Category: Beachwood

Beachwood, Jackson, Ocean County

Additional Charges for Jackson Township Teacher: Possession of Child Pornography and Endangering Welfare of a Child

November 2, 2023

JACKSON TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on November 1, 2023, Andrew Fantasia, 27, of Beachwood, was charged with Possession of Child Pornography and an additional count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child.  Fantasia had previously been charged with Endangering the Welfare of a Child, Aggravated Criminal Sexual Contact, and Official Misconduct, on October 25, 2023.

An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit and Jackson Township Police Department determined that between February 2023 and June 2023, Fantasia – while employed in his official capacity as a teacher at Carl W. Goetz Middle School and club advisor at Jackson Memorial High School – had inappropriate sexual contact with a student on high school property.  The investigation further revealed that Fantasia requested nude photos from the victim.

On October 25, 2023, Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victim’s Unit, Jackson Township Police Department and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, executed a court-authorized search warrant at Fantasia’s residence; as a result, Detectives seized multiple electronic devices in Fantasia’s possession.  Fantasia was taken into custody and transported to the Ocean County Jail, where he is presently lodged pending a detention hearing.

A full forensic analysis of Fantasia’s electronic devices, conducted by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, revealed nude images of the victim on Fantasia’s cellular phone.  On November 1, 2023, Fantasia was served with the additional charges as noted above by way of warrant at the Ocean County Jail.

Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, Jackson Township Police Department, Jackson Township Police Department Detective Bureau, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, for their collaborative 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.

R.P.C.  3.6(b)(6).

Beachwood, Ocean County, Plumsted

Beachwood Man Charged With Vehicular Homicide In Connection With Plumsted Township Fatal Crash

“Laboratory results of an initial blood draw taken from Zinkoski at the hospital revealed that his Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) at the time of the crash was in excess of the legal limit….The laboratory results revealed the presence of cocaine and benzodiazepine in Zinkoski’s blood at the time of the crash as well.…The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Vehicular Homicide Unit and Plumsted Township Police Department determined that the vehicle operated by Zinkoski was traveling at an average speed of 86 miles-per-hour at the time of the crash.”     

“On August 8, 2023, a warrant was issued for Zinkoski’s arrest. Zinkoski has not yet been taken into custody, and is considered a fugitive from justice.”

August 10, 2023

Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on August 8, 2023, John Zinkoski, 41, of Beachwood, was charged with Vehicular Homicide and Strict Liability Vehicular Homicide in connection with a motor vehicle crash that occurred in Plumsted Township on May 12, 2023, resulting in the death of Judi Smith, 59, of Browns Mills.        

On May 12, 2023, at approximately 5:50 p.m., Officers from the Plumsted Township Police Department responded to the area of Pinehurst Road and Long Swamp Road for a report of a serious motor vehicle crash.  An investigation by the Plumsted Township Police Department determined that a Volvo XC6, operated by Ms. Smith, attempted to make a right-hand turn onto Pinehurst Road when it was struck by a Nissan Frontier operated by Zinkoski, who was traveling southbound on Pinehurst Road.  As a result of the crash, Ms. Smith suffered significant injuries and was subsequently transported to Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus in Lakewood, where she ultimately succumbed to those injuries.  Zinkoski was airlifted to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, where he was treated for his injuries and released.        

Laboratory results of an initial blood draw taken from Zinkoski at the hospital revealed that his Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) at the time of the crash was in excess of the legal limit.  In the State of New Jersey, an operator of a motor vehicle is presumed to be over the legal limit for purposes of alcohol consumption where the operator’s BAC is .08 or greater.  The laboratory results revealed the presence of cocaine and benzodiazepine in Zinkoski’s blood at the time of the crash as well.  Further investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Vehicular Homicide Unit and Plumsted Township Police Department determined that the vehicle operated by Zinkoski was traveling at an average speed of 86 miles-per-hour at the time of the crash.         

On August 8, 2023, a warrant was issued for Zinkoski’s arrest.  Zinkoski has not yet been taken into custody, and is considered a fugitive from justice.  As such, his name has been entered in the National Crime Information Center database.          

Prosecutor Billhimer commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Vehicular Homicide Unit, Plumsted Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, for their collaborative 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. R.P.C.  3.6(b)(6).      

