Category: Tinton Falls

Monmouth County, Tinton Falls

Woman Charged With Stealing $15K From Fundraiser Meant For Injured Motorist

December 18, 2023

FREEHOLD – A Tinton Falls woman has been criminally charged with organizing an online fundraiser for a Florida man severely injured in a car accident late last year and then stealing the more than $15,000 she raised, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced Monday.

Nicole C. Weidelman, 46, is charged with third-degree Theft by Deception.

An investigation led by Tinton Falls Police Department Detective William Rodriguez revealed that in November 2022, the intended fundraiser recipient was involved in a serious motor vehicle collision on I-95 in Florida. The recovery from the incident proved lengthy and costly, reportedly involving more than a dozen surgeries, a month and a half in the hospital, and the loss of an arm, necessitating a prosthetic.

The investigation revealed that Weidelman contacted the man’s mother, a longtime family friend, and offered to set up an online fundraiser to assist with the expenses incurred from the medical bills. But after raising slightly more than $15,000, Weidelman transferred the entirety of the raised sum into her own personal account via more than two dozen transactions, then provided numerous false explanations to the victims over the course of the next several months, before the theft was reported to authorities.

Weidelman was arrested and charged last week.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant Prosecutor Lawrence Nelsen, Director of the MCPO Financial Crimes and Public Corruption Bureau. Information about Weidelman’s legal representation was not immediately available.

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.  

Photo by EKATERINA BOLOVTSOVA on Pexels.com
Keyport, Monmouth County, Red Bank, Tinton Falls

Man And Girlfriend Charged With Trying To Bribe Sex Assault Victim To Prevent Cooperating In His Prosecution

March 29, 2023

FREEHOLD – A Monmouth County Grand Jury has returned a superseding indictment against a man and his girlfriend for jointly attempting to bribe the victim of a violent sexual assault in order to prevent her from cooperating in his prosecution, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced Wednesday.  

Kareem Lee, 32, and Erin Logan, 31, both of Keyport, are each charged with second-degree Conspiracy and second-degree Bribery of a Witness. Lee remains additionally charged with first-degree Armed Robbery, first-degree Aggravated Sexual Assault, and two related second-degree weapons offenses.  

Shortly after 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 21, 2022, members of the Tinton Falls Police Department were dispatched to a local motel on Route 33. Upon arrival, the victim told officers that she had been sexually assaulted at gunpoint by a man who had entered her room.

An investigation by members of the MCPO Special Victims Bureau and the Tinton Falls Police Department resulted in Lee being identified as a suspect in the case, and he was located and arrested by members of the Red Bank Police Department in Count Basie Park the next day.

Continued investigation revealed that on various dates in October and November 2022, Lee, Logan, and a third party offered a sum of cash to the victim in exchange for a signed and notarized document in which she would state that she did not wish to pursue the case against Lee. Logan was arrested in December 2022.

Investigators are actively seeking additional information about the activities of these defendants. Anyone with information regarding this matter is asked to contact Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Dawn Correia at 800-533-7443 or Tinton Falls Police Department Officer Christopher Mills at 732-542-4422.

The case is assigned to Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Danielle Zanzuccki, Director of the Special Victims Bureau. Lee and Logan both remain detained at the Monmouth County Correctional Institution (MCCI) pending future court proceedings; he is being represented by Michael Kuhns, Esq., with an office in Lawrence Township, while she is represented by Taylor DiBenedetto, Esq., with an office in New Brunswick.  

Convictions on first-degree criminal charges can be punishable by up to 20 years in state prison, while second-degree crimes can result in terms of up to 10 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.

Photo by Sora Shimazaki on Pexels.com
Monmouth County, Tinton Falls

Firefighters Battle House Fire In Tinton Falls, NJ

March 22, 2023

TINTON FALLS, NJ (MONMOUTH)–Yesterday March 21, 2023, around 4:11 p.m., 9-1-1 operators received a call from a homeowner stating that her house was on fire and fire departments were dispatched. When police arrived, they found a home “fully involved” First arriving firefighters stretched three hose lines, advanced two inside and one to the rear of the structure. From photos and video, it appeared that the fire involved the rear of the structure and spread up the rear of the building to the roof. Once the second floor of the structure was compromised the interior firefighters were evacuated from the structure and firefighters switched to defensive operations. The Monmouth County Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating. Firefighters operated for about two hours at the scene before clearing. No additional details are available at this time.  

