Day: September 5, 2023

Asbury Park, Freehold, Howell, Keansburg, Long Branch, Monmouth County, Red Bank

Recovery Diversion Program Expanding to Cover Five Municipalities

September 5, 2023

FREEHOLD – By the end of next month, nearly one in every five Monmouth County residents will live in a municipality participating in an innovative program designed to shepherd individuals battling substance abuse and mental health disorders into recovery – and that ratio will only continue to grow in the years to come, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced Tuesday.  

The MCPO Recovery Diversion Program (RDP), which started as a pilot initiative in Long Branch in 2021, has since expanded to Asbury Park and Red Bank this year, with Howell Township and Keansburg slated to also begin participating by the end of October.

“When the Long Branch pilot program began, I was serving as the City’s Municipal Public Defender, allowing me to witness firsthand just how effective it can be – and as County Prosecutor, I’m now blessed to be in the position to oversee its expansion throughout the County,” Prosecutor Santiago said. “RDP participants routinely express amazement in discovering that when they visit Municipal Court to answer to minor criminal offenses, an entire team of dedicated professionals is already there waiting for them, eager to help them get their lives back on track.”

The RDP framework is simple: first, upon arraignment, a Municipal Prosecutor will offer participation to a defendant charged with a non-violent, low-level crime who has a substance use or mental health disorder. If interested, the candidate will be scheduled for a preliminary RDP session, during which he or she will meet a recovery specialist from Hope Sheds Light, a rehabilitative nonprofit organization serving individuals and families in Monmouth and Ocean counties.

The recovery specialist will then explain the program and introduce the candidate to a clinician from CPC Behavioral Healthcare or New Hope Integrated Behavioral Health Care who will schedule an intake appointment and mental health evaluation. After attending the appointment, the participant will begin treatment at the recommended level of care, with regimens ranging in length from 12 weeks to six months.

The 10-person RDP team, under the supervision of RDP Coordinator and Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Lindsay Ashwal, receives monthly compliance reports for each participant, and if he or she completes all recommended treatment, maintains contact with Hope Sheds Light, and remains arrest-free, the Municipal Prosecutor will make a motion for dismissal of the charges against them before the Municipal Court Judge. Dismissals are then left to the discretion of the Judge.

Upon completion of the program, each candidate is then encouraged to invite family and friends to attend a graduation ceremony – Asbury Park held its first such ceremony this past Friday, the first day of September’s National Recovery Month.

The graduation ceremonies are barely recognizable as court hearings – they’re far more celebratory than procedural, and regularly interrupted by laughter, tears, and too many rounds of applause to count. The first defendant to appear in Asbury Park Municipal Court on Friday afternoon got a fist-bump from the Municipal Prosecutor and a hug from the County Prosecutor.

“You’re our first RDP graduate (in Asbury Park), and you are setting such an example, not only to your friends and family, but to this community,” Santiago told the graduate as his five children and a host of loved ones looked on, prior to presenting him with a certificate of graduation. “You are going to be the example of all we’re trying to do here.”

“I am giving you the fresh start you deserve for being here today,” Asbury Park Municipal Court Judge Ronald J. Troppoli added while dismissing all of the remaining charges against the graduate, who just recently got hired to a new job and has developed a passion for cooking while in recovery. “We’re going to call him the ambassador of goodwill for this program.”

Asbury Park Municipal Prosecutor James “Jimmy” Butler noted that while he has served in the capacity since 1984, Friday was “one of my best days ever here.”

“It warms my heart to be a part of this,” he said.

“I’ve been mayor here since 2015,” added Asbury Park Mayor John B. Moor, also in attendance, “and this is my best day.”

Moor added that the introduction of RDP in Asbury Park was made possible in great part due to support the idea received from the City Council and Municipal Court staff.

“I am grateful to have the chance to offer this opportunity to those people who are interested,” Asbury Park Municipal Court Administrator Joanne Pilliod said. “It is an incredible program for all of us to be involved with.” 

Funding for RDP has been provided by an Operation Helping Hand grant administered by the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General (OAG). Additional partner organizations include the New Jersey Reentry Corporation, a nonprofit group that helps connect participants to education and job training and placement, as well as the municipal police departments, local elected leaders, and municipal court administrators, judges, public defenders, and prosecutors in each participating town.

“To call this a group effort would be a massive understatement,” Prosecutor Santiago said. “Each expansion of RDP, tailored to suit the needs of each newly participating municipality, necessitates buy-in from virtually every branch of municipal government – but we’re finding that once we outline precisely how the program works, what the benefits are, and the fact that it comes at no cost, there has been an overabundance of receptive audiences.”

