HOWELL TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–The Howell Township Traffic Safety Unit is investigating a fatal single vehicle crash which occurred on July 29, 2022. At approximately 10:27p.m., a 23-year-old motorcyclist from Jackson Township was traveling west on Norse Drive when he left the road for an unknown reason and struck a utility pole. The motorcyclist sustained traumatic injuries, and life savings measures were initiated by first responders. He was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center, but was pronounced deceased at the hospital. The crash remains under investigation by the Howell Township Police Department Any witnesses are asked to call Ptl. Kyle Bush of the Howell Police Traffic Safety Unit at 732-938-4575, ext 2667 or Det. Brian Boryszewski of the Monmouth County Prosecutors Office at 732-431-7160, ext. 4082.
FREEHOLD – A fatal shooting that took place yesterday evening in Asbury Park is under active investigation, Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Lori Linskey announced Friday.
Shortly before 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 28, members of the Asbury Park Police Department responded to a report of gunfire originating from the 1600 block of Sewall Avenue.
Upon arrival at the scene, officers encountered 33-year-old Kyshawn Walker of Asbury Park, who had sustained multiple gunshot injuries. He was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center, where he was pronounced deceased a short while later.
The investigation into this shooting is being handled by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office’s Major Crimes Bureau and the Asbury Park Police Department. Anyone with information about this matter is being urged to contact MCPO Detective Matthew Delgado at 800-533-7443 or Asbury Park Police Department Detective Anthony Houlis at 732-774-1300.
This case has been assigned to Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Joseph Cummings.
TRENTON (July29, 2022) – The ten-figure jackpot frenzy keeps pushing the Mega Millions jackpot higher and higher for tonight’s drawing. The clock is ticking, and tickets must be purchased before 10:45 pm! The jackpot has just been increased to $1.28 billion, the second-largest jackpot in Mega Millions history. The estimated cash value is $747.2 million.
Over one million New Jersey players have already won prizes during this jackpot roll, including three tickets worth $1,000,000 and another worth $3,000,000. Another 34 New Jersey players have won prizes of $10,000 or more by matching four of the five white balls and the Mega Ball drawn.
Players are reminded that Lottery games are for fun and entertainment – it only takes one ticket to get in the game. The Lottery promotes responsible play through its cooperation with the Council on Compulsive Gambling of NJ and by promoting the Council’s helpline phone number, 1-800-GAMBLER, on all Lottery marketing and advertising materials.
In an office lottery pool or friendly jackpot squad? We recommend having important rules in place before any drawing, including an exact list of who is in each drawing. Make sure copies of the ticket are shared with everyone before the drawing, and consider receipts for paying members of any lottery pool. If somebody misses a payment collection day, are they in the drawing or not? Visit our site for a full list of recommendations, have all members of your squad review the guidelines, and remember to keep it fun!
Our website features important information for players, including Mega Millions odds & prizes. If a player believes they have a winning ticket, we recommend signing the back of the ticket and taking a picture of both sides for security before checking the ticket with our app, website, or any New Jersey Lottery retailer. A winner of a large prize may wish to seek financial and legal consultation.
SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–Just before 8:00 p.m., on Sunday, July 24th, the Monmouth Junction Fire Department, South Brunswick EMS, and South Brunswick Police Department were dispatched to Davids Court for a smoke condition in the residence and a possible basement fire. First arriving police officers and fire chiefs observed heavy smoke coming from one residence of the two-family dwelling. Firefighters entered the home and located a working fire in the basement, which was quickly extinguished. Firefighters remained on scene until just after 10 PM, extinguishing hot spots and ventilating smoke and carbon monoxide that had spread throughout both residences. Responding to the fire were the Monmouth Junction, Kingston & Kendall Park Fire Departments. Firefighters from Jamesburg and Plainsboro covered South Brunswick during the incident. EMS units from South Brunswick, Plainsboro, and North Brunswick responded to the scene to provide monitoring and rehab for firefighters. All residents escaped the home, and there were no injuries. The fire is currently under investigation by the South Brunswick Township Fire Safety Bureau.
Monmouth Junction Fire Chief Scott Smith said, “Basement fires are one of the most dangerous types of fires we can respond to. The firefighters did a great job advancing to the basement and quickly extinguishing the fire, under very hot and smokey conditions. The humid weather certainly added to the challenge for our firefighters with the amount of protective gear we have to wear.”
This fire also demonstrates the importance of keeping doors and windows closed in the event of a fire. Fortunately, the door at the top of the stairs to the basement, and the few basement windows, were all closed. This helped to limit the smoke spread and the amount of oxygen available to feed the fire. We must also remind residents to exit a home or building immediately in the event of smoke or fire, and call 9-1-1 right away once safely outside.
SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–The South Brunswick Police Department announced yesterday that motor vehicle tickets have been issued in connection to the July 11, 2022, fatal motorcycle crash on Georges Road. Investigators determined that at 3:20 P.M Maheshkum Kuniyil, 48, of Dayton was driving a 2019 Honda Odyssey on Summerfield Boulevard and came to a stop at the Georges Road intersection. Mr. Kuniyil then attempted to make a left onto Georges Road and collided with a 1998 Harley Davidson motorcycle being driven by Christopher Acs, 47, of Jamesburg which was headed north on Georges Road. Mr. Acs died at the scene of the crash.
Investigators determined that after Mr. Kuniyil came to a stop, he failed to make sure it was clear to proceed into the intersection. He was issued two motor vehicle summonses; one for failure to yield right of way at an intersection and one for obstructing the passage of other vehicles. Both motor vehicle tickets will be heard in Municipal Court.
The investigation was conducted by Patrolman First-Class Jason Gassman of the South Brunswick Police Department Traffic Safety Bureau in conjunction with Detective Jonathan Berman of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office.
A 53-Year-Old victim was struck by a firework explosive that was thrown from a Jeep Wrangler on Pennsylvania Ave., causing her clothes to catch fire and suffered second-degree burns. Liebhauser handed a five-inch shell mortar firework to Aveta, who then lit the firework and threw it out of the passenger side of the vehicle, striking the victim.
July 28, 2022
BEACH HAVEN, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer and Beach Haven Police Chief James Markoski announced that on July 23, 2022, Justin Liebhauser, 19, of Randolph, New Jersey, and Gianni Aveta, 18, of Wayne, New Jersey, were each charged with Aggravated Arson in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:17-1a(1), in connection with an incident that occurred in Beach Haven on July 22, 2022.
On July 22, 2022, a 53-year-old female victim entered the Beach Haven Police Department to report that at approximately 10:15 p.m. that evening, she had been struck by a firework explosive that was thrown from a motor vehicle. She advised the Officers that she was walking on Pennsylvania Avenue when a firework was thrown from the passenger side of a Jeep Wrangler. The firework exploded and struck her in the arm and rib area, causing her clothes to catch fire. Officers contacted EMS, and the victim was treated for second-degree burns to her arm.
At approximately 11:30 p.m., Officers from the Beach Haven Police Department executed a motor vehicle stop on a Jeep Wrangler matching the description of the vehicle described by the victim. The vehicle was being operated by Liebhauser – with Aveta and three minors as passengers.
An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit and Beach Haven Police Department revealed that Liebhauser was operating the vehicle with Aveta and the two minors as passengers in the area of Pennsylvania Avenue earlier in the evening. Liebhauser handed a five-inch shell mortar firework to Aveta, who then lit the firework and threw it out of the passenger side of the vehicle, striking the victim. As a consequence of the investigation, Liebhauser and Aveta were served with the aforementioned charges via summons pending an upcoming first appearance in Ocean County Superior Court.
Prosecutor Billhimer and Chief Markoski acknowledge the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Beach Haven Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, for their collective assistance in connection with this investigation.
The charges referenced above are merely accusations and the press and public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. R.P.C. 3.6(b)(6).
