TRENTON, NJ (MERCER) Trenton Police say that on Thursday, October 27, 2022, at approximately 7:43 p.m., Police responded to the area of 351 Centre Street on a report of shots fired. A victim was found with a gunshot wound about his left leg area and taken to the hospital for treatment. Detectives from the Mercer County Shooting Response Team (SRT) arrived on scene and took charge of the investigation. After weeks of combing through evidence and extensive investigative work, Detectives were able to identify the suspect Steven Harper 37 of Trenton. On Thursday, November 17, 2022, in the early morning hours, SRT Detectives and the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Unit conducted a Fugitive Operation in the area of the Centre Street. Detectives successfully executed an arrest warrant and placed Steven S. Harper under arrest for Criminal Attempt Homicide and related weapons offenses.
For Any Further Information Please Contact: Detective Lieutenant Nathan B. Bolognini, Special Operations Bureau – Violent Crimes Unit Executive Officer / Public Information Officer 609-989-4055
FREEHOLD, NJ (MONMOUTH) – The New Jersey State Senate interviewed Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago today, and thereafter unanimously voted to confirm his nomination by Governor Phil Murphy to assume the role in full capacity for a five-year term.
Santiago will become the 30th fully confirmed County Prosecutor to serve Monmouth County since the first took office nearly 200 years ago, in 1823.
“Today’s confirmation is as much a collective achievement as a personal one – and I cannot thank enough the innumerable individuals who steadfastly supported the fulfillment of a dream I have nurtured for the better part of my career,” he said. “I assume this role with a genuine sense of deep awe and respect, both for the long and storied history of this Office, and for the dedication and tenacity exhibited by the several hundred individuals who every day continue to support its overarching goal of serving the interests of justice.”
A swearing-in ceremony for the start of Santiago’s full term will be forthcoming.
On October 7, 2022, Santiago, 48, assumed the responsibility for the day-to-day operations of the Prosecutor’s Office, Monmouth County’s largest law firm. He is also responsible for the coordination of the law-enforcement efforts of nearly four dozen municipal police departments and two college police departments, which collectively patrol jurisdictions of approximately 650,000 residents.
Raymond S. Santiago was born in Puerto Rico and grew up in Brooklyn, New York. He graduated from John Jay College of Criminal Justice in 1996 and received his law degree from the City University of New York School of Law at Queens College. In 1999, he was sworn in as an Assistant District Attorney at the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office, and upon leaving that office, he entered private practice. He is admitted to the bar associations in New Jersey, New York, the United States Supreme Court, the U.S. District Court of New Jersey, and the U.S. District Courts of the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York.
Santiago most recently headed the Law Offices of Santiago & Associates, P.C., based in Freehold, a law firm that focused on the litigation of criminal and immigration law. He has also served as a public defender for municipalities in Monmouth County and as a Pool Attorney for the State of New Jersey Public Defender’s Office, Monmouth Vicinage, since 2002, where he has assisted indigent defendants faced with various crimes or offenses.
Santiago has lived and worked in Monmouth County for over 20 years.
Santiago is only the second Prosecutor of Hispanic descent in the history of the Office, following Luis A. Valentin, who served from 2005 to 2011. He succeeds Lori Linskey, who served as Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor since June 2021.
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–The Arc Mercer, Mercer County’s premier agency providing resources for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities for over seventy years, held its annual gala on Friday, November 18th at 5:30 p.m., at The Stone Terrace in Hamilton.
Every fall at the annual gala The Arc Mercer seeks to raise awareness and support for the mission and to show appreciation for those who work on the front lines every day.
The Arc Mercer honored three Mercer County Mayors with the Mayoral Champion Award during the event. Mayors Jeff Martin of Hamilton, Bert Steinmann of Ewing, and Reed Gusciora of Trenton were recognized for their enduring partnership and support of The Arc Mercer and its programs throughout the county.
Mayors Steinmann and Gusciora are long-serving members of Arc Mercer’s board of Directors. Through contributions by their administrations and the mayors themselves, the three have helped The Arc Mercer to expand their community-based homes, offer employment to hundreds of individuals, and provide cultural and recreational experiences to the special needs community. Twelve of Arc Mercer’s nineteen homes are located within these communities.
Annual awards presented during the gala include: The Employee of the Year – John Strycharz, The Rising Star of the Year – Andrew Kesten, and The Dawn Carmosino Team Impact Award winner – Diana Parker. These three individuals have gone above and beyond expectations, and were selected from over 250 nominations submitted during the year by Arc Mercer employees.
“The Gala is our chance to publicly recognize those who support our mission and exemplify why Arc Mercer is the premier agency serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” said Executive Director Steve Cook. “This year, we are excited to announce that all proceeds raised in connection with this event will go towards LiberiArc, our project to open the first international chapter of The Arc of the US in Liberia.”
This year’s record-breaking fundraiser, which was simulcast to a sister-gala in Liberia, brought in over $200,000 which Mr. Cook has pledged to invest in the research, infrastructure, and staffing of The Arc’s most ambitious project to date. Announced to much fanfare in July of this year, “LiberiArc will bring our standard of excellence to the special needs population in Liberia” according to Mr. Cook.
The Arc Mercer is a non-profit organization that has provided support and services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the Greater Mercer County region for more than seven decades. The Arc Mercer provides over 1,000 individuals with special needs, access to their community, specialized pre-vocational training, readily available job opportunities, specialized medical care, friendships and oftentimes, love.
To learn more, or to support The Arc Mercer, visit www.arcmercer.org
TOMS RIVER, NJ (OCEAN)–Toms River Police reported that on Monday, November 20, 2022, at approximately 11:35 p.m., police and fire units were dispatched to Frann Road for a reported motor vehicle accident involving a vehicle into a house. The initial investigation revealed that Kevin E. Cannon, 24 of Toms River, was traveling north on Frann Road when he drove off the roadway and through the front door of a residence, ultimately coming to rest in the living room. He was arrested and charged with driving under the influence.
Multiple fire companies responded, along with Freedom Towing, to remove the vehicle from the residence. The Building Department also responded and deemed the home unsafe. Mr. Cannon was issued citations for driving under the influence, reckless driving, and failure to maintain lane. His vehicle was impounded as per John’s Law. The homeowners were home at the time of the incident, but were not injured. The incident remains under investigation by Officer Nicholas Lugo.
ASBURY PARK, NJ (MONMOUTH)–On Saturday night, at least five people were killed and at least 25 injured at a mass shooting at Club Q, an LGBTQ+ nightclub, in Colorado Springs. The shooting came the night before Transgender Day of Remembrance, an annual observance dedicated to honoring the memories of people who were killed due to anti-transgender violence in the previous year.
The Governor and Attorney General held a conference call with LGBTQ+ leaders this morning providing clear communication on the state’s response. They emphasized that there are no similar active threats in New Jersey based on their intelligence but will provide law enforcement resources to be extremely vigilant. They confirmed law enforcement resources were deployed yesterday to Transgender Day of Remembrance events throughout the state and LGBTQ+ bars and nightclubs. The Governor ended his remarks by affirming that “New Jersey will continue to celebrate and protect the LGBTQ community and we will never ever ever relent.”
LGBTQ+ leaders from across the state of New Jersey shared their reactions and calls to action in response to this act of violence.
