NEWARK, N.J. – A German man made an intial court appearance on Friday, March 24, 2023 on charges that he traveled to New Jersey for the purpose of engaging in sexual conduct with a minor, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Christian Stefan Walther, 38, of Erfurt, Germany, is charged by complaint with one count of travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct. Walther is scheduled to make his initial appearance this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Edward S. Kiel in Newark federal court.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Law enforcement authorities have been investigating Walther since January 2023 for child exploitation offenses. Two undercover officers communicated with Walther via email, phone, and an encrypted messaging app concerning Walther’s desire for sexual encounters with young children. During the investigation Walther sent an undercover officer two videos, each of which depicted an adult male sexually assaulting a prepubescent female child. Walther also expressed his desire to engage in sexual conduct with children aged 8 to 12, and explained that he had lied to his friends in Germany about the purpose of his trip to the United States. On March 23, 2023, Walther traveled from Germany to New Jersey to meet the undercover officers in advance of what he believed would be a sexual encounter with one or more children at a hotel.
The charge of interstate travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct carries a maximum statutory penalty of 30 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel in Newark, with the investigation leading to the charge. He also thanked officers of the New Jersey State Police, under the leadership of Col. Patrick J. Callahan, for its assistance.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Specht of the General Crimes Unit in Newark.
The charge and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
MEDFORD, NJ (BURLINGTON)–The New Jersey State Police have charged Jonathan P. Ryker, 25, of Hammonton, N.J., with sexual assault for allegedly assaulting minors who he coached at Rockstar Cheer in Southampton, N.J.
In August 2022, detectives from Troop “C” Criminal Investigation Office, Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Medford Township Police Department began investigating explicit content that was sent from Jonathan P. Ryker to a minor via social media. During the 8-month investigation, detectives were able to identify another victim of Ryker who was also a student at Rockstar Cheer.
Ryker was additionally charged with endangering the welfare of a child, and aggravated criminal sexual contact. Ryker was lodged in Burlington County Jail pending a detention hearing.
If you or anyone you know may have been a victim please contact the New Jersey State Police Red Lion Station at 609-859-2282. Anonymous tips are welcomed.
Charges are mere accusations, and the accused is considered innocent until proven guilty
Robbinsville Police reported that a 22-year-old motorcyclist has died after the crash. The driver of a Toyota Camery from Yardly, PA was uninjured. Full Robbinsville Police Department Press Release listed in the image below earlier story.
March 31, 2023
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Around 5:47 p.m. multiple 9-1-1 calls to both Robbinsville and Monmouth County reporting vehicle hit a motorcycle at the intersection of Old York Road and Montgomery Way. Robbinsville Fire Department, EMS and Police responded as well as NJ State Police, Hope Fire Company, Capital Health EMS from Allentown responded to the scene. There were reports of serious life-threating injuries to the motorcyclist. The motorcyclist was transported by EMS with Captial Health Paramedics to RWJ at Hamilton Hospital. Robbinsville Township Police along with the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office Serious Crash Investigation Unit is investigating the crash. Old York Road will be closed from County Road 524 to Gordon Road until the accident investigation is completed. No further details are available at this time.
Fire Police from Mercer County and Monmouth County Fire Police are assisting with traffic control in the area.
UPDATE:
Robbinsville Police, NJ State Police, Robbinsville Fire Department, Hope Fire Company of Allentown, Captial Health Allentown EMS, Robbinsville EMS, Captial Health Paramedics at the scene of a serious crash on Old York Road at Montgomery Way in Robbinsville Township.
Police also noted in their report that during the investigation of the CO leak, Engine 40 discovered numerous hazards, safety concerns in the dwelling. Specifically, it was observed that there were no CO carbon monoxide detectors, not enough smoke detectors, and many points of egress were blocked. Police noted in the report that a door was screwed shut to the frame, and another with two planks of wood mounted across it, preventing it from being opened. As a result, there was only one working point of exit for the occupants.
March 31, 2023
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)—According to documents obtained from an OPRA (Open Public Records Act) request by MidJersey.news it was revealed that an EMT’s carbon monoxide alarm sounded in a North Main Street home while treating a patient for a possible stroke. High levels of carbon monoxide were found in the dwelling. It was later revealed that the home was turned into a boarding house and housing thirty-three BAPS Temple volunteers. The building was evacuated, the Police, Fire Department, Construction Department and Fire Marshal responded.
According to reports, Robbinsville Ambulance 40, EMS workers responded to 93 North Main Street in Windsor on March 15, 2023 for a person believed to be having a stroke. When the ambulance crew entered the structure “A40 single gas CO monitor began to alarm.” Warning the ambulance crew of carbon monoxide present. The Fire/EMS report states “The patient was removed from the building and into the ambulance for further assessment. A40 transported with ALS to RWJ Hamilton. Squad 40 remained on scene and investigated the CO alarm.”
The Robbinsville Police Department report states police responded with Ambulance 40 and Engine 40 for a patient with possible stroke symptoms. As the EMT’s were evaluating the patient the EMT’s carbon monoxide detector emitted a warning about carbon monoxide levels in the dwelling.
The Robbinsville Police Department report also stated that the “building was currently housing thirty-three female work volunteers for the BAPS Temple (112 North Main Street).”
According the police record, Engine 40 investigated and confirmed that there was very high CO levels within the home. All occupants were evacuated immediately.
Police also noted in their report that during the investigation of the CO leak, Engine 40 discovered numerous hazards, safety concerns in the dwelling. Specifically, it was observed that there were no CO carbon monoxide detectors, not enough smoke detectors, and many points of egress were blocked. Police noted in the report that a door was screwed shut to the frame, and another with two planks of wood mounted across it, preventing it from being opened. As a result, there was only one working point of exit for the occupants.
Police notified the Robbinsville Township Engineer Construction Official and the Robbinsville Fire Marshal. The building was not allowed to be occupied until a inspection the following day.
The record states that, after Engine 40 had been able to properly vent the building and the carbon monoxide was at a safe level, the residents were allowed to retrieve their necessary belongings, and were then relocated by BAPS representatives. Once the residents all left, the building was secured and police tape was put across the doorways.
The report stated that the Township Engineer Construction Official did respond to the location to investigate and posted the building as an Unsafe Structure/Immediate Hazard due to the unapproved boarding and various code violations.
