May 9, 2023

NEWARK, N.J. — Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Newark arrested a citizen and national of Brazil in Long Branch, New Jersey, on May 5, 2023. He is wanted by Brazilian authorities to serve a 12-year sentence for aggravated murder.

The Brazilian national, who entered the United States at an unknown place and date, is currently in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody without bond pending removal proceedings.

“This is another great example of ICE officers arresting a dangerous individual from the community,” said ERO Newark Field Office Director John Tsoukaris. “I would also like thank ERO staff in Brasilia, Brazil, for their assistance, which resulted in this arrest. ICE will continue to leverage our domestic and international resources to protect our communities.”

Noncitizens placed into removal proceedings receive their legal due process from federal immigration judges in the immigration courts, which are administered by the Justice Department’s Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR). EOIR is an agency within the U.S. Department of Justice and is separate from the Department of Homeland Security and ICE. Immigration judges in these courts make decisions based on the merits of each individual case. ERO officers carry out the removal decisions made by federal immigration judges.

ERO officers make enforcement decisions on a case-by-case basis in a professional and responsible manner, informed by their experience as law enforcement officials and in a way that best protects against the greatest threats to the homeland and the integrity of U.S. immigration laws.

As one of ICE’s three operational directorates, ERO is the principal federal law enforcement authority in charge of domestic immigration enforcement. ERO’s mission is to protect the homeland through the arrest and removal of those who undermine the safety of U.S. communities and the integrity of U.S. immigration laws, and its primary areas of focus are interior enforcement operations, management of the agency’s detained and non-detained populations, and repatriation of noncitizens who have received final orders of removal. ERO’s workforce consists of more than 7,700 law enforcement and non-law enforcement support personnel across 25 domestic field offices and 208 locations nationwide, 30 overseas postings, and multiple temporary duty travel assignments along the border.

In fiscal year 2022, ERO arrested 46,396 noncitizens with criminal histories. This group had 198,498 associated charges and convictions, including 21,531 assault offenses; 8,164 sex and sexual assault offenses; 5,554 weapons offenses; 1,501 homicide-related offenses; and 1,114 kidnapping offenses. For more information on how ERO Newark carries out its immigration mission, follow us on Twitter @ERONewark.

November 22, 2022

LONG BRANCH, NJ (MONMOUTH)–Nearly 100 motorcycle riders from the Blue Knights NJ XV and Jersey Shore HOGs braved the cold and wind on November 20th to travel to Monmouth Medical Center (MMC), an RWJBarnabas Health facility, to deliver hundreds of toys to brighten the holiday season for Unterberg Children’s Hospital patients.

The Sunday morning ride began at the Shore Casino in Atlantic Highlands. When the motorcyclists arrived at the hospital, they gathered in the parking lot and unloaded a trailer full of toys that had been collected over the last months at locations that include Simply Southern restaurant in Belmar, Sissy’s at the Harbor restaurant in Atlantic Highlands, Shoreline Harley-Davidson, West Long Branch, and Creative Performance motorcycle repair shop in Wall. Additionally, the Freehold Regional High School Football and Cheer Club worked with the two groups on a toy drive, and members of the club were on hand for the event.

“It’s always tough to be sick in the hospital when you’re a child,” said Jonathan Teitelbaum, Chair of Pediatrics at The Unterberg Children’s Hospital. “This type of event means the world to them – they get extra toys, and they know that the community really cares about them and wants them to get better.”

Each rider’s $10 donation benefits The Comprehensive Cystic Fibrosis Center at The Unterberg Children’s Hospital, the oldest and largest of the centers in New Jersey, offering patient care, teaching and research. Members of area police and fire departments, as well as the Freehold Regional High School Football and Cheer Club, also contributed to the cash donation. The Cystic Fibrosis Center — which includes both pediatric and adult programs — is accredited by the National Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and is designated by the State of New Jersey as a referral center for Cystic Fibrosis Newborn Screening and has been designated as a Therapeutic Development Center by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s Therapeutic Development Network.

