The highly anticipated center reopens after a five-year hiatus
August 25, 2023
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–On Thursday, August 24th the West Ward Recreation Center reopened after five years of renovations. In celebration, the City of Trenton hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony, featuring performances by students of the Sprout University School of Performing Arts, and three Trenton vs. Philadelphia basketball games in honor of Kobe Bryant Day at the newly restored Center.
“Many of you remember the floors were peeling and this facility’s deplorable condition was not representative of the great Capital City that we all love. We are extremely grateful that we were able to renovate this recreation center using grant funding from the County and the State,” Mayor Reed Gusciora said.
New amenities at the Center include; a teaching lab for media production, acting, t-shirt printing, a computer lab, a kitchen, new offices and restrooms, a laundry area, a new gym floor colored purple and gold in honor of the late Kobe Bryant, and new rims and nets for the basketball courts.
“This is for the City of Trenton. This is what greatness looks like. This is what you deserve and when you know you deserve something you accept nothing less and nothing less comes to you,” Trenton City Council President and West Ward Councilwoman Teska Frisby stated. “Princeton, Robbinsville, Lawrence, they are not the Capital City. We are and we’re going to show up that way, look that way, and we’re going to honor it that way.”
The most popular of the four rec centers in Trenton due to its full-sized basketball court, the West Ward offers programming five days a week, including a popular afterschool program, basketball clinics, homework help, financial literacy, STEM and Arts programs, and summer camps.
From 3-6 p.m. the center is open for kids ages 6-12 and from 6-8 p.m. for teens ages 13-18. The Center is also looking to add Saturday programming to help keep youth engaged and provide access to technology and assistance in their learning and development.
New Initiative Continues the Murphy Administration’s Steadfast Commitment to Combatting Gun Violence
August 23, 2023
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Expanding on New Jersey’s nation-leading gun safety laws, Governor Phil Murphy today signed S3150, which establishes strict liability criminal penalties for gun traffickers when an illegally trafficked firearm provided by them is used in a crime that results in serious or significant bodily injury or death.
Under the first-in-the-nation legislation, also known as the “Real Accountability for Consequences of Unlawful Trafficking of Firearms Act,” a trafficked firearm used for a crime resulting in a death may be charged with a first-degree crime. Similarly, a person who commits a firearm trafficking violation resulting in serious or significant bodily injury may be charged with a second-degree crime. The bill will also allow New Jersey prosecutors to charge out-of-state traffickers, who have supplied around 80% of guns used for crimes in our state, for the harms their illegal out-of-state conduct causes in New Jersey.
The legislation is modeled on similar, longstanding laws that impose strict criminal liability on drug dealers for overdose deaths caused by their illicit products.
“Far too many New Jerseyans live with the daily fear that people in their communities who cannot legally possess guns can illegally obtain firearms and cause great harm,” said Governor Murphy. “This bill allows us to hold those who illegally traffic those guns accountable for the harm that those weapons are used to cause. With today’s new law, New Jersey will become the first state in the nation to go after illegal gun traffickers in this way. This is yet another historic step to protect our children and families from gun violence, and we will continue to support long-term solutions that will break the cycle of violence once and for all.”
Today’s strong anti-trafficking bill builds on the Governor’s commonsense record of gun reforms, which has positioned New Jersey as a leader in gun safety. Since the beginning of the Murphy Administration, more than a dozen steps have been taken to address gun violence in the state. In July 2022, Governor Murphy signed seven comprehensive gun safety bills, his third significant gun safety package signing since taking office in 2018.
In collaboration with the Office of the Attorney General, more actions have been taken beyond the passing of legislation to address violence. Last week, it was announced that $15 million would be made available through a competitive grant process to support Community-Based Violence Intervention (CBVI) Programs throughout the state. The program now stands at a $40 million investment in state and federal funds since 2021. CBVI programs use interventions and protective activities in communities and among populations associated with risk factors for exposure to violence. Through this public health approach to interrupt cycles of violence, and with a focus on reducing gun violence, CBVI initiatives include a range of strategies: mentoring programs, street outreach, trauma support services, de-escalation among high-risk individuals, targeted afterschool programs, job training, and more.
