Day: May 3, 2023

Stark & Stark Announces Headquarters Move to Hamilton

-New office of 76,000 sq. ft. will house nearly 200 employees-

May 3, 2023

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Stark & Stark announced today its headquarters has moved to a new location at American Metro Center (AMC) in Hamilton, NJ. Founded in 1933, the firm is one of the oldest law practices in New Jersey. The move reflects Stark & Stark’s continued growth as it provides a full range of legal services for businesses and individuals.

Stark & Stark’s completely renovated new site (100 American Metro Boulevard, Hamilton, NJ) is 76,000 square feet and will be occupied by nearly 200 employees. AMC is adjacent to NJ Transit’s Hamilton Train Station, off Sloan Avenue. With high exterior windows, skylight rows, and original steel beams, the building is defined by its historical use of architecture and ability to evolve with modern-day design.

“We are very excited to announce our commencement of operation in this new space,” said Stark & Stark Managing Shareholder Michael Donahue. “This is a new milestone in our history of commitment to our community. We truly look forward to bringing our clients, community partners, and employees to a space that is beautifully designed and provides state-of-the-art technology.”

He added, “The location could not be more attractive. Positioned just walking distance from the NJ Transit train station, the accessibility to New York, Philadelphia, and the Northeast Corridor are undoubtedly premier features for employees and clients.”

With HOK serving as architect, Sweetwater Construction Corp. served as general contractor of this significant renovation of Stark & Stark’s new space in the historic building. Tactix Real Estate Advisors represented Stark & Stark as its commercial real estate brokerage firm. Watchdog provided project management support throughout the renovation. Bala Consulting Engineers served as the engineering design firm.

Mr. Donahue concluded, “The successful execution of this project was made possible through the meticulous coordination of operations within many departments and professionals managed by our Chief Operating Officer Gregory Deatz.”

About Stark & Stark:
Since 1933, Stark & Stark (www.stark-stark.com) has developed innovative legal solutions to meet our clients’ needs. Boasting one of the oldest law practices in New Jersey, Stark & Stark offers a full range of legal services for businesses and individuals. After 90 years, our attorneys continue to deliver practical, efficient solutions to clients in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, and throughout the United States.


Monroe Township Man Sentenced To 97 Months In Prison For Murder-For-Hire Plot

May 3, 2023

NEWARK, N.J. – A Middlesex County man was sentenced to 97 months in prison for plotting to pay a purported hitman to kill his ex-wife and her daughter, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.

Michael Stewart, 69, of Monroe Township, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Julien Xavier Neals to an information charging him with one count of the use of interstate commerce facilities in the commission of a murder for hire. Judge Neals imposed the sentence on May 2, 2023, in Newark federal court.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

In the summer of 2021, Stewart and a confidential source discussed the murder of Stewart’s ex-wife and her daughter. Stewart indicated he would pay for the murders and asked the confidential source to find a hitman. In October 2021, Stewart met with an undercover agent – whom he believed to be a hitman – and told him he wanted the ex-wife’s daughter killed first, followed by the ex-wife. He told the undercover agent he would pay for the killings and provided him with names, addresses, layout of the victims’ property and types of cars used by the victims. Stewart also showed the undercover agent a photo of his ex-wife. He provided the undercover agent $500 as a partial payment.

In addition to the prison term, Judge Neals sentenced Stewart to three years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark, with the investigation leading to the sentencing.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Olta Bejleri of the Organized Crime/Gangs Unit in Newark.

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Defense counsel: Michael Robert Rosas Esq., Iselin, New Jersey


Hamilton High School West Robotics Team Compete in World Championships

May 3, 2023

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–The Hamilton High School West Robotics Team competed in the FIRST Robotics World Championships in Houston, Texas in April 2023. Led by Hamilton High School West coach, Mr. Matthew Palmere, Hamilton HS West was ranked 29th out of 77 teams showing their strength and ability in each match. Overall worldwide, 2495 HiveMind ranked 542nd out of 3,296 teams outscoring nearly 84% of all teams.

On April 26, 2023 the HiveMind Robotics Team presented their competition results to the Hamilton Township Board of Education. Below are excerpts from their presentation:

“Over the past several years, West Principal, Mr. Smith has supported our team with the help of the Board of Education. We have been working to reach our potential using STEM principles, especially science and engineering. We have consistently raised the bar for student engagement and strive for excellence in all the work we do from showing team spirit, programming, to designing and building a robot.”