“It is time for us to get past the sad and shocking emojis and telling the LGBTQI+ community how horrific these hate crimes are and they’re with us,” said Jeannine Frisby LaRue, Garden State Equality Action Fund Board Chair. “It is way overdue for everyone who believes in civil rights and social justice to call out this despicable acts from their pulpits, boardrooms, social media platforms and the like. These heinous acts are not LGBTQI+ issues; they’re humanitarian issues. We need everyone to step up.”
“We are heartbroken to learn of another senseless attack against our community—on the eve of a day we remember all those in our trans community who have lost their lives to violence, no less,” said Christian Fuscarino, Executive Director of Garden State Equality. “It is a stark reminder that despite the progress the LGBTQ+ community has made, the threat of discrimination and violence against us just for being who we are is still very real. Garden State Equality will continue to work towards a world where people can live authentically without fear.”
“We at Out Montclair are disgusted and sad to hear about yet another attack on an LGBTQ+ establishment, where innocent lives have been lost,” said Peter Yacobellis of Out Montclair. “Because we believe that being ourselves and being heard is the only way we’ll ever truly be understood, we’ll never stop gathering and finding the community we desperately need. Thank you to all of our allies for supporting us.”
“Like everyone, we at Hudson Pride Center are devastated to learn about the horrific attack that has taken place at Club Q,” said Elizabeth Schedl, Executive Director of Hudson Pride Center. “We deserve to feel safe, we deserve to feel loved, we deserve to feel accepted, and we deserve to live our lives fully without fear of being attacked for being our authentic selves. Hudson Pride stands with and mourns together with our LGBTQ+ community and all those affected by this tragedy.”
“Hyacinth is devastated by the loss of lives in Colorado Springs last evening, particularly as the LGBTQ communities come together today for our annual Transgender Day of Remembrance,” said Kathy Ahearn-O’Brien, Executive Director of Hyacinth AIDS Foundation. “Today is a day of mourning and we hold in our hearts all those affected by this tragedy. We cannot allow hate to win; we will continue to fight for our right to live our lives openly, honestly and safely.”
“We at the LGBT RAIN Foundation send our prayers and support to the LGBTQ community, the families of the hurt and massacred at Club Q,” said Elaine Helms,Founder & Executive Director of the LGBT RAIN Foundation. “May God bless the State of Colorado.”
“We at GAAMC are shocked and devastated by the vicious attack in Colorado Springs,” said Gordon Sauer, President of GAAMC. “Our hearts go out to those who were affected by this hideous violence. As LGBTQ + people we have a right to be who we are and to not live in fear. And we will fight for that right with all our hearts. Hate will not win.”
“The Bayard Rustin Center for Social Justice condemns this act of hate and violence directed towards our LGBTQ+ community members and our precious and increasingly endangered safe spaces,” said Alia Shinbrough, Minister for Queer Liberation at the Bayard Rustin Center for Social Justice. “As intersectional social justice workers we hold responsible anyone capitalizing on this politics of hatred and stoking political violence in our collective public life— including those who scapegoat and target our neighbors over differences in race, religion, sexuality, and gender to propel their own ambitions. Tragedies like these remind us of the vitality of our Center’s work for collective liberation—we extend our solidarity and uplift our care to all those in our beautifully diverse communities who are in need of recognition, respect, and indeed love—in this difficult moment and beyond.”
“As we increase our visibility & representation and deepen our equality, the assaults against our very existence intensify centered on our trangender and non-binary community,” said Dean Dafis, Mayor of Maplewood, NJ. “The LGBTQ mass casualties in Colorado Springs were caused by unfettered access to guns and by hate stoked by right wing white supremacists who remain our nation’s greatest threat. While we mourn our losses yet again on this Transgender Day of Remembrance, we stand up against gun violence and transphobia and commit to fighting back with resilience, love, and faith in building empathy and acceptance. My thoughts and prayers go out to the victims’ families.”
“We at HiTOPS are brokenhearted, both for the victims of these crimes, and for the youth who witness this deadly violence against LGBTQ+ folks with shocking regularity,” said Lisa Shelby, Executive Director of HiTOPS. “We call upon elected representatives at every level to denounce the hate that underlies these horrific actions.”
“NJ AIDS WALK, Inc. stands with our sisters and brothers in Colorado, said Ray Welsh, President of NJ AIDS WALK, Inc. “Acts of violence can only win if we stop loving one another, everyone, even in our own communities.”
SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–On Saturday November 19, 2022, at 6:00 p.m. South Brunswick Police Officers Justin Samuels, Gagan Chopra, Christine Harris and Sgt. William Merkler were able to chase down an unconscious driver in a moving vehicle and able to get it stopped preventing a tragedy. The vehicle traveled Route 522 for approximately a half mile before officers got it stopped. Officers were able to block the vehicle in, smashed the side window, an get the driver out from behind the wheel. The driver, a 28-year-old from Scranton, PA, was found to be intoxicated and was arrested.
Video below:
Tragedy Averted- Officers Justin Samuels, Gagan Chopra,Christine Harris and Sgt. William Merkler were able to chase down an unconscious driver in a moving vehicle Saturday night. Officers eventually blocked the vehicle in, smashed the side window, an got the driver out. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/iq2cMY37pz
TINTON FALLS, NJ (MONMOUTH)–A local man has been arrested and charged with promoting the prostitution of a teenager at a Tinton Falls motel, along with numerous additional crimes, Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced Monday.
Jerome L. Harbour, 41, is charged with first-degree Promoting Prostitution of a Child, third-degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child via Sexual Conduct, third-degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child via Non-Sexual Conduct, third-degree Hindering Apprehension, four third-degree narcotics offenses, fourth-degree Criminal Sexual Contact, and fourth-degree Obstruction of Justice.
On Wednesday, November 16, members of the Tinton Falls Police Department received information that a 17-year-old female may be in crisis somewhere in the area of Eatontown or Tinton Falls. A subsequent search of the area led officers to a motel near the interchange of Route 18, Route 36, and the Garden State Parkway. When officers knocked on the door of the room where Harbour was staying, he denied any knowledge of the whereabouts of the teen in question, but moments later she was found hidden in his room.
The victim was then taken to safety, and a subsequent investigation involving members of the MCPO Special Victims Bureau and the Tinton Falls Police Department uncovered evidence leading to the aforementioned criminal charges, including information that Harbour had discarded the victim’s cell phone in a neighboring town. In addition, a search of Harbour’s room uncovered quantities of suspected cocaine, oxycodone, and two types of prescription tranquilizers.
Harbour was subsequently transported to the Monmouth County Correctional Institution (MCCI) to await a first appearance and detention hearing in Monmouth County Superior Court.
This case is being prosecuted by Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Ashley Behre. Information about Harbour’s legal representation was not immediately available.
A recent photo of Harbour is being released along with this press release. Anyone with information about this matter or Harbour’s recent activities is urged to contact MCPO Detective Kayla Santiago at 800-533-7443 or Tinton Falls Police Department Detective Sergeant Daniel Osofsky at 732-542-4422.
Anyone who feels the need to remain anonymous but has information about this or any crime can submit a tip to Monmouth County Crime Stoppers by calling their confidential telephone tip-line at 1-800-671-4400; by downloading and using the free P3 Tips mobile app (available on iOS and Android – https://www.p3tips.com/1182), by calling 800-671-4400, or by going to the website at www.monmouthcountycrimestoppers.com.
