Category: Bordentown Twp

Troopers Identify Philadelphia Man Killed On New Jersey Turnpike In Hamilton Township This Morning

April 10, 2023

Update from the NJ State Police:

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Tpr. II Charles Marchan from the New Jersey State Police Public Information Unit told MidJersey.news that Troopers responded to a motor vehicle crash at 5:19 a.m. on the New Jersey Turnpike northbound on the inner roadway milepost 58.8, Hamilton Twp., Mercer County.

Based on a preliminary investigation a Honda passenger car was traveling north on the New Jersey Turnpike in the center lane. A Ford transit van was traveling north in the right lane. In the area of milepost 58.8, the Honda changed lanes from the center lane to the right lane and a collision occurred. As a result of the crash the driver of the Honda, Abdenour Rekik, a 41-year-old of Philadelphia, PA sustained fatal injuries. The driver of the Ford sustained no injuries. The crash remains under investigation and there is no additional information available.


April 10, 2023

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–NJ State Police, Firefighters from Robbinsville and Bordentown Townships as well as EMS responded to mile post 58.8 north bound for a serious crash around 5:41 a.m. It was reported that one person was trapped and unresponsive. The New Jersey State Police is actively investigating the crash. No further details are available at this time.



Bordentown Doctor Gets 15 Months In Prison And Ordered To Pay $1.9 Million For Role In Two Conspiracies To Defraud NJ State Health Benefits Programs

March 29, 2023

CAMDEN, N.J. – A doctor was sentenced yesterday to 15 months in prison, three years of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution of $1.9 million and forfeiture of $54,000 for his role in two separate conspiracies to defrauding New Jersey state health benefits programs and accepting kickbacks in exchange for referring laboratory work. Dr. Daniel Oswari, 51, of Bordentown, New Jersey, pleaded on Dec. 16, 2019, in Camden federal court to two counts of an indictment charging him with conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud and conspiracy to violate the Anti-Kickback Statute and the Travel Act.



Prior press relase from Monday, December 16, 2019:

Doctor and Pharmaceutical Representative Admit Health Care Fraud Conspiracies Targeting State Health Benefits Programs

CAMDEN, N.J. – A Trenton doctor today admitted his role in two separate conspiracies for defrauding New Jersey state health benefits programs and accepting kickbacks in exchange for referring laboratory work, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced. A pharmaceutical representative admitted his role in a separate health care fraud conspiracy and to obstructing justice by telling witnesses to lie to the grand jury investigating the scheme.

Dr. Daniel Oswari, 48, of Bordentown, New Jersey, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Robert B. Kugler in Camden federal court to two counts of an indictment charging him with conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud (Count One) and conspiracy to violate the Anti-Kickback Statute and the Travel Act (Count 23). Mark Bruno, 45, of Northfield, New Jersey, also pleaded guilty before Judge Kugler to an information charging him with conspiracy to commit health care fraud and obstruction of justice.

Oswari was charged in October 2019 along with Steven Monaco, Michael Goldis, and Aaron Jones, and charges remain pending against those three defendants.

According to documents filed in these cases and statements made in court:

Compounded medications are specialty medications mixed by a pharmacist to meet the specific medical needs of an individual patient. Although compounded drugs are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), they are properly prescribed when a physician determines that an FDA-approved medication does not meet the health needs of a particular patient, such as if a patient is allergic to a dye or other ingredient.

Between January 2014 and April 2016, Oswari participated in a conspiracy that discovered that certain insurance plans paid for certain prescription compound medications – a including vitamins and pain creams – from a Louisiana pharmacy, identified in the indictment as the “Compounding Pharmacy 1,” and a Pennsylvania pharmacy, identified in the indictment as “Compounding Pharmacy 2.” The conspirators targeted patients with these insurance plans that provided coverage for the compound medications, particularly New Jersey state and local government and education employees. An entity referred to in the indictment as the “Pharmacy Benefits Administrator” provided pharmacy benefit management services for the State Health Benefits Program, which covers qualified state and local government employees, retirees, and eligible dependents, the School Employees’ Health Benefits Program, which covers qualified local education employees, retirees, and eligible dependents, and other insurance plans. The Pharmacy Benefits Administrator paid prescription drug claims and then billed the State of New Jersey or the other insurance plans for the amounts paid.

Oswari and members of his staff tried to persuade patients to receive the prescription compound medications, even if the patients did not have a medical necessity for the medications.  Oswari signed printed prescription forms from Compounding Pharmacies 1 and 2 that had pre-selected the highest number of refills to obtain the highest possible insurance reimbursement.  Oswari signed some prescriptions without seeing or evaluating the individuals, including for individuals who were not his patients. Oswari signed approximately 285 prescriptions for compounded medications, and the Pharmacy Benefits Administrator paid Compounding Pharmacies 1 and 2 approximately $1.9 million for the prescriptions he signed. In exchange for signing the prescriptions, Oswari received cash kickbacks. 

Oswari also pleaded guilty to a separate conspiracy to take kickbacks for referring laboratory work and signing prescriptions. Oswari had a laboratory hire his medical assistant as a phlebotomist. The medical assistant continued to work for Oswari, but laboratory paid her salary for over two years. In return, Oswari referred his blood and urine samples to the laboratory for testing. This lab work was insured by Medicare, New Jersey Medicaid, and other insurance companies. 

Bruno worked for a company that marketed compounded medications and received a percentage of the insurance payments. Bruno introduced a doctor to the company and received a percentage of the payments for prescriptions that the doctor wrote. Bruno and others paid the doctor to reward him for signing prescriptions. Bruno recruited individuals covered by New Jersey state insurance plans because he knew that those plans paid thousands of dollars for certain compounded medications. Bruno paid several of these individuals to see his doctor and receive prescriptions for compounded medications. Bruno received $68,872 from the company and caused $524,935 in losses.

Bruno learned in 2018 that the federal grand jury was investigating him. In 2019, two individuals paid by Bruno to receive compounded medications told him that they had received subpoenas to testify in the grand jury, and another two told Bruno that they were contacted by the FBI. Bruno told the first two to lie in the grand jury and deny that he paid them. Bruno told the other two to tell the FBI that he had not paid them.

The health care fraud and wire fraud conspiracy count to which Oswari pleaded guilty carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the gain or loss from the offense. The kickbacks conspiracy count to which Oswari also pleaded guilty carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense. The heath care fraud conspiracy and obstruction of justice charges to which Bruno pleaded guilty each carry a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the gain or loss from the offense.

Sentencing for Oswari is scheduled for March 23, 2020, and sentencing for Bruno is scheduled for March 24, 2020.

U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited agents of the FBI’s Atlantic City Resident Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Gregory W. Ehrie in Newark; IRS – Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge John R. Tafur in Newark; and the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, New York Region, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael C. Mikulka, with the investigation leading to the guilty pleas.  He also thanked the Division of Pensions and Financial Transactions in the State Attorney General’s Office, under the direction of Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal and Division Chief Aimee Nason, for its assistance in the investigation.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys R. David Walk Jr. and Christina O. Hud of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Camden.

The charges and allegations contained in the indictment against Monaco, Goldis, and Jones are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Bordentown, NJ, Man Pleads Guilty To Aggravated Assault In Stabbing

March 29, 2023

MAYS LANDING, NJ – Raul Virella, 30, of Bordentown, NJ, pleaded guilty on Tuesday, March 28, 2023 to second-degree aggravated assault, in exchange for a seven-year term in New Jersey State Prison, subject to the No Early Release Act, meaning that he must serve 85% of that sentence before he is eligible for parole.

On February 8, 2022, Officer D. Fabrizio of the Galloway Township Police Department, responded to an altercation in the area of Federal Court in Galloway.   Investigating officers made contact with a victim suffering from severe stab wounds.                            The victim was transported to the hospital where he underwent lifesaving emergency surgery.

