March 16, 2023
MILLSTONE TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH)–Millstone Township Fire Department responded to a crash last night on Smithburg Road between Baird and Route 33 on the border with Manalapan Township. The vehicle reportedly hit a utility pole, overturned and was fully engulfed in fire on arrival of the fire department. NJ State Police reported that Manalapan Township Police is handling the investigation. No other information is available at this time.
February 21, 2023
MANALAPAN, NJ (MONMOUTH)–Around 4:10 p.m. Manalapan Police, Fire and EMS were dispatched to Route 33 and Yates Road for a motor vehicle crash with reported heavy entrapment. Upon arrival the Assistant Chief of Manalapan Fire Company confirmed entrapment. Mutual aid was called from Millstone Township Fire Department to assist with the extrication. After the person was extricated from the wreckage they were transported to a local hospital for treatment in an unknown condition. If official information becomes available the story will be updated.
Photos by: Steven Kadir
December 18, 2022
HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri and Hopewell Township Police Chief James Rosso reported that a 20-year-old Manalapan man was fatally shot in Hopewell Township Saturday evening.
At approximately 7 p.m. on Saturday, December 17, 2022, Hopewell police responded to the Hopewell Valley Nature Preserve off of Harbourton-Woodsville Road. Upon arrival, officers located a white Mercedes C300 on a trail with a male slumped over in the driver’s seat. The victim was transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center where he was pronounced dead from a gunshot wound a short time later. The victim has been identified as Phillip Urban of Manalapan.
The shooting is under investigation by the Mercer County Homicide Task Force and the Hopewell Township Police Department. Preliminary investigation indicates Urban arranged to meet an acquaintance at the preserve and was shot at some point during the encounter. No arrests have been made. Anyone with information is asked to contact the MCHTF at (609) 989-6406 or the HTPD at (609) 737-3100 ext. 5740. Information can also be emailed to mchtftips@mercercounty.org.
Phillip Urban of Manalapan is listed on the Post University Athletics, 2022-2023 Men’s Basketball Roster in Waterbury, Connecticut. He graduated from the Pennington School this past June.
Post University Men’s Basketball | 12/19/2022 11:19:00 AM
It is with great sadness that Post University announces the passing of student and men’s basketball player, Phil Urban.
Urban passed away tragically in a shooting near his home in New Jersey on Saturday evening.
“Phil was well liked by everyone in the Post community. His quiet sense of humor was infectious and he was a valuable part of our basketball program,” Head men’s basketball coach Marc Kuntz said.
The Post University community expresses its deepest condolences and sympathy to Phil’s family, friends, teammates and all of those who loved him.
Phillip Urban from the Post University Athletics social media accounts.
Photos from Post University Athletics
Google Street View Image of the area
November 2, 2022
Manalapan, N.J. (November 2, 2022) – The Alan Kurlander Group from Coldwell Banker Realty’s Marlboro/Manalapan office Coldwell Banker Realty New Homes, a leading sales and marketing organization in the homebuilding industry, celebrated the grand opening of the first phase at Four Seasons at Manalapan Crossing, a new active adult 55+ community from K. Hovnanian in Manalapan, N.J. Coldwell Banker Realty New Homes and the Alan Kurlander Group have been selected to serve as the exclusive Realtor MLS listing agent and Realtor liaison on behalf of K. Hovnanian to create and implement a marketing strategy targeted at the Realtor community to support sales for the 280-home community.
Four Seasons at Manalapan Crossing features a range of single-family home designs starting at $769,990 that are meticulously designed to provide homeowners with contemporary floorplans and on-trend finish selections, where they can enjoy low-maintenance living surrounded by exciting local excursions in Monmouth County. Beyond their homes, residents will also enjoy a robust amenities package beyond their homes, including bocce and tennis courts, walking trails, open space, and a community clubhouse with a pool.
Four Seasons at Manalapan Crossing marks the next chapter in K. Hovnanian’s decades-long relationship with the Alan Kurlander Group and Coldwell Banker Realty New Homes. Since 1996, Kurlander has served as K. Hovnanian’s trusted Realtor outreach expert helping the company sell hundreds of homes in dozens of communities across Middlesex, Monmouth, and Ocean Counties. Throughout his time working with K. Hovnanian, Kurlander has tapped Coldwell Banker Realty New Homes’ highly experienced team to leverage their unmatched business intelligence and marketing tools to drive success at each community.
“The K. Hovnanian name has long been synonymous with high-quality, timeless homes paired with unmatched customer satisfaction,” said Kurlander. “Every aspect of Four Seasons at Manalapan Crossing echoes this legacy, and I am deeply honored to work with them and the Coldwell Banker Realty New Homes team to show potential residents all that Four Seasons at Manalapan Crossing offers.”
Coldwell Banker Realty New Homes partners with real estate developers and realtors through every step of the real estate marketing process to drive successful sales and leasing efforts at new residential properties.
Residents at Four Seasons at Manalapan Crossing will also enjoy an unmatched location in the heart of Monmouth County. The community’s location along Route 33 affords easy access to the top destinations at the Jersey Shore and nearby attractions. The community is also favorably located equidistant between New York City and Philadelphia which are just an hour’s drive away.
Four Seasons at Manalapan Crossing model home tours are available by appointment only. For more information, Realtors and buyers should contact Alan Kurlander at (732) 284-6302.
August 20, 2022
MANALAPAN TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH)–Just after 4 p.m., yesterday August 19, 2022, Manalapan, Millstone, Englishtown, Howell, Freehold Township fire departments were dispatched to a working structure fire at 13 Regency Way in Manalapan Township. Fire was though the roof on arrival and a large column of smoke could be seen for miles. The New Jersey Forrest Fire Service also sent units to the area since the Jamesburg Fire Tower was reporting a large column of smoke, additional brush units were called due to embers flying in the air and landing in brush. Additional water tankers from the Monmouth County Task Force were assigned to the fire and the fire went to 2-Alarms before being brought under control.
MidJersey.News has reached out to Manalapan Police Department for official information. The report above is based on emergency radio reports.
Further information to follow when it becomes available.
Photos sent to MidJersey.News
A Monmouth County, New Jersey, man was charged today with defrauding victims in an investment fraud scheme out of at least $1 million, and with fraudulently obtaining a loan of approximately $96,000 meant to help small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Anthony Mastroianni Jr., 48, of Manalapan, New Jersey, charged in a five-count complaint with wire and mail fraud. He is scheduled to make his initial court appearance this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael A. Hammer in Newark federal court.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
In 2016, Mastroianni consented to being permanently barred by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), which prohibited him from acting as a broker or intermediary in securities transactions. Despite that debarment, from January 2017 to August 2022, Mastroianni defrauded victim investors, many of whom were senior citizens, by falsely and fraudulently claiming that he would generate large investment profits for them through his company, Global Business Development & Consulting Corp. Instead of investing the money as promised, Mastroianni used victim funds on personal expenses, including household rent, automobile payments, credit card bills, and cash withdrawals. Mastroianni defrauded 10 victims out of $1 million.
Mastroianni also exploited the ongoing global pandemic by submitting a false and fraudulent application to obtain $96,300 from a federal COVID-19 emergency relief loan meant for distressed small businesses. As with his investment fraud scheme, Mastroianni misused the loan proceeds to make personal purchases and cash withdrawals.
Each count of mail and wire fraud carries a maximum potential punishment of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000, or twice the gross loss or gain caused by the offense.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Thomas Mahoney in Newark, with the investigation leading to today’s charges.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Carolyn Silane of the Economic Crimes Unit in Newark.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Defense counsel: Emily Sherman Esq., Assistant Federal Public Defender, Newark
July 18, 2022
NEWARK, N.J. – A Manalapan, New Jersey, man today admitted using online chat applications to entice an adolescent to engage in prohibited sexual activity, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Angelo N. Curato, 30, pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Brian Martinotti to a superseding information charging him with one count of online enticement of a minor.