The Property Record Card indicates that the property is owned by PRAMUKH SWAMIJI LLC, 8005 Pulaski Highway, Baltimore, Maryland. It was purchased for $1,001,000 on December 20, 2017. The Property Class is 3A “Farm Property (Regular)”
The Construction Department issued a “Notice of Unsafe Structure” on March 16, 2023 states “Unapproved Boarding/Rooming House, Unsafe Equipment, No Smoke or CO Alarms”
The Construction Department “Notice of Violation and Order To Terminate” on March 16, 2023 states “Unapproved Boarding/Rooming House”
There are three “Notice of Violation and Order to Terminate” indicating that “Work Done Without A Permit”
There are also three “Notice and Order of Penalty” notices issued on March 16, 2023 with “failed to obtain construction permit” with an order to pay of $2,000 with a combined total of the three orders of $6,000. In penalties were issued.
All documents obtained by OPRA, Open Public Records Act request by MidJersey.News are listed below:
Police noted in the report that a door was screwed shut to the frame, and another with two planks of wood mounted across it, preventing it from being opened. As a result, there was only one working point of exit for the occupants.
The Robbinsville Police Department report also stated that the “building was currently housing thirty-three female work volunteers for the BAPS Temple (112 North Main Street).
Photo obtained by OPRA request states CO pipe heater
HILLSBOROUGH, N.J. – Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald, Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Chief of County Detectives John W. Fodor and Hillsborough Township Chief of Police Michael McMahon announced the arrest of Amanda O’Keefe, age 37, Hillsborough, New Jersey in relation to the death of her husband, Robert O’Keefe, age 41, Hillsborough, New Jersey who died after being struck with a vehicle at his residence on Saturday, February 25, 2023, in Hillsborough.
Prosecutor McDonald stated that on Saturday, February 25, 2023, at approximately 2:28 a.m., Hillsborough Township Police Officers and Hillsborough Emergency Services were dispatched to a residence in Hillsborough Township in response to a 9-1-1 call. The victim, identified as Robert O’Keefe, was struck by a vehicle driven by his spouse, Amanda O’Keefe and was subsequently pronounced deceased at the scene. Detectives from the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit, Crime Scene Investigation Unit and members of the Somerset County Collision Analysis Reconstruction Team (C.A.R.T.) responded to the scene to investigate along with detectives from the Hillsborough Township Police Department. Investigators from the New Jersey Northern Regional Medical Examiner’s Office also responded to the scene to investigate.
Prosecutor McDonald stated that the investigation revealed that Amanda O’Keefe was over the legal Blood Alcohol Concentration (B.A.C.) limit at the time of incident. On March 29, 2023, as a result of this investigation, Amanda O’Keefe voluntarily responded to the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office, where she was arrested and charged with 2nd degree, Death by Auto. Defendant O’Keefe was lodged in the Somerset County Jail and subsequently released on Thursday, March 30, 2023 with conditions of release pending future court appearance.
The investigation remains on-going.
Prosecutor McDonald, Chief Fodor, and Chief McMahon request anyone with information relating to this investigation to contact the Somerset County Prosecutors Office Major Crimes Unit at (908) 231-7100 or the Hillsborough Township Police Department at (908) 369-4323 or via the STOPit app. The STOPit app allows citizens to provide anonymous reports including videos and photos. STOPit can be downloaded to your smart phone for free at the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, access code: SOMERSETNJ. Information can also be provided through the Somerset County Crime Stoppers’ Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477). All anonymous STOPit reports, and Crime Stopper tips will be kept confidential.
NOTE: The charges are merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–According to the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, a former Robbinsville Police Department employee, Eric Coran pleaded guilty yesterday, March 30, 2023, to one count of second-degree theft by unlawful taking before Mercer County Superior Court Judge Patrick J. Bartels. Under the terms of the plea agreement, the state will recommend Coran be sentenced to four years in state prison; forfeit all future public employment; and make restitution in the amount of $252,465.48. Sentencing is scheduled for July 13.
On Friday, August 12, 2022, a criminal complaint was signed charging Eric Coran, 41, of Medford, NJ, with second-degree official misconduct, multiple counts of theft, criminal computer activity and impersonation, and second-degree money laundering. Coran has been employed by the Robbinsville Township Police Department as a communications officer since 2002. His responsibilities included purchasing, ordering, programming, and maintaining police equipment including police radios, emergency lights, sirens and controllers. Coran was terminated from his job on Friday after being suspended without pay since July 2022.
TRENTON (March 31, 2023) – One lucky ticket matched all five numbers drawn winning the $140,764 Jersey Cash 5 jackpot from the Thursday, March 30, drawing. The winning numbers were: 03, 20, 35, 39 and 41 and the XTRA number was: 02. The retailer will receive a bonus check for $2,000 for the winning ticket sold. The winning ticket was sold at Rite Aid #1326, 1801 Kuser Rd., Hamilton in Mercer County.
HAMILTON / ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Twin sisters from Hamilton who have collected more than 18,000 pairs of pajamas for children in need are the recipients of the 2023 Vern Applegate Community Service Award sponsored by the Rotary Club of Robbinsville Hamilton.
The Rotary Club presented the award to Lauren and Mackenzie Multari who formed Lala & Mimi’s Pajama Project to provide basic bedtime comfort to less fortunate children in New Jersey and beyond.
“We are honored to recognize Lauren and Mackenzie with this special award,” said Rotary Club President Kalpana Patel. “They have put smiles on the faces of kids for more than 12 years through their selfless acts of community service. They are wonderful role models.”
The sisters, now college-bound seniors at The Peddie School, began collecting and donating pajamas as kindergartners, asking for PJs for others instead of birthday party presents. They later established the non-profit Lala and Mimi’s Pajama Project, an initiative regularly supported by the Rotary Club of Robbinsville Hamilton.
The award comes with a $500 donation. It is named for the late Vern Applegate, a former member of the Rotary Club who personified the Rotary ideal of “service above self.”
Rotary Club of Robbinsville Hamilton President Kalpana Patel (center) flanked by Lauren (l) and Mackenzie (r) Multari, winners of the Vern Applegate Community Service Award.
FREEHOLD — Attorney General Matthew J. Platkintoday announced that a former member of the New Jersey State Police (NJSP) has been sentenced to prison time without the possibility of parole, after a jury found him guilty of misusing an NJSP identification card, which he should not have had in his possession, in order to get out of a series of police traffic stops in Monmouth and Ocean counties.