From left, Robert Zanni, M.D., Chief of Pediatric Pulmonology, and Jonathan Teitelbaum, Chair of Pediatrics, help unload toys with the assistance of the Freehold Regional High School Football and Cheer Club.

Dr. Zanni and Dr. Teitelbaum gather with riders from the Blue Knights NJ XV and Jersey Shore HOGs and local police departments.

June 1, 2022

LONG BRANCH, NJ (MONMOUTH)–On May 15, 2022, thousands of organ and tissue transplant recipients, donor families, living donors and dedicated volunteers participated in NJ Sharing Network’s 5K Celebration of Life Walk and USATF Certified Race at the Great Lawn at the Ocean Promenade in Long Branch, NJ.

More than 70 family members and friends of the late Billy Romanello, of Sea Bright, NJ, gathered together to form “Billy Romanello’s 5K Team” to honor his memory and show their support for NJ Sharing Network’s life-saving mission. Billy, who tragically passed away in 2015 at the age of 38 due to hereditary heart issues, was an organ and tissue donor who saved and enhanced the lives of many others.

Billy’s stepmother, Stacey Romanello, led the 5K team and expressed great pride in knowing that Billy’s legacy of caring lives on.

“Billy is always present in our hearts and in our minds,” said Stacey. “We miss him every day. Our hurt is eased by knowing that even during his last moments, Billy was caring for others. He left a part of himself so that others could live. This was typical of Billy. He always had a kind word and was the first to give a helping hand to those in need.”

According to United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), there are over 100,000 Americans – nearly 4,000 of whom live in New Jersey – waiting for a life-saving transplant. One organ and tissue donor can save eight lives and enhance the lives of over 75 others. To learn more, get involved and register as an organ and tissue donor, visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org.

The 5K Celebration of Life, which was sponsored by Hackensack Meridian Health, is the largest fundraising event to support organ and tissue donation and transplantation in the United States. Thus far, $924,000 has been raised for this year’s campaign. Another 5K Celebration of Life Walk and USATF Certified Race will be held on Sunday, June 5, 2022, in New Providence, NJ. To participate in the upcoming 5K Celebration of Life or contribute to a team, sign up at www.SharingNetworkFoundation.org/5K.

May 23, 2022

LONG BRANCH, NJ (MONMOUTH)–An Instagram accounts named @sosactivated and @percc30_dickk have posted flyers for Beach Linkup Part 2 to be held in Long Branch on Sunday June 19, 2022. This past weekend a Beach Linkup was held where 11 adults and 4 juveniles were arrested causing a public safety emergency and a curfew to be ordered in Long Branch at 9:00 p.m.

A large-scale gathering encouraged by a flyer posted on social media caused thousands of people to arrive in the town of Long Branch, specifically, areas in and around Pier Village. The majority of those people arrived by train. At certain points the crowd was estimated to be several thousand people. A public safety emergency ensued as a result of multiple fights breaking out throughout parts of the city involving the partygoers.

Similar flyers for a similar event called Beach Linkup Part 2 are circulating on Social Media.

Previous MidJersey.News story here:

Below current flyers for Beach Linkup Part 2 as currently circulating on Social Media:

LONG BRANCH, NJ (MONMOUTH)–The Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office says, a social media flyer calling for a ‘pop-up party’ on Saturday resulted in thousands of people converging in Long Branch, creating a public safety emergency that resulted in a 9 p.m. curfew imposed by the city, Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Lori Linskey announced.

A large-scale gathering encouraged by a flyer posted on social media caused thousands of people to arrive in the town of Long Branch, specifically, areas in and around Pier Village. The majority of those people arrived by train. At certain points the crowd was estimated to be several thousand people. A public safety emergency ensued as a result of multiple fights breaking out throughout parts of the city involving the partygoers.

Law enforcement officials from the Long Branch Police Department, Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, Monmouth County Emergency Response Team (MOCERT), Monmouth and Middlesex Rapid Deployment Forces (RDF), Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office, New Jersey State Police, Department of Corrections and NJ Transit Police, all responded to the area. One flash bang and the deployment of smoke was used by Department of Corrections officers assisting in limited situations in response to fights taking place and bottles and rocks being thrown where the crowd would not disperse. The vast majority of those present left peacefully after the announcement of the curfew. 

