EDISON, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Chief Thomas Bryan of the Edison Police Department announced today that authorities are investigating a fire in which one person perished.
Today, at approximately 5:51 A.M., authorities responded to a residence on Poll Place in Edison following a report of a structure fire. Upon their arrival, first responders located an unresponsive man in an upstairs bedroom, who was a friend of the family that had been staying with them. He has been identified as James Thomas, 71, of Edison. Thomas was transported to JFK Hospital where was pronounced deceased.
The cause of death remains undetermined pending the completion of an autopsy by the Middlesex County Regional Medical Examiner’s Office. No firefighters or police officers were injured.
While the investigation is ongoing, a preliminary investigation indicates that the fire is not suspicious in nature and was accidentally caused.
An investigation into the cause of the fire is active and continuing. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Mike Geist of the Edison Police Department at 908-421-4741 or Detective Matthew Colonna of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at 732-745-3354.
FREEHOLD – A Monmouth County Jury has returned convictions against an Asbury Park man who a little more than two years ago entered a stranger’s home, threatened and robbed two occupants at knifepoint, and sexually assaulted one of them, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced Friday.
Shawn Connolly, 36, was found guilty of first-degree Aggravated Sexual Assault, first-degree Armed Robbery, second-degree Burglary, second-degree Sexual Assault, third-degree Making Terroristic Threats, and three related weapons offenses.
Shortly before 5:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 14, 2021, members of the Asbury Park Police Department responded to a home on 7th Avenue for a 911 call. Upon arrival, they immediately located Connolly and took him into custody without incident, recovering proceeds from the robbery in his pockets.
An investigation by members of the Prosecutor’s Office and the Asbury Park Police Department determined that shortly before the officers’ arrival, the two victims, an adult male and female, suddenly awoke to Connolly in their bedroom wielding a knife and threatening to harm them, having entered through a kitchen window. During the course of the robbery, the female victim was sexually assaulted by Connolly after he ordered the male to leave the room to retrieve cash; as he did so, the male victim also called 911 and left the line open.
Connolly was indicted in November 2021 before the case proceeded to trial earlier this month. Following a little more than two weeks of proceedings before Monmouth County Superior Court Judge Henry P. Butehorn, the jury returned guilty verdicts yesterday afternoon.
“Yesterday’s verdict was the end product of a swift initial police response by the Asbury Park Police Department, a diligent follow-up investigation, and an exemplary prosecution,” Prosecutor Santiago said. “The facts revealed at trial were deeply unsettling, and we’re pleased that the jury reached the appropriate conclusion, winning justice for the victims and the community at large.”
This case was tried by Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutors Keri Schaefer and Christopher Ammon. Connolly was represented by John M. Murphy III, Esq., of Staten Island.
Connolly will face a term of up to life in state prison upon sentencing, which has yet to be scheduled. A separate case against Connolly related to a second home invasion that took place in Asbury Park on the same night as this incident has yet to be adjudicated.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–The Mercer County Homicide Task Force and the Trenton Police Department are investigating a suspicious death in Trenton, Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri reported.
At approximately 4:20 p.m. on Thursday, September 28, 2023, Trenton police were detailed to the 500 block of Chestnut Avenue on the Swan Street side of an abandoned parking lot where they discovered an unresponsive Hispanic male with several large lacerations to his head and face. He was found next to an abandoned delivery truck that was parked in the lot and pronounced dead at the scene.
The victim has not been positively identified at this time. Anyone with information is asked to contact MCHTF Detective Andrew DiStefano at (609) 346-1402 or Sgt. Roberto Reyes at (609) 256-0997. Information can also be emailed to mchtftips@mercercounty.org.
TOMS RIVER, NJ (OCAN)–Toms River Police reported that shortly after 8:00 a.m., this morning, police units were dispatched to Route 37 East, at the intersection of River Drive for a motor vehicle accident involving an electric bike. The initial investigation revealed a 33-yearold male from Little Egg Harbor was traveling west on his electric bike in the westbound shoulder of Route 37 East when he made a sudden left turn into traffic and was struck by a vehicle in the center lane of the highway. The driver of the vehicle remained at the scene.
The bicyclist suffered severe injuries and was taken to Community Medical Center by Toms River EMS where he was later pronounced dead. The accident remains under investigation by Toms River Traffic Safety Officer, Corporal Robert Westfall. Also assisting at the scene were the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department Crime Scene Investigation Unit and Hatzalah Volunteer EMS.
The bicyclist’s name is being withheld pending notifications.
HAMILTON, NJ (MERCER)–On September 25, 2023 Det. Tom Clugsten arrested a suspect in the aggravated assault stabbing case that occurred on September 20, 2023, at 10:41 p.m. in the area of Waverly Place and Mervine Place.
One of the victims was treated and released for his injuries, however the second victim is still hospitalized and is being treated for his injuries.