Convictions on first-degree criminal charges are commonly punishable by up to 20 years in state prison.
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.
Jerome L. Harbour, 41, is charged with first-degree Promoting Prostitution of a Child, third-degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child via Sexual Conduct, third-degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child via Non-Sexual Conduct, third-degree Hindering Apprehension, four third-degree narcotics offenses, fourth-degree Criminal Sexual Contact, and fourth-degree Obstruction of Justice.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–With the temperature hovering at a frigid 21 degrees, city firefighters battled a two-alarm blaze involving a pair of abandoned homes on Tremont Street early this morning (Monday, Nov. 21). Firefighters, alerted to the blaze at 2:55 a.m., arrived to find the two structures – 95 and 97 Tremont, located between Beatty and Jersey streets – already fully engulfed in flames. Both homes had been badly damaged by a previous fire and it was obvious to firefighters that a collapse of the blazing structures was imminent. Firefighters set up a defensive operation using Engine 3’s deck gun and several 2.5-inch hoselines and worked to protect neighboring buildings. Radiant heat from the fire was so intense that it melted the siding of a home across the street. Several partial collapses occurred until, eventually, both homes were reduced to a smoldering heap of debris. The fire was declared under control at 3:39 a.m. The cause of the blaze was under investigation by fire and police officials.
BURLINGTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (BURLINGTON)–Sgt. Alejandro Goez of the New Jersey State Police Public Information Unit told Midjersey.News that a fatal accident was reported at 3:27 a.m. on I-295 north bound at mile post 46.6 in Burlington.
Preliminary investigation indicates a Freightliner M2 was traveling north in the right lane and a Chevrolet Equinox was traveling behind the M2. In the area of MP 46.6, the Equinox struck the rear of the M2.
The driver of the Equinox, Stanley Altidor, 31, of Florence Township, NJ sustained serious injuries and was taken to Virtua Mount Holly Hospital where he was later pronounced deceased. The passenger, a 27-year-old female of Hampton, VA sustained serious injuries and was taken to Cooper Trauma Center.
The driver of the Freightliner M2, a 59-year-old male of Gloucester City, NJ did not sustain any injuries.
The Happy Head Smoke Shop contains a high-end glass gallery of various works of art, which is incredibly unique to the area. Even cannabis connoisseurs would be impressed with the amount and quality of the glass contained in the gallery.
Besides glass and other items, the shop also stocks CBD edibles.
If you are looking to take your smoking collection to the next level check out Happy Head Smoke Shop in Bordentown, New Jersey
Samples of some of the glass artwork that you will find in the glass gallery. Some of the high-end glass art is one of a kind depending on the artist.
Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone announced today, that thanks to multiple agencies diligent hard work and dedication to public safety, eight men and one juvenile were arrested and charged for their involvement in multiple child pornography investigations, Operation Eagle Eye.
As a result of Operation Eagle Eye led by the Internet Crimes Against Children Unit of The Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, with assistance from, the New Jersey State Police, East Brunswick Police Department, Edison Police Department, Carteret Police Department, Monroe Police Department, New Brunswick Police Department, Old Bridge Police Department, Perth Amboy Police Department, Piscataway Police Department, Plainsboro Police Department, Sayreville Police Department, and the Spotswood Police Department, a juvenile male was charged on November 1, 2022, and eight men were arrested without incident and charged over the course of two days, November 17, 2022, and November 18, 2022.
Albert Leonardis, 37, of Edison was charged with one count of second- degree Distribution of Child Pornography, one count of third-degree Possession of Child Pornography (under 1000 files), and one count of second- degree Storing and Maintaining Items Depicting the Sexual Exploitation or Abuse of Children Using a File Sharing Program.
Christopher Hernandez, 18, of New Brunswick, was charged with one count of third-degree Possession of Child Pornography (under 1000 files).
Alexander Antoini De Oliveria, 39, of Old Bridge, was charged with one count of second-degree Distribution of Child Pornography, one count of second-degree Storing and Maintaining Items Depicting the Sexual Exploitation or Abuse of Children Using a File Sharing Program, one count of second-degree Possession of Child Pornography (over 1000 files).
Joseph Marino, 40, of Carteret was charged with one count of third- degree Possession of Child Pornography (under 1000 files), one count of second-degree Distribution of Child Pornography, and one count of second- degree Storing and Maintaining Items Depicting the Sexual Exploitation or Abuse of Children Using a File Sharing Program.
Paul Rubbe, 62, of Piscataway, was charged with one count of third- degree Possession of Child Pornography (under 1000 files).
Edward Gicherman, 81, of Monroe, was charged with one count of third-degree Possession of Child Pornography (under 1000 files) and one count of second-degree Storing and Maintaining Items Depicting the Sexual Exploitation or Abuse of Children Using a File Sharing Program.
Abhishek Pandya, 25, of Edison, was charged with one count of third- degree Possession of Child Pornography (under 1000 files) and one count of second-degree Distribution of Child Pornography.
Christopher Nicol, 20, of Plainsboro, was charged with one count of third-degree Possession of Child Pornography (under 1000 files).
A juvenile male, 17, of Woodbridge, was charged with an act of juvenile delinquency for offenses which if committed by an adult would constitute as third-degree Possession of Child Pornography (under 1000 files).
The investigation is active and continuing. Anyone with information is asked to call the Internet Crimes Against Children Unit of The Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at (732) 745-5924.
As is the case with all criminal defendants, the charges against Leonardis, Hernandez, Antoini De Oliveria, Marino, Rubbe, Gicherman, Pandya, Nicol, and the juvenile male are merely accusations, and they are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The auto-theft ring targeted high-end vehicles in Monmouth County, Mercer County, Ocean County, Union County, Essex County, Somerset County, Hunterdon County, Burlington County, Bergen County, Middlesex County and New York State.
November 18, 2022
MILLSTONE TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH)– The New Jersey State Police have charged six suspects and dismantled an auto theft ring in New Jersey and New York linked to the theft of more than 30 high-end vehicles worth more than $3 million during a seven-month investigation.
In May, detectives with the Troop “C” Criminal Investigation Office began investigating multiple high-end motor vehicle thefts in Millstone Township and Upper Freehold Township. As a result, detectives identified Geovanni Hernandez, 24, of Newark, N.J. as a suspect and linked him to the theft of a BMW M8 and three Land Rover Range Rovers in Upper Freehold Township and Millstone Township. On July 22, detectives located Hernandez and arrested him.
As a result of the on-going investigation, detectives identified Carlos Sanchez, 23, of Newark, N.J. as the leader of an auto-theft ring targeting high-end vehicles in Monmouth County, Mercer County, Ocean County, Union County, Essex County, Somerset County, Hunterdon County, Burlington County, Bergen County, Middlesex County and New York State. Detectives also identified James Lanier, 24, Solomon Mickens, 23, and Sadiq Griggs, 23, all of Newark, N.J. as associates.
Through various investigative means, detectives determined that the suspects were also targeting residences while victims were home and committed burglaries in an attempt to steal the vehicles. After stealing the vehicles, the suspects would transport them to other locations where they were given fraudulent vehicle identification numbers to be re-titled and sold through an online marketplace.
