Day: April 22, 2024

Ewing, Ewing, Mercer County, Trenton

Cold Case Investigation Leads to Arrest and Charges in 2008 Ewing Township Homicide

April 22, 2024

TRENTON — Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri announced that an investigation by the Mercer County Homicide Task Force (MCHTF) in conjunction with the New Jersey Attorney General’s Cold Case Network has resulted in the charging of two suspects in connection with the 2008 robbery and fatal beating of Leroy Julious in Ewing Township, New Jersey.

Breyon Goodman, 36, of Trenton, and Jason Howard, 41, are each charged by complaint with Murder (1st degree), Felony Murder (1st degree), and Robbery (1st degree). Goodman was arrested in Trenton on April 15, 2024, by members of the U.S. Marshals NY/NJ Regional Fugitive Task Force. The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office has filed a motion to detain him pending trial. Howard, 41, was served his complaints in Rhode Island, where he is incarcerated for an unrelated incident.

According to the public documents filed in the case, on May 9, 2008, Ewing Police responded to the report of a caller stating that the victim, Leroy Julious, was injured and on the ground, bleeding. Upon arrival, officers observed a vehicle parked diagonally in front of a residence at the scene. There were multiple individuals on scene, including Howard, who was standing outside of the open driver’s door of the vehicle. Witnesses directed officers to Mr. Julious, who was lying on the ground in a gravel lot. The victim had severe head trauma, with blood on his face, head and neck, and officers noticed his pockets were turned inside out. Mr. Julious was pronounced dead at the scene.

As alleged, investigation revealed robbery to be a potential motive in the case. Officers learned that Mr. Julious was known to carry money and that his wallet was not on him when he was found. As alleged in the complaint affidavit, investigation also indicated that the assault on Mr. Julious started in the garage carport of a nearby house and his body was dragged to the empty gravel lot.

In March 2023, the Mercer County Homicide Task Force received new information and the case was reopened. At the direction of Prosecutor Onofri, the case was presented to the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability’s (OPIA’s) Regional Cold Case Task Force. In the fall of 2023, all viable physical evidence was resubmitted to the NJSP Central Regional Laboratory, including DNA evidence. Technological advancements in forensic science provided new information related to the case.

“For 16 years the senseless, cruel death of Leroy Julious has gone unsolved,” said Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin. “But law enforcement did not forget, and did not give up. We hope the charges bring a measure of relief to the victim’s grieving loved ones.”

“Dogged detective work, technological advances, inter-agency cooperation, and a shared, unflagging desire for answers and accountability for this terrible crime have brought about these charges,” said Thomas J. Eicher, Executive Director of the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability. “This development in this long-dormant case demonstrates the effectiveness of the cooperation and capabilities of the Cold Case Network.”

“These detectives are relentless in the pursuit of justice,” said Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri. “The technological and investigative resources made possible through this collaboration of law enforcement agencies are invaluable, and I’m grateful to the Attorney General’s Office for the formation of the Cold Case Task Force. Now we are able to announce charges and provide Mr. Julious’ family with answers after all of these years.”

“We are continuing to investigate this murder and are asking for the public’s help,” Prosecutor Onofri continued. “Anyone with information about the case is urged to contact MCHTF detectives at (609) 989-6406 or mchtftips@mercercounty.org.”

Attorney General Platkin and Prosecutor Onofri commended all of the New Jersey Cold Case Task Force’s participating agencies, including the Attorney General’s Office of Public Integrity and Accountability and the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office. They also expressed their appreciation to the NJSP Office of Forensic Sciences, the NJSP Central Regional Laboratory, the U.S. Marshals NY/NJ Regional Fugitive Task Force, the Rhode Island Department of Corrections, and the Ewing Police Department, under the direction of Chief Albert Rhodes, for their assistance.

The charges are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

First-degree Murder and Felony Murder crimes carry a sentencing exposure of 30 years to life in state prison and fine of up to $200,000. First-degree Robbery crimes carry a sentence of up to 20 years in state prison and a fine of up to $150,000. The potential sentences are provided solely for informational purposes, as any potential sentence is determined by a judge.

Jackson, Ocean County, Toms River

Jackson Township Man Charged with Two Counts of Assault by Auto

April 22, 2024

TOMS RIVER, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on April 20, 2024, Erick Perez-Ramirez, 40, of Jackson, was charged with two counts of Assault by Auto, in connection with an automobile crash that occurred in Toms River during the early morning hours of April 20, 2024.

