Howell Township — On the evening of November 11th, 2023, Howell Township patrol units responded to Longhorn Steakhouse in reference to a disorderly person inside the establishment. Restaurant staff described the male as erratic and confrontational. They were unsure if the male was under the influence of narcotics or alcohol. When patrol units arrived, the subject, 38-year-old Zachariah Hartman of Toms River, attempted to flee the scene, subsequently striking a police cruiser. Hartman then eluded police through the township which resulted in him striking two other Howell police cruisers, disabling one.
Hartman continued onward with police following through several municipalities. These towns including Lakewood Township, Jackson Township, Freehold Township, Freehold Borough, Millstone Township, Plumstead Township and Colts Neck Township. In total, the pursuit lasted over 2 hours and ranged approximately 100 miles. He was eventually apprehended in Jackson Township without incident.
No injuries were sustained as a result of the pursuit. Hartman was criminally charged with 2 counts of eluding, 2 counts of aggravated assault and 1 count of obstruction. He was transported to Monmouth County Correctional Institute where he was lodged pending his detention hearing.
FREEHOLD – A Manalapan man who recently obtained a new job as a school bus driver in Jackson Township was arrested and charged with the possession and distribution of child sexual abuse materials, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced on Thursday.
Brian R. McBride, 28, was arrested and charged on Wednesday October 25, 2023, with one count of second-degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child, Distribution of Child Sexual Abuse Materials and one count of third-degree Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Materials, Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Materials.
An investigation by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office High-Tech Bureau and members of the Monmouth County Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, initiated by a tip received through the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, revealed that McBride was in possession of child sexual abuse materials and distributing same via social media.
Convictions of this nature are commonly punishable by terms of up to 10 years’ state prison, along with being subject to the provisions of Megan’s Law registration and Parole Supervision for Life.
The case is assigned to Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Joseph Competello. McBride is represented by Mitchell Ansell, Esq., with an office in Freehold.
Despite these charges, every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, following a trial at which the defendant has all of the trial rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and State law.
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.
Township Used Zoning and Land Use Powers to Discriminate Against Orthodox Jewish Residents
August 28, 2023
TRENTON – Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division on Civil Rights (DCR) announced today that DCR has reached a settlement resolving a lawsuit it filed alleging that Jackson Township violated the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD) by discriminating against Orthodox Jewish residents through, among other things, the use of zoning and land use powers that made it harder for Orthodox Jews to practice their religion.
The settlement, which is memorialized in a consent order and approved by the Superior Court, provides broad equitable relief prohibiting the Township from discriminating against Orthodox Jews. Among other things, the consent order requires the Township to adopt new policies and procedures that protect religious freedom and to repeal prior ordinances that discriminated against Orthodox Jewish residents. It also requires ongoing monitoring of the Township’s compliance with the LAD.
The $575,000 settlement includes $275,000 in penalties, a $150,000 restitution fund for individuals harmed by the Township’s actions, and an additional $150,000 in suspended penalties that will be assessed if the Township violates the consent order.
DCR’s complaint against Jackson Township, which was filed in 2021, alleged that the Township adopted discriminatory zoning and land use ordinances and enforcement practices that targeted the Township’s growing Orthodox Jewish population.
“No one in New Jersey should face discrimination for their religious beliefs,” said Attorney General Platkin. “We are firmly committed to eliminating discrimination and bias across our state, and we expect local leaders to comply with our robust antidiscrimination laws. The settlement announced today is a powerful testament to our commitment to protecting residents’ right to religious freedom.” “Religious freedom is a bedrock principle of American democracy, and we are deeply committed to protecting it here in New Jersey,” said Sundeep Iyer, Director of the Division on Civil Rights. “As hate and bias – including against the Jewish community – continue to rise, it is critical that we call out religious discrimination when we see it, and it is especially important that we hold public officials accountable when they treat people differently based on their faith. Today’s consent order sends a strong message: We will not tolerate religious discrimination here in New Jersey.”
According to DCR’s complaint, Jackson Township, and its officials and employees allegedly:
engaged in discriminatory surveillance of the homes of Orthodox Jews, selectively targeting communal Jewish prayer gatherings;
engaged in discriminatory application of land use laws to inhibit the erection of sukkahs – temporary open-air structures constructed to mark Sukkot, a weeklong Jewish holiday;
discriminated against Orthodox Jews by enacting zoning ordinances in 2017 that essentially banned the establishment of yeshivas and dormitories;
discriminated against Orthodox Jews by enacting a zoning ordinance in 2017 that targeted and effectively banned the creation of eruvim, which are symbolic, boundary-defined areas in which observant Orthodox Jews are permitted to engage in certain activities otherwise prohibited on the Sabbath and during the holiday of Yom Kippur.
As part of the consent order announced today, Jackson Township agreed that all of the Township’s powers, policies, laws, and practices affecting land use and zoning will comply with the LAD. Additionally, and pursuant to the consent order, the Township is permanently enjoined from discriminating against any residents or prospective residents of the Township on the basis of protected characteristics under the LAD.
