Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on March 22, 2023, Harry Bray, 35, of Manchester, was indicted by a Grand Jury sitting in Ocean County on the charges of Attempted Murder, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, in connection with an incident that occurred in Brick Township during the evening hours of January 5, 2023, resulting in serious bodily injuries to a female victim.
On January 5, 2023, at approximately 5:30 p.m., an Officer from the Brick Township Police Department was conducting a routine area check off of Cherry Quay Road when the Officer observed a vehicle with two flat tires in a parking lot area. Upon further examination, the Officer found a female victim on the ground near the vehicle suffering from multiple stab wounds. The victim was transported to a local area hospital; although she was initially treated for her injuries and released, complications from her injuries have resulted in the victim being readmitted to the hospital. An investigation conducted by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Brick Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, determined that Bray was responsible for the victim’s injuries.
Later in the evening on January 5, 2023, Bray was taken into custody, without incident, in Manchester Township by Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit and Brick Township Police Department. Bray was thereafter transported to the Ocean County Jail, where he has been lodged since his apprehension.
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the diligent efforts of Senior Assistant Prosecutor Ashley Angelo who presented the case to the Grand Jury on behalf of the State, and commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Brick Township Police Department, Manchester Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, for their collaborative assistance in connection with this investigation leading to Bray’s swift 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.
BRICK TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer has announced the resolution of charges brought against two juveniles from Brick Township for the arson that occurred on the Garden State Parkway on January 19, 2022, which shut down the northbound and southbound lanes of traffic near milepost 91 in Brick Township for approximately 10 hours. Although the charges were resolved in late 2022, the State’s intention to identify the juveniles by name in a subsequent public disclosure was opposed by attorneys for the juveniles in motions pending before the court; those motions were only recently decided by the court in the juveniles’ favor in February 2023, when it was ordered that the juveniles could be identified solely by their initials.
On Wednesday, January 19, 2022, at approximately 5:00 p.m., New Jersey State Police responded to a report of a fire in the area of milepost 91 on the Garden State Parkway in Brick Township. During the investigation, State Police Detectives determined that the fire was started within a drainage culvert that runs underneath the Garden State Parkway – from the 91 north entrance ramp to the 91 south exit ramp. Further investigation revealed that two juveniles, I. J., 15, and A.R., 14, were responsible for the arson and various acts of delinquency related to that event.
Late last year, both juveniles pleaded guilty to Arson and Criminal Mischief, and admitted that a Christmas tree inside the drainage culvert was purposely lit on fire, resulting in the extensive damage to the area. Both I.J. and A.R. were sentenced to 60 days in the Ocean County Juvenile Detention Center as a condition of three years juvenile probation. Additionally, the Court ordered $15,000 in restitution to be split evenly between the juveniles. Finally, both juveniles were ordered to complete 50 hours of community service and attend and complete a fire setter’s education program.
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the diligent efforts of Assistant Prosecutor Iva Krasteva who handled the case on behalf of the State, as well as the New Jersey State Police, Brick Township Police Department, and New Jersey Department of Transportation, for their collaborative efforts in connection with this investigation.
BRICK TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Around 7:15 a.m. Brick Police received a report of a car fire in the Emergency Room parking lot at Ocean Medical Center. The caller reported the car was in the lot with other cars around it. Chief 2300 arrived first and confirmed the working car fire with other vehicles as multiple exposures. When the engine arrived a 1 3/4″ hose line was stretched to attack the vehicle fire. It appears that was some extension to the other vehicles in the parking lot.
BRICK TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Ryan Mack of Jersey Shore Fire Response reported that around 4:45 p.m., yesterday February 12, 2013, Brick Township received a 9-1-1 call for a structure fire involving a chimney. Chief 2110 arrived on the scene and confirmed the smoke condition inside the home. The fire was quickly upgraded to a 2nd Alarm. Chief 2200 established operations while 2231 was first due hooking the hydrant outside of the home. Crews stretched two 13/4″ hose lines off 2231 one inside and one to the exterior of the chimney. Crews operated for around and hour and twenty minutes before bringing the fire fully under control. Fire was held to the area around the chimney with some extension into the home. Mutual aid from Point Pleasant Borough, Point Beach, Bayhead, Mantoloking, and Toms River were requested to the scene or for cover assignments.
BRICK TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office has filed motions to revoke the pre-trial release of Aimee Lonczak, 49, and Michele Nycz, 58, both of Brick Township. On December 3, 2022, Lonczak and Nycz were arrested and charged with Animal Cruelty and Endangering the Welfare of a Child.
On December 2, 2022, Officers from the Brick Township Police Department were summoned to a residence on Arrowhead Park Drive in reference to an anonymous complaint that the residents at the address were running a puppy mill. While speaking with the residents, Lonczak and Nycz, in the driveway of the residence, responding Officers could smell a strong odor coming from the residence and heard barking. Officers were subsequently permitted to enter the residence and immediately detected a strong odor and unsanitary conditions. Additionally, the Officers observed stacks of animal crates on top of each other with dogs and cats in the crates. Because of the conditions, the Officers were forced to exit the residence and requested that a Hazmat team respond. Rescuers in Hazmat equipment subsequently removed approximately 129 dogs and 43 cats located in the residence, and six dogs and one cat living in a vehicle parked outside the residence. Lonczak and Nycz – who resided at the residence with Lonczak’s 16 year-old child – were both taken into custody at the scene and transported to the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.
Following a detention hearing on December 8, 2022, the Honorable Wendel E. Daniels, J.S.C. (retired and temporarily assigned on recall), released Lonczak and Nycz under the conditions that they were to have no contact with animals and not return to the residence without written approval from the Court. Judge Daniels likewise order that Lonczak have no contact with her 16 year-old daughter unless authorized by the Department of Child Protection and Permanency and the Family Part of the Superior Court, and that Nycz have no contact with the 16 year-old juvenile. On January 10, 2022, Nycz attempted to have the no-contact order with the juvenile lifted; that request was denied by the Honorable Linda G. Baxter, J.S.C. (retired and serving on recall).
On January 19, 2023, the Brick Township Police Department was contacted by management of the Ocean County Animal Shelter in Stafford Township. Management from the shelter reported that Lonczak and Nycz were at the shelter demanding the return of their dogs. They were also in the company of Lonczak’s daughter. The shelter ultimately refused to turn over the dogs to the defendants.
“The actions of the defendants on January 19, 2023 violate the pre-trial release conditions imposed by Judge Daniels on December 8, 2022. As such, we have filed motions to revoke the pre-trial release of both Lonczak and Nycz. Based on their actions yesterday, we will be requesting that these defendants be detained pending trial,” Prosecutor Billhimer stated.
The motions are pending a hearing date in Ocean County Superior Court.
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.
BRICK TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Around 9:40 p.m., Brick Township Police received a 9-1-1 call for a residential structure fire in the first block of Fletcher Street. When Police arrived on scene, they reported a fire from the roofline of a home with an attached garage. When the first due fire chief arrived on scene (2300) a second alarm was called for and reported heavy fire coming from the attached garage and an exposure issue on the B side of the structure. The first due Ladder Truck 2305 set up a supply line on a nearby fire hydrant and started and used a 2.5-inch line to attack the main body fire in the garage a 1 3/4-inch exposure line for the B side was used to protect the exposure. 2471 was behind 2305 and helped them start pumping water & charging the hydrant. All Brick Township fire companies responded to the scene along with Point Pleasant Borough for their Fast Team & Engine to the scene. Once lines were in service the fire was quickly knocked down. The cause of the fire is currently unknown and is under investigation by the Brick Township Police & Brick Township Fire Bureau.
135 Dogs And 45 Cats were removed from the “puppy mill” in addition, there were two deceased dogs. Approximately eight animals were sent for emergency veterinary care.