Justin Liebhauser, 19, of Randolph, New Jersey, and Gianni Aveta, 18, of Wayne, New Jersey, were each charged with Aggravated Arson in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:17-1a(1), in connection with an incident that occurred in Beach Haven on July 22, 2022.
NOTE: Midjersey.news has spoken to a close neighbor and the property owner was down the shore at the time of the incident and unaware of what happened until being contacted by police. The neighbor explained that Harley Wildmann was just staying at the home temporarily.
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)—An affidavit obtained by MidJersey.News from the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office speaks of a horrific murder, a burned body and “erotic asphyxiation” during sexual activities in Hamilton Township after meeting via online dating application “Skip the Games”
The affidavit states that during an interview with police detectives Harley Wildmann agreed to meet with the deceased victim, Lisa Lloyd via the dating application “Skip the Games” Lisa drove her vehicle, a Nissan Armada with North Dakota plates to his residence. Wildman stated upon arrival at the residence, the two engaged in sexual activities for the evening. Wildmann explained that he and Lloyd agreed to have Lloyd’s hands and feet bound by zip ties for sexual purposes. Wildman explained that he tied an electrical power cord around Lloyd’s neck for the purpose of erotic asphyxiation. Wildman stated while performing sexual acts on one another, Lloyd began groaning unintelligibly, and shortly after, began twitching and convulsing. Wildmann continued that Lloyd lost consciousness and he believed that Lloyd had died. Wildmann stated he wrapped Lloyd in a blanket, placed her in a contractor trash bag, and ultimately placed Lloyd in a trash can. Wildman stated he kept the trash can in his room for approximately one (1) day. Wildmann stated he disposed of zip ties in the trash that was currently in front of 120 Manor Boulevard, Hamilton, New Jersey. Wildmann also admitted to abandoning Lloyd’s vehicle, cellphone, and other personal items. Wildmann stated that on July 25, 2022, he moved the trash can containing Lloyd’s body and brought a gasoline can to the truck bed of the discolored red and grey 1995 Chevrolet S10. Wildmann stated at that point he drove to a nearby gas station and purchased gas for both his vehicle and the gasoline can. Wildmann stated while driving to areas of Pennsylvania and back to New Jersey, he devised a plan to discard Lloyd’s body. Wildmann said he decided to drive to the cemetery on Cedar Lane due to the familiarity of the area. Wildmann stated he drove into the cemetery discarding the trash can with Lloyd’s body contained withing and set both on fire with gasoline, as stated in the affidavit.
On Tuesday, July 26, 2022, at approximately 6:35 a.m., the Hamilton Police Department received a telephone call from a citizen reporting she believed there to be a “burnt body on the sidewalk” Hamilton Police Officers responded and arrived on scene at Saint Mary’s Cemetery, 1200 Cedar Lane. Hamilton Police Officers located the deceased victim, burned and unidentifiable, in the middle of the cemetery yard. The victim was found lying on the roadway of Clover Avenue. Hamilton Police Officers were able to view what appeared to be a cord around the unidentified victims neck. Hamilton Police Department contacted the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Task Force and Detectives. The Middlesex County Medical Examiner’s Office Doctor Laura Thoma pronounced the deceased at 9:22 a.m. and Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Task Force Detectives commenced an investigation into the deceased individual’s death, who was later identified as Lisa Lloyd as stated in the affidavit.
A canvas of the area revealed that surveillance footage revealed that on July 26, 2022, at approximately 1:48 a.m., a vehicle is seen approaching the area of the recovered human remains on Clover Avenue from Lily Street. The vehicle stopped and at approximately 1:51 a.m. the vehicle continues driving on Clover Avenue toward Cedar Lane. The vehicle conducts a U-Turn prior to Cedar Lane and returns to the are of the recovered human remains. The vehicle stops momentarily and at approximately 1:52 a.m., an incipient ignition of fire can be seen adjacent to the stopped vehicle.
The affidavit says that at approximately 1:53 a.m., the same vehicle can be seen fleeing on Clover Avenue toward Lily Street. The vehicle makes a right on Lily Street followed by a right on Ridge Avenue. The vehicle is then viewed exiting the cemetery on Ridge Avenue toward Cedar Lane. The vehicle is then viewed making a left hand turn on Cedar Lane, at which time surveillance footage reveals the vehicle to be a discolored red and grey Chevrolet S10, with a silver hard tonneau cover elevated from the bed of the truck. The vehicle is fleeing the are on Cedar Lan toward Hunt Avenue and according to the affidavit continues out of surveillance footage view.
At approximately 10:34 a.m., while canvassing for further video surveillance footage in the area, Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Task Force members observed a vehicle matching the description of the aforementioned suspect vehicle. An investigative traffic stop was conducted on the vehicle, which is further described as a discolored red and grey 1995 Chevrolet S10, with a silver hard tonneau cover. The vehicle was being operated by Harley Wildmann along with a passenger were detained and transported to the Mercer County Homicide Task Force Office for the murder investigation of Lisa Lloyd according to the affidavit.
At 6:21 p.m., the Honorable Judge J. Adam Hughes approved search warrants for the Chevrolet S10, Nissan Armada, and residence of 120 Manor Boulevard, Hamilton, NJ 08620.
The affidavit states that a search of the 1995 Chevrolet S10 revealed numerous items which included a cell phone, zip ties, and a rubber bungee. A search of the 2007 Nissan Armada revealed several items which included a purse and women clothing. A search of the residence at 120 Manor Blvd., revealed numerous items which included men clothing, men shoes, zip ties, sawed off pump shotgun, and gas can.
Despite having been charged, every defendant is presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Copy of the affidavit as provided by the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office
Police search a residence on Manor Boulevard, Hamilton Township, NJ on July 26, 2022
NOTE: Midjersey.news has spoken to a close neighbor and the property owner was down the shore at the time of the incident and unaware of what happened until being contacted by police. The neighbor explained that Harley Wildmann was just staying at the home temporarily.
A Trump 2024 Save America Again flag is displayed in the window of a residence Manor Boulevard, Hamilton Township, NJ on July 27, 2022.
A trash can in front of 120 Manor Boulevard, Hamilton Township, NJ as seen from the roadway on July 27, 2022.
A discolored red and grey 1995 Chevrolet S10, with a silver hard tonneau cover at a traffic stop yesterday at the Fast Trac Gas Station July 27, 2022. The “person of interest was identified as Harley Wildmann and is seen in the back of a police vehicle. Photos by: Brian McCarthy
Harley Wildmann, 42
Harley Wildmann, 42, was arrested and charged Tuesday evening with first-degree murder, second-degree desecration of human remains, third- and fourth-degree weapons offenses and fourth-degree tampering with evidence. The prosecutor’s office has filed a motion to detain Wildmann pending trial.
At approximately 6:45 a.m. on July 26, Hamilton police received a call from someone in the area of Clover Avenue who observed what appeared to be human remains near the cemetery. Police arrived and located a severely burned deceased victim. The victim was later identified as 39-year-old Lisa Lloyd of Ewing.
Detectives collected video from the area surrounding the cemetery and identified a two- tone Chevy S10 pickup truck with NJ registration driving past in the early morning of Tuesday, July 26. At approximately 1:48 a.m., the vehicle could be seen stopping for several minutes in the area where the remains were found. A short time later, a large fire can be seen adjacent to the stopped vehicle.
Detectives located the Chevy S10 pickup truck later that morning in the area of Chambers and E. Franklin Streets and conducted a motor vehicle stop. The driver of the vehicle was Harley Wildmann. A female passenger was also in the vehicle. Interviews were conducted by task force detectives and the female was released.
Anyone with information is asked to call HTF Detective Sherika Salmon at (609) 989- 6406. Information can also be emailed to mchtftips@mercercounty.org.
Despite having been charged, every defendant is presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Police reported that at approximately 11:52 p.m. on Tuesday, July 26, 2022, the Lawrence Township Police Department responded to a one car motor vehicle crash on Princeton Pike in the area of Fackler Rd.
