TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–About 9:30 p.m. Trenton Police, Trenton Fire Department, TEMS and Captial Paramedics responded to the area of 199 Oakland, at the corner of Oakland and Hoffman Avenues for a person shot multiple times. Initial reports stated person was shot in the back and torso multiple times. EMS quickly transported the victim in grave condition to the Trauma Center at Captial Health Regional Medical Center, a trauma alert was called and CPR was also reported in progress.
There were unconfirmed reports of a suspect running down Hoffman and ran up the old, abandoned railroad bed towards Parkside Avenue. (unverified)
Trenton Police are currently on scene at the time of this report conducting an investigation. The Trenton Shooting Response Team and Mercer County Homicide Task Force are responding.
This is a breaking news report further details will be posted when available.
File photo by: Brian McCarthy
Names of the 2022 homicide victims in the City of Trenton:
LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER) – Traffic along Route 1 was reduced to a crawl in both directions for several hours today after a traffic collision involving a dump truck and a sport utility vehicle took place in the area of Quaker Bridge Mall. As traffic backed up and ground to a near standstill, several secondary accidents occurred along Route 1 in Lawrence and West Windsor that added to the traffic nightmare.
The initial accident occurred about 3:10 p.m. along the southbound side of Route 1 just prior to the Kelly Viaduct (the overpass linking Route 1 South with Quaker Bridge Mall). During the crash, the dump truck reportedly struck the Jersey barrier that separates the southbound lanes of Route 1 from the northbound lanes. That impact tore down several lengths of chain link fence that sit atop the barrier and punched several holes in the barrier itself, sending chucks of concrete and other debris scattering into the northbound lanes. The dump truck and SUV then came to rest near the Kelly Viaduct ramps.
The driver of the SUV reportedly complained of pain following the crash but declined medical aide. The dump truck’s saddle fuel tank was ruptured at some point in the crash and started to leak diesel fuel onto the roadway. Lawrence Township firefighters were called out to try to contain the diesel fuel as it spilled and prevent it from running into a nearby storm drain. The tank reportedly contained as much as 70 gallons of fuel. A large portion of that amount reportedly spilled onto the roadway. Firefighters used absorbent pads, booms and other materials to build a berm around the storm drain to keep the spilled fuel from flowing into the drain and any local waterways that might be connected to the drain.
A New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection response team and the hazardous materials task force from the Trenton Fire Department were later called out to help contain and cleanup the diesel and minimize any potential impact from the spill. A heavy-duty tow truck was used to remove the wrecked dump truck. The cause of the accident is under investigation by Lawrence Township police.
NJDOT was also on scene assisting with traffic control, lane closures and debris cleanup.
Lawrence Township NIXLE Alert: Major Crash Route 1 in the area of Quakerbridge Mall.
Avoid Route 1 in the area of Quakerbridge Mall due to a motor vehicle crash with much debris on the roadway. Major delays in both directions.
Trenton Fire Department responded to the scene for the hazardous material incident. Firefighters used booms, oil absorbent and pads to help keep additional fuel from spilling into the waterway.
FREEHOLD, NJ (MONMOUTH)–A Monmouth County Jury has returned guilty verdicts on nearly all charges against the local man who murdered a longtime family friend a little more than three years ago and set her home on fire in an attempt to cover his tracks, Acting Monmouth County First Assistant Prosecutor Michael J. Wojciechowski announced Wednesday.
Following a month-long trial before Monmouth County Superior Court Judge Joseph W. Oxley, 52-year-old Ronald J. Teschner was convicted of first-degree Murder, first-degree Felony Murder, first-degree Robbery, three first-degree weapons offenses, second-degree Aggravated Arson, second-degree Desecration of Human Remains, third-degree Aggravated Assault, third-degree Burglary, third-degree Robbery, three counts of third-degree Theft, a third-degree drug offense, and fourth-degree Resisting Arrest, all in connection with the death of 65-year-old Jacqueline C. Terrulli.