On November 17, members of the Troop “C” Criminal Investigation Office, State Police Auto Theft Task Force, T.E.A.M.S. Unit, K-9 Unit, and Strategic Investigations Unit Central with assistance from members of the United States Marshals NY/NJ Fugitive Task Force and Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office executed search warrants at the residences of Mickens and Sanchez, and at a motel in Avenel, N.J. where Sanchez was staying. As a result of the searches, detectives arrested Sanchez and Mickens and seized a 9mm handgun, a high-capacity magazine, key fobs, and electronic devices linked to the operation. Detectives later arrested Griggs at a residence in Newark and Lanier in a vehicle in Newark. Destiny Montalvo, 21, of Newark, N.J. was located at her residence and was arrested for conspiring to dispose of evidence.
Below: NJ State Police staging in Upper Freehold Township, it was unclear if this operation had anything to do with the bust mentioned.
The suspects were charged with the following:
Carlos Sanchez
• Leader of an auto theft trafficking network
• Conspiracy to commit theft
• Theft by unlawful taking
James Lanier
• Conspiracy to commit theft
• Theft by unlawful taking
• Burglary
Geovanni Hernandez
• Conspiracy to commit theft
• Burglary
• Theft
• Receiving stolen property
Solomon Mickens
• Conspiracy to commit theft
• Theft by unlawful taking
Sadiq Griggs
• Conspiracy to commit theft
Destiny Montalvo
• Tampering with physical evidence
All suspects were lodged in the Monmouth County Correctional Institution pending a bail detention hearing. This case is being prosecuted by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office.
Charges are mere accusations, and the accused are considered innocent until proven guilty.
FREEHOLD – A Monmouth County Jury has returned guilty verdicts on the most serious charges against the man who attacked and killed a stranger in Freehold Township four and a half years ago, solely because of the victim’s race, Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced Friday.
Following an approximately seven-week trial before Monmouth County Superior Court Judge Lourdes Lucas, 30-year-old Jamil Hubbard of Sayreville was convicted of first-degree Murder, first-degree Bias Intimidation, second-degree Eluding, third-degree Theft from the Person, third-degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, and third-degree Motor Vehicle Theft, all in connection with the death of 56-year-old Jerry Wolkowitz.
At approximately 7:15 a.m. on the morning of Tuesday, May 1, 2018, members of the Freehold Township Police Department and other first responders rushed to the Chesterfield Apartments on Harding Road on a report of a physical altercation involving a person struck by a vehicle. At that location they found Wolkowitz in the apartment complex’s parking lot, having sustained severe injuries to his head, abdomen, and back. Wolkowitz was subsequently rushed to Jersey Shore University Medical Center for emergency treatment.
Missing from the parking lot was Wolkowitz’s vehicle, a Kia Forte, which Hubbard was later found to have stolen. Hubbard then led police on a pursuit, refusing to obey commands to pull over, until it was terminated due to high speeds and out of concern for public safety. Minutes later, the Kia was found abandoned on Bordentown Avenue in Sayreville, and Hubbard was arrested by members of the Sayreville Police Department without incident at his home in the nearby Winding Wood Apartments.
An investigation involving numerous members of the MCPO Major Crimes Bureau, Freehold Township Police Department, and Sayreville Police Department later revealed that Hubbard was in the area that morning because he had slept in his vehicle overnight, having engaged in an argument with his ex-girlfriend, a resident of the apartment complex, the night before. When he woke up, he told investigators, he spotted Wolkowitz walking nearby and decided to try to kill him because he was white, initially attacking him from behind with punches and kicks before stealing his wallet and car keys. He also told investigators he dragged the victim into the parking lot and ran him over.
Wolkowitz, a longtime member of the Freehold First Aid and Emergency Squad and a freelance photographer, remained hospitalized in a coma until he died due to his injuries on Thursday, October 18, 2018. A Monmouth County Grand Jury returned a seven-count indictment against Hubbard in March 2019.
Hubbard’s prosecution was handled by Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutors Hoda Soliman and Keri Schaefer, who presented evidence at trial refuting an attempted insanity defense, showing that Hubbard’s conduct was intentional, knowing, and deliberate.
“This was the textbook definition of a senseless crime, and as our prosecuting team astutely noted in their closing argument, ‘senseless’ does not mean ‘insane,’” Acting Prosecutor Santiago said. “Mr. Wolkowitz was an innocent victim, minding his own business and on his way home from work, when his life was snuffed out over something as trivial as the color of his skin. Such a monstrous act necessitates that justice be served, and we sincerely thank the jury in this case for carefully weighing the evidence and reaching the appropriate conclusion.”
Sentencing in the case has been scheduled for March 31, 2023, at which time Hubbard will face a term of up to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Hubbard was represented at trial by Allison Friedman, Esq. and Katherine M. Caola, Esq.
Jamil Hubbard of Sayreville (Left) was convicted of first-degree Murder, first-degree Bias Intimidation, second-degree Eluding, third-degree Theft from the Person, third-degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, and third-degree Motor Vehicle Theft, all in connection with the death of 56-year-old Jerry Wolkowitz (Right).
Retired Robbinsville fire captain Dennis Symons said he first met Wolkowitz sometime in the 1990s when he was working as a freelance photographer for the Allentown Messenger.
“A lot of stories or sports we were covering at the time overlapped so I would be shooting side by side at games and events. Jerry was a really nice guy and we were always talking about the latest equipment or assignments we were covering.”
Jerry A. Wolkowitz, 56, of Freehold Township died on Thursday, October 18, 2018 at AcuteCare Specialty Hospital at Kimball, Lakewood. He was born in Neptune Township and had resided in Manalapan Township and Freehold for most of his life. Jerry was a member of the Freehold First Aid and Emergency Squad for over 25 years and a member of the New Jersey Press Photographers Association. He was a well-known news photographer for local papers for over 30 years. Jerry is survived by his mother, Martha Wolkowitz, his sisters, Judy Marcus and husband Steven Fried, Goldie Markowitz and husband Frank, a brother, Perry Wolkowitz and wife Cindy; six nieces and nephews, Missy (Doug), Dorie (Saras), David (Tina), Rachel, Steven, and Alyssa; and six great nieces and nephews, Adam, Jordan, Kesley, Dylan, Maya, and Ezra; and his fiancé Peggie Zorovich. Funeral services will be held at the Perrineville Jewish Chapel, 755 Perrineville Road, Millstone Township on Friday, October 19, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. followed by interment at the Perrineville Jewish Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Humane Society or the Freehold First Aid and Emergency Squad, 18 Spring Street, Freehold, NJ 07728 would be appreciated. Higgins Memorial Home, Freehold is in charge of arrangements.
CREAM RIDGE, NJ –The Burlington County Agriculture Development Board (CADB) voted at its meeting on November 17, 2022, to support legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Alex Sauickie, which would provide for greater farmland preservation appraisal values.
The bill (A4729) would create a “Statewide Farmland Preservation Formula” to determine the amount offered to farmers to preserve their land. The formula approach considers not only the value of the land but that of the location and characteristics within the region being preserved. This approach is based on the Pinelands Valuation Formula currently employed in the Pinelands Area with remarkable success.