Lawrence Township resident Armando Rosario 3rd (18 years old) was the single occupant of the vehicle and sustained fatal injuries.
The crash is under investigation by Lawrence Township Police Detective Ryan Dunn, Police Officer Darren Gould and Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office Serious Collision Response Team Detective Ryan Minnick.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact Detective Ryan Dunn at 609-844-7125 or rdunn@lawrencetwp.com
Charged with first-degree murder, second-degree desecration of human remains, third- and fourth-degree weapons offenses and fourth-degree tampering with evidence.
July 27, 2022
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri reported today that an investigation by the Mercer County Homicide Task Force and the Hamilton Township Police has led to the arrest of a Hamilton man for murder.
Harley Wildmann, 42, was arrested and charged Tuesday evening with first-degree murder, second-degree desecration of human remains, third- and fourth-degree weapons offenses and fourth-degree tampering with evidence. The prosecutor’s office has filed a motion to detain Wildmann pending trial.
At approximately 6:45 a.m. on July 26, Hamilton police received a call from someone in the area of Clover Avenue who observed what appeared to be human remains near the cemetery. Police arrived and located a severely burned deceased victim. The victim was later identified as 39-year-old Lisa Lloyd of Ewing.
Detectives collected video from the area surrounding the cemetery and identified a two- tone Chevy S10 pickup truck with NJ registration driving past in the early morning of Tuesday, July 26. At approximately 1:48 a.m., the vehicle could be seen stopping for several minutes in the area where the remains were found. A short time later, a large fire can be seen adjacent to the stopped vehicle.
Detectives located the Chevy S10 pickup truck later that morning in the area of Chambers and E. Franklin Streets and conducted a motor vehicle stop. The driver of the vehicle was Harley Wildmann. A female passenger was also in the vehicle. Interviews were conducted by task force detectives and the female was released.
Anyone with information is asked to call HTF Detective Sherika Salmon at (609) 989- 6406. Information can also be emailed to mchtftips@mercercounty.org.
Despite having been charged, every defendant is presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Photos of the arrest yesterday at the Fast Trac Gas Station. Hamilton Police and Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office detectives with a possible person of interest in custody in back of a police vehicle Chambers Street by East Franklin Street yesterday morning. Photos by: Brian McCarthy
Harley Wildmann, 42
Harley Wildmann, 42, was arrested and charged Tuesday evening with first-degree murder, second-degree desecration of human remains, third- and fourth-degree weapons offenses and fourth-degree tampering with evidence. The prosecutor’s office has filed a motion to detain Wildmann pending trial.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Trenton Police Department Detective Lieutenant Bethesda Stokes reported that on July 5, 2022, The Trenton Police Department responded to Sweets Ave on a report of a shooting in progress. Upon police arrival, Officer McNair was rendering aid to a man that was shot in the face. The investigation led to the arrest of Tiffany Wiggins being responsible for the shooting. She was charged accordingly (Criminal Attempt Homicide, Aggravated Assault, Weapons offenses, etc.). Tiffany Wiggins was taken into custody in Hamilton, NJ, without incident.
Great job by the Trenton Police Department Major Crimes Unit.
All arrestees/suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in the court of law.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–A Trenton man has been arrested and charged for the 2014 murder of Jamer Greenfield, Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri announced.
Jonathan Woody, 40, of Trenton, is charged with murder, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, unlawful possession of a weapon and certain persons not to possess a weapon. He was arrested in Trenton Monday evening, July 25, by members of the Mercer County Sheriff’s Fugitive Unit. The prosecutor’s office has filed a motion to detain Woody pending trial.
The charges are the result of an investigation by the Mercer County Homicide Task Force. On July 19, 2014, at approximately 5 a.m., Trenton police officers were in the area of the 100 block of Rosemont Avenue when they heard gunshots near Rosemont and Hoffman avenues. Officers observed a large group of people running from the 200 block of Rosemont Avenue. As officers approached, they saw Greenfield, 23, on the ground suffering from multiple gunshot wounds, including one to the chest. He was taken to Capital Health Regional Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.
Prosecutor Onofri applauded the tenacity of his detectives. “Eight years, and they never stopped. Detectives continued searching for witnesses, asking questions, putting fresh eyes on the case, until the pieces fit and they had the necessary evidence to charge,” he said.
Despite having been charged, every defendant is presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)– The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office reported that the deceased victim discovered this morning in the cemetery in Hamilton Township has been identified as Lisa Lloyd, 39, of Ewing. The Mercer County Homicide Task Force continues to investigate and has identified a person of interest in the case. No charges have been filed at this time.
At approximately 6:45 a.m. on July 26, Hamilton police received a call from someone in the area of Clover Avenue who observed what appeared to be human remains near the cemetery. Police arrived and located a severely burned deceased victim
An autopsy is pending. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Mercer County Homicide Task Force at (609) 989-6406. Information can also be emailed to mchtftips@mercercounty.org
Hamilton Police and Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office detectives with a possible person of interest in custody in back of a police vehicle Chambers Street by East Franklin Street this morning. MidJersey.News has held the photo of the person in the back of the police vehicle pending official determination by the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office. Photo by: Brian McCarthy
TRENTON – The Murphy Administration today asked residents and businesses to conserve water as the state continues to experience a persistent period of hot and dry weather.
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is responsible for monitoring and protecting the state’s water supply to ensure ample clean, safe water for drinking and other needs. DEP’s Division of Water Supply and Geoscience has been closely monitoring the drier than usual conditions this summer.
While these conditions have not significantly impacted drinking water supply indicators statewide, persistently hot and dry conditions could adversely affect water supplies. It is important that residents and businesses take proactive steps to help moderate their use of water to help ensure ample supplies throughout the summer.
“Now is the time for New Jersey to be especially mindful of water usage and proactively moderate our consumption,” said Commissioner of Environmental Protection Shawn M. LaTourette. “Although our reservoirs and other indicators are healthy, persistent hot and dry weather coupled with the high water demands of summer can quickly impact water supply. Simple steps, like reducing lawn and landscape watering, go a long way in preserving our water supplies and avoiding the necessity of significant restrictive measures.”
Current water demands are being met and New Jersey’s water systems are capable of handling periods of low precipitation. Reservoir levels are near long-term averages for this time of year and groundwater supplies are near normal, with the central and southern portions of the state tending to be drier. Local conditions can vary, so it is normal for individual water systems and municipalities to periodically request that their customers reduce water use.
The DEP will continue to monitor water supplies very closely and advise the public, local governments, and water systems as appropriate. For a DEP microsite on water conservation measures visit https://dep.nj.gov/conserve-water/
The most up-to-date information about the status of New Jersey’s water supplies can be found at www.njdrought.org, where you can also find more water conservation tips for your community.
Other government and academic institutions also prepare drought-related indices and maps. One well-known example is the US Drought Monitor, which defines drought more broadly than DEP. These other resources may suggest drought or pre-drought conditions are present before actual water supplies are technically determined to be below normal by DEP’s Division of Water Supply and Geoscience.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Due to increasing sales across the nation, the Mega Millions jackpot has been increased again to an $830 million annuity, the third largest in Mega Millions history. The estimated cash value is $487.9 million.
Over one million New Jersey players have already won prizes during this jackpot roll, including one ticket worth $1,000,000 and another worth $3,000,000. Another 27 New Jersey players have won prizes of $10,000 or more by matching four of the five white balls and the Mega Ball drawn.
Our website features important information for players, including Mega Millions odds & prizes and tips and guidelines for group or lottery pool play. If a player believes they have a winning ticket, we recommend signing the back of the ticket and taking a picture of both sides for security before checking the ticket with our app, website, or any New Jersey Lottery retailer. A winner of a large prize may wish to seek financial and legal consultation.
