April 21, 2023

FREEHOLD – Additional criminal charges have been filed against the Wall Township Police Department Sergeant accused of stealing more than $75,000 from his local Police Benevolent Association (PBA) chapter, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced Friday.  

James R. Cadigan, 41, is charged with second-degree Official Misconduct, third-degree Theft by Deception, third-degree Theft by Unlawful Taking, and fourth-degree Falsifying Records, in addition to the original charge of second-degree Theft by Unlawful Taking.

An investigation into Cadigan’s activities was initiated last year by the MCPO Professional Responsibility & Bias Crime Bureau, upon receipt of a referral by the Wall Township PBA Local No. 234, which had discovered that a significant amount of cash proceeds was missing following the PBA’s “Pignic,” an annual summertime barbecue fundraiser.Sgt. Cadigan was solely responsible for orchestrating and running the event in 2022 and in many preceding years. The PBA annually donates proceeds from the event to various charitable organizations.   

In addition to confirming that a significant amount of cash was missing from the Pignic proceeds, the investigation revealed that starting at least in 2018 and in each year thereafter, Cadigan made numerous unauthorized cash withdrawals from multiple PBA bank accounts and wrote checks to himself and to cash from these accounts. It was determined that Cadigan would make these withdrawals both while on and off duty, sometimes in street clothes and other times in his full police uniform.

As the investigation continued, it revealed that from February 2020 to November 2022, in his capacity as President of the Wall American Youth Football (AYF) nonprofit organization, Cadigan also used a debit card intended for purchases to benefit the organization to purchase approximately $20,000 worth of items for his own personal use. Such items included pool pumps and chemicals, a quilted hammock, a truck hitch, a karaoke machine, a weight sled trainer, a boot warmer, an inflatable movie screen, grill tools and accessories, a pressure washer, backyard and holiday decorations, and accessories for tapping and serving draft beer.

The investigation also revealed facts constituting the basis of two additional criminal charges: first, Cadigan did not apply for a required license for a 50/50 raffle held for the 2022 Pignic, instead falsifying the license number for the raffle tickets; and second, he organized a powderpuff football game involving mothers of AYF football players, with approximately $3,000 in proceeds earmarked for donation to a breast cancer awareness and prevention charity, but instead pocketed the money for himself. 

Cadigan was served the new charges against him via summons through his attorney on Wednesday, pending future proceedings to take place in Monmouth County Superior Court.

This case is being prosecuted by Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Melanie Falco, Director of the MCPO Professional Responsibility & Bias Crime Bureau. Cadigan is being represented by Mitchell J. Ansell, Esq., with an office in Ocean Township.

Anyone with information about this or related matters is urged to contact MCPO Detective Brian Hammarstrom at 800-533-7443.

Convictions on second-degree criminal charges can be punishable by up to 10 years in state prison, while third-degree charges are commonly punishable by terms of up to 5 years. A conviction for Official Misconduct carries a mandatory five-year period of parole ineligibility. 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

April 2, 2023 Update from Wall Township Police:

On 4/1/23 at 7:38 PM, Wall Township Police and Fire District 2 responded to Monmouth Executive Airport for an aircraft incident. Investigation on scene revealed a twin-engine jet left the runway while landing. It lost control upon entering a grass median, and came to rest on its underside off the taxiway. 

Sudden high winds from incoming thunderstorms were a contributing factor. 

The aircraft was occupied by its pilot and copilot. Both self-extricated from the plane and were uninjured. The plane sustained significant damage. Wall Fire District 2, with assistance from Monmouth County Hazmat, were able to isolate the fuel from the aircraft. The scene was secured until morning.

With daylight as an advantage, emergency crews returned to the airport the following morning. A private towing and recovery company removed the plane and the debris field was cleared. Spilled fuel was mitigated. The airport was closed during the initial investigation and has since reopened.

This was one of over 100 calls for service Wall Township Emergency Services responded to over the course of three hours due to the storm. It is another example of our personnel operating at a unique emergency under one unified command structure resulting in a successful outcome. 

April 1, 2023

WALL TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH)–Wall Township Police reported that Police and Glendora Fire Company are on scene at the Monmouth Executive Airport for a jet that left the runway upon landing. All occupants are safely out of the aircraft without injuries. The airport will remain closed until the outcome of the investigation. The aircraft is a Cessna Citation X.

