volatile, these are all red flags,” he said.
The undercover house was staffed with dozens of law enforcement officers, analysts and attorneys. Attorneys and detectives drafted search warrants for electronic devices that were seized from the defendants. These devices were taken to the forensic computer laboratory at the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office for full forensic examinations. These examinations, which are ongoing, will enable investigators to determine if the devices contain evidence of any prior encounters by the defendants with underage victims, which might constitute additional cases of luring, sexual assault or child endangerment.
The defendants were lodged in the Mercer County Correction Center until detention hearings were held. Three defendants – Gregory Barger (who is a registered sex offender in Pennsylvania), Justin Wann, and James Hendryx – were ordered detained in jail pending trial. The other defendants were released subject to stringent pre-trial monitoring conditions, including at a minimum reporting regularly to Pre-Trial Services staff and prohibitions from using the internet except for work or having any unsupervised contact with children under 18.
The following 21 men were arrested in Operation Risky Business and are charged as indicated. They allegedly believed they were communicating with a minor as described in parentheses. The prosecuting agency is also specified.
Laurentiu Tonea, 41, East Windsor, NJ. (Girl, 14) Tonea is an information technology worker in Edison, NJ. Charges: Attempted sexual assault, two counts of attempted endangering the welfare of a child, attempted criminal sexual contact, attempted luring. The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office (MCPO) is prosecuting.
Richard Parsons, 42, Cumming, GA. (Girl, 14) Parsons is an injury lawyer. Charges: Two counts of attempted endangering the welfare of a child, attempted criminal sexual contact. MCPO is prosecuting.
Michael Kramer, 52, Philadelphia, PA. (Girl, 15) Kramer is a dump truck driver. Charges: Attempted endangering the welfare of a child, attempted sexual assault, attempted possession of child pornography, attempted manufacturing of child pornography. MCPO is prosecuting.
Robert Franklin, Gloucester City, NJ. (Girl, 13) Charge: Attempted endangering the welfare of a child. MCPO is prosecuting.
Jesus Clavel Villa, 49, Trenton, NJ. (Girl, 14) Villa is a cook in Trenton. Charges: Attempted sexual assault, attempted luring, attempted endangering the welfare of a child. The Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ) is prosecuting.
Moises Cortes Diaz, 35, New Brunswick, NJ. (Girl, 13) Diaz is a self-employed painter. Charges: Attempted sexual assault, attempted luring, attempted endangering the welfare of a child, attempted manufacturing of child pornography. DCJ is prosecuting.
Joseph Roman, 31, Denville, NJ. (Girl, 14) Roman is unemployed and a registered sex offender. Charges: Attempted sexual assault, two counts of attempted endangering the welfare of a child, attempted manufacturing of child pornography. MCPO is prosecuting.
Emanuel Rodriguez, 25, Trenton, NJ. (Girl, 14) Charges: Two counts of attempted endangering the welfare of a child, attempted manufacturing of child pornography. MCPO is prosecuting.
Gregory Barger, 37, Morrisville, PA. (Girl, 14) Barger is a self-employed painter and a registered sex offender in Pennsylvania. Charges: Attempted sexual assault, attempted luring, attempted endangering the welfare of a child, attempted kidnapping. MCPO is prosecuting.
Justin Wann, 35, Paulsboro, NJ. (Girl, 14) Wann is a self-employed painter. Charges: Attempted sexual assault, attempted luring, attempted kidnapping, attempted criminal sexual contact, attempted endangering the welfare of a child. MCPO is prosecuting. (Also see # 16 for second case)
Frank Duggan, 54, Bordentown, NJ. (Girl, 14) Duggan is unemployed. Charges: Attempted sexual assault, attempted luring, attempted endangering the welfare of a child, attempted manufacturing of child pornography. DCJ is prosecuting.
Nestor Alonso Chappuis, 37, Hamilton, NJ. (Girl, 14) Chappuis is unemployed and a registered sex offender. Charges: Attempted sexual assault, attempted luring, attempted endangering the welfare of a child. MCPO is prosecuting.
Evan Sluka, 27, Blakeslee, PA. (Girl, 14) Sluka is a chef in Stroudsburg, PA. Charges: Attempted sexual assault, attempted luring, attempted endangering the welfare of a child, attempted criminal sexual contact. DCJ is prosecuting.
