BARNEGAT TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer and Barnegat Township Police Chief Keith A. Germain announced that on November 2, 2023, Michael Mulgrew, 34, of Barnegat, was charged with two counts of Murder, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, in connection with the stabbing deaths of his parents, Eugene Mulgrew, 71, and Cheryl Mulgrew, 69, both of Barnegat.
On November 2, 2023, at approximately 11:00 a.m., Officers from the Barnegat Township Police Department were summoned to a residence on Lincoln Avenue to assist medical personnel with performing a mobile outreach at the residence. As the Officers approached the residence, they observed a male walking away. Upon their arrival, Officers noticed red staining – which appeared to be blood – on the front door of the residence. The Officers made entry, and found blood in various areas of the home. As the Officers entered the bedroom, they located the deceased bodies of two victims with apparent stab wounds to their upper torsos. The victims were later identified as Eugene and Cheryl Mulgrew. The Officers also observed a knife in the vicinity of the bedroom.
The male initially observed walking away from the residence was observed in the area of West Bay Boulevard and Gunning River Road by Barnegat Township Police Officers. That individual, later identified as Michael Mulgrew, was taken into custody without incident.
An investigation conducted by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Barnegat Township Police Department Detective Bureau, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, revealed that Michael Mulgrew was responsible for the murders of his mother and father. Mulgrew was charged accordingly and transported to the Ocean County Jail, where he is presently lodged pending a detention hearing.
Prosecutor Billhimer and Chief Germain acknowledge the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Barnegat Township Police Department, Barnegat Township Police Department Detective Bureau, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, for their collaborative efforts in connection with this investigation leading to Michael Mulgrew’s swift apprehension.
The charges referenced above are merely accusations and 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.
BARNEGAT TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer and Barnegat Township Police Chief Keith A. Germain announced that the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Barnegat Township Police Department and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office are currently investigating a double homicide that occurred on Lincoln Avenue in Barnegat Township.
“The suspect is in custody and there is no danger to the public to the public at this time,” Prosecutor Billhimer stated. “Additional information will be released when it becomes available,” Prosecutor Billhimer concluded.
BARNEGAT LIGHT, NJ (OCEAN)–The Coast Guard rescued four people and a dog from a boat taking on water Sunday near the Forked River in Barnegat Bay.
A 29-foot Response Boat – Small crew from Coast Guard Station Barnegat Light, in New Jersey, discovered the sinking 30-foot recreational boat while already underway for operations.
The Coast Guard crew transferred the four people and their dog aboard the Coast Guard rescue boat. The recreational boat capsized moments after completing the personnel transfer.
“The boat’s owner believes the boat was taking on water due to a loose plug, but the compartment was not accessible to confirm,” said Chief Warrant Officer James B. Corbisiero, Coast Guard Station Barnegat Light’s commanding officer. “The timing of this rescue was fortunate; I commend the Coast Guard boat crew’s attentiveness and fast actions to aide these people and their dog.”
The Coast Guard crew took the rescued people and dog into a marina in Lanoka Harbor, New Jersey. A commercial salvage company righted the boat and towed it into the same marina.
There are no reported injuries.
To learn about safe, responsible boating visit boatus.org.
A recreational boat is capsized near the Forked River in Barnegat Bay, New Jersey, Sunday, Aug. 28, 2023. A 29-foot Response Boat – Small crew from Coast Guard Station Barnegat Light was already underway when the crew discovered the sinking boat and rescued the four people and dog aboard. (U.S. Coast Guard photo) Photo by Chief Petty Officer Cynthia Oldham
TOMS RIVER, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on June 28, 2023, Raymond Waters, 71, of Pawlet, Vermont, was found guilty of five counts of Aggravated Sexual Assault and thirteen counts of Sexual Assault. Following a three week-long jury trial before the Honorable Guy P. Ryan, P.J.Cr.P., the jury concluded beyond a reasonable doubt that between September 2002 and September 2004, Waters sexually assaulted a minor in Toms River Township, Barnegat Township, and Hillsborough Township (Somerset County). Waters was remanded to the Ocean County Jail pending sentencing, the date of which has yet to be determined.