Wall Township Police Photo

File Photo: Tomás Del Coro / Wikipedia Creative Commons Licensed Use

Flight information from both Flightradar24 and Flightaware.com

November 16, 2022

NEWARK, N.J. – The former administrative manager of a carpenters’ union pension fund was sentenced today to six months of home confinement and three years of probation for embezzling approximately $140,000 and making false statements on a required report to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.

George R. Laufenberg, 72, of Wall Township, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Kevin R. McNulty to two counts of an indictment charging him with embezzling approximately $140,000 in pension benefits and making false statements to the DOL. Judge McNulty imposed the sentence today in Newark federal court.

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

Laufenberg was the administrative manager of the Northeast Carpenters Pension Fund, which was subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). Laufenberg was a fiduciary and participant in the pension fund. He admitted stealing $140,000 that was paid to him under a deferred compensation agreement to which he was not entitled. Laufenberg also admitted that he made false statements in a form required under ERISA that he filed to the Department of Labor on behalf of the pension fund.

In addition to the prison term, Judge McNulty fined Laufenberg $20,000 and debarred him from any future association with a union or benefit plan.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the DOL Employee Benefit Security Administration, under the supervision of Thomas Licetti, Regional Director; special agents of the DOL Office of the Inspector General, under the supervision of Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Mellone; and agents of the Port Authority of New York/New Jersey, under the supervision of Inspector General John Gay, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing.

The government is represented by Senior Litigation Counsel V. Grady O’Malley of the Organized Crime/Gangs Unit, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kendall R. Randolph of the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force Unit.

22-423

Defense counsel: Peter W. Till Esq., Springfield Township, New Jersey

January 10, 2022

FREEHOLD – Juvenile complaints have been filed against a number of Wall Township High School students as the result of two separate investigations conducted by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Lori Linskey announced Monday.    

Juvenile complaints charging hazing, attempted criminal sexual contact, criminal sexual contact, false imprisonment, and harassment were filed against the juvenile defendants following an investigation into a series of incidents that occurred during September and October 2021 in the Wall Township High School football team’s locker room.

Following a separate investigation, unrelated to the hazing investigation, juvenile complaints charging aggravated sexual assault and sexual assault were also filed against one juvenile in connection with alleged conduct that occurred outside of school.

These investigations have been conducted in consultation with the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General (OAG), and in strict adherence to OAG Directive No. 2020-12, Establishing Policies, Practices, and Procedures to Promote Juvenile Justice Reform, issued in December 2020.

“The results of our investigations necessitated the filing of juvenile complaints against those involved in order to serve the interests of justice,” Acting Prosecutor Linskey said.

Specifically, as it relates to the hazing investigation, Linskey stressed that “it is imperative that victims of hazing, harassment, intimidation, and bullying know that such conduct is not a ‘rite of passage’ and should not be endured without consequence in order to gain acceptance in social, club, sport, or academic settings. We are hopeful that the lessons gleaned from this case foster a renewed focus on actively teaching juveniles in all of our schools what conduct crosses the line of acceptability, and what students must do if they are a bystander or victim of hazing, harassment, intimidation, or bullying.”

While no information is released regarding most juvenile cases, the Prosecutor’s Office is releasing the above information today in response to intense public scrutiny regarding these matters and a high degree of misinformation circulating with regard to them, as well as in order to educate and inform the community regarding the seriousness of such conduct.

No additional information on this matter is being released at this time, and the specific number of juvenile defendants involved is not being disclosed, as the Prosecutor’s Office is seeking to remain in adherence to the confidentiality tenets outlined by the New Jersey Code of Juvenile Justice. Under state law, the identities of all such juveniles involved are kept strictly confidential, and likewise, Family Court proceedings involving juveniles are closed to the public.  

Fire Caused more than $3.5 Million worth of Damage

December 16, 2021

WALL TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH) – The New Jersey State Police have charged Evelyn V. Alvino, 20, of Pinellas Park, FL, after an 18-month arson investigation of a fire that destroyed the Arthur Brisbane Child Treatment Center in Monmouth County in 2020.

On May 30, 2020, detectives from the Troop “C” Criminal Investigation Office began investigating a large-scale fire at the child treatment state facility located in Wall Township. As a result of the fire, investigators determined that the building sustained more than $3.5 million worth of damage and had to be demolished. During the investigation, detectives discovered that the building and structures in the vicinity had been burglarized prior to the fire.

Through various investigative means, detectives determined that Alvino entered the center, burglarized the building, and started a fire that engulfed the entire structure. On September 7, 2021, detectives charged Alvino with aggravated arson, burglary, criminal trespassing, and criminal mischief and a warrant was issued for her arrest.