The first prime sponsors of today’s bill, which passed unanimously through both houses, include Senator Troy Singleton and Assemblywoman Linda Carter.
“Under the leadership of Governor Murphy and Attorney General Platkin, we are strengthening New Jersey’s existing status as a national leader in combating gun violence,” said First Assistant Attorney General Lyndsay V. Ruotolo. “The legislation signed today will provide more tools for prosecutors and law enforcement across the state to hold firearms traffickers accountable and make our communities safer.”
“Approximately 80 percent of crime guns traced in New Jersey come from out of state. We must continue to hold gun traffickers responsible for their role in perpetuating gun violence,” said Senator Troy Singleton. “Increasing the penalties of gun traffickers will aid in deterring and holding traffickers responsible for the risk they pose to residents. This law will specifically target traffickers that pose a severe threat to the safety of residents through illegal gun transfers and sales.”
“Those responsible for illegal firearm trafficking must be held accountable for the consequences of their actions,” said Assemblywoman Linda Carter. “These individuals are responsible for putting dangerous weapons in the hands of wrongdoers, and they deserve to be held responsible when a life is lost due to their unlawful actions. We will be able to impose stricter penalties on firearm traffickers thanks to this law.”
“This bill is another victory for our citizens and public safety. I applaud the Governor’s and Sponsor’s efforts to address the horrific consequences of how easily criminals provide firearms to others who engage in acts of violence. This bill will better secure communities such as Trenton throughout the state. This law will give our law enforcement officers the tools to cut off illegal supply lines and help keep unregistered weapons off the streets and away from our neighborhoods,” said Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora.
“This law sends a clear message to those who would participate and/or profit from the illegal distribution of firearms, that they can now be held accountable for the injuries sustained and the lives lost due to gun violence,” said Trenton Police Department Director Steve Wilson.
“I want to thank the Governor and the Legislature for passing such an important bill for the safety of all New Jerseyans. It’s very important across our state that we address guns that are sold illegally and taking the lives of our youth. The illegal distribution of guns is destroying our communities and today’s bill signing is a step towards holding illegal traffickers accountable for their actions,” said Pastor John Taylor of Friendship Baptist Church.
Photos by: Brian McCarthy
Mayor Reed Gusciora, along with several members of Trenton’s City Council and Police Director Steve Wilson, joined Governor Phil Murphy as he expanded on New Jersey’s nation-leading gun safety laws, by signing S3150. The new legislation will establish strict liability criminal penalties for gun traffickers when an illegally trafficked firearm provided by them is used in a crime that results in serious or significant bodily injury or death.
“This bill is another victory for our citizens and public safety. I applaud the Governor’s and Sponsor’s efforts to address the horrific consequences of how easily criminals provide firearms to others who engage in acts of violence. This bill will better secure communities such as Trenton throughout the state. This law will give our law enforcement officers the tools to cut off illegal supply lines and help keep unregistered weapons off the streets and away from our neighborhoods,” Mayor Gusciora said.
The law, also known as the “Real Accountability for Consequences of Unlawful Trafficking of Firearms Act,” a trafficked firearm used for a crime resulting in a death may be charged with a first-degree crime. Similarly, a person who commits a firearm trafficking violation resulting in serious or significant bodily injury may be charged with a second-degree crime. The bill will also allow New Jersey prosecutors to charge out-of-state traffickers, who have supplied around 80% of guns used for crimes in our state, for the harm their illegal out-of-state conduct causes in New Jersey.
The legislation is modeled after similar laws that impose strict criminal liability on drug dealers for overdose deaths caused by their illicit products.
“Far too many New Jerseyans live with the daily fear that people in their communities who cannot legally possess guns can illegally obtain firearms and cause great harm,” said Governor Murphy. “This bill allows us to hold those who illegally traffic those guns accountable for the harm that those weapons are used to cause. With today’s new law, New Jersey will become the first state in the nation to go after illegal gun traffickers in this way. This is yet another historic step to protect our children and families from gun violence, and we will continue to support long-term solutions that will break the cycle of violence once and for all.”