According to documents filed in the case and statements made in court:
From February 2017 through June 2017, Curato used online chat applications to misrepresent his identity and entice or coerce an adolescent to engage in prohibited sexual activity, knowing that the victim was under the age of 18.
The online enticement charge carries a maximum penalty of life in prison, a mandatory minimum prison term of 10 years, and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 29, 2022.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jason J. Molina in Newark; and the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Acting Prosecutor Lori Linskey, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Barry O’Connell of the U.S. Attorney’s Office General Crimes Unit.
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Defense counsel: Rahul Sharma Esq., Assistant Federal Public Defender, Newark
Multiple car burglaries in Millstone Township and Upper Freehold Township. Troopers discovered that 20 vehicles were burglarized in the area and that various items were stolen.
May 3, 2022
MILLSTONE TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH)–New Jersey State Police Report that they have arrested Michael Guzman, 38, and David Voight, 27, both of Manalapan, N.J., for a string of car burglaries in Monmouth County.
During the month of April, troopers from Troop “C” Hamilton Station began investigating multiple car burglaries in Millstone Township and Upper Freehold Township. Troopers discovered that 20 vehicles were burglarized in the area and that various items were stolen.
While investigating these crimes, troopers obtained surveillance footage from a residence that captured two suspects burglarizing several vehicles. Through various investigative means, troopers identified Guzman and Voight as the suspects.
On April 27, detectives from Hamilton Station along with members of the State Police Fugitive Unit located and arrested Guzman and Voight at their residence in Manalapan. During the ongoing investigation, a search warrant was executed at the residence and Voight’s vehicle. As a result, detectives recovered numerous items linked to the burglaries that will be returned to the victims in this case.
Michael Guzman and David Voight were charged with burglary and theft. They were lodged at the Monmouth County Jail.
Charges are mere accusations, and the accused are considered innocent until proven guilty.
April 11, 2022
FREEHOLD – Three men have been arrested and criminally charged in connection with a sexual assault that took place earlier this month at a residence in Marlboro Township, Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Lori Linskey announced Monday.
Andrew J. Gallucci, of Marlboro, Richard S. Gathy, of Manalapan, and Ronald W. Hondo, of Monroe Township (Middlesex County), each 24 years of age, are all charged with first-degree Aggravated Sexual Assault, second-degree Sexual Assault, and third-degree Criminal Restraint.
An investigation by members of the Prosecutor’s Office’s Special Victims Bureau and the Marlboro Township Police Department revealed that on the night of Saturday, April 2, the three defendants gathered at a Marlboro Township bar, where they met the victim, an adult female, for the first time. Later on in the evening, the investigation revealed, the defendants brought the victim back to Gallucci’s residence, where they allegedly restrained her against her will in a bedroom and repeatedly sexually assaulted her.
All three men were taken into custody on Friday, April 8 and transported to the Monmouth County Correctional Institution (MCCI) in Freehold Township pending detention hearings to take place in Monmouth County Superior Court.
“This was a disturbingly coordinated and predatory attack,” Acting Prosecutor Linskey said. “We commend the courage of the victim in coming forward to report what happened to her, and we look forward to bringing those responsible to justice.”
Investigators are actively seeking additional information about the activities of these three defendants, and photos of each are being distributed along with this press release. Anyone with any information is urged to please contact Detective Kayla Santiago of the MCPO Special Victims Bureau at 732-431-7160, Ext. 3588, or Marlboro Township Police Department Detective Ed Ungrady at 732-536-0100.
Anyone who feels the need to remain anonymous but has information about a crime can submit a tip to the Monmouth County Crime Stoppers by calling their confidential telephone tipline at 1-800-671-4400; by downloading and using the free P3 Tips mobile app (available on iOS and Android – https://www.p3tips.com/1182), by calling 800-671-4400, or by going to the website at www.monmouthcountycrimestoppers.com.
This case has been assigned to Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Joseph Cummings of the Office’s Special Victims Bureau. Gallucci is being represented by Yan Katsnelson, Esq., while Gathy and Hondo are being represented by Mario Gallucci, Esq., both attorneys with offices on Staten Island.
If convicted, these defendants would face up to 20 years imprisonment on the Aggravated Sexual Assault charges, up to 10 years on the Sexual Assault charges, and up to 5 years on the Criminal Restraint charges. In addition, the defendants would be subject to Parole Supervision for Life and required to register under Megan’s Law.
Despite these charges, every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, following a trial at which the defendants have all of the trial rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and State law.
Andrew J. Gallucci, of Marlboro, Richard S. Gathy, of Manalapan, and Ronald W. Hondo, of Monroe Township (Middlesex County), each 24 years of age, are all charged with first-degree Aggravated Sexual Assault, second-degree Sexual Assault, and third-degree Criminal Restraint.
February 22, 2022
FREEHOLD, NJ (MONMOUTH) – A Manalapan resident has been arrested and charged with stealing more than $175,000 from 10 victims who had entrusted him to invest large sums of money on their behalf, Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Lori Linskey announced Tuesday.
Jeffrey Loretta, 60, is charged with one count of second-degree Theft, three counts of second-degree Misapplication of Entrusted Property, and seven counts of third-degree Misapplication of Entrusted Property.
An investigation by the Prosecutor’s Office’s Financial Crimes and Public Corruption Unit revealed that the 10 alleged victims gave Loretta a combined total of slightly more than half a million dollars at various times between January 2020 and February 2021, in exchange for promises that the funds would be responsibly invested. On several occasions, the investigation revealed, Loretta provided multiple victims with inaccurate and false gains figures, inducing them to reinvest additional money.
Instead, Loretta lost nearly $200,000 of the funds via bad investments and spent more than $175,000 of the funds on himself, taking out thousands of dollars at a time in ATM withdraws and making checks out to himself, payable in cash.
Loretta turned himself in to authorities on Friday and was released pending a first appearance to take place in Monmouth County Superior Court.
If convicted of a second-degree crime, Loretta would face up to 10 years in state prison.
Despite the 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.
This case has been assigned to Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Lawrence Nelsen, Director of the Financial Crimes and Public Corruption Unit.
February 17, 2022
Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Acting Chief Joseph Mandola of the Old Bridge Police Department announce a Manalapan man has been arrested and charged in connection with a fatal hit and run, which occurred in Old Bridge Township on the evening of February 14, 2022.
On February 15, 2022, at approximately 6:45 A.M., authorities responded to the area of Route 9 and Ferry Road following the report of a deceased male who was lying on the center median between the northbound and southbound lanes of Route 9. Upon their arrival, authorities located Anthony Allen, 64, of Asbury Park who had been struck by a vehicle and was later pronounced dead at the scene.
An investigation by Officer Steven Connolly of the Old Bridge and Detective Matthew Colonna of the Middlesex County Prosecutors’ Office identified Prince Fitzpatrick, 21, as the driver of the vehicle who struck Mr. Allen and then fled the scene.
Today, Fitzpatrick was arrested and charged with second-degree leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death and third-degree endangering an injured victim.
The investigation is active and continuing. Anyone with information is asked to call Officer Connolly of the Old Bridge at 732-721-5600 ext. 3821 or Detective Colonna of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at (732) 745-3317.
As is the case with all criminal defendants, the charges against Fitzpatrick are merely accusations and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
December 2, 2021
FREEHOLD, NJ (MONMOUTH)–A Monmouth County grand jury this week returned indictments against two defendants charged with crimes involving distribution and/or possession of child sexual abuse materials, bringing the total number of indictments of this kind over approximately the last month to eight, Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Lori Linskey announced Thursday.