“This past season, which began in January, our team worked to produce a high quality robot that was able to effectively complete the game tasks. We designed and built our machine capable of scoring in an efficient way. We competed at the Robbinsville district event and won the event, a feat which we have not done since our first win in 2013. In addition to winning the event we also won the prestigious Team Spirit Award. At our second event in Montgomery, we finished in second place as finalists. These successes earned us a qualifying spot to the FIRST Mid-Atlantic Championship at Lehigh University. Upon completion of the FIRST Mid-Atlantic Championship,  HiveMind qualified for the FIRST World Championship.”

“I am extremely proud of this team. They put their heart and soul into this season and are now reaping the rewards from all their hard work. Their accomplishments this season have been outstanding and my hope is that they will make it back to the World Championship next year,” shared Mr. Brian Smith, Hamilton High School West Principal.

As you can see, we’ve had a very busy year. All the late nights have paid off for us. The FIRST program is not just about building robots. It is about building students. Seeing students grow as the year progressed was exciting for me as well as our students. Again, thank you all for the support of team 2495 HiveMind, Hamilton West Robotics,” expressed Coach Palmere.

“Congratulations to Hamilton High West’s Robotics Team 2495 HiveMind on an amazing year. The team designed, built, and competed with a robot that required a clear understanding of STEM principles. Their success is an example of what our Hamilton Township Public School students can achieve when given a challenge and competition. We are all proud of their success,” expressed Dr. Scott Rocco, Superintendent of Schools.


Hamilton High School West Robotics Team  2495 HiveMind. Pictured left to right: Matt Palmere, Coach, Gabriel Artaud, Mentor, Gina Wong, Kayla Vo, Kevin Us,Mentor, Zack Smoyak, William Almodoval, Brooke Almadoval, Kenneth Gao, Samantha Gonzalez, Jerry Ely, Mentor, Eiram Cintron, Connor Longmuir, Camila Orozco, Robert Fields, Ivy Gao, Andrew Fass, Ashena Gamboa-Mora, Mentor, and Andrew Hanson, Mentor


    Hamilton High School West Robot


    Keansburg Man Arrested For Attempted Murder

    May 3, 2023

    FREEHOLDA Keansburg man has been arrested and charged in connection with the shooting of a man from Keyport, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced on Wednesday.

    Yacir James, 26, was charged with one count of first-degree Attempted Murder, one count of second-degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose (Firearm), and one count of second-degree Unlawful Possession of a Weapon.

    At approximately 9:07 a.m. on Tuesday morning, May 2, 2023, Keansburg Police were dispatched to the 100 block of Highland Boulevard for a report of shots fired and a possible shooting victim at the corner of Maplewood Avenue and Highland Boulevard. Upon arrival, Keansburg Police discovered a male victim in the street, suffering from a single gunshot wound.

    The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment and is in stable condition.

    The defendant was taken into custody a short time later.

    For anyone who may have witnessed this incident, please contact Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Nicolas Logothetis at 800-533-7443 or Keansburg Township Police Department Detective Thomas Sheehan at 732-787-0600.

    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.


    Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton to Host 7th Annual We vs. C® Fundraiser Event – Join us in the Fight against Cancer

    Tickets Now on Sale for the “Under the Italian Sky” Themed Event

    May 3, 2023

    HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) Hamilton, an RWJBarnabas Health facility, is proud to announce their 7th annual We vs. C® fundraising event. It’s time to embrace all things Italian . . . and for a great cause!

    Celebrate La Dolce Vita with a tremendous presentation of Italy’s finest from culinary creations, an exotic car exhibition featuring Ferrari and Maserati, live entertainment, and much more. The Under the Italian Sky themed event benefits the Holistic Program at the Cancer Center at RWJUH Hamilton. The immersive evening will take place in a one-of-a-kind rustic setting on Saturday, June 3, 2022, at 6:00 p.m., and will include a free flowing evening of interactive guest experiences, signature culinary and spirit offerings, art, live entertainment, event themed giveaways and more.

    The event venue, Glenmoore Farm, nestled in a magical and historic area of Hopewell, N.J., welcomes guests to enjoy an evening of Italian cultural pursuits while enjoying masterful culinary creations, distinctive experiences, and signature cocktails in a one-of-a-kind beautiful space. Tickets will be sold on a first come, first serve basis now through May 24, 2023, and are priced at $175 for a single guest ticket and $325 for a pair of guest tickets. The event will also be offering a range of sponsorship tiers, starting at the “Cia Bella” level at $1,500 to the “That’s Amore” at $15,000.

    There will be countless tastings and experience stations including cheeses, olive oil, Italian street kabobs, truffles, pizza, caviar, a Campari Cafe, wine tasting with a Master Sommelier, risotto, a fresh pasta making demonstration, espresso, and a wide variety of desserts. There will be a vintage Fiat on display for photo opportunities, as well as a beautiful Vespa to help guests imagine their own journey through the scenic roads of Italy. Various forms of live art will be on display including, a Venetian Glassblower who will be creating an original work of art. The “Ciao Bella” Beauty Bar will feature cosmetic and hair advice and touch-ups, as well as samples and amazing gift baskets for guests.