Photos and video by: Ryan Mack, Jersey Shore Fire Response

Long Branch, Monmouth County, Tinton Falls

Monmouth Medical Center Takes Ownership of Former Fort Monmouth Property in Tinton Falls

December 20, 2022

LONG BRANCH, NJ (MONMOUTH)–Monmouth Medical Center (MMC), an RWJBarnabas Health (RWJBH) facility, has officially purchased the former Fort Monmouth property in Tinton Falls from the Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority (FMERA). The property, located at Corregidor Road and Pearl Harbor Avenue, will be the home of the Vogel Medical Campus at Tinton Falls. Construction of the state-of-the-art medical campus will begin in 2023 and was made possible by a historic $50 million gift to MMC from local philanthropists Sheldon and the late Anne Vogel.

The Vogel Medical Campus at Tinton Falls will bring world-class care to an easily accessible location where patients can receive health care services in one place – creating a seamless and exceptional experience. The outpatient center will feature comprehensive same-day surgery, advanced diagnostic imaging, and on-site specialty physician offices.  The cornerstone of the outpatient center is a comprehensive cancer center in partnership with Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, the state’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center.  All of these services will be provided in a park-like setting designed to promote a healing environment by embracing the natural landscape with green vistas and outdoor seating and walking areas.

“We are excited to take ownership of the property and begin the process of constructing a truly incredible facility. The Vogel Medical Campus will enable us to further our mission to deliver truly outstanding care to our community,” says Eric Carney, President and CEO of MMC and Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus. “As an expansion of the MMC campuses in Long Branch and Lakewood, the Vogel Medical Campus is located within the communities we currently serve and will be designed to meet the unique needs of our diverse and growing community now and in the future.”

The development of the Vogel Medical Campus is part of MMC’s mission to create an integrated outpatient network that helps patients maintain wellness and meet their evolving care needs. It is also supported by RWJBH’s expansive primary and specialty care provider network throughout the region. Recent advancements include:

  • MMC and its Unterberg Children’s Hospital expanded access to pediatric care and wellness programs through the Anne Vogel Family Care and Wellness Center at the Monmouth Mall in Eatontown. The center also provides access to the outstanding offerings of Children’s Specialized Hospital, also an RWJBH facility.  
  • MMC partnered with Monmouth University on the Linda Grunin Simulation Lab and Learning Center in West Long Branch, which is providing high-tech, hands-on learning experiences for medical residents, students and staff.

“The Vogel Medical Campus is another example of meeting the healthcare needs of our region in an effective, flexible and sustainable way,” says Bill Arnold, Executive Vice President and President of the Southern Region, RWJBH, and President and CEO of Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. “Our integrated network of inpatient and outpatient facilities, along with our outstanding providers, is ensuring high-quality care now and for generations to come.”

Monmouth Medical Center is the only hospital in the region to receive an “A” Hospital Safety Score by the Leapfrog Group for 16 consecutive rating periods. MMC was also named a top teaching hospital by the Leapfrog Group in 2021 and was named to the 2022 Newsweek list of “World’s Best Hospitals”.

As part of the outpatient center development at the Vogel Medical Campus, plans for transforming the site also include the option for a new acute care hospital, should there be a future need. This hospital would be an expansion of the care already provided at Monmouth Medical Center, and would operate in conjunction with the Long Branch campus.

“We are proud of the trust and confidence placed in us to transform healthcare in the region. Together, we will continue to work with our patients, families, clinicians and partners to advance healthcare in our communities,” says Carney.

Left to Right, Eric Carney, President & CEO, MMC and MMC Southern Campus; Mary Anne Nagy, Chair, MMC Board of Trustees; Bill Arnold, Executive Vice President and President of the Southern Region, RWJBH, and President and CEO of Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital

Monmouth County, Tinton Falls

Monmouth County Man Charged With Promoting Prostitution Of A Child, Endangering Welfare Of Child, Hindering Apprehension, Narcotics Offences, Criminal Sexual Contact And Obstruction

November 21, 2022

TINTON FALLS, NJ (MONMOUTH)–A local man has been arrested and charged with promoting the prostitution of a teenager at a Tinton Falls motel, along with numerous additional crimes, Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced Monday.