Anyone with any information regarding this incident is asked to contact Det. Tom Clugsten of the Hamilton Township Police Division Juvenile Unit at 609-581-4027 or the Hamilton Police Crime Tip Hotline at 609-581-4008
All parties are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
September 21, 2023
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Hamilton Police reported that on Wednesday September 20, 2023 at approximately 10:41 p.m., Officers were dispatched to the area of Waverly Place and Mervine Place on a report of a stabbing. Upon arrival Officers located two fifteen-year-old juvenile males who had been stabbed. The victims were treated on scene by responding Officers and personnel from the Hamilton Fire Department. An investigation revealed a red Toyota arrived in the area and five suspects exited the vehicle and began a physical confrontation with the victims. During the confrontation the victims were stabbed several times by one of the suspects. Both victims were transported to Capital Health at Fuld for further treatment. Their injuries are not considered life threatening. The investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with any information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective Tom Clugsten of the Hamilton Police Division Juvenile Unit at (609) 581-4027 or the Hamilton Police Crime Tip Hotline at (609) 581-4008.
FREEHOLD – An Asbury Park man has been arrested and charged in connection with a nonfatal shooting that took place last month, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced Tuesday.
Nazzir Wallace, 18, is charged with first-degree Attempted Murder, three second-degree weapons offenses, two third-degree drug offenses, fourth-degree Eluding, fourth-degree Obstruction of Justice, a fourth-degree weapons offense, and Resisting Arrest, a disorderly persons offense.
At approximately 11 p.m. on Wednesday, August 30, members of the Asbury Park Police Department responded to the 100 block of Memorial Drive on a report of shots fired. Minutes later, authorities received notification that an adult male with a gunshot injury had been admitted to a nearby local hospital.
An investigation involving members of the MCPO Major Crimes Bureau and the Asbury Park Police Department resulted in Wallace being identified as a suspect. He was apprehended in Asbury Park late last week following a brief pursuit – after which he was found to be in possession of a loaded firearm and a quantity of cocaine and heroin. Wallace was then lodged in the Monmouth County Correctional Institution (MCCI) pending future proceedings in Monmouth County Superior Court.
This case is being prosecuted by MCPO Assistant Prosecutor Michael Luciano of the Major Crimes Bureau. Information about Wallace’s legal representation was not immediately available.
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.
FREEHOLD – A Borough man has been arrested and charged in connection with two separate incidents, including impersonating a police officer, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced on Friday.
Anthony Burke, 46, was charged with one count of both fourth-degree Impersonating an Officer and second-degree Robbery. Burke was also charged with four counts of third-degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance.
The arrest is in relation to an incident that took place in Freehold Township on Sunday, September 17, 2023, where Burke attempted to impersonate a law enforcement officer by pulling over a driver and prior to leaving, he then stole the victim’s cell phone. Burke was arrested on Wednesday evening during a traffic stop in Freehold Borough.
Anyone with information about Burke’s activities in Freehold or the surrounding areas, is urged to contact MCPO Detective Kayla Santiago at 800-533-7443 or Freehold Township Police Officer Charles Lasky at 732-462-7500.
Anyone who feels the need to remain anonymous but has information about a 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
The case has been assigned to Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Stephanie Dugan of the Special Victims Bureau. Burke’s legal representation was not immediately available.
Crimes of this nature can be punishable by up to ten 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.
EAST WINDSOR TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)– Mayor Janice S. Mironov issued a Mayoral Proclamation recognizing and commending Boy Scout Troop 5700 members Cash Colleton, Jack Conner, Adam Lewandowski and Connor Suk and scoutmaster Bruce Kramer for their pro-active and skillful lifesaving actions when they helped to save an individual in distress during a week-long sailboat trip this summer in the Chesapeake Bay, Maryland.
The Mayoral Proclamation, notes that when the Scouts received a message over the radio from the coast guard advising all boats in the water that there was an individual in distress, they “reacted in a calm and controlled manner by stationing themselves on different parts of the sailboat’s deck, ensuring the immediate area was being monitored from all directions.” The Proclamation continues, “Troop 5700 Boy Scouts saw something ‘shining in the distance’ and discovered a disabled jet ski and discarded backpack bobbing up and down on the water, and quickly relayed the jet ski’s coordinates and registration number to the coast guard and as a result of these actions, the coast guard and Maryland State Police were able to locate and rescue the distressed boater 200 yards away.”
Mayor Mironov stated, “The Township is proud of Boy Scout Troop 5700 members Cash Colleton, Jack Conner, Adam Lewandowski and Connor Suk as well as scoutmaster Bruce Kramer for their pro-active and skillful actions which resulted in the rescue of this person. Emergency Preparedness is an essential lesson every Scout learns and the fast-acting Scouts reacted quickly and calmly in a real-life emergency situation. On behalf of the Township Council and the entire community, we want to commend these Scouts for their outstanding positive actions.”