“I would like to thank all of our local law enforcement agencies and our state partners for their response to today’s incident. Responding agencies worked in unison to create a swift, professional, and tactical response to what was evolving as a dangerous situation. We appreciate the efforts of Long Branch City Officials issuing tonight’s curfew in response to the public safety situation. Their efforts are to be commended.” Linskey stated.

As of 11:30 p.m. last night after the incident concluded, there were 11 adults and 4 juvenile arrests stemming from the fights that took place. One police vehicle was vandalized, but there were no significant injuries or property damage reported at this time. The person who damaged the police vehicle has been arrested.

Items Posted to TikTok:

A copy of the flier circulated on TikTok

March 7, 2022

FREEHOLD, NJ (MONMOUTH) – A former member of the Long Branch Police Department has been sentenced to 10 years in state prison for manufacturing methamphetamine at his home last year, Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Lori Linskey announced Monday.

Christopher Walls, 50, was sentenced Friday by Monmouth County Superior Court Judge Jill G. O’Malley, having previously pleaded guilty to charges of second-degree Causing a Risk of Widespread Injury and third-degree Manufacturing a Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS). The term includes a two-year period of parole ineligibility, and as part of the plea, Walls also permanently forfeited public office, as well as his firearms and firearms ID card.

Police were called to Walls’s home on the 300 block of West End Avenue on May 15, 2021for a report of a domestic disturbance. While officers were on scene, another resident in the home alleged that Walls was involved in suspicious narcotics activity. The New Jersey State Police (NJSP) Hazmat Unit responded to the scene and located materials, chemicals, and instruments consistent with a methamphetamine laboratory in both the basement of the residence and in a shed on the property. 

The Unit confirmed that Walls was in possession of ingredients necessary to manufacture methamphetamine, and found meth residue in chemistry-related glassware on site. A joint investigation by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office’s Professional Responsibility and Narcotics Units and the Long Branch Police Department revealed that Walls had also been in possession of books related to making methamphetamine, explosives, and poison.

Additionally, a large unsecured gun safe was located in the home, and was found to be accessible to a child living there. Inside the safe were two long guns, four handguns, eight high-capacity magazines, and a large quantity of ammunition.

“In manufacturing illegal narcotics out of his home, Officer Walls threatened the safety and security of the very community he swore an oath to protect and serve,” Acting Prosecutor Linskey said. “We feel that this sentence sends an unmistakable message that such conduct among members of law enforcement will never be tolerated.  This former officer’s actions are also a profound disservice to all of the hardworking and dedicated members of law enforcement who work diligently each day to protect their communities with honor.”

The case was prosecuted by Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Melanie Falco, Director of the Office’s Professional Responsibilities and Bias Crime Unit.

Walls was represented by Mitchell Ansell, Esq., of Ocean Township.

November 22, 2021

LONG BRANCH, NJ (MONMOUTH)–More than 300 motorcycle riders from the Blue Knights NJ XV and Jersey Shore HOGs traveled to Monmouth Medical Center on November 21 to bring hundreds of toys to brighten the holiday season for Unterberg Children’s Hospital patients.
The Sunday morning ride began at the Shore Casino in Atlantic Highlands. When the motorcyclists arrived at the hospital, they gathered in the parking lot and unloaded a trailer full of toys that wee been collected over the last months at locations that include Simply Southern restaurant in Belmar, Sissy’s at the Harbor restaurant in Atlantic Highlands, Shoreline Harley-Davidson, West Long Branch, and Creative Performance motorcycle repair shop in Wall. Additionally, the Freehold Regional High School Football and Cheer Club worked with the two groups on a toy drive that included electronic cars, and members of the club were on hand for the event.
“It’s always tough to be sick in the hospital when you’re a child, and COVID-19 has made the last two years so difficult for children and their families,” said Jonathan Teitelbaum, Chief of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Acting Chair of Pediatrics at The Unterberg Children’s Hospital. “This type of event means the word to them – they get extra toys, and they know that the community really cares about them and wants them to get better.”
Each rider’s $10 donation benefits The Comprehensive Cystic Fibrosis Center at The Unterberg Children’s Hospital, the oldest and largest of the centers in New Jersey, offering patient care, teaching and research. Members of the Long Branch Fire and Police Departments and Oceanport Police, as well as the Freehold Regional High School Football and Cheer Club, also contributed to the cash donation. The Cystic Fibrosis Center — which includes both pediatric and adult programs — is accredited by the National Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and is designated by the State of New Jersey as a referral center for Cystic Fibrosis Newborn Screening and has been designated as a Therapeutic Development Center by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s Therapeutic Development Network.