Jerome L. Harbour, 41, is charged with first-degree Promoting Prostitution of a Child, third-degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child via Sexual Conduct, third-degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child via Non-Sexual Conduct, third-degree Hindering Apprehension, four third-degree narcotics offenses, fourth-degree Criminal Sexual Contact, and fourth-degree Obstruction of Justice.

On Wednesday, November 16, members of the Tinton Falls Police Department received information that a 17-year-old female may be in crisis somewhere in the area of Eatontown or Tinton Falls. A subsequent search of the area led officers to a motel near the interchange of Route 18, Route 36, and the Garden State Parkway. When officers knocked on the door of the room where Harbour was staying, he denied any knowledge of the whereabouts of the teen in question, but moments later she was found hidden in his room.

The victim was then taken to safety, and a subsequent investigation involving members of the MCPO Special Victims Bureau and the Tinton Falls Police Department uncovered evidence leading to the aforementioned criminal charges, including information that Harbour had discarded the victim’s cell phone in a neighboring town. In addition, a search of Harbour’s room uncovered quantities of suspected cocaine, oxycodone, and two types of prescription tranquilizers.

Harbour was subsequently transported to the Monmouth County Correctional Institution (MCCI) to await a first appearance and detention hearing in Monmouth County Superior Court.

This case is being prosecuted by Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Ashley Behre. Information about Harbour’s legal representation was not immediately available.

A recent photo of Harbour is being released along with this press release. Anyone with information about this matter or Harbour’s recent activities is urged to contact MCPO Detective Kayla Santiago at 800-533-7443 or Tinton Falls Police Department Detective Sergeant Daniel Osofsky at 732-542-4422.

Anyone who feels the need to remain anonymous but has information about this or any crime can submit a tip to Monmouth County Crime Stoppers by calling their confidential telephone tip-line 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.

Convictions on first-degree criminal charges are commonly punishable by up to 20 years in state prison.

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.

Jerome L. Harbour, 41, is charged with first-degree Promoting Prostitution of a Child, third-degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child via Sexual Conduct, third-degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child via Non-Sexual Conduct, third-degree Hindering Apprehension, four third-degree narcotics offenses, fourth-degree Criminal Sexual Contact, and fourth-degree Obstruction of Justice.

Monmouth County, Tinton Falls

Two Dead In Tinton Falls Crash

September 2, 2022

TINTON FALLS, NJ (MONMOUTH)-– A two-vehicle collision in Tinton Falls that left two people dead yesterday evening remains under investigation, Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Lori Linskey announced Friday.

Shortly after 7 p.m. on Thursday, September 1, members of the Monmouth County Serious Collision Analysis Response Team (SCART), the Prosecutor’s Office, and the Tinton Falls Police Department responded to the area of Shafto Road (County Route 547) and Asbury Avenue (County Road 16). At that location, first responders located the two vehicles involved in the collision: a 2021 Audi S6 driven by a 36-year-old male resident of Manalapan, and a 2005 Ford Freestyle driven by a 52-year-old female resident of Brick Township.

The female motorist was pronounced deceased at the scene, while the male driver was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries a short while later. There were no passengers in either vehicle, and the identities of the drivers are being temporarily withheld pending family notification.

The crash remains under investigation by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, Monmouth County SCART and Tinton Falls Police Department. Anyone who may have witnessed the collision or has any information about it is urged to contact MCPO Detective Brian Boryszewski at 800-533-7443 or Tinton Falls Police Department Corporal David Ebert at 732-542-4422.

Keyport, Monmouth County, Tinton Falls

Keyport Man Charged With Robbery And Aggravated Sexual Assault In Tinton Falls

July 25, 2022

FREEHOLD – A Keyport man has been charged with robbery and aggravated sexual assault as a result of an assault and an attempted theft that took place Thursday in Tinton Falls, Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Lori Linskey announced Tuesday.