Ex-NJSP Sgt. Marc Dennis, 51, of Waretown, was sentenced on charges of official misconduct and a pattern of official misconduct. State Superior Court Judge Lourdes Lucas, presiding in Monmouth County, ordered Dennis to serve five years in state prison, during which he will be ineligible for parole.
When Dennis was suspended by the State Police in September 2016, he was ordered to surrender his NJSP identifications and was relieved of his law enforcement powers. But an investigation by the state Attorney General’s Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA) and the NJSP Office of Professional Standards revealed that he improperly retained a State Police identification he had been issued, and was presenting it to officers who pulled him over on at least nine occasions, all while he was suspended from duty.
“This defendant used a State Police ID he improperly retained after a suspension to benefit himself by violating the public’s trust,”saidAttorney General Matthew J. Platkin. “I am deeply grateful for the commitment, sacrifice and upstanding character that the vast majority of our state’s law enforcement officers exhibit on and off the job. We will not tolerate abusive behavior by one bad actor reflecting poorly on the numerous officers abiding by the law, upholding it and making New Jersey safer.”
“This ousted sergeant improperly and deceitfully posed as an active-duty member of the State Police to law enforcement during traffic stops to get favorable treatment,” said OPIA Executive Director Thomas Eicher. “The court’s decision in this case was a just outcome and illustrates that no one is above the law.”
Dennis’ initial suspension and charges dated to September 2016, stemming from his job performance. He was accused of failing to follow State Police procedures while claiming otherwise in official records and certifications.
When he was suspended, Dennis was told to hand over his NJSP identifications. OPIA investigators found he surrendered most of them, but not all: he held onto a NJSP ID that he had obtained after reporting in January 2016 that he had lost his wallet. The investigation found that the defendant was making use of that ID, in spite of his suspension and pending criminal case, by presenting it to police officers who pulled him over in Marlboro, Toms River, Berkeley Township, Lakehurst and elsewhere. The defendant was stopped nine times from the date of his suspension, September 19, 2016, through April 2018, and during those stops he had shown that ID and presented himself as an active member of the NJSP.
Following his trial, on May 10, 2022, a jury convicted Dennis of one count each of second-degree official misconduct, second-degree pattern of official misconduct, and third-degree theft by unlawful taking in connection with his misuse of his ID to avoid motor vehicle citations.
After hearing extensive arguments from both sides at the Monmouth County Courthouse in Freehold on March 15, 2023, Judge Lucas sentenced the defendant on both the official misconduct and pattern of official misconduct counts, with the sentences to run concurrently, and merged the theft count. The court also ordered that the defendant forfeit his pension and job, and banned him from public employment for life.
The sentencing was handled by Deputy Attorney General Sherrod Smith and OPIA Deputy Director Anthony Picione, under the supervision of OPIA Executive Director Thomas Eicher.
Defense attorneys
Eric Todd Kanefsky, Gregory Mullens and Gianna Bove, of Calcagni & Kanefsky, Newark.
PERTH AMBOY, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone announced today that three campaign workers for a Perth Amboy City Council candidate have been indicted for Bribery, Witness Tampering and Election Law Violations.
On March 30, 2023, following the presentation of evidence by Assistant Prosecutor Russell Curley, the Middlesex County grand jury returned a seven- count indictment charging campaign workers Ana Camilo, 62, Annet Sanchez, 52, and Maria Peralta, 60, all of Perth Amboy, with various offenses stemming from their involvement in efforts to offer gift cards to voters in return for completed mail-in ballots that contained votes for their chosen candidate.
Camillo was indicted on two counts of third-degree Bribery, third- degree Unlawful Possession of a Ballot, third-degree Attempt to Cast an Illegal Ballot and third-degree Election Law Violation, for her role in meeting and attempting to bribe an undercover detective, who was posing as a Perth Amboy voter.
Sanchez and Peralta were indicted on one count of third-degree Retaliation Against a Witness for their roles in engaging in harassing conduct toward a witness who provided information concerning Camilo’s involvement in the voter fraud.
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.
As is the case with all criminal defendants, the charges against Camilo are merely accusations and she is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
SAYERVILLE, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Chief Daniel Plumacker of the Sayreville Police Department announced today that Thomas
V. Pollando, the former Sayreville Borough Democratic Chairman, has been indicted along with his son and daughter-in-law.
Over the course of an investigation spanning weeks in July and August of 2022, Detectives from the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office were conducting electronic surveillance of a business in Sayreville. While conducting surveillance, detectives observed Pollando accept several thousands of dollars in cash and heard him claiming that he would attempt to use his political clout to influence an ongoing criminal case. Further investigation into Pollando revealed that he directed another candidate’s campaign funds for Sayreville Borough Council to be used to pay for personal expenditures and he also directed that election records be falsified to cover up that payment.
On March 30, 2023, Following the presentation of evidence by Assistant Prosecutor Russell Curley, the Middlesex County Grand Jury returned a fourteen-count indictment charging Thomas V. Pollando, 73, David Pollando, 42 and Lizmarie Pollando, 29, all of Sayreville, with various offenses. Thomas Pollando was charged with three counts of second-degree Bribery, second-degree Acceptance of an Unlawful Benefit by a Public Official, third-degree Hindering His Own Apprehension, fourth-degree Theft by Deception, fourth-degree Falsifying Public Records, second-degree Official Misconduct and second-degree Pattern of Official Misconduct. David Pollando was charged with second-degree Conspiracy, second-degree Witness Tampering, second-degree Retaliation Against a Witness and third- degree Terroristic Threats. Lizmarie Pollando was charged with second- degree Conspiracy and third-degree Hindering the Apprehension of Another.
The counts against David and Lizmarie Pollando stem from an encounter in November 2022 that occurred in Old Bridge, wherein it is alleged that David Pollando threatened a witness. The investigation further revealed
that Lizmarie Pollando alerted her husband to the witnesses’ location and thereafter lied to police when questioned about the incident.
As is the case with all criminal defendants, the charges against Thomas, David, and Lizmarie Pollando are merely accusations and they are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
MEDFORD, NJ (BURLINGTON)–Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw and Medford Township Police Chief Arthur E. Waterman announced that a Medford Township man has been charged with killing his wife in their Regent Court home last week.
Babu Natarajan, 40, was charged with Murder (First Degree). He was taken into custody yesterday at his residence and lodged in the Burlington County Jail in Mount Holly pending a detention hearing in Superior Court.
The case will be prepared for presentation to a grand jury for possible indictment.