The Lottery promotes responsible play through its cooperation with the Council on Compulsive Gambling of NJ and by promoting the Council’s helpline phone number, 1-800-GAMBLER, on all Lottery marketing and advertising materials.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Around 12:24 p.m. Trenton Fire Department responded to the area of 7 North Broad Street for a smoke condition and a fire was found at 7 South Broad Street. Upon arrival an “all hands” was called sending additional apparatus and manpower to the scene. Firefighters found a fire in the rear of the property and stretched a 2 1/2″ hose line. Within a few minutes firefighters had the bulk of the fire knocked down. A fire marshal and building inspector were called to the scene for the investigation. No additional details are available at this time.
Wawa Retail Store and Fuel Purchase Transactions Impacted; NJ to Receive $2.5 Million from Overall
$8 Million Multistate Settlement
July 26, 2022
TRENTON – Acting Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced today that New Jersey is co-leading an overall $8 million multistate settlement with Wawa Inc. that resolves the states’ investigation into a data breach that compromised approximately 34 million payment cards used by consumers to buy food and gas and other items at Wawa stores and fueling locations.
The data breach extracted consumer payment card data, including customers’ card numbers, expiration dates and cardholder names, from transactions that took place between April 18, 2019 and December 12, 2019, and affected stores in New Jersey and five other states – Pennsylvania, Florida, Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia – as well as Washington, D.C.
Acting Attorney General Platkin is co-leading today’s settlement announcement along with Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro. Under an Assurance of Voluntary Compliance filed with the Division of Consumer Affairs, New Jersey is to receive approximately $2.5 million of the overall Wawa settlement payout.
In addition to paying New Jersey and the other affected states, the settlement requires that Wawa take multiple steps going forward to strengthen its network protections and better safeguard consumer payment card data.
“This settlement is as important for the strengthened cyber security measures it requires as for the dollars Wawa must pay,” said Acting Attorney General Platkin. “When businesses fail to maintain solid data security systems or train their employees to recognize suspicious web overtures, criminal hackers can be counted on to move in and exploit the situation. This settlement should serve as a message to the industry that we are serious about holding businesses accountable when they fail to protect consumers’ sensitive personal information.”
“Businesses have a duty under our laws to protect the sensitive personal information consumers are sharing when they pay by card instead of cash,” said Acting Division of Consumer Affairs Director Cari Fais. “Unfortunately, identity theft is a real concern, and criminal hackers are always on the lookout for weaknesses in retailer data systems. Given this reality, retailers must periodically reassess their data protection systems and strengthen them as needed. We will hold accountable any retailers whose failure to do so results in a compromise of consumers’ privacy.”
The Wawa data breach occurred after hackers gained access to Wawa’s computer network in 2019 by deploying malware that may have been opened by a company employee.
A few months later, the hackers deployed malware that allowed them to obtain magnetic stripe data from cards processed at Wawa’s point-of-sale terminals inside the stores, as well as at the outside fuel pumps.
Specifically, the malware harvested Wawa customers’ card numbers, expiration dates, cardholder names and other sensitive payment card data. It did not collect PIN numbers or credit card CVV2 codes (the three- or four-digit security codes printed on the back of the card). Payment cards using chip technology were not compromised.
Acting Attorney General Platkin and Attorney General Shapiro allege that Wawa failed to employ reasonable information security measures to prevent such a data breach, and therefore violated state consumer protection and personal information protection laws. Under the settlement, Wawa makes no admission of wrongdoing or liability.
Wawa was unable to determine with specificity how many payment card transactions were compromised by the breach. However, in documents related to a private class action lawsuit over the breach, Wawa provided a breakdown of all consumer pay card transactions that took place at its stores during the nine-month period at issue.
During that period, approximately 27.2 percent of all Wawa payment card transactions occurred in stores in New Jersey, while another 27 percent occurred at Wawa locations in Pennsylvania. Company stores in Florida had the next highest percentage of overall payment card transactions (22.1 percent), followed by Virginia (11.4 percent), Maryland, (6.4 percent), Delaware (5.6 percent) and Washington, D.C. (0.2 percent.)
Wawa is required under today’s settlement to create a comprehensive information security program within six months.
The program must be overseen by a credentialed expert in the field, include security awareness training for all Wawa personnel with key responsibilities for implementing the program, and incorporate data protection “Best Practices” designed to prevent attackers from obtaining credentials and other sensitive data through malicious downloads and other threats.
The program must also comply with Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards and employ controls to ensure company systems are accessed only by those with appropriate credentials – controls such as multi-factor authentication, one-time passcodes and location-specific requirements, among others.
Within a year, Wawa also must obtain an information security compliance assessment and related report from third-party professional – a certified information systems security professional or certified systems auditor with at least five years’ experience in evaluating the effectiveness of computer systems or information systems security. Under the settlement, the compliance assessment report must be shared with the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office.
Section Chief Kashif Chand and Deputy Attorneys General Thomas Huynh and Mandy Wang of the Data Privacy & Cybersecurity Section within the Division of Law’s Affirmative Civil Enforcement Practice Group represent the State in the matter. Investigator Aziza Salikhova of the Office of Consumer Protection within the Division of Consumer Affairs conducted the investigation.
Trenton Water Works asks customers and consumers in its five-municipality service area to discontinue nonessential outdoor water use until further notice during this unprecedented heat wave. TWW’s service area comprises Trenton, Ewing Township, parts of Hamilton Township, Lawrence Township, and Hopewell Township.
“Although TWW systems are operating normally, the heat wave has significantly increased water demand,” said Mark Lavenberg, Director of the city’s Department of Water and Sewer, which operates the water utility. “Therefore the water utility is being proactive in requesting that its customers and service-area consumers restrict their outdoor use of water, which will help ease demand on TWW’s water supply.”
Here are exceptions to this Advisory:
—> Watering of new sod or seed if daily watering is required. We recommend that any planting of new sod or seed that has not already taken place be delayed until the fall.
—> Use of private wells for irrigation.
—> Commercial uses of outdoor water, such as for nurseries, farm stands, power washing, plumbing, athletic fields, and car washes.
—> Watering of athletic fields.
Questions can be directed to TWW’s Office of Communications and Community Relations at (609) 989-3033 or 1-866-TWW-BLUE.
3:28 p.m. UPDATE: Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office confirms that the victim is an adult female. Further details to follow.
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–The Mercer County Homicide Task Force and the Hamilton Police Division are investigating a suspicious death in Hamilton Township, Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri reported.
At approximately 6:45 a.m. on July 26, Hamilton police received a call from someone in the area of Clover Avenue who observed what appeared to be human remains near the cemetery. Police arrived and located a severely burned deceased victim
An autopsy is pending. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Mercer County Homicide Task Force at (609) 989-6406. Information can also be emailed to mchtftips@mercercounty.org
EAST WINDSOR TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Mayor Janice S. Mironov administered the oath of office to new police officer Oksana Kopyto, who fills a police department vacancy. Police Officer Kopyto will be assigned to a Uniform Services Platoon of the police department.
Police Officer Oksana Kopyto is an East Windsor resident who graduated from the Mercer County Police Academy in July 2022 and has an Associate of Science Degree from Mercer County College.
Mayor Mironov welcomed family members and police officers in attendance, along with Council Members Denise Daniels, Alan Rosenberg and John Zoller, and stated, “I congratulate new Police Officer Kopyto who graduated from the Mercer County Police Academy last week and successfully passed the scrutinous selection process to become part of our East Windsor team. We wish her a great and satisfying career here and expect her to serve our community in an outstanding manner.”
East Windsor Township Mayor Janice S. Mironov administered the oath of office to new Police Officer Oksana Kopyto (center) in a ceremony attended by Chief of Police James Geary (right), elected officials and other police officers.
Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey Receives State’s Highest Score in Cancer Specialty
July 26, 2022
NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ — Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH), a RWJBarnabas Health facility, has been recognized as one of the top five hospitals in New Jersey and a top 20 Regional Best Hospital in the New York Metropolitan area by U.S. News & World Report in the annual Best Hospitals rankings. The hospital earned High Performing ratings in 12 adult specialties, common adult procedures and conditions.
Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, the only program in the state designated as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), received the highest score in New Jersey in the Adult Specialty category for cancer, earning a High Performing rating. Rutgers Cancer Institute together with RWJBarnabas Health is at the forefront of cancer research and care and will soon be home to the Jack and Sheryl Morris Cancer Center, New Jersey’s only freestanding cancer hospital, slated to open in 2024 in New Brunswick. Only 92 cancer programs nationwide achieved this rating in the 2022-23 US News & World Report Best Hospitals survey.
RWJUH earned a total of twelve High Performing ratings, including cancer, gastroenterology and GI surgery, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), colon cancer surgery, diabetes, heart attack, heart bypass surgery, heart failure, hip replacement, kidney failure, lung cancer surgery, and stroke. A High Performing rating recognizes care that was significantly better than the national average, as measured by factors such as patient outcomes. “High Performing” is the highest rating U.S. News & World Report awards for common adult conditions and procedures.
The annual Adult Specialty and Adult Procedure and Condition ratings are designed to assist patients and their doctors in making informed decisions about where to receive care for challenging health conditions or elective procedures.
“RWJUH has earned a top spot on the Best Hospitals rankings in New Jersey and in the New York metropolitan area year after year due to our academic partnership with Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and Rutgers Cancer Institute, as well as our stellar network of community physicians and our Magnet nursing program,” said Bill Arnold, President and Chief Executive Officer of Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. “As New Jersey’s premier academic medical center, RWJUH is committed to delivering access to the most advanced and equitable interventions and care designed to sustain and build healthier communities.”
“Our cancer program’s score and rating by U.S. News and World Report demonstrates the high quality, multidisciplinary care we provide, which is informed by innovative research and discoveries alongside exceptional patient experience,” stated Steven Libutti, MD, Director of Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey and Senior Vice President, Oncology Services, RWJBarnabas Health. “As New Jersey’s leading cancer program and the state’s only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, Rutgers Cancer Institute together with RWJBarnabas Health offers patients access to the most advanced treatment options including clinical trials, many of which are not available elsewhere.”
For the 2022-2023 Best Hospitals rankings and ratings, U.S. News evaluated more than 4,500 hospitals across 15 specialties and 20 procedures and conditions. Fewer than half of all hospitals received any High Performing rating, and only four earned this rating in all procedures and conditions. State and metro area rankings reflect the highest performing hospitals in the area across multiple areas of care.
“When patients are considering their options for care, the Best Hospitals ratings are designed to help them identify hospitals that excel in the kind of care they may need,” said Ben Harder, chief of health analysis and managing editor at U.S. News. “A hospital that’s earned a High Performing rating in a service may be a good option for patients in need of that service and their medical professionals to consider.”
U.S. News evaluated each hospital’s performance using a variety of measures such as survival rates, complication rates, patient experience and level of nursing care. The Best Hospitals methodology factors in data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, American Hospital Association, professional organizations and medical specialists.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on July 25, 2022, Donald Rutter, 53, of Tuckerton, was sentenced by the Honorable Wendel E. Daniels, J.S.C. (retired and temporarily assigned on recall), to five years New Jersey State Prison (NJSP), as a result of his previously entered guilty plea to Aggravated Assault in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1b(1), in connection with an incident that occurred during the evening hours of January 5, 2021 in Little Egg Harbor Township. This sentence will be subject to the terms of the No Early Release Act, N.J.S.A. 2C:43-7.2, meaning that Rutter will be required to serve at least 85 percent of his prison sentence before he may be considered for parole eligibility. Judge Daniels also sentenced Rutter to 18 months NJSP as a result of his guilty plea to Stalking in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:12-10b, in connection with the same incident. The sentences will run concurrently. Additionally, Judge Daniels executed a Permanent Stalking Restraining Order barring Rutter from having any contact with the victim, Thomas Jarvis, 55, of Little Egg Harbor. Rutter pled guilty to both charges before Judge Daniels on June 13, 2022.
On January 5, 2021, at approximately 7:30 p.m., Little Egg Harbor Township Police were dispatched to Jarvis Marine on Radio Road in response to a 911 call which related that an individual had been shot. Responding Officers found Mr. Jarvis with an apparent gunshot wound to his midsection. Mr. Jarvis was transported to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center. He was treated for his injuries and eventually released from the hospital.
An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit revealed that Rutter was, in fact, the individual who shot Mr. Jarvis. An exhaustive search of the surrounding area by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, Little Egg Harbor Township Police Department, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Regional SWAT Team, New Jersey State Police, New Jersey State Park Police, United States Marshals Service, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office, and Tuckerton Police Department, was unsuccessful in locating Rutter in the aftermath of the shooting. As such, a warrant was issued for Rutter’s arrest.
On January 28, 2021, Rutter was ultimately located in Atlantic City and taken into custody, without incident, by the United States Marshals Service. He has been lodged in the Ocean County Jail since his apprehension.
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the diligent efforts of Senior Assistant Prosecutor Meghan O’Neill and Assistant Prosecutor Kaitlyn Burke who handled the case on behalf of the State, as well as the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, Little Egg Harbor Township Police Department, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Regional SWAT Team, New Jersey State Police, New Jersey State Park Police, United States Marshals Service, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and Tuckerton Police Department, for their combined and collaborative efforts in connection with this investigation resulting in Rutter’s apprehension, guilty pleas, and now his state prison sentence.
The international parental kidnapping offense of which Patel stands convicted carries a maximum penalty of three years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000.
July 25, 2022
CAMDEN, N.J. – A naturalized U.S. citizen who had been living in India was convicted of obstructing the parental rights of his child’s mother by kidnapping the child and failing to return the child to the United States when ordered to do so, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.
Amitkumar Kanubhai Patel, 38, of Vadodara, India, formerly of Edison, New Jersey, was convicted on July 22, 2022, of one count of international parental kidnapping following a five-day trial before U.S. District Judge Renée Marie Bumb in Camden federal court.
According to documents filed in this case and the evidence at trial:
The child’s mother and Patel were in a relationship and resided together in New Jersey from August 2015 through July 2017. The two never married. In November 2016, Patel and the child’s mother had a child, who was born in Edison Township.
According to the child’s mother, Patel wanted to take the child to India to introduce him to Patel’s parents and obtain DNA testing, which Patel claimed was necessary for the child to claim property that Patel’s family owned in India. Patel also told the child’s mother that in order to obtain an Indian visa for the child, he would need to secure sole custody, which required them to go to court. Patel instructed the mother to tell the court that they had a mutual understanding regarding the custody of their child. Patel instructed the mother to state that she did not have a work permit, and since she was unemployed, she could not care for her child.
On May 1, 2017, Patel took the child’s mother to New Jersey Superior Court, Chancery Division Family Court, in order to obtain sole custody of the child. According to the mother, the majority of the hearing was conducted in English with no translator. At the time of the hearing, the mother spoke limited English. The mother answered the court’s questions as she had been instructed by Patel. The mother was not represented by an attorney during the hearing.
On May 2, 2017, the New Jersey Superior Court granted Patel sole legal custody of the child premised on the consent of the child’s mother to the arrangement, but specifically reserved for the mother the ability to file for joint legal custody if she so chose in future. Upon receiving the court order, Patel obtained visas to India for himself and the child, and booked air travel, telling the child’s mother that they would only be gone for two weeks to a month. Patel then took the child to India and after several days in India, called the mother and said that he was never bringing the child back to the United States. The child’s mother obtained legal counsel and returned to the New Jersey Superior Court. On Oct. 16, 2018, the New Jersey Superior Court entered an order directing Patel to return the child to the United States immediately.