On April 20, 2024, at approximately 4:45 a.m., Officers from the Toms River Township Police Department responded to the area of Bay Avenue and Ethan Court for a report of a serious motor vehicle crash.  An initial investigation by responding Officers determined that a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado operated by Perez-Ramirez and containing front seat passenger Viviana Arciniegas-Diaz, 33, of Toms River, and rear seat passengers William Rubiano, 31, and Maria Vega-Diaz, 33, both of Toms River, was traveling eastbound on Bay Avenue when it failed to negotiate a right hand turn in the roadway.  The Silverado then left the roadway and struck a tree.  As a result of the crash, Ms. Arciniegas and Ms. Vega-Diaz were transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune for treatment of their injuries.  They are both listed in stable condition.  Mr. Rubiano and Perez-Ramirez were uninjured and remained at the scene.

Responding Officers observed that Perez-Ramirez appeared to be intoxicated at the scene of the crash.  Based upon those observations, Officers attempted to administer the standardized field sobriety tests (FSTs) to Perez-Ramirez.  Perez-Ramirez was unable to successfully perform the FSTs; as such, he was charged with Driving Under the Influence and placed under arrest.  Perez-Ramirez was thereafter transported to Community Medical Center in Toms River, where a draw of his blood was obtained pursuant to a court-authorized warrant.  The results of the blood draw remain pending.  Perez-Ramirez was subsequently 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-Vehicular Homicide Squad, Toms River Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, 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).

Photo by Sora Shimazaki on Pexels.com
Ocean County, Toms River

Toms River Man Charged with Distribution and Possession of Child Pornography

April 22, 2024

TOMS RIVER, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on April 21, 2024, Edward Lynch, 52, of Toms River, was charged with Distribution of Child Pornography and Possession of Child Pornography.

This investigation was the result of a referral from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).  NCMEC received cyber-tips that an individual was downloading images of child pornography from the internet; an investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit identified an IP address associated with a residence in Toms River as the location from which the individual was downloading these images.

On August 24, 2023, Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, Toms River Township Police Department, and Toms River Township Police Department Emergency Services Unit, executed a court-authorized search warrant on the subject residence.  As a result, Detectives seized multiple electronic devices from the residence.  An initial forensic examination of the devices by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit led to the discovery of more than 1000 items of child pornography.  Further investigation revealed that Lynch was the individual responsible for downloading the child pornography in question.  On August 24, 2023, Lynch was charged with Possession of Child Pornography.  Lynch was taken into custody at his residence without incident; he was thereafter transported to the Ocean County Jail, and subsequently released as a consequence of New Jersey Bail Reform.

In furtherance of the investigation, a full forensic examination on all seized electronic devices by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit revealed that Lynch knowingly distributed more than 1000 items of Child Pornography by using the internet applications of Telegram, Session, and Wickr Me.  As a consequence, Lynch was additionally charged on April 21, 2024 with Distribution of Child Pornography, along with a second count of Possession of Child Pornography.  On that date, Lynch surrendered himself to Toms River Township Police Headquarters.  He 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 High Tech Crime Unit, Toms River Township Police Department, Toms River Township Police Department Emergency Services Unit, and National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, for their collaborative 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).

Photo by Sora Shimazaki on Pexels.com
Cape May

AG Platkin Announces Former Mayor of Wildwood Indicted on New Charges Stemming from Solicitation of Job from City Attorney, Unreported Income

April 22, 2024

TRENTON — Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA) announced today that a state grand jury has returned a new indictment against former Wildwood Mayor Peter J. Byron, accusing him of abusing his official position to request a job from a city attorney, then failing to pay state taxes on his earnings from that position for years.

A new seven-count indictment was filed on April 16, 2024, against Byron, 68, of Wildwood, New Jersey, who resigned from office in September 2023. He has been accused of the following new offenses:

  • Official misconduct – 2nd degree
  • Tampering with public records – 3rd degree
  • Falsifying or tampering with records – 4th degree
  • Failure to pay tax – 3rd degree (two counts)
  • Filing a fraudulent return – 3rd degree (two counts).

According to the allegations in the indictment, Byron, who had been elected as a city commissioner before serving as mayor, used his official position as a commissioner to unlawfully pursue and obtain employment from an attorney who had a contract with the City of Wildwood and held official appointed positions with the City.

It is further alleged that Byron submitted required annual financial disclosure statements to the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs in which he failed to properly identify the job with the attorney as a source of income in 2017 and 2018.

Additionally, the investigation revealed that Byron failed to pay required state income tax on income earned from New Jersey sources in 2017 and 2018. The investigation found Byron’s New Jersey income tax return falsely omitted required New Jersey-sourced income earned during those years.