The investigation began on the afternoon of March 21, when officers from the Medford Township Police Department were called to the residence for a report of an unconscious and unresponsive female adult.
Upon arrival, they found the body of Angammal Babu, 41, on the bed in the upstairs master bedroom. The 911 call was placed by the defendant, who indicated to responding officers that his wife had taken a nap because she was tired.
An autopsy performed by Burlington County Medical Examiner Dr. Ian Hood concluded that the manner of death was homicide, and the cause of death was due to compression of the victim’s neck.
The investigation was conducted by the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office and the Medford Township Police Department. The lead investigators are BCPO Detective Al-Jerome Burnett-Crawford, BCPO Detective Melyssa Alonso, MTPD Detective Sergeant Jeff Samalonis and MTPD Detective Mark Hunsinger.
Natarajan will be prosecuted by Assistant Prosecutor Bob Van Gilst, supervisor of the BCPO the Major Crimes Unit.
All persons are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Babu Natarajan, 40, was charged with Murder (First Degree). He was taken into custody yesterday at his residence and lodged in the Burlington County Jail in Mount Holly pending a detention hearing in Superior Court.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Around 8:47 a.m. Trenton Police Department and Trenton Fire Department responded to Route 29 between Lee Avenue and Sanhican Drive for a accident with reported entrapment. Upon arrival of the fire department it was reported that a car crashed through a fence, and everyone was out of the vehicle walking around with no reported life-threating injuries. Trenton fire units remained on scene for a short time. Trenton Police is investigating the crash. No further information is available.
EWING TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Around 8:54 a.m. Ewing Township Fire Departments responded to the first block of Farrell Avenue for a reported rubbish fire with exposure to the home. Firefighters arrived and quickly extinguished the fire. Fire Investigators were called to the scene. No additional details are available at this time.
PRINCETON, NJ (MERCER)–The Wall Street Journal reported that one of their reporters, Evan Gershkovich, a U.S. citizen, was detained by Russia on Russian claims of espionage.
Evan Gershkovich was a 2010 graduate of Princeton High School and was captain of the boy’s soccer team his senior year.
According to Gershkovich LinkedIn profile he is a reporter with the Wall Street Journal since January 2022. He has also worked for AFP Agence France-Presse, The Moscow Times, The New York Times and Fellow Princeton in Asia. He graduated Bowdoin College in 2014.
Evan Gershkovich, a reporter with the Wall Street Journal detained in Russia on claims of espionage. Photo from LinkedIn profile.
Gottheimer Statement on American Journalist and New Jersey Native Evan Gershkovich Detained in Russia
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, March 30, 2023, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5), a member of the House Intelligence Committee, released the following statement regarding the Russian detainment of American citizen, Wall Street Journal reporter, and New Jersey native Evan Gershkovich:
“Not since the Cold War has a foreign journalist been charged with espionage in Russia, but ruthless dictator Vladimir Putin has continued his egregious acts of aggression — this time targeting American journalist and New Jersey native Evan Gershkovich. Putin must be held accountable for his horrific war of aggression against Ukraine and for the unjust detainment of an American citizen.
Putin and his cronies will do everything in their power to suppress free speech and the press in an attempt to cover up their atrocious and inhumane war crimes. There cannot be proper accountability without freedom of the press.
I will do everything I can to help secure Mr. Gershkovich’s freedom. I have requested an immediate briefing from the House Intelligence Committee and will continue to be in communication with the State Department.
We must stand united against Russia’s vicious attack on democracy and freedom of the press.”
MidJersey.news photos:
Photos of Evan Gershkovich a Princeton High School Graduate played on the soccer team for the high school.
Breaking: Russia’s main security agency said it had detained Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, a U.S. citizen, for what it described as espionage https://t.co/5mr3h7uroZ
The kidnappers allegedly bound the victim with tape and stabbed the victim multiple times. Once reaching a house in Queens, NY the kidnappers covered victim’s eyes and bound the victims’ wrists and ankles with tape. The kidnappers tortured the victim, including, running a knife on the victim’s neck, holding a gasoline-soaked rag against the victim’s eyes, burning the victim with cigarettes, and beating the victim. One of the kidnappers also threatened the victim with a gun and rounds of ammunition. Aleman looked on and laughed while the victim was tortured.
March 29, 2023
NEWARK, N.J. – Three individuals from Brooklyn, New York, were charged today in connection with a kidnapping for ransom that left a teenager with stab wounds after a dispute over a drug transaction, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Dennis Reyes Mora, 37, Alexander Cruz, 26, and Cindy Aleman Fernandez, 27, all of Brownsville, Brooklyn, are each charged by complaint with one count of conspiracy to commit kidnapping. They appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Cathy L. Waldor in Newark federal court and were detained.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On March 17, 2023, after a failed drug deal in Delaware, Cruz, Reyes, Aleman, and another individual kidnapped the 18-year-old victim, who they drove through New Jersey and held for ransom in the basement of a house in Queens, New York. During the drive, the kidnappers bound the victim with tape and stabbed the victim multiple times. Once they reached the house in Queens, the kidnappers covered the victim’s eyes and bound the victim’s wrists and ankles with tape. While holding the victim captive, the kidnappers tortured the victim, including by running a knife on the victim’s neck, holding a gasoline-soaked rag against the victim’s eyes, burning the victim with cigarettes, and beating the victim. One of the kidnappers also threatened the victim with a gun and rounds of ammunition. Aleman looked on and laughed while the victim was tortured.
The kidnappers ultimately released the victim after the victim’s family, aided by law enforcement, paid a ransom. Before their arrest, the kidnappers tried to cover up their crimes by, among other things, removing and cleaning the seats of the car used in the kidnapping.
The charge of conspiracy to commit kidnapping carries a maximum potential penalty of life in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark; the Hackensack Police Department, under the direction of Police Director Raymond Guidetti; the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Mark Musella; the Paterson Police Department, under the direction of the New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety; the Clifton Police Department, under the direction of Chief Thomas Rinaldi; the Passaic County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Richard Berdnik; and the New York Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell, with the investigation leading to the charges.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Carolyn Silane of the Economic Crimes Unit in Newark.
The charge and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
23-080
Defense counsel: Reyes: Rahul Sharma Esq., Assistant Federal Public Defender, Newark Cruz: Michael Calabro Esq., Newark Aleman: Roberto Espinosa Esq., Elizabeth, New Jersey
FREEHOLD – A Monmouth County Grand Jury has returned a superseding indictment against a man and his girlfriend for jointly attempting to bribe the victim of a violent sexual assault in order to prevent her from cooperating in his prosecution, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced Wednesday.