Defendant, Raul Virella, was placed under arrest nearby.   During a statement to law enforcement, Defendant admitted to stabbing the victim.

Sentencing will be on May 9, 2023, before the Honorable W. Todd Miller, J.S.C. Assistant Prosecutor David Little represents the state in this matter.

Raul Virella, 30, of Bordentown, NJ,


Bordentown Township Police Bust Pair In $13K Catalytic Converter Thefts

January 6, 2023

BORDENTOWN TOWNSHIP, NJ (BURLINGTON)–Police say that on the morning of December 7, 2022 Bordentown Township Officers responded to the Bordentown Regional School District’s school bus depot located on Dunns Mill Rd. for a report of catalytic converters that had been stolen overnight from five (5) school busses.

These items were altogether valued at $13,084 and a subsequent investigation undertaken by Det. Moloney led to criminal charges of criminal conspiracy, burglary, theft and criminal mischief being filed on January 4, 2023 against the below subjects for this incident:

Markel Davis, age – 25, Lakeshore Dr. Camden NJ 08104.

Khalil Davis, age – 23, Saunders St. Camden NJ 08105.

Catalytic converter thefts have skyrocketed across the nation because these items contain several types of recyclable materials that can be scrapped for a quick profit. Our Police Department has focused a lot of attention on this crime trend and cleared nine (9) incidents of catalytic converter thefts in 2022 with arrests.


What can you do to prevent this type of theft?

* Park your car in a garage or well-lit area.

* Install security cameras in the area where you normally park.

* Adjust the alarm on your vehicle to activate from vibrations. Thieves use a saw to cut out the catalytic converter so those vibrations would activate the alarm.

*Engrave your VIN number onto your catalytic converter to make it easier to identify in case it does get stolen.

*Install a catalytic converter specific security device.

*Report suspicious activity. It only takes minutes for a thief to remove a catalytic converter.

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


File photos from the raid in North Hanover Burlington County on November 2, 2022 Catalytic Converter theft is a national problem due to the high value precious metals they contain.

Agway Grain Storage Silos Torn Down For Redevelopment; Makes Way For Team North Housing In Zoned Affordable Housing District

November 22, 2022

BORDENTOWN, NJ (BURLINGTON)–Demolition has started on the old grain silos along Route 130 South in Bordentown Township. The silos were used years ago by Agway where grain was processed and stored then shipped out on the historic Camden Amboy Railroad.

According to documents available from the Township website the area will be part of an Affordable Housing District of the Team Campus. The project is part of the Agway (Growmark)/Yates Redevelopment Plan.

Visit the Team Campus website here

The plan for Team Campus contains 351 apartments, 40,000 square feet of apartment amenities, 170,000 square feet of office and retail space and a 140,000 square foot health club in a mixed-use planned development.

According to the Team Campus Website project is Wellness Community Living and states “If home is where the heart is, it stands to reason that it should be healthy and happy. Welcome Home! Team Campus offers luxurious living through thoughtfully appointed apartments centered in a carefully constructed community comprised of everything needed to Live Work Play and Thrive.”


Bordentown Agway back in its heyday. © Bruzek, Wayne


Agway grain silos being torn down on 11/22/2022







Grand Opening Of Happy Head Smoke Shop And Glass Gallery In Bordentown, NJ

November 19, 2022

BORDENTOWN, NJ (BURLINGTON)–This afternoon at 1:00 p.m. the Happy Head Smoke Shop and Glass Gallery opened for business at 178 Route 130 in Bordentown. TikTok Star, Sally Slices of Marcellos Pizza Grill in Hamilton, provided a pizza party and a pizza eating contest of 420 infused pizza. DJ Nebbs Entertainment provided the hits to keep the party rolling.

The Happy Head Smoke Shop contains a high-end glass gallery of various works of art, which is incredibly unique to the area. Even cannabis connoisseurs would be impressed with the amount and quality of the glass contained in the gallery.

Besides glass and other items, the shop also stocks CBD edibles.

If you are looking to take your smoking collection to the next level check out Happy Head Smoke Shop in Bordentown, New Jersey








Samples of some of the glass artwork that you will find in the glass gallery. Some of the high-end glass art is one of a kind depending on the artist.


Sample function test

Burlington County Professional Firefighters Expresses Concern Over Privatizing EMS Ambulance Services; Could Leave Bordentown Twp., Bordentown City and Fieldsboro Without Proper EMS Coverage

According to statistics provided by the Union, Robbinsville, Bordentown and Allentown covered Hamilton Township 1,056 times over the past two years for calls in Hamilton. The statistics provided did not include additional mutual aid EMS services from Trenton, Lawrence and West Windsor that also provide mutual aid to Hamilton so the number could be higher.

October 30, 2022

BORDENTOWN, NJ (BURLINGTON)–Burlington County Professional Firefighters Association IAFF Local 3091 says that on Wednesday, October 26, 2022, Union Officials met with Bordentown Township Administrator Michael Theokas and was advised that the City and Township are looking into privatizing EMS Services for the residents and visitors of Bordentown Township, Bordentown City and Fieldsboro.

The Union states that Bordentown Township requested Bids for EMS Coverage for 2022-2025 due by September 29, 2022. Just 1 year after PERC Awarded Burlington County Firefighters Association IAFF Local 3091 to be the exclusive bargaining agent for all full time and part time EMT’s, and 5 months after we signed the 1st Collective Bargained Agreement with the Township.

Now they’re looking to layoff 6 Full Time employees and 10 Part Time employees after serving faithfully during the entire COVID Pandemic and accept the only bid they received from RWJ Barnanbas Health.

RWJ provides EMS services to Hamilton Township and shortfalls on answering their call volume, which requires Mutual Aid to respond for the overflow.

Mutual Aid sent into Hamilton (RWJ) to handle calls:

In 2021 mutual aid was sent to Hamilton 507 times from Robbinsville 420, Bordentown. 57, Allentown. 30.

So far in 2022 mutual aid was sent to Hamilton 549 times with over two months to go in 2022 since statistics were collected. Robbinsville 411, Bordentown 97, Allentown 41

**The statistics included did not list TEMS – Trenton Emergency Medical Services, Lawrence Township, and West Windsor Emergency Services who also provide additional mutual aid into Hamilton Township.

The Union says that if RWJ is awarded the contract to cover Bordentown, we can estimate the amount of mutual aid calls will grossly increase into Hamilton Township, leaving our residents and visitors without proper coverage.





Bordentown Twp. Police Ask For Help Identifying Suspect Wanted For Assault

BORDENTOWN TOWNSHIP, NJ (BURLINGTON)–The Bordentown Township Police is seeking the public’s assistance with identifying a suspect wanted for an assault.

On Thursday, August 11th, a white male suspect described as being in his mid-20’s with a scruffy appearance committed an alleged assault in the parking lot of the Acme Commons located on Dunns Mill Rd. in Bordentown Township. This male was operating a white Acura TL and was accompanied by a white female with blonde hair believed to be in her early 20’s.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Ptl. Hess of the BTPD at 609-298-4300, ext. 2201, or via email at ehess@bordentowntownshippd.org

Anonymous tips are welcome and will be kept confidential.



Multiple Fiery Truck Crashes Make NJ Turnpike Highway To Hell

August 16, 2022

CHESTERFIELD TOWNSHIP (BURLINGTON) – HAMILTON TOWNSHIP (MERCER)–Two separate fiery truck crashes involving multiple trucks sent firefighters from Burlington, Mercer and Monmouth to the two scenes on the New Jersey Turnpike between Exit 7A and Exit 7 this morning. Firefighters were sent from Bordentown Township, Robbinsville Township, Hamilton Township, Allentown-Upper Freehold – Hope Fire Company, and Chesterfield-Crosswicks.