“As alleged, the former mayor inappropriately used his power and influence for unlawful personal financial gain, betraying the public’s trust,” said Attorney General Platkin. “Elected officeholders are expected to serve the public, not use their authority to line their own pockets.”

“The former mayor had a clear conflict of interest in seeking and accepting this job, given his power over the city contracts and appointments of his employer,” said OPIA Executive Director Thomas J. Eicher. “Cashing in unlawfully on positions of power damages the public’s confidence in government, and this indictment should send a message that those who do so will be held accountable.” 

Byron was previously indicted in a separate matter on state charges for allegedly fraudulently participating in the State Health Benefits Program. The investigation revealed that Byron and his codefendants in that matter were never eligible for benefits because they were never “full-time” employees as defined by state law, which requires elected officials to have work hours fixed at 35 or more hours per week to be eligible. It is alleged, however, that the defendants fraudulently enrolled in the SHBP and received publicly funded health benefits. That case is pending.

Second-degree charges carry a sentence of five to 10 years in state prison and a fine of up to $150,000. 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 defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

The case is being prosecuted by OPIA Deputy Attorneys General Brian Uzdavinis and Niccole Sandora, under the supervision of OPIA Corruption Bureau Deputy Chiefs Andrew Wellbrock and Jeffrey J. Manis and OPIA Executive Director Eicher.

Defense attorney:

Eric Shenkus, Deputy Public Defender, Cape May Court House, New Jersey

Wildwood Mayor Pete Byron Facebook Page that has been since deactivated.

Grand Jury Indicts Wildwood Mayor, Former Mayor, City Commissioner Over Alleged Fraudulent Participation in State Health Insurance Program 
Mayor Of Wildwood, NJ Pleads Guilty To Two Counts In Preparation Of Fraudulent Tax Returns
Acting AG Platkin Announces Charges Against Wildwood Mayor, Former Mayor, and City Commissioner for Fraudulently Participating in State Health Insurance Program
Mercer County, Robbinsville, Robbinsville

Levittown, PA Man Struck and Killed on New Jersey Turnpike in Robbinsville

April 22, 2024

ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Sgt. Jeffrey Lebron of the New Jersey State Police, Office of Public Information told MidJersey.news that Troopers responded to a motor vehicle crash this morning April 22, 2024, at 2:17 a.m. on the New Jersey Turnpike south milepost 64.1 on the inner roadway in Robbinsville Township, Mercer County.

Based on a preliminary investigation, in the area of milepost 64.1, a BMW 428i and a BMW X3 were involved in a collision, becoming disabled within the southbound lanes of the New Jersey Turnpike inner roadway. A BMW 328i was traveling southbound and collided with the unoccupied and disabled BMW 428i. After the collision, the driver of the BMW 328i parked on the right shoulder and exited the vehicle. A Hyundai passenger vehicle was traveling southbound and collided with the disabled 428i, subsequently striking a pedestrian and the rear of the parked 328i. 

As a result of the crash, the pedestrian associated with the BMW 328i, Alton Smith, a 30-year-old male from Levittown, PA, sustained fatal injuries. The driver of the Hyundai sustained minor injuries and was transported to an area hospital. There were no other injuries reported. The crash remains under investigation, and there is no additional information available. 

Middlesex County, New Brunswick

Somerset County Man Charged with Federal Hate Crime for Breaking into Center for Islamic Life at Rutgers University and Destroying Property

April 22, 2024

NEWARK — A Somerset County, New Jersey, man has been charged with a federal hate crime for breaking into the Center for Islamic Life at Rutgers University (CILRU) in New Brunswick, New Jersey, and destroying property, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger for the District of New Jersey, Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, and New Jersey State Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced.

Jacob Beacher, 24, was arrested this morning and is charged by complaint with one count of intentional or attempted obstruction of religious practice and one count of making false statements to federal authorities. Beacher is scheduled to have his initial appearance this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge André M. Espinosa in Newark federal court.

According to the criminal complaint, on April 10, during the Eid-al-Fitr holiday, Beacher broke into the CILRU around 2:41 a.m., where he damaged the CILRU’s property, including several religious artifacts, such as Turbah prayer stones, which are clay stones on which Muslims prostrate during prayer, and numerous other items that contained holy language from the Qur’an, Islam’s sacred scripture. The complaint also alleges that Beacher stole a Palestinian flag and a charity box belonging to the CILRU.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger and Attorney General Platkin credited the many agencies that collaborated on this joint investigation: special agents of the FBI, Branchburg Resident Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark; prosecutors and detectives from the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice, under the direction of Director J. Stephen Ferketic; detectives from the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone; the Rutgers University Police Department-New Brunswick Division, under the leadership of Chief of University Police Kenneth Cop; the New Brunswick Police Department, under the leadership of Chief Vincent Sabo; the New Jersey State Police, under the leadership of Colonel Patrick J. Callahan and the New Jersey Regional Computer Forensics Laboratory.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Levin and Deputy Chief R. Joseph Gribko for the District of New Jersey and Trial Attorney Daniel Grunert of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.