In January 2014, the victim responded to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office to report that he had been sexually assaulted by Waters and Waters’ husband, Allen Harbatuk, 76, of Hillsborough, New Jersey, between September 2002 and September 2004. A subsequent investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit and Toms River Township Police Department Detective Bureau revealed that the victim met Waters in 2002 when he was 14 years-old – while Waters was his art teacher at Toms River High School North. Further investigation revealed that Waters sexually assaulted the victim at Toms River High School North, the Joseph A. Citta Boy Scout Reservation in Barnegat Township, and Water’s then-residence in Hillsborough. Additionally, the investigation determined that Water’s husband, Harbatuk, sexually assaulted the victim at the Citta Boy Scout Reservation and the Hillsborough residence. On October 22, 2014, both Waters and Harbatuk were arrested at their residence in Hillsborough by Detectives from the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office and Hillsborough Township Police Department. They were transferred to the Ocean County Jail, and subsequently released on bail.
On June 21, 2018, Harbatuk was found guilty of Sexual Assault after a jury trial before the Honorable Therese Cunningham, J.S.C. On November 2, 2018, Judge Cunningham sentenced Harbatuk to seven years New Jersey State Prison.
Prosecutor Billhimer commends the diligence and dedication of Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Kristin Pressman and Assistant Prosecutor Kaitlyn Burke who ably and skillfully tried the case on behalf of the State. The Prosecutor likewise extends his gratitude to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Victim Witness Advocacy Unit, Toms River Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office, and Hillsborough Township Police Department, for their combined and collective efforts in connection with this matter, ultimately resulting in this guilty verdict.
BARNEGAT TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on March 21, 2023, Lisa Ziobro, 44, of Barnegat, was charged with two counts of Aggravated Arson and four counts of Arson.
On March 21, 2023, at approximately 7:30 a.m., Officers from the Barnegat Township Police Department and Barnegat Township Fire Departments were dispatched to a reported structure fire on Waterfall Lane. Firefighters were able to extinguish the fire. The family dog was rescued and unharmed. A pet bird was unable to be rescued and perished in the fire.
A thorough and extensive investigation conducted by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Arson Squad, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, Barnegat Township Police Department Detective Bureau, and Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office, determined that two separate fires had been intentionally set within the structure. The first fire was set on a mattress in a bedroom, and the second fire was set on a shower curtain in the bathroom. Further investigation determined that Ziobro – who resided at the residence – was responsible for setting both fires.
Ziobro was transported to Barnegat Township Police Headquarters, processed, and transported to the Ocean County Jail where she remains lodged pending a detention hearing.
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Arson Squad, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, Barnegat Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Barnegat Township Police Department, and Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office, for their combined and cooperative efforts in connection with this investigation.
The charges referenced above are merely accusations and 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.
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Hamilton Township Police quickly responded to Hamilton High School West this morning on an apparent “swatting” incident. The school was quickly placed on lockdown as police checked the school to make sure everyone was safe.
New Jersey State Police reported, “The New Jersey State Police has been made aware of numerous active shooter threats targeting various school districts throughout the state.
Several schools have been placed on lockdown and after thorough investigations by local, state, and county authorities, the threats have proven to be unfounded.
The Regional Operations Intelligence Center is currently monitoring the situation and has not deemed any of the threats as credible.
The State Police and our law enforcement partners take all threats seriously and will utilize every asset at our disposal to ensure the safety of our students, faculty, administrators, and the public.
We urge everyone to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to your local law enforcement agency.”
Hamilton Police say that on October 14 2022 at 10:02 a.m. Hamilton Police Dispatch received a telephone call from a person with a thick Middle Eastern or Indian accent stating “there are people trying to get into the door of Hamilton West”. The School Resource Officer along with several responding police units searched Hamilton High School West after initiating a “Lock Down” of Hamilton High School West. After the incident was deemed safe, the “Lockdown” was lifted.
Hamilton Police gained information that other municipalities were affected by the same type of call with a party having a similar accent. Hamilton Police along with the Hamilton Twp. Board of Education determined the phone calls were hoax calls.
No injuries were reported during the incident, no suspicious parties were located in or around Hamilton High School West. Police Units remained on scene until the situation was calm.
Swatting is defined as: “The action or practice of making a prank call to emergency services in an attempt to bring about the dispatch of a large number of armed police officers to a particular address.”
In a letter to parents from Hamilton Township Schools Superintendent Scott R. Rocco, Ed.D. stated:
Today, there were two calls made to 911 that indicated an incident was happening at Hamilton High School West. This resulted in a large police presence inside and outside of the school. It also resulted in the school being put into a shelter in place for one of the calls and a lock down for the other call.