Sgt. Philip Curry from the New Jersey State Police, Public Information Unit told MidJersey.News the first crash was at 9:48 a.m. a dump truck was involved in a crash on the NJ Turnpike southbound on the inner roadway at Mile Post 55.6 in Chesterfield.  As a result of the crash, the dump truck became fully engulfed.  The occupants of the truck were able to exit and did not report any injuries.  The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

The second crash occurred at 11:17 a.m. on the NJ Turnpike at Mile Post 59.3 on the southbound outer roadway in Hamilton Township.  Two tractor trailers and a box truck were involved in a crash causing one of the tractor trailers and the box truck to become fully engulfed.  The occupants of the trucks were able to exit and did not report any injuries.  The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

Google Maps had delays of up to 5 miles going south bound south of Exit 7A.








Photos from the fiery Chesterfield crash on the NJ Turnpike:


Photos from the fiery truck crash on the NJ Turnpike in Hamilton Township:


Bordentown, NJ Woman Sentenced To, One Year And A Day, In Prison For GoFundMe Scam

July 21, 2022

CAMDEN, N.J. – A Burlington County, New Jersey, woman was sentenced today to one year and one day in prison for her role in a GoFundMe scam that gained nationwide attention, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.

Katelyn McClure, 32, of Bordentown, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Jerome B. Simandle to an information charging her with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. U.S. District Judge Noel L. Hillman imposed the sentence today in Camden federal court.

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

In November 2017, McClure and Mark D’Amico, 43, allegedly created a crowd-source funding page on GoFundMe’s website titled “Paying It Forward.” The campaign solicited donations from the public purportedly for the benefit of a homeless veteran, Johnny Bobbitt, 39, of Philadelphia. McClure and D’Amico posted a story that McClure was driving home from Philadelphia on Interstate 95 and ran out of gas. Bobbitt acted as a “good Samaritan” and rescued McClure by using his last $20 to buy gasoline for her. The website stated that funds were being solicited to get Bobbitt off the streets and provide him with living expenses, setting a goal of $10,000.

In reality, McClure never ran out of gas and Bobbitt never spent his last $20 for her. D’Amico and McClure allegedly conspired to create the false story to obtain money from donors. The story was quickly picked up by local and national media outlets and went viral and raised approximately $400,000 from more than 14,000 donors in less than three weeks.

The donated funds were transferred by D’Amico and McClure from GoFundMe into accounts that they controlled. The majority of the money allegedly was quickly spent by D’Amico and McClure on personal expenses over the next three months.

In mid-November of 2017, when the donations had reached approximately $1,500, D’Amico and McClure told Bobbitt about the campaign and the false gas story. In December of 2017, after setting up a bank account for Bobbitt, D’Amico and McClure deposited $25,000 of proceeds of the scheme into Bobbitt’s account.

In addition to the prison term, Judge Hillman sentenced McClure to three years of supervised release and ordered her to pay $400,000 in restitution. D’Amico previously pleaded guilty and was sentenced in April 2022 to 27 months in prison; Bobbitt pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited assistant prosecutors and detectives of the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Lachia L. Bradshaw; officers of the Florence Township Police Department; special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Tammy Tomlins; and special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Bender of the Criminal Division in Camden.

22-276 

Defense counsel: James J. Gerrow Jr. Esq., Hainesport, New Jersey


Related story:


State Grand Jury Declines to Criminally Charge Officer Involved in Fatal Motor Vehicle Pursuit in Mansfield Township, N.J., on October 27, 2020

July 12, 2022

BORDENTOWN TOWNSHIP, NJ (BURLINGTON) – A state grand jury has voted not to file any criminal charges at the conclusion of its deliberations regarding the death of Keron Roundtree, 23, of Trenton, New Jersey, who was injured in a crash as he accelerated away from Bordentown Township Police Officer Keith Alexander after an attempted traffic stop on October 27, 2020. Mr. Roundtree succumbed to those injuries on November 17, 2020, at which time the investigation transferred from the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office to the Attorney General’s Office, pursuant to P.L. 2019, c.1.

The fatal police encounter was investigated by the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA) and presented to New Jersey residents called to serve on the grand jury in accordance with Directive 2019-4, the “Independent Prosecutor Directive” issued in 2019. In July 2021, OPIA issued standard operating procedures (“SOPs”) to ensure that these grand jury presentations are conducted in a neutral, objective manner, and with appropriate transparency regarding the process, consistent with the Independent Prosecutor Directive.

The investigation included interviews of witnesses, collection of forensic evidence, review of video footage and autopsy results from the medical examiner. After hearing testimony and evidence from the investigation, the grand jury concluded its deliberations yesterday July 11, and voted “no bill,” meaning the grand jury concluded that no criminal charges should be filed against the officer involved in the fatal encounter.

According to the investigation, on the night of October 27, 2020, Officer Alexander was on patrol on Route 206 Southbound in Bordentown in a marked police vehicle when he saw a Nissan Maxima traveling southbound in the left lane brake abruptly. The car, which was driven by Mr. Roundtree, resumed traveling southbound. While stopped at a traffic light, Officer Alexander observed the Maxima’s temporary Pennsylvania license plate and suspected it was fictitious. Officer Alexander then followed Mr. Roundtree and observed him commit several motor vehicle infractions, including an illegal U-turn.

At approximately 8:51 p.m., about two minutes after he began following the Maxima, Officer Alexander activated his overhead lights and siren to make a motor vehicle stop. At that point, Mr. Roundtree failed to obey a stop sign and sped off down Route 206 South, traveling at speeds that reached in excess of 100 mph. Approximately one minute later, and without coming into contact with another car, Mr. Roundtree drove onto the shoulder of the highway to maneuver around other cars, swerved back onto the road, lost control of the car, and crashed into the woods by the side of Route 206. The car traveled into and out of the woods, coming to rest on the right shoulder of Route 206 Southbound.

Officer Alexander exited his vehicle and located the Maxima, which was heavily damaged. Both Mr. Roundtree and an adult male passenger were stuck inside. Two bystanders assisted Officer Alexander in removing and rendering aid to both. Once ambulances arrived, the occupants of the Maxima were transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center in Trenton, N.J. Mr. Roundtree remained in the hospital until life support was removed on November 17, 2020, when he was pronounced deceased. The passenger was admitted for treatment and released approximately one week later.

The investigation later revealed that the Maxima had been stolen from an apartment complex in Philadelphia, and the temporary license plate on the car had been forged.

A 2019 law, P.L. 2019, c. 1, requires the Attorney General’s Office to conduct investigations of a person’s death that occurs during an encounter with a law enforcement officer acting in the officer’s official capacity or while the decedent is in custody. It requires that all such investigations be presented to a grand jury to determine if the evidence supports the return of an indictment against the officer or officers involved.

A conflicts check was conducted pursuant to the Independent Prosecutor Directive and no actual or potential conflict of interest was found involving any individual assigned to the investigation. Prior to presentation to the grand jury, the investigation was reviewed by OPIA Executive Director Thomas Eicher in accordance with the policies and procedures established for these presentations in the SOPs.

At the conclusion of these investigations, pursuant to the Independent Prosecutor Directive and SOPs, OPIA determines whether any principal should be referred to the appropriate law enforcement agency for administrative review in accordance with the AG’s Internal Affairs Policy & Procedures. OPIA monitors any resulting review and takes such actions as are necessary to ensure that the review is completed in a timely fashion, and that appropriate actions are taken based on the results of the review.