On Oct. 19, 2018, the mother’s counsel emailed the October 16, 2018, family court order to Patel, who did not return the child to the United States. On Oct. 2, 2020, Patel and the child flew from India to the United Kingdom. Upon arrival, Patel was arrested based on a provisional arrest request submitted by the United States. After a custody hearing in London pursuant to the Hague Convention, the London Court ordered it was in the best interest of the child that the child be returned to his paternal grandparents in India. Patel was subsequently extradited to the United States to stand trial.
The international parental kidnapping offense of which Patel stands convicted carries a maximum penalty of three years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000. Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 22, 2022.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jacqueline McGuire in Philadelphia, with the investigation leading to the guilty verdict. U.S. Attorney Sellinger also thanked members of the Department’s Office of International Affairs, the U.K. Crown Prosecution Service and the Metropolitan Police for their assistance in the extradition.
The government is represented by Deputy U.S. Attorney Andrew Carey and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason M. Richardson of the U.S. Attorney=s Office Criminal Division in Camden.
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Defense counsel: Lori Koch Esq. and Christopher O’Malley Esq., Assistant Federal Public Defenders, Camden
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on July 22, 2022, at approximately 8:20 p.m., the Lakewood Township Police Department responded to the area of South Lake Drive and East Lake Park Drive for a motor vehicle crash with serious injuries.
An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office and Lakewood Township Police Department determined that a 2018 Chevrolet Impala operated by Mordechai Berkowitz, 20, of Lakewood, was headed eastbound on South Lake Drive when he crossed over the double yellow and collided head-on with a 2017 Toyota Rav4, operated by Maria Flores-Moreno, 35, of Jackson, and occupied by front-seat passenger, Juana Lopez-Hernandez, 44, a citizen of Mexico.
Mr. Berkowitz was transported to Jersey Shore University Hospital where he was treated for his injuries and released. Ms. Flores-Moreno was transported to Jersey Shore University Hospital in Neptune and is presently listed in stable condition. Ms. Lopez-Hernandez was transported to Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus in Lakewood where she was pronounced deceased.
The crash remains under investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, Lakewood Township Police Department, Brick Township Police Department Traffic Safety Unit, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Trenton Police Department Detective Lieutenant Bethesda Stokes reported that there was a shooting early this morning in the area of 1 Mechanics Avenue at 12:31 a.m. One person was transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center by personal vehicle with a non-life-threating shot to the leg. Two vehicles were also struck by gunfire in the area. No further details are available at this time.
The shooting is being investigated by the Shooting Response Team.
FREEHOLD – A Keyport man has been charged with robbery and aggravated sexual assault as a result of an assault and an attempted theft that took place Thursday in Tinton Falls, Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Lori Linskey announced Tuesday.
Kareem Lee, 31, was charged with first-degree Robbery, as well as first-degree Aggravated Sexual Assault with an Armed Weapon after threatening to rob the victim of money and sexually assaulting the victim, while armed with a deadly weapon.
At approximately 2:32 p.m. on Thursday, July 21, Tinton Falls Police Department officers were dispatched to a local motel for a report of a sexual assault. Upon arrival, the female victim told officers that she had been sexually assaulted at gunpoint by a man who had entered the room.
At that point, an investigation was launched with the Tinton Falls Police Department and the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Bureau. During the course of the investigation, the suspect was identified as Lee.
The investigation remains active and ongoing at this time.
Lee is being held at the Monmouth County Correctional Institute (MCCI) pending a detention hearing on July 27, 2022 before Monmouth County Superior Court Judge Paul X. Escandon.
Investigators are actively seeking additional information about the activities of the defendant, and a photo is being distributed along with this press release. Anyone with information regarding this case or the defendant is asked to please contact Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Dawn Correia at 800-533-7443 or Tinton Falls Police Department Officer Christopher Mills at 732-542-4422.
The case is assigned to Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Danielle Zanzuccki.
Lee does not have representation listed at this time.
Despite these 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.
Announces Second Round Grantees and Launches Application Window for Clean Fleet, EV Tourism, and Multi-Unit Dwelling Charger Programs
July 25, 2022
ASBURY PARK – Governor Phil Murphy today announced the launch of Year Three of the State’s popular Charge Up New Jersey electric vehicle (EV) incentive program and also unveiled the State’s new residential EV charger program. Both the Charge-Up New Jersey Program and the Residential Charger Program are key parts of the landmark electric vehicle legislation signed into law by the Governor two years ago. Further, the State released the names of the newest grantees and launched the next application window for the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities’ (NJBPU) three other EV incentive programs.
Today’s announcement represents a major step forward in the growth of the State’s comprehensive and highly successful electric vehicle program. The Charge Up Program is currently the country’s largest cash-on-the-hood incentive program, with a maximum $4,000 incentive. Over the last two years of the program, over 13,000 EVs were purchased or leased with this incentive.
The electrification of the state’s transportation sector, which accounts for more than 40 percent of the State’s greenhouse gas emissions, is a key part of the Energy Master Plan, the State’s roadmap to reaching 100 percent clean energy by 2050. By working to reduce emissions from both light- and heavy-duty vehicles, New Jersey is striving to achieve its bold emissions reductions goals while advancing environmental justice across the state. The Murphy Administration’s efforts to increase access to its incentive program complements the State’s measures to safeguard overburdened communities from the disproportionate impacts of pollution and climate change. Through the New Jersey Zero-Emission Incentive Program (NJ ZIP) funded by Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) proceeds, the State is reducing harmful emissions, especially in communities disproportionately impacted by transportation emissions, and promoting economic opportunity.
“With so much at stake amid the mounting climate crisis, it is imperative that we all do our part not just as New Jerseyans, but as global citizens, to help mitigate the impacts of climate change,” said Governor Murphy. “That’s why I’m proud that my administration is doing everything in its power to make the transition to electric vehicles more financially feasible and practical for working families across the state. As we enter Year Three of the Charge Up New Jersey EV incentive program, we remain determined to meet our bold clean energy goals and are confident that thousands more New Jerseyans will take advantage of a program that will continue to bear considerable economic and environmental benefits.”
“I would like to thank Governor Murphy for his vision and leadership on electric vehicles. The Governor’s EV program has been a resounding success in helping us advance toward a clean energy future and today’s event is a great example of that,” said NJBPU President Joseph L. Fiordaliso. “Not only do we anticipate a highly successful third year of our Charge Up program but we are equally excited about launching the residential charger program and the next round of our other robust, EV programs. Our goal is not only to encourage New Jerseyans to drive electric, but to ensure they have enough locations all around the state to charge up, regardless of where they live, work or play.”
“New Jersey DEP has awarded nearly $10 million for 1,970 EV charging stations with 3,229 plugs on our corridors, and in our communities,” Commissioner of Environmental Protection Shawn M. LaTourette said. “These charging stations will provide an extensive network of charging opportunities to support cars purchased under the Charge Up NJ program, further enhancing the Murphy Administration’s commitment to electrify our transportation sector, reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that exacerbate climate change, and put the state even closer to its 100 percent clean energy goals.”
In the first two years of the Charge Up Program the State provided incentives for more than 13,000 vehicles, with a greater concentration in Year Two of providing incentives for more affordable EVs. In Year Three the State will provide incentives of up to $4,000 for vehicles with MSRP’s under $45,000 and incentives of up to $2,000 for vehicles with an MSRP between $45,000 and $50,000.
As of this announcement, all sales and orders made as of 12:01 am on July 25, 2022 at eligible dealerships and showrooms of eligible EVs may apply at the point of sale for their incentive.
Today, the State is also launching the new Residential EV Charger Incentive Program, which offers a $250 rebate for a home charger. This program can be combined with the already existing utility programs, which may cover installation costs.
“Electric vehicles are essential in our transition to a clean economy, which will create local, good-paying jobs while simultaneously combating the growing climate crisis. Electric vehicles are the future, and investments in these vehicles and charging infrastructure will help ensure America leads that future now,” Congressman Frank Pallone said. “Electric vehicles also save Americans tremendous money and are rapidly growing in popularity – by investing in the necessary charging and manufacturing infrastructure, we are making sure that trend can continue and that consumers are able to reliably power their cars across New Jersey and the country. In Congress, I fought to ensure that New Jersey received funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law so we can accelerate our investment in a clean economy and work to reduce carbon pollution.”