Local towns haven’t been the only audiences to hear about the program from Prosecutor Santiago, Ashwal, and others involved – over the last two years alone, they have delivered presentations about RDP to the OAG Advocacy Institute, New Jersey State Bar Association, Monmouth County Bar Association’s Municipal Court Committee, Monmouth County Court Administrators Association, and other groups.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA’s) most recent National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that more than 46 million people nationwide meet the criteria for having a substance use disorder, yet 94 percent of them do not receive any treatment. The Survey also found that approximately 1 in 4 American adults experienced signs of mental illness over the past year.

More than a million Americans have died due to a drug overdose in the 21st century, including a record high of nearly 110,000 last year. An estimated 1,500 lives were lost across Monmouth County in the decade stretching from 2012 through 2021.

“The twin scourges of substance abuse and mental illness together constitute the defining public-health challenge of our times,” Prosecutor Santiago said. “And the only path to victory will involve programs such as these, which directly connect individuals in crisis with the social services they so desperately need.”

For more information about the Recovery Diversion Program, go online to http://mcponj.org/recovery-diversion-program/.

Red Bank

Long Branch

Recovery Diversion Program Graduation

Ocean County, Toms River

Toms River Man Charged With Aggravated Arson, Burglary, Theft And Criminal Mischief

September 5, 2023

TOMS RIVER, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on September 4, 2023, John Voltolino, Jr., 45, of Toms River, was charged with Aggravated Arson, Burglary, Theft, and Criminal Mischief, in connection with events that occurred on September 4, 2023, in Toms River.

On September 4, 2023, at approximately 5:00 p.m., Officers from the Toms River Township Police Department responded to a residence on Sun Valley Road for a report of a burglary.  The homeowner reported that his son, John Voltolino, Jr., broke into the residence and stole a laptop.  Responding Officers observed a broken window in the bathroom on the first floor, as well as blood throughout the residence.  Additionally, a strong odor of gasoline was detected, and an extinguished fire on the living room floor – adjacent to a gasoline container – was observed.  Investigation determined that Voltolino, Jr. was, in fact, responsible for the burglary of his father’s residence and theft of the laptop.  Voltolino, Jr. was subsequently discovered in a wooded area behind the residence and placed under arrest for burglary and theft.

A scene examination was conducted by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime–Arson Squad, Toms River Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and Ocean County Fire Marshal’s K-9 Unit.  It was determined that a fire had been intentionally set in the living room utilizing an open flame, paper towels, and the subject gasoline container.  Further investigation revealed that Voltolino, Jr. was responsible for setting the fire that had been extinguished.  As a consequence, Voltolino, Jr. was additionally charged with aggravated arson and criminal mischief.  Voltolino, Jr. was transported to the Ocean County Jail, where he is presently lodged pending a detention hearing.

Prosecutor Billhimer commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Arson Squad, Toms River Township Police Department, Toms River Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and Ocean County Fire Marshal’s K-9 Unit, for their combined and collective assistance in connection with this investigation.

The charges referenced above are merely accusations and the press and public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

R.P.C.  3.6(b)(6).

Somerset, Somerville

Joshua Kalafer Appointed Co-Vice Chair Somerset Health Care Foundation Board Of Trustees

September 5, 2023

SOMERVILLE, NJ, – Joshua Kalafer, co-owner of Clinton Honda and Land Rover Princeton and co-owner and co-chairman of the Somerset Patriots, has been appointed co-vice chair of Somerset Health Care Foundation Board of Trustees. The Foundation is the fundraising arm of Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset, an RWJBarnabas Health facility.

“Since joining our board two years ago, Josh has brought a wealth of experience as an entrepreneur and business leader that has been an invaluable asset to Somerset Health Care Foundation and our efforts to support the growth of Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset,” said Paul Hubert, chairman of Somerset Health Care Foundation’s Board of Trustees. “He is passionate about giving back to his community as evidenced by his wide range of philanthropic and volunteer commitments and brings great energy and enthusiasm to our board.”

Kalafer has chaired the Somerset Health Care Foundation Golf Outing since 2013, which raised more than $1.7 million to support programs and services at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset. His late father, Steve, was chairman emeritus of Somerset Health Care Foundation’s Board of Trustees and spearheaded several fundraising campaigns at the hospital over the past two decades. The Kalafer family donated $1 million to renovate the hospital’s 1-East geriatric unit in 2020. 