Further information about how fatal police encounters are investigated in New Jersey under the directive is found at this link:

http://www.nj.gov/oag/independent-prosecutor/



Two Charged With Firearms And Narcotics Offences In Bordentown Twp., NJ

July 8, 2022

BORDENTOWN TOWNSHIP, NJ (BURLINGTON)–Police say that on July 2, 2022, at approximately 5:25 p.m. when Detective Sergeant Pavlov stopped a Toyota Scion on Rt. 206. Following a K9 alert a search was conducted of the vehicle which led to the seizure of a 9mm Smith and Wesson handgun loaded with two (2) hollow point bullets. The vehicle passenger was additionally found to possess ten (10) wax folds of suspected heroin and a small black digital scale.

Both vehicle occupants were arrested and are identified as:

Najee Dormevil, age – 24, Olive St. Trenton NJ 08610 (Vehicle Driver).

Amani Nelson, age – 24, Railroad Ave. Florence NJ 08054 (Vehicle Passenger).

Both subjects were charged with possession of a firearm during the commission of a drug offense, unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of a prohibited weapon or device, possession with the intent to distribute CDS, possession of CDS and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Nelson was released on summons complaints and Dormevil was lodged in the Burlington County Jail.

Ptl. Foglia and his K9 “Hollywood” of the Lumberton Township Police Department assisted in this incident.

All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.


Truck Overturns On Route 206 At Connector Road In Bordentown Spilling 8,000 Gallons Of Asphalt Emulsifying Agent

July 7, 2022 UPDATE: Route 206 has been reopened

July 6, 2022

BORDENTOWN TOWNSHIP, NJ (BURLINGTON)–A tanker truck overturned on Route 206 South Bound turning onto Connector Road spilling its load of 8,000 gallons of asphalt emulsifying agent around 6:10 p.m. Bordentown Township Fire Department and EMS responded for an overturned truck with a reported male lying in the middle of the roadway with unknown injuries. Burlington County Hazardous Materials Team and a request for Joint Base McGuire Hazardous Materials Team was made. Bordentown Township Police, NJ State Police were on scene. A Burlington County Fire Police Strike Team was called to direct traffic for an extended period while the cleanup was being made. NJ Department of Transportation sent several sand trucks to the scene and other equipment. Haines Towing Inc. of Bordentown was on scene with several heavy duty trucks to upright the vehicle. Route 206 South in Bordentown was closed for an extended period of time and has since reopened.





Bordentown Township Police NIXLE:

Connector Rd. closed, expect delays on Rt. 206.

Be advised that Connector Rd. is currently closed due to an overturned tractor trailer. Expect delays on Rt. 206 in this area as a result and if possible plan an alternate route.



Bensalem, PA Man That Sustained Fatal Injuries On NJ Turnpike Early Yesterday Morning Identified

June 18, 2022

CHESTERFIELD TOWNSHIP, NJ (BURLINGTON)–Sgt. Alejandro Goez from the New Jersey State Police Public Information Unit told MidJersey.News that an accident was reported at 3:33 a.m. north bound in the inner roadway at Mile Post 56.8

The preliminary investigation indicates that a tractor trailer traveling north struck a disabled Ford Ecosport in the right lane, which was unoccupied and disabled from a previous accident. The tractor-trailer then went off the road to the right, struck the guardrail and entered the outer roadway, where it struck a pedestrian standing in the left shoulder and became engulfed.

The pedestrian, William Beczo, 47, of Bensalem, PA sustained fatal injuries. The driver of the tractor-trailer was not injured. The accident remains under investigation by the New Jersey State Police.





Serious Crash On New Jersey Turnpike North Of Exit 7 Bordentown Under Investigation

June 18, 2022

CHESTERFIELD TOWNSHIP, NJ (BURLINGTON)–Sgt. Alejandro Goez from the New Jersey State Police Public Information Unit told MidJersey.News that an accident was reported at 3:33 a.m. north bound in the inner roadway at Mile Post 56.8

The preliminary investigation indicates that a tractor trailer traveling north struck a disabled Ford Ecosport in the right lane, which was unoccupied and disabled from a previous accident. The tractor-trailer then went off the road to the right, struck the guardrail and entered the outer roadway, where it struck a pedestrian standing in the left shoulder and became engulfed.

The pedestrian, William Beczo, 47, of Bensalem, PA sustained fatal injuries. The driver of the tractor-trailer was not injured. The accident remains under investigation by the New Jersey State Police.


June 17, 2022

CHESTERFIELD TOWNSHIP, NJ (BURLINGTON)–At 3:40 a.m. June 17, 2022, the Bordentown Township Fire Department and Robbinsville Township Fire Departments were dispatched to a vehicle fire on the New Jersey Turnpike. The accident was reported north of Exit 7 near the Burlington – Mercer County Line. Responding units were advised that this fire was involving a serious accident and additional EMS units were added to the call. First arriving units reported an accident and a well involved truck fire.

Unofficially, from photos of the scene, the crash scene appears to be about 1/4 mile long. It is unclear exactly what happened, but it appears that there was a serious collision between a truck and a couple of smaller vehicles. After the initial collision with smaller vehicles, it appeared that the truck crashed through the guardrail between the inner and outer lanes and came to rest, stopping about 1,000 feet later and was completely consumed in fire. The truck appeared to be carrying utility poles and the utility poles were smoldering most of the day until the truck was towed away.

* Update: New Jersey State Police indicate a pedestrian, William Beczo, 47, of Bensalem, PA sustained fatal injuries. (See update above) — From other reports it was believed that Beczo stopped to help at the accident and then was killed as the tractor-trailer went though the guardrail he was standing on the other side of. MidJersey.News has reached out for a clarification of why the pedestrian was there. *




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19-Year-Old Bordentown (Formerly of Hamilton) Man Already Under Felony Indictment In Mercer County Was Charged With Firearms Trafficking And Unlawful Transportation Of Firearms

June 11, 2022

TRENTON, N.J. – A Burlington County, New Jersey, man already under felony indictment was charged with conspiracy to engage in firearms trafficking and unlawful transportation of firearms in interstate commerce following law enforcement’s seizure of 11 firearms, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.

Dominic Maloney, 19, of Bordentown, New Jersey, was arrested on June 8, 2022, in Salem County, New Jersey, and charged in a three-count criminal complaint with conspiracy to engage in firearms trafficking; unlawful transportation of firearms in interstate commerce while under felony indictment; and unlawful transportation of firearms obtained in another state into Maloney’s state of residence. Maloney made his initial appearance today by videoconference before U.S. Magistrate Judge Lois H. Goodman and was detained.

According to the criminal complaint and statements made in court:

On Feb. 22, 2022, Maloney was indicted in Mercer County, New Jersey, Superior Court on felony charges of unlawful possession of a handgun; possession of a firearm for an unlawful purpose; aggravated assault; and making terroristic threats. As a result of the pending felony indictment, federal law prohibits Maloney from transporting firearms in interstate commerce. Maloney maintained and used an identified Instagram account. Law enforcement review of that account and an associate’s Instagram account indicated that, as of June 1, 2022, Maloney was in the state of Georgia to obtain firearms and intended to transport those firearms to New Jersey to distribute them to others for profit. On June 8, 2022, law enforcement officers identified a silver 2007 Nissan Armada driving northbound on Interstate 95 in Maryland. Maloney was a passenger, along with three other occupants. Officers stopped the vehicle on Interstate 295 in New Jersey. A search of the vehicle recovered 11 firearms from the trunk, including eight semiautomatic pistols, one semiautomatic rifle, and two shotguns.

The conspiracy count and the two unlawful transportation counts each carry a maximum potential penalty of five years in prison and a fine of $250,000, or twice the gross amount of gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greatest.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Trenton Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey L. Matthews in Newark, with the investigation leading to today’s charges. He also thanked special agents of ATF, Philadelphia Field Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Matthew P. Varisco; special agents of ATF, Wilmington Field Office, Baltimore Field Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Toni M. Crosby; special agents of the ATF, Washington Field Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Charlie J. Patterson; special agents of the ATF, Savannah Field Office, Atlanta Field Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Ben Gibbons; troopers of the New Jersey State Police Trafficking Central, under the direction of Col. Patrick J. Callahan, and troopers of the Pennsylvania State Police, under the direction of Col. Robert Evanchick, for their assistance with the investigation.