Neither of these calls were real. They have been deemed a hoax. Neither of these calls were generated inside of our school. At no time were any of our students or staff in any danger. Although that is a relief, it does not lessen the fear or scared feelings of our students and staff.
I have been informed that this same situation has happened to other schools in New Jersey today.
I would like to thank the faculty and staff of Hamilton High School West for their efforts in ensuring our students’ safety and I would like to thank our Hamilton Township Police Department for their quick response and constant presence.
We take school safety very seriously in our district. We have safety plans and we practice those plans. Our police department also works collaboratively with us in our planning, drills, and situations that arise in our district. That being said, our best safety measures are when our students, staff, and community say something if they see, hear or know of a problem. Please continue to do so.
Toms River Police said in a Facebook Post, “A short time ago Toms River Police dispatch received a phone call regarding a potential shooting at High School North. Officers responded and the school was locked down as a precaution. The call was deemed unfounded and is being investigated as a swatting incident. We are requesting no one respond to the school as there is no active threat.”
Monmouth County Sherriff’s Office reported, ** POLICE ACTIVITY ** Freehold Twp- Biotechnology High School & Monmouth County Career Center – Kozloski Road Freehold Twp – there is no threat or danger to students.
Jackson Township Police reported, “About an hour ago Jackson Police dispatch received a phone call regarding a potential shooting at Jackson Liberty High School. We had already received information via the FBI that a handful of schools within New Jersey were experiencing the same calls from the same suspect prior to this phone call.
Regardless school security and our School Resource Officer sought out the location given by the caller, and it was deemed not to be a threat as the location given by the caller was inaccurate. Due to the totality of the circumstances, the decision was made not to put the school in lockdown. The call was deemed unfounded and is being investigated as a swatting incident. We are requesting no one respond to the school as there is no active threat.”
Barnegat Police Department made several reports on Facebook, “We received an unfounded report of a “shooter” in the Barnegat High School. Officers were quickly on scene and in the building and have found no indications or reports of anything occurring. Bengal Blvd will be closed as we continue to ensure the security of the building. All other district schools were placed in shelter in place status as a precautionary measure. Parents who are responding to the area are asked to go to the Collins school where we will provide any additional information. It appears that at least one other district in the county has received a similar “report”. Again, we have significant resources on scene to ensure the safety of the kids and staff at BHS and there are no indications that anything has occurred. Updates to follow. –Chief”
The students from BHS are being evacuated and will be bussed to the Collins school for reunification with parents. While we believe this was a swatting incident, officers continue to follow-up with secondary searches of the building. Again, the students and staff are safe and we have significant resources on scene to ensure it stays that way. –Chief
BHS evacuation is complete. Officers have completed the secondary search of the first floor and are wrapping up the second floor. Once that’s done, we’ll open up Bengal Blvd. The school district will then bus any driving-age BHS kids from the Collins school reunification point back to get their cars if needed. Very much appreciate everyone’s patience and cooperation.– Chief
Freehold Township Police Reported, “At 10:13am, the Freehold Township Police Department responded to the Biotech High School for a possible report of shots fired. This incident was deemed to be a hoax and is currently under investigation. As part of the response both the Biotech High School and neighboring Career Center were locked down and both buildings were cleared by officers from Freehold Township, Freehold Borough, and the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office. All students and staff are safe. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective George J. Baumann at 732-252-1950.”
Message from East Brunswick Schools Superintendent Dr. Valeski:
October 14, 2022
Good Morning East Brunswick Community,
This is Victor Valeski, Superintendent of Schools, with a very important message regarding an incident at our high school this morning…and I want to assure everyone that every student and every staff member is safe.
Our 911 police dispatch operator received a phone call reporting an incident occurring at our high school that required immediate police assistance. This warranted a large police response to the high school and the building was immediately placed in a “Shelter in Place” status. Central Elementary School also exercised a “Shelter in Place” because of it’s close proximity to the high school.
Members of our district Central Office leadership responded to the building to support the HS administration.
Ultimately, the call was determined to be a hoax, also known as SWATTING, but the continuous training with our students, staff, administrators, security team and EBPD was evident today.
Lower Township Police in Cape May County reported, “Lower Cape May Regional High School is in a shelter in place for what we believe is a HOAX. Law Enforcement is conducting a search of the school to confirm.”
Other towns with swatting incidents this morning were Newark at Weequhaic High School and another Paterson.