Trenton Police Department Director Steve Wilson added, “This law sends a clear message to those who would participate and/or profit from the illegal distribution of firearms, that they can now be held accountable for the injuries sustained and the lives lost due to gun violence.”
“I want to thank the Governor and the Legislature for passing such an important bill for the safety of all New Jerseyans. It’s very important across our state that we address guns that are sold illegally and taking the lives of our youth. The illegal distribution of guns is destroying our communities and today’s bill signing is a step towards holding illegal traffickers accountable for their actions,” said Pastor John Taylor of Friendship Baptist Church.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office reported that the victim from the August 19, 2023 Stuyvesant Avenue shooting has died. The victim is Taquan Foxworth, 29, of Trenton. The Mercer County Homicide Task Force is investigating.
On August 19, 2023 Trenton Police Department, Det. Lt. Nathan B. Bolognini told MidJersey.news that police received a ShotSpotter activation for the area of 763 Stuyvesant Avenue for 13-rounds fired early that morning. Police located the scene in front of 802 Stuyvesant Avenue and casings on the side of 801 Stuyvesant Avenue. A 29-year-old male Victim was transported by private vehicle to the hospital in critical condition. The Shooting Response Team is investigating the shooting.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Around 8:35 a.m. Trenton firefighters responded to a car fire reported on Route 29 North Bound near the entrance to the tunnel. Firefighters arrived and quickly extinguished the fire. Expect traffic delays in the area until the vehicle is towed. Currently there is a 2-mile traffic delay into Hamilton Township and extends back to the I-295 interchange. South bound traffic is backed up to the ballpark.
Fire department activity and Heavy traffic on NJ 29 southbound south of Lalor St (Trenton) All lanes closed traffic getting by on the right shoulder 15-20 minute delay https://t.co/GUkHpP4Drn
Fire department activity and Heavy traffic on NJ 29 southbound south of Lalor St (Trenton) 1 Left lane of 2 lanes closed 15-20 minute delay use caution https://t.co/S2IadyBxwj
11:30 a.m. Update on condition victim was shot in the head and is in extremely critical condition.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Trenton Police Department, Det. Lt. Nathan B. Bolognini told MidJersey.news that police received a ShotSpotter activation for the area of 763 Stuyvesant Avenue for 13-rounds fired early this morning. Police located the scene in front of 802 Stuyvesant Avenue and casings on the side of 801 Stuyvesant Avenue. A 29-year-old male Victim was transported by private vehicle to the hospital in critical condition. The Shooting Response Team is investigating the shooting.
TRENTON — Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri recently announced the promotion of Kathleen M. Petrucci to deputy first assistant prosecutor. DFAP Petrucci was sworn in last week by the Honorable Peter E. Warshaw, J.S.C., at the Mercer County Criminal Courthouse.
DFAP Petrucci began her career as an assistant prosecutor in the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office in September 1999. During her 24 years with the office, she has been assigned to the Trial Unit, Gang Unit, Project Safe Neighborhoods Unit, Juvenile Unit, Grand Jury Unit, Special Investigations Unit/Mercer County Narcotics Task Force, Internal Affairs Unit, and the Mercer County Homicide Task Force. She has served as chief of the Juvenile Unit and chief of the Gang Unit. After four years as a trial team leader, DFAP Petrucci was assigned to the Special Investigations Unit and served as its chief from 2016-2018. She was also cross-designated as a special assistant U.S. attorney, and assigned to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in 2018-2019 to screen and adopt state drug and gun crimes from Mercer County and prosecute those defendants federally in U.S. Magistrate Court. Most recently, she has been the senior assistant prosecutor supervising the Mercer County Homicide Task Force.