Two of the eight defendants have been charged with first-degree crimes, the most serious applicable offenses under state law.
Indicted on Tuesday were:
Indicted earlier this fall were:
Additionally, earlier this fall, 40-year-old Kenneth Megill of Wall Township, arrested in January 2020, was indicted on charges of third-degree Attempted Endangering the Welfare of a Child and third-degree Attempted Obscenity to a Minor for allegedly engaging in inappropriate conversations with and attempting to show inappropriate materials to a juvenile.
Investigations into the actions of these defendants were conducted by members of the Prosecutor’s Office’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, working in tandem with representatives of local police departments in the jurisdictions in which the crimes took place. The cases are assigned to Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Stephanie Dugan.
The Monmouth County ICAC Task Force includes members of the following police departments: Bradley Beach, Eatontown, Howell, Long Branch, Manalapan, Marlboro, Middletown, Neptune Township, Spring Lake, Spring Lake Heights, Tinton Falls, Keyport, Keansburg, Belmar, Holmdel, and Red Bank; the Task Force also receives investigative support from the New Jersey State Police (High Tech Crime Bureau).
Convictions on first-degree criminal charges are commonly punishable by terms of 10 to 20 years in state prison. Second-degree convictions can result in terms of 5 to 10 years; third-degree convictions can result in terms of 3 to 5 years.
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.
Pradeep Reddy, 39, of Manalapan, was indicted on one count of first degree Murder, in connection with the April 12th, 2021 death of his father, Radhakrishna Reddy.
August 7, 2021
FREEHOLD, NJ (MONMOUTH)–On Friday August 6, a Monmouth County Grand Jury has returned an indictment against a Manalapan man in connection with the death of his father, announced Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Lori Linskey.
Pradeep Reddy, 39, of Manalapan, was indicted on August 6, 2021, on one count of first degree Murder, in connection with the April 12th, 2021 death of his father, Radhakrishna Reddy.
At approximately 4:40 pm on Monday April 12th, the Manalapan Township Police Department responded to 721 Summer Drive and discovered Radhakrishna Reddy, 78, unconscious and critically injured. The victim was taken to a local hospital for treatment, where despite significant medical intervention, the victim succumbed to these injuries on April 14.
A joint investigation by the Manalapan Police Department and the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office subsequently revealed Pradeep Reddy was responsible for assaulting his father, ultimately leading to his death. He was taken into custody and transported to the Monmouth County Correctional Institution where he has remained since his arrest.
If convicted of murder, Reddy faces up to 30 years in a New Jersey state prison. He would also be under parole supervision for five years following his release from state prison.
The case is assigned to Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Michael Luciano.
Reddy is represented by Joshua Hood, Esq., of Freehold.
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.
OSHA finds employers failed to ensure safe respirator use while testing hundreds daily
August 4, 2021
LAKEWOOD, NJ (OCEAN)–A Central New Jersey medical facility and temporary staffing agency failed to ensure the safety and health of nurses giving flu shots and testing potentially infectious patients for the coronavirus earlier this year, a U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration investigation has found.
OSHA’s investigation – initiated in January in response to a complaint – found that Lakewood Resource and Referral Center did not provide medical evaluations to determine each employee’s ability to use a respirator before they required workers to use them, and failed to fit test employees required to wear respirators. The agency proposed $273,064 after citing the facility for two willful violations. In 2020, OSHA cited the facility for similar hazards after the company failed to protect staff providing medical and dental care from coronavirus.
Investigators also found Homecare Therapies failed to ensure medical evaluations were done and did not provide fit tests for workers required to use respirators. OSHA cited the staffing agency for two serious citations with $13,653 in proposed penalties.
“A safe and healthful workplace is every worker’s right and every employer’s responsibility,” said OSHA Area Office Director Paula Dixon-Roderick in Marlton, New Jersey. “In this case, both employers failed to protect vital frontline healthcare workers from exposure to the coronavirus.”
Lakewood Resource and Referral Center Inc., which operates as the Center for Health, Education, Medicine and Dentistry in Lakewood, contracted with Homecare Therapies – doing business as Horizon Healthcare Staffing – in October 2020 for temporary nurses to assist staff with the administration of flu vaccines initially. After the assignments began, the facility required nurses to administer 200 to 300 coronavirus tests each day for patients and the public.
Founded in 2009, Lakewood Resource and Referral Center Inc. provides preventative, treatment and health education services in Lakewood and the surrounding areas. Licensed in New York and accredited in New Jersey, Homecare Therapies LLC has operations in Manalapan. It has provided services in the New York metropolitan area since 1992.
Read more about feasible and acceptable means of abatement for this hazard.
The employers have 15 business days from receipt of their citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
On March 12, OSHA launched a national emphasis program focusing enforcement efforts on companies that put the largest number of workers at serious risk of contracting the coronavirus. The program also prioritizes employers that retaliate against workers for complaints about unsafe or unhealthy conditions, or for exercising other rights protected by federal law.
On June 10, OSHA also issued an emergency temporary standard to protect healthcare workers from contracting coronavirus. The ETS became effective immediately upon publication in the Federal Register.
View OSHA’s COVID-19 information and resources. Agency Occupational Safety & Health Administration Date August 4, 2021Release Number 21-1430-NEW
Local Police Departments Involved: Manalapan Police Department, Marlboro Police Department, Monroe Police Department, Holmdel Police Department
May 3, 2021
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–
Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal today announced arrests of four individuals who have been charged in a multi-agency investigation for allegedly conspiring as members of a criminal ring responsible for numerous residential burglaries across much of New Jersey.
The participating law enforcement agencies have worked collaboratively to investigate 84 burglaries that were committed from October 2020 through March 2021 in eight counties in New Jersey—Morris, Bergen, Essex, Somerset, Passaic, Monmouth, Middlesex, and Union—as well as lower New York State. As detailed in the statement of probable cause in the criminal complaints filed against the defendants, the burglaries involved a similar modus operandi and it is suspected that the same burglary ring was involved in each of them. The perpetrators of the burglaries forced entry through a doorway, usually in the afternoon or early evening, and then stole cash, jewelry, and other valuables from the master bedroom and/or other areas of the residence. Well over half a million dollars in cash, jewelry, and other valuables were stolen in total in the 84 burglaries.
The four individuals who were arrested have been charged by the Division of Criminal Justice Specialized Crimes Bureau in connection with 16 of those burglaries that occurred in Morris, Bergen, Essex, Somerset, Passaic, and Union Counties. However, the investigation is ongoing and further charges may be filed in connection with the other burglaries. Investigators urge anyone who might have relevant information about the defendants or any of the burglaries to call the Division of Criminal Justice confidentially at 866-TIPS-4CJ.
The final defendant to be arrested, Keith Perry, was arrested on Friday, April 30, in North Carolina by the U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force on a warrant obtained by the Division of Criminal Justice. He is being held in Union County (N.C.) Jail pending extradition. The other three defendants were arrested in early April in New Jersey and were ordered detained pending trial.
The following four defendants were charged by complaint-warrant with the offenses listed (one count of each offense unless otherwise indicated):
After Perry was involved in a car accident in Hackensack, N.J., on March 17, 2021, investigators obtained a search warrant for the Mercedes-Benz GL 450 he was driving and found proceeds from one of the burglaries in the car. On Feb. 12, 2021, Porsche Brown used a pawn shop in Vineland to pawn a significant amount of jewelry that is being investigated as suspected burglary proceeds.
The multi-agency investigation was led by the Division of Criminal Justice, New Jersey State Police, Verona Police Department, New Milford Police Department, and Teaneck Police Department, assisted by the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office, and the 40 additional municipal police departments listed below.