Allentown, Allentown, Bayville, Beachwood, Freehold, Hamilton, Hamilton, Lawrence, Mercer County, Middlesex County, Monmouth County, Ocean County, State of NJ, Upper Freehold, Upper Freehold, Woodbridge

Million Dollar Replay Grand Prize Winner from Lawrenceville, NJ, Hamilton Man Wins 100K

$1,000,000  Ronald Demura Lawrenceville 

$100,000 Christopher Croux Hamilton 

April 29, 2022

New Jersey Lottery’s Million Dollar Replay Grand Prize Drawing was held today at Caesars Atlantic City Hotel and Casino, where more than $1,500,000 in prizes were awarded to our lucky players. Today’s top prize winner was Ronald Demura of Lawrenceville in Mercer County. The winner stood up in shock as his name was called out as New Jersey Lottery’s newest millionaire. Fourteen other Lottery players also received prizes ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 as part of the Grand Prize Drawing.

Throughout 2021, New Jersey Lottery players from all over the state submitted their non-winning instant tickets online for a second chance to win big prizes. Each quarter, 100 names were selected and awarded a $250 prize, as well as entry into today’s Grand Prize Drawing. An additional 19 raffle prizes were awarded to Million Dollar Replay finalists in attendance at the event today: seven $1,000 drawings, seven $300 Scratch-Offs drawings, and five gift basket drawings (containing $200 in Scratch-Offs plus Lottery swag). In addition to these drawings, there were 16 prizes drawn for the livestream sweepstakes open to the public, including one gift basket and 15 $200 Scratch-Off prizes. Guests also enjoyed the photo booth and prize wheels that provided many other opportunities to win.

New Jersey Lottery Executive Director James Carey, who assisted in the drawing, said, “I am thrilled to hold our 11th annual Million Dollar Replay.  After last year’s event was virtual due to the pandemic, we are excited to be back in-person.  Being able to add the excitement of minting a new millionaire makes it even better.”

Master of Ceremonies Steve Trevelise of NJ101.5 entertained the audience with jokes and witty banter throughout the event by interacting with the guests and prizewinners. Host Lauren Berman, conducted the drawing for the semi-finalists with the help of Lottery staff. The entire drawing process was completed under the observation of Mercadien, P.C. Certified Public Accountants.

The excitement of winning was already in the air when after Host Lauren Berman directed attention to the Big Spin wheel located next to the stage. The Big Spin game is New Jersey Lottery’s revolutionary new Scratch-Off that  allows  players  the  opportunity  to  extend  their  play  beyond  the  paper  ticket  to online for a chance to spin a large mechanical wheel to win up to $300,000. Two players won an opportunity to spin the wheel. Both contestants won $50,000 each. For information on The Big Spin Scratch-Off ticket and jackpot, visit our website at: https://www.njlottery.com/en-us/scratch-offs/01728.html

Grand Prize Winner Story:

Ronald Demura is a regular Lottery player, who plays consistently at the same two retailers near his home. He came to the Million Dollar Replay hoping to win something and was in shock when his name was called to win the million dollar prize. His wife and the rest of the room cheered as he began walking toward the winners’ table. Saying that he was ecstatic is an understatement. Ronald has been retired for a few years, enjoying life with his family. Now he will get to pay off his house and, hopefully, his wife can join him in retirement.

PrizeNameCity/State
$1,000,000 Ronald DemuraLawrenceville 
$100,000 Christopher CrouxHamilton 
$100,000 Thach HieuCamden 
$50,000 Rick Bunnell Rockaway
$50,000 Kevin LindholmWoodbridge 
$50,000 Richard San AndresFreehold 
$25,000 Daniel DesantoIselin 
$25,000 Mike SeminaraLedgewood 
$25,000 Patrick SweeneyRahway 
$25,000 James WelshmanBayville 
$10,000Andrea Giedosh Pitman 
$10,000 Dwayne AngleroCream Ridge 
$10,000 Kenneth OliverRoselle 
$10,000 Michelle SperberBeachwood 
$10,000Linda Handel Clifton 
Beachwood, Ocean County, State of NJ

Beachwood, NJ Man Admits To Running Illegal Lottery And False Tax Returns

April 20, 2021

An Ocean County, New Jersey man today admitted operating an illegal lottery and failing to pay more than $65,000 in federal taxes on his earnings from the scheme, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.

Edward O’Neill, 54, of Beachwood, New Jersey, pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Brian R. Martinotti to an information charging him with one count of managing an illegal gambling business and one count of subscribing to a false tax return.