December 3, 2022
BRICK TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Brick Township Police say that around 7:30 p.m. on Friday, December 2, 2022, Brick Police Humane Law Enforcement Officer Ptl. Scott Smith responded with Ptl. Brennan Lanni to a home on Arrowhead Park Drive in reference to an anonymous complaint that the residents there were running a puppy mill. The officers met with the two residents, Aimee Lonczak (49 years old) and Michele Nycz (58 years old), in the driveway where the four had a conversation about the nature of the complaint. While speaking with Lonczak and Nycz, officers could smell a strong odor coming from the residence and they could hear barking.
The officers were subsequently permitted to enter the residence and immediately noticed a strong odor and unsanitary conditions. The officers observed stacks of animal crates on top of each other with dogs and cats in the crates. Because of the conditions, the officers were forced to exit and requested that a Hazmat team respond.
Initially, officers estimated that there were approximately 30 animals contained within the residence. Once emergency response teams were able to get into the home it became apparent that the number of animals was in excess of 100. The home was full of animal waste and the animals were living in horrible and inhumane conditions. At least two animals removed were deceased – both were dogs.
The number of animals that needed to be rescued called for a large response from agencies throughout central New Jersey.
Rescuers in Hazmat equipment began removing animals which took approximately ten hours. The animals were then transported to a number of area shelters. There were 135 dogs and 45 cats removed from the residence. Veterinarian Steven Cudia V.M.D. responded to assess the animals as each was pulled from the home. In addition to the two deceased dogs, approximately eight animals were sent for emergency veterinary care.
Lonczak and Nycz, who were living inside the residence with Lonczak’s 16-year old child, were both arrested for animal cruelty and child endangerment. The investigation is ongoing and additional charges may be filed. The residence was subsequently condemned by the Brick building and code department.
Among the dozens of agencies and entities that responded to assist with the rescue, placement of the animals and support services are Berkeley Hazmat, Laurelton Fire Company, Pioneer Hose Fire Company, Point Pleasant Boro Fire Company, Brick Animal Control, Brick EMS, Brick Office of Emergency Management, the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office, the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, Brick Township Building Department, the Red Cross, NJ Animal Disaster Response, the Associated Humane Societies Animal Rescue, and several animal control and rescue agencies from several counties, including the Ocean County Animal Response Team, Anny, Jack and Lucy’s Animal Rescue, Tiny Paws Rescue, Art Cast Rescue, Animal Adoption Center, the Monmouth County SPCA, and the Popcorn Zoo.
An investigation by the Monmouth County Serious Collision Analysis Response Team (SCART), the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Fatal Accident Investigation Unit, and the Wall Township Police Department determined that Dickson was driving his vehicle recklessly under the influence of intoxicating substances at the time of the collision. The investigation further revealed that Dickson’s vehicle was traveling on State Highway 35 southbound when he struck the rear of the 2019 Honda CRV and then crossed over the double yellow line into northbound traffic, striking the vehicle being operated by Yuro.
August 4, 2022
WALL TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH)–On Monday, August 1, 2022, the Wall Township Police Department arrested and charged a 27-year-old Wall Township resident with being criminally responsible for a motor vehicle collision that occurred as a result, leaving an 82-year-old Brick man dead.
Nolan T. Dickson, 27, is charged with 2nd Degree Vehicular Homicide and 3rd Degree Causing Death While Operating a Motor Vehicle with a Suspended License.
At approximately 10:09 a.m. on Saturday June 27, 2021, members of the Wall Township Police Department responded to a report of a head-on collision on State Highway 35 just north of the intersection with Lakewood Road.
Upon arrival, the officer encountered three involved vehicles: a 2019 BMW430i driven by Dickson, a 2019 Honda CRV and a 2017 Toyota Camry driven by Paul Yuro of Brick.
Dickson was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. Yuro was also transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center for severe injuries by Wall Township Emergency Medical Services and paramedics from Hackensack Meridian, where he later died from his injuries.
An investigation by the Monmouth County Serious Collision Analysis Response Team (SCART), the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Fatal Accident Investigation Unit, and the Wall Township Police Department determined that Dickson was driving his vehicle recklessly under the influence of intoxicating substances at the time of the collision. The investigation further revealed that Dickson’s vehicle was traveling on State Highway 35 southbound when he struck the rear of the 2019 Honda CRV and then crossed over the double yellow line into northbound traffic, striking the vehicle being operated by Yuro.
This case is being handled by Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Meghan Doyle. Dickson is represented by Mitchell Ansell, Esq. with an office in Ocean Township.
If convicted of a second-degree offense of this nature, Dickson would be subject to a term of up to ten years in state person, with 85 percent of the term to be served before the possibility of parole, 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 which the defendant has all of the trial rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and State Law
BRICK TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Brick Township Police say that on Wednesday, April 27, just after 1:00 P.M., Patrol Officers responded to the area of 18th Ave. in response to a burglary. Prior to police arrival, two suspects fled in a black vehicle. Officers responding to the area discovered the suspect vehicle in the area of the River Rock Restaurant on Rt. 70. Two suspects who matched the description of the burglars were nearby and fled in different directions on foot as Patrol Officers approached the vehicle.
One of the suspects, identified as Jermaine Mayer Jr, (20 years old from Allentown, PA) was eventually caught by Ptl. Christopher Newlund and placed under arrest. The second suspect, Marquis Pettise, (20 years old from Allentown, PA) had returned to the vehicle while responding Officers were arriving. Pettise removed a handgun he had left inside the vehicle and tossed it on the side of the Liquor store. Pettise was later found on the Brielle Bridge and arrested by Ptl. Matthew Knehr. The discarded handgun was recovered and a high capacity magazine was located at the scene.
Det. Michael Bennett and Det. Ryan Talty, who are leading the investigation, filed charges on warrants for both suspects for Armed Burglary, Criminal Mischief, Possession of a handgun, Possession of a handgun for an unlawful purpose, Possession of high capacity magazine, Possession of hollow point ammunition, and Obstruction. Mayer and Pettise were lodged in Ocean County Jail.
The investigation is continuing and it is believed that this incident was targeted for the victim in particular and not a random act.
TRENTON, N.J. – An Ocean County, New Jersey, man was sentenced today to 18 months in prison for fraudulently obtaining chainsaws and chainsaw parts from his employer Amtrak and then selling this equipment for personal profit, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Jose Rodriguez, 49, of Brick, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Zahid N. Quraishi to an information charging him with one count of mail fraud. Judge Quraishi imposed the sentence today
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Rodriguez had been an Amtrak employee since October 2007, most recently as a senior engineer and repairman, based out of an Amtrak facility in North Brunswick, New Jersey. Between March 2012 and July 2020, Rodriguez obtained approximately 114 chainsaws, 122 chainsaw replacement bars, and 222 replacement chains from Amtrak, the total value of which was over $76,000, under the false pretense that this equipment would be used for Amtrak projects, but then sold the equipment either on an online auction service or directly to purchasers. Rodriguez used the U.S. Postal Service to mail the stolen chainsaw and chainsaw parts to purchasers throughout the United States, including purchasers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Quraishi sentenced Rodriguez to three years of supervised release and ordered restitution of $76,379 and forfeiture of $53,381.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited detectives from Amtrak Police New York Division and Mid-Atlantic Division, under the direction of Chief Sam Dotson, and special agents from Amtrak Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Waters, Eastern Field Office, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Leslie Faye Schwartz in the Special Prosecutions Division and Cari Fais, Chief of the Criminal Division’s Opioids Unit.
22-144
Defense counsel: Severiano E. Lisboa Esq., Hackensack, New Jersey
BRICK TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Yesterday, around 7:05 PM Brick Township received a call for a car fire. First arriving firefighters from Laurelton Fire Company (Brick Twp) Station 23, found a car well involved and extinguished the fire. There was a report of a small gas leak of 5-gallons that was cleaned up and there were no exposures in the fire. No further information is available.