The scene this morning at Hamilton High School West in Mercer County, NJ
BARNEGAT TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that a collaborative, multi-agency investigation conducted by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Barnegat Township Police Department, New Jersey State Police Cold Case Unit, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, has conclusively identified John Pelletier, formerly of Barnegat Township, as the individual responsible for the murder of Deborah “Debbie” Ann Bloomquist, 30, of Ocean Township (Monmouth County), in Barnegat in 1991. Pelletier passed away in North Dakota in 2015.
On October 26, 1991, the body of a young woman, later identified as Deborah Ann Bloomquist, was discovered in a heavily wooded area in Barnegat. An autopsy performed by the Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office revealed that Ms. Bloomquist died from multiple stab wounds and that she was the victim of a sexual assault. The Medical Examiner ruled Ms. Bloomquist’s cause of death a homicide. The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, Barnegat Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sherriff’s Office began an investigation into Ms. Bloomquist’s murder. In furtherance of the investigation, biological evidence was collected and preserved; the technology did not exist at that time, however, to submit this evidence for DNA testing.
The investigation at the time of her death revealed that Ms. Bloomquist had been living in a motel in Monmouth County and was last seen at a tavern in Asbury Park on October 24, 1991. Ms. Bloomquist had no known ties to the Barnegat area. Unfortunately, no leads were established and the case went cold.
Over a decade after her murder, the biological evidence collected from the scene led to the development of a male DNA profile. In January 2022, at the direction of Prosecutor Billhimer, the case was presented to the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General – Cold Case Task Force and the investigation was reopened. A full analysis of the evidence was conducted in a cooperative investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Barnegat Township Police Department, New Jersey State Police Cold Case Unit and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit. Thanks to technological advances – and with the assistance of BODE Technology – detectives were able identify the male DNA profile collected from the scene in 1991 as belonging to John Pelletier, and reach the conclusion that Pelletier was, in fact, the individual responsible for Ms. Bloomquist’s murder.
“After more than three decades, this hideous crime has, at long last, been solved. Though Pelletier never faced justice for his actions in this life, we nevertheless hope this conclusive determination brings some level of peace and closure to the family of Debbie Ann Bloomquist,” Prosecutor Billhimer stated.
“I’d like to thank the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General and the New Jersey State Police for the creation of the Cold Case Task Force. The resources made available through the collaborative investigative process the Cold Case Task Force provides allowed us to finally solve this heinous crime. Barnegat Township Chief of Police Keith Germain and Barnegat Township Detective William Hetrick deserve a lot of credit for never giving up on this case. I am grateful for their efforts,” Prosecutor Billhimer stated.
Prosecutor Billhimer also acknowledges the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Victim Witness Advocacy Unit, Barnegat Township Police Department, New Jersey Office of the Attorney General- Cold Case Task Force, New Jersey State Police Cold Case Unit, New Jersey State Police Office of Forensic Science, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Manchester Township Police Department, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, Ocean Township (Monmouth County) Police Department, Asbury Park Police Department, Emmons County Sheriff’s Office (North Dakota), Morgan County Police Department (North Dakota), West Fargo Police Department (North Dakota), and BODE Technology, for their very thorough, combined and collective assistance in connection with this investigation.
BARNEGAT TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on July 19, 2022, Christopher Gregor, 30, of Monroe Township, was indicted by a Grand Jury sitting in Ocean County on the charge of Murder in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:11-3a(1), in connection with the death of a six-year-old male on April 2, 2021, at Southern Ocean Medical Center in the Manahawkin section of Stafford Township. Gregor was also indicted on the charge of Endangering the Welfare of a Child in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4a(2), in connection with events that occurred on March 20, 2021 in Barnegat Township.
On April 2, 2021, Officers from the Stafford Township Police Department responded to Southern Ocean Medical Center in reference to the death of a six-year-old male, identified as C.M. On April 3, 2021, a post-mortem examination was performed by the Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office, and it was determined that C.M. sustained injuries due to blunt force trauma. In the course of investigating the child’s death, Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Squad, and Barnegat Township Police Department, discovered evidence that revealed that Gregor had committed acts of abuse against the child in Barnegat Township on March 20, 2021. Accordingly, Gregor was charged with Endangering the Welfare of a Child in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4a(2), on July 7, 2021. Though initially lodged in the Ocean County Jail, Gregor was subsequently released as a consequence of New Jersey Bail Reform.