Kareem Lee, 31, was charged with first-degree Robbery, as well as first-degree Aggravated Sexual Assault with an Armed Weapon after threatening to rob the victim of money and sexually assaulting the victim, while armed with a deadly weapon.

At approximately 2:32 p.m. on Thursday, July 21, Tinton Falls Police Department officers were dispatched to a local motel for a report of a sexual assault. Upon arrival, the female victim told officers that she had been sexually assaulted at gunpoint by a man who had entered the room.

At that point, an investigation was launched with the Tinton Falls Police Department and the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Bureau. During the course of the investigation, the suspect was identified as Lee.

The investigation remains active and ongoing at this time.

Lee is being held at the Monmouth County Correctional Institute (MCCI) pending a detention hearing on July 27, 2022 before Monmouth County Superior Court Judge Paul X. Escandon.  

Investigators are actively seeking additional information about the activities of the defendant, and a photo is being distributed along with this press release. Anyone with information regarding this case or the defendant is asked to please contact Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Dawn Correia at 800-533-7443 or Tinton Falls Police Department Officer Christopher Mills at 732-542-4422.

The case is assigned to Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Danielle Zanzuccki.

Lee does not have representation listed at this time.  

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.

Kareem Lee, 31
Monmouth County, Ocean County, Tinton Falls, Toms River

Off-Duty Police Officer Charged with Vehicular Homicide

March 18, 2022

FREEHOLD – A police officer who was off duty and on his way to work in Union County when his vehicle drifted off the Garden State Parkway in Tinton Falls last fall has been arrested and charged with being criminally responsible for the motor vehicle collision that occurred as a result, killing two people, Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Lori Linskey announced Friday.

John P. McClave III, 34, a resident of Toms River and a sworn member of the Hillside Police Department, is charged with two counts of second-degree Vehicular Homicide.

Shortly before 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 9, 2021, members of the Tinton Falls Police Department and Wayside Fire Company responded to a report of a collision that had taken place on Asbury Avenue, in the area of the Parkway overpass.

Upon arrival, officers encountered the two involved vehicles: a 2018 GMC Canyon pickup truck driven by McClave, and a 2020 Toyota Corolla driven by 40-year-old Angel L. Acevedo, Jr. of Baltimore, Maryland.

Acevedo and his wife, 35-year-old Daniela Correia Salles, sustained multiple severe injuries and were both pronounced dead at the scene. McClave was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center for treatment of serious but not life-threatening injuries.

An investigation by the multi-jurisdictional Monmouth County Serious Crash Analysis Response Team (SCART), the MCPO Fatal Accident Unit, and the Tinton Falls Police Department determined that McClave was driving his vehicle recklessly while under the influence of intoxicating substances at the time of the collision. The investigation further determined that McClave’s vehicle did not change direction or slow down significantly after it left the Parkway lanes, resulting in his vehicle becoming airborne upon hitting an embankment, eventually striking the car occupied by the victims.   

McClave was additionally issued summonses for Reckless Driving, Failure to Maintain Lanes, Failure to Wear a Seatbelt, and Having an Open Container of Alcohol in a Vehicle.

Anyone with information about this matter is still urged to contact Prosecutor’s Office Detective Kristian DeVito toll-free at 1-800-533-7443 or Tinton Falls Police Department Patrolman David Ebert at 732-542-4422.

The Prosecutor’s Office is filing a motion to have McClave detained pending the resolution of this case.

“This officer’s actions on the night of the collision far crossed the line separating passive negligence from active criminality, and as a result, a married couple have lost their lives,” Acting Prosecutor Linskey said. “We hope today’s announcement brings their loved ones some semblance of solace in knowing that the first steps have been taken towards achieving justice.” 

This case is being prosecuted by Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Meghan Doyle. McClave is represented by Timothy Smith, Esq., with an office in Fairfield.

If convicted of a second-degree offense of this nature, McClave would be subject to a term of up to 10 years in state prison, with 85 percent of the term to be served before the possibility of parole for each count, according to the provisions of New Jersey’s No Early Release Act (NERA).

Despite the aforementioned pending 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.