Mayor Janice S. Mironov presented a Mayoral Proclamation commending Boy Scout Troop 5700 members for their pro-active and skillful actions helping to save a boater in distress. Pictured (from left to right) are: Jack Connor; Cash Colleton; Mayor Janice S. Mironov; Connor Suk; Adam Lewandowski, and Bruce Kramer, scoutmaster.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on September 22, 2023, Jehmar Barrett, 36, of Lacey Township, was sentenced by the Honorable Kimarie Rahill, J.S.C., to six years New Jersey State Prison as a result of his previously entered guilty plea to Manslaughter, in connection with the death of a 35-year-old female in Toms River on November 24, 2020. This sentence will be subject to the terms of the No Early Release Act, meaning that Barrett will be required to serve at least 85 percent of his prison sentence before he may be considered for parole eligibility. Barrett pled guilty to the charge before Judge Rahill on June 19, 2023.
On November 24, 2020, Toms River Township Police Officers responded to a residence on Alabama Avenue for a report of an unresponsive female. Upon arrival, Officers discovered the body of the victim, who was already deceased from an apparent drug overdose.
A subsequent investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit and Toms River Police Department Detective Bureau determined that Barrett distributed heroin and cocaine to the victim on November 23, 2020.
Further investigation and toxicology analysis received by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office confirmed the presence of fentanyl in the victim’s system. It was determined through laboratory analysis that the controlled dangerous substance distributed to the victim by Barrett – initially believed to be heroin – was, in fact, fentanyl, matching the fentanyl found in the victim’s system. Based upon the toxicology analysis, the Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office opined that the fentanyl found in the victim’s system was the cause of her death. On April 29, 2021, Barrett was charged in connection with the victim’s death.
On April 30, 2021, Barrett surrendered himself to Toms River Township Police Department Headquarters. He was transported to the Ocean County Jail, and subsequently released as a consequence of New Jersey Bail Reform.
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the diligent efforts of Assistant Prosecutor Stephen Burke who handled the case on behalf of the State, and commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Victim Witness Advocacy Unit, Toms River Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Toms River Township Police Department Special Enforcement Team, Toms River Township Police Department Patrol Division, Berkeley Township Police Department, Lacey Township Police Department, Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, for their collaborative efforts in connection with this investigation leading to Barrett’s guilty plea, and now his state prison sentence.
Statement by Governor Murphy on Today’s Indictment Against U.S. Senator Robert Menendez
September 22, 2023
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Govenor Phil Murphy has called for the immediate resignation of U.S. Senator Bob Menendez citing serious charges that implicate national security and the integrity of our criminal justice system after an inditement was unsealed earlier today.
“The allegations in the indictment against Senator Menendez and four other defendants are deeply disturbing. These are serious charges that implicate national security and the integrity of our criminal justice system. Under our legal system, Senator Menendez and the other defendants have not been found guilty and will have the ability to present evidence disputing these charges, and we must respect the process. However, the alleged facts are so serious that they compromise the ability of Senator Menendez to effectively represent the people of our state. Therefore, I am calling for his immediate resignation.” — Govenor Phil Murphy
Statement from Senator Bob Menendez:
“Those who believe in justice believe in innocence until proven guilty. I intend to continue to fight for the people of New Jersey with the same success I’ve had for the past five decades. This is the same record of success these very same leaders have lauded all along. It is not lost on me how quickly some are rushing to judge a Latino and push him out of his seat. I am not going anywhere.” – Senator Bob Menendez
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As the grand jury charged, between 2018 and 2022, Senator Menendez and his wife engaged in a corrupt relationship with Wael Hana, Jose Uribe, and Fred Daibes – three New Jersey businessmen who collectively paid hundreds of thousands of dollars of bribes, including cash, gold, a Mercedes Benz, and other things of value – in exchange for Senator Menendez agreeing to use his power and influence to protect and enrich those businessmen and to benefit the Government of Egypt. My Office is firmly committed to rooting out corruption, without fear or favor, and without any regard to partisan politics. We will continue to do so.”
Statement of Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin on the Federal Indictment of Robert Menendez
The Office of the Attorney General is aware of the details included in today’s indictment of Robert Menendez, a sitting United States Senator for this State. The allegations are deeply disturbing to me and my Office, and we are already in the process of reviewing the concerns raised by the indictment.
As the now unsealed indictment makes clear, there are allegations that Menendez attempted to pressure a senior member of this Office under a prior administration. The conduct alleged in the indictment occurred prior to my tenure as Attorney General, and involved a matter that was resolved prior to my time in office. My Office has cooperated fully with the Southern District of New York’s investigation. We will continue to do so. We are also engaged in our own independent internal inquiry into the allegations set forth in the indictment.