November 17, 2021

FREEHOLD –   A former Long Branch Police Officer has pled guilty after being arrested and charged with various offenses related to manufacturing methamphetamine at his home in May 2021, Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Lori Linskey announced.

Christopher Walls, 50, of West End Avenue in Long Branch, pled guilty on November 16, 2021, in front of Monmouth County Superior Court Judge Jill G. O’Malley to charges of second degree Causing a Risk of Widespread Injury and 3^rd degree Manufacturing CDS (methamphetamine). The agreement includes an aggregate sentence of 10 years in a NJ State Prison with a 2-year-period of parole ineligibility. As part of his plea, Walls also permanently forfeited public office, as well as his firearms and firearms ID card.

Long Branch police were called to Walls’ home on the 300 block of West End Avenue at about 10:36 p.m. on May 15, 2021for a domestic disturbance. While officers were on scene, another resident in the home alleged Walls was involved in suspicious narcotics activity.  The New Jersey State Police (NJSP) Hazmat Unit responded to the scene and located materials, chemicals and instruments consistent with a methamphetamine laboratory in both the basement of the residence and in a shed on the property.  The NJSP Hazmat Unit confirmed that Walls was in possession of all ingredients necessary to manufacture methamphetamine and found methamphetamine residue in chemistry-related glassware on site.   A joint investigation by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office’s Professional Responsibility and Narcotics Units and the Long Branch Police Department revealed that Walls had been in possession of books related to making methamphetamine, explosives, and poison.

Additionally, a large open and unsecured gun safe was in the home which was accessible to a child living in the residence. Inside the gun safe were two long guns, four handguns, eight high-capacity magazines, and a large quantity of ammunition.

Walls was charged with various criminal offenses on May 15, 2021 and had been detained pretrial by order of the New Jersey Appellate Division.  During his plea, Walls admitted to making methamphetamine at his residence in Long Branch and to endangering his family and neighboring community in doing so.  Laboratory tests confirmed that methamphetamine was in fact made in the residence.

Sentencing for Walls is set for January 14, 2022 before Judge O’Malley.

The case was prosecuted by Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Melanie Falco, Director of the Office’s Professional Responsibilities and Bias Crime Unit.

Walls is represented by Mitchell Ansell, Esq., of Ocean Township.

November 10, 2021

LONG BRANCH, NJ (MONMOUTH) – The Attorney General’s Office is conducting an investigation of a fatal police shooting that occurred on November 6, 2021 in Long Branch, N.J. One male civilian sustained fatal injuries.

The decedent has been identified as Mark D. Walker II, 34, of Woodbridge, Va. The members of the Monmouth County Emergency Response Team who fired at Mr. Walker are Patrolman Eric Voorand of the Manalapan Township Police Department, Patrolman Daniel Murphy of the Howell Township Police Department, and Patrolman Omar Akel of the Middletown Township Police Department.

According to the preliminary investigation, members of the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office were attempting to execute a warrant in connection with a homicide investigation at 274 Chelsea Avenue, Apartment 1, in Long Branch on the evening of November 5. As officers were executing the warrant, Mr. Walker moved into a room of the apartment and shot one of the officers in the lower leg as the officer approached the room. At that point, the officers repositioned outside the apartment and Mr. Walker barricaded himself inside. Members of the Monmouth County Emergency Response Team were deployed to the scene.