Two Dead In Serious Collision After Pickup Truck Leaves Parkway And Crashes Into Toyota Corolla On Asbury Avenue In Tinton Falls
Farmingdale, Howell, Monmouth County, Shrewsbury, Tinton Falls

Woman Charged with Stealing from Another Employer

February 25, 2022

FREEHOLD – The Howell woman who was criminally charged last month with swindling a former employer out of more than $2.2 million over the course of seven years has been additionally criminally charged with stealing more than $67,000 from her next employer, Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Lori Linskey announced Friday.

Donna Cook, 52, is charged with third-degree Theft by Unlawful Taking, third-degree Forgery, and third-degree False Uttering.

After news coverage of Cook’s January arrest circulated, her next employer, a Shrewsbury-based excavating company, reviewed its financial records – and discovered that from early November 2021 into early January 2022, Cook had allegedly written multiple checks out to cash, and an additional check made out to directly pay a personal expense, with forged signatures, according to an investigation by the MCPO Financial Crimes and Public Corruption Bureau.

Cook turned herself in again to authorities on Friday, after which she was released with a pending first appearance to take place in Monmouth County Superior Court. The arrest was made a little more than a week after her scheduled first appearance in the initial case against her, which resulted in separate charges of second-degree Theft, third-degree Forgery, and third-degree False Uttering in connection with Cook’s alleged actions taken while at her previous employer, a Tinton Falls-based construction company.

The Prosecutor’s Office would like to thank the members of the Shrewsbury and Tinton Falls police departments who assisted the two investigations. Anyone with additional information about potentially problematic activities on the part of Cook at any of her places of employment is encouraged to contact MCPO Detective Michael Acquaviva toll-free at (800) 533-7443.

These cases are being prosecuted by Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Kristen Anastos. Cook is being represented by Allison Friedman, Esq., with an office in Freehold.

If convicted on the second-degree offense, Cook faces up to 10 years in state prison.

Despite the aforementioned pending 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.

Farmingdale Woman Charged with Stealing $2.2 Million from Tinton Falls Construction Company
Photo by Sora Shimazaki on Pexels.com
Farmingdale, Monmouth County, Tinton Falls

Farmingdale Woman Charged with Stealing $2.2 Million from Tinton Falls Construction Company

January 10, 2022

FREEHOLD, NJ (MONMOUTH) – The office manager of a Tinton Falls-based construction company has been criminally charged with swindling her employer out of more than $2.2 million over the course of seven years, Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Lori Linskey announced Monday.  

Donna Cook, 52, of Farmingdale is charged with second-degree Theft, third-degree Forgery, and third-degree False Uttering.

An investigation initiated by the Tinton Falls Police Department that ultimately grew to also involve members of the MCPO Financial Crimes and Public Corruption Bureau was launched several months ago, and it soon determined that starting in 2015 and continuing into 2021, Cook allegedly stole company funds by writing herself unauthorized checks.

The investigation further determined that Cook had allegedly forged the signature of a company principal for the unauthorized checks, some of which were made payable to cash. The total yearly payouts ranged in value from a little more than $75,000 to nearly $475,000, and were used by Cook for personal expenses.    

Cook was served with the charges via summons late last week and released on her own recognizance pending a first appearance to take place in Monmouth County Superior Court on Tuesday, February 15. The case is being prosecuted by Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Kristen Anastos. Attorney information for Cook was not immediately available. 

If convicted on the second-degree offense, Cook would face up to 10 years in state prison. Despite the aforementioned pending 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.

Freehold, Monmouth County, Tinton Falls

Tinton Falls Man Found Guilty for 2017 Endangering Welfare of a Child, Invasion of Privacy

December 16, 2021

FREEHOLD, NJ (MONMOUTH) – A Tinton Falls man was found guilty by a Monmouth County Jury in connection with the 2017 possession and distribution of child sexual abuse materials and invasion of privacy, Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Lori Linskey announced Friday.

Robert Mack, 35, of Tinton Falls was convicted of second degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child, Distribution of Child Sexual Abuse Material, third degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child, Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material and third degree Invasion of Privacy.