During her career in Mercer County, DFAP Petrucci has conducted numerous jury trials arising from homicides, aggravated assaults, firearms possessions and drug distributions. Trials have included the attempted murder case of State v. Billy Heisler, who was convicted in 2012 of the attempted murder of an off-duty Mercer County Sheriff’s Officer and sentenced to 50 years in New Jersey State Prison, and more recently the double murder case of State v. Treizon Thompson, who was convicted in December 2022 of the murders of two rival gang members.
In addition to her prosecutorial duties, DFAP Petrucci has taught firearms law, controlled dangerous substance law, and juvenile justice at the Mercer County Police Academy and the New Jersey State Police Academy, and has guest lectured at The College of New Jersey and Mercer County Community College.
While DFAP Petrucci will continue to prosecute homicide cases, her responsibilities in her new role will expand to include general oversight of the Major Crimes, Special Investigations and Appellate units, as well as assisting with formulating policy and overseeing investigations. She has served as administrative assistant prosecutor since September 2021.
DFAP Petrucci graduated from Bethany College (WV) in 1992 and Seton Hall University Law School in 1998. Prior to joining the prosecutor’s office, she was a law clerk for the Honorable Paul T. Koenig, J.S.C., from 1998-1999.
Left to Right: Prosecutor Onofri, DFAP Petrucci and FAP Jennifer Downing-Mathis
TRENTON — Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri recently announced the promotion of Jennifer Downing-Mathis to first assistant prosecutor. FAP Downing-Mathis was sworn in this week by the Honorable Janetta D. Marbrey, J.S.C. at the Mercer County Criminal Courthouse.
In her new role, FAP Downing-Mathis will assist in formulating policy, overseeing investigations, and general oversight of several units in the office as well as the 210-member staff. She has served as deputy first assistant since September 2016.
“I look forward to working with Jennifer in her new role as this office strives to make Mercer County a safer community to live, work and visit,” Prosecutor Onofri said.
FAP Downing-Mathis began her career with the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office in 1998 after completing a clerkship for the Honorable Paulette Sapp-Peterson, J.S.C. During her time in the office, she has served as chief of the Megan’s Law Unit and chief of the Special Victims Unit, where she initiated the formation and accreditation process of the Robin H. Scheiner Child Advocacy Center. FAP Downing-Mathis has vast experience in executive government administration, child abuse and sexual assault investigations, grant acquisitions, internal affairs, trial preparation, and legal research and analysis. FAP Downing-Mathis finds time to give back to the community by mentoring and lecturing our youth and participating in community organizations such as the Eggerts Crossing Civic League. She is a member of the New Jersey State Bar, serving as a trustee for the Criminal Law Section, a past president of the Association of Black Women Lawyers of New Jersey (ABWLNJ), and interim secretary and a trustee for the Mercer County Bar Association. She is also a member of the National District Attorneys Association and the National Black Prosecutors Association.
Additionally, FAP Downing-Mathis is significantly involved in the Mercer County Inns of Court, serves as chairperson of the Mercer County Commission on Abused, Neglected and Missing Children, is a Stigma Free Mercer task force member, and is a member of the Mercer Vicinage Superior Court Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee.
During her career, FAP Downing-Mathis has been honored with awards from the Cherish the Child Foundation, the New Jersey Women’s Hall of Fame and the ABWLNJ. She was recently inducted into the Marquis Who’s Who in America.
A lifelong Mercer County resident, FAP Downing-Mathis is a graduate of Lawrence High School. She received her bachelor’s degree in business administration with a minor degree in Spanish from Rider University and her law degree from Widener University School of Law, where she was a member of the Moot Court Honor Society. She is the proud daughter of Robert and Sarah Downing, both deceased. Mr. Downing was Mercer County’s first Black undersheriff. FAP Downing-Mathis resides in Ewing Township with her husband, retired MCPO Lieutenant Lloyd Mathis.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)-The City of Trenton’s paving season is well underway with the Department of Public Works already having paved 16 streets (segments) and 5 alleyways as well as installing 32 humps.