Around 2:00 a.m. on November 6, a fire erupted in the apartment and Mr. Walker fled the building, discharging a firearm multiple times as he exited. Officers Voorand, Murphy, and Akel returned fire, hitting Mr. Walker, who was later pronounced dead at the scene.

The officer who was shot in the lower leg was transported to a local hospital and discharged later in the evening.

This investigation is being conducted pursuant to Attorney General Directive 2019-4, which implements the statutory requirement that the Attorney General’s Office conduct the investigation of any 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, and which establishes clear standards and procedures for conducting such investigations. 

The investigation is ongoing and no further information is being released at this time.

November 7, 2021

Long Branch, NJ (MONMOUTH) – The Attorney General’s Office is conducting an investigation of a fatal police shooting that occurred on November 6, 2021 in Long Branch, N.J. One male civilian sustained fatal injuries. The decedent’s identity is not being released at this time.  

According to the preliminary investigation, members of the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office were attempting to execute a warrant in connection with a homicide investigation at 274 Chelsea Ave., Apartment 1, in Long Branch, New Jersey on the evening of November 5. As officers were executing the warrant an individual moved into a room of the apartment and shot one of the officers in the lower leg as they approached the room. At that point the officers repositioned outside the apartment and the individual barricaded himself inside.  

Around 2:00 a.m. on November 6, a fire erupted in the apartment and the individual fled the building, discharging a firearm multiple times as he exited. Officers returned fire, hitting the individual, who was later pronounced dead at the scene.  

The officer who was shot in the lower leg was transported to a local hospital and discharged later in the evening. 

This investigation is being conducted pursuant to Attorney General Directive 2019-4, which implements the statutory requirement that the Attorney General’s Office conduct the investigation of any 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, and which establishes clear standards and procedures for conducting such investigations.  

The investigation is ongoing and no further information is being released at this time.

October 18, 2021

LONG BRANCH, NJ (MONMOUTH)–The latest published study by Monmouth Medical Center physicians showcasing landmark COVID-19 research compares the demographic characteristics, clinical presentation, and disease severity of the second wave of COVID-19 with the first wave in the United States.

The manuscript titled “Variation in Clinical Characteristics, Outcomes, and Mortality of Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19 during the Second Wave of the Pandemic: a Single-Center Experience” was published in the September 2021 issue of Journal of Investigative Medicine.  It is the third COVID-19 research study conducted by MMC’s Department of Medicine to be published in a national medical journal.

The latest manuscript comes from Kenneth M. Granet, MD, FACP, the hospital’s Chief Medical Officer and Immediate Past Chairman of the Department of Medicine; Dean Patton, MD, Medical Director of Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Critical Care medicine; and Internal Medicine resident physicians Mohsin Sheraz Mughalan, Ikwinder Preet Kaur, Reem Alhashemi, and Alvin Buemio, and Chang Wang from the Department of Medicine, Rutgers University. In their single-center study, the clinicians also investigated and compared clinical outcomes and in-hospital mortality of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 during the second wave of the pandemic and compared it with that of the first wave.

“To our knowledge, this is the first study in the USA that compares hospitalized patients with COVID-19 between the first and second waves of the pandemic,” said Dr. Granet, one of the lead contributors to the study. “We found that inpatient mortality in hospitalized COVID-19 patients was higher during the first wave at 15.5% vs 5.9% during the second wave. However, even though the mortality rate is lower, it is important to adhere to public health measures to limit community spread to end this pandemic.”

“This new published study is yet another example of the important COVID-19 research efforts being conducted at Monmouth Medical Center,” says Eric Carney, President and Chief Executive Officer, MMC and Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus. “We commend these Monmouth Medical Center physicians for their important contribution to the critical research that is needed to safely and effectively combat the COVID-19 virus.”