It is a privilege to hold public office in service to the people one represents. Any individual who uses their public office to enrich themselves rather than selflessly serve the public does so at great cost to the public and to all public servants. Self-serving misconduct by a public official betrays a sacred oath, corrupts faith in government, frays the delicate trust the public has in those who serve it, deprives our residents of the honest services to which they are entitled, and dishonors and undermines the good work of the countless dedicated public servants who come to work each day honoring their oaths. Plain and simple, these are not victimless crimes.
Public corruption at any level will not be tolerated by me or my Office. We remain steadfast in our commitment to root out corruption wherever it occurs.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER) – Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri announced that a Trenton man was convicted by a jury this week for the August 9, 2020 double homicide on Centre Street in Trenton.
On September 21, 2023, Tyzir Hamilton, 22, was convicted on all counts of the indictment, including two counts of murder, conspiracy to commit murder, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and unlawful possession of a handgun.
On August 9, 2020, at approximately 7:30 a.m., patrol officers with the Trenton Police Department responded to the area of 300 Centre Street for a shooting in progress. Upon arrival, officers located the first victim, William Irizarry, 18, lying on the street in the area of 339 Centre Street. He had sustained multiple gunshot wounds throughout his body and was pronounced dead at the scene. The second victim, Julius Vargas, 18, was located inside a corner market with a gunshot wound. Vargas was transported to the hospital for treatment, however, succumbed to his injuries a short time later.
HTF detectives were able to locate a witness and numerous cameras in the area of the shooting. A suspect vehicle was identified as a black Chrysler 300 with PA plates, along with two shooters, described as two black males wearing all black clothing and black ski masks. The black Chrysler 300 was seen circling the area before the shooting, then parking and watching the victims for several minutes as they stood on the corner with others. When the suspect vehicle drove up to the corner and stopped, two shooters, later identified as Tyzir Hamilton and Treizon Thompson, exited. Both ran toward the victims, firing multiple gunshots. The driver, later identified as Darnell Davis, remained in the car. Hamilton and Thompson then chased after Irizarry as he ran into the street, continuing to shoot at him. When Irizarry fell to the ground after suffering a gunshot wound, they both continued to shoot at him as he lay on the ground. Afterward, Hamilton and Thompson returned to the suspect vehicle, which fled.
Further investigation revealed that a black Chrysler 300 was stolen out of Bensalem, Pennsylvania, on August 3, 2020, and seen on an automated license plate reader camera in the area of Pennington Avenue and Reservoir Street in Trenton on August 4. Detectives were able to partially match the license plate of the suspect vehicle to that of the stolen vehicle out of Bensalem.
The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office Computer Crimes Unit conducted a physical search and forensic examination of Irizarry’s cell phone, pursuant to a search warrant, and a photo was found that Irizarry posted on his Facebook page disrespecting the H-Block gang. Detectives continued to monitor multiple public social media posts throughout the month of August of numerous H-Block gang members talking about the murders of Irizarry and Vargas, taunting and threatening friends and family of the victims. They also referenced Irizarry disrespecting the H-Block gang prior to being murdered.
On September 1, 2020, while on surveillance during another investigation, HTF detectives observed the black Chrysler 300 with Pennsylvania plates driving in the area of Perry and Southard streets in Trenton. While detectives were attempting to identify the occupants, the vehicle took off at a high rate of speed and a pursuit ensued. The pursuit came to an end on Reservoir Street near Frazier Street, where the vehicle crashed into a telephone pole and the occupants subsequently escaped on foot. Area surveillance footage shows the vehicle crash into the pole. Two black males exited the vehicle through the front passenger door, both wearing all black with their hoods up. The black males fled on Reservoir Street toward Frazier Street and subsequently made a right onto Frazier Street toward Pennington Avenue, then out of sight.
A search warrant was obtained for the vehicle and detectives located a fully-loaded, 9mm Taurus handgun under the driver’s seat. The handgun was submitted to the New Jersey State Police Laboratory and identified as one of the guns used in the murders of Irizarry and Vargas. Further investigation revealed another witness who was able to identify Davis, Hamilton and Thompson as being responsible for the deaths of Irizarry and Vargas.
At the time of the arrest of all three suspects in October 2020, Prosecutor Onofri praised the investigative work of the Mercer County Homicide Task Force and thanked the public for the assistance provided during the investigation. “For weeks, detectives have methodically pieced the puzzle together, identifying the vehicle and all three suspects. But the help of the public in solving this double homicide was instrumental,” he stated. “It allowed us to follow leads from the very beginning, helping to point investigators in the right direction and allowing them to connect the dots.”
Mercer County Deputy First Assistant Prosecutor Kathleen M. Petrucci and Executive Assistant Prosecutor Michael C. Borgos represented the state during the three-week trial before Mercer County Superior Court Judge Peter E. Warshaw.
The investigation was led by the Mercer County Homicide Task Force and Sgt. Richard Sheppard of the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office. The defendant was represented by Mark Fury, Esq.
Hamilton is scheduled to be sentenced on January 4, 2024, along with Thompson, 23, who was tried in December 2022 and also found guilty on all counts. They each face a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. Davis, 22, previously pleaded guilty to aggravated manslaughter and is pending sentencing.