On March 3, 2022, the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office received a report from the State’s expert witness that indicated that C.M. died as a result of blunt force impact to the chest and abdomen, and determined the manner of the child’s death to be homicide. An extensive investigation conducted by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Barnegat Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, revealed that C.M. was in the custody of Gregor at the time he sustained his life-ending injuries, and that Gregor was the individual responsible for the child’s death.
On March 9, 2022, Gregor was taken into custody by Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, Sea Bright Police Department, and Barnegat Township Police Department. Gregor has been lodged in the Ocean County Jail since the date of his apprehension.
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the diligent efforts of Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Christine Lento who presented the case to the Grand Jury on behalf of the State, and commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victim’s Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Economic Crimes Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Victim Witness Advocacy Unit, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, Barnegat Township Police Department, Stafford Township Police Department, Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, Englishtown Police Department, Manalapan Township Police Department, Monroe Township Police Department, Sea Bright Police Department, New Jersey State Police, and Alcoa (Tennessee) Police Department, for their collective and cooperative assistance in connection with this investigation leading to Gregor’s apprehension and now his indictment.
The charges referenced above are merely accusations and 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.
BARNEGAT, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer and Barnegat Township Police Chief Keith A. Germain announced that on March 9, 2022, Christopher Gregor, 29, of Monroe Township, was charged with Murder in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:11-3a(1), in connection with the death of a six-year-old male on April 2, 2021, at Southern Ocean Medical Center in the Manahawkin section of Stafford Township.
On April 2, 2021, Officers from the Stafford Township Police Department responded to Southern Ocean Medical Center in reference to the death of a six-year-old male, identified as C.M. On April 3, 2021, a post-mortem examination was performed by the Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office, and it was determined that C.M. sustained injuries due to blunt force trauma. In the course of investigating the child’s death, Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Squad and Barnegat Township Police Department discovered evidence that revealed that Gregor had committed acts of abuse against the child in Barnegat Township on March 20, 2021. As such, Gregor was charged with Endangering the Welfare of a Child in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4a(2) on July 7, 2021. Though initially lodged in the Ocean County Jail, Gregor was subsequently released as a consequence of New Jersey Bail Reform.
On March 3, 2022, the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office received a report from the State’s expert witness which indicated that C.M. died as a result of blunt force impact of the chest and abdomen, and determined the manner of the child’s death to be homicide. An extensive investigation conducted by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Barnegat Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, revealed that C.M. was in the custody of Gregor at the time he sustained his life-ending injuries, and that Gregor is the individual responsible for the child’s death.
On March 9, 2022, Gregor was taken into custody by Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, Sea Bright Police Department, and Barnegat Township Police Department. Gregor is currently lodged in the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.
“I’m thankful for the collective effort of all of the law enforcement officers that participated in this very thorough and comprehensive investigation over the past 11 months. Today is the first step in bringing the person we believe is responsible for this young boy’s death to justice,” Prosecutor Billhimer stated. “This truly was a team effort, and I’m grateful for the determination and resolve exhibited by all the agencies involved,” Prosecutor Billhimer concluded.
Prosecutor Billhimer and Chief Germain commend the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victim’s Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Economic Crimes Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Victim Witness Advocacy Unit, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, Barnegat Township Police Department, Stafford Township Police Department, Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, Englishtown Police Department, Manalapan Township Police Department, Monroe Township Police Department, Sea Bright Police Department, New Jersey State Police, and Alcoa (Tennessee) Police Department, for their collective and cooperative assistance in connection with this investigation leading to Gregor’s apprehension.
The charges referenced above are merely accusations and 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. R.P.C. 3.6(b)(6).
Christopher Gregor, 29, of Monroe Township Christopher Gregor, 29, of Monroe Township, was charged with Murder in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:11-3a(1), in connection with the death of a six-year-old male on April 2, 2021, at Southern Ocean Medical Center in the Manahawkin section of Stafford Township.
BARNEGAT, NJ (OCEAN)–Barnegat Chief of Police Keith A. Germain reported that the police department was actively running down rumors to determine if there’s any validity of a reported gun at the school. At the same time, the department had ten K9 teams working Barnegat High School to systematically search for any weapons.
The Chief later reported that the K9 search and video review was complete, and no weapons were found. The original report was that a student saw another student with a duffel bag that appeared to have the barrel of a gun sticking out of it. We are confident after a thorough review of security video that the report was unsubstantiated.
The Chief said that we’ll be working with the school district to debrief and review the response to this incident so that we can identify areas where we can improve our response in the future. Our thanks for the overwhelming K9 support from the Ocean County Sheriff’s Dept, Stockton University PD, Brick PD, and the NJ State Park Police.