    “Each year, our We vs. C fundraising event reminds us of the power that holistic healing holds not only towards the life of one person, but on the greater community,” said Donna Bouchard, event Co-Chair and Board Member of the RWJUH Hamilton Foundation. “It is through the generosity and commitment of our supporters that this event continues to be a success year after year and allows us to continue providing holistic services to our patients battling cancer. We are truly excited for this year’s Under the Italian Sky themed event and look forward to seeing everyone on June 3.”

    From fresh local honey and lavender, to micro-greens shooters – – there will be no shortage of wonderful surprises around every corner of the vast venue that provides a bucolic setting for a summer evening. This year’s We vs. C event sponsors include Campari, Vucciria, Processo Doc, Nobu Hotel and Ferrari to just name a few.

    For over 20 years, the Cancer Center at RWJUH Hamilton has practiced healing through Integrative Medicine to positively impact the mind, body, and spirit of patients and their families. In partnership with Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, the state’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Cancer Center at RWJUH Hamilton provides patients access to the most advanced treatment options including clinical trials. Through their full-service Holistic Program, the Cancer Center has succeeded in improving the quality of life for thousands of patients. This year’s We vs. C fundraising event seeks to not only educate the community on the importance of holistic healing practices such as Reiki, music therapy, art workshops, spiritual counseling and more, but raises funds for the continuation of the program’s complimentary services for years to come.

    “Since its inception, our full-service Holistic Program has provided a countless number of patients with life-changing services,” said Richard Freeman, President & CEO of RWJUH Hamilton. “These programs have proven to be a transformative force for the patients they serve while they are going through one of the most difficult times in their lives. We at RWJUH Hamilton are honored to have provided so many individuals with the holistic services they so deeply deserve at our Cancer Center and are excited to continue utilizing these Integrative Medicine techniques far into the future.”

    Join us in the fight against cancer and help support the holistic program, a Holistic Approach to Cancer Care, at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton Cancer Center.

    Tickets are on sale now online and corporate and individual sponsorships are still available. For more details and event information visit rwjbh.org/wevscundertheitaliansky or email HamiltonFoundation@rwjbh.org.


    Pictured left to right at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton Foundation We vs. C ’22; Louis Tsarouhas, MD, Shankar Santhanam, MD, Firas G. Eladoumikdachi, MD, Sara Ali, MD, Richard Freeman, President & Chief Executive Officer, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton, Marc J. Levine, MD, Giacomo Mangiaracina, MD, Arthur Pacia, MD


    Riverside Teacher’s Aide Charged In Sexual Relationship With Student

    May 3, 2023

    RIVERSIDE, NJ (BURLINGTON)–Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw and Delanco Township Police Chief Adam M. Tilger announced that a Riverside High School teacher’s aide has been charged with having a sexual relationship with a male student.

    Michelle Jacoby, 27, of Riverside, was charged with Aggravated Sexual Assault (First Degree) and Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Second Degree). She was taken into custody last night and released today following an appearance in Superior Court.

    The case will now be prepared for presentation to a grand jury for possible indictment.

    The investigation began yesterday after the BCPO Special Victims Unit received information that the student had disclosed the relationship to a teacher. The investigation revealed that the relationship, which has since ended, involved multiple encounters over a two-year period beginning when the student was a freshman. Nearly of all them occurred in Jacoby’s home.

    The age of the student and other details are being withheld in an attempt to protect his identity.

    Riverside Superintendent Michael Adams said that Jacoby, who also serves as the Riverside High School marching band director, has been suspended.

    “The safety of our students and staff is absolutely paramount,” Adams said in a statement to the school community. “Therefore, I want to assure you that based on the information shared with me regarding this specific allegation from a few years ago, there is no current safety concern for our staff or students. The School District will continue to cooperate fully with the authorities regarding this situation and will continue to provide the appropriate support/training for our staff and students.”

    The investigation was conducted by the Prosecutor’s Office and the Delanco Township Police Department. The lead investigators are BCPO Det. Nick Schieber and DTPD Officer Adam Lipiec.

    Jacoby is being prosecuted by Assistant Prosecutor Stephen Eife, supervisor of the Special Victims Unit.

    All persons are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

    Michelle Jacoby, 27, of Riverside, was charged with Aggravated Sexual Assault (First Degree) and Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Second Degree). She was taken into custody last night and released today following an appearance in Superior Court.