On September 21, 2023, Tyzir Hamilton, 22, was convicted on all counts of the indictment, including two counts of murder, conspiracy to commit murder, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and unlawful possession of a handgun.
Robert Menendez Allegedly Agreed to Use His Official Position to Benefit Wael Hana, Jose Uribe, Fred Daibes, and the Government of Egypt in Exchange for Hundreds of Thousands of Dollars of Bribes to Menendez and His Wife Nadine Menendez, Which Included Gold Bars, Cash, and a Luxury Convertible
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and James Smith, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced that an Indictment was unsealed this morning charging U.S. Senator ROBERT MENENDEZ, his wife NADINE MENENDEZ, a/k/a “Nadine Arslanian,” and three New Jersey businessmen, WAEL HANA, a/k/a “Will Hana,” JOSE URIBE, and FRED DAIBES, with participating in a years-long bribery scheme. The Indictment alleges that MENENDEZ and his wife, NADINE MENENDEZ, accepted hundreds of thousands of dollars of bribes from HANA, URIBE, and DAIBES in exchange for MENENDEZ’s agreement to use his official position to protect and enrich them and to benefit the Government of Egypt. Among other things, MENENDEZ agreed and sought to pressure a senior official at the U.S. Department of Agriculture in an effort to protect a business monopoly granted to HANA by Egypt, disrupt a criminal case undertaken by the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office related to associates of URIBE, and disrupt a federal criminal prosecution brought by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey against DAIBES. MENENDEZ, NADINE MENENDEZ, HANA, URIBE, and DAIBES are expected to appear in federal court in Manhattan on Wednesday, September 27, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Sidney H. Stein.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As the grand jury charged, between 2018 and 2022, Senator Menendez and his wife engaged in a corrupt relationship with Wael Hana, Jose Uribe, and Fred Daibes – three New Jersey businessmen who collectively paid hundreds of thousands of dollars of bribes, including cash, gold, a Mercedes Benz, and other things of value – in exchange for Senator Menendez agreeing to use his power and influence to protect and enrich those businessmen and to benefit the Government of Egypt. My Office is firmly committed to rooting out corruption, without fear or favor, and without any regard to partisan politics. We will continue to do so.”
FBI Assistant Director in Charge James Smith said: “The FBI has made investigating public corruption a top priority since our founding — nothing has changed. The alleged conduct in this conspiracy damages the public’s faith in our system of government and brings undue scorn to the honest and dedicated public servants who carry out their duties on a daily basis. To those inclined to use the status of their public office for personal benefit, or those willing to provide bribes in an attempt to gain influence from a public official, the FBI will ensure that you face the consequences in the criminal justice system for your underhanded dealings.”
According to the allegations in the Indictment unsealed today in Manhattan federal court:[1]
ROBERT MENENDEZ is the senior U.S. Senator from New Jersey and currently the Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee (“SFRC”). NADINE MENENDEZ began dating MENENDEZ in February 2018, they became engaged in October 2019, and they married in October 2020. Shortly after they began dating in 2018, NADINE MENENDEZ introduced MENENDEZ to her long-time friend WAEL HANA, who is originally from Egypt, lived in New Jersey, and maintained close connections with Egyptian officials. HANA was also business associates with FRED DAIBES, a New Jersey real estate developer and long-time donor to MENENDEZ, and JOSE URIBE, who worked in the New Jersey insurance and trucking business.
Between 2018 and 2022, MENENDEZ and NADINE MENENDEZ agreed to and did accept hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of bribes from HANA, DAIBES, and URIBE. These bribes included gold, cash, a luxury convertible, payments toward NADINE MENENDEZ’s home mortgage, compensation for a low-or-no-show job for NADINE MENENDEZ, home furnishings, and other things of value. In June 2022, the FBI executed a search warrant at the New Jersey home of MENENDEZ and NADINE MENENDEZ. During that search, the FBI found many of the fruits of this bribery scheme, including cash, gold, the luxury convertible, and home furnishings. Over $480,000 in cash — much of it stuffed into envelopes and hidden in clothing, closets, and a safe — was discovered in the home, as well as over $70,000 in cash in NADINE MENENDEZ’s safe deposit box, which was also searched pursuant to a separate search warrant. Some of the envelopes contained the fingerprints and/or DNA of DAIBES or his driver. Other of the envelopes were found inside jackets bearing MENENDEZ’s name and hanging in his closet, as depicted below.
NEW YORK, NJ –A 39-Page indictment has been returned against U.S. Senator from New Jersey Robert “Bob” Menendez and his wife Nadine Menendez a/k/a “Nadine Arslanian accusing the Senator of taking hundreds of thousands of dollars of bribes to benefit the Arab Republic of Egypt. Those bribes included cash, gold, payments toward a home mortgage, compensation for a low-or-no-show job, a luxury vehicle, and other things of value.