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

Between 2014 and 2019, O’Neill managed an illegal lottery in Hudson County that was based on the New Jersey Lottery Commission’s Pick Six. Participants in the illegal lottery paid a $20 entry fee and selected six numbers between 1 and 49. The first participant in the illegal lottery to have all six of their numbers selected in the official Pick Six drawing won a cash prize. For each drawing of the illegal lottery, O’Neill collected entry fees and participants’ numbers and entered the numbers into ledgers, which included identifying information for each participant and the numbers each participant had selected. O’Neill monitored the numbers selected in the official Pick Six and, when there was a winner of the illegal lottery, caused the winning participant to be paid in cash.

According to the ledgers, each drawing of the illegal lottery included up to 8,000 participants and the cash prize for each drawing often exceeded $100,000. In exchange for operating and managing the illegal lottery, O’Neill kept for himself 10 percent of the winnings from each drawing. O’Neill admitted that he failed to account for approximately $250,000 in cash winnings from the illegal lottery on tax returns he filed with the IRS between 2014 and 2018, causing him to underpay his federal incomes taxes by $65,674.

The gambling charge to which O’Neill pleaded guilty carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison, while the subscribing to a false federal income tax return count is punishable by up to three years in prison. Both charges carry a potential fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss from the offenses, whichever is greater. Sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 25, 2021.

Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, under the direction of Supervisory Special Agent Thomas Mahoney; special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael Montanez; and special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr. in Newark, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Farrell of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Special Prosecutions Division.

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Defense counsel: Jeffrey S. Chiesa Esq. and Brian P. O’Neill Esq., West Orange, New Jersey

  • Photo by Ru016bdolfs Klintsons on Pexels.com
Beachwood, Ocean County

Beachwood Residents Charged With Narcotics Distribution

December 28, 2020

Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer has announced the culmination of a two-month, multi-agency cooperative investigation into illegal drug activity in the Ocean County area.  Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force and the Beachwood Police Department Detective Bureau identified a residence in Beachwood as being utilized to store and distribute quantities of Heroin.

On December 18, 2020, Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force along with members of the Beachwood Detective Bureau and Patrol Division executed a search warrant at the Beachwood residence. Just prior to the execution of the search warrant, John Vaughn and Jennifer Vuono left the residence and were subsequently detained. As a result of the investigation and the execution of the search warrant, Detectives seized approximately 48 Bricks or 2,400 dosage units of Heroin, along with approximately $4,000 in cash.

John Vaughn, 47, of Beachwood, was arrested and charged with Possession of Heroin in a quantity of more than One Half Ounce but less than Five Ounces with the 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); and Possession of a Hypodermic Syringe without a Valid Prescription in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:36-6a.  Jennifer Vuono, 38, of Beachwood, was arrested and charged with Distribution of Heroin in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5b(3); Possession of Heroin in a quantity of more than One Half Ounce but less than Five Ounces with the Intent to Distribute in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5b(2);two counts of Possession of Heroin in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(1); and Possession of a Hypodermic Syringe without a Valid Prescription in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:36-6a.  Both Vaughn and Vuono were transported to the Ocean County Jail and released pending a future court date.

Prosecutor Billhimer commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Asset Forfeiture Unit, Beachwood Police Department Detective Bureau and Patrol Division and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit, for their collaborative efforts in connection with this investigation.

The press and public are reminded that all defendants are innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Bay Head, Beachwood, Berkeley, Brick, Manahawkin, Ocean County, Seaside Heights, Seaside Park, Ship Bottom, Toms River

Trump Boat Parade Draws Thousands

September 6, 2020

SHIP BOTTOM, NJ (OCEAN)–Estimates of 2,500 boats participated in a Trump Boat Parade that was also supporting Law Enforcement Officers and Veterans yesterday.

Boaters are congregated at the mouth of Tom’s River in Barnegat Bay and split into two major groups north bound and south bound.

The northbound parade started at the mouth of Toms River and past the Mantoloking Bridge, F-Cove and Bay Head.

The southbound parade started from the mouth of the Toms River and went past the Manahawkin Bridge all the way down to Beach Haven. A large group of boaters anchored in Ship Bottom after the parade.