BRICK TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Acting Attorney General Andrew J. Bruck and New Jersey State Police Superintendent Colonel Patrick J. Callahan today announced the arrest of two juveniles from Ocean County for the alleged arson on the Garden State Parkway that shut down the northbound and southbound lanes for approximately 10 hours.
On Wednesday, January 19, at approximately 5:00 p.m., State Police troopers responded to the report of a fire in the area of milepost 91 in Brick Township. During the investigation, detectives determined that the fire was started within a drainage culvert that runs underneath the Garden State Parkway from the 91 north entrance ramp to the 91 south exit ramp.
Through various investigative means, the two juveniles were identified as the suspects that allegedly started the fire. As a result of the investigation, detectives also discovered that the juveniles recently burglarized a building owned by the New Jersey Turnpike Authority adjacent the Garden State Parkway 91 north commuter lot.
On January 25, the two juveniles were charged with arson, burglary, criminal mischief, interference with transportation, and defiant trespassing. They were released pending a future court date.
The case is being prosecuted by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office.
While no information is released regarding most juvenile cases, the New Jersey State Police is releasing the above information today in response to public interest regarding the alleged offense. No additional information on the investigation or juvenile complaints will be released at this time, in accordance with the strict confidentiality requirements of juvenile matters and juvenile records. Likewise, Family Court proceedings involving juveniles are closed to the public, and the identities of juveniles involved are kept confidential.
Charges are mere accusations, and the accused are considered innocent until proven guilty.
BRICK TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Around 2:45 p.m. Brick Police received multiple 9-1-1 calls for a possible structure fire at 171 Walnut Drive. Herbertsville 2471 was first due to the fire as the fire station is down the road. When firefighters arrived, they reported heavy fire throughout a 2-story wood frame. Firefighters put the deck gun in service with the tank water and protected the D exposure as there was an issue with the fire possibly spreading to other structures. Stations 23,22,21 and 75 also responded to the scene. Firefighters put two master streams into service and knocked the fire down. The cause of the fire is and is under investigation by the Brick Township Police Department and the Fire Bureau.
BRICK TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–The New Jersey State Police Troop “D” Criminal Investigation Office is seeking the public’s assistance with an arson investigation that occurred on the Garden State Parkway in Ocean County.
On Wednesday, January 19, at approximately 5:00 PM, troopers responded to the report of a fire in the area of milepost 91 in Brick Township. Based on the preliminary investigation, detectives determined that the fire was started by several individuals, possibly juveniles, within a drainage culvert that runs underneath the Garden State Parkway from the 91 north entrance ramp to the 91 south exit ramp.
After starting the fire in the culvert opening on the south side, the suspects were seen running into the Evergreen Woods Park Apartment Complex, which runs parallel to the Garden State Parkway.
As a result of the fire, the Garden State Parkway was closed to all traffic between Wall Township and Lakewood Township for several hours.
Anyone who may have witnessed the incident, the events leading up to it, or any other information that might aid this investigation, is asked to contact the Troop “D” Criminal Investigation Office – Holmdel Station at 732-441-4576 or 732-441-4550. Anonymous tips are welcomed.
The north and southbound lanes are still closed in the area of MP 91. All southbound traffic is being diverted off Exit 98 and all northbound traffic is being diverted off Exit 89.
TRENTON, N.J. – An Ocean County, New Jersey, man today admitted possessing thousands of images and videos depicting child sexual abuse, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
Andrew Ramey, 34, of Brick, New Jersey, pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Brian R. Martinotti to an information charging him with one count of possession of child pornography.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From March 13, 2020, through June 8, 2020, Ramey downloaded and shared material containing images of child sexual abuse, via the BitTorrent Network, a publicly available online peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing network of linked computers. Users must download P2P software, which is widely available for free on the Internet. The software allows the user to place files into a designated “shared” folder on his or her hard drive, from which other BitTorrent users can then download those files directly to the “shared” folders of their own computers. Users can then search, select, and directly download, those files.
Law enforcement used investigative software to access the BitTorrent Network and downloaded video files containing images of child sexual abuse from a device or devices assigned to an IP address at Ramey’s residence. On Nov. 13, 2020, law enforcement searched Ramey’s residence and seized mobile phones belonging to Ramey. Analysis revealed the phones contained thousands of images and videos containing images of child sexual abuse, as well as BitTorrent software.
In a prior federal prosecution in 2018, Ramey was convicted of one count of possession of child pornography in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. For a repeat offender, the possession charge in the information carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a statutory maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, along with a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross pecuniary gain or loss, whichever is greater. Sentencing is scheduled for April 12, 2022.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, Atlantic City, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jason J. Molina in Newark; detectives of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer; the Brick Police Department, under the direction of Chief James Riccio; and the Mount Laurel Police Department, under the direction of Chief Stephen Riedener, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander E. Ramey of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Trenton.
21-561
Defense counsel: Lisa J. Van Hoeck Esq., Assistant Federal Public Defender, Trenton
TRENTON, N.J. – A Monroe County, Pennsylvania man was sentenced today to 200 months in prison for his role in distributing large quantities of heroin and cocaine in the Bayshore area of Monmouth and Middlesex counties, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced today.
Guy Jackson, 49, of Effort, Pennsylvania, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Brian R. Martinotti in Trenton federal court to an information charging him with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin. Jackson also admitted to conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine. Judge Martinotti imposed the sentence today via videoconference.
Today’s sentence follows a coordinated takedown in November 2018 of 15 defendants charged in a federal criminal complaint with conspiracy to distribute heroin and cocaine. To date, 13 defendants have pleaded guilty. Supplier Gregory Gillens was sentenced on Sept. 8, 2020, to 10 years in prison. Co-defendant Daniel McHugh was sentenced to 90 months in prison; co-defendant David Nagy was sentenced to one year and one day in prison; co-defendant Shavar Williams was sentenced to time served, which amounted to approximately 14 months in prison; co-defendant Daryl Jackson was sentenced to five years’ probation with 10 months of home detention; and co-defendant Brian Hall was sentenced to three years’ probation with eight months of home detention. Co-defendants Krystal Cordoba, Daniel Alfano, Tyler Scarangello, Christy Dube, Richard Gethers, and Lashawn Mealing are awaiting sentencing. Defendant Deberal Rogers has been indicted, and charges were dismissed against one defendant.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From May 2017 to November 2018, Jackson and others engaged in a narcotics conspiracy that operated in the Raritan Bayshore region of Middlesex and northern Monmouth counties. Through the interception of telephone calls and text messages pursuant to court-authorized wiretap orders, controlled purchases of heroin and cocaine, the use of confidential sources of information, and other investigative techniques, law enforcement learned that Jackson regularly supplied large quantities of heroin and cocaine for further distribution. Some of the heroin distributed by the conspiracy contained fentanyl, a dangerous synthetic opioid.
In addition to the prison terms, Judge Martinotti sentenced Jackson to five years of supervised release. Four vehicles that Jackson used in the course of the drug conspiracy, as well as in excess of $10,000 in cash that Jackson admitted was proceeds of drug trafficking, were previously seized and administratively forfeited.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the FBI, Newark Division, Red Bank Resident Agency, Jersey Shore Gang and Criminal Organization Task Force (including representatives from the Bradley Beach Police Department, Brick Police Department, Howell Police Department, Marlboro Police Department, Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office, Toms River Police Department, and Union Beach Police Department) under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch, Jr.; special agents of the FBI, Philadelphia Division, Scranton Resident Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jacqueline Maguire; the New Jersey State Police, under the direction of Col. Patrick J. Callahan; the Matawan Police Department, under the direction of Chief Thomas J. Falco, Jr.; the Holmdel Police Department, under the direction of Chief John Mioduszewski; the Highlands Police Department, under the direction of Chief Robert Burton; the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Lori Linskey; the Old Bridge Police Department, under the direction of Chief William A. Volkert; the Keansburg Police Department, under the direction of Chief Wayne Davis; the Hazlet Police Department, under the direction of Chief Ted A. Wittke; and the Aberdeen Police Department, under the direction of Chief Alan Geyer, with the investigation leading to this week’s sentencings.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elisa T. Wiygul of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Trenton.