“The Kalafer family have been great champions for the advancement of health care in New Jersey and have been generous supporters of our hospital,” said Donna Castronovo, Vice President of Development, Somerset Health Care Foundation. “We are thrilled that Josh is carrying on his family’s legacy and helping us ensure that Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset continues to provide the world-class health care services Central New Jersey families need throughout their lives.”

Kalafer is a graduate of American University in Washington, D.C. where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration. He serves as a member of the Board of Directors for New Jersey Manufacturer’s Insurance Company, serves on the Board of the Silver Shield Foundation and as a Trustee of The Pingry School. 

For more information about Somerset Health Care Foundation, visit www.rwjbh.org/somersetgiving or call 908-685-2885. 

Island Heights, Ocean County

Island Heights Police Detective Indicted For Providing False Report, Contempt and Weapon Offences

September 5, 2023

Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on August 30, 2023, Matthew Curtis, 47, of Little Egg Harbor Township, was indicted by a Grand Jury sitting in Ocean County on charges of providing a False Report to Law Enforcement Authorities, Contempt of a Judicial or Protective Order, and being a Certain Person prohibited from Possessing a Weapon.

The charges result from an investigation conducted by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Professional Standards Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Domestic Violence/Weapons Squad, and Little Egg Harbor Township Police Department. The investigation revealed that Curtis – a Detective with the Island Heights Police Department – was required to surrender to law enforcement any guns that he owned or possessed pursuant to the imposition of a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) issued against him on May 11, 2022. On that date, Curtis surrendered a number of weapons to law enforcement. On May 13, 2022, Curtis authored and signed a letter advising law enforcement that he had sold three handguns that were registered to him prior to the issuance of the TRO, and indicated he no longer owned those weapons. A subsequent weapons trace conducted by the United States Department of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives indicated, however, that Curtis remained the registered owner of the subject handguns. On December 11, 2022, Curtis filed a report with the Little Egg Harbor Police Department, asserting that three handguns were stolen from his unlocked personal vehicle in front of his home. Investigation further revealed that one of those handguns he reported stolen was one of the weapons he claimed to have sold prior to the issuance of the TRO. That same weapon was recovered from a defendant accused of a motor vehicle theft and eluding in Essex County, New Jersey.

On February 14, 2023, Curtis was processed at the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office and released on a summons pending a future appearance in Ocean County Superior Court. He was also suspended with pay from his position with the Island Heights Police Department.

Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the diligent efforts of Senior Assistant Prosecutor Christopher Heisler who presented the case to the Grand Jury on behalf of the State, and commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Professional Standards Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Domestic Violence/Weapons Squad, Little Egg Harbor Police Department, and United States Department of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, for their collaborative efforts in connection with this investigation.

The charges referenced above are merely accusations and the press and public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

R.P.C.  3.6(b)(6).

Island Heights Police Detective Charged With False Report, Contempt And Weapons Offenses

Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on August 30, 2023, Matthew Curtis, 47, of Little Egg Harbor Township, was indicted by a Grand Jury sitting in Ocean County on charges of  providing a False Report to Law Enforcement Authorities, Contempt of a Judicial or Protective Order, and being a Certain Person prohibited from Possessing a Weapon.

Long Branch, Mercer County, Monmouth County, Trenton

Trenton, NJ, Men Busted In Holmdel Township

September 5, 2023

HOLMDEL TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH)–The Holmdel Township Police Department reported that on September 3, 2023 around 5:30 p.m., police dispatchers received a call from loss prevention employees at Best Buy, 2130 State Hwy 35. Loss prevention employees reported that several individuals known to them as shoplifters from other Best Buy’s were around the store. Ptl. Sasso and Ptl. DePinho arrived on scene and located two subjects walking away from the store with employees following. The subjects were identified as Clifton Owens (age 43) and Jerome Christie (age 33), both of Trenton NJ.

Owens was arrested after he was found to be a wanted fugitive from Pennsylvania due to a forgery charge. He was lodged in the Monmouth County Correctional Institution pending an extradition hearing.

Jerome Christie was arrested for an outstanding warrant issued by the Delran Municipal Court. He was processed and released as per the court.

Lacey, Ocean County

Pilot Identified In Fatal Plane Crash That Started Wildfire In Lacey Township

September 5, 2023

LACEY TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–The Lacey Township Police Department has worked with investigative authorities to identify the pilot in the small airplane crash near that Robert J. Miller Airpark on Saturday, September 2, 2023.

The pilot has been positively identified as Oscar Molina, 61, of Ocean Avenue, Long Branch, NJ. The family of the pilot has been formally notified. The men and women of the Lacey Township Police Department express their sincere condolences to the Molina family.