In July 2021, the U.S. Department of Justice launched five cross-jurisdictional strike forces to help reduce gun violence by disrupting illegal firearms trafficking in key regions across the country. Leveraging existing resources, the regional strike forces will better ensure sustained and focused coordination across jurisdictions and help stem the supply of illegally trafficked firearms from source cities, through other communities, and into five key market regions: New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area/Sacramento Region and Washington, D.C. According to gun trace data, a significant number of firearms recovered in the New York/northern New Jersey area originate from outside the area. The strike force will help ensure sustained and focused coordination between law enforcement and prosecutors in the New York/ New Jersey area with their counterparts in those other locations.

The government is represented by J. Brendan Day, Attorney-in-Charge of the Trenton Office.

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

22-219

Defense counsel: Scott A. Krasny Esq., Trenton



2021 Hamilton Township Police Department news release photo of Dominic Maloney formerly of Hamilton Township, New Jersey. 18-years-old at the time of the April 1, 2021, incident in Hamilton, now 19-years-old.




April 3, 2021 — Hamilton Officers developed information to charge 20 year old, Chesterfield resident, Christian Elley and 20 year old Hamilton resident, Mario Cruz with Aggravated Assault and various Weapons Offenses. Hamilton Police Detectives Patrick Quick and Robert Whartenby, additionally charged 18 year old Hamilton resident, Dominic Maloney, with Terroristic Threats, and Various Weapons Offenses including the Community Gun Offense.


Below MidJersey.News file photos from a April 1, 2022 incident in Hamilton Township NJ:


MidJersey.news file photos from the scene. On April 1, 2021 at approximately 11:00 pm, Hamilton Police were detailed to the area of Barnt Deklyn Road and Andrew Street for a disturbance involving several people fighting. Responding Officers located several people still in the area and learned that two handguns were involved in this incident. Investigating officers located a spent handgun shell casing at the scene. Once victim was located with a head injury from being struck with the butt of a gun. He was treated for his injuries and released from the hospital.



21 Men Arrested in Undercover Operation Targeting Child Predators Using Social Media to Lure Children for Sex

Charges Stem from “Operation Risky Business,” a Collaborative Investigation Led by the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, Division of Criminal Justice, New Jersey State Police, and U.S. Homeland Security Investigations

May 26, 2022

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–New Jersey Acting Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri today announced the arrests of 21 alleged child predators in “Operation Risky Business,” a multi-agency undercover operation targeting individuals who allegedly were using social medial in an attempt to lure underage girls and boys for sexual activity.  The defendants will be prosecuted by the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office and the Division of Criminal Justice.  

The underage “children” were, in fact, undercover officers.  Most of the defendants in Operation Risky Business were arrested at either the undercover residence in Hamilton Township or another meet-up location, including the Hamilton Train Station. Those who went to the undercover house allegedly expected to find their victims home alone. Instead, they found law enforcement officers prepared to arrest them and process any evidence seized.  Those arrested include four Megan’s Law registrants, an injury lawyer from Georgia, an information technology worker, a dump truck driver, and a pastry chef from the Pocono Mountains region. One defendant was arrested and charged in two cases because he was chatting online with two separate undercover officers.

The operation was led by the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit, the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice Financial and Cyber Crimes Bureau, and the New Jersey State Police, in collaboration with U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, and additional federal, state and county law enforcement agencies listed below.

“Operation Risky Business is a great example of how successful law enforcement agencies can be when they collaborate across all levels like they did here by proactively investigating and arresting predators who sought to sexually exploit children,” said Acting Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin. “We are committed to working collaboratively in order to aggressively investigate and prosecute sex offenders. But we also need parents to talk to their children about the dangers of social media and let them know not everyone who they encounter online is who they initially claim to be.”

“Not in Mercer.  Not our children.  Not under my watch.  That’s the message we are sending to sexual predators with collaborative efforts like Operation Risky Business,” said Prosecutor Onofri.  “Social media sites have become hunting grounds for individuals looking to exploit children.  Law enforcement will continue to use every investigative tool at our disposal to aggressively pursue and prosecute these predators that attempt to exploit our most innocent victims, but we can’t do it alone.  Parents and guardians can do their part by remaining vigilant.  Talk to your children about the dangers that exist on social media and gaming apps, and monitor their online activity.”

“Through collaborative efforts like this, we are sending a strong message to parents that we must remain vigilant and do our part to protect children by keeping communication open and warning them about the dangers of the Internet,” said Director Lyndsay V. Ruotolo of the Division of Criminal Justice. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners across all levels to investigate, apprehend, and prosecute offenders who attempt to sexually exploit children. There is no higher priority than keeping our children safe.”

“Operation Risky Business was a complete success; however, it is also a sobering reminder that there is no shortage of online predators willing to exploit children.” said Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “We remain committed to seeking out these criminals but remind parents and guardians that they need to be aware of the dangers that exist online and do their part to actively monitor and safeguard their children’s activity.”

“HSI is committed to supporting coordinated operations, helping ensure the children of our communities are protected from dangerous predators,” said Special Agent in Charge Jason J. Molina of HSI Newark.

About half of the arrests in Operation Risky Business were made over a four-day period from April 7 through April 10.  The defendants were from New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and one from Georgia.  They are variously charged with offenses including second-degree attempted luring, second-degree attempted sexual assault, third-degree attempted endangering the welfare of a child, and fourth-degree attempted criminal sexual contact.  Arrest warrants for the remainder of the suspects were forwarded to the U.S. Marshals Service, who tracked down the rest of the alleged predators over the last few weeks.

The undercover law enforcement members who conducted the chats with the defendants were specially trained members of the New Jersey ICAC Task Force. The defendants typically initiated contact based on profiles posted on social media platforms by the undercover detectives and agents. The social platforms that were used in these encounters included Kik, Skout, Whisper, Grindr, GROWLr, and MeetMe.  Once chatting began, the undercover officers clearly identified themselves as underage girls or boys.  Despite that information, the defendants allegedly engaged the purported “children” in conversations about sex, and all 21 defendants are alleged to have made arrangements to meet the “children” for sex.  Some of the chats were conducted over a period of several weeks leading up to the “meet-up” week when arrests were made.

Prosecutor Onofri advised parents to familiarize themselves with the apps their children use, as well as signs that their children may be targets of online exploitation.  “Spending an increasing amount of time online, becoming secretive about their online conduct, switching screens or closing tabs or windows whenever a parent is close, using sexual language they would not be expected to know and becoming emotionally volatile, these are all red flags,” he said.

The undercover house was staffed with dozens of law enforcement officers, analysts and attorneys.  Attorneys and detectives drafted search warrants for electronic devices that were seized from the defendants.  These devices were taken to the forensic computer laboratory at the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office for full forensic examinations.  These examinations, which are ongoing, will enable investigators to determine if the devices contain evidence of any prior encounters by the defendants with underage victims, which might constitute additional cases of luring, sexual assault or child endangerment.

The defendants were lodged in the Mercer County Correction Center until detention hearings were held.  Three defendants – Gregory Barger (who is a registered sex offender in Pennsylvania), Justin Wann, and James Hendryx – were ordered detained in jail pending trial.  The other defendants were released subject to stringent pre-trial monitoring conditions, including at a minimum reporting regularly to Pre-Trial Services staff and prohibitions from using the internet except for work or having any unsupervised contact with children under 18.

The following 21 men were arrested in Operation Risky Business and are charged as indicated.  They allegedly believed they were communicating with a minor as described in parentheses.  The prosecuting agency is also specified.