U.S. attorney Damian Williams, outlines the details of the indictment against Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ) and his wife for bribery, including the senator using his position as Senate Foreign Relations Committee chair to assist the Egyptian government. pic.twitter.com/VZK5km4I3p
Photos below were copied out of the full indictment posted further below:
During this same search, agents also found home furnishings provided by HANA and DAIBES, the luxury vehicle paid for by URIBE parked in the garage, as well as over one hundred thousand dollars’ worth of gold bars in the home, which were provided by either HANA or DAIBES. Two of the gold bars DAIBES provided are depicted in the photographs below.
In exchange for these and other things of value, MENENDEZ agreed to use his power and influence as a Senator to seek to protect HANA, URIBE, and DAIBES’s interests and to benefit the Government of Egypt. Through this corrupt relationship, MENENDEZ agreed to take a series of official acts and breaches of his official duty. First, MENENDEZ took actions to benefit the Government of Egypt and HANA, including by improperly pressuring an official at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (“USDA”) to seek to protect a business monopoly granted to HANA by Egypt. Second, MENENDEZ took actions seeking to disrupt a criminal investigation undertaken by the Office of the New Jersey Attorney General (“NJAG”) related to URIBE and his associates. Third, MENENDEZ recommended that the President nominate a U.S. Attorney who MENENDEZ believed he could influence with respect to DAIBES and sought to disrupt a federal criminal prosecution undertaken by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey (“USAO-DNJ”) of DAIBES.
Promised Actions to Benefit Egypt and Pressure the USDA
Shortly after she began dating MENENDEZ in 2018, NADINE MENENDEZ worked with HANA to introduce Egyptian intelligence and military officials to MENENDEZ. Those introductions helped establish a corrupt agreement in which HANA, with assistance from DAIBES and URIBE, provided bribes to MENENDEZ and NADINE MENENDEZ in exchange for MENENDEZ’s actions to benefit Egypt and HANA, among others.
As part of the scheme, MENENDEZ provided sensitive, non-public U.S. government information to Egyptian officials and otherwise took steps to secretly aid the Government of Egypt. For example, in or about May 2018, MENENDEZ provided Egyptian officials with non-public information regarding the number and nationality of persons serving at the U.S. Embassy in Cairo, Egypt. Although this information was not classified, it was deemed highly sensitive because it could pose significant operational security concerns if disclosed to a foreign government or made public. Without telling his professional staff or the State Department that he was doing so, on or about May 7, 2018, MENENDEZ texted that sensitive, non-public embassy information to his then-girlfriend NADINE MENENDEZ, who forwarded the message to HANA, who forwarded it to an Egyptian government official. Later that same month, MENENDEZ ghost-wrote a letter on behalf of Egypt to other U.S. Senators advocating for them to release a hold on $300 million in aid to Egypt. MENENDEZ sent this ghost-written letter to NADINE MENENDEZ, who forwarded it to HANA, who sent it to Egyptian officials.
At various times between 2018 and 2022, MENENDEZ also conveyed to Egyptian officials, through NADINE MENENDEZ, HANA, and/or DAIBES, that he would approve or remove holds on foreign military financing and sales of military equipment to Egypt in connection with his leadership role on the SFRC. For example, in or about July 2018, following meetings between MENENDEZ and Egyptian officials, which were arranged and attended by NADINE MENENDEZ and HANA, MENENDEZ texted NADINE MENENDEZ that she should tell HANA that MENENDEZ was going to sign off on a multimillion-dollar weapons sale to Egypt. NADINE MENENDEZ forwarded this text to HANA, who forwarded it to two Egyptian officials, one of whom replied with a “thumbs up” emoji. MENENDEZ made similar communications over the ensuing years. For example, in January 2022, MENENDEZ sent NADINE MENENDEZ a link to a news article reporting on two pending foreign military sales to Egypt totaling approximately $2.5 billion. NADINE MENENDEZ forwarded this link to HANA, writing, “Bob had to sign off on this.”
In exchange for MENENDEZ’s agreement to take these and other actions, HANA promised NADINE MENENDEZ payments, including from IS EG Halal Certified, Inc. (“IS EG Halal”), a New Jersey company that HANA operated with financial support and backing from DAIBES. However, IS EG Halal had little to no revenue until the spring of 2019, when the Government of Egypt granted IS EG Halal a monopoly on the certification of U.S. food exports to Egypt as compliant with halal standards, despite the fact that neither HANA nor his company had experience with halal certification. The monopoly generated revenue for HANA, through which he paid NADINE MENENDEZ as promised.