“This is an outstanding example of law enforcement collaboration,” said Attorney General Grewal. “We worked with law enforcement agencies across nearly half of New Jersey to identify and arrest the alleged members of this burglary ring, who sought cash, jewelry, and other valuables in the targeted residences, including homes that were occupied during the break-ins. With each burglary in a new town, law enforcement forged a new partnership to address this threat and shut down this major crime spree.”
“I commend all of the law enforcement agencies that partnered in this investigation, sharing evidence and working to stop this alleged prolific burglary ring,” said Director Veronica Allende of the Division of Criminal Justice. “The strength of law enforcement in New Jersey is enhanced by our strong collaborative relationships, which enabled us to identify and arrest these defendants.”
“Every agency involved with this investigation understood that it was paramount that we identify and apprehend the members of this ring, because their willingness to commit these crimes while homeowners were present demonstrated that they were prepared to engage in confrontation, which could easily have escalated into violence,” said Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “This investigation is an example of how the New Jersey law enforcement community can quickly band together and coordinate across multiple jurisdictions to dismantle a dangerous burglary ring.”
“As Attorney General Grewal said, this case highlighted the exceptional partnership shared among law enforcement agencies in New Jersey,” said Chief Christopher Kiernan of the Verona Police Department. “I must applaud Verona Detective TJ Conroy and Detective Lieutenant Timothy Banta who stayed with this case from the day of the Verona burglary in early December. They broke many leads that directly resulted in these arrests. Detective Conroy’s tenacious work was a shining example of Verona Police Department’s dedication to our community. He and Lieutenant Banta never let go and put in countless hours researching an enormous number of cases throughout the state, identifying similarities to Verona’s burglary. Much credit also should be given to Cedar Grove Police Officer Dominick Buscio. While on diligent patrol, Officer Buscio heard the transmission of our burglary in progress and located the suspect vehicle traveling through Cedar Grove, thereby securing a critical piece of evidence. These efforts and the teamwork of all of the participating agencies ultimately led to the successful arrests of those responsible for numerous burglaries throughout the state.”
Deputy Attorney General Attorney Matthew Lafargue, Detective Scott Caponi, and Detective Sang Han are assigned to the investigation for the Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ) Specialized Crimes Bureau, under the supervision of Deputy Bureau Chief Jacqueline Smith, Deputy Chief of Detectives Robert Stemmer, Bureau Chief Erik Daab, Chief of Detectives Weldon Powell, and DCJ Deputy Director Annmarie Taggart. DCJ Detective Shawn Gorlin, who is a member of the U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force, led the fugitive investigation. Attorney General Grewal thanked the U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force for their invaluable assistance.
Detective Sgt. Brian Kearns, Investigator Erica Benedetti, and Investigator Jessica Butt participated in the investigation for the New Jersey State Police.
Detective Thomas J Conroy III is lead detective on the case for the Verona Police Department, under the supervision of Lt. Tim Banta.
The investigation by the New Milford Police Department Detective Bureau is being supervised and conducted by Lt. Kevin VanSanders, Detective Sgt. Nelson Perez, Detective Derek Mattessich, Detective Brian Carlino, and Officer Adam Conboy.
Detective Gabriel Santiago is the lead detective for the Teaneck Detective Bureau.
Attorney General Grewal thanked all of the participating law enforcement agencies for their work in the investigation.
In addition to the law enforcement agencies listed above, the following police departments participated in the collaborative investigation: Bedminster Police Department, Berkeley Heights Police Department, Bernardsville Police Department, Boonton Police Department, Bridgewater Police Department, Cedar Grove Police Department, Clarkstown (N.Y.) Police Department, Clinton Township Police Department, Englewood Police Department, Fairview Police Department, Glen Rock Police Department, Hackensack Police Department, Haledon Police Department, Harrington Park Police Department, Holmdel Police Department, Little Falls Police Department, Livingston Police Department, Madison Police Department, Manalapan Police Department, Marlboro Police Department, Milburn Police Department, Monroe Police Department, Montclair Police Department, Montville Police Department, North Caldwell Police Department, North Haledon Police Department, Northvale Police Department, Paramus Police Department, Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department, Pearl River (N.Y.) Police Department, Randolph Police Department, Tenafly Police Department, Totowa Police Department, Warren Township Police Department, Washington Township Police Department (Bergen County), Watchung Police Department, Wayne Police Department, West Orange Police Department, Woodcliff Lake Police Department, and Wyckoff Police Department.
Second-degree charges carry a sentence of five to 10 years in state prison and a criminal fine of up to $150,000, while third-degree charges carry a sentence of three to five years in state prison and a fine of up to $15,000.
The charges are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Defense Attorneys
For Perry: Undetermined.
For Porsche Brown: Kevin G. Roe, Esq., Hackensack, N.J.
For Kay Brown: Richard J. Baldi, Esq., Baldi & Marotta, Paterson, N.J.
For Lewis: Adamo Ferreira, Esq., Hackensack, N.J.
January 19, 2021
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–A 65-year-old science teacher at Long Branch Middle School was arrested this morning and charged with one count of third-degree attempted endangering the welfare of a child, Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri reported.
Jesse Rosenbaum was taken into custody during a motor vehicle stop near his home in Manalapan by detectives with the prosecutor’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit and Special Victims Unit (SVU). He is being held in the Mercer County Correction Center pending a detention hearing.
Rosenbaum was the subject of a recent ICAC investigation into the sexual exploitation of children online. The investigation revealed he was soliciting underage males online to participate in sexual acts and also sexual conversation. The complaint alleges Rosenbaum engaged in sexually explicit emails, text messages and phone conversations with an individual he believed to be a 14-year-old male.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information on this investigation should contact Sgt. Joe Paglione of the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit at (609) 273-0065.
January 19, 2021
Update Gofundme accounts of Ramirez and Rochford are located at these links:
Jonathan Ramirez Memorial Fund
MANALAPAN, NJ (MONMOUTH)–At approximately 9:31 p.m. on Saturday January 16, Manalapan police responded to a single motor vehicle crash on Route 9 North, just south of Smallwood Lane. The investigation by the Monmouth County SCART Team and Manalapan Police Department revealed that a 2004 Infiniti G35, was travelling northbound when the driver lost control and left the roadway. The vehicle collided with a curb, utility pole and a guiderail, prior to coming to a final stop in a wooded area approximately 100 yards from where the vehicle left the roadway.
There were 2 occupants in the vehicle, the driver, Jonathan Ramirez, 20, and Justin Rochford, 20, both of Spotswood. Rochford was pronounced dead on the scene. Ramirez was taken to a local hospital where he was later pronounced deceased, at 1:24 a.m.
If anyone witnessed the crash, please contact Monmouth County Detective Kristian DeVito at 800-533-7443 or Manalapan Police Department Patrolman Matthew Porricelli or Detective Dominic Donatelli at 732-446-4300
October 12, 2020
JACKSON TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–At approximately 12:49 am on Saturday October 10, 2020, officers responded to a residence located on Begonia Court in Sixty Acres on the report of a disturbance. While on scene investigating the incident, officers were informed that a male who had also been involved in the disturbance was at Hackensack Meridian Health Ocean Medical Center in Brick seeking treatment for a stab wound to his arm.
Police Officer Kevin Scheuerman and Det. Robert Reiff responded to the hospital to interview the victim who advised that during the course of the disturbance, a male suspect retrieved a knife in the residence and stabbed the victim in the arm. The suspect had fled the residence after the incident and was unable to be located during the investigation. Det. Reiff prepared complaint warrants charging the suspect with aggravated assault, unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and he is currently entered as a New Jersey wanted person. The suspect was identified as: Timothy Brown (pictured) , age 53 of Begonia Court, Jackson. He also had a previous address on Justin Way in Manalapan.