The charges and allegations against the remaining defendant are merely accusations, and she is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
21-555
Defense counsel: Lorraine Gauli-Rufo Esq., Verona, New Jersey
BRICK TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Brick Township Police report that at 7:45 p.m. last night, Saturday, November 20th, Officers responded to the interchange for a report of shots fired. The victim called 9-1-1 to report the incident while driving home to their residence in Brick. Patrol units met with the victim who was not injured, and they located one bullet in the front passenger side door frame.
The victim stated he was involved in a road rage incident with two unknown white male subjects driving a newer model red pickup truck with an extended cab. The incident began on Brick Blvd. when the pickup truck continued to pass the victim and brake check him several times as they drove down Route 70 east. While the victim was stopped at the at the red light at the interchange (70/88), the suspect drove by and fired three rounds toward the passenger side of his vehicle. The suspect vehicle was last seen fleeing the scene eastbound on Route 70, running several red lights. The victim lost sight of the vehicle in the area of Olden Street.
The suspects are described as two white males late 20’s to early 30’s.
We are seeking information from anyone who may have witnessed the incident or the suspect vehicle, or from anyone with a working dashcam who was traveling on Brick Blvd south and Route 70 East between the hours of 7:35 P.M. and 7:55P.M. and may have captured footage.
The incident is still under investigation. Anyone with information please contact Det. Ryan Talty at 732-262-1170 or rtalty@brickpd.com.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on October 7, 2021, a superseding Indictment was returned against Mark J. Austin, 30, of Brick Township, charging him with Murder in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:11-3a(1), Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4d, and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5d, relative to the death of his father, Mark Richard Austin, in Brick Township on September 7, 2019. The superseding Indictment charges that Austin procured the commission of the murder of his father by payment or promise of payment of anything of monetary value, an aggravating factor which – if proven beyond a reasonable doubt at the time of trial – requires that Austin be sentenced to life imprisonment without parole eligibility. Austin and his co-defendant, Jeray Melton, 30, of Salem City, were originally indicted in connection with the murder of the victim on December 3, 2019; it was not known at that time that this was a murder for hire situation.
On Saturday, September 7, 2019, Officers of the Brick Township Police were summoned to a residence on Acorn Drive and discovered the victim’s body. At that time, it was discovered that the victim had been beaten to death. Following a thorough and extensive investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Major Crime Unit, Brick Township Police Department Detective Bureau, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, it was determined that Austin and Melton had conspired to kill the victim. Mark J. Austin and Jeray Melton were charged accordingly and taken into custody on September 13, 2019, and have been incarcerated since that date.
Subsequent investigation determined that Austin agreed to pay Melton a sum of money in exchange for killing Mark Richard Austin. On February 25, 2020, Melton pled guilty to Aggravated Manslaughter in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:11-4a before the Honorable Guy P. Ryan, J.S.C. Melton is currently lodged in the Monmouth County Correctional Institution pending sentencing. Austin remains in in the Ocean County Jail awaiting trial.
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the diligent efforts of Chief Trial Attorney Michael Weatherstone and Assistant Prosecutor Kimberly Carr who are handling the case on behalf of the State, as well as the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Economic Crime Unit, Brick Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Brick Township Police Department, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, Salem County Prosecutor’s Office, Salem City Police Department, New Jersey State Police Major Crime Unit, New Jersey State Police TEAMS Unit, New Jersey Department of Corrections, Port Authority Police of New York and New Jersey, Manchester Township Police Department, Millville Police Department, Bayonne Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for their collective 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. R.P.C. 3.6(b)(6).
Mark J. Austin, 30, of Brick Township
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on October 7, 2021, a superseding Indictment was returned against Mark J. Austin, 30, of Brick Township, charging him with Murder in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:11-3a(1), Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4d, and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5d, relative to the death of his father, Mark Richard Austin, in Brick Township on September 7, 2019. The superseding Indictment charges that Austin procured the commission of the murder of his father by payment or promise of payment of anything of monetary value, an aggravating factor which – if proven beyond a reasonable doubt at the time of trial – requires that Austin be sentenced to life imprisonment without parole eligibility. Austin and his co-defendant, Jeray Melton, 30, of Salem City, were originally indicted in connection with the murder of the victim on December 3, 2019; it was not known at that time that this was a murder for hire situation.
BRICK TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–On Monday afternoon, at 3:30 p.m., Emergency Responders answered a call of a house fire at 31 Bay Way in the Bay Harbor section of Brick. Upon arrival a heavy smoke and fire condition was observed. Strong winds helped to spread the fire quickly. The resident of 31 Bay Way, who was home at the time, was uninjured, but the home was completely destroyed.
The wind driven fire caused extensive damage to the upper portion of the house next door at 29 Bay Way. In addition spot fires on at least one area property were extinguished. The only injury was that of one of the fire fighters who suffered a minor burn that was treated by EMS on the scene.
The fire quickly reached a third alarm bringing Brick Township fire companies, Pioneer Hose, Breton Woods, Laurelton, and Herbertsville. In addition, the Point Pleasant Boro, Point Pleasant Beach, Silverton and East Dover fire companies also responded, along with the Police and the Brick Police EMS. Jackson and Lakewood covered the township’s fire houses while Brick Township’s fire and mutual aid companies worked to extinguish the fire.
The fire is being investigated by Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, the Brick Police Detective Bureau and the Brick Fire Safety Bureau.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Brick Fire Safety Bureau Chief Kevin Batzel at 732-458-4100. No further information is being released at this time.
MULBERRY GROVE, IL (FAYETTE) –The Illinois State Police is investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash that happened on Route 70 East Bound at Milepost 55, in Mulberry Grove, Fayette County on August 20, 2021 at 9:19 a.m.
Police say, preliminary investigative details indicate the following occurred:
A 2020 Freightliner tractor trailer was traveling westbound on Interstate 70, near mile post 55.
A Chevrolet Pickup pulling a trailer with a car, and a Honda Odyssey were traveling eastbound on Interstate 70 at the same location.
The tractor trailer left the roadway to the left and traveled through the median. The tractor trailer struck the trailer of the pickup truck. The tractor trailer then struck the Honda, causing both units to skid into the south ditch.
The driver of the tractor trailer from Los Angeles, CA was airlifted to a regional hospital with serious injuries.
The driver and passenger of pickup from Missouri refused medical attention.
The 19-year-old male driver and 20-year-old female passenger of Honda from Brick Township, NJ were pronounced deceased on scene.
The ISP Traffic Crash Reconstruction Unit is continuing the investigation. No further information will be disseminated at this time.
The driver of the tractor trailer was cited for Improper Lane Use and Failure to Reduce Speed to Avoid a Crash.
The New Jersey State Police, Wall Township Police Department, and Brick Township Police Department are seeking the public’s assistance with identifying a man suspected of impersonated a police officer.
On August 1, at approximately 2:00 p.m., the victim stopped her car in Brick Township because she thought a police officer was pulling her over. The suspect was driving behind the victim in a black, older model Ford Crown Victoria when he activated a blue dome light on the front dashboard.