Street paving has included Franklin Street, Park Avenue, Melrose Avenue, Quinton Avenue, Lyndale Avenue, Gouverneur Avenue, Overbrook Avenue, Arlington Avenue, Kulp/Summit Street, Lenape Avenue, Beechwood Avenue, Woodside Avenue, Riverside Avenue, Hermitage Avenue, Sullivan Way, and Calhoun Street.
Mayor W. Reed Gusciora remarked, “I would like to thank Director of Public Works Wahab Onitiri and our entire Department who work tirelessly to keep our streets clean and paved. Ultimately, this would also not have been possible without this current Trenton City Council, which under Council President Teska Frisby has been so supportive of investments in our public infrastructure.
”Alleyway paving has included five alleyways including Page Alley, Cadwalader Heights Alley, Burks Alley, Cunningham Alley, and Swan Alley. Similarly, 32 speedhumps on Edgewood Avenue, two on N. Dean Avenue, two on N. Eastfield Avenue, two on Cadwalader Terrace, two on Moreland Avenue, two on Oliver Avenue, two on Brinton Avenue, four on Quinton Avenue, three on Fountain Avenue, three on Rossell Avenue, three on Wayne Avenue, and two on E. State Street.
Council President Teska Frisby affirmed, “I’m glad that under this Council, my colleagues and I have prioritized the people of Trenton over politics; this means significant investments in our public infrastructure and especially our roadways. Together, we’re getting things done.”
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–A two-month investigation into narcotics distribution in Trenton and Bensalem, Pennsylvania, culminated recently with one arrest and the seizure of $63,900 in narcotics, a handgun and $13,860 in cash, Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri reported.
Akeem Smith, 33, of Trenton, was arrested on Tuesday, July 18, 2023, as a result of the investigation conducted by the members of the Mercer County Narcotics Task Force, with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office, and the Hamilton, Trenton and Bensalem (PA) police. A motor vehicle stop of Smith in a white 2020 Hyundai Tuscon was conducted by the Bensalem Police Department. During the search of Smith’s person and subsequent search of the vehicle, officers located approximately 25 grams of crack cocaine, six grams of powder cocaine, and $5,485 in cash. Smith was detained without incident.
A concurrent search of Smith’s residence in Trenton resulted in the seizure of approximately 30 pounds of marijuana, 80 decks of heroin, a Smith and Wesson .380 handgun, $8,375 in cash and assorted drug paraphernalia.
Smith was charged with narcotics and weapons offenses in Trenton, NJ, and narcotics offenses in Bensalem. He is being held at the Bucks County Correctional Facility in Pennsylvania pending future court proceedings.
According to Prosecutor Onofri, the combined street value of the confiscated narcotics is approximately $63,900.
Despite having been charged, all persons are presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
UPDATE: Ewing Police Reported at 5:26 p.m. that Slater is in custody.
June 21, 2023
EWING TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Ewing Township Police Department reports that at 1:53 p.m. the Ewing Police Department was notified of an inmate who escaped a minimum-security work detail on Stuyvesant Avenue. Information provided to us at the time indicated a confirmed sighting of the inmate in the City of Trenton. We were also told that the inmate escaped and remained in Trenton.
At 3:43 p.m., we were told that the inmate may have been seen on Grand Avenue in Ewing. The inmate is Jessey Slater. He was last seen wearing a white t-shirt and gray shorts. At this time we do not know what he was incarcerated for, but we were told that he was a minimum security inmate. If you see anyone matching this description, please call 911 immediately. The New Jersey Department of Corrections is handling this investigation.
Police reported that you will probably see an increased police presence in the area of Grand Avenue and beyond. We will provide updates as they are given to us. Ewing Police have dedicated a supervisor and several detectives to assist in this investigation and to ensure we are getting timely and accurate information. A reverse 911 should be going out very shortly to residents in the area.
Jessey Slater an inmate who escaped a minimum-security work detail on Stuyvesant Avenue.
UPDATE: Ewing Police Reported at 5:26 p.m. that Slater is in custody.