“I want to thank the Burlington CADB for their support,” said Sauickie (R-Ocean). “We must do all we can do to promote farmland preservation. Every acre saved is one less housing unit or warehouse people must contend with. We cannot continue to increase development and traffic at the sacrifice of our farms. l look forward to working with the Burlington CADB on this and other issues that they consider important in the fight to preserve the land and the farmer.”
The legislation was introduced on October 11, 2022 and was referred to the Assembly Agriculture and Food Security Committee, of which Sauickie is a member. The bill is the product of on-going conversations with the Burlington CADB on ways to promote their highly successful farmland preservation program with area farmers.
Burlington County has preserved over 255 farms totaling more than 33,000 acres and is planning to preserve another 11,000 acres over the next ten years.
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Hamilton Township Police reported that on Wednesday, November 16, 2022 at approximately 8:01 a.m., Hamilton Police were dispatched to the area of Lamont Avenue and Klockner Road on a report of an unknown problem. A text message on the 9-1-1 emergency system was received by dispatch stating that someone was in need of help and they were sitting in a red Toyota. Responding Officers located the vehicle parked on the 1800 block of Klockner Road. Inside the vehicle was a fourteen-year-old juvenile who was reported missing from Trenton. The juvenile told Officers the vehicle belonged to her friend Andy and that she phoned him on Sunday to pick her up. She stated she was hanging out at the residence for the last three days and had been sleeping in the vehicle overnight when Andy’s wife is home. Officers identified Andy as Andrew Hoehn, 34, of Hamilton.
The juvenile was brought to Hamilton Police Headquarters to investigate further. An interview was conducted along with the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office with the juvenile and found that the juvenile had been having sexual intercourse with Hoehn over the past two months. After further investigation complaints were signed against Hoehn who was taken into custody on Thursday, November 17, 2022 with the assistance of the Hamilton Police SWAT Team and the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office. Hoehn was charged with Kidnapping, Luring/Enticing a Child, Aggravated Sexual Assault (four counts), Sexual Assault (four counts), Aggravated Criminal Sexual Contact (two counts), Endangering the Welfare of a Child (3 counts), Distributing CDS (two counts), and Possession of CDS. Hoehn was taken to the Mercer County Correctional Center pending a detention hearing.
Anyone with any information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective Dan Inman of the Hamilton Police Division Major Crimes Unit at (609) 581-4035 or the Hamilton Police Crime Tip Hotline at (609) 581-4008.
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.
Andrew Hoehn, 34, of Hamilton charged with charged with Kidnapping, Luring/Enticing a Child, Aggravated Sexual Assault (four counts), Sexual Assault (four counts), Aggravated Criminal Sexual Contact (two counts), Endangering the Welfare of a Child (3 counts), Distributing CDS (two counts), and Possession of CDS. Hoehn was taken to the Mercer County Correctional Center pending a detention hearing.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office has identified Nay’sean Byrd, 19, of Trenton as the victim of yesterday’s shooting in the 800 block of Carteret Avenue. This is Trenton’s 21st homicide for 2022 with the possibility of another depending on the determination of a fire investigation. Last year on November 17, 2022 there were 35 reported homicides in Trenton and the year ended with 40.
Yesterday the Prosecutor’s Offices stated that the Mercer County Homicide Task Force and the Trenton Police Department are investigating a shooting homicide in Trenton.
At approximately 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 17, 2022, Trenton police responded to a Shot Spotter activation for multiple rounds in the 800 block of Carteret Avenue. Responding officers arrived on scene to discover a white Mercedes SUV that had been struck numerous times by gunfire. An adult male was located in the driver’s seat of the vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
No arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Mercer County Homicide Task Force at (609) 989-6406. Information can also be emailed to mchtftips@mercercounty.org.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Elon Musk Tweeted, “New Twitter policy is freedom of speech, but not freedom of reach.” after MidJersey.News received a notice from Twitter stating MidJersey.News account features have been limited for 3 days due to violations of Twitter Spam Policy. MidJersey.news has not Tweeted any spam messages and has reached out to Twitter technical support for clarification.
Musk has also Tweeted, “As Twitter pursues the goal of elevating citizen journalism, media elite will try everything to stop that from happening”
“Mainstream media will still thrive, but increased competition from citizens will cause them to be more accurate, as their oligopoly on information is disrupted” — Elon Musk
This is the opposite of what has occurred in regard to MidJersey.News feature ban notice that was received this morning.
Elon Musk has also Tweeted that “Kathie Griffin, Jorden Peterson & Babylon Bee have been reinstated.”
So it could be that Twitter’s automated content filters has picked up on certain key words that has squelched out free speech of MidJersey.News and other news sites.
MidJersey.News has reached out to Twitter and Elon Musk via Twitter but has not received a reply about the 3-day account features ban.
MidJersey.news covers local news across the center/mid point, of New Jersey from Trenton to the Jersey Shore.
New Twitter policy is freedom of speech, but not freedom of reach.
Negative/hate tweets will be max deboosted & demonetized, so no ads or other revenue to Twitter.
You won’t find the tweet unless you specifically seek it out, which is no different from rest of Internet.
Mainstream media will still thrive, but increased competition from citizens will cause them to be more accurate, as their oligopoly on information is disrupted
JACKSON TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Jackson Township Fire Departments were dispatched 624 Maria Street for a structure fire at 4:18 p.m. on Wednesday, November 16, 2022. Upon arrival firefighters reported a fully involved manufactured home and a second alarm was called for 4:23 p.m. One person needed to be checked for smoke inhalation. Firefighters quickly knocked down the fire.
The Mercer County Homicide Task Force and the Trenton Police Department are investigating a shooting homicide in Trenton.
At approximately 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 17, 2022, Trenton police responded to a Shot Spotter activation for multiple rounds in the 800 block of Carteret Avenue. Responding officers arrived on scene to discover a white Mercedes SUV that had been struck numerous times by gunfire. An adult male was located in the driver’s seat of the vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The victim’s identity will be released after family notification has been made.
No arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Mercer County Homicide Task Force at (609) 989-6406. Information can also be emailed to mchtftips@mercercounty.org.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Shots rang out again in less than 24-hours in the City of Trenton, this time around 1:30 p.m. in the 800 block of Carteret Avenue Trenton Police, Trenton EMS, Trenton Fire and Captial Health Paramedics responded to the scene.
The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office confirmed that The Mercer County Homicide Task Force is responded to the 800 block of Carteret Avenue in Trenton for a shooting investigation. No additional details are available at this time.
Names of the 2022 homicide victims in the City of Trenton:
PLUMSTED TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Plumsted Township/New Egypt firefighters responded to the 400 Block of Route 539 also known as Pinehurst Road around 12:00 p.m. and found a 50 x 60-foot Transmission Shop heavily involved in fire. Mutual aid was called from several area departments including Upper Freehold Township-Allentown, Millstone Township, Jackson Township, Cookstown, Jacobstown, and others. A tanker task force responded to bring water to the scene and firefighters used hand lines and two ladders for master stream operations. The fire was contained quickly but firefighters remained on scene for quite some time overhauling the fire. A helicopter was called for a burn victim from the structure fire and a landing zone was set up at New Egypt Speedway but the helicopter was recalled and the person was transported by ground to a local hospital. It appears that the business owner lost everything since the entire building was consumed by fire. The fire is currently under investigation. Additional details will be posted as they become available.