Kareem Lee, 32, and Erin Logan, 31, both of Keyport, are each charged with second-degree Conspiracy and second-degree Bribery of a Witness. Lee remains additionally charged with first-degree Armed Robbery, first-degree Aggravated Sexual Assault, and two related second-degree weapons offenses.
Shortly after 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 21, 2022, members of the Tinton Falls Police Department were dispatched to a local motel on Route 33. Upon arrival, the victim told officers that she had been sexually assaulted at gunpoint by a man who had entered her room.
An investigation by members of the MCPO Special Victims Bureau and the Tinton Falls Police Department resulted in Lee being identified as a suspect in the case, and he was located and arrested by members of the Red Bank Police Department in Count Basie Park the next day.
Continued investigation revealed that on various dates in October and November 2022, Lee, Logan, and a third party offered a sum of cash to the victim in exchange for a signed and notarized document in which she would state that she did not wish to pursue the case against Lee. Logan was arrested in December 2022.
Investigators are actively seeking additional information about the activities of these defendants. Anyone with information regarding this matter is asked to contact Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Dawn Correia at 800-533-7443 or Tinton Falls Police Department Officer Christopher Mills at 732-542-4422.
The case is assigned to Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Danielle Zanzuccki, Director of the Special Victims Bureau. Lee and Logan both remain detained at the Monmouth County Correctional Institution (MCCI) pending future court proceedings; he is being represented by Michael Kuhns, Esq., with an office in Lawrence Township, while she is represented by Taylor DiBenedetto, Esq., with an office in New Brunswick.
Convictions on first-degree criminal charges can be punishable by up to 20 years in state prison, while second-degree crimes can result in terms of up to 10 years.
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.
The Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office reports the investigation into a two-car fatal crash involving a stolen vehicle, which occurred at approximately 6:25 a.m. on March 28, 2023 on Route 9 in the Town of Rhinebeck.
On the above date and time, Deputies responded to Route 9 near Closs Drive in the Town of Rhinebeck for the report of a serious crash. Preliminary investigation has revealed that a 2017 Chevrolet van operated by Jonathan A. Kiech (age 49 of Fords, NJ) was traveling northbound on Route 9 when it was struck head-on by a southbound 2015 Toyota 4Runner. The 4Runner is a confirmed stolen vehicle from the State of Connecticut, and its operator was a 14-year-old juvenile. Mr. Kiech was pronounced dead at the scene, and the juvenile was initially transported to Mid-Hudson Regional Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries but has since been remanded to a secure detention facility pending further investigation/charges. Both operators were the sole occupants of their respective vehicles, and the juvenile operator will not be identified due to their age.
The 4Runner in this crash is one of several reported as stolen from the northern Dutchess County/Eastern Connecticut areas during the late-night hours of 3/27/23 or early morning hours of 3/28/23. Further investigation into those thefts is continuing, however at this time they are thought to be the work of an organized group which has previously operated out of Connecticut. As such the Sheriff’s Office would like to warn residents to always lock their vehicles, never leave valuables or the keys/fob inside, never leave the vehicle running unattended, and never confront the perpetrator(s) yourself as they should be considered armed and dangerous. If you observe a suspicious person or someone attempting to commit one of these thefts, please call 911 immediately and let law enforcement handle the matter.
The Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by the Dutchess County Medical Examiner’s Office, the New York State Police, the Town of Rhinebeck Fire Department, and the Hillside Fire Department. The investigation is continuing, and more information may be released at a later time as it develops.
CAMDEN, N.J. – A doctor was sentenced yesterday to 15 months in prison, three years of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution of $1.9 million and forfeiture of $54,000 for his role in two separate conspiracies to defrauding New Jersey state health benefits programs and accepting kickbacks in exchange for referring laboratory work. Dr. Daniel Oswari, 51, of Bordentown, New Jersey, pleaded on Dec. 16, 2019, in Camden federal court to two counts of an indictment charging him with conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud and conspiracy to violate the Anti-Kickback Statute and the Travel Act.
Prior press relase from Monday, December 16, 2019:
Doctor and Pharmaceutical Representative Admit Health Care Fraud Conspiracies Targeting State Health Benefits Programs
CAMDEN, N.J. – A Trenton doctor today admitted his role in two separate conspiracies for defrauding New Jersey state health benefits programs and accepting kickbacks in exchange for referring laboratory work, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced. A pharmaceutical representative admitted his role in a separate health care fraud conspiracy and to obstructing justice by telling witnesses to lie to the grand jury investigating the scheme.
Dr. Daniel Oswari, 48, of Bordentown, New Jersey, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Robert B. Kugler in Camden federal court to two counts of an indictment charging him with conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud (Count One) and conspiracy to violate the Anti-Kickback Statute and the Travel Act (Count 23). Mark Bruno, 45, of Northfield, New Jersey, also pleaded guilty before Judge Kugler to an information charging him with conspiracy to commit health care fraud and obstruction of justice.
Oswari was charged in October 2019 along with Steven Monaco, Michael Goldis, and Aaron Jones, and charges remain pending against those three defendants.
According to documents filed in these cases and statements made in court:
Compounded medications are specialty medications mixed by a pharmacist to meet the specific medical needs of an individual patient. Although compounded drugs are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), they are properly prescribed when a physician determines that an FDA-approved medication does not meet the health needs of a particular patient, such as if a patient is allergic to a dye or other ingredient.
Between January 2014 and April 2016, Oswari participated in a conspiracy that discovered that certain insurance plans paid for certain prescription compound medications – a including vitamins and pain creams – from a Louisiana pharmacy, identified in the indictment as the “Compounding Pharmacy 1,” and a Pennsylvania pharmacy, identified in the indictment as “Compounding Pharmacy 2.” The conspirators targeted patients with these insurance plans that provided coverage for the compound medications, particularly New Jersey state and local government and education employees. An entity referred to in the indictment as the “Pharmacy Benefits Administrator” provided pharmacy benefit management services for the State Health Benefits Program, which covers qualified state and local government employees, retirees, and eligible dependents, the School Employees’ Health Benefits Program, which covers qualified local education employees, retirees, and eligible dependents, and other insurance plans. The Pharmacy Benefits Administrator paid prescription drug claims and then billed the State of New Jersey or the other insurance plans for the amounts paid.