Shortly after 7:30 a.m. on the morning of Thursday, September 12, 2019, firefighters and other first responders rushed to a home on Wickapecko Drive in Ocean Township that was fully engulfed in flames. Once the fire was put out, a joint investigation by members of the Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Bureau, the Monmouth County Fire Marshal’s Office, and the Ocean Township Police Department determined that two residents of the home were unaccounted for: Teschner and Terrulli, the homeowner. Terrulli’s vehicle, a white Jeep Cherokee, was also missing from the property.
The next morning, on Friday, September 13, 2019, members of the Ocean Township Police Department located the Cherokee parked on a residential street in Paterson, a little more than an hour’s drive north. Teschner was located in the driver’s seat, and recovered from the vehicle were two shotguns, a quantity of fentanyl, and jewelry and other items belonging to Terrulli.
Teschner remained lodged in the Monmouth County Correctional Institution (MCCI) following his arrest, and Murder charges were filed against him in December 2019. A Monmouth County Grand Jury then returned a 16-count indictment in the case in February 2020.
Later that year, on Thursday, June 18, 2020, as demolition and site remediation work was being performed on the Wickapecko Drive property, human remains that would later be identified as belonging to Terrulli were found wrapped in plastic and buried several feet underground. As a result of the fire, charred rubble had collapsed upon and covered the remains, initially concealing them from detection.
Teschner’s prosecution was handled by Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutors Joseph Cummings and Katherine Butler, who presented evidence at trial including witness testimony, cell-phone records, and physical evidence showing that the murder took place while Terrulli’s mother and two siblings were away in Atlantic City.
“This was a genuinely monstrous crime, hallmarked by callous brutality – Jacqueline Terrulli welcomed the defendant into her home to live, and as a result of that charity, lost her life,” Wojciechowski said. “While this verdict can’t bring her back, we hope it offers some sense of solace to her family and friends, knowing that justice has been served.”
Sentencing in the case has been scheduled for Tuesday, February 7, 2023, at which time Teschner will face a term of up to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
The Prosecutor’s Office would again like to sincerely thank the numerous agencies that participated in this investigation and/or the extensive search for Terrulli’s remains, including the Ocean Township Police Department, Paterson Police Department, Wayne Police Department, Monmouth County Fire Marshal’s Office, Monmouth County Public Works, Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office K9 Bomb Squad, Bloodhound, Regional Dive and Search Team, and Drone; Bergen County Sheriff’s Office K9, Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit, a New Jersey Office of the Attorney General Division of Criminal Justice Recruit Class, New Jersey Turnpike Authority, New Jersey State Fire Marshal’s Office and K9 Accelerant Dog, New Jersey State Police K9 Cadaver Dog, Missing Persons Unit, Police Regional Operations Intelligence Center (ROIC), and Police Laboratory; New Jersey Regional Computer Forensics Laboratory, New Jersey Transit Police Dive Team and Police Boats, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Quantico Laboratory and Cellular Analysis Survey Team (CAST), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) K9 accelerant Dog, Critical Research Group, the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs), and the University of North Texas.
Teschner was represented at trial by Anthony Aldorasi, Esq. and Lisa Maglone, Esq.
Ronald J. Teschner was convicted of first-degree Murder, first-degree Felony Murder, first-degree Robbery, three first-degree weapons offenses, second-degree Aggravated Arson, second-degree Desecration of Human Remains, third-degree Aggravated Assault, third-degree Burglary, third-degree Robbery, three counts of third-degree Theft, a third-degree drug offense, and fourth-degree Resisting Arrest, all in connection with the death of 65-year-old Jacqueline C. Terrulli.
MONROE TOWNSHIP, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone announced today that the Monroe Fire Chief of District No. 2 was charged with theft.
In February 2022, Fire Commissioners of Monroe Fire District No. 2 noticed discrepancies with their financial invoices, where taxes were being paid on items, when they were a tax-exempt entity. This led to an internal investigation where Chief James Carbin III, 55, of Clarksburg, was found to have been purchasing personal items with the fire department’s funds.