There is currently a search and rescue being conducted in the wooded area of 539/Warren Grove Rd in Barnegat & Stafford Township. HUNTERS please be extremely vigilant of 100+ searchers walking through the area.
November 24, 2021
STAFFORD TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–On Tuesday, November 23,2021, the Stafford Township Police Department initiated an investigation into two missing persons from Warren Grove identified as Gary & Lorraine Parker. The department’s ATV Unit with the assistance of the Ocean County Sheriffs Department ATV Unit have been conducting off-road searches of the Warren Grove area. The NJSP Aviation Unit assisted as well. At this time, we are not seeking assistance in this search. However, if anyone has any information on the whereabouts of Gary & Lorraine Parker, please contact us at (609) 597-8581 or Detective Sergeant Neil McKenna at (609) 597-1189 X8440.
ATLANTIC CITY, NJ — The Coast Guard medically evacuated a man after he was found unconscious aboard a fishing vessel approximately 90 miles east of Barnegat Township, New Jersey, Thursday, November 4, 2021. Watchstanders at the Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay Command Center received a relayed notification from watchstanders at the Coast Guard 1st District Command Center regarding a crewmember who was found unconscious and in need of immediate medical attention while aboard the fishing vessel Lady Anna. An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew from Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City, New Jersey was launched to the scene. Once on scene, the aircrew was able to successfully hoist the crewmember and transfer him to AtlantiCare Trauma Center in Atlantic City for further medical care. “Medical evacuations are always complex evolutions and can be especially challenging at night,” said Lt. Humberto Hernandez, one of the Dolphin pilots from Air Station Atlantic City. “Our crews remain ever ready and due to the quick actions from the command center and air station personnel, we were able to quickly get this gentleman to the hospital where he could receive immediate medical treatment.”
USCG FILE PHOTO: An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter flight crew prepares to take off for a flight, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2015, from Air Station Atlantic City, N.J. The air station’s crewmembers support a variety of missions, including search and rescue, port security, law enforcement and environmental protection. (U.S. Coast Guard Photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class David Micallef)
BARNEGAT, NJ (OCEAN)–Community Medical Center, an RWJBarnabas Health facility, and Ocean Women’s Health Care Group, PA, a practice of the Combined Medical Group of RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers Health, held a ribbon cutting ceremony on Tuesday October 12th to celebrate the official opening of the new healthcare hub located at 770 Lighthouse Drive, in Barnegat, N.J. While the medical practice opened earlier this year, the ceremony marks the enhancement and expansion of the location’s services to include a new, state-of-the-art lab and women’s imaging center in the same shopping complex. Representatives from Community Medical Center and Ocean Women’s Healthcare Group and local officials were in attendance to mark the milestone expanding convenient access to women’s health services in Ocean County.
The newly opened lab and women’s imaging services offers a range of services including outpatient laboratory services, 3D mammography, screening ultrasounds, general ultrasounds for female patients, and DEXA scans for bone density testing. The Community Medical Center Lab and Women’s Imaging Center will open on October 26 and appointments can be scheduled by calling 848.208.6203.
Additionally, Ocean Women’s Health Care Group, PA, which opened its doors in July offers a full range of gynecologic services for women of all ages – from adolescence through menopause and beyond. Along with providing preventative care through annual health screenings, the comprehensive OBGYN care team of leading women’s health specialists including Lauren Mason Cederberg, MD; James McDermott, DO; Amadi Rezai, MD and Anupama Sunkavalli, MD provide treatment for a wide range of gynecological conditions including infertility, urinary incontinence treatment, pelvic pain and minimally invasive alternatives to surgery. As part of the Combined Medical Group of RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers Health, Ocean Women’s Health Care Group providers in Barnegat accept most major insurances. To learn more or schedule an appointment for OBGYN services, please call 609.978.9870.
“We are excited to mark the official opening of our newest outpatient location in Barnegat, which expands access to critical women’s health and wellness services by bringing them directly to the community,” said Patrick Ahearn, Chief Executive Officer, Community Medical Center. “Both Community Medical Center and the Combined Medical Group of RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers Health have a shared mission of providing our patients with world-class care and the opening of this new state-of-the art hub further reinforces that commitment.”
“We are dedicated to providing greater access to high quality healthcare in all communities across our state and the opening and expansion of this new specialty care location in Barnegat is illustrative of that commitment in action,” said Andy Anderson, President and CEO, Combined Medical Group of RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers Health.