When the victim pulled over, the suspect approached her vehicle and identified himself as a police officer. After a brief exchange, she became suspicious and asked him for identification. He failed to provide identification and instead instructed her to exit the vehicle. She refused to exit and the suspect attempted to remove her from the vehicle, before she fled the scene and reported the incident.
During the investigation, detectives discovered that a similar incident occurred on August 3 at approximately 9:45 p.m. in Wall Township. Another female victim reported that a man in black, older model Ford Crown Victoria pulled her over and impersonated a police officer.
The suspect is described as a white male, 40-50 years old, with long red hair pulled back in a pony tail, a red scruffy beard, and tattoos on both arms and the back of his hands. He was last seen wearing black BDU pants, a light blue short-sleeved bloused shirt with the word “police” on the front and non-descriptive patches on the arms that also said “police” but no specific department. He was also wearing a duty belt and a holster with what appeared to be black handgun.
A detective with the State Police Forensic Imaging Unit created a composite sketch of the suspect.
Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Christopher Mason of the Wall Township Police Department at 732-449-4500 ext. 1192 or Detective Michael Bennett of the Brick Township Police Department at 732-262-1100.
BRICK, NJ (OCEAN)–A local youth wrestling coach was arrested today on a charge of receipt and distribution of child pornography, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced today.
Alec Donovan, 24, of Brick, New Jersey, is charged by complaint with receipt and distribution of child pornography. He appeared by videoconference before U.S. Magistrate Judge Cathy L. Waldor and was released on $100,000 unsecured bond.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Donovan used a messaging application to share videos containing child pornography over the Internet. From January 2021 through March 2021, Donovan sent three videos containing images of child sexual abuse and received two videos containing images of child sexual abuse via the web-based messaging application. The videos Donovan sent and received depicted sexual acts involving pre-pubescent children.
Donovan also used the web-based messaging application to solicit and engage in conversations with minors, including requesting nude photographs from the minors and sending nude photographs to them.
The charge of receipt and distribution of child pornography carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison, and a $250,000 fine.
The FBI’s Newark Field Office is asking anyone with information related to this case or who may be a victim, to contact them at NK-Victim-Assistance@FBI.gov.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr., with the investigation leading to today’s charge.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicole F. Mastropieri of the Health Care Fraud Unit and Shawn Barnes of the Economic Crimes Unit in Newark.
The charge and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
21-353
Defense counsel: Nikole Pezzullo Esq.,, Freehold, New Jersey
BRICK TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer and Brick Township Chief of Police James Riccio announced that on July 26, 2021, Michael Stallworth, 37, of Seaside Heights, was charged with Attempted Murder in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:5-1a(1) and N.J.S.A. 2C:11-3a(1); Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4d; and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5d, relative to a stabbing incident that occurred in Brick Township on July 26, 2021.
On July 26, 2021, at approximately 4:00 p.m., Officers of the Brick Township Police Department responded to the parking lot of the ShopRite on Route 70 in Brick in response to a male victim having been stabbed in the parking lot. Responding Officers found a 44-year-old male victim with apparent stab wounds to his back. The victim was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune for treatment of his injuries, where he is reported to be in critical but stable condition.
An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, Brick Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, has resulted in Stallworth being identified as the individual who stabbed the victim and caused his injuries. Stallworth has not yet been apprehended, and is presently considered a fugitive from justice.
The investigation further revealed that Kareem Reeves, 32, of Lakewood, removed Stallworth’s vehicle from the ShopRite parking lot after the stabbing in an apparent effort to hinder Stallworth’s apprehension. As such, Reeves was charged with Hindering in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:29-3a(1); he was arrested and transported to the Ocean County Jail, where he is currently lodged pending a detention hearing.
“Stallworth is encouraged to turn himself in; a warrant has been issued for his arrest and his name has been entered in the National Crime Information Center database. Anyone with information concerning Stallworth’s whereabouts – or any information at all regarding this investigation – is urged to contact Detective Lindsay Woodfield of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office at 732-929-2027, extension 3989, or Detective Michael Bennett of the Brick Township Police Department at 732-262-1122,” Prosecutor Billhimer stated.
Prosecutor Billhimer and Chief Riccio acknowledge the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, Brick Township Police Department Detective Bureau and Patrol Division, Lakewood 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).
Michael Stallworth, 37, of Seaside Heights
Michael Stallworth, 37, of Seaside Heights, was charged with Attempted Murder in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:5-1a(1) and N.J.S.A. 2C:11-3a(1); Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4d; and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5d, relative to a stabbing incident that occurred in Brick Township on July 26, 2021.
BRICK TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer and Brick Township Chief of Police James Riccio announced that on July 26, 2021, at approximately 4:00 p.m., Brick Township Police responded to the parking lot of the ShopRite on Route 70 in Brick in reference to a male victim that had been stabbed in the parking lot. Responding officers found a 44-year-old male victim with apparent stab wounds to his back. The victim was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune for treatment of his injuries where he is reported to be in critical but stable conditio
Prosecutor Billhimer and Chief Riccio would like to stress that this is an active and ongoing investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, Brick Township Police Department and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit. “There is no danger to the public at this time, our investigation indicates this was a targeted attack against the victim,” Prosecutor Billhimer stated. “We will release more information as it becomes available,” Prosecutor Billhimer concluded.
Anyone in possession of information related to this investigation is urged to contact Detective Lindsay Woodfield of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office at 732-929-2027, extension 3989, or Detective Michael Bennett of the Brick Township Police Department at 732-262-1122.
BRICK TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean Ice Palace & Ocean Hockey Supply will be closing their doors after almost 60 years in business at the end of the month. The rink has brought many memories over the last 60 years and had a classic look with its Quonset hut style shaped roof.
According to the Ocean Ice Palace, Dr. Leon J. Dwulet built the Ocean Ice Palace in 1962. His vision was to provide skating and hockey development opportunities for the youth of Ocean and Monmouth Counties. The Dwulet family has operated the Ocean Ice Palace and Ocean Hockey Supply continuously for the last 59 years, and it is currently owned by Dr Dwulet’s daughter and managed by her daughter & son-in Law, Andrew & Raven Barten.
Ocean Ice Palace Facebook Post:
After almost 60 years of Family Owned & Operated business’ Ocean Ice Palace & Ocean Hockey Supply will be closing their doors at the end of this month. We are extremely thankful to all the friends who have become family and customers who have become friends over the years. The decision was not made lightly and certainly not without being given much thought. We will continue to run all programs and camps as scheduled through the end of this month and our shop will remain open until then. We welcome you to visit @OceanHockey and pick up some new gear before your season- shop starts at 40% off the entire store.
Photos from Ocean Ice Palace Facebook, Twitter and Website
Robbinsville at Brick on March 3, 2011 at Ocean Ice Palace in Brick Township, NJ in a NJSIAA Playoff Game. File photo. (Note Robbinsville #19 is Robbie Colton, Ross Colton’s brother who is currently in the Stanley Cup Playoffs playing for Tampa Bay Lightning)
Steinert at Brick at the Ocean Ice Palace in Brick Township on March 1, 2010 in a NJSIAA Playoff Game. File Photo
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on June 30, 2021, Mayra Gavilanez-Alectus, 49, of Brick Township, was indicted by a Grand Jury sitting in Ocean County on a charge of Murder, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:11-3a(1), in connection with the death of Rebecca Gavilanez-Alectus, in Brick Township, on May 17, 2020. Mayra Gavilanez-Alectus was also indicted on charges of Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4d; and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5d.