James Hendryx, 26, Hamilton, NJ. (Boy, 14) Hendryx is unemployed. Charges: Attempted sexual assault, attempted luring, attempted endangering the welfare of a child. MCPO is prosecuting.
Kyle Zang, 31, Stewartstown, PA. (Girl, 14) Charges: Two counts of attempted endangering the welfare of a child, attempted manufacturing of child pornography. MCPO is prosecuting.
Justin Wann, 35, Paulsboro. (Girl, 14) Wann is a self-employed painter. Charges: Four counts of attempted endangering the welfare of a child. MCPO is prosecuting. This second case is based on an additional chat with another undercover officer.
Christopher Baez, 36, New York, NY. (Girl, 14) Baez is a restaurant worker. Charges: Two counts of attempted endangering the welfare of a child, attempted manufacturing of child pornography. MCPO is prosecuting.
Joseph Zekas, 49, Williamstown, NJ. (Girl, 13) Charges: Attempted sexual assault, attempted criminal sexual contact, attempted endangering the welfare of a child. MCPO is prosecuting.
Taylor Picillo, 29, Hamilton, NJ. (Boy, 14). Picillo is employed by a solar energy equipment supplier in Rocklin, CA. Charges: Attempted sexual assault, attempted luring, attempted endangering the welfare of a child, resisting arrest. MCPO is prosecuting.
William Oldham, 45, Williamstown, NJ. (Girl, 14) Oldham is a fence installer. Charges: Two counts of attempted endangering the welfare of a child, attempted manufacturing of child pornography. MCPO is prosecuting.
Charles Amer, 50, Maple Shade, NJ. (Girl, 13) Amer is a warehouse laborer and a registered sex offender. Charges: Attempted endangering the welfare of a child, attempted luring. MCPO is prosecuting.
Yohann Rigogne, 41, Philadelphia, PA. (Girl, 14) Rigogne is unemployed. Charge: Attempted endangering the welfare of a child. MCPO is prosecuting.
Second-degree charges carry a sentence of five to 10 years in state prison and a fine of up to $150,000, while third-degree charges carry a sentence of three of five years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000. Fourth-degree charges carry a sentence of up to 18 months in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
Prosecutor Onofri commended all of the individuals and agencies who conducted Operation Risky Business. He thanked the members of the ICAC Unit who led and coordinated the operation for the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, particularly Sergeants Joe Paglione and Michael Castaldo, under the direction of Chief of Detectives Jessica Plumeri. He also thanked Assistant Prosecutor Alycia Beyrouty, chief of ICAC, and Chief Jillian Carpenter of the state Division of Criminal Justice Financial and Cyber Crimes Bureau.
He further commended all of the members of the New Jersey State Police who worked on Operation Risky Business, under the direction of Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, particularly Lieutenant Stephen Urbanski and Detective Sergeant Paul Sciortino, and all of the special agents of U.S. Homeland Security Investigations – Cherry Hill Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jason J. Molina, particularly Supervisory Special Agent John Fitch.
Prosecutor Onofri also thanked the following federal, state and county agencies that assisted in Operation Risky Business:
New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice Financial and Cyber Crimes Bureau
New Jersey Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office
Mercer County Sheriff’s Office
Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office
Camden County Prosecutor’s Office
Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office
Mercer County Central Motor Pool
The charges against the defendants in Operation Risky Business are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Because they are indictable offenses, they will be presented to a grand jury for potential indictment.
Linda Mika, 70, and Paul Mika, 74, both of Jackson, New Jersey, and Kenneth Mika, 50, of Ewing, New Jersey, are charged by indictment with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and five counts of wire fraud in connection with the scheme. Kenneth Mika was additionally charged with two counts of making false statements.
May 26, 2022
TRENTON, N.J. – Three New Jersey, individuals were indicted today for their role in a years-long scheme to defraud the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) by providing military equipment parts that were not authorized under the governing contracts, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Linda Mika, 70, and Paul Mika, 74, both of Jackson, New Jersey, and Kenneth Mika, 50, of Ewing, New Jersey, are charged by indictment with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and five counts of wire fraud in connection with the scheme. Kenneth Mika was additionally charged with two counts of making false statements.
According to documents filed in this case:
From at least March 2016 through April 2020, the Mikas conspired with each other and others to defraud the DoD and one of its combat logistic support arms, the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), by engaging in a pattern of unlawful product substitution. Paul Mika was the founder and owner of Monmouth Marine Engines Inc. (Monmouth Marine), a maritime equipment and servicing facility, which, as an approved federal contractor, also entered into contracts with DLA to supply DoD contracting entities with replacement hardware for DoD’s military branches. Linda Mika, Paul Mika’s wife, and Kenneth Mika, Paul and Linda Mika’s son, were employees of Monmouth Marine.