NEPTUNE, NJ (MONMOUTH) – A local man who engaged in a lengthy standoff with police after allegedly committing an armed robbery of a Neptune Township pharmacy surrendered peacefully late last night and remains in custody, Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced Thursday.
Jeffrey V. Migliore, 34, of Ocean Township is charged with first-degree Armed Robbery and three related weapons offenses.
Shortly before 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, November 16, members of the Neptune Township Police Department responded to a pharmacy on the 1200 block of Corlies Avenue for a report of a robbery. At that location it was learned that a man later identified as Migliore had entered the store, brandished a handgun, demanded cash from the store clerk, and made off with several hundreds of dollars.
Migliore was then quickly tracked to a home on the 1200 block of 11th Avenue in Neptune Township, a short distance away, and he initially refused several orders to surrender to arriving police, after which, neighboring homes and properties were evacuated for safety reasons. Members of MCPO, the Monmouth County Emergency Response Team (MOCERT) and Rapid Deployment Force (RDF), Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office Tactical Medical Unit, New Jersey State Police Technical Emergency and Mission Specialists (TEAMS) Unit, Jersey City Police Department SWAT, and the Neptune Township Police Department, Fire Department, Emergency Services, and Office of Emergency Management all thereafter responded to the scene, where they established a perimeter and engaged in lengthy negotiations with Migliore, who surrendered peacefully shortly after 10:30 p.m. A handgun was also recovered at the scene.
Migliore remains in custody pending a detention hearing and first appearance to take place in Monmouth County Superior Court. This matter remains under joint investigation by members of MCPO and the Neptune Township Police Department, and anyone with information about Migliore’s activities is being urged to contact Neptune Township Police Department Detective Robert Hagerman at 732-988-8000, Ext. 419.
“That this extraordinarily delicate and complicated situation was resolved with no injuries or loss of life to any civilians or members of law enforcement was no accident – it was the result of very carefully planned, coordinated, and well-executed actions of dozens upon dozens of members of local, county, and state agencies, all working closely together in close quarters and under tremendous pressure,” Acting Prosecutor Santiago said. “This outcome is a testament to the quality of their efforts.”
“The manner in which the local, county and state law-enforcement community worked together to resolve a tenuous situation peacefully speaks volumes in our ability to collaborate,” Neptune Township Police Chief Larry B. Fisher added. “The professionalism of all agencies involved cannot be more appreciated.”
Anyone who prefers to remain anonymous but has information about this or any crime can submit a tip to Monmouth County Crime Stoppers by calling their confidential telephone tip-line at 1-800-671-4400; by downloading and using the free P3 Tips mobile app (available on iOS and Android – https://www.p3tips.com/1182), by calling 800-671-4400; or by going to the website at www.monmouthcountycrimestoppers.com.
Convictions on first-degree criminal charges are commonly punishable by terms of 10 to 20 years in state prison.
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.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–In an update to the story MidJersey.News brought you yesterday the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office has identified the individual who was killed during the home invasion as Jomar Rodriguez, 29, of Trenton, who was shot multiple times in the chest and pronounced dead at the hospital.
The Mercer County Homicide Task Force and the Trenton Police Department are investigating a shooting that occurred Wednesday evening in the city, Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri reported.
At approximately 7:15 p.m. on November 16, 2022, Trenton police responded to the 200 block of Hewitt Street on a report of a man shot. Upon arrival, officers spoke to an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound to the hand. He was transported to Capital Health Medical Center for treatment. While on scene, officers learned that two more gunshot victims had arrived at St. Francis Medical Center. A second adult male was treated for a gunshot wound to the leg. A third victim, Jomar Rodriguez, 29, of Trenton, was shot multiple times in the chest and pronounced dead at the hospital.
Preliminary investigation indicates the incident was a home invasion. No arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Mercer County Homicide Task Force at (609) 989-6406. Information can also be emailed to mchtftips@mercercounty.org
NEWARK, N.J.— An Indiana man was arrested by police after Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers removed the components of a handgun and 15 bullets spread across two of the man’s carry-on bags at a Terminal B security checkpoint at Newark Liberty International Airport on Wednesday, Nov. 16.
It was the 12th gun caught at one of the airport checkpoints so far this year.
The 9mm handgun was detected when the TSA officer who was staffing a checkpoint X-ray monitor spotted the firearm parts inside two of the man’s carry-on bags. When the bags were searched, the components of the firearm were found along with the ammunition. Had the components been assembled, they would have resulted in the use of a working gun. TSA officials alerted Port Authority Police who confiscated the handgun components and arrested the man on weapons charges.
The traveler told officials that he had driven to the area, however his car was stolen, so he was flying home to Indiana and he thought it would be okay to travel with a disassembled gun. However, firearms and firearm parts are prohibited through a security checkpoint.
“The busy Thanksgiving holiday travel period officially gets underway on Friday and our TSA officers are focused on our mission to continue to stop weapons from being carried through our security checkpoints,” said Thomas Carter, TSA Federal Security Director for New Jersey. “It is important for travelers to know what can and cannot be carried through our checkpoints—especially during what is typically the busiest travel period of the year. Any prohibited item, from a firearm to an oversized liquid, that is detected in a carry-on bag slows down the checkpoint screening process for the travelers whose carry-on bags trigger an alarm for a prohibited item. You do not want to be that person.”
Individuals who own firearms “should familiarize themselves with the laws and regulations as it pertains to traveling with their guns,” Carter added. TSA has details on how to properly travel with a firearm posted on its website.
Bringing a gun to an airport checkpoint carries a federal civil penalty because TSA reserves the right to issue a civil penalty to travelers who have guns and gun parts with them at a checkpoint. Civil penalties for bringing a handgun into a checkpoint can stretch into thousands of dollars, depending on mitigating circumstances. This applies to travelers with or without concealed gun carry permits because even though an individual may have a concealed carry permit, it does not allow for a firearm to be carried onto an airplane. The complete list of civil penalties is posted online. Additionally, if a traveler with a gun is a member of TSA PreCheck®, that individual will lose their TSA PreCheck privileges.
Firearm possession laws vary by state and locality and passengers should do their homework to make sure that they are not violating any local firearm laws. Travelers should also contact their airline as they may have additional requirements for traveling with firearms and ammunition.
Last year TSA officers detected 5,972 guns at security checkpoints nationwide and 86 percent of them were loaded.
TSA firearms catches at Newark Liberty International Airport checkpoints, 2017 to 2022
Year
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022(As of 11/16/22)
Guns caught at Newark Liberty International Airport checkpoints
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo Onofri told MidJersey.news that there was a shooting in the 200 Block of Hewitt Street, one pronounced deceased, two others were wounded. Onofri stated it appears to be a home invasion.
Trenton Police, Trenton EMS, Mercer County Paramedics and Trenton Fire all responded to the 200 Block of Hewitt Street around 7:15 p.m. It was reported that one of the victims was transported in a private vehicle to the Trauma Center at Capital Health Regional Medical Center. Two others were also injured in the shooting also arrived by private vehicles to St. Francis Medical Center and one was pronounced dead.
This is a developing story check please check back for updates when additional details are released.