On May 17, 2020, Brick Township Police were summoned to a residence on Creek Road for a report of an unresponsive female. Upon arrival, Officers found the lifeless body of Rebecca Gavilanez-Alectus in an upstairs bedroom of the residence. On May 18, 2020, the Ocean County Medical Examiner performed a post-mortem examination of Ms. Gavilanez-Alectus’ body, and determined the manner of her death to be a homicide. A subsequent investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Brick Township Police Department Detective Bureau, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit revealed that both the victim and the defendant resided at the Creek Road address. The investigation further revealed that a cylindrical container used for the purpose of chilling wine was utilized in the commission of the murder. The injuries sustained by Rebecca Gavilanez-Alectus were consistent with the implementation of this item. Further investigation ultimately determined that Mayra Gavilanez-Alectus did, in fact, cause the victim’s death. On May 18, 2020, a warrant for the arrest of Mayra Gavilanez-Alectus was issued. On May 21, 2020, Mayra Gavilanez-Alectus was taken into custody by law enforcement in Houston, Texas. She was extradited back to New Jersey and has been lodged in the Ocean County Jail since her return to New Jersey.
Prosecutor Billhimer would like to acknowledge the diligent efforts of Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Robert Cassidy, Assistant Prosecutor Ashley Angelo and Assistant Prosecutor Genna Moscato who are handling the case on behalf of the State as well as the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, Brick Township Police Department, Brick Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Department of Homeland Security, United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, New York Police Department, United States Marshals Service, and Houston Police Department for their collective assistance relative to this investigation resulting in today’s indictment.
Mayra Gavilanez-Alectus, 49, of Brick Township, was indicted by a Grand Jury sitting in Ocean County on a charge of Murder
Mayra Gavilanez-Alectus, 49, of Brick Township, was indicted by a Grand Jury sitting in Ocean County on a charge of Murder
BRICK TOWNSHIP, MANTOLOKING, NJ (OCEAN)–Earlier this morning, Troopers Ryan Koehler and Vincent Ferdinandi, of Point Pleasant Station, located a Golden Retriever that was reported missing out of Brick, N.J. since June 6.
Troopers were preparing for their shift when they were dispatched to the report of a dog swimming in Barnegat Bay. Troopers Koehler and Ferdinandi responded in a vessel and located Chunk, who was swimming in the area of the Mantoloking Bridge, and were able to bring him safely to shore.
Chunk, who is three years old, was missing for more than two weeks. Needless to say he was ecstatic to be reunited with his grateful owners.
Earlier this morning, Troopers Ryan Koehler and Vincent Ferdinandi, of Point Pleasant Station, located a Golden Retriever that was reported missing out of Brick, N.J. since June 6.
Troopers were preparing for their shift when they were dispatched to the report of a dog swimming in Barnegat Bay. Troopers Koehler and Ferdinandi responded in a vessel and located Chunk, who was swimming in the area of the Mantoloking Bridge, and were able to bring him safely to shore.
Chunk, who is three years old, was missing for more than two weeks. Needless to say he was ecstatic to be reunited with his grateful owners.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal today announced a wave of 35 indictments secured by the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice in just over two months charging numerous defendants with illegal gun trafficking and/or possession of illicit weapons, including untraceable ghost guns, assault rifles, and outlawed large-capacity ammunition magazines. Ghost guns are not registered and do not have serial numbers, making them difficult to trace and making it harder for law enforcement to solve gun crimes.
The indictments charge a total of 81 defendants, a majority of whom face various weapons offenses in connection with the following illegal weapons seized in the investigations:
96 Illegal Guns, including
16 Assault Rifles and
1 Machine Gun;
53 Illegal Large-Capacity Ammunition Magazines.
The illegal guns include a total of 10 Ghost Guns that do not bear federally registered serial numbers. Most of the guns traced in these cases were purchased in various states other than New Jersey, including Pennsylvania, which was the source of at least 18 guns, and South Carolina, which was the source of at least 12 guns, as well as Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia, among others.
Five of the indictments charge defendants with illegally trafficking guns. The others charge possession of illegal weapons by other alleged criminals, including individuals charged with using guns in violent crimes, alleged drug dealers, an alleged human trafficker, and a fugitive charged with credit card fraud. Thirty-four of the indictments stem from investigations conducted between January 2019 and February 2021, with most charging conduct in 2020 and 2021. One case dates to 2018.
Thirty-three indictments were secured by the Division of Criminal Justice Gangs & Organized Crime Bureau. Two indictments were secured by the Division of Criminal Justice Specialized Crimes Bureau.
The Division of Criminal Justice and New Jersey State Police consistently join with other law enforcement partners to conduct strategic investigations focused on disrupting the supply-line of weapons trafficking into violent areas, arresting drug dealers and seizing existing weapons in those areas, and aggressively prosecuting all defendants who traffic, use, or possess guns in connection with criminal activity.
“We are aggressively targeting those responsible for the proliferation of guns and gun violence in our communities, including gun traffickers, drug dealers, and other criminals who arm themselves with illegal weapons,” said Attorney General Grewal. “Assault rifles have long been a weapon of choice for gangs and drug dealers, and more recently there has been an alarming increase in untraceable ghost guns, which often are seized by police after they have been used in a shooting. By focusing on illegal guns, working to shut down the iron pipeline of firearms from other states, and prosecuting offenders under New Jersey’s tough gun laws, we are taking guns and armed criminals off of the street—and undoubtedly saving lives.”
“These 35 indictments are the product of strong collaboration by the Division of Criminal Justice and law enforcement agencies at all levels, all across New Jersey and into states such as Pennsylvania and South Carolina, which were source states for guns allegedly sold by certain defendants,” said Director Veronica Allende of the Division of Criminal Justice. “By cracking down on gun traffickers, armed drug dealers, and others with illegal weapons, we are working to reduce the gun violence and drug dealing that are claiming far too many lives in New Jersey and are undermining the safety and security of our communities. I commend our Gangs and Organized Crime Bureau, Specialized Crimes Bureau, the New Jersey State Police, and all of our law enforcement partners for these outstanding results.”
“Illegal weapons trafficking has unfortunately evolved over time. The proliferation of ghost guns, which can be assembled from parts originating from across the country, has made it more difficult to solve violent crimes and disrupt trafficking networks, but fortunately law enforcement has evolved at a much faster rate by utilizing state-of-art investigative techniques and employing massive multi-jurisdictional collaborations, which are directly responsible for today’s indictments and the seizure of nearly 100 guns,” said Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “We will continue to work with our partners to combat not only the trafficking of illegal weapons, but to also disrupt the assembly and sale of ghost guns both in New Jersey and across the country.”
The 35 state grand jury indictments charge the defendants with offenses ranging from unlawful possession and disposition of handguns, assault weapons, and machine guns to leader of a firearms trafficking network, and also include charges of unlawful transportation of firearms into the state; charges related to the unlawful purchase, manufacture, transportation, and possession of ghost gun parts and ghost guns; unlawful possession of defaced weapons; unlawful possession of weapons during commission of narcotics offenses; unlawful possession of large-capacity ammunition magazines: unlawful possession of illegal hollow-point bullets; and unlawful possession of weapons by convicted felons. Many of the charges carry Graves Act penalties requiring mandatory periods of parole ineligibility of up to five years. As detailed below, two of the guns that were seized have been linked to shootings, including a homicide.
The following cases illustrate the range of the investigations:
Michael Maresca, et al.
Michael Maresca, 32, of Hasbrouck Heights, N.J., allegedly trafficked ghost guns in the area of Paterson, N.J. He was indicted with two other men—Robert Moser, 49, of Depauw, Indiana, and Maken Cornell, 52, of Grove City, Ohio—for allegedly conspiring to purchase assault rifle kits, ghost gun parts, and outlawed large-capacity magazines and have them shipped to New Jersey, where Maresca allegedly assembled the illegal guns and sold them. During the investigation, in October and November 2020, five ghost guns and two assault rifles were seized. Maresca allegedly sold two ghost guns to an undercover officer, including one that was equipped with an illegal 15-round magazine loaded with prohibited hollow-point bullets.