Oswari and members of his staff tried to persuade patients to receive the prescription compound medications, even if the patients did not have a medical necessity for the medications. Oswari signed printed prescription forms from Compounding Pharmacies 1 and 2 that had pre-selected the highest number of refills to obtain the highest possible insurance reimbursement. Oswari signed some prescriptions without seeing or evaluating the individuals, including for individuals who were not his patients. Oswari signed approximately 285 prescriptions for compounded medications, and the Pharmacy Benefits Administrator paid Compounding Pharmacies 1 and 2 approximately $1.9 million for the prescriptions he signed. In exchange for signing the prescriptions, Oswari received cash kickbacks.
Oswari also pleaded guilty to a separate conspiracy to take kickbacks for referring laboratory work and signing prescriptions. Oswari had a laboratory hire his medical assistant as a phlebotomist. The medical assistant continued to work for Oswari, but laboratory paid her salary for over two years. In return, Oswari referred his blood and urine samples to the laboratory for testing. This lab work was insured by Medicare, New Jersey Medicaid, and other insurance companies.
Bruno worked for a company that marketed compounded medications and received a percentage of the insurance payments. Bruno introduced a doctor to the company and received a percentage of the payments for prescriptions that the doctor wrote. Bruno and others paid the doctor to reward him for signing prescriptions. Bruno recruited individuals covered by New Jersey state insurance plans because he knew that those plans paid thousands of dollars for certain compounded medications. Bruno paid several of these individuals to see his doctor and receive prescriptions for compounded medications. Bruno received $68,872 from the company and caused $524,935 in losses.
Bruno learned in 2018 that the federal grand jury was investigating him. In 2019, two individuals paid by Bruno to receive compounded medications told him that they had received subpoenas to testify in the grand jury, and another two told Bruno that they were contacted by the FBI. Bruno told the first two to lie in the grand jury and deny that he paid them. Bruno told the other two to tell the FBI that he had not paid them.
The health care fraud and wire fraud conspiracy count to which Oswari pleaded guilty carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the gain or loss from the offense. The kickbacks conspiracy count to which Oswari also pleaded guilty carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense. The heath care fraud conspiracy and obstruction of justice charges to which Bruno pleaded guilty each carry a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the gain or loss from the offense.
Sentencing for Oswari is scheduled for March 23, 2020, and sentencing for Bruno is scheduled for March 24, 2020.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited agents of the FBI’s Atlantic City Resident Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Gregory W. Ehrie in Newark; IRS – Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge John R. Tafur in Newark; and the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, New York Region, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael C. Mikulka, with the investigation leading to the guilty pleas. He also thanked the Division of Pensions and Financial Transactions in the State Attorney General’s Office, under the direction of Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal and Division Chief Aimee Nason, for its assistance in the investigation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys R. David Walk Jr. and Christina O. Hud of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Camden.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment against Monaco, Goldis, and Jones are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
MAYS LANDING, NJ – Raul Virella, 30, of Bordentown, NJ, pleaded guilty on Tuesday, March 28, 2023 to second-degree aggravated assault, in exchange for a seven-year term in New Jersey State Prison, subject to the No Early Release Act, meaning that he must serve 85% of that sentence before he is eligible for parole.
On February 8, 2022, Officer D. Fabrizio of the Galloway Township Police Department, responded to an altercation in the area of Federal Court in Galloway. Investigating officers made contact with a victim suffering from severe stab wounds. The victim was transported to the hospital where he underwent lifesaving emergency surgery.
Defendant, Raul Virella, was placed under arrest nearby. During a statement to law enforcement, Defendant admitted to stabbing the victim.
Sentencing will be on May 9, 2023, before the Honorable W. Todd Miller, J.S.C. Assistant Prosecutor David Little represents the state in this matter.
WILDWOOD — Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin today announced a state grand jury has returned a 12-count indictment against Wildwood Mayor Pete Byron, former Mayor Ernest Troiano Jr., and current City Commissioner Steve Mikulski in connection with their allegedly fraudulent participation in the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP).
The grand jury has decided criminal charges should be filed against Byron, 67, Troiano, 72, and Mikulski, 57, all residents of Wildwood. They are each facing four counts: second-degree official misconduct, second-degree theft by unlawful taking, third-degree tampering with public records and fourth-degree falsifying or tampering with records. The defendants were charged by complaint in June 2022 in an investigation by the Attorney General’s Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA) that began with a referral from the New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits. All three defendants pleaded not guilty during their arraignment in state Superior Court in Cape May County before Judge Bernard DeLury, Jr.
Since 2010, New Jersey law has required elected officials to be full-time employees “whose hours of work are fixed at 35 or more per week” in their elected positions to be eligible to participate in the SHBP and receive publicly funded healthcare. The investigation revealed that Byron, Troiano, and Mikulski were never eligible because they were never “full-time” employees as defined by state law. They did not receive vacation, sick, or personal days, and maintained no regular schedule. It is alleged, however, that all three fraudulently enrolled in the SHBP and received publicly funded health benefits.
Troiano and Byron were elected to Wildwood’s three-member City Commission in 2011, and Troiano was sworn in as mayor. Both men voted in 2011 to pass a resolution that declared themselves full-time employees working “a minimum of 35 hours per week” for Wildwood. They subsequently enrolled in the SHBP. While Troiano and Byron did not work a regular full-time schedule or work at least 35 hours per week, they allegedly falsely signed and submitted timesheets to the city indicating they worked full days Monday through Friday. As a result, Wildwood and the SHBP paid over $286,500 in premiums and claims on behalf of Troiano from July 2011 through December 2019, and paid over $608,900 in premiums and claims on behalf of Byron from July 2011 through October 2021.
Mikulski became a member of Wildwood’s Commission in 2020. He enrolled in the SHBP and has since received publicly funded health benefits. Wildwood and the SHBP have paid over $103,000 in premiums and claims on his behalf through October 2021. It is alleged that he knowingly made false statements in a “Health Benefits Enrollment and/or Change Form” submitted to the City of Wildwood.
Deputy Attorney General Brian Uzdavinis is prosecuting the case for the OPIA Corruption Bureau under the supervision of Bureau Chief Peter Lee and OPIA Deputy Director Anthony Picione, with the assistance of Detectives of the New Jersey State Police Official Corruption South Unit. Attorney General Platkin thanked the New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits for their referral.