“We have set forth strong goals and incentives to increase the number of electric vehicles on our roads and to make progress toward more accessible charging stations for everyone,” said Assemblyman Dan Benson. “With that comes the need to make it as seamless as possible for homeowners and renters to access charging wherever they live. As we enter Year Three of the Charge Up New Jersey program, we hope to continue making advancements in accessibility for electric vehicles and charging stations to make the transition to electric cars smooth for the people in our State.”
“New Jersey must do everything possible to reduce and one day eliminate greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector,” said Zoe Baldwin, New Jersey Director, Regional Plan Association. “In 2017, RPA’s Fourth Regional Plan called for scaling up incentives for electric vehicles and planning extensive, comprehensive charging networks. Five years later, New Jersey is well on its way toward those shared goals thanks to Governor Murphy’s unwavering commitment to decarbonizing the Garden State. Renewal of the Charge Up New Jersey program along with the suite of incentives for EV charging infrastructure doubles down on those efforts, making it even easier for drivers and businesses to do their part and help our state become cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable.”
The Murphy Administration’s commitment to jump-starting the transition to EVs goes well beyond the Charge Up Program. Over the last two years, NJBPU has approved EV Charging Incentive Programs for Jersey Central Power and Light, Public Service Electric and Gas, and Atlantic City Electric. Additionally, in Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22) NJBPU launched three new programs, which collectively provided over $12 million in incentives for the purchase of more than 900 Level Two chargers and over 60 Fast Chargers across the state.
The Clean Fleet program provides grants for government entities for the purchase of electric vehicles and chargers. The Program supports local and state governments as they transition their fleets to electric vehicles. Eligible entities include local schools, municipal commissions, state agencies or boards, state commissions, state universities, community colleges, county government, and county authorities.
The MUD EV Charger Incentive Program was designed to encourage owners and operators of multi-unit dwellings to provide EV chargers for residents and guests. Eligible multi-unit dwellings are apartments, condominiums, or mixed residential locations that feature a minimum of five units and have dedicated off-street parking. This program helps to encourage equitable access to the benefits of the EV transition.
The EV Tourism program provides funding for chargers at tourist locations across the state, encouraging residents and out-of-state travelers to choose NJ to charge up and unwind at one of our many destinations, whether a downtown, shore, or historic site.
Established in the EV Law, the State will provide at least $30 million in annual incentives for the Charge Up New Jersey program for a period of ten years. In FY23, the Board has budgeted $35 million for the Charge Up Program, $5.5 million for the residential charger program, $10 million for Clean Fleet, $4 million of which is dedicated to local government, $6 million for EV Tourism, and $4 million for MUD. The FY23 Appropriations Act includes additional funds for charging infrastructure and electric vehicles to meet the Electric Vehicle Act’s mandate of a 100 percent State fleet by 2035.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Acting Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin today announced the creation of a Statewide Affirmative Firearms Enforcement (SAFE) Office – a first-in-the-nation office with the specific mandate of bringing civil enforcement actions against firearm companies to hold them accountable for violations of the law that harm the health and safety of New Jersey residents.
An essential component of SAFE’s civil enforcement toolbox will be the recently enacted firearms public nuisance legislation (P.L.2022, c.56) signed by Governor Murphy on July 5, 2022, which authorizes the Attorney General to bring lawsuits against gun industry members that knowingly or recklessly contribute to a public nuisance in New Jersey through unlawful or unreasonable conduct, or that fail to maintain reasonable controls, relating to their sale, manufacturing, distribution, importing, or marketing of gun-related products.
“Make no mistake – thanks to Governor Murphy and the Legislature, New Jersey is once again a national leader when it comes to combatting gun violence,” said Acting Attorney General Platkin. “At a time when the U.S. Supreme Court is undermining states’ efforts to protect their residents from the carnage of gun violence, New Jersey’s Statewide Affirmative Firearms Enforcement Office will use the new public nuisance legislation to hold the gun industry accountable. With the establishment of this office we are sending a clear message to every participant in the firearms industry: if you violate our laws, you will pay.”
New Jersey’s commonsense firearm safety laws have helped the State maintain one of the lowest firearm mortality rates in the country. Nonetheless, New Jersey suffers hundreds of gun-related deaths each year and has not escaped the tragedy of mass shootings. In 2019, two shooters targeted a kosher market in Hudson County in an attack that claimed the lives of six people, including a Jersey City police officer. Last year, three people were killed and 11 others wounded when a shooter opened fire on a crowd gathered for a birthday party at a home in Fairfield Township. And earlier this month, nine people were injured when a gunman in a stolen vehicle opened fire on a street in Newark.
SAFE’s work will accord with the Department’s long history of working closely with law enforcement partners at all levels of government to keep our residents safe, including through smart and evidence-based police work that leads to the arrest and prosecution of individuals, gangs, and gun traffickers who violate New Jersey’s gun laws, and who bring danger and chaos to our communities. Under the leadership of Acting Attorney General Platkin, New Jersey has made it a top priority to apprehend anyone possessing and selling illegal “ghost guns,” which are firearms not imprinted with a serial number registered with a federally licensed manufacturer, and therefore extremely difficult for law enforcement to trace.
One of the tactics being used by Acting Attorney General Platkin to prevent ghost guns from appearing in New Jersey communities is through a strategic law enforcement partnership with Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro. Acting Attorney General Platkin has directed the Division of Criminal Justice in collaboration with the New Jersey State Police, PA and federal authorities, to focus their collective resources on apprehending individuals illegally bringing ghost gun kits across state lines into New Jersey. These cooperative investigations have led to the arrest and prosecution of 19 individuals this year. As a result of these and other ongoing efforts to protect our residents from gun violence, New Jersey law enforcement agencies have criminally seized 2,398 firearms, including 170 illegal ghost guns, so far this year.
SAFE’s work will be distinct from but supplement the Department’s ongoing – and successful – efforts to use the state’s Consumer Fraud Act (CFA) to stop out-of-state gun dealers from selling illegal firearm products into New Jersey over the internet. In March 2022, Acting Attorney General Platkin announced that the State had obtained a $175,000 judgment against Florida gun vendor 22Mods4All for violating the CFA by advertising and selling illegal large-capacity magazines (LCMs) to New Jersey consumers online. The judgment also permanently barred 22Mods4All from future online sales of LCMs here. A second gun vendor named in that suit – Florida-based Elite Aluminum – agreed to pay a $150,000 civil penalty and stop selling LCMs in New Jersey.
But the public nuisance lawsuits will provide even more robust enforcement tools, by allowing the Department to hold firearms manufacturers and retail dealers accountable for endangering the safety and health of New Jersey residents through the sale, manufacture, distribution, or marketing of lethal, but nonetheless legal, firearms.
The creation of SAFE to enforce the new firearms public nuisance legislation advances the work Governor Murphy is doing to combat the epidemic of gun violence. Among other steps, New Jersey has established a “red flag” law for gun violence protective orders; criminalized firearms trafficking; strengthened background checks; reduced the maximum capacity of ammunition magazines; banned ghost guns; established the Rutgers Gun Violence Research Center to identify evidenced-based solutions to the gun violence crisis; and established a partnership with a coalition of states (New York, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut) to share crime gun data between law enforcement agencies.
HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–It was reported that sometime around 3:13 a.m. a commercial automatic fire alarm was received for 130 Washington Crossing Pennington Road. Hopewell Police and Hopewell Firefighters arrived shortly and reported a well involved commercial building and called for 2-Alarm tankers. Firefighters placed a 2 1/2″ line in service and the bulk of the fire was reportedly knocked down at 3:37 a.m. The fire went to a 3-alarm equivalent for manpower and apparatus before being fully under control at 5:31 a.m. Many area fire departments responded to the scene from both New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Hopewell Police Closed the roadway during the fire and the related investigation and the roadway was reopened at 8:00 a.m. This is still a developing story please check back for official information when it becomes available.