Because the monopoly resulted in increased costs for U.S. meat suppliers, in or about April and May 2019, the USDA contacted the Government of Egypt and sought reconsideration of its grant of monopoly rights to IS EG Halal. After being briefed on the USDA’s objections to IS EG Halal’s monopoly by HANA and NADINE MENENDEZ, on May 23, 2019, MENENDEZ called a high-level USDA official (“Official-1”) and insisted that the USDA stop opposing IS EG Halal’s status as sole halal certifier. When Official-1 attempted to explain why the monopoly was detrimental to U.S. interests, MENENDEZ reiterated his demand that the USDA stop interfering with IS EG Halal’s monopoly. Official-1 did not accede to MENENDEZ’s demand, but IS EG Halal nevertheless kept its monopoly.
After financially benefitting from IS EG Halal’s monopoly, HANA, at times with the assistance of DAIBES and URIBE, provided payments and other things of value in furtherance of the scheme. For example, in or about July 2019, after the mortgage company for the residence of NADINE MENENDEZ initiated foreclosure proceedings, HANA caused IS EG Halal to pay approximately $23,000 to bring the mortgage current. HANA did so after a series of discussions with NADINE MENENDEZ, as well as URIBE and DAIBES, about various options for bringing the mortgage current. Later in 2019, HANA and DAIBES caused IS EG Halal to issue three $10,000 checks to NADINE MENENDEZ for a low-or-no-show job. As the scheme continued, including through the additional actions described below, MENENDEZ and NADINE MENENDEZ received additional bribes, including gold and cash.
Promised Actions Seeking to Disrupt the NJAG Criminal Case
Also in 2019, HANA and URIBE offered to help buy a new Mercedes-Benz C-300 convertible worth more than $60,000 for MENENDEZ and NADINE MENENDEZ. In exchange, MENENDEZ agreed and sought to interfere in the NJAG’s criminal insurance fraud prosecution of an associate of URIBE and a related investigation involving an employee of URIBE. On multiple occasions in 2019, URIBE, HANA, and/or NADINE MENENDEZ briefed MENENDEZ regarding the NJAG’s insurance fraud prosecution and investigation. Following those briefings, and in exchange for the promise of the luxury convertible, MENENDEZ contacted a senior state prosecutor at the NJAG’s Office who supervised the prosecution and investigation (“Official-2”) at least twice. During those communications, MENENDEZ attempted to pressure Official-2 to resolve the prosecution more favorably to the defendant. Official-2 considered MENENDEZ’s actions inappropriate and did not agree to intervene. Nevertheless, the prosecution was ultimately resolved with a plea allowing for no jail time and the investigation never resulted in any charges against URIBE’s employee.
In exchange for MENENDEZ’s actions, URIBE provided NADINE MENENDEZ with $15,000 cash for the down payment on the luxury convertible in April 2019. After the purchase was complete, NADINE MENENDEZ messaged MENENDEZ, “Congratulations mon amour de la vie, we are the proud owners of a 2019 Mercedes.❤️” and texted MENENDEZ the below photograph of the convertible:
Thereafter, URIBE made monthly payments to Mercedes-Benz for the convertible between 2019 and June 2022. URIBE only stopped making those monthly payments after the FBI approached MENENDEZ, NADINE MENENDEZ, and URIBE in connection with this investigation.
Promised Actions Seeking to Disrupt the USAO-DNJ Criminal Case
In October 2018, the USAO-DNJ charged DAIBES with federal criminal charges for obtaining loans under false pretenses from a New Jersey-based bank he founded. Between December 2020 and 2022, MENENDEZ agreed to attempt to influence the pending federal prosecution of DAIBES in exchange for cash, furniture, and gold bars that DAIBES provided to MENENDEZ and NADINE MENDENDEZ. In furtherance of this aspect of the scheme, MENENDEZ recommended that the President nominate an individual (“Official-3”) as U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey who MENENDEZ believed he could influence with respect to DAIBES’s case. MENENDEZ also had direct and indirect contact with both Official-3 and another high-ranking official at the USAO-DNJ (“Official-4”) in an attempt to influence the outcome of DAIBES’s case.
Official-3 and Official-4 did not pass on to the USAO-DNJ prosecution team handling the DAIBES prosecution the fact that MENENDEZ had contacted them, and they did not treat the case any differently as a result of MENENDEZ’s actions. DAIBES’s case was ultimately resolved with a plea agreement that provided for a probationary sentence. In exchange for MENENDEZ’s participation in the bribery scheme, DAIBES provided MENENDEZ and NADINE MENENDEZ with multiple things of value, including the two one-kilogram gold bars pictured below.
ROBERT MENENDEZ, 69, of Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit bribery, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison; one count of conspiracy to commit honest services fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; and one count of conspiracy to commit extortion under color of official right, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
NADINE MENENDEZ, 56, of Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit bribery, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison; one count of conspiracy to commit honest services fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; and one count of conspiracy to commit extortion under color of official right, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
WAEL HANA, 40, formerly of Edgewater, New Jersey, and originally of Egypt, JOSE URIBE, 56, of Clifton, New Jersey, and FRED DAIBES, 66, of Edgewater, New Jersey, are all charged with one count of conspiracy to commit bribery, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, and one count of conspiracy to commit honest services fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
The statutory maximum penalties are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants would be determined by a judge.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI. Mr. Williams thanked the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation for its invaluable assistance on the investigation.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Public Corruption Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eli J. Mark, Paul Monteleoni, Lara Pomerantz, and Daniel C. Richenthal are in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This investigation remains ongoing. If you have information regarding the charges or defendants in the Indictment, please contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI and reference this case.