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–On Thursday July 20, 2023 at approximately 5:00 a.m., Hamilton Police were dispatched to the 800 block of South Olden Avenue on a report of two males entering vehicles in the area. A witness was watching the suspects enter vehicles and gave a description to dispatch. Upon arrival, Officer checked the area and located both suspects. Officer Avanzato Jr. and Officer Mutek were able to arrest one of the suspects while the other suspect fled on foot. Officer Fratz and Officer Aquino arrived on scene and were able to locate and arrest the other suspect. Further investigation revealed the two suspects not only entered vehicles in the area but also were in possession of a stolen vehicle they drove to the area. The suspects were identified as Malachi Davis, 20, of Trenton and a 16-year-old juvenile from Trenton.
Davis and the juvenile were charged with two counts of Burglary to Auto, two counts of Theft, Receiving Stolen Property, Hindering Apprehension, and Possession of Burglar’s Tools. Davis was transported to the Mercer County Correctional Facility pending a detention hearing.
Anyone with any information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective Mike Durand of the Hamilton Police Division Major Crimes Unit at (609) 689-5827, Detective Tom Clugsten of the Hamilton Police Division Juvenile Unit at (609) 581-4027 or the Hamilton Police Crime Tip Hotline at (609) 581-4008.
TRENTON, N.J. – A Raleigh, North Carolina, man with ties to Trenton was sentenced to 12.5 Years (151 months) in prison for distributing heroin and unlawfully possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.
Dennis Cheston Jr., aka “Beans,” 42, previously pleaded guilty before former Chief U.S. District Judge Freda L. Wolfson to two counts of an indictment charging him with distributing heroin and unlawfully possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Following Judge Wolfson’s retirement, the case was assigned to U.S. District Judge Georgette Castner, who imposed the sentence on July 18, 2023, in Trenton federal court.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From October 2017 to October 2018, law enforcement investigated a large narcotics conspiracy that operated in Trenton and elsewhere. Conspirators Jakir Taylor, aka “Jak,” and Jerome Roberts, aka “Righteous,” obtained regular supplies of hundreds of bricks of heroin from conspirator David Antonio, aka “Papi,” which Taylor, Roberts, and their conspirators then redistributed for profit in Trenton and elsewhere.
On multiple occasions, Cheston – a convicted felon with ties to the Trenton area – traveled from North Carolina to Trenton and obtained quantities of heroin from Taylor for redistribution. During one intercepted telephone call between Taylor and Cheston, Cheston advised Taylor that the heroin bearing an ink stamp that read “Top Secret” was of high quality and that Cheston’s customers in North Carolina liked it. During the course of these drug transactions, Cheston agreed to travel from North Carolina to Trenton to supply Taylor with multiple firearms in exchange for future supplies of heroin. Cheston had previously brought multiple firearms from North Carolina to New Jersey, but had provided them to other individuals instead of Taylor. In an Aug. 25, 2018, intercepted call however, Cheston promised to bring all future guns to Taylor first. On Sept. 8, 2018, law enforcement tracked Cheston as he traveled from North Carolina to Trenton. Shortly after his arrival, law enforcement officers arrested Cheston as he exited the Trenton Transit Center. During a subsequent search of Cheston’s backpack, law enforcement recovered a 9-millimeter Smith & Wesson handgun – one of the guns that Cheston had agreed to provide to Taylor over the wiretap.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Castner sentenced Cheston to three years of supervised release. Taylor and Antonio previously pleaded guilty and Roberts was previously convicted at trial.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, Newark Division, Trenton Resident Agency, under the direction of under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark; special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Newark Division, Trenton Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Bryan Miller; officers of the Trenton Police Department, under the direction of Police Director Steve Wilson; officers of the Princeton Police Department, under the direction of Chief Jonathan Bucchere; officers of the Ewing Police Department, under the direction of Chief Albert Rhodes; officers of the Burlington Township Police Department, under the direction of chief John Fine; and detectives of the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing. He also thanked officers of the New Jersey State Police, under the direction of Superintendent Col. Patrick J. Callahan; detectives of the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Angelo Onofri; officers of the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff John A. Kemler; and members of the New Jersey State Board of Parole for their assistance in the investigation and prosecution of the case.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Ramey of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Trenton.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/ocdetf.