Names of the 2022 homicide victims in the City of Trenton:
Murphy Administration Partners with Legislature on Bill to Waive Fee for Filing Name Change Orders with the New Jersey Department of the Treasury
November 16, 2022
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER) – Governor Phil Murphy today signed Executive Order No. 311, exempting all name change orders filed with the New Jersey Department of the Treasury after 1948 from the Open Public Records Act (“OPRA”) and requiring Treasury to treat all such name change orders as confidential. The Executive Order signed today, during Transgender Awareness Week, furthers the Governor’s commitment to supporting and protecting the LGBTQIA+ community.
“A person’s name change can be a critical step in gender transition or affirmation of their gender identity, but many who wish to change their name have legitimate safety and privacy concerns with maintaining legal records of their name change,” said Governor Murphy. “I am proud to sign an executive order today, during Transgender Awareness Week, that will help protect privacy, and support New Jerseyans who wish to change their names without fear for their safety.”
In addition to signing Executive Order No. 311, Governor Murphy has partnered with members of the Legislature to reduce additional barriers to changing one’s name. Currently, after securing a name change order from the court, a person is required to file the order with the Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services in Treasury and pay a $50 fee. This week, the Legislature introduced a bill (S3332/A4888) to waive the fee. Primary sponsors of the bill include Senator Joseph Vitale and Assemblywoman Annette Quijano.
“I am also proud to work with our Legislative partners to reduce financial impediments to changing one’s name,” continued Governor Murphy. “In our state, we are committed to ensuring that affordability does not pose an obstacle to someone’s desire to express their identity . We will continue to build a stronger and fairer New Jersey where every individual is given the right to live their truth openly and freely.”
“With transgender rights coming under fire around the country, New Jersey continues to lead the way in protecting and supporting all members of the LGBTQIA community,” said Senator Joe Vitale, Chair of the Senate Health, Human Services, and Senior Citizens Committee. “Today’s executive order, coupled with the legislation we’ve introduced, will ease safety concerns and remove financial barriers for those seeking to change their name.”
“There are many reasons why people choose to change their names. For members of the transgender community, the decision to change one’s name is often empowering and identity affirming, but the process of legally doing so can be burdensome,” said Assemblywoman Annette Quijano. “This legislation will allow us to eliminate a financial barrier that currently stands in the way of New Jersey residents planning to change their names. No matter the reasoning behind a resident’s decision, all New Jerseyans deserve the opportunity to embrace who they are and live authentically.”
In 2021, the New Jersey Supreme Court amended its rules to exclude all records in name change actions from public access. EO 311 will align Treasury’s practice with that of the Judiciary. Although EO 311 directs that name change orders be kept confidential, there are exceptions for when the requestor is the person who changed their name, their parent or guardian (when that person is a minor), or where good cause is otherwise shown.
“Legal name changes are critical in the gender affirmation process,” said Christian Fuscarino, Executive Director of Garden State Equality. “We applaud Governor Murphy for taking this step to ensure someone’s personal journey is kept confidential and can no longer be accessed by any member of the public. New Jersey continues to lead the nation on LGBTQ equality by being one of the first states to implement this protective measure.”
“We at the Bayard Rustin Center for Social Justice applaud our dear friend & stalwart ally Governor Murphy as he takes this direct action to recognize & respect our transgender/nonbinary/gender non-conforming community members,” said Bayard Rustin Center for Social Justice Chief Activist Robt Martin Seda-Schreiber. “The dual difficulties of financial consideration & the need for anonymity are often obstacles to our queer folx asserting who they are & who they have always been. Eradicating these barriers is an impactful step to allow all to continue an important personal journey & especially meaningful during Transgender Awareness Week which celebrates how far we have come but also absolutely recognizes how far we have yet to go.”
“With the ever rising acts of violence against people who are gender diverse, it is critical to protect the identify of those who have changed their name as part of their transition. We commend the Governor’s commitment to help ensure the safety and well-being of the transgender and gender diverse communities” said Laurie Litt, Chief Executive Officer of EDGE NJ.
“It is important to address a person who identifies as a certain gender by the name they have chosen, whether or not they have taken hormones or had surgery, they should be referred to by the name of the gender they identify as without pushback,” said LGBT RAIN Foundation Executive Director Elaine Helms. “I am pleased that Governor Murphy has put in place an EO to ensure those who seek name changes will be kept confidential. This is a much needed safety precaution for the LGBTQ+IA community. Thank you, Governor Murphy, for your continuous support to make this a safe state for every human being.”
NEWARK, N.J. – The former administrative manager of a carpenters’ union pension fund was sentenced today to six months of home confinement and three years of probation for embezzling approximately $140,000 and making false statements on a required report to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
George R. Laufenberg, 72, of Wall Township, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Kevin R. McNulty to two counts of an indictment charging him with embezzling approximately $140,000 in pension benefits and making false statements to the DOL. Judge McNulty imposed the sentence today in Newark federal court.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Laufenberg was the administrative manager of the Northeast Carpenters Pension Fund, which was subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). Laufenberg was a fiduciary and participant in the pension fund. He admitted stealing $140,000 that was paid to him under a deferred compensation agreement to which he was not entitled. Laufenberg also admitted that he made false statements in a form required under ERISA that he filed to the Department of Labor on behalf of the pension fund.
In addition to the prison term, Judge McNulty fined Laufenberg $20,000 and debarred him from any future association with a union or benefit plan.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the DOL Employee Benefit Security Administration, under the supervision of Thomas Licetti, Regional Director; special agents of the DOL Office of the Inspector General, under the supervision of Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Mellone; and agents of the Port Authority of New York/New Jersey, under the supervision of Inspector General John Gay, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing.
The government is represented by Senior Litigation Counsel V. Grady O’Malley of the Organized Crime/Gangs Unit, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kendall R. Randolph of the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force Unit.
22-423
Defense counsel: Peter W. Till Esq., Springfield Township, New Jersey
Kellen Joseph Bischoff age 19 of Manahawkin, NJ died Saturday November 12, 2022. Kellen was a lifelong resident of Manahawkin and graduate from Southern Regional High School class of 2022. A member of the National Honor Society and the Southern Regional Rams wrestling team, his fun-loving personality was infectious and left an impression on all who knew him. Kellen recently started to follow his passion for music with Full Sail University and the sound of his drums could be heard echoing across the winds of Ocean Acres. Continue to pound those skins our mighty Irish warrior and we will be listening and we will hear you.
He is survived by his parents Patty (nee: Flanagan) and Mike Bischoff of Manahawkin, beloved twin brother Nathaniel & little sister Raegan, and his dogs Sullivan and Finnegan. Also, surviving are his cherished aunts, uncles and cousins.
A memorial gathering will take place on Sunday, November 20, 2022 from 2pm to 6pm with a blessing service, 6pm at Maxwell-Tobie Funeral Home, 573 Mill Creek Road, Manahawkin, NJ 08050.
Hello my name is Julian Contreras along with Alex Rietmann, Nick Anastasatos, and Estrella Vasquez Morales. Kellen was the drummer in our band Hellfire and was a dear friend of all of ours. He was very dedicated and passionate about music and our band. Due to his unfortunate and tragic passing we have set up this go fund me to help the bischoff family for any expenses such as the funeral.