Community Medical Center, Combined Medical Group of RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers Health physicians, and local government representatives took part in a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of the new Barnegat Hub location for the hospital’s outpatient services and medical group office.
SAYREVILLE, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Chief John Zebrowski of the Sayreville Police Department announce a Barnegat man has been arrested after being indicted by a Middlesex County Grand Jury for the 1999 murder of Nancy Noga, 17, of Sayreville.
On January 7, 1999, Ms. Noga, who was then a senior in high school, was reported missing after she did not return home from work. Five days later, on January 12, 1999, at approximately 8:57 A.M., Ms. Noga’s body was discovered in a wooded area behind what was then Mini-Mall Plaza Shopping Center on Ernston Road. An autopsy later determined Noga died from blunt force trauma after being struck with a blunt object. For more than two decades, the case remained open and active as investigators continued to investigate Ms. Noga’s death.
Today, Bruce A. Cymanski, 49, of Barnegat was indicted for first- degree murder, first-degree felony murder, first-degree aggravated sexual assault, first-degree kidnapping, and third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose in connection with the killing of Nancy Noga. Assistant Prosecutor Scott Lamountain, who serves as the section chief of the Major Crimes Unit, presented the case to the Grand Jury.
Following the return of the indictment by a Middlesex County Grand Jury, Cymanski was arrested near his home by members of the Sayreville Police Department, Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Barnegat Police Department after a brief foot pursuit. Cymanski is presently lodged at the Middlesex County Adult Correction Center where he is detained pending a pre-trial detention hearing in Superior Court.
The arrest was made possible by a joint investigation conducted by Detective Mark Morris and Sergeant Deon McCall, both of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, in conjunction with Sergeant Daniel Ellmyer of the Sayreville Police Department and retired Detective Sergeant Richard Sloan, formerly of the Sayreville Police Department.
Cymanski was in-part identified through the use of genetic genealogy conducted by the Chief Genetic Genealogist of Parabon NanoLabs, Ms. CeCe Moore.
“In the decades since Nancy Noga’s death, law enforcement has relentlessly pursued justice on her behalf. The advancement of modern scientific tools has allowed that endeavor to enter a new chapter,” said Prosecutor Ciccone.
“This arrest is the result of decades of hard work by so many detectives and officers. We never stopped following up on leads, and today with the arrest of Bruce Cymanski, we are one step closer to bringing a degree of justice and closure to the family. I want to thank Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and her office for their tireless efforts and partnership in bringing justice to the family of this young girl,” said Chief Zebrowski.
This investigation is active and continuing. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Morris at (732)745-3702 or Sergeant Ellmyer at (732)525-5406.
As is the case with all criminal defendants, the charges against Cymanski are merely accusations and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force collaborated with the Pine Beach Police Department, Barnegat Township Police Department Crime Reduction Unit and Patrol Division, Toms River Township Police Department Special Enforcement Unit and Patrol Division, Lakewood Township Police Department Street Crimes Unit, Lakewood Township Police Department Special Response Team, Lakewood Township Police Department K-9 Unit, Lakewood Police Department Patrol Division, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit, Seaside Heights Police Department Detective Bureau, and Lacey Township Police Department, to conduct an investigation into the distribution of narcotics in the Ocean County area. The investigation identified a residence in Pine Beach being utilized by Kevin Collins, 37, and Daysha Kelly, 35, as well as a residence in Lakewood being utilized by Elex Hyman, 49, and Jamie Steen, 38, for purposes of storing and distributing Heroin, Fentanyl, and Cocaine in Ocean County. The investigation revealed that all four defendants were acting together and in support of one another in carrying out their distribution scheme.
On August 10, 2021, Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Narcotics Strike Force, along with Officers from the Pine Beach Police Department, Barnegat Township Police Department Crime Reduction Unit, and Toms River Township Police Department Special Enforcement Unit, established surveillance on the subject residence in Pine Beach. Detectives observed Collins and Kelly leave the residence and travel by way of public transportation to the Ocean County Mall. As Detectives maintained surveillance on Collins and Kelly, the Ocean County Regional SWAT Team executed a court-authorized search warrant on the Pine Beach residence. Detectives then approached Collins and Kelly and arrested them without incident. Collins and Kelly were found to be in possession of approximately 100 wax folds of Heroin, 22 grams of Crack Cocaine, and $1,230 in United States Currency. In addition, as a result of the execution of the search warrant on the Pine Beach residence, Detectives seized approximately 1300 wax folds of Heroin, 134 Ecstasy Pills, two semi-automatic 9mm handguns, and $9740 in United States currency.