The study comes on the heels of two other COVID-19 studies conducted by the MMC Department of Medicine, including a groundbreaking study examining the prevalence of COVID-19 antibodies among healthcare professionals working in intensive care units and another that looked at ventilator-dependent acute hypoxic respiratory failure (VDAHRF) – which is associated with a higher mortality rate – in a hospital setting.

To learn more about Monmouth Medical Center, visit rwjbh.org/monmouth.

Event Will Address Mental Health Issues, New Feelings of Anxiety and Fear Due to COVID, and Share Community Resources

September 9, 2021

LONG BRANCH, NJ (MONMOUTH)–Monmouth Medical Center, an RWJBarnabas Health facility, will host a free virtual expert panel event titled “Managing Your Mental Health” on Friday, September 10th at 11 a.m., coinciding with World Suicide Prevention Day. The event will provide support and behavioral health resources to members of the community who are coping with existing mental health issues or who may be facing new feelings of anxiety, stress, and fear due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In addition to the physical toll the COVID-19 pandemic has taken on New Jersey residents and individuals across the country, the pandemic has also had a substantial impact on mental health. According to survey data from the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) and the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 30% of adults aged 18 and over reported symptoms of anxiety or depression between late July and early August 2021, an increase of nearly 20% from the same period in 2019.

Monmouth Medical Center has the largest and most comprehensive behavioral health program in Monmouth County, with treatment provided to adults, children and adolescents and adults diagnosed with psychiatric disorders. The panel will feature Monmouth Medical Center mental health experts Stan Evanowski, LCSW, LCADC, Administrative Director of Behavioral Health; Stephanie Petrucha, LCSW, Director of Outpatient Behavioral Health; Donna Martini, LCSW, Program Director, Early Intervention Support Services Program; Tia A. Susak, BSN, RN, Children’s Crisis Intervention Services Unit; and Johnna Malter, MA, Child and Family Crisis Clinician, Psychiatric Emergency Screening Services.

Moderated by Emmy-nominated journalist and former NY1 News political reporter Molly Kroon, the free community panel event will explore the effect COVID-19 has had on mental wellness. During the event, panelists will answer frequently asked questions around coping with mental health issues, the additional mental health challenges brought on by the pandemic, and how to manage your mental health. Experts will also share information on the variety of mental health resources and support available to the community.

“Our goal as a hospital and as a system is to deliver quality, patient-centered care, which means that in addition to prioritizing our patients’ physical health and safety amid the pandemic, it is equally important to identify and address the toll it has taken on our community’s mental well-being,” said Eric Carney, President and CEO of Monmouth Medical Center and Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus. “By hosting this expert panel, we’re continuing to raise awareness around the heightened mental health challenges our community is currently facing as well as serve as an educational resource for people who are struggling by letting them know there is help available and how they can access it.”

The webinar is free and open to all. Those interested in attending can register at: https://www.mmcevents.org/managing-your-mental-health

August 25, 2021

LONG BRANCH, NJ (MONMOUTH)–A Monmouth Medical Center medical-surgical nurse who is praised as a natural leader has been honored with the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses®. In nominating Yve Massre, BSN, RN-BC a bedside nurse on Monmouth’s Greenwall 5 inpatient unit, the hospital’s first COVID-19-designated unit, her colleagues praised her as “a bright light amidst the darkness of the pandemic.”

“During the pandemic, Yve acknowledged the basic human connection rooted in sight and how the pandemic’s necessary PPE robbed patients of that experience,” her colleagues shared. “To circumvent this issue and provide that mind and body connection, she brought in a photo of herself, so that her patients could see her face. It was a humanizing action—something that seemed so simple, but provided the patients comfort, amidst a sea of faceless faces under masks.”

For her nomination, Yve was additionally recognized for the following:

Yve consistently goes above and beyond the call of duty, making everyone around her feel special and safe, through her genuine and caring nature. This attribute was highlighted during the first wave of COVID-19 in March 2020. At the crest of the first wave, despite the enormity and uncertainty of what they were facing, Yve was the anchor of Greenwall 5—the solid ground where the team found sturdy footing. The positivity and confidence that she bestowed upon each staff member was striking—a bright light amid the darkness of the pandemic. In addition to offering a kind word and refuge to the team, Yve would also ease the stress on the unit by gracing the team with cheerfully decorated baked goods that she would make herself, even after a long and stressful workday. She is always thinking of others’ happiness above her own.