Carbin was placed on administrative leave in April of 2022, and is currently suspended without pay
An investigation led by Detective Marcus Goode of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office determined that from 2019 to 2022, Carbin had purchased at least $2173.20 worth of personal items using the fire department’s money. During the investigation, it was discovered that Carbin also directed on-duty firefighters under his supervision to complete work outside of their job duties for his personal benefit.
Carbin was charged with third-degree theft by deception and third- degree theft of services.
The investigation is active and continuing. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Goode of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at (732) 745-4274.
As is the case with all criminal defendants, the charges against Carbin are merely accusations and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
File Photo: Governor Murphy, State, County, and Local Officials tour Tropical Storm Henri damaged area in Monroe Township on Monday August 23rd, 2021(Edwin J. Torres/ NJ Governor’s Office).
A campaign worker for a City Council candidate, filled out the mail-in ballot for the undercover detective and, in exchange, gave the detective a $20 Shop Rite gift card.
October 26, 2022
PERTH AMBOY, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone announced today that a campaign worker for a Perth Amboy City Council candidate has been arrested and charged with bribery.
On the week of October 17th, detectives from the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office and the Perth Amboy Police Department received a tip that a campaign worker Ana Camilo, 62, of Perth Amboy, was canvassing a neighborhood in Perth Amboy and offering to complete mail-in ballots in exchange for gift cards.
In response, an undercover detective, posing as a Perth Amboy voter, met with Camilo. It was determined that Camilo, a campaign worker for a City Council candidate, filled out the mail-in ballot for the undercover detective and, in exchange, gave the detective a $20 Shop Rite gift card. Camilo was arrested immediately after the meeting and was found in possession of the mail-in ballot.
Camilo was charged with third-degree bribery in official or political matters. Camilo was charged on a summons and released the day of the arrest.
New Jersey election law prohibits the offering of any inducements for voting for a particular candidate. Please visit the Middlesex County Clerk’s website for any questions regarding mail-in ballots at www.middlesexcountynj.gov.
The investigation is active and continuing. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Shadi Zaiton of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at (732) 745-4263.
As is the case with all criminal defendants, the charges against Camilo are merely accusations and she is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
MEDFORD, NJ (BURLINGTON)–On October 22, 2022, at approximately 2:30 p.m., the Medford Township Police Department responded to a report of a stolen motor vehicle at the Wawa (257 Rt 70, Medford NJ). The three suspects, dressed in dark clothing, approached the victim while she was waiting at the air pump in the rear of the building. One of the three male suspects, described to be approximately 140 pounds in his late teens to early twenties, physically removed the victim from her vehicle, leaving the victim uninjured and was later observed operating her 2015 Black Nissan Rogue towards Eayrestown Road. Security video obtained of the incident showed the three suspects exit the parking lot with no additional victims reported. This incident is currently being investigated by multiple Law Enforcement agencies. Please contact the Medford Township Police Department if you have any additional information.
TOMS RIVER, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer and Toms River Township Police Chief Mitch Little announced that on October 25, 2022, Milciades Oviedo, 74, of Elizabeth, has been charged with Knowingly Leaving the Scene of a Motor Vehicle Accident Resulting in Death in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:11-5.1, in connection with a fatal hit-and-run incident that occurred at approximately 2:10 a.m. on Sunday, October 23, 2022, in the area of Massachusetts Avenue and Route 70 in Toms River, resulting in the death of Sierra Fisher, 28, of Manchester Township.
On October 23, 2022, Toms River Township Police Officers were dispatched to the aforementioned area where, upon arrival, they found Ms. Fisher lying in the roadway. First responders immediately rendered aid to Ms. Fisher, and a pulse was initially regained. Ms. Fisher was transported to Southern Monmouth Medical Center, where she was later pronounced deceased.
According to a witness on the scene, the driver exited his vehicle, looked at Ms. Fisher, and then fled in the vehicle east on Route 70 toward Lakewood. The witness described the vehicle as a dark colored 2003-2009 Ford Explorer. The vehicle was said to have significant damage to the front passenger side, including an inoperable passenger side headlight and hood damage.