As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment and the description of the Indictment set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Hamilton Police reported that on Wednesday September 20, 2023 at approximately 10:41 p.m., Officers were dispatched to the area of Waverly Place and Mervine Place on a report of a stabbing. Upon arrival Officers located two fifteen-year-old juvenile males who had been stabbed. The victims were treated on scene by responding Officers and personnel from the Hamilton Fire Department. An investigation revealed a red Toyota arrived in the area and five suspects exited the vehicle and began a physical confrontation with the victims. During the confrontation the victims were stabbed several times by one of the suspects. Both victims were transported to Capital Health at Fuld for further treatment. Their injuries are not considered life threatening. The investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with any information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective Tom Clugsten of the Hamilton Police Division Juvenile Unit at (609) 581-4027 or the Hamilton Police Crime Tip Hotline at (609) 581-4008.
MANCHESTER, NJ (OCEAN)–On Wednesday, September 20th, at approximately 4:35 p.m., officers from the Manchester Township Police Department responded to the area of Pasadena Road near the intersection of Buckingham Road to investigate the report of a motor vehicle accident involving a motorcycle.
Upon arrival, officers observed a 2017 Yamaha motorcycle near the wood-line on the grass shoulder adjacent to the roadway with extensive damage. A witness in the area observed the incident and immediately contacted the police. Upon arrival, Officers and EMT’s from the Manchester Emergency Medical Services began life saving measures on the motorcyclist who had sustained severe injuries.
The investigation revealed that the Yamaha motorcycle was traveling westbound on Pasadena Road attempting to pass another motor vehicle when the rider lost control of the motorcycle, ran off the roadway, and struck a tree. The rider was ejected from the motorcycle as a result of the impact with the tree. The sole occupant of the Yamaha was identified as 27-year-old Robert Trout of Lanoka Harbor, NJ, and he was determined to be wearing a DOT approved helmet at the time of the crash. He was transported via ambulance to Southern Ocean Medical Center where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
The roadway was closed for several hours during the crash investigation. Assisting at the scene were members of the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department Crime Scene Investigation Unit, Manchester Emergency Medical Services EMT’s and firefighters, Robert Wood Johnson Paramedics, and Priced Rite Towing Service. The investigation into this crash is still ongoing, however, speed and driver error appear to be contributing factors. The crash is being investigated by Patrolman Jose Diaz and Patrolman Brendan Brush of the department’s Traffic Safety Unit.
Flag sponsorships are now available for the Rotary Club of Robbinsville Hamilton’s popular and stirring Flags for Heroes display at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton.
Residents and businesses can honor their personal heroes by sponsoring a 3’x5’ American flag to be flown for nearly three weeks – Nov. 1-18 – on the hospital grounds along White Horse-Hamilton Square Road and Klockner Road.
The Rotary Club’s goal is to fly more than 300 flags, exceeding last year’s total.
Flag sponsorships, starting at $60 for individuals and $300 for businesses, can be purchased from the Rotary Club’s website, www.RHRotary.org. The deadline for sponsorships is Wednesday, Oct. 18.
Each donor will receive a digital certificate, a keepsake flag medallion with their name, message, and hero’s name, and acknowledgement on the display banner at RWJUH/Hamilton and on the Rotary Club’s website.
Net proceeds from Flags for Heroes will be donated to non-profit organizations in Mercer County, including the Mercer County Military Action Council, which will help finance an active U.S. military member’s return to their family during military leave.
The 4th annual Flags for Heroes display will fill the prominent hospital field with flags honoring family members, teachers, veterans, active military, first responders and others who have made a mark in a person’s life. A Community Field Dedication and Veterans Day ceremony will be held on the grounds on Saturday, Nov. 4, from 11 am to noon.
“If you live or work in this area, you have likely seen the fantastic display on the hospital grounds in the first weeks of November. For first-timers or those who have sponsored flags each year, here’s another chance to recognize heroes in your life,” said George Ott, president of the Rotary Club of Robbinsville Hamilton.
“We are inviting local individuals and businesses to sponsor an American flag so that we may continue our efforts to assist those in need,” said Bill Coleman, co- chair of the Rotary Club’s Flag For Heroes committee. “This is a great opportunity for people to honor their hero and to make everyone aware in a moving display.”
For more information about the Rotary Club of Robbinsville Hamilton and its charitable initiatives, email info@RHRotary.org or visit www.RHRotary.org.
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