  1. Laurentiu Tonea, 41, East Windsor, NJ.  (Girl, 14)  Tonea is an information technology worker in Edison, NJ.  Charges: Attempted sexual assault, two counts of attempted endangering the welfare of a child, attempted criminal sexual contact, attempted luring.  The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office (MCPO) is prosecuting.

  2. Richard Parsons, 42, Cumming, GA.  (Girl, 14)  Parsons is an injury lawyer.  Charges: Two counts of attempted endangering the welfare of a child, attempted criminal sexual contact.  MCPO is prosecuting.

  3. Michael Kramer, 52, Philadelphia, PA.  (Girl, 15)  Kramer is a dump truck driver. Charges: Attempted endangering the welfare of a child, attempted sexual assault, attempted possession of child pornography, attempted manufacturing of child pornography.  MCPO is prosecuting.

  4. Robert Franklin, Gloucester City, NJ.  (Girl, 13)  Charge: Attempted endangering the welfare of a child. MCPO is prosecuting.

  5. Jesus Clavel Villa, 49, Trenton, NJ.  (Girl, 14)  Villa is a cook in Trenton.  Charges: Attempted sexual assault, attempted luring, attempted endangering the welfare of a child.  The Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ) is prosecuting.

  6. Moises Cortes Diaz, 35, New Brunswick, NJ.  (Girl, 13)  Diaz is a self-employed painter.  Charges: Attempted sexual assault, attempted luring, attempted endangering the welfare of a child, attempted manufacturing of child pornography.  DCJ is prosecuting.

  7. Joseph Roman, 31, Denville, NJ.  (Girl, 14)  Roman is unemployed and a registered sex offender.  Charges: Attempted sexual assault, two counts of attempted endangering the welfare of a child, attempted manufacturing of child pornography.  MCPO is prosecuting.

  8. Emanuel Rodriguez, 25, Trenton, NJ.  (Girl, 14)  Charges: Two counts of attempted endangering the welfare of a child, attempted manufacturing of child pornography. MCPO is prosecuting.

  9. Gregory Barger, 37, Morrisville, PA.  (Girl, 14)  Barger is a self-employed painter and a registered sex offender in Pennsylvania.  Charges: Attempted sexual assault, attempted luring, attempted endangering the welfare of a child, attempted kidnapping.  MCPO is prosecuting.

  10. Justin Wann, 35, Paulsboro, NJ.  (Girl, 14)  Wann is a self-employed painter.  Charges: Attempted sexual assault, attempted luring, attempted kidnapping, attempted criminal sexual contact, attempted endangering the welfare of a child.  MCPO is prosecuting. (Also see # 16 for second case)

  11. Frank Duggan, 54, Bordentown, NJ.  (Girl, 14)  Duggan is unemployed.  Charges: Attempted sexual assault, attempted luring, attempted endangering the welfare of a child, attempted manufacturing of child pornography.  DCJ is prosecuting.

  12. Nestor Alonso Chappuis, 37, Hamilton, NJ.  (Girl, 14)  Chappuis is unemployed and a registered sex offender.  Charges: Attempted sexual assault, attempted luring, attempted endangering the welfare of a child.  MCPO is prosecuting.

  13. Evan Sluka, 27, Blakeslee, PA.  (Girl, 14)  Sluka is a chef in Stroudsburg, PA.  Charges: Attempted sexual assault, attempted luring, attempted endangering the welfare of a child, attempted criminal sexual contact.  DCJ is prosecuting.


  14. James Hendryx, 26, Hamilton, NJ.  (Boy, 14)  Hendryx is unemployed.  Charges: Attempted sexual assault, attempted luring, attempted endangering the welfare of a child.  MCPO is prosecuting.

  15. Kyle Zang, 31, Stewartstown, PA.  (Girl, 14)  Charges: Two counts of attempted endangering the welfare of a child, attempted manufacturing of child pornography.  MCPO is prosecuting.

  16. Justin Wann, 35, Paulsboro.  (Girl, 14)  Wann is a self-employed painter.  Charges: Four counts of attempted endangering the welfare of a child.  MCPO is prosecuting.  This second case is based on an additional chat with another undercover officer.

  17. Christopher Baez, 36, New York, NY.  (Girl, 14)  Baez is a restaurant worker.  Charges: Two counts of attempted endangering the welfare of a child, attempted manufacturing of child pornography.  MCPO is prosecuting.

  18. Joseph Zekas, 49, Williamstown, NJ.  (Girl, 13)  Charges: Attempted sexual assault, attempted criminal sexual contact, attempted endangering the welfare of a child.  MCPO is prosecuting.

  19. Taylor Picillo, 29, Hamilton, NJ.  (Boy, 14).  Picillo is employed by a solar energy equipment supplier in Rocklin, CA.  Charges: Attempted sexual assault, attempted luring, attempted endangering the welfare of a child, resisting arrest.  MCPO is prosecuting.

  20. William Oldham, 45, Williamstown, NJ.  (Girl, 14)  Oldham is a fence installer. Charges: Two counts of attempted endangering the welfare of a child, attempted manufacturing of child pornography.  MCPO is prosecuting.

  21. Charles Amer, 50, Maple Shade, NJ.  (Girl, 13)  Amer is a warehouse laborer and a registered sex offender.  Charges: Attempted endangering the welfare of a child, attempted luring.  MCPO is prosecuting.

  22. Yohann Rigogne, 41, Philadelphia, PA.  (Girl, 14)  Rigogne is unemployed.  Charge: Attempted endangering the welfare of a child.  MCPO is prosecuting.

Second-degree charges carry a sentence of five to 10 years in state prison and a fine of up to $150,000, while third-degree charges carry a sentence of three of five years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000.  Fourth-degree charges carry a sentence of up to 18 months in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

Prosecutor Onofri commended all of the individuals and agencies who conducted Operation Risky Business.  He thanked the members of the ICAC Unit who led and coordinated the operation for the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, particularly Sergeants Joe Paglione and Michael Castaldo, under the direction of Chief of Detectives Jessica Plumeri.  He also thanked Assistant Prosecutor Alycia Beyrouty, chief of ICAC, and Chief Jillian Carpenter of the state Division of Criminal Justice Financial and Cyber Crimes Bureau.

He further commended all of the members of the New Jersey State Police who worked on Operation Risky Business, under the direction of Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, particularly Lieutenant Stephen Urbanski and Detective Sergeant Paul Sciortino, and all of the special agents of U.S. Homeland Security Investigations – Cherry Hill Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jason J. Molina, particularly Supervisory Special Agent John Fitch.

Prosecutor Onofri also thanked the following federal, state and county agencies that assisted in Operation Risky Business:

  • New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice Financial and Cyber Crimes Bureau
  • New Jersey Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force
  • U.S. Department of Homeland Security
  • U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
  • Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office
  • Mercer County Sheriff’s Office
  • Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office
  • Camden County Prosecutor’s Office
  • Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office
  • Mercer County Central Motor Pool

The charges against the defendants in Operation Risky Business are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.  Because they are indictable offenses, they will be presented to a grand jury for potential indictment.



Bordentown Man Charged in August 2021 Fatal Crash Route 129 and Lalor Street

March 29, 2022

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri announced today that an investigation into a fatal motor vehicle crash that occurred in Trenton in August 2021 has resulted in criminal charges being filed against a Bordentown man.

Lemark Norwood, 44, is charged with second-degree leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death and third-degree endangering an injured victim. He was processed and released pending future court proceedings.

On Sunday, August 29, 2021, at approximately 5:15 a.m., Trenton police responded to the intersection of Route 129 and Lalor Street for a hit-and-run motor vehicle collision. Responding officers found Celso Rivera, 35, in the roadway and rendered aid, but Rivera was pronounced dead at the scene.