23-205
Defense Counsel: Jacqueline E. Cistaro Esq., New York
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Trenton Police Department, Detective Lieutenant, Nathan Bolognini told MidJersey.news that Trenton Police Communications received a 9-1-1 call at 5:51 a.m. reporting someone threatening to harm themself, with a knife at 214 Prospect Street. Trenton Police and Trenton EMS (TEMS) responded to the scene and found 3 victims. Two juveniles and one adult female sustained stab wounds and were transported to Captial Health Regional Medical Center for treatment. The condition of the victims is unknown at the time of this report. The Criminal Investigation Bureau was notified and is investigating.
Play Soccer Nonprofit International Receives Important Support
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–The Trenton City Council has approved a resolution awarding funds to local nonprofit organizations through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARP). Under ARP, the City can allocate federal relief funds to local organizations that seek to benefit local communities and improve children’s health. Play Soccer Nonprofit International will receive a grant of $75,000.
Play Soccer Nonprofit International, a non-profit organization located at 601 North Clinton Avenue, has operated the Trenton Youth Soccer League (TYSL) for the past seven years. The TYS is a free program providing recreational soccer opportunities to both male and female students. Funding will help support the afterschool program at nine of the districts’ schools, as well as the Saturday morning program at George Page Park, and summer programs at other parks throughout the city. More than 500 children registered with the program in 2022, and Play Soccer hopes to grow even further with the help of this funding.
“Play Soccer has been a wonderful partner for City youth for several years. We’re glad to have the ability and opportunity to give back, to thank them for their service to our City’s kids,” said Council President Teska Frisby. Mayor Reed Gusciora added, “I and many others throughout the city are continually impressed by the work of PSNI. I’m glad we’re able to use this relief funding to help Play Soccer provide more opportunities for kids to have fun and to bond with one another.”
“This grant will greatly help us continue to serve the Trenton community,” said Kurt Lituma, Vice Chair of PSNI. “We at PSNI are so very grateful to the City for awarding this funding to us, and look forward to collaborating further to spread the love of soccer throughout the City.”
Jennifer Hernandez, a student at Trenton Central High School and a volunteer coach, shared, “Being a part of this amazing program, I’ve learned the importance of ensuring that the kids in our community are getting outside, having fun, and trying something new. In a short time, I got to know the kids really well, and fell in love with the game of soccer again. I realized how much these kids needed access to programs like this and how important the connection this sport brings is, especially in our community where people are often focused on just getting through their daily lives. The excitement of the kids when they learn something new or master a new skill means everything and makes me love being there as a coach.”
Trenton N.J. – The City of Trenton has awarded a $20,000 business improvement incentive grant to a local Trenton business, Royal Cakes and Café, who have utilized the funds for new flooring, bathrooms, and equipment at their new location, 240 E State Street.
Royal Cakes and Café first opened in 2020 as Royal Cake Creations, a bakery-exclusive business located at 9 North Willow Street. They have since opened a second location at Quakerbridge Mall. The new location in Trenton will allow Royal Cakes and Café to function as a restaurant and café in addition to a bakery, employing and serving Trentonians fresh meals, coffee, and baked goods.
Royal Cakes and Café is co-owned by longtime Trenton residents Tiajuana Reyes and Robert Williamson, who are set to be married next month after 14 years together. The business is named after their daughter, Royal Williamson. Tiajuana acts as primary baker, while Robert manages the finances and operations. A self-taught baker, Tiajuana credits her faith and perseverance with her success, “We put God first in everything that we do. Being business owners, we work hard and never give up when things seem to fail. We learn from out mistakes and build from there” said Robert Williamson.
“We are glad to support another Trenton-owned and operated business in our City” said Mayor Reed Gusciora. “Royal Cakes and Café’s delicious baked goods are a great addition to downtown Trenton. I wish Tijuana and Robert continuing commercial success, and a happy marriage. We are lucky to have hardworking and inspiring small business owners like them in the Capital City.”
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