Second-degree charges carry a sentence of five to 10 years in state prison and a fine of up to $150,000, while third-degree charges carry a sentence of three to five years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000. Fourth-degree offenses could lead to up to 18 months in state prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
The charges are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Defense Attorneys
For Troiano: Brian A. Pelloni, Esq., Bensalem, Pa.
For Byron: Eric Shenkus, Esq., Deputy Public Defender, Cape May Court House
For Mikulski: David A. Stefankiewicz, Esq., North Wildwood
The alleged offences occurred about 25 years ago between 1998 and 2000 at his Ewing Township residence.
March 29, 2023
HAMILTON, NJ (MERCER)–A former teacher at Steinert High School in Hamilton has been arrested and charged with one count of second-degree sexual assault and one count of second-degree endangering the welfare of a child, Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri reported today.
Joseph DePuglio, 76, of Ewing, was arrested on Monday, March 27, 2023, following an investigation conducted by the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Special Victims Unit and the Ewing Police Department. He was released pending future court proceedings.
The victim, now an adult, reported the allegations to Ewing police at the end of 2022 and an investigation ensued. DePuglio is accused of having a sexual relationship with the victim while having supervisory or disciplinary power over her. The offenses occurred at DePuglio’s Ewing Township residence between the years of 1998 and 2000, when he was actively employed as the victim’s teacher at Steinert High School.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact Prosecutor’s Detective Jonathan White at (609) 989-6399 or Ewing Detective Andrew Condrat at (609) 882-1313 ext. 7583.
Despite having been charged, every defendant is presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Joseph DePuglio, 76, of Ewing, was arrested on Monday, March 27, 2023, following an investigation conducted by the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Special Victims Unit and the Ewing Police Department. He was released pending future court proceedings.
The alleged offences occurred about 25 years ago between 1998 and 2000 at his Ewing Township residence.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri announced today that an investigation conducted by the Mercer County Homicide Task Force and the Trenton Police Department has resulted in charges being filed against two individuals in connection to this weekend’s shooting homicide on Federal Street in Trenton.
A 17-year-old Trenton male is charged with murder, attempted murder and multiple weapons offenses. He was arrested without incident on Saturday, March 25, in Hamilton, and is lodged at the Middlesex County Youth Detention Center pending a detention hearing.
Nilson Zepeda-Galicia, 24, of Hamilton, is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a weapon. He was charged on Friday evening shortly after the shooting. The prosecutor’s office has filed a motion to detain him pending trial.
At approximately 10:40 p.m. on Friday, March 24, 2023, Trenton police received several calls reporting shots fired at 602 Federal Street. Responding officers located two adult male gunshot victims near the GT Bar and Lounge. The victims were transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center where Harold Rosario, 19, of Trenton, was pronounced dead a short time later. The second victim, a 28-year-old man, remains hospitalized.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact MCHTF Detective Joseph D’Ambrosio at 609-989-6406 or Sgt. Sherika Salmon at 609-960-3119. Information can also be emailed to mchtftips@mercercounty.org.
Despite having been charged, every defendant is presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office had identified last night’s fatal shooting victim as Nyeisha Saunders, 41, of Trenton. Ms. Saunders’ 19-year-old son is the surviving victim who was shot in the hand. Police have identified Antione Brown, 46, of Trenton, as the individual who shot Ms. Saunders and her son before shooting himself. Brown and Ms. Saunders had a previous dating relationship.
March 26, 2023
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–The Mercer County Homicide Task Force and the Trenton Police Department are investigating a shooting incident that occurred Sunday night in the city. At approximately 6:35 p.m. on March 26, 2023, Trenton Police responded to a Spot Shotter activation for multiple rounds in the 100 block of Pennington Avenue. Upon arrival, officers located two gunshot victims at the intersection of Monroe Street and Pennington Avenue. An adult female suffering from multiple gunshot wounds was transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center and pronounced dead a short time later. An adult male was transported to the hospital and is being treated for a gunshot wound to the hand. While on scene, police learned from a concerned citizen that the suspect was inside of a residence on Pennington Avenue. Officers entered the residence and located the suspect, an adult male, deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. A firearm was located next to his body.
The investigation is ongoing. Police believe this is an isolated incident and there is no immediate threat to the public. Anyone with information is asked to contact MCHTF Detective Luis Vega at 609-989-6406. Information can also be emailed to mchtftips@mercercounty.org.
ROBBINSVILLE – Brian Williams entered Robbinsville High School as a freshman in 2004 with his sights set on playing piano for Broadway productions. Then he got a taste of teaching.
“I was having a better time helping other people make music than making music myself,” said Williams, who as a student occasionally led choir classes when the instructor was out. “That’s how I caught the bug; the rest is history.”
Williams was part of the high school’s first graduating class in 2008, later earning a bachelor’s degree in music education and master’s degree in teaching from Westminster Choir College in 2012. He returned to the district, first teaching music at the middle school before moving to the high school in 2016.
Today, Williams is the high school’s choir director and director of the spring musical. From March 31-April 2, students are presenting the show “Pippin,” a widely acclaimed production about the son of a king who struggles to find his place in the world.
It’s an experience, Williams said, that is universally relatable to students and adults alike.
“Ultimately one of the reasons we picked the show is the main character is going through a crisis about where he fits in life, and teenagers are constantly evaluating where they fit,” Williams said. “Sometimes something extraordinary is incredibly ordinary. You take for granted what you have.”
About 70 students are involved in the production, on stage and in the crew. They have been working for months learning and rehearsing their lines, coordinating dance routines, painting sets and building props.
Among those students are Rachael and Bridget Godfrey, 17-year-old twin seniors who are leading key aspects of the show.
Rachael is the student technical director and stage crew coordinator who oversees everything from construction of the set to costumes, lighting design and sound control.
The role has helped Rachael strengthen her leadership abilities and management acumen. Those are skills she said will prove valuable throughout her life and career.
But school productions like the spring musical and fall drama can also help students find where they belong, an experience not unlike the lessons explored in “Pippin.”
“Being on crew always brought that sense of peace for me in middle school and high school. Crew always was something I could come back to and it made me very, very happy to be there,” Rachael said. “Whether it’s the people or the show we were doing, crew always feels like a family to me.”
Her sister, Bridget, plays the character Catherine, an on-stage lead in the show, and is one of the cast’s dance captains.
Bridget has long performed in productions outside of the school, including in community theater groups and venues in New York City.
That on-stage spark was lit when she began attending her older sisters’ high school productions as a child and became entranced by the magic of the stage.