Trenton Police Detective Nicholas Morgante and Detective Ryan Minnick of the prosecutor’s Serious Collision Response Team worked for months reviewing automated license plate reader data, combing through surveillance camera footage from the area, and identifying and speaking to witnesses who passed through the intersection in the same approximate time frame of the crash. The investigation revealed that, on the morning of the fatal collision, Norwood was operating a blue 2017 Mercedes Benz E400 in the area. When detectives made contact with Norwood at his residence in Bordentown, the Mercedes Benz was parked in the driveway. The vehicle had visible damage to the front hood, including a dent on the driver’s side with a paint chip missing.

Despite having been charged, every defendant is presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.



Traffic Alert: Bordentown Township, Route 206 near New Jersey Turnpike Exit 7

March 10, 2022

BORDENTOWN TOWNSHIP, NJ (BURLINGTON)–Due to a crash where a truck hit a bridge Route 206 is down to one lane south bound. The bridge has severe damage and the New Jersey Turnpike reports that the south bound exit ramp to Route 206 is closed.

NJ DOT and Turnpike Authorities are on scene assessing the severe damage to the bridge.

Avoid the area further details will follow.


Bordentown Township Police report: Be advised that Rt. 206 southbound is currently restricted to one (1) lane between Dunns Mill Rd. and Connector Rd. due to a motor vehicle collision. Expect delays and plan an alternate route.





Well Involved Tractor Trailer Fire on New Jersey Turnpike Extinguished

March 2, 2022

BORDENTOWN TOWNSHIP, NJ (BURLINGTON)–Around 12:45 p.m. a tractor trailer traveling on the outer roadway in the area of mile post 56.9 south bound, caught fire and quickly became fully engulfed. The contents of the tractor trailer were reported clothing and t-shirts. Robbinsville Township and Burlington Township firefighters responded to the scene and a water tanker was called from Hope Fire Company Allentown-Upper Freehold for additional water. Firefighters quickly knocked down the fire and remained on location to fully extinguish any hot spots. No additional information is available at this time.




Inactive Correctional Police Officer Pleads Guilty to Aggravated Assault Charge for Breaking Wrist of Resident in Juvenile Justice Commission Facility in Bordentown

February 23, 2022

TRENTON – Acting Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced that an inactive correctional police officer for the New Jersey Juvenile Justice Commission (JJC) pleaded guilty today to a criminal charge for using unjustified force and breaking the wrist of a male resident at the JJC Juvenile Medium Security Facility in Bordentown, N.J.

Lt. Edward Day, 52, of Paulsboro, N.J.—who worked as a correctional police officer at the JJC Juvenile Medium Security Facility, but who currently is inactive and pending retirement—pleaded guilty today to an accusation charging him with third-degree aggravated assault before Superior Court Judge Philip Haines in Burlington County. Under the plea agreement, the state will recommend that Day be sentenced to a term of probation conditioned upon him serving up to 364 days in the county jail. He must forfeit his state position and will be permanently barred from public office or employment. Sentencing for Day is scheduled for April 13.

Day was charged as the result of an investigation by the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA) Corruption Bureau and JJC’s Office of Investigations.

“This guilty plea reflects our resolve to hold law enforcement officers accountable if they use unjustified and excessive force against civilians,” said Acting Attorney General Platkin. “No one is above the law, and all people are entitled to the law’s protections, including those in state custody.”

“We will not tolerate correctional officers who wrongfully assault and harm persons in custody,” said OPIA Executive Director Thomas Eicher. “We will fully investigate and prosecute any officers who abuse their authority in this manner.”

On Oct. 25, 2020, Lt. Day and other correctional police officers were escorting a 16-year-old juvenile resident from his room to another location in the facility, with his arms handcuffed behind his back, when Day, without apparent cause or justification, grabbed the victim’s ankle from behind, pulled his leg back, and pushed him face forward onto the ground. Day then grabbed hold of the juvenile’s handcuffed wrists and twisted and broke one of them.

Deputy Attorney General Brian Uzdavinis prosecuted the case, under the supervision of OPIA Corruption Bureau Chief Peter Lee and OPIA Deputy Director Anthony Picione. Acting Attorney General Platkin thanked JJC’s Office of Investigations for assisting in the investigation.

Defense Attorney: Mark A. Fury, Esq., Mount Holly, N.J.


Bordentown Township Police Becomes Location for “The Straight…to Treatment” Program

February 8, 2022

BORDENTOWN TOWNSHIP, NJ (BURLINGTON)–Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina and Bordentown Township Police Chief Brian Pesce announced that the drug treatment program that allows people to walk off the street and into a police station to seek help with substance use disorder will be available in Bordentown Township beginning tomorrow.

The Straight…to Treatment program will operate every Wednesday at the Bordentown Township police station at 1 Municipal Drive from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., in conjunction with recovery coaches from City of Angels, a non-profit organization from Hamilton, Mercer County, that provides free services to those battling addiction.

Bordentown Township becomes the fifth municipality to offer the program, joining Evesham, Pemberton Township, the City of Burlington and Mount Holly.

“With the addition of the Bordentown Township location, we have once again increased the program’s coverage area and will be able to more effectively provide services to those who are seeking to overcome substance use disorder and turn around their lives,” Prosecutor Coffina said. “I am grateful to the Township, Chief Pesce and City of Angels for their partnership and commitment to offering this much-needed service.”

Chief Pesce encouraged those who need help to take advantage of the program.

“The Bordentown Township Police Department is excited to join the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office’s Straight…to Treatment initiative and offer residents of Northern Burlington County who are struggling with addiction an opportunity to seek treatment,” Chief Pesce said.  “Everyone who comes to our department asking for help will be treated with compassion, and it is our ultimate goal to help these individuals break the cycle of addiction.”

Straight…to Treatment enables people facing addiction to walk into participating police departments and be connected with a treatment program. Police officers work with them to clear warrants, and participants can also turn in any drugs or drug paraphernalia in their possession and not be charged with a drug possession offense.

Insurance is not necessary to receive help through Straight…to Treatment, and neither is residency in Burlington County. The program focuses on making sure that help is available at the critical moment someone has decided to seek assistance.

The first Straight…to Treatment program opened in Evesham in March 2018. It expanded into Pemberton Township six months later. The City of Burlington began providing the service in April 2019 and Mount Holly’s program started in October 2020.

Since its inception, more than 500 people have been provided assistance through the program.

Prosecutor Coffina expressed appreciation for all of the Straight…to Treatment service providers, and welcomed City of Angels to the program.

“We have been working with City of Angels on similar initiatives, such as Operation Helping Hand, and have witnessed firsthand their caring approach to helping people struggling with substance use disorder,” Prosecutor Coffina said. “We feel very fortunate to have them involved with the new program in Bordentown Township.”

The other Straight…to Treatment locations are served by Maryville Addiction Treatment Center, Oaks Integrated Care and Solstice Wellness & Counseling.

Straight…to Treatment locations and hours:

Bordentown Township PD, 1 Municipal Drive, Wednesdays: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

City of Burlington PD, 525 High Street, Wednesdays and Thursdays: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Evesham Twp. PD, 984 Tuckerton Road, Mondays: noon – 7 p.m.

Mount Holly Twp. PD, 23 Washington Street, Tuesdays: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Pemberton Twp. PD, 500 Pemberton-Browns Mills Road, Tuesdays: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

For more information, visit www.straighttotreatment.com.

2022-23 Straight to Treatment Expands to Bordentown Township


Firefighters from Bordentown, Chesterfield, Jacobstown train for ice rescues

February 5, 2022

Firefighters from Derby Fire Department (Bordentown Twp), Consolidated Fire Association(Bordentown Cty), Chesterfield Fire Department, and Jacobstown Fire Department completed their Ice Rescue Operations class conducted by Safety and Survival Training LLC today.

These firefighters worked hard on the ice today practicing the proper techniques for rescuing those who may become stranded on ice-covered bodies of water.