Utilizing information supplied by a concerned citizen, an investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Vehicular Homicide Unit and Toms River Township Police Department resulted in law enforcement locating the subject Ford Explorer in Elizabeth, New Jersey. The investigation further determined that Oviedo was operating the vehicle on October 23, 2022, when he struck and killed Ms. Fisher. On October 25, 2022, Oviedo was charged in the death of Ms. Fisher.
Oviedo has not yet been taken into custody, and is considered a fugitive from justice. As such, a warrant for his arrest has been issued and his name has been entered in the National Crime Information Center database. “Great teamwork has been exhibited by all of the respective law enforcement agencies and officers involved in this investigation. Our focus now is to find Milciades Oviedo and bring him into custody. Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Milciades Oviedo should contact Detective Anthony Carrington of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office at 732-929-2027, extension 3257, or Corporal Robert Westfall at rwestfall@trpolice.org, or the Toms River Township Police Detective Bureau at 732-349-0150,” Prosecutor Billhimer stated.
Prosecutor Billhimer and Chief Little commend the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Vehicular Homicide Unit, Toms River Township Police Department Patrol Division, Toms River Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Field Services Unit, and City of Elizabeth Police Department, for their continuing and combined efforts 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).
Oviedo has not yet been taken into custody, and is considered a fugitive from justice
Milciades Oviedo, 74, of Elizabeth, has been charged with Knowingly Leaving the Scene of a Motor Vehicle Accident Resulting in Death in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:11-5.1, in connection with a fatal hit-and-run incident that occurred at approximately 2:10 a.m. on Sunday, October 23, 2022, in the area of Massachusetts Avenue and Route 70 in Toms River, resulting in the death of Sierra Fisher, 28, of Manchester Township.
NEWARK, N.J. – U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced criminal charges today against 42 defendants related to racketeering, violence, narcotics distribution, and federal firearms offenses. The charges stem from five separate investigations conducted by federal, state and local enforcement partners.
“Keeping New Jersey safe and reducing violent crime are core to this Office’s mission, and I have no higher priority as U.S. Attorney. The scourge of senseless gun violence plagues too many of our communities, particularly in our urban centers. We are committed to protecting the public from violent criminal organizations, and we will relentlessly hold those who harm and threaten the public accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Sellinger. “The arrests and charges announced today were achieved through my Office’s collaboration with our federal, state, and local partners through our Violent Crime Initiative. Our VCI model targets the dangerous offenders and criminal organizations throughout New Jersey who threaten the public and perpetrate violence within our most vulnerable communities.”
The Violent Crime Initiative (VCI) is a collaborative, multi-agency program designed to combine the resources of New Jersey’s federal, state, and local law enforcement to identify, target, and prosecute violent offenders and criminal organizations throughout New Jersey. “Selflessly working and coordinating with our law enforcement partners has strengthened our ability to better protect the public from violent actors and organized criminal conduct. The charges announced today resulted from that team effort,” said U.S. Attorney Sellinger.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger also noted that shooting incidents statewide and in cities where the VCIs operate are appreciably lower than the year-to-date total from last year, including a 23% reduction statewide, a 30% reduction in Newark, 27% reduction in Jersey City, and 12% reduction in Paterson. The attached graphic reflects those reductions:
“These decreases are not a reason for anyone to rest easy or let up, but it is a positive note for our communities that have seen all too much violence,” U.S. Attorney Sellinger said.
“My primary responsibility and focus as Attorney General is keeping the residents of our state safe – whether by tackling a rise in auto thefts or taking actions to prevent gun violence, including by holding violent offenders accountable,” New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin said. “Today, as a result of the efforts of various law enforcement agencies, we are once again demonstrating that effectively investigating and prosecuting violent crimes requires collaboration across local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. We are, quite simply, stronger and more effective when we collaborate, communicate, and share resources — which is precisely the type of partnerships we are fortunate to have here in New Jersey.”
“The Violent Crime Initiative plays an integral role in identifying and removing the most violent offenders in our communities,” Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s New Jersey Division Susan A. Gibson said. “Three of DEA’s investigations have resulted in the removal of 73 guns, more than 100 arrests, and the seizure of multiple kilograms of narcotics. It is the teamwork of law enforcement at every level working together toward the same goal that makes these investigations successful.”