During the ongoing investigation, detectives obtained information that Alvino fled New Jersey and was staying at a residence in Pinellas Park, FL. On November 9, members of the U.S. Marshals Service and the Pinellas Park Police Task Force located and arrested Alvino in Pinellas Park. She was lodged in the Pinellas County Jail and extradited to New Jersey on November 30.

The site where the fire occurred is restricted and trespassing is strictly prohibited.

The case is being prosecuted by Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office.

Charges are mere accusations, and the accused is considered innocent until proven guilty.

November 16, 2021

WALL TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH)–The Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office has assumed sole responsibility for conducting separate criminal investigations stemming from allegations that acts of hazing occurred within the Wall Township High School football program and unrelated allegations that one or more sexual assaults involving juveniles took place off campus, Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Lori Linskey announced Tuesday.

Members of the Wall Township Police Department had been assisting during the early stages of these investigations, yet out of an abundance of caution, and in order to avoid any appearance of impropriety and to protect the integrity of the investigations, the Department has since been walled off from participating further.

Multiple MCPO assistant prosecutors and detectives have been assigned to manage the continuing investigations. The information gathered as a result will continue to be reviewed.

The Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office reiterates that while these are serious allegations, juvenile records are strictly confidential under state law, so at this time, no additional specific information about these investigations can be released. Likewise, Superior Court proceedings involving juvenile defendants, meaning defendants under the age of 18, are closed to the public, and the identities of such defendants are kept confidential.

The Prosecutor’s Office intends to issue statements regarding the findings of its investigations, keeping in accordance with the strict confidentiality requirements of juvenile matters. These statements will constitute the only definitive factual accounts of the investigations, made at the appropriate times, and the Prosecutor’s Office strongly urges against the spread of misinformation and rumor, both online and otherwise.

“As these investigations unfold, we remain fully aware of the intense focus and unique pressure a national media spotlight has placed on the Wall Township High School community, and are sensitive to safeguarding the mental health and general well-being of students while simultaneously serving the interests of justice,” Acting Prosecutor Linskey said. “We are conducting these investigations with the utmost diligence, dedicating every necessary resource in order to uncover the entire truth, and this process will be thorough, fair, and unbiased from beginning to end.”   

While these investigations are still ongoing, anyone with any information about these matters, including those in possession of any relevant video recordings, is urged to contact Prosecutor’s Office Detective Jose Rodriguez at (732) 431-7160, Ext. 7172. 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); or by going to the website at www.monmouthcountycrimestoppers.com

Letter to Families Regarding Thanksgiving Day Game

November 16, 2021

Dear Wall Township Public Schools Community:

The decision has been made to end the football season and not play the Thanksgiving Day game. We acknowledge that this is difficult news for many in our community. Please be assured that the Mental Health Association of Monmouth County is working closely with the Wall High School counseling staff supporting students. If you know of a student that is in need of support please do not hesitate in reaching out to 732-556-2063. In addition, please see the attached document for outside support resources.

Sincerely,

Tracy R. Handerhan, D. Litt.
Superintendent of Schools

Important Message from the Principal and Superintendent

November 12, 2021

Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s):

During these most difficult days, please be assured that we are first and foremost committed to our students’ physical and mental well-being. Your children are our top priority and we are steadfast in our mission to work together to ensure their safety and to provide the social, emotional and academic experiences they deserve. The administration, faculty, staff and school crisis team remain deeply committed to supporting our students as they cope with recent events. District counselors have been providing support services for our students and will continue to do so.

It is not unusual for adolescents to feel anxious, sad, fearful, angry or vulnerable as a result of traumatic events. This is compounded by the fact that so many rumors are circulating online and in the media. In response, Wall High School has partnered with the Mental Health Association of Monmouth County (MHA of MC). A team from the MHA of MC will begin working with the Wall High School students and staff on Monday. The goals of this partnership are (1) to assist the Wall High School community with immediate mental health and wellness needs of students and staff during this difficult time and (2) to develop a long-term student wellness strategy that will serve as a foundation to strengthen the Wall High School community moving forward. Attached you will find a document prepared by the MHA of MC specifically for the Wall Township school community. Additionally, attached to this correspondence is a compilation of counseling resources should you or someone you know be in need of these services.

The last two weeks have been extremely difficult for our school community. We recognize this. Once again, we are committed to supporting you and your children through these difficult times.

Sincerely,

Ms. Rosaleen Sirchio
WHS Principal

Dr. Tracy Handerhan
Superintendent of Schools