Anyone who has information of Mr. Brown’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Det. Reiff at the Jackson Police Department at 732-928-1111 or through the department’s Stop It app.- The media and the public are reminded that any persons arrested or charged with any offenses or crimes are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
October 8, 2020
Visit: https://www.monmouthcountyvotes.com/ for the latest voting information in Monmouth County
FREEHOLD, NJ (MONMOUTH)–As you may be aware, this year’s November General Election in New Jersey is being conducted primarily by mail-in ballots, per State mandate. On November 3, 2020, Election Day, limited polling locations will be open for voting on paper provisional ballots only, except for disabled voters.
Voters across Monmouth County are receiving their mail-in ballots this week and are encouraged to contact the County Clerk’s Election Office at 732-431-7790, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with any questions about the delivery of their ballots.
Due to this unprecedented change in our election process, Monmouth County Clerk Christine Giordano Hanlon has provided a comprehensive webpage on MonmouthCountyVotes.com, explaining this year’s election process.
In addition, our office has provided video tutorials, including an animated step-by-step video informing Monmouth County voters of how to properly complete and return their mail-in ballots. The tutorial also explains how the paper ballots are reviewed and verified by the Monmouth County Board of Elections.
The video can be viewed on our Facebook and YouTube pages. We encourage you to share this important information with your friends and neighbors.
Election Hotline Established to Secure Election Integrity
To help ensure free and fair elections in Monmouth County, the County Election Offices and Prosecutor’s Office have established an election hotline. To report any issues of voter fraud or misconduct in Monmouth County, residents can call the County Prosecutor’s Office hotline at 855-786-5878.
“Our democratic system of government depends on free and fair elections and, as such, election integrity and security is important to all of us,” said County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni and County Clerk Christine Giordano Hanlon. “For these reasons, our offices are working together to further safeguard the electoral process.”
Monmouth County Secure Ballot Dropbox Locations:
| Location | Address | Entry | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aberdeen Municipal Building | 1 Aberdeen Square Aberdeen, NJ 07747 | |
| 2 | Allentown Borough Hall | 8 North Main Street Allentown, NJ 08501 | |
| 3 | Asbury Park City Hall | 1 Municipal Plaza Asbury Park, NJ 07712 | City Council Chambers (Bangs Avenue Entrance) |
| 4 | Borough of Belmar Municipal Building | 601 Main Street Belmar, NJ 07719 | |
| 5 | Eatontown Borough Municipal Building | 47 Broad Street Eatontown, NJ 07724 | Rear Entrance |
| 6 | Board of Elections Office | 300 Halls Mill Road Freehold, NJ 07728 | Side Entrance |
| 7 | Hazlet Agency – NJ Motor Vehicle Commission | 1374 Highway 36 Hazlet, NJ 07730 | Airport Plaza |
| 8 | Howell Township Municipal Building | 4567 Route 9 North Howell, NJ 07731 | Rear Entrance |
| 9 | Long Branch City Hall | 344 Broadway Long Branch, NJ 07740 | |
| 10 | Manalapan Township Municipal Building | 120 County Road 522 Manalapan, NJ 07726 | |
| 11 | Middletown Municipal Building | 1 Kings Highway Middletown Township, NJ 07748 | |
| 12 | Croydon Hall | 900 Leonardville Road Leonardo, NJ 07737 | |
| 13 | Neptune Township Municipal Building | 25 Neptune Boulevard Neptune, NJ 07753 | Library Entrance |
| 14 | Ocean Township Town Hall | 399 Monmouth Road Oakhurst, NJ 07755 | |
| 15 | Red Bank Borough Municipal Building | 90 Monmouth Street Red Bank, NJ 07701 | |
| 16 | Rumson Borough Hall | 80 East River Road Rumson, NJ 07760 | |
| 17 | Wall Township Municipal Building | 2700 Allaire Road Wall, NJ 07719 |
October 1, 2020
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that Edward Chandler, 54, of Manalapan, was charged with Aggravated Assault in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1b(1) relative to an incident which occurred outside the Lakeside Diner in Lacey Township during the evening hours of September 30, 2020.
On September 30, 2020, at approximately 7:30 p.m., Lacey Township Police received a 911 call in reference to a male who was reported to be unresponsive at the Lakeside Diner on Lacey Road. Responding Officers found Robert Clarke, 78, of Whiting, unconscious and bleeding from an apparent head wound. Clarke was airlifted to Jersey Shore Medical Center. Clarke succumbed at approximately 1:30 a.m. and was pronounced deceased at the hospital.
An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Lacey Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit revealed that an argument had taken place inside the diner between members of a motorcycle club. The owner of the diner asked everyone involved in the altercation to leave the premises. A second argument involving the same parties arose in the parking lot of the diner. During this argument, Chandler struck Mr. Clarke with a closed fist, causing the victim to fall to the ground resulting in severe head trauma. Chandler was taken into custody and transported to the Ocean County Jail where he is currently lodged pending a detention hearing.
“This is an active and ongoing investigation. We are continuing to interview potential witnesses, and are awaiting the results of Mr. Clarke’s post-mortem examination by the Ocean County Medical Examiner. I fully expect that additional charges will be forthcoming,” Prosecutor Billhimer stated.
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Lacey Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit for their collaborative assistance in connection with this investigation.
The press and public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
September 22, 2020
ALLENTOWN, NJ (MONMOUTH)–An Allentown resident told MidJersey.News that around 11 pm last night a delivery crew installed a Vote-By-Mail Drop Box in front of Allentown at Borough Hall on Main Street. There are currently 17 Vote-By-Mail Drop Box locations for Monmouth County, this is the furthest west serving Western Monmouth County.
A current list of Vote-By-Mail Drop Box locations for Monmouth County can be found here.
Pursuant to State law, the November 3, 2020 General Election will be conducted primarily by Mail-In Ballot in New Jersey.
If you wish to place your Mail-In Ballot in a secure drop box, below are the locations throughout the County which will be available starting the week of September 15. Addresses in the list below are clickable and will bring up Google Maps.
Voters can drop their voted Mail-In Ballot into these Board of Elections Drop Boxes anywhere in the County up until 8 p.m. on November 3, 2020. You do not have to be a resident of the town where the drop box is located. Be advised that these drop boxes are under video surveillance and are monitored by the Monmouth County Board of Elections, which can be reached at 732-431-7802.
For more information about the General Election process, click here.
| Location | Address | Entry | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aberdeen Municipal Building | 1 Aberdeen Square Aberdeen, NJ 07747 | |
| 2 | Allentown Borough Hall | 8 North Main Street Allentown, NJ 08501 | |
| 3 | Asbury Park City Hall | 1 Municipal Plaza Asbury Park, NJ 07712 | City Council Chambers (Bangs Avenue Entrance) |
| 4 | Borough of Belmar Municipal Building | 601 Main Street Belmar, NJ 07719 | |
| 5 | Eatontown Borough Municipal Building | 47 Broad Street Eatontown, NJ 07724 | Rear Entrance |
| 6 | Board of Elections Office | 300 Halls Mill Road Freehold, NJ 07728 | Side Entrance |
| 7 | Hazlet Agency – NJ Motor Vehicle Commission | 1374 Highway 36 Hazlet, NJ 07730 | Airport Plaza |
| 8 | Howell Township Municipal Building | 4567 Route 9 North Howell, NJ 07731 | Rear Entrance |
| 9 | Long Branch City Hall | 344 Broadway Long Branch, NJ 07740 | |
| 10 | Manalapan Township Municipal Building | 120 County Road 522 Manalapan, NJ 07726 | |
| 11 | Middletown Municipal Building | 1 Kings Highway Middletown Township, NJ 07748 | |
| 12 | Croydon Hall | 900 Leonardville Road Leonardo, NJ 07737 | |
| 13 | Neptune Township Municipal Building | 25 Neptune Boulevard Neptune, NJ 07753 | Library Entrance |
| 14 | Ocean Township Town Hall | 399 Monmouth Road Oakhurst, NJ 07755 | |
| 15 | Red Bank Borough Municipal Building | 90 Monmouth Street Red Bank, NJ 07701 | |
| 16 | Rumson Borough Hall | 80 East River Road Rumson, NJ 07760 | |
| 17 | Wall Township Municipal Building | 2700 Allaire Road Wall, NJ 07719 |
Violations Include Price Gouging and False Claims in Advertising and Sale of PPE, COVID-19 Antibody Tests, and Other Items
Local violators in the story below:
Compare Foods Super Market, 847 Roebling Avenue, Trenton,$1,250
Bravo Supermarket, Inc., 1567 E. State Street, Trenton,$5,750
Performance Supply LLC, 3 Westbrook Way, Manalapan,$12,500
Exxon Gas, 2000 Route 66 East, Neptune
September 21, 2020
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal and the Division of Consumer Affairs today announced actions against a dozen merchants for consumer protection violations related to COVID-19, with penalties totaling tens of thousands of dollars. Among those subject to enforcement actions are two North Jersey businesses that allegedly made false or unsubstantiated claims in the sale of COVID-19 antibody tests and a Monmouth County business that was selling face masks at as much as six times the manufacturer’s retail prices.