This past year had been so challenging for everyone, especially during the holidays. In true form, however, Yve brought in a handmade, personalized gift for each member of the Greenwall 5 team. This gesture was in addition to the personalized “COVID-19” badges that she bought all the staff members to signify the end of the first wave and their official transition from team to family—a mark of solidarity, survival, and strength to wear proudly next to their hearts.

Yve shows the same care and compassion to all her patients, as she does to the Greenwall 5 staff. She brought in games and cards for the unit’s very lonely and scared COVID-19 patients. She also brought in presents for her patients when she voluntary worked on Christmas, as well as a meal and dessert for her co-workers who were also working on the holiday. She went as far as to ask a family member what a particular patient’s favorite meal might be, and on her day off, she brought in a steak dinner for that very patient whom she recognized was struggling.

Yve is very astute in recognizing the needs of others. Her patients have expressed true gratitude for her excellent and exemplary nursing care. She has excellent clinical skills and achievement. Staff looks to her when she is in a leadership role, as she leads by example and is always available to offer assistance and education when needed. She is always taking on the role of a nurse champion by constantly implementing new initiatives and projects, educating staff on the processes, and following through with operationalization. As a true role model, she champions safe practices through Monmouth Medical Center’s High Reliability Organization (HRO) culture and encourages others with her positive standards.

“Yve always makes others feel exceptional,” said Regional Chief Nursing Officer Diann Johnston, MSN, RN, NEA-BC. “A DAISY Nurse is a very special nurse —it is about more than just being recognized for a good deed, or for being nice. A DAISY Nurse operates on a different level, day in and day out, and Yve exemplifies this level of nursing; she is undeniably a nurse of true character and kindness.”

DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System. The DAISY Foundation was formed by the family of Patrick Barnes who died at age 33 of complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), an auto-immune disease. His widow, Tena, (a DAISY Co-founder) created the acronym, and the Foundation and established the DAISY Recognition Program to honor the super-human work nurses do every day at the bedside.

May 16, 2021

FREEHOLD, NJ (MONMOUTH)–A 19-year veteran police officer of the Long Branch Police Department has been suspended without pay after he was arrested and charged today with various offenses related to manufacturing and maintaining a methamphetamine laboratory at his home, announced Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni.

Christopher Walls, 50, of West End Avenue in the city, is charged with first degree maintaining or operating a controlled dangerous substance (CDS) production facility, second degree possession of a firearm during the course of a CDS offense, second degree risking widespread injury, second degree endangering the welfare of a child, third degree manufacturing CDS (methamphetamine), and third degree possession of CDS (methamphetamine).

“Thanks to the swift action of our office, the Long Branch Police Department, and the New Jersey State Police, a very serious risk to public safety has been averted. The collaborative efforts of our agencies dismantled a very dangerous situation. It is particularly distressing that this hazard was caused by a sworn law enforcement officer.” Gramiccioni said.

After learning of the details involving Walls, Acting Long Branch Police Chief Frank Rizzuto immediately suspended him without pay.

“The officers in our agency risk their lives daily to protect and serve our residents. It is disappointing beyond measure that one of our officers could have risked the safety of his family and neighbors by engaging in such dangerous conduct. This officer’s actions do not reflect the moral compass of our officers or this agency,” Acting Chief Rizzuto said.

Long Branch police were called to Walls’ home on the 300 block of West End Avenue at about 10:36 p.m. last night for a domestic disturbance. While officers were on scene, another resident in the home alleged Walls was involved in suspicious narcotics activity. The New Jersey State Police (NJSP) Hazmat Unit responded to the scene and located materials, chemicals and instruments consistent with a methamphetamine laboratory in both the basement of the residence and in a shed on the property. The NJSP Hazmat Unit confirmed that Walls was in possession of all ingredients necessary to manufacture methamphetamine and found methamphetamine residue in chemistry-related glassware on site. A joint investigation by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office’s Professional Responsibility and Narcotics

Units and the Long Branch Police Department revealed that Walls had been in possession of books related to making methamphetamine, explosives, and poison.