“I always came out feeling so alive, and that’s something I want to send everybody home with,” Bridget said.
For Williams, the sisters’ experiences symbolize the power and potential of music. The productions are not just performances. They are learning opportunities that shape who students become and how they approach life.
“Music teaches to be diligent, to be humble, to believe in yourself, to take chances, to fail and know how to get up from that,” Williams said. “Stellar musicians, through their art, make us all better human beings.”
If You Go
What: Robbinsville High School spring musical “Pippin”
When: March 31-April 1 at 7 p.m., April 2 at 3 p.m.
Where: Robbinsville High School auditorium, 155 Robbinsville-Edinburg Road
Tickets: $12 for adults, $8 for students, $8 for seniors
Tickets are required for entry. To purchase tickets, visit
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office had identified last night’s fatal shooting victim as Nyeisha Saunders, 41, of Trenton. Ms. Saunders’ 19-year-old son is the surviving victim who was shot in the hand. Police have identified Antione Brown, 46, of Trenton, as the individual who shot Ms. Saunders and her son before shooting himself. Brown and Ms. Saunders had a previous dating relationship.
March 26, 2023
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–The Mercer County Homicide Task Force and the Trenton Police Department are investigating a shooting incident that occurred Sunday night in the city. At approximately 6:35 p.m. on March 26, 2023, Trenton Police responded to a Spot Shotter activation for multiple rounds in the 100 block of Pennington Avenue. Upon arrival, officers located two gunshot victims at the intersection of Monroe Street and Pennington Avenue. An adult female suffering from multiple gunshot wounds was transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center and pronounced dead a short time later. An adult male was transported to the hospital and is being treated for a gunshot wound to the hand. While on scene, police learned from a concerned citizen that the suspect was inside of a residence on Pennington Avenue. Officers entered the residence and located the suspect, an adult male, deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. A firearm was located next to his body.
The investigation is ongoing. Police believe this is an isolated incident and there is no immediate threat to the public. Anyone with information is asked to contact MCHTF Detective Luis Vega at 609-989-6406. Information can also be emailed to mchtftips@mercercounty.org.
MONROE TOWNSHIP, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–Around 2:25 p.m. all Monroe fire departments responded to a reported explosion in a detached garage with reported fire. Initial reports stated the homeowner was using a garden hose to try to extinguish the fire. Firefighters quickly arrived and were able to pull hand lines to start extinguishing the fire. The majority of the fire was knocked down within ten minutes. An elevated master stream was also placed in service. No additional information is available at this time.
3/26/2023 – 5720 Box All Monroe fire companies responded to a fire in a detached garage secondary to an explosion. Crews from Squad 51 and Rescue 51 assisted with overhaul. Monroe Professional Firefighters I.A.F.F Local 3170 Monroe Township Fire District #2 Monroe Township EMS Monroe Township Police Department – Middlesex County, NJ Monroe Township Office of Emergency Management Jamesburg Fire Department Spotswood Volunteer Fire Department – Enterprise Hook & Ladder Co., Inc.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office stated that the Mercer County Homicide Task Force and the Trenton Police Department are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred Friday night in the city. At approximately 10:40 p.m. on Friday, March 24, 2023, Trenton Police received several calls reporting shots fired at 602 Federal Street. Responding officers located two adult male gunshot victims near the GT Bar and Lounge. The victims were transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center where Harold Rosario, 19, of Trenton, was pronounced dead a short time later. The second victim, a 28-year-old man, remains hospitalized.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact MCHTF Detective Joseph D’Ambrosio at 609-989-6406 or Sgt. Sherika Salmon at 609-960-3119. Information can also be emailed to mchtftips@mercercounty.org.
UPDATE: A Hamilton Fire Captain sustained serious burns searching for anyone trapped inside the burning home. The Fire Captain was able to leave the hospital tonight. See statement from the FMBA below:
March 24, 2023
HAMILTON, NJ (MERCER)–The Hamilton Township Fire Department was dispatched to the first block of Madeline Court around 2:30 p.m. Several people reported seeing a column of smoke for miles. The firefighters arrived and put multiple hose lines in service and were able to quickly extinguish the flames. One firefighter was transported to Captial Health Regional Medical Center with a burn injury. There were no reported civilian injuries. In a Facebook post Hamilton Firefighters ask to keep the firefighter and the family in your prayers. No additional information is available at this time.
UPDATE:
Statement from FMBA 284 President Shane Mull
“The members of the Hamilton Township Fire Officers Association want to thank all of those who have reached out and offered assistance to our members following the events of today. Unfortunately a Captain sustained serious burns as he searched for anyone trapped inside the burning home. He was quickly aided by members on scene and transported by ambulance to Capitol Health Regional Medical Center. The Captain was treated for his burns and able to walk out of the hospital. Firefighting is a dangerous job. Today reminds us that proper staffing, equipment, and training make a difference. Please continue to pray for a quick recovery”
CAMDEN, N.J. – The mayor of Wildwood, New Jersey, today admitted that he aided and assisted in the preparation and presentation of false and fraudulent tax returns, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Peter J. Byron of Wildwood, 67, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Karen M. Williams in Camden federal court to an information charging him with two counts of willfully aiding and assisting in the preparation and presentation of fraudulent tax returns to the IRS for calendar years 2017 and 2018.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From January 2017 through December 2018, Byron served as a commissioner for the city of Wildwood, in charge of the Revenue and Finance departments. From June through August of 2017, Byron sent multiple emails to the managing partner of a law firm located in Gloucester County, seeking assistance in obtaining a job. Byron received a letter in October 2017 on the letterhead of the managing partner’s law firm which purported to set forth an employment offer to Byron from a company. According to the terms of the October 2017 letter, Byron was to receive an annual salary from the company for working as a salesman.
From October 2017 through September 2018, Byron received $40,425 in payments from the company. He did not report this income on his tax returns for calendar years 2017 and 2018, resulting in a tax loss to the I.R.S. The tax charges each carry a maximum potential sentence of three years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000 or twice the gross amount of any pecuniary gain that any persons derived from the offense, whichever is greater. Sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 2, 2023.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited the FBI Atlantic City Public Corruption Task Force which includes the agencies the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office, and New Jersey State Police, under the direction of FBI Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark; and special agents of IRS – Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Tammy L. Tomlins, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas S. Kearney of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Special Prosecutions Unit in Newark.
23-075
Defense counsel: Thomas Young Esq., Assistant Federal Public Defender, Camden
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