Fire Investigation Update:
8:00 AM: Washington Crossing Pennington Road is now open.
ROAD CLOSURE: Fire investigation
Washington Crossing Pennington Rd (County Route 546) between Scotch Rd. and Dublin Rd. Is closed for fire investigation.
Assemblyman Ronald S. Dancer (R) Assistant Minority Leader, District 12
PLUMSTED TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN) NEW EGYPT–It is with great regret and profound sadness that we, the staff of the esteemed Assemblyman Ron Dancer, must inform you of his passing. He left this world peacefully with his beloved wife by his side.
Ron often expressed gratitude by saying, “I am blessed.” May God continue to bless Ron Dancer and bless his grieving family. May he rest in eternal peace.
Please direct questions to his legislative office at asmdancer@njleg.org
You may also leave a private message of condolence or a fond memory of the Assemblyman at his website www.AssemblymanDancer.com
Ronald S. Dancer served his local community and state for over 30 years as a volunteer, adviser, leader, and representative. He was known by his friends and neighbors as the man who got things done. As the people’s representative, Ron fought for the interests of the 12th Legislative District and served with compassion for all.
Ron grew up in New Egypt, the beautiful town at the very center of New Jersey. The son of the late Hall of Fame Harness Horse Racing Driver Stanley Dancer, Ron was a horseman, trainer, and driver. He professionally raced and trained horses from 1968 through 1998.
Ron attended the Peddie School in Hightstown and later, the Edward J. Blaustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers University. In between, Ron served in the United States Army from 1969-1971.
First elected as mayor in 1989, Ron served Plumsted Township through 2011. He continued as the Township’s Honorary Business Administrator from 2012 to 2017.
A tireless volunteer for Ocean County, Ron was a member of the Ocean County Board of Social Services for over 35 years and served as chairman. He was an active member of other civic affiliations, including the Ocean County Natural Lands Trust Fund Advisory Committee and the Ocean County Senior Citizens Advisory Council.
Ron served on the New Jersey Horse Racing Commission from 1999 to 2002 and the New Jersey Department of Agriculture Sire Stakes Board from 1982 until 2002.
Ron most notably served as a member of the General Assembly from 2002 to 2022. He most recently was the Assistant Republican Leader. Ron’s successful public policy initiatives were furthered by his positions on a number of assembly committees. He served on the Agriculture and Food Security; Military and Veterans’ Affairs; and Tourism, Gaming and the Arts committees.
Ron is survived by his wife, Brenda, two children, and three grandchildren.
“Tammy and I are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Assemblyman Ron Dancer. True to his roots in one of New Jersey’s storied equestrian racing families, in public service he was a work horse not a show horse. A proud veteran with a quiet demeanor and humble nature, Ron built friendships across the aisle. His focus on New Jersey’s agricultural, horse-racing, and tourist industries, and our honored military veterans, leaves a lasting legacy. Our state flags will be lowered to half-staff in his honor and memory. His wife, Brenda, their children and grandchildren, and the entire Dancer family are in all of our thoughts this weekend.” — Governor Phil Murphy
Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) released the following statement on the death of longtime New Jersey State Assemblyman Ronald Dancer:
“Ron Dancer was a tireless public servant who served his country in the Army before becoming a highly respected and enormously popular mayor of Plumsted and assemblyman for the 12th Legislative District. A great friend to many and true civic leader, Ron was as gracious and considerate as he was hard working and effective. I cannot think of anyone who loved Plumsted and personified the township more than Ron Dancer.
“His trade-mark energetic leadership as a state legislator is marked by many issues he took head-on, especially advocating for the equestrian community, protecting veterans’ concerns on the Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee, and defending the unborn on pro-life matters before the Assembly. He was a one-of-a-kind public servant whom I always greatly admired, and I am proud to have known him and called him my good friend.
“Marie’s and my thoughts and prayers are with his wife Brenda and his loved ones as we celebrate his life of service and mourn his passing.”
Assembly Republicans today are mourning the death of their colleague, Assemblyman Ronald Dancer. He was 73.
A New Egypt native, Dancer was serving as Plumsted Township mayor in 2002 when district Republicans tapped him to fill a vacancy created by Assemblyman Melvin Cottrell’s passing. He most recently served on the Assembly agriculture and food security, military and veterans’ affairs, and tourism, gaming and the arts committees.
“Ron’s 20 years in the Assembly are marked not only by his tireless efforts to serve his constituents, even during his illness, but his willingness to work across party lines to accomplish what he believed was best for all New Jerseyans,” Assembly Minority Leader John DiMaio (R-Warren) said. “He was a true patriot, statesman, gentleman, and my good friend. He will be sorely missed. My prayers and those of our conference are with his beloved wife Brenda and their family.”
Dancer served in the United States Army from 1969-1971. At home, he professionally raced and trained horses for 30 years, following in the footsteps of his father Stanley Dancer, the Hall of Fame Harness Horse Racing driver.
Dancer has been a tireless advocate for the farming community, the horse racing industry and taxpayers. Notable legislation enacted into law include: allowing for special occasion events on preserved farms; providing funding to increase horse racing purses; and allowing municipalities to establish programs to encourage local shopping through property tax rewards.
“No service member who ever stepped foot in New Jersey had a greater ally than Ron. His most powerful pieces of legislation honored and protected those who selflessly serve their fellow countrymen.” DiMaio added. “Likewise, his passion for agriculture and horse racing is evident in the bills he sponsored to strengthen and safeguard those industries.”
For nearly 40 years, Dancer volunteered for numerous groups, including the Ocean County Board of Social Services, which he chaired; the Ocean County Natural Lands Trust Fund Advisory Committee; the Ocean County Senior Citizens Advisory Council; the New Jersey Horse Racing Commission; and the New Jersey Department of Agriculture Sire Stakes Board.
“Ron has left us with a legacy that serves as a beacon for public servants now and New Jersey leaders of the future,’ DiMaio concluded. “Ultimately, it’s not about Republican or Democrat; it’s about the people we serve. Ron served the people well.”
Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin (D-Middlesex) issued the following statement Saturday on the passing of Republican Assemblyman Ronald Dancer from the 12th legislative district: “I am saddened to learn of the loss of a true gentleman in New Jersey politics. In his two decades of public service in the Assembly, Ron Dancer was always someone who strived to work across the aisle. “A veteran himself, he leaves behind a legacy of advocacy on behalf of our military men and women. He was also a champion for New Jersey’s agricultural and horse racing communities, and contributed greatly to innovative expansions of our state’s tourism – most recently being the sponsor of legislation that will widen economic opportunity for our wineries and farms.
TOMS RIVER, NJ (OCEAN)–Toms River Police reported that on Friday, July 22, 2022, at approximately 12:25 a.m., police and EMS units were dispatched to a serious motor vehicle accident at the intersection of Lakehurst Road and Hospital Drive.
The initial investigation revealed Tina Dung, 21 of Maryland, was stopped for the traffic light before she proceeded through the red signal and collided with a Legacy Towing flatbed wrecker heading east on Lakehurst Road. The three passengers in Ms. Dung’s car, all citizens of China, were sadly killed as a result of the collision. The 54 year old male, 52 year old female, and a 23 year old male victims were all from same family.
Neither driver showed signs of impairment. Ms. Dung sustained minor injuries as a result of the accident. She received a citation for Failure to Observe a Traffic Signal. Neither the driver nor passenger of the tow truck were injured. The crash remains under investigation by Toms River Police Traffic Safety Officers, Corporal Terry Warren and Michael Cassidy, and the Ocean County Prosecutors Office.
MidJersey.News 
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