“ATF remains vigilant in its pursuit of the most violent offenders in our communities by utilizing crime gun intelligence to disrupt the shooting cycle, and to prosecute shooters and their sources of crime guns,” ATF Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey L. Matthews said. “We will continue to exploit investigative and data-driven leads derived from ATF’s National Tracing Center and the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN), which is vital for both fair and impartial policing. These arrests send a clear and direct message of ATF’s continued commitment to combat violent crime and we will continue to work alongside our law enforcement partners to safeguard the public from violence.”
“Violent crime in every form negatively impacts quality of life for every person left in its wake,” FBI Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy said. “The citizens of New Jersey – and across this country – have the absolute right to feel safe in their homes, their communities, and their country, which is why the FBI places great emphasis on eradicating violence. It is a lofty goal and one that may seem unreachable in these divisive times. But we will continue to fight this fight alongside our federal, state, and local partners for as long as it takes. We ask the community to take an active role – if you see something, report it. We cannot let violence rule our way of life.”
The charges and arrests announced today are summarized below, followed by tables setting forth the names, ages, and residences of those charged, as well as the charges against them.
Oscar Miles Housing Complex Drug Trafficking Organization
Today, 14 individuals were charged by criminal complaints with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute narcotics, including fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine. According to the allegations in the complaints, the charged defendants participated in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) made up members and associates of the Grape Street Crips street gang. The organization controlled the drug trade in and around the Oscar Miles Village housing complex in Newark.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the DEA, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Susan A. Gibson, investigators of the New Jersey State Police, under the direction of Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, investigators from the U.S. Marshal Service, under the direction of Marshal Juan Mattos Jr., investigators of the Essex County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Armando B. Fontoura, and the Newark Police Department, under the direction of Director of Public Safety Fritz Fragé, for the investigations leading to the charges in the Oscar Miles investigation.
The Government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Samantha Fassanello of the Organized Crime/Gangs Unit and Olta Bejleri of the Narcotics/OCDETF Unit.
Ten members and associates of the Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips street gang were recently charged by superseding indictment with participating in a racketeering conspiracy involving drug trafficking, carjackings, robberies, non-fatal shootings, and murder. According to the allegations in the superseding indictment, from in or around 2015 through 2022, the Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips criminal organization operated in Essex and Union Counties, the New Jersey prison system, and elsewhere in New Jersey and nationally. During this alleged conspiracy, several of the charged defendants committed multiple non-fatal shootings and a murder, in furtherance of the Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips criminal organization.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the DEA, under Special Agent in Charge Gibson’s direction, the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Tammy Tomlins, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey L. Matthews, as well as investigators of the U.S. Marshals Service, under Marshal Juan Mattos’ direction; the Irvington Police Department, under the direction of Police Division Director Tracy Bowers, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Acting Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II, the Newark Police Department, under the direction of Public Safety Director Fragé, the Bloomfield Police Department, under the direction of Director of Public Safety Samuel A. DeMaio, the Essex County Sheriff’s Office, under Sheriff Armando B. Fontoura’s direction, the East Orange Police Department, under the direction of Chief Phyllis L. Bindi, the Elizabeth Police Department, under the direction of Police Director Earl J. Graves, the Edison Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police Tom Bryan, the New Jersey State Police, under the direction of Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor William A. Daniel, the Spotswood Police Department, under the direction of Chief Philip Corbisiero, and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation Fugitive and Missing Person Task Force, which includes members of the FBI, for the investigations leading to the charges in the Rollin 60’s investigation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Francesca Liquori, Chief of the Narcotics/OCDETF Unit.