The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

***

Defense counsel:

Patrick McMahon Esq., Assistant Federal Public Defender, Newark

2024-0422_Beacher-ComplaintDownload
Ewing, Ewing, Mercer County

KRE Group Joins Ewing Township Officials to Begin Long-Awaited Redevelopment of Former Naval Air Propulsion Center

Demolition of Shuttered Buildings Sets Stage for Construction of In-Demand Industrial and Flex Space, Completing Township’s Parkway Avenue Redevelopment Zone

April 22, 2024

Ewing Township, NJ (MERCER)– In a significant step towards realizing a decades-long vision for infusing new vitality into Ewing Township’s landscape, demolition has officially begun on the decommissioned United States Naval Air Propulsion Center, paving the way for a modern era of industrial innovation, economic opportunity, and community revitalization.

Designated Redeveloper KRE Group joined Ewing Township Mayor Bert H. Steinmann, fellow municipal officials, and other dignitaries on Monday, April 22nd to mark the start of the transformative effort, which is being hailed as a pivotal moment in furthering the Township’s overarching goal for a vibrant Town Center and complementary uses that enhance residents’ quality of life and foster economic growth.

Once a bustling hub of military innovation, the Naval Air Propulsion Center now bears witness to the passage of time, with long-vacant and deteriorated industrial buildings, decommissioned facilities, and remnants of its storied past silently occupying the property. Spanning approximately 26.28 acres, the site is poised for redevelopment, bordered by Mercer County Airport to the north, a Conrail railroad line to the east, Parkway Avenue to the south, and Jack Stephan Way to the west.  

KRE Group’s comprehensive redevelopment plans include four new buildings, featuring a single-story warehouse spanning 285,152 square feet, and three standalone flex space structures each measuring 20,000 square feet. Additionally, extensive site improvements will encompass new stormwater management infrastructure, thoughtfully planned landscaping and lighting, a new NJ Transit bus stop, surface parking, a landscaped walking trail, roadway improvements to Parkway Avenue, and the addition of a traffic circle at Parkway Avenue and Jack Stephan Way.

Jonathan Kushner, President of KRE Group, expressed his excitement, stating, “We are thrilled to embark on this revitalization effort and are proud to be the ones capable of moving this important project forward after so many years of inactivity. This redevelopment initiative, long championed by Mayor Steinmann, will complement the progress already made within the Redevelopment Zone while laying the groundwork for an innovative future.”

Ewing Township Mayor Bert Steinmann said, “Today’s demolition day is a long-awaited step in our redevelopment plan that promises to breathe new life into this historic property. As the bricks begin to fall, we are at the crossroads of history and innovation, and I am excited about the future.”

In addition to Mayor Steinmann, also delivering remarks were Ewing Council President Kevin Baxter, Jeffrey Persky, Executive Vice President, KRE Group; Helen Kull, local historian; Chuck Latini, Executive Director, Ewing Township Redevelopment Agency; Hal English, CEO, Princeton-Mercer Regional Chamber; and Lucylle Walter, Mercer County Commissioner.

Operated by the U.S. Navy as a vital jet engine test facility from 1951 until 1997, the Naval Air Propulsion Center played a crucial role in bolstering America’s military capabilities. The site’s narrative dates back even further, with the General Motors Inland Fisher Guide manufacturing plant on Parkway Avenue being requisitioned by the government during World War II in December 1941. The plant swiftly transformed into Eastern Aircraft, a division of GM, retooling to produce the Avenger, the US Navy’s primary torpedo bomber. While the GM plant focused on aircraft production, the Navy utilized 1000 acres across the street, which it had purchased from GM, for a different purpose — to build a testing facility for jet engines. This strategic decision led to the establishment of the Naval Air Turbine Test Station (NATTS) in 1951, which became operational in 1956 and contributed greatly to advancing aviation technology.

The redevelopment of the former Naval Air Repulsion Center is the second and final phase of the Township’s Parkway Avenue Redevelopment Plan, which was first adopted in 2013. The endeavor follows the successful transformation of the former General Motors factory into the bustling Ewing Town Center which offers a mix of retail and residential uses.