These actions are the latest of many taken by the Division to address the unprecedented number of consumer complaints and referrals received during the current public health emergency.
To date, the Division has sent 1,884 cease and desist letters to retailers suspected of price gouging and other unconscionable business practices during the coronavirus pandemic, and issued 110 subpoenas seeking additional information in its investigations of alleged violations of the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act.
“Since the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak, we made clear that we would take a tough stand on price gouging and other abuses of New Jersey consumers,” said Attorney General Grewal. “Enlisting the help of residents to report unconscionable practices works. Most businesses are following the law. For those that are not, these actions are a reminder that the penalties for violations are significant.”
The Notices of Violation (NOVs) filed in this latest round of enforcement actions carry individual penalties ranging from $500 to $12,500, depending on the severity and number of violations.
The single largest civil penalty was assessed against Performance Supply LLC, for allegedly making false and misleading statements in advertising N95 mask respirators for sale to personnel from the New York City Office of Citywide Procurement. The Division alleges that the company’s quote misleadingly suggested the company is an authorized dealer or distributor for 3M Company and offered to sell seven million face masks that retailed between $1.02 and $1.31 for $6.05 and $6.35 each.
Two businesses were cited for making false or unsubstantiated claims in the sale of COVID-19 antibody tests. Hudson Drug of Cresskill was assessed $3,000 in civil penalties for advertising that the COVID-19 antibody tests it sold were suitable for at-home use, contrary to the manufacturer’s instructions. Retro Fitness of Rockaway was assessed a $2,000 civil penalty for allegedly making unsubstantiated claims related to antibody testing made available to club members via a health and wellness center affiliated with the club.
“The Division is working tirelessly during this pandemic to protect consumers from threats to their health in the form of unsubstantiated claims and predatory pricing on personal protective equipment,” said Acting Director Paul R. Rodríguez. “We are committed to reviewing and investigating every complaint to ensure that merchants operate responsibly and refrain from unscrupulous behaviors, including violating our price gouging laws, at a time when many New Jerseyans are facing significant financial hardship.”
New Jersey’s price-gouging law, which took effect on March 9 upon Governor Murphy’s declaration of a state of emergency, prohibits excessive price increases during a declared state of emergency and for 30 days after its termination. A price increase is considered excessive if the new price is more than 10 percent higher than the price charged during the normal course of business prior to the state of emergency, and the increased price is not attributable to additional costs imposed by the seller’s supplier or additional costs of providing the product or service during the state of emergency.
Price-gouging and other consumer fraud violations are punishable by civil penalties of up to $10,000 for the first violation and $20,000 for the second and subsequent violations. Violators may also be required to pay consumer restitution, attorney’s fees, and investigative fees, and will be subject to injunctive relief.
The following merchants received NOVs and were assessed civil penalties for alleged price gouging on essential items such as bottled water, rice, face masks and disinfectant spray:
The following merchants received NOVs and were each assessed $500 in civil penalties for their alleged failure to post selling prices for merchandise such as bottled water, toilet paper and sanitizers, a violation of the Merchandise Pricing Statute:
Consumers who suspect consumer fraud violations, or believe that businesses have unfairly increased their prices in response to COVID-19, are encouraged to file complaints online to report specific details related to the increased prices. Photographs of items being sold, their price, and receipts can now be uploaded to our new price gouging complaint form.
* * *
The mission of the Division of Consumer Affairs, within the Department of Law and Public Safety, is to protect the public from fraud, deceit, misrepresentation and professional misconduct in the sale of goods and services in New Jersey through education, advocacy, regulation and enforcement. The Division pursues its mission through its 51 professional and occupational boards that oversee 720,000 licensees in the state, its Regulated Business section that oversees 60,000 NJ registered businesses, as well as through its Office of Consumer Protection, Bureau of Securities, Charities Registration section, Office of Weights and Measures, and Legalized Games of Chance section.
Many gyms reopened this morning, check with your local gym prior to working out.
September 1, 2020
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Governor Phil Murphy has allowed gyms to reopen today with a 25% capacity, you also have to wear a mask and follow other rules while working out.
In Robbinsville the crowds were light during lunch hour for the reopening of the gyms visit Jersey Stong’s web page for modified hours, cleaning schedules and other club information. It is highly recommended to download the Jersey Strong App to see what the club capacity is prior to visiting the gym. The application gives you an exact number of how many are working out in the club at one time.
The crowd was also light at Planet Fitness in Hamilton during lunch hour. Planet Fitness also has modified hours and is using a Crowd Meter available on the Planet Fitness App to give you a heads up how busy the gym is prior to arrival. There were not many cars in the parking lot at Planet Fitness during lunch hour and nothing was registering on the Crowd Meter.
Robert Wood Johnson Fitness and Wellness Center is set to reopen on Monday September 8, 2020 at 5:00 am. See RWJ Fitness and Wellness announcement here.
For Jersey Strong covid-19 reopening information go to this link.
Planet Fitness Covid-19 information here
Robert Wood Johnson Fitness and Welness Center
Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control Imposes Record-High $4 Million Penalties on Wholesalers Allied Beverage Group & Fedway Associates Following Two-Year Investigation into Their Misuse of Rebate Programs.
September 1, 2020
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal and the Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control (“ABC”) today announced that New Jersey’s two largest wine and spirits wholesalers will pay $4 million each to resolve findings that they engaged in discriminatory trade practices that unfairly favored their largest retail customers. In addition, twenty retailers statewide will pay a total of $2.3 million for their part in the unlawful scheme.
In separate Consent Orders with ABC, wholesalers Allied Beverage Group and Fedway Associates agreed to pay record-high monetary penalties and change their business practices to resolve trade violations uncovered during a sweeping two-year investigation by ABC’s Enforcement and Investigations Bureaus.
The investigation found that the wholesalers – which together account for approximately 70% of all wine and 80% of all spirits sold at wholesale in the State – unfairly favored 20 of the State’s largest wine and spirits retailers and put smaller retailers at a competitive disadvantage by manipulating the retailer incentive program (RIP), granting credit extensions and interest-free loans, and engaging in other discriminatory practices.
“Simply put, Allied Beverage Group and Fedway Associates rigged the market in favor of a handpicked group of powerful retailers, leaving smaller businesses struggling to compete. The unprecedented monetary penalties imposed reflect the egregiousness of this conduct and the widespread negative impact it had on New Jersey consumers and retailers,” said Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal. “This settlement sends a clear message that we will not tolerate this manipulative and anticompetitive behavior.”