On August 11, 2021, Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Narcotics Strike Force, along with Officers from the Lakewood Township Police Department Street Crimes Unit, Lakewood Township Police Department Special Response Team, Lakewood Township Police Department K-9 Unit, and Lakewood Township Police Department Patrol Division, executed a court-authorized search warrant on the residence in Lakewood. Though nothing of evidentiary value was located at the residence, Lacey Township Police Officers performed a motor vehicle stop on a vehicle being operated by Hyman – with Steen as a passenger – in Lacey Township. As a result of the stop, Hyman and Steen were arrested and approximately $5780 in United States Currency was seized.
Kevin Collins, of Pine Beach, was charged with Possession of More than One-Half Ounce but Less than Five Ounces of Heroin With Intent to Distribute in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5b(2); Possession of More than One-Half Ounce but Less than Five Ounces of Cocaine With Intent to Distribute in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5b(2); Possession of More than One-Half Ounce but Less than Five Ounces of Ecstasy Pills With Intent to Distribute in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5b(2); Possession of Heroin in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(1); Possession of Cocaine in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(1); Possession of Ecstasy Pills in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(1); Possession of Drug Paraphernalia in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:36-2a; Possession of a Firearm during the Commission of a Controlled Dangerous Substance Offense in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4.1a; and Being a Certain Person Prohibited from Possessing a Weapon in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-7a. Collins was transported to the Ocean County Jail where he is currently lodged pending a detention hearing.
Daysha Kelly, of Pine Beach, was charged with Possession of More than One-Half Ounce but Less than Five Ounces of Heroin With Intent to Distribute in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5b(2); Possession of More than One-Half Ounce but Less than Five Ounces of Cocaine With Intent to Distribute in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5b(2); Possession of More than One-Half Ounce but Less than Five Ounces of Ecstasy Pills With Intent to Distribute in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5b(2); Possession of Heroin in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(1); Possession of Cocaine in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(1); Possession of Ecstasy Pills in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(1); Possession of Drug Paraphernalia in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:36-2a; and two counts of Possession of a Firearm during the Commission of a Controlled Dangerous Substance Offense in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4.1a. Kelly was transported to the Ocean County Jail where she is currently lodged pending a detention hearing.
Elex Hyman, of Barnegat, was charged with Conspiracy to Possess More than One-Half Ounce but Less than Five Ounces of Heroin With Intent to Distribute in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:5-2a(1) and N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5b(2); Conspiracy to Possess More than One-Half Ounce but Less than Five Ounces of Cocaine With Intent to Distribute in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:5-2a(1) and N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5b(2); and Conspiracy to Possess More than One-Half Ounce but Less than Five Ounces of Ecstasy Pills With Intent to Distribute in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:5-2a(1) and N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5b(2). Hyman was transported to the Ocean County Jail where he is currently lodged pending a detention hearing.
Jamie Steen, of Barnegat, was charged with Conspiracy to Possess More than One-Half Ounce but Less than Five Ounces of Heroin With Intent to Distribute in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:5-2a(1) and N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5b(2); Conspiracy to Possess More than One-Half Ounce but Less than Five Ounces of Cocaine With Intent to Distribute in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:5-2a(1) and N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5b(2); and Conspiracy to Possess More than One-Half Ounce but Less than Five Ounces of Ecstasy Pills With Intent to Distribute in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:5-2a(1) and N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5b(2). Steen was transported to the Ocean County Jail where she is currently lodged pending a detention hearing.
Prosecutor Billhimer commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Asset Forfeiture Unit, Ocean County Regional SWAT Team, Pine Beach Police Department, Barnegat Township Police Department Crime Reduction Unit and Patrol Division, Toms River Township Police Department Special Enforcement Unit and Patrol Division, Lakewood Township Police Department Street Crimes Unit, Lakewood Township Police Department Special Response Team, Lakewood Township Police Department K-9 Unit, Lakewood Township Police Department Patrol Division, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit, Lacey Township Police Department, and Seaside Heights Police Department Detective Bureau, for their combined and collective assistance in connection with this investigation.
The charges referenced above are merely accusations and 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. R.P.C. 3.6(b)(6).
You must be logged in to post a comment.