Photos from Consolidated Fire Association’s Instagram page show their members in action on the ice. Members are looking forward to taking the Ice Rescue Technician class, which is the highest certification you can earn in ice rescue.


Chesterfield Fire Department released a statement to residents about the training, advising residents that there is no emergency and it is just a training exercise.

Update: Serious Injuries Reported in Bordentown Accident Involving NJ State Police Vehicle

January 20, 2022

BORDENTOWN TOWNSHIP, NJ (BURLINGTON)–Sgt. Alejandro Goez from the New Jersey State Police told MidJersey.news that the accident was reported at 3:35 p.m. at the intersection of US 130 and Groveville Road. 

The preliminary investigation indicates that a trooper driving a marked Ford Explorer was traveling north on US 130 approaching the intersection with Groveville Road and a Volvo C70 was traveling west on Groveville Road. The driver of the Volvo failed to obey the traffic signal and entered the intersection with US 130. As a result, the front of the troop car struck the left side of the Volvo. During the collision, the driver of the Volvo was ejected and struck the front of a Toyota Camry traveling south on US 130.

The trooper sustained moderate injuries and was taken to an area hospital. The driver of the Volvo, a 54-year-old female, sustained serious injuries and was taken to an area hospital. The driver of the Toyota was not injured. The accident remains under investigation.





BREAKING: Serious Crash Involving NJ State Police Vehicle in Bordentown


UPDATE:


Route 130 South Bound is Closed in Bordentown Township at Groveville Road Due to Serious Crash Investigation

January 19, 2022

BORDENTOWN TOWNSHIP, NJ (BURLINGTON)–A serious accident occurred at the intersection of Route 130 and Groveville Road around 3:39 p.m. It was reported that victims of the crash were transported to the Trauma Center at Capital Health Regional Medical Center in Trenton. Bordentown Police, EMS and Bordentown fire departments, along with paramedics responded to the scene to provide aid.

Currently Route 130 south bound at the intersection of Groveville Road is closed for the investigation.

MidJersey.News has reached out to NJ State Police for official information and when that becomes available the story will be updated.




From: 511NJ.ORG

Started 01/19/2022 03:59:26 PMUpdated01/19/2022 5:20:27 PM

NJ DOT – TOC South: Crash with Injuries on US 130 southbound South of NJ 156 (Bordentown Twp) All lanes closed 10-15 minute delay use caution


Rt. 130 SB @ Hamilton Manor closed.

Be advised that Rt. 130 southbound in the area of the Hamilton Manor is currently closed due to a motor vehicle collision. Please avoid this area and seek an alternate route.


Multi Vehicle Accident on NJ Turnpike in Hamilton

January 14, 2022

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–The Robbinsville and Bordentown Township Fire Departments and EMS were dispatched to Mile Post 57 for a multi vehicle accident in the outer roadway at 3:23 p.m. It appears that injuries were minor, and it was unclear if the person who reported non-life-threating injuries was transported. NJ State Police is investigating the crash. Traffic was backed up close to two miles until the vehicles were towed from the scene.

After Nearly 95 Years, Mastoris in Bordentown Announces Permanent Closing

January 1, 2022

BORDENTOWN, NJ (BURLINGTON)–Mastoris restaurant that was founded in 1927 announced their permanent closing today on Facebook after operating for nearly 95 years. This was announced on their Facebook page earlier today:

It is with great sadness that we announce the permanent closing of Mastoris at 144 US-130, Bordentown, NJ.

As background, Mastoris Diner & Restaurant was sold in early 2020 to Foggia Restaurant Group, LLC, a group of local investors, shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic took hold. The decision to close is, in part, due to the ongoing pandemic’s impact on the restaurant industry, as well as a strategic decision among investors with an eye toward the future of the bar/restaurant in its current location.

We know this news will be difficult to many in the community who considered Mastoris to be so much more than just their local diner; it was a place to gather with friends and neighbors, to visit your favorite server or bartender, share a meal with loved ones, celebrate life’s big moments, or bring home a cake for a family milestone celebration. Like us, we hope your memories at Mastoris will bring you much comfort in the days ahead.

We are so grateful to all of our wonderful employees, patrons, and friends for supporting us over these past years. The good people of Bordentown and the surrounding regions are amazing, and it has been our pleasure to serve you.

Please stay connected to this page to follow news and updates about the restaurant and bar as the business owners evaluate options for the future and consider the best path forward.

Best wishes for a happy and healthy #2022 and thank you again for your loyal patronage.




Car Fire Quickly Extinguished on NJ Turnpike

December 27, 2021

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Around 6:00 p.m. the Robbinsville Township and Bordentown Township Fire Departments were dispatched to the area of mile post 58 south bound for a car fire. Robbinsville firefighters found the car on fire on the right shoulder of the outer lanes at mile post 57.5 on the Crosswicks-Hamilton Square Road Bridge. Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire with a 1 3/4″ hose line. Firefighters were on scene for a short time until the vehicle was towed from the scene. No further information is available at this time.

Multiple Crashes Reported on New Jersey Turnpike Between Exits 7, 7A and 8

December 23, 2021

BORDENTOWN-HAMILTON-ROBBINSVILLE, (MERCER-BURLINGTON)–There were multiple crashes on the New Jersey Turnpike this afternoon and evening creating traffic delays and shutting down the outer roadway.

At 3:36 p.m. Bordentown Township and Robbinsville Township firefighters responded to the area of Mile Post 55 for a tractor trailer into a bridge at mile post 55.08 south bound and another vehicle on the right shoulder also involved in the crash. Robbinsville EMS, Florence EMS, Virtua Paramedics also responded to the scene. Robbinsville EMS and Paramedics transported the truck driver to the Trauma Center at Captial Health Regional Medical Center in Trenton. It was unclear where Florence EMS transported their patient.

At 4:22 p.m. a vehicle rear ended a box truck on the New Jersey Turnpike Outer Roadway in the area of Mile Post 59 in front of the Richard Stockton, 6S Service Area. Robbinsville Township and Bordentown Township firefighters also responded to that scene. It appeared the traffic backup from the first accident was quite possibly a contributing factor. Allentown EMS, Captial Health Paramedics responded to the scene, Captial Health-Allentown EMS transported to RWJ at Hamilton Hospital with an injury from that accident.

At 5:46 p.m. Robbinsville Township Fire Department, Hightstown Fire Department, Hightstown First Aid Squad, Capital Health Paramedics and Robbinsville EMS responded to a crash at Mile Post 63.3 South Bound on the inner roadway. One injury was reported in that crash. A private ambulance that was already on the Turnpike stopped to help with Captial Health Paramedics, the private ambulance transported the patient to the local hospital for treatment with minor injuries.


At 3:36 p.m. Bordentown Township and Robbinsville Township firefighters responded to the area of Mile Post 55 for a tractor trailer into a bridge at mile post 55.08 south bound and another vehicle on the right shoulder also involved in the crash. Robbinsville EMS, Florence EMS, Virtua Paramedics also responded to the scene. Robbinsville EMS and Paramedics transported the truck driver to the Trauma Center at Captial Health Regional Medical Center in Trenton. It was unclear where Florence EMS transported their patient.





Reports of Two Injuries in NJ Turnpike Crash

December 22, 2021

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Bordentown Township and Robbinsville Township Firefighters as well as EMS were dispatched to the NJ Turnpike at 7:21 p.m. for an overturned vehicle in the area of Mile Post 57.9 inner roadway. There were initial reports of entrapment, but victims were out of the vehicle upon arrival of the fire departments and EMS. There were initial reports of two injuries that were evaluated by EMS but it was unclear if there was anyone transported from the scene to a local hospital. It appeared that there were no life-threating injuries in the crash. The New Jersey State Police is investigating the crash.