The RIPs provide cash rebates payed to retailers by wholesalers for purchasing certain quantities of alcoholic beverages. ABC regulations control the program by making RIPs available to all retailers on a non-discriminatory basis, by keeping the RIP payments to retailers relatively small, and by not allowing wholesalers to substitute RIPs for interest-free loans.
The investigation found that Allied Beverage Group and Fedway Associates were giving chosen retailers a financial advantage by issuing rebates more often and in greater amounts than allowed. They also failed to wait the required 30 days before issuing rebates, thus allowing those retailers to use that money to pay for the orders for which the rebates were issued, which is against ABC regulations. Retailers who do not pay for orders within 30 days are put on an industry-wide cash-only delivery status, so the early rebates ensured that the larger retailers would have a ready cash flow to pay for their orders on time, giving them an unfair edge over smaller retailers who had to use their own money to pay for their wine and spirits orders within the required 30-day window. The investigation also found that Allied Beverage Group and Fedway Associates falsified records related to RIPs and/or used undocumented gift cards to make cash payments to chosen retailers that were not accounted for.
“Retail incentives are a legitimate marketing tool as long they are above board and available equally to all retailers. Discriminatory practices like these foster instability in the market by harming smaller retailers,” said James Graziano, Acting Director of the Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control. “If left unchecked, the ability of small retailers to remain in business may have been jeopardized and consumers would have less access to retail stores and the specialized product selections that they offer. We will continue to monitor industry practices to ensure an equal playing field in New Jersey’s alcoholic beverage retail industry and hold violators accountable for noncompliance.”
The monetary payments from Allied and Fedway are the largest in ABC’s history, and in addition, both entities each agreed to adopt a corrective action plan; employ a compliance monitor for two years; make upgrades to their computer systems; and facilitate the retirement, resignation and/or termination of certain employees.
The following retailers were charged with ABC violations that included accepting the delivery of alcoholic beverages from Allied and/or Fenway upon terms that violated ABC regulations; accepting a loan from a wholesaler to pay a wholesaler and/or avoid being placed on cash-on-delivery status; receiving a RIP before paying the invoice, receiving a RIP in excess of allowed maximum on a product. Each retailer entered a Consent Order with ABC to resolve the charges, with the following settlement terms:
August 7, 2020
FREEHOLD, NJ (MONMOUTH)–An Ocean County man pleaded guilty yesterday for his role in the shooting death of a Manalapan man in October 2019, announced Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni.
Gerard A. Grimes Jr., 24, of Jackson, pleaded guilty to first degree Aggravated Manslaughter and second degree Unlawful Possession of a Firearm before Monmouth County Superior Court Judge Marc C. LeMieux. Grimes admitted shooting five times at the three men who were chasing after him, one of the shots struck and killed 43-year-old Narcisco Rodriguez-Corona.
Grimes is expected to return for sentencing on Nov. 20, 2020. As part of his plea agreement, prosecutors will recommend a 12-year sentence in a New Jersey state prison on the Aggravated Manslaughter charge, subject to the provisions of the “No Early Release Act” (NERA), requiring him to serve 85 percent of his imposed sentence before becoming eligible for release on parole. Grimes would also be under parole supervision for five years following his prospective release from state prison. There will also be a recommendation for a seven-year state prison term to run concurrent with the other sentence included in his plea agreement.
The case involving Grimes co-defendants, Zoey S. Monte, 21, and Tyler J. Martucci, 23, both of Jackson, are still pending.
The case stems from an Oct. 5, 2019, call reporting shots fired with a victim. Manalapan police officers responded to the 9:34 p.m. call reporting a fight at 25 Fawn Run in the township. Several minutes later, police received another call for a confirmed shooting victim. Manalapan police officers arrived on scene and discovered Rodriguez-Corona suffering from a gunshot wound. He was transported to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, where he was pronounced deceased.
After receiving initial information regarding the incident, police began to search the area. A few hours later, police attempted a motor vehicle stop of Grimes’ vehicle, but he failed to stop. Thereafter, Grimes fled the vehicle. Monte and Martucci were also onboard the vehicle and were arrested at that time. A short time later, Grimes was found in the backyard of a neighborhood residence.
A joint investigation by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office and Manalapan Township Police Department revealed Grimes came to the Manalapan residence armed with a handgun. Grimes attempted to enter the residence while Monte and Martucci remained outside. Residents of the home were alerted to Grimes’ presence and attempted to stop him from entering, resulting in a brief confrontation outside the home. Shortly thereafter, a second encounter occurred nearby, where Grimes ultimately shot the victim. Grimes, Monte and Martucci all fled the area.
Monte was indicted on charges of one count of second degree Burglary, one count of second degree Conspiracy to Commit Burglary, one count of second degree Unlawful Possession of a Handgun, one count of second degree Possession of a Firearm for an Unlawful Purpose, one count of fourth degree Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, and one count of third degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose.
Martucci was indicted on one count of second degree Burglary, one count of second degree Conspiracy to Commit Burglary, one count of second degree Unlawful Possession of a Handgun, one count of second degree Possession of a Firearm for an Unlawful Purpose, one count of fourth degree Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, and one count of third degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose.
The case is assigned to Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutors Lawrence Nelson and Merlin Thomas.
Grimes is represented by Glenn Kassman, Esq. of Tinton Falls.
Monte is represented by John Perrone, Esq., of Long Branch.
Martucci is represented by Albert Kapin, Esq., of West Orange.
Despite these charges included in the indictment against Monte and Martucci, 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.
July 24, 2020
MANALAPAN, NJ (MONMOUTH) and MOUNT OLIVE TOWNSHIP, NJ (MORRIS)–The New Jersey State Police have arrested Dante Desadario, 21, of Manalapan, N.J., and Joseph Serpe, 37, of Staten Island, N.Y., and seized 110 bags of heroin during a traffic stop yesterday.
At 12:11 a.m., troopers from Netcong Station stopped Desadario for a traffic violation on Interstate 80 in Mount Olive Township, Morris County. During the stop, troopers determined Desadario was under the influence and arrested him for DWI. After further investigation, troopers discovered Serpe was in possession of heroin and drug paraphernalia. He was arrested without incident.
Joseph Serpe was charged with possession of heroin, criminal under the influence, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Dante Desadario was charged with DWI. Both were released pending a court appearance.
Charges are mere accusations and the accused is considered innocent until proven guilty.
July 14, 2020
LAKEWOOD, NJ (OCEAN)–Robbinsville Ravens fell to Monmouth County Monarchs-Manalapan 3-2 at First Energy Park Stadium during the “Last Dance” High School World Series this afternoon.
Photo gallery:
June 16, 2020
MANALAPAN, NJ (MONMOUTH) and Newark, NJ–A Monmouth County, New Jersey, woman today admitted her role in a scheme to defraud a financial institution of hundreds of thousands of dollars, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Blanca A. Medina, 54, of Manalapan, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Stanley R. Chesler in Newark federal court to a one-count information charging her with conspiracy to commit bank fraud.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From 2015 to 2018, Medina conspired with others to fraudulently obtain mortgage loans from “Mortgage Lender A” in Monmouth County to finance the purchase of properties by unqualified buyers. Applicants for mortgage loans are required to list their assets and income on their mortgage loan applications, and mortgage lenders rely on those applications when deciding whether to issue mortgage loans.
Medina, a former loan officer for Mortgage Lender A, admitted to participating in a conspiracy in which she knowingly caused completed mortgage loan applications that contained multiple misrepresentations of material facts regarding the buyers’ assets and income to be submitted to Mortgage Lender A. A conspirator provided Medina with false and fraudulent documents for potential borrowers including false and fraudulent lease agreements, bank statements, and a gift check and gift letter. Based on these lies, Mortgage Lender A issued mortgage loans to unqualified buyers, which caused Mortgage Lender A hundreds of thousands of dollars in losses.