Four defendants, including Robert Crosley III, 34, aka “Zombie,” and Matthew Zoba, 40, both of Philadelphia, were indicted on charges that they conspired to run a major Philadelphia-based gun trafficking ring that illegally trafficked guns and methamphetamine into Camden, N.J. They are charged in connection with 22 illegal firearms seized during the investigation—including four assault rifles—as well as seven illegal large-capacity magazines. Between March 2019 and January 2020, they allegedly sold 16 guns in the Camden area during the investigation, including a 9mm handgun linked to a shooting in Philadelphia in which no one was hit, as well as a semi-automatic rifle linked to the Oct. 20, 2019 murder of 2-year-old Nikolette Rivera, who was shot as her mother held her in her arms in their home in Philadelphia. Crosley and Zoba are both charged with first-degree promoting organized street crime.
Enrique “Neff” Alfonso
Enrique “Neff” Alfonso, 28, of Camden, N.J., allegedly used a popular social networking service to conduct illegal firearms sales in the Camden area. Between February and May 2020, he allegedly sold an assault rifle, five handguns, another rifle, and three illegal large-capacity magazines. He is charged in a 17-count indictment with numerous weapons offenses, including possession of a weapon as a convicted felon, which carries a mandatory minimum prison term of five years without parole upon conviction.
Christopher J. Pespas
Christopher J. Pespas, 74, of Egg Harbor Township, N.J., was indicted on charges that he was purchasing parts for “ghost gun” assault rifles on the internet, along with illegal large-capacity magazines. Investigators executed a search warrant at his residence in August 2019 and seized parts that could be assembled to make three assault rifles—all “ghost guns.”
Isiah Greene and Jamal Bethea
Isiah Greene, 29, and Jamal Bethea, 32, of Trenton, N.J.,alleged members of the Sanhican Drive Boys gang, allegedly engaged in a shootout on Feb. 12, 2020 with two members of the Get Money Boys gang, Shaiquan Hearns and Dion Battle. Greene allegedly fired from a vehicle driven by Bethea. No one on either side of the shootout was hit, but Bethea crashed the vehicle, and Bethea and Greene fled. Greene allegedly hid the gun in the backyard of a residence. Greene and Bethea were indicted on first-degree charges of conspiracy to commit murder and attempted murder, among other offenses. Hearns and Battle were previously charged by the Division of Criminal Justice with two counts of attempted murder—one count for firing at Greene and Bethea, and another for firing at a police officer who pursued their vehicle after the shootout.
Peter Santos and Joshua Perez
Peter A. Santos, 22, and Joshua M. Perez, 22, of Trenton, N.J., allegedly pistol-whipped a victim with a handgun and robbed him of his wallet in Trenton on Jan. 24, 2021. A subsequent search of a hotel room rented by Perez revealed a second handgun loaded with illegal hollow-point bullets. Both men were indicted on charges of first-degree robbery, as well as aggravated assault and weapons offenses.
The 35 state grand jury indictments are posted at View Indictments.
The 33 indictments that were presented to the state grand jury for the Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ) Gangs & Organized Crime Bureau were presented by the following Deputy Attorneys General (DAsG), under the supervision of Deputy Bureau Chief Cassandra Montalto, Deputy Bureau Chief Cynthia Vazquez, Bureau Chief Lauren Scarpa Yfantis, and DCJ Deputy Director Annmarie Taggart: DAG Robert Anstatt, DAG Karen Braciszewski, DAG Brian Carney, DAG John Donovan, DAG Anna Gildea, DAG Heather Hausleben, DAG Angel Hector, DAG Amie Hyde, DAG Sean Lindenau, DAG Mohammad Mahmood, DAG Katherine Morris, DAG Jaclyn Poulton, and DAG Veronica Vizzard. The two indictments presented to the state grand jury for the Division of Criminal Justice Specialized Crimes Bureau were presented by DAG Evgeniya Sitnikova and DAG Kara Webster, under the supervision of Deputy Bureau Chief Valerie Butler, Bureau Chief Erik Daab, and DCJ Deputy Director Taggart.
First-degree charges carry a sentence of 10 to 20 years in state prison and a fine of up to $200,000, while second-degree charges carry a sentence of five to 10 years in state prison and a fine of up to $150,000. The sentence for promoting organized street crime must be served consecutively to the sentence for any underlying offense. The second-degree charge of transporting firearms into the state for illegal sale carries a mandatory period of parole ineligibility equal to 85 percent of the sentence imposed. Possession of a weapon as a convicted felon carries a mandatory period of parole ineligibility of five years. The second-degree charge of unlawful possession of a handgun carries a mandatory period of parole ineligibility equal to one-third to one-half of the sentence imposed or 3 ½ years, whichever is greater. Third-degree charges carry a sentence of three to five years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000 ($35,000 for drug charges), while fourth-degree charges carry a sentence of up to 18 months in prison and a $10,000 fine.
Koi Allen, Tyrik Johnson, Hamilton Township, Mercer County, January 19, 2021, Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance – Third Degree, Conspiracy – Second Degree, Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance Within 1,000 Feet of School Property – Third Degree, Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance – Second Degree, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon – Second Degree, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of Certain Crimes – Second Degree, Unlawful Possession of a Large Capacity Ammunition Magazine – Fourth Degree, Possession of Hollow Nose Bullets – Fourth Degree, Certain Persons Not to Have Weapons – Second Degree (Johnson).
AAREN C. BAILEY, March 10, 2020, Hamilton Township, Mercer, Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance – Third Degree, Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance – Third Degree, Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance – Second Degree, Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance – Second Degree, Distribution of a Controlled Dangerous Substance – Third Degree, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of Certain Crimes – Second Degree, Unlawful Possession of a Large Capacity Ammunition Magazine – Fourth Degree, Certain Persons Not to Have Weapons – Second Degree.
DAEVON BELL, December 27, 2019, Trenton, Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled, Dangerous Substance – Third Degree, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon – Second Degree, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon – Second Degree, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of Certain Crimes – Second Degree, Possession of Hollow Nose Bullets – Fourth Degree, Unlawful Possession of a Large Capacity, Ammunition Magazine – Fourth Degree, Possession of a Defaced Firearm – Fourth Degree, Certain Persons Not to Have Weapons – Second Degree.
ERIC CARR, September 21, 2020, Trenton, Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance – Third Degree, Distribution of a Controlled Dangerous Substance – Third Degree, Distribution of a Controlled Dangerous Substance Within 1000 Feet of School Property – Third Degree, Distribution of a Controlled Dangerous Substance Within 500 Feet of Certain Public Property – Second Degree, Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance – Third Degree, Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance – Second Degree, Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance – Third Degree, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of Certain Crimes – Second Degree, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm without a Serial Number – Third Degree, Unlawful Possession of a Large Capacity Ammunition Magazine – Fourth Degree, Unlawful Possession of a Large Capacity Ammunition Magazine – Fourth Degree, Certain Persons Not to Have Weapons – Second Degree.
JUSTICE CHAMBERS, LAWRENCE BRANTLEY AND VICTOR TORRES, September 20, 2020, Hamilton Township, Mercer, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm – Second Degree – VICTOR TORRES, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm – Second Degree – JUSTICE CHAMBERS and LAWRENCE BRANTLEY, Possession of a Defaced Firearm – Fourth Degree – JUSTICE CHAMBERS and LAWRENCE BRANTLEY, Certain Persons Not to Have Weapons– Second Degree -LAWRENCE BRANTLEY.
FELICITA GEE, February 24, 2020, Ewing Township, Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance – Third Degree, Distribution of a Controlled Dangerous Substance – Third Degree, Possession With Intent to Distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance – Second Degree, Unlawful Possession of a Large Capacity Ammunition Magazine – Fourth Degree.