The Mikas, on behalf of Monmouth Marine, obtained contracts with the DoD by falsely claiming that the military parts they contracted to provide would be exact products furnished by authorized manufacturers or suppliers. Once awarded the contracts, however, the Mikas sourced non-conforming substitute parts at a significantly reduced cost to fill the contracts. They did this to maximize their profit margin while also suppressing fair competition in the bidding of federal contracts. Upon receipt by Monmouth Marine, the non-conforming parts were then shipped to DLA in packaging disguising the parts’ identities in an effort by the Mikas to deceive DLA and its unwitting downstream purchasers.
During an audit of Monmouth Marine conducted in February 2020, Kenneth Mika falsely stated to DLA auditors that Monmouth Marine had been authorized by certain representatives of the Defense Contract Management Agency to substitute parts under DLA contracts. Kenneth Mika repeated these false representations to FBI and Defense Criminal Investigation Service agents in July 2020.
Each count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud is punishable by a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a maximum $250,000 fine. Each count of making false statements is punishable by a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum $250,00 fine.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of and the U.S. Department of Defense, Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Northeast Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Patrick J. Hegarty; and special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Messenger with the investigation leading to today’s indictment.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric A. Boden of the U.S. Attorney=s Office Criminal Division in Trenton.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
22-200
Defense counsel:
Linda Mika: Dennis C. Carletta Esq., Cedar Grove, New Jersey Kenneth Mika: Eric W. Moran Esq., New York Paul Mika: Timothy R. Anderson Esq., Red Bank, New Jersey
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER) – Governor Phil Murphy announced today that, as of Memorial Day Weekend, entry to all New Jersey state parks, forests, and recreation areas will be free of charge this summer. Presented in the FY 2023 budget proposal, the one-year state parks fee holiday is one of several fee waivers and programs designed to advance affordability and opportunity in New Jersey.
Park entrance fees will be waived for all visitors, regardless of state residency. Anyone who already purchased a 2022 annual State Park Pass will automatically receive a full refund. Other individual park fees remain in place, including but not limited to camping, interpretive programs, and mobile sport fishing permits.
“Presented in our FY2023 budget, the bold steps we have taken toward a more affordable Garden State will ensure access to our state parks for everyone – residents and visitors alike,” said Governor Murphy. “While incentivizing tourism and economic activity in our local communities, the fee holiday also promotes access to green, open space; thriving waterways; and the many natural wonders that make us proud to call New Jersey our home. We thank the Department of Environmental Protection for its devoted environmental stewardship, which enables each and every New Jerseyan to enjoy the physical and mental health benefits that safe outdoor activities provide.”
Commissioner of Environmental Protection Shawn M. LaTourette also shared news of the state parks fee holiday during the annual State of the Shore event in Asbury Park today. With the arrival of the Memorial Day weekend, Commissioner LaTourette kicked off the summer outdoor season this week with visits to the Jersey shore and lakeshores, including Hopatcong State Park.
“From High Point State Park in Sussex County to Cape May Point State Park in Cape May County, the state park system provides endless opportunities for recreation – from swimming, hiking and kayaking, to picnicking, exploring nature and experiencing our rich history,” said Commissioner LaTourette. “Whatever your passion or interest, there is a state park in New Jersey for you. We look forward to a great season.”
The New Jersey State Park System, comprised of more than 50 sites and 453,000 acres, draws millions of visitors each year and is a key contributor to the state’s summer tourism economy.
Lifeguards at Island Beach State Park, the only oceanfront swimming beach under the State Park Service’s administration, will go on duty at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 28.
Lakefront lifeguards are anticipated to be on duty in mid-June at nine swimming areas throughout the state park system. Park users may check the current operating status of their favorite swimming area at State Park Service’s website.
The State Park Service continues to recruit lifeguards at all swimming areas throughout New Jersey. Salaries start at $17.50 per hour at lakefront beaches, while oceanfront guards at Island Beach State Park start at $18.50 per hour. Prior experience is not necessary, but candidates must pass running and swim tests prior to employment. Apply today by visiting nj.gov/dep/workinparks
You must be logged in to post a comment.