A 2017 investigation by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, along with NJ ICAC Task Force and the Tinton Falls Police Department revealed that Mack was downloading and sharing child sexual abuse materials from a computer located at his residence in Tinton Falls. Mack was also in possession of hard drives containing child sexual abuse materials. Further investigation concluded that Mack also had videos of an adult female with her intimate parts exposed without her permission.

Mack was indicted in October 2018.

Mack faces more than 10 years in a New Jersey State Prison. Mack must also register for Megan’s Law, he will be under Parole Supervision for Life and will have Internet Restrictions when he is sentenced by Monmouth County Superior Court by Judge Lourdes Lucas on February 14, 2022. This case is being handled by Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Stephanie Dugan. Mack is being represented by Michael Chazen, Esq., of Freehold.

Photo by Sora Shimazaki on Pexels.com


Monmouth County, Red Bank, Tinton Falls

Tinton Falls, Monmouth County, NJ, Man who is a Previously Convicted Felon Charged with Impersonating DEA Agent and Possessing Handgun at a Hospital in Red Bank

December 2, 2021

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER) – A Monmouth County, New Jersey, man was arrested today for impersonating a federal agent and illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.

Wesley Rucker, 34, of Tinton Falls, New Jersey, is charged by complaint with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, one count of impersonating a federal agent, and one count of possession of an imitation badge. He is scheduled to appear this afternoon by videoconference before U.S. Magistrate Judge Tonianne J. Bongiovanni.

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

On Oct. 22, 2021, Rucker sought treatment in the emergency room of a Red Bank, New Jersey, hospital. Hospital personnel noticed that Rucker had a handgun in his waistband. Rucker told hospital security personnel that he was a member of law enforcement and displayed a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) identification. Hospital security had Rucker store his handgun in a locker in the hospital’s security office. Hospital personnel contacted the Red Bank Police Department after becoming suspicions of Rucker’s claimed affiliation with federal law enforcement. Responding officers confronted Rucker, and he told the officers that he was a “DEA agent.” Rucker displayed the same DEA identification to the officers. As the officers were investigating Rucker’s claims, Rucker attempted to leave the hospital without his handgun. Officers took Rucker into custody and seized the fake identification along with a fake DEA badge that Rucker had not used. Officers learned that Rucker was a previously convicted felon who had no prior affiliation with the DEA.

The felon in possession of a firearm charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. The impersonation of a federal agent charge carries a maximum penalty of three years in prison, and a fine of up to $250,000. The possession of an imitation badge charge carries a maximum penalty of six months in prison, and a fine of up to $5,000.

Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Newark Field Division, Trenton Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey L. Matthews; officers of the Red Bank Police Department, under the direction of Chief Darren McConnell; members of the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Acting Prosecutor Lori Linskey; special agents of the DEA, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Susan A. Gibson; and officers of the Old Bridge Police Department, under Acting Chief Joseph P. Mandola Jr., with the investigation leading to the charges.

The government is represented by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Matthews of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Trenton.

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

21-550 

Defense counsel: Brian P. Reilly Esq., Assistant Federal Public Defender, Trenton

Holmdel, Lawrence, Mercer County, Middlesex County, Monmouth County, Other Towns, State of NJ, Tinton Falls

U.S. Department of Labor Announces Recipients of 2021 Hire Vets Medallion Awards

Employers recognized for commitment to veterans in the workforce

November 10, 2021

Within the greater MidJersey.news coverage area the following are listed:

Jingoli Power, Lawrenceville, NJ

EPS Corporation, Tinton Falls, NJ

Renaissance Global Services, Homdel, NJ

CMS Technology, Bridgewater, NJ

Messer North America, Bridgewater, NJ

Sigma Design Company, LLC., Middlesex Borough

Verizon, Basking Ridge, NJ

A complete list with map here: https://www.hirevets.gov/awardees

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today presented the 2021 Honoring Investments in Recruiting and Employing American Military Veterans Medallion Award to 849 employers from across the nation at a virtual ceremony. The annual awards recognize employers across the nation for their investment in recruiting, employing and retaining veterans.

As of 2021, the department has presented more than 2,200 HIRE Vets Medallion Awards to more than 1,400 employers.

During the event, Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh led a discussion with three employers who have received the award. Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Veterans’ Employment and Training James D. Rodriguez and Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Ramón Colón-López thanked this year’s recipients for their commitment to veterans in the workforce.