Additionally, a large open and unsecured gun safe was in the home which was accessible to a child living in the residence. Inside the gun safe were two long guns, four handguns, eight high- capacity magazines, and a large quantity of ammunition.

If convicted of Maintaining or Operating a CDS Production Facility, Walls faces a sentence of up to 20 years in a New Jersey state prison.

If convicted of any of the second degree charges, Walls faces up to 10 years in state prison.

The third degree offenses carry a potential sentence of three to five years in state prison.

Walls was lodged at the Monmouth County Correctional Institution and is pending a detention hearing. He has been suspended from his position as a Long Branch Police Officer.

Anyone with additional information about this case is asked to contact Detective Brian Hammarstrom of the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office at 732-431-7160, extension 6413.

The case is assigned to Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Melanie Falco, Director of the Office’s Professional Responsibilities and Bias Crime Unit.

Despite these charges, every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, following a trial at which the defendant has all of the trial rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and State law.

November 9, 2020

CAMDEN, NJ –A New Jersey doctor was charged in connection with his role in a longstanding billing fraud scheme, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced today.

Morris Antebi, 68, of Long Branch, New Jersey, is charged by complaint with three counts of health care fraud, wire fraud, and mail fraud for his role in the scheme. Antebi is scheduled to appear today by videoconference before U.S. Magistrate Judge Joel Schneider.

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

Antebi, a physician specializing in pain management and anesthesia, owned and operated a pain management clinic chain with locations throughout South Jersey. Antebi was a participating provider in Medicare, Medicaid, and several private insurance plans. Between approximately 2014 through 2020, Antebi billed over $24.6 million for services he purportedly provided, including billing more than $15.3 million to Medicaid and more than $8 million to Medicare.

The investigation showed that Antebi engaged in various forms of billing fraud. For example, Antebi frequently billed Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance companies on dates when travel records show he was overseas, including on trips to China, Israel, Turkey, the Dominican Republic, and across Europe, or when he was otherwise outside the State of New Jersey. Antebi billed approximately $230,700 to Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance plans between November 2015 and January 2020 for services he purportedly rendered while he was traveling and not in the office.

The investigation also showed that Antebi billed for excessive billings for one-day periods of time. For example, Antebi billed insurance plans for more than 24 hours’ worth of services in a one-day period of time on more than 900 occasions between 2014 and 2020. Antebi also billed insurance companies for between 12 and 23.99 hours of purported services in a one-day period of time on more than 300 occasions. On certain occasions, law enforcement surveilled Antebi on days when he left the clinics early, but nevertheless billed as though he saw many patients on those days.

Despite these high billings, individuals interviewed during the investigation stated that Antebi commonly saw them for only very brief periods of time, and he often did not perform any medical exams or evaluations during their visits. Individuals also indicated that that there sometimes was no medical equipment or examination tables in the rooms at the clinics in which patients met with providers, and that patients sometimes met with providers on folding chairs in the hallway of the clinics.

The health care fraud count carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense. The wire fraud and mail fraud counts each carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense.

U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited agents of the FBI’s Atlantic City Resident Agency Health Care Fraud Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr. in Newark; the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Scott J. Lampert, the U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General, New York Region, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael C. Mikulka, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Susan A. Gibson in Newark, and IRS-Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael Montanez in Newark with the investigation leading to the criminal complaint and officers of the Northfield Police Department. U.S. Attorney Carpenito also credited agents of FBI’s Headquarters Health Care Fraud Unit Data Analysis Response Team under the direction of Special Agent Greg Heeb in Washington, D.C.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christina O. Hud and Daniel A. Friedman of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Camden.

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

20-405 

Defense counsel: TBD

• Antebi.Complaint.pdf