RAJON GLOVER, February 1, 2019, Trenton, NJ, Conspiracy – Third Degree, Unlawful Possession of a Rifle – Third Degree, Manufacture, Transport, Disposition of a Rifle – Fourth Degree, Theft by Unlawful Taking or Disposition – Third Degree, Certain Persons Not to Have Weapons – Second Degree.
RONALD HARRIS, Trenton, NJ July 20, 2020, and on or about July 21, 2020, Human Trafficking – First Degree, Facilitating Human Trafficking – Second Degree, Promoting Prostitution – First Degree, Eluding – Second Degree, Resisting Arrest By Flight – Fourth Degree, Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance- Third Degree, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon – Second Degree, Unlawful Possession of Large Capacity, Ammunition Magazines – Fourth Degree, Endangering Welfare of Children – Second Degree, Certain Persons Not to Have Weapons – Second Degree,
THURMAN JENNINGS, Hamilton Township, NJ, September 4, 2020, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon – Second Degree, Unlawful Possession of a Large Capacity Ammunition Magazine – Fourth Degree, Receiving Stolen Property– Third Degree, Certain Persons Not to Have Weapons – Second Degree.
DASHAUN PETERSON and JUSTICE CHAMBERS, Trenton, NJ, September 5, 2020, and September 6, 2020, Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled, Dangerous Substance – Third Degree, Possession of with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance within 1,000 Feet of School Property – Third Degree, Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Dangerous, Substance within 500 Feet of Certain Public Property– Second Degree, Unlawful Possession of an Assault Firearm – Second Degree DASHAUN PETERSON and JUSTICE CHAMBERS, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of Certain Crimes – Second Degree, Possession of a Large Capacity Ammunition Magazine – Fourth Degree, Possession of a Large Capacity Ammunition Magazine – Fourth Degree, Financial Facilitation of Criminal Activity– Third Degree.
JOY SCOTT, Trenton, NJ, January 3, 2019, Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance – Third Degree, Distribution of a Controlled Dangerous Substance – Second Degree, Distribution of A Controlled Dangerous Substance Within 1000 Feet of School Property – Third Degree, Distribution of a Controlled Dangerous Substance within 500 Feet of Certain Public Property – Second Degree, Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance – Third Degree, Unlawful Possession of an Assault Firearm – Second Degree, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon – Second Degree, Possession of Hollow Nose Bullets – Fourth Degree, Unlawful Possession of a Large Capacity Ammunition Magazine – Fourth Degree, Endangering Welfare of Children – Second Degree,
KHAZI SPADY and PHILLIP FOSTER, Lawrence Township, September 6, 2020, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon – Second Degree – KHAZI SPADY, Unlawful Possession of a Large Capacity, Ammunition Magazine – Fourth Degree – KHAZI SPADY, Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance – Third Degree – Unlawful Possession of a Weapon – Second Degree , Unlawful Possession of a Weapon – Second Degree – PHILLIP FOSTER, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon – First Degree – PHILLIP FOSTER.
HASSAN WILSON, VENESHA PINKNEY and DEWAYNE PINKNEY, Trenton, NJ, February 24, 2021, Unlawful Possession of an Assault Firearm – Second Degree, Possession of a Defaced Firearm – Fourth Degree – HASSAN WILSON, Unlawful Possession of a Large Capacity Ammunition Magazine – Fourth Degree, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon – First Degree – DEWAYNE PINKNEY, Certain Persons Not to Have Weapons – Second Degree – DEWAYNE PINKNEY.
The charges are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Attorney General Grewal thanked the following law enforcement agencies that investigated the cases in collaboration with the Division of Criminal Justice:
New Jersey State Police
Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office
Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Philadelphia Gun Violence Task Force
Federal Bureau of Investigation
FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force
U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives
U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration
U.S. Homeland Security Investigations
U.S. Marshals Service NY/NJ Regional Fugitive Task Force
An Ocean County, New Jersey, man was sentenced today to 40 years in prison for producing images of himself sexually abusing young children, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
Sebastien Attar, 36, of Brick, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Peter G. Sheridan to an information charging him with two counts of sexual exploitation of children. Separately, Attar also pleaded guilty before Judge Sheridan to a superseding indictment charging him with one count of advertising child pornography. Judge Sheridan imposed the sentence today in Trenton federal court.
According to documents filed in the case and statements filed in court:
Beginning in mid-2017, federal law enforcement began investigating individuals participating in a private chat messaging group dedicated to the discussion and dissemination of images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children. The private chat group was named “Taboo Train 2.0,” and law enforcement identified Attar as a member of that group, operating with the account identifier “Seb Seb.” The investigation revealed that on multiple occasions and in response to requests from other users, Attar, operating as “Seb Seb,” shared with the “Taboo Train 2.0” chat group images depicting adults sexually abusing very young children.
In March 2018, in connection with the investigation of the “Taboo Train 2.0” chat group, federal law enforcement agents executed a search warrant at Attar’s Brick, New Jersey residence, and seized a number of electronic devices and electronic storage media. In July 2018, a grand jury sitting in the Northern District of Georgia returned a superseding indictment charging Attar and others with advertising child pornography.
During a forensic review of the electronic media seized pursuant to the search of Attar’s residence, law enforcement discovered graphic images in which an individual – later identified as Attar – had photographed himself sexually abusing two infants. Attar was subsequently arrested and charged in a criminal complaint filed in the District of New Jersey. As part of the plea agreement, the superseding indictment filed in the Northern District of Georgia against Attar was formally transferred to the District of New Jersey so that Attar could plead guilty to that charge in conjunction with his guilty plea to the information filed in this district.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Sheridan sentenced Attar to lifetime supervised release.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the FBI-Newark Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr., and special agents of the FBI-Atlanta Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge J.C. Hacker, with the investigations leading to today’s guilty pleas. She also thanked prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia, under the direction of Acting U.S. Attorney Kurt R. Erskine, for their assistance.
The government is represented by J. Brendan Day, Attorney in Charge of the Trenton Office of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
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Defense counsel: David Jay Glassman Esq., Marlton, New Jersey
TOMS RIVER, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on May 5, 2021, Quintin Alec-Manning, 22, of Brick Township, was sentenced by the Honorable Guy P. Ryan, J.S.C., to a two-year term of probation as a result of a previously entered guilty plea to Animal Cruelty in violation of N.J.S.A. 4:22-17c(1). Alec-Manning was also sentenced to perform ten days of community service, and is prohibited from owning or working with animals during the term of his probation. The State argued for Alec-Manning to serve 90 days in the Ocean County Jail as a condition of probation. Alec-Manning pled guilty to the charge before Judge Ryan on March 15, 2021.
On May 29, 2019, Officers from the Toms River Township Police Department were notified that a motor vehicle struck five geese in the parking lot of the Indian Head Plaza in Toms River, causing their death. A subsequent investigation by the Toms River Police Department identified Alec-Manning as the individual who purposely hit the geese with his motor vehicle. On May 30, 2019, Alec-Manning was arrested, charged, and released on a summons pending future court appearances.
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the efforts of Assistant Prosecutor Victoria Veni who handled the case on behalf of the State, as well as the Toms River Township Police Department, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Division of Fish and Wildlife, for their combined assistance in connection with this investigation, ultimately resulting in Alec-Manning’s guilty plea and today’s sentence.
Alec-Manning, 22, of Brick Township
, Quintin Alec-Manning, 22, of Brick Township, was sentenced by the Honorable Guy P. Ryan, J.S.C., to a two-year term of probation as a result of a previously entered guilty plea to Animal Cruelty in violation of N.J.S.A. 4:22-17c(1). Alec-Manning was also sentenced to perform ten days of community service, and is prohibited from owning or working with animals during the term of his probation.
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