The crash remains under investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board.

Lacey Township Plane Crash And Wildfire Update
Plane Crash Starts 831+ Acre Wildfire In Ocean County
Atlantic City, State of NJ

Absecon Man Arrested After Terrorizing Area Residents and Businesses with Drone

September 5, 2023

ABSECON, NJ — The Absecon Police Department, in collaboration with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), New Jersey State Police, and Galloway Township Police has successfully apprehended a suspect involved in a series of drone-related incidents causing damage to property in the Absecon and Galloway area.

On August 13th, Absecon Police received a call from a concerned homeowner on Upland Avenue, who reported suspicious activity involving a drone hovering over their pool. To the homeowner’s dismay, a substance was dropped from the drone, turning the pool water an alarming shade of green. Following this incident, similar reports emerged from various other locations, including the Quality Inn in Galloway Township, where the concrete pool base suffered damage due to the dye.

Working diligently alongside the FAA, New Jersey State Police, and Galloway Township Police, Absecon Police conducted a thorough investigation, leading them to detect the drone in flight over the Quality Inn on Friday, September 1st. Authorities tracked the drone’s path back to Comfort Solutions Heating and Cooling, a business located at 345 E. White Horse Pike in Galloway Township.

Upon arrival at Comfort Solutions Heating and Cooling, law enforcement officers encountered and subsequently arrested Patrick Spina 4th, the business owner, who has been identified as the individual responsible for the ongoing incidents of criminal mischief. Spina is facing multiple counts of criminal mischief for his involvement in these unlawful acts.

Further investigation revealed that the substance dropped from the drone into the pools was Sea Dye, a material commonly utilized by sea rescue services. The use of such a material in this context was not only illicit but also caused damage to the affected pools.

Patrick Spina 4th, 45, of Absecon has since been released on a summons pending court proceedings. Absecon and Galloway Police are urging any residents who may have fallen victim to similar activities to come forward and contact their local police agency to aid in ongoing investigations.

The Absecon Police Department extends its gratitude to the FAA, New Jersey State Police, Galloway Township Police, Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office, and all other agencies involved for their invaluable assistance in bringing this case to a swift resolution. We remain committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of the community.

Incidents should be reported to the following:

For Absecon contact Det. Neal Galletta #857 at (609) 641-0667 ext. 216.

For Galloway contact DSFC. Jason Kiamos #77 at (609) 652-3705 ext. 331.

Otherwise, contact your local police department for assistance.

Photo by JESHOOTS.com on Pexels.com
Hamilton, Hamilton, Mercer County, Trenton

Trenton Man Arrested In Hamilton Carjacking

September 5, 2023

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Hamilton Police report that on Friday, September 1, 2023 at approximately 7:25 p.m.., Officers were detailed to the 400 block of East Franklin Street on a report of a Burglary to an Auto that just occurred by two suspects who were wearing black clothing. While enroute additional 9-1-1 calls to dispatch reported the suspects were possibly armed with handguns and had just stolen a vehicle. Upon arrival Officers found one of the suspects kneeling on the front lawn of a residence on the 500 block of East Franklin Street. He was identified by numerous witnesses that he was one of the suspects. They were chasing him when he pointed a gun at them and ran between houses. An unknown party had stopped the suspect and detained him until police arrived. Further investigation by Officers revealed the suspect had struck a victim in the head rendering him unconscious and stole his vehicle. The suspect was placed under arrest and identified as Alshawn Chavis, 18, of Trenton. Another witness had observed the suspect in the backyard of one of the residences and concealed a handgun in the grass. Officers located a metal and plastic Glock imitation firearm in the grass. The second suspect fled the scene and was not apprehended. The investigation is continuing.

Chavis was charged with Carjacking, Aggravated Assault, Burglary to Auto, Aggravated Assault with a Firearm, Weapons Charges, Theft, and Receiving Stolen Property. Chavis was transported to the Mercer County Correctional Facility pending a detention hearing.

Anyone with any information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective Frank Palmieri of the Hamilton Police Division Major Crimes Unit at (609) 581-4041 or the Hamilton Police Crime Tip Hotline at (609) 581-4008.

Alshawn Chavis, 18, of Trenton. Chavis was charged with Carjacking, Aggravated Assault, Burglary to Auto, Aggravated Assault with a Firearm, Weapons Charges, Theft, and Receiving Stolen Property. Chavis was transported to the Mercer County Correctional Facility pending a detention hearing.