BERKS COUNTY, PA–On Saturday, November 12, 2022, at approximately 8:41 a.m., the Exeter Township Police Department responded to the Total Recycling Facility, 1270 Lincoln Rd, Birdsboro PA 19508 after a deceased male was found among trash recyclables that had been dropped off by a trash hauler.
The Berks County District Attorney Detectives responded to this location to assist with this investigation. A description of the deceased male, including several unique tattoos, was disseminated to Berks County law enforcement agencies in an effort to help identify the victim. Based upon these descriptors, the Kutztown Borough Police Department recognized these identifiers to be a subject who had recently been reported missing to their agency. The victim was identified as Kellen J. Bischoff, 19 years of age, from Manahawkin, New Jersey.
Detectives from Exeter Township Police Department and Berks County District Attorney Detectives met with officials from both the Kutztown Borough Police Department and Kutztown University Police. They learned that the victim had been visiting a family member in Kutztown Borough and he was last seen in the early morning hours of Saturday, November 12th, after leaving an off-campus house party.
As a result of the aforementioned information, investigators began to track the movement of the victim. Recovered surveillance footage showed the victim, who was alone, climbing into a dumpster located to the rear of the Dollar Tree, 45 Constitution Boulevard, Kutztown, PA. Several hours later, a trash hauler was observed arriving at this location. The contents of this dumpster were then emptied and compressed into the rear of the recycling truck and transported to the Total Recycling Facility, where the victim’s body was later discovered.
On Monday, November 14, 2022, an autopsy was performed on the victim at the Tower Health Reading Hospital. No signs of foul play or unexplained injuries were observed to the victim. The victim’s injuries were consistent with having been dumped into and later compressed by the trash truck. Toxicology results are pending.
The investigation is continuing. To date, no evidence of foul play has been uncovered and the victim’s death appears to be accidental.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Yesterday, November 15, the Fish and Game Council voted to approve emergency regulations amending the Game Code and adopting a new Comprehensive Black Bear Management Plan (CBBMP) to control the black bear population and reduce the threat of dangerous encounters between bears and humans through regulated hunting and non-lethal management measures.
Following the Council’s vote, the Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) approved the new CBBMP and agreed with the Council’s finding that a hunt is necessary this December to protect the safety of New Jersey residents. Governor Murphy then concurred with the Council’s finding and signed Executive Order No. 310, which rescinds a prior executive order (No. 34) from 2018 instructing the Commissioner to take action to protect black bears on State-owned land.
In accordance with Executive Order No. 310, the Commissioner then rescinded the Department’s own prior Administrative Order (No. 2018-24), which prohibited the hunting of black bears on all State-owned land.
“The facts on the ground have shown that we cannot rely on nonlethal methods alone to protect New Jersey residents from a growing black bear population,” said Governor Murphy. “Today’s actions will facilitate the reinstatement of a regulated black bear hunt this year to help limit dangerous interactions between people and bears to protect public safety.”
This action is being taken in response to an increase in the black bear population and a rise in black bear incidents of 237% from January through October this year as compared to the same time period in 2021. These incidents include 62 aggressive encounters with humans, 89 instances of property damage, and attacks on both livestock and pets.
Season Dates: December 5 -10, 2022 (Segment B), Shotgun/Muzzleloader ONLY
Hunting Hours: Legal hunting hours for black bears shall be ½ hour before sunrise to ½ hour after sunset.
Season Bag limit is one bearover 75 pounds live weight, or 50 pounds dressed, per hunter, regardless of the number of permits the hunter holds.
Season Changes: Following the start of the black bear season, the Assistant Commissioner of NJDEP Fish and Wildlife may announce closure of the entire season or extension of Segment B of the season based upon harvest data.
If the cumulative harvest rate reaches 30% of bears tagged in 2022 the season will be closed. In the event of a season closure, notification will be on our website and via the NJ Hunting E-mail list. A season closure, if announced, will become effective 24 hours from the daily legal closing time of the day on which the decision is made.
If the harvest rate does not reach 20% during this period, the hunt will be extended to Wednesday, December 14th through Saturday, December 17th, 2022. Hunting regulations for the season extension will be the same as those during the regular part of Segment B. Only those permit holders with a valid permit(s) for Segment B who did not harvest a bear during the regular part of Segment B may hunt during the Segment B extension. The notification number for season closure will be announced by news release, radio and Fish and Wildlife’s website NJFishandWildlife.com.
PRINCETON, NJ (MERCER)—Princeton Police Department reports that on Tuesday November 8, 2022, at 1:52 p.m., a 2019 Hyundai Kona driven by Elmer Hsu was traveling east in the eastbound lane of Princeton-Kingston Road. Hsu swerved to the right out of the eastbound lane and struck a tree located near the corner of Princeton-Kingston Road and Riverside Drive. Hsu was transported to the Trauma Center at Capital Health Regional Medical Center in Trenton, NJ for treatment. On Sunday November 13, 2022, Hsu succumbed to his injuries.
The Police Department is requesting that anybody who witnessed the crash contact Sgt. Michael Strobel at (609) 921-2100 extension 1815.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Further information will be provided when new information becomes available.
JACKSON, NJ (OCEAN)–Jackson Police reported that on November 8, 2022 Detective Purtell was in the area of the Jackson Premium Outlets following up on an unrelated investigation while also working a plain clothed detail to combat the rise in shoplifting that the outlets are experiencing. Det. Purtell was advised by police dispatch that several stores within the outlet mall called to report two males attempting to pass counterfeit US currency. After canvassing the area, Det. Purtell was able to locate one of the suspects with the assistance of the description forwarded by dispatch.
While approaching the male suspect, said suspect became aware of his presence. Det. Purtell displayed his badge and identified himself as a Jackson Police Officer. The suspect froze and became hesitant to which Det. Purtell again identified himself and advised him that he needed to speak with him.
It was at this time the suspect dropped the bags he was carrying and began running away from Det. Purtell. A foot pursuit ensued and Det. Purtell kept ordering the suspect to stop. While pursuing the suspect, he was observed reaching into his pockets and pulling out several bills that appeared to be US currency. The suspect was observed ripping up the bills and throwing them to the ground during the pursuit. It appeared to Det. Purtell that the suspect was attempting to destroy evidence and distance himself from the counterfeit US currency.
After pursuing the suspect for approximately one quarter of a mile through the parking lot area, Det. Purtell was able to corner the suspect in a location that he would not be able to escape. The suspect was taken into custody without incident. During the search of his person, Det. Purtell recovered several one-hundred dollar bills. Det. Purtell was able to immediately determine that the bills were counterfeit as well due to their texture and color upon inspection. All of the bills also possessed the same serial number. Said bills were confirmed to be counterfeit during the course of the investigation once at headquarters. In total the suspect had in his possession just over $1000 in counterfeit bills, some which was utilized to make fraudulent purchases.
Jeremy Hardy, age 26 of Fort Lauderdale, Florida was charged with the following:
• (5) Five counts of Possession of Counterfeit Bills
• Destruction of Evidence
• Obstruction
• Hindering Apprehension
Hardy was subsequently lodged at Ocean County Jail in lieu of his charges. Secret Service was also advised of the counterfeiting incident. The second suspect was never located or identified.
The media and the public are reminded that any persons arrested or charged with any offenses or crimes are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
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