Bounty Hunter Bloods Criminal Organization
Seven members and associates of the Bounty Hunter Bloods street gang were indicted for participating in a racketeering conspiracy that involved the commission of multiple murders, multiple non-fatal shootings, fraud, and narcotics distribution. According to the allegations in the indictment, from in or around 2019 to 2022, the Bounty Hunter Bloods criminal organization operated in Somerset, Middlesex, Passaic, and Mercer Counties, as well as within the New Jersey prison system. During that period, several of the charged defendants are alleged to have committed violent acts, including murder, a mass shooting, and assaults with deadly weapons, all in furtherance of the affairs of Bounty Hunter Bloods criminal organization. In one instance, members of the Bounty Hunter Bloods are alleged to have shot nine people in New Brunswick, killing two. Over the course of this conspiracy, members and associates of the Bounty Hunter Bloods criminal organization are alleged to have shot 16 people in New Jersey, killing three.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James Dennehy in Newark, as well as investigators of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone, the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor John McDonald, the New Brunswick Police Department, under the direction of Director Anthony Caputo, and the Franklin Township Police Department, under the direction of Director of Public Safety Quovella Mayweather, for the investigations leading to the charges in the Bounty Hunter Bloods investigation. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kendall Randolph of the Organized Crime/Gangs Unit and Tracey Agnew of the Criminal Division in Trenton.
Lincoln Park Drug Trafficking Organization
Six defendants were charged by criminal complaints with conspiring to participate in a drug trafficking organization that distributed fentanyl and crack-cocaine in and around Lincoln Park in Newark. This investigation also resulted in the seizure of 13 firearms and quantities of cocaine.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the ATF, under Special Agent in Charge Matthews’s direction, special agents of the DEA, under Special Agent in Charge Gibson’s direction, investigators of the Newark Police Department, under Public Safety Director Fragé’s direction, and investigators of the Essex County Sheriff’s Office, under Sheriff Fontoura’s direction, for the investigations leading to the charges in the Lincoln Park investigation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Levin of the National Security Unit.
Trinitarios
Five members and associates of several branches of the Trinitarios street gang were arrested and charged by criminal complaints with conspiring to distribute cocaine and heroin, as well as firearms offenses. According to the allegations in the complaints, the defendants conducted their narcotics and firearms activities in and around the Fifth Ward of Paterson.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under Special Agent in Charge Dennehy’s direction, investigators of the Paterson Police Department, under the direction of Police Director Jerry Speziale, and investigators of the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes, for the investigations leading to the charges in the Trinitarios investigation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah Sulkowski of the Organized Crime/Gangs Unit and Edeli Rivera of the Narcotics/OCDETF Unit.
The investigations leading to the charges in the Oscar Miles, Rollin 60s, and Trinitarios investigations were part of Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operations. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaints and indictments are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Oscar Miles Housing Complex Drug Trafficking Organization
Defendant
Age
Residence
Charge
Thomas Barney
47
Essex County
Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base
Najuwan Blake-Williams
23
Essex County
Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base
Altray Brown
29
Essex County
Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base
Ali Carney
44
Essex County
Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base
Najee Carney
21
Essex County
Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base
Mookadean Cheeseboro
35
Essex County
Possession with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon
Tyrone Cradle
26
Essex County
Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base
Michael Griffin
32
Essex County
Possession with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon
Jaquan McAllister
21
Essex County
Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base
Ikaim McSwain
32
Essex County
Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base
Latif Terry
39
Essex County
Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base
Shaquan Ward
37
Essex County
Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base
Taji Williams
37
Essex County
Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base
Zaid Williams
35
Essex County
Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
RICO Conspiracy, Carjacking, possession of firearm in furtherance of crime of violence
Amir Warden, aka “Stampz,” aka “Killa”
30
Essex County
RICO Conspiracy
Rahjon Cox, aka “Tsu Surf”
32
Essex County
RICO Conspiracy, felon in possession of firearms and ammunition
Amir Edmonds, aka “G Baby”
21
Essex County
RICO Conspiracy, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine base, possession of firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking crime
Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base, Possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon
Jamar Farrell
44
Newark
Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon
Khalid Holland
43
Newark
Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base, Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Tyree Norris
33
Newark
Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base, Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, Possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon,Possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Ted Sanon
22
Hillside, New Jersey
Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base
*Dashawn Hines* not charged in drug trafficking conspiracy
23
Newark
Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances
Trinitarios
Defendant
Age
Residence
Charge
Andy Dilone
23
Paterson, New Jersey
Conspiracy to distribute cocaine, distribution of cocaine
Malvin Pena, aka “Rabia”
28
Paterson
Unlawful possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, distribution of heroin
Andy Santiago Sanchez-Polanco, aka “Tigre”
25
Paterson
Conspiracy to distribute cocaine
Jefry Tupete, aka “Jeff”
33
Paterson
Distribution of heroin
Cesar Valerio, aka “Chico Trini”
30
Paterson
Conspiracy to distribute cocaine, distribution of cocaine
LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–At 10:22 a.m. Lawrenceville Fire Departments, EMS and Lawrence Police were dispatched to Franklin Corner Road near Lewisville Road for a motor vehicle crash with reported entrapment. Upon arrival of emergency services, it was determined that there was no entrapment and fire departments were recalled. EMS remained on scene tending to non-life-threatening injuries. Lawrence Police Department is investigating the crash. No additional details are available at this time.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Trenton Police Street Crimes Detectives have been working diligently around the clock to solve crimes that occurred within the City. Detectives have made several arrests for several different incidents that occurred throughout the City of Trenton.
Street Crimes Unit Detectives received information from NJ State Police, regarding a female in the area of the 200 block of Spring Street, driving a white Ford Escape, in possession of a handgun.They proceeded to the area and observed said vehicle improperly parked. Upon further investigation, they observed the driver, Ashley Marie Jones, in possession of a Taurus .9mm handgun, which was observed in plain view. She was subsequently arrested and charged accordingly.
Ashley Marie Jones. 30
Arrestee #1: Ashley Marie Jones, 30 years old.
Charges: 1. Unlawful Possession of a Handgun
2. Unlawful Possession of a High-Capacity Magazine
Street Crimes Unit Detectives responded to a call for shots fired in the area of Stuyvesant & Hayes Avenues. Once detectives arrived in the area they observed a male, Paris T. Mann, matching the description of the person firing the shots. Mann became startled when he observed the detectives and reached into his inside coat pocket. Detectives stopped to investigate and they found Mann in possession of a Glock 48 .9mm handgun, which was secured. Mann was charged accordingly and lodged on warrant complaints.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–On Monday, September 26, 2022, at approximately 12:17 a.m., Trenton Police Officers were flagged down and advised of a sick or injured person laying on the street in the area of 434 North Clinton Avenue. Upon making contact, the victim was found on the street next to his bicycle and in need of medical assistance. The victim was transported to the hospital where he was later found to have suffered severe life-threatening injuries and was placed in the ICU and currently listed in critical condition.
The Detective assigned to the case was able to ascertain the clothing description and additional details from the limited video footage and began working on the case. With assistance from Det. Sergeant L. Nazario and additional members from the Major Crimes Robbery Unit – The Detective was able to piece together the incident through extensive detective work and determination.
Along with the assistance from members of the Trenton Police Department – Street Crimes Unit (SCU) and the Real Time Crime Center (RTCC), were able to identify the suspects. Both suspects were positively identified, arrested, and charged.
Tyquasia M. Peterson (25)
Tyquasia M. Peterson (25) was charged with Criminal Attempt – Homicide, Aggravated Assault, and Endangering the Welfare of an injured person.
Dashawn B. Smith-Murphy (28)
Dashawn B. Smith-Murphy (28) was charged with Complicity, Aggravated Assault, and Endangering the Welfare of an injured person.
Charges are mere accusations, and the accused are considered innocent until proven guilty.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–City of Trenton, Public Information Officer, Timothy J. Carroll told MidJersey.News that a female shooting victim walked into St. Francis Medical Center at 5:51 p.m. yesterday, after being shot in her lower right leg. The victim stated that the incident occurred at Thompson Steet and Cook Place. The victim says that she heard the shots but was not sure which direction they came from. She saw a taxicab coming down the street, so she took the cab to St. Francis hospital. It was a small caliber bullet. Injury is non-life threatening.
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