“More than 1,400 U.S. employers have now earned the HIRE Vets Medallion Award. These companies recognize the unique value that veterans bring to the workforce,” said Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh. “These employers are demonstrating their commitment to employ, retain and support America’s military veterans, and doing their part to recognize and repay the sacrifice made by those who have served our nation.”

Administered by the department’s Veterans Employment and Training Service, the department presents HIRE Vets Medallion Awards at the Platinum and Gold levels to large, medium and small employers. VETS assesses award nominees on criteria including veteran hiring and retention, providing veteran-specific resources, leadership programming, dedicated human resources, compensation programs and tuition assistance programs.

Learn more about the HIRE Vets Medallion Award

Monmouth County, Tinton Falls

Two Dead In Serious Collision After Pickup Truck Leaves Parkway And Crashes Into Toyota Corolla On Asbury Avenue In Tinton Falls

Accident claims lives of 40-year-old male (driver) resident of Baltimore, Maryland and 35-year-old passenger.

Off-Duty Police Officer Charged with Vehicular Homicide

October 10, 2021

TINTON FALLS, NJ (MONMOUTH)—According to the Public Information Officer at the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office a fatal crash occurred yesterday. Shortly before 7:30 p.m. on Saturday October 9, 2021, members of the Tinton Falls Police Department responded to a report of a two-vehicle motor vehicle accident on Asbury Avenue in the area of the Garden State Parkway overpass. Upon arrival, officers encountered the two vehicles involved in the collision. A GMC pickup truck driven by a 33-year-old male resident of Toms River, and a Toyota Corolla driven by a 40-year-old male resident of Baltimore, Maryland.

Police say that an investigation determined that the pickup truck left the northbound lanes of the Parkway around mile marker 103, then traveled over grass until reaching Asbury Avenue, resulting in the collision.

The driver of the Toyota and a single passenger, a 35-year-old female, address unknown, sustained multiple severe injuries and were pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the pickup truck was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center, where he consented to a blood draw and turned over his cell phone to investigators.

The identities of the two deceased victims are being withheld pending confirmation that next of kin have been notified.

This incident remains under investigation by the multi-jurisdictional Monmouth County Serious Crash Analysis Response Team (SCART). 

Anyone with information about this matter is being urged to contact Prosecutor’s Office Detective Kristian DeVito at 1-800-533-7443.

Monmouth County, Tinton Falls

U.S. Department Of Labor Finds Tinton Falls Transitional Housing Facility Exposed Workers To Coronavirus Hazards; 11 Workers Test Positive

Facility did not isolate infected residents, enforce mask use and social distancing

August 25, 2021

TINTON FALLS, NJ (MONMOUTH)–A federal workplace safety and health investigation found numerous violations at a Tinton Falls transitional housing facility where 11 employees and 28 residents tested positive for the coronavirus by late March.

In response to a complaint, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration discovered that while Seaside Guest Services’ continuity of operations plan required that residents with coronavirus be isolated and workers notified, neither happened. Additionally, OSHA inspectors determined the facility provided protective masks to its employees, but did not enforce their use. Seaside also failed to enforce social distancing despite posting signs in its four housing units.

OSHA cited the facility’s operator, AMA Health Holdings LLC, with two citations for failing to develop and implement effective measures to mitigate the spread of the virus and not recording each work-related illness. The agency proposed $10,923 in penalties.

“Seaside Guest Services’ failure to isolate workers from infected residents, and enforce its own mask and social distancing policies is difficult to comprehend,” said OSHA Area Director Paula Dixon-Roderick in Marlton. “Their neglect exposed workers and others to the coronavirus, and raised the possibility that 11 workers were infected as a result.”

Seaside Guest Services provides transitional housing for people attending area behavioral-health programs and those who have completed some level of addiction treatment.

Read more about feasible and acceptable means of abatement for this hazard.

The employer has 15 business days from receipt of its 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.

OSHA issued an emergency temporary standard in June to protect healthcare workers from contracting coronavirus. In March, 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 who retaliate against workers for complaints about unsafe or unhealthy conditions, or for exercising other rights protected by federal law.