The conspiracy charge to which Medina pleaded guilty carries a maximum of 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine. Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 20, 2020.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Douglas Korneski in Newark, and Special Agents of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Robert Manchak, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Fayer of the Economic Crimes Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Charlie Divine of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, Office of Inspector General.
20-181
Defense counsel: Peter J. Koulikourdis Esq., Hackensack, New Jersey
May 27, 2020
MANALAPAN, NJ (MONMOUTH)–Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Margaret Garnett, the Commissioner of the New York City Department of Investigation (“DOI”), announced the arrest of RONALD ROMANO for attempting to deceive and price gouge New York City (the “City”) into paying him and his co-conspirators approximately $45 million for personal protective equipment that ROMANO did not possess and was not authorized to sell. ROMANO committed this scheme in an attempt to exploit NYC as it was trying to manage the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and obtain these resources to help protect the lives of hospital and other frontline workers. ROMANO is charged in a criminal Complaint, unsealed today, with one count of conspiring to commit wire fraud, one count of wire fraud, and one count of conspiring to violate the Defense Production Act. ROMANO will be presented this afternoon in Manhattan federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ona T. Wang.
U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said: “As alleged, used car salesman Ronald Romano saw the current health emergency as an opportunity to cash in, using lies and deception in what he envisioned as a get-rich-quick scheme. Romano allegedly lied repeatedly about his authority and ability to sell large quantities of personal protective equipment to the City – equipment he knew was desperately needed for use by frontline medical workers and first responders. And he allegedly offered to sell this phantom equipment to the City at grossly inflated prices. Now Ronald Romano’s short-lived second career as a purveyor of vital protective gear is over.”
DOI Commissioner Margaret Garnett said: “At a time when the pandemic was ravaging New York City, this defendant greedily preyed on the City’s desperate need for protective equipment to stop the spread of the virus. But, instead of reaping millions of dollars, the scheme received a dose of old-fashioned, New York City skepticism from procurement specialists at the City’s Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS), when the City called the supposed manufacturer to confirm the astronomical asking price. The defendant’s ruse unraveled, and these City workers proved that heroes have an array of titles. I thank the Office of the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York for its partnership on this important investigation, one that demonstrates there is no tolerance, at any time, in particular during this crisis, for individuals who seek to victimize this City by holding essential workers’ safety hostage to price-gouging and fraud.”
According to the allegations in the Complaint unsealed in Manhattan federal court:[1]
In approximately February 2020, ROMANO, a used car dealer, began attempting to obtain for resale large quantities of personal protective equipment (“PPE”), including N95 respirators. In furtherance of the scheme, ROMANO, among other things, created a fictitious authorization letter in March 2020, which falsely represented that ROMANO’s company was authorized to sell millions of units of 3M-brand PPE. Shortly thereafter, in mid-March 2020, brokers acting on ROMANO’s behalf approached New York City (the “City”), which at the time was in critical need of legitimate, potentially lifesaving PPE, including respirators, in order to supply frontline healthcare workers and first responders during the COVID-19 public health emergency. During ensuing negotiations, ROMANO and others repeatedly made false and fraudulent representations regarding, among other things, their authority and ability to supply 3M-brand PPE manufactured in the United States, and their track record in other PPE deals. In an effort to close a deal for seven million N95 respirators, ROMANO, among other things, submitted a false and misleading references document to the City, which, among other things, listed a PPE deal with the Florida Division of Emergency Management (the “FDEM”) that had never occurred and separately provided a co-conspirator as a reference. ROMANO hoped to get profit quickly through the scheme. As he described in a message to a co-conspirator, “I’m working on a few deals that if I get any of them you might be buying a Ferrari.”
In furtherance of this scheme, ROMANO attempted to sell PPE at prices far above the prices at which he hoped to acquire the PPE, including after such PPE was designated as scarce materials under the Defense Production Act on March 25, 2020. ROMANO offered three-ply N99 facemasks to FDEM at prices marked up by more than 500% from the manufacturer’s prices, and he separately offered the City millions of 3M-brand N95 respirators at more than a 400% markup from the list price for such respirators.
* * *
ROMANO, 58, of Manalapan, New Jersey, is charged with one count of conspiring to commit wire fraud and one count of wire fraud, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison, and one count of conspiring to violate the Defense Production Act, which carries maximum sentence of not more than one year in prison. The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.
Mr. Berman praised the Special Agents of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York for their outstanding investigative work, and thanked the New York City Department of Investigation for their invaluable assistance with this matter. Mr. Berman also thanked the 3M Company for its assistance in the investigation.
Mr. Berman thanked the Department of Justice’s COVID-19 Hoarding and Price Gouging Task Force. Attorney General William P. Barr created the COVID-19 Hoarding and Price Gouging Task Force, led by Craig Carpenito, United States Attorney for District of New Jersey, who is coordinating efforts with the Antitrust Division and U.S. Attorneys across the country wherever illegal activity involving protective personal equipment occurs.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Nicholas W. Chiuchiolo and Timothy V. Capozzi are in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
April 24, 2020
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER) – For the first time ever, the annual Congressional Art Competition held by Rep. Chris Smith as part of a national competition for his district’s high school students, will be a “virtual” online show to ensure the safety of students, parents, teachers and the interested public.
In response to the coronavirus national emergency, the artwork, which is normally displayed for a month at the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton’s Lakefront Gallery, will be posted on Smith’s congressional website ensuring that the students who have worked for many months can still take part in the national competition.
“For these young student artists whose school year has been turned upside down by coronavirus, I am happy we found a way forward and I am grateful to the parents, judges and teachers for making needed adjustments,” Smith said.
“We received strong support for a virtual art competition rather than cancel the show outright due to COVID-19 restrictions,” Smith said. “Safety is paramount, and a virtual gallery enables us to proceed safely not only for the students and parents, but for the patients and workers at RWJ-Hamilton, which has in the past, graciously hosted the show,” he said.
“I am delighted that this year’s show wasn’t canceled, but continued as an online competition,” said Wall High School art teacher, Jill Alexander, who has been preparing her students to enter the show every year for the past six years. “Students in the 4th district are thankful for the great show that Congressman Chris Smith puts on each year, but especially this year because of the challenges everyone is facing.”
“We love going to Robert Wood Johnson’s impressive gallery, and unfortunately that just wasn’t possible this year. My students start working in September preparing their best artwork to submit, and this show is the highlight of the year for us.
“High school students across the country will miss the opportunity to participate in many events this year, including proms, sporting events and even graduation,” Alexander said. “We are really pleased the art competition survives.”
The 2020 show will be exhibited in a virtual art gallery, will use online judging, with winners to be announced in May. Smith’s three-member team of professional judges, whose works are also normally displayed at the show, will also have artwork posted in an online gallery.
This year, students who place in the competition—as best-of-show, and first, second and third runners-up and honorable mentions—will receive ribbons and all participants will be mailed Congressional Certificates, instead of being presented them in person.
The best-in-show winner will be displayed in the Capitol Building in Washington along the busy public corridor/tunnel between the Cannon House Office Building and the Capitol Building for one year with other winners from across the nation. All the artwork entered into Smith’s competition this year will be displayed in his online gallery for one year.
Every year the Congressional Institute sponsors this national high school art competition to recognize and foster artistic talent in each congressional district. Since the competition began in 1982, more than 650,000 high school students have participated. Participation in the contest is at the discretion of each Member office. Currently, the Institute plans to accept the top winning artwork from every congressional show in America by June 18 and hold a reception in Washington on July 22.
For information about the 2020 NJ-04 show or to view the 2019 and prior year winners visit Congressman Smith’s Congressional Art Competition web page.
MidJersey.News 
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