Rep Smith joined the Law Enforcement Officers and Veterans Supporters of Trump Boat Parade in Barnegat Bay in Ocean County today in a boat captained by Ocean County GOP chairman Frank Holman. One report estimates that 2,500 boats participated in the show of support.
Some of the many Trump Boat Parade participants in the Ship Bottom area and Manahawkin Bridge
Beachwood, Freehold, Monmouth County, Ocean County

Monmouth County Corrections Officer Sentenced To Probation

July 29, 2020

FREEHOLD, NJ (MONMOUTH)–A Monmouth County corrections officer was sentenced to two-years probation after admitting he engaged in sexual contact with an inmate at the Monmouth County Correctional Institution last year, announced Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni.

Thomas J. Mauro, 42 of Beachwood, was sentenced by Monmouth County Superior Court Judge Vincent N. Falcetano, Jr.  Although the State argued that Mauro should be incarcerated for 180 days in jail, Judge Falcetano instead suspended the imposition of any jail term on the defendant, indicating he would serve the 180 days if he violated his probation.  Judge Falcetano further ordered Mauro to maintain full time employment, obtain substance abuse and mental health evaluations, and follow all recommendations, and attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. The Court had previously ordered Mauro to permanently forfeit his ability to hold public office at his guilty plea earlier this year.

 The victim, a 31-year-old female inmate from Neptune City, was observed on April 27, 2019, entering a bathroom at the correctional facility reserved for the exclusive use of Monmouth County Correctional Institution (MCCI) staff. Moments later, Mauro followed her into the same bathroom. While in the bathroom, Mauro engaged in sexual contact with the inmate before they each exited the bathroom separately.  The investigation revealed that Mauro and the woman had a prior relationship in 2013 while the woman was not an inmate at the facility.  Regardless of any prior relationship, such sexual contact is prohibited by law.  A correction officer’s power and authority over an inmate invalidates any possible consent that an inmate could provide. 

 “Law enforcement officers have an obligation to maintain the public’s trust that they are conducting themselves at the highest standards.  Corrections officers have the added obligation to ensure that they are maintaining an environment free of the abuse demonstrated in this case,” Gramiccioni said.

“Let this serve as a warning to every officer: violating your oath does harm to your fellow officers, the inmates, and public. Any officer violating that oath will be held fully accountable for their conduct. I’m proud of the corrections officers who diligently serve this agency, and no one will tarnish that reputation,” said Sheriff Shaun Golden.

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

Mauro is represented by Jeffrey Garrigan, Esq., of Jersey City.

Beachwood, Freehold, Monmouth County, Neptune, Ocean County

Monmouth County Corrections Officer Admits Sexual Contact At Jail

May 5, 2020

FREEHOLD, NJ (MONMOUTH)– A Monmouth County corrections officer admitted he engaged in sexual contact with an inmate at the Monmouth County Correctional Institution last year, announced Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni.

Thomas J. Mauro, 42 of Beachwood, pleaded guilty today to fourth degree Criminal Sexual Contact before Monmouth County Superior Court Judge Vincent N. Falcetano, Jr. Mauro admitted he had sexual contact with a female inmate at the Monmouth County Correctional Institution last year. Mauro is scheduled to appear before Judge Falcetano for sentencing on July 17, 2020.

“All law enforcement officers have a duty to maintain the public’s confidence that they are conducting themselves with honor and integrity.  Corrections officers have the added responsibility of ensuring that those who are serving sentences for breaking the law are doing so in an environment that is safe and free from the abuse of authority demonstrated in this case,” Gramiccioni said.

The victim, a 31-year-old female inmate from Neptune City, was observed on April 27, 2019, entering a bathroom at the correctional facility reserved for the exclusive use of Monmouth County Correctional Institution (MCCI) staff. Moments later, Mauro followed her into the same bathroom. While in the bathroom, Mauro engaged in sexual contact with the inmate before they each exited the bathroom separately.  The investigation revealed that Mauro and the woman had a prior relationship in 2013 while the woman was not an inmate at the facility.

“I’m proud of the corrections officers who tirelessly serve this agency.  Any officer who violates their oath does a disservice to their fellow officers, the inmates and public, and will be held fully accountable for their conduct,” said Sheriff Shaun Golden. 

As part of his plea agreement with this Office, Mauro faces a recommended sentence of probation with 180 days in jail.  Mauro also agreed to permanently forfeit his ability to hold public office in the State of New Jersey.

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

Mauro is represented by Jeffrey Garrigan, Esq., of Jersey City.

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