Under the consent order, Jackson Township is also required to notify DCR of any decision, policy, practice, rulemaking, or vote that may affect religious land use within the Township or the free exercise of religion within the Township, including, but not limited to, sukkahs, schools, dormitories, eruvim, or the ability of Orthodox Jewish people to freely exercise their religious beliefs and practices. DCR will have the opportunity to object to any such decision, policy, practice, rulemaking, or vote.
Jackson Township also agreed to repeal zoning ordinances that were allegedly enacted to prevent Orthodox Jews from establishing religious schools and eruvim in the Township, as well as to publish a written description of the Township’s permitting requirements and procedures for sukkahs.
The consent order includes the following additional remedial measures:
Jackson Township will create a $150,000 restitution fund for the purpose of compensating any person who has been harmed by the conduct alleged in DCR’s complaint against the Township. Individuals who believe they have been harmed can contact DCR at JacksonRestitutionFund@njcivilrights.gov.
DCR will monitor Jackson Township’s compliance with the consent order for three years. The Township will share with DCR any complaint brought to the Township that alleges discrimination in zoning or land use law.
Jackson Township will establish a multicultural committee, comprised of residents, which will work in partnership with the Township to address issues impacting Orthodox Jewish residents and to combat other discriminatory behavior within the Township. The committee will represent and reflect the demographics of the Township and will create a public education campaign and organize community events to promote diversity and cultural and religious sensitivity. It will meet quarterly and provide reports to the Township and DCR.
Jackson Township officials, including the mayor and elected members and staff of the Jackson Township Council, the Jackson Township Zoning Board of Adjustment, and the Jackson Township Planning Board, will undergo training on discrimination in land use and zoning. They will also attend DCR trainings annually during the three-year term of the consent order.
The matter was handled by Deputy Attorneys General Eve Weissman, Renee Greenberg, Marc Peralta, and Loren Miller, and former Deputy Attorneys General Noemi Schor, Micauri Vargas, and Joanna Loomis of the Division of Law’s Affirmative Civil Enforcement Practice Group, under the supervision of Assistant Attorneys General Mayur Saxena and David Leit, and Deputy Director Jason W. Rockwell, as well as DCR Legal Specialist Lubna Qazi-Chowdhry, under the supervision of Associate Director for Affirmative Enforcement Malcolm Peyton-Cook and Chief Advisor to the Director Aarin Williams.
DCR is the state agency responsible for preventing and eliminating discrimination and bias-based harassment in employment, housing, and places of public accommodation (e.g., places open to the public like schools, businesses, hospitals, etc.). DCR enforces the LAD, the New Jersey Family Leave Act, and the Fair Chance in Housing Act.
JACKSON, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer and Jackson Township Police Chief Matthew Kunz announced that on August 4, 2023, a 17-year-old juvenile from Seaside Heights was charged with Theft of Moveable Property, Eluding, Obstruction, and Resisting Arrest by Means of Flight.
On August 3, 2023, at approximately 10:45 p.m., Officers from the Jackson Township Police Department responded to the area of Imperial Place for a report of two stolen motor vehicles. At approximately 11:00 p.m., Jackson Township Police Officers observed the stolen vehicles traveling northwest on Leesville Road at the intersection of Freehold Road. Officers attempted to effectuate a motor vehicle stop as the vehicles attempted to flee. A few seconds later, one of the stolen vehicles operated by the 17-year-old juvenile lost control and crashed into a tree – bursting into flames. Following the crash, the juvenile attempted to flee on foot but was apprehended. The juvenile was taken into custody and is presently detained in the Ocean County Juvenile Detention Center.
Prosecutor Billhimer and Chief Kunz commend the Jackson Township Police Department, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Vehicular Homicide Unit, 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).
JACKSON, NJ (OCEAN)–The New Jersey Forrest Fire Service reports that the Glory Wildfire – East Commodore Blvd – Jackson Twp, Ocean County At 3:00 pm Wed, June 7, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service reached 100% containment of a 82-acre wildland-urban interface wildfire in the area of E Commodore Blvd and Cedar Swamp Rd in Jackson Twp.
JACKSON, NJ (OCEAN)–The New Jersey Forrest Fire Service reports:
WILDFIRE UPDATE: East Commodore Boulevard – Jackson Twp., Ocean County
The New Jersey Forest Fire Service remains on scene of a wildland-urban interface wildfire burning in the area of East Commodore Boulevard and Cedar Swamp Road in Jackson Twp., Ocean County.
The wildfire is 50 acres in size and is 0% contained.
Forest Fire Service crews are utilizing a backfiring operation to protect surrounding homes and burn fuel ahead of the main body of fire. This operation will be ongoing throughout the night.
The Forest Fire Service hopes to contain the fire between East Commodore Boulevard, Cedar Swamp Road and Jackson Mills Road.
ROAD CLOSURES Exit 21 on Interstate 195 is closed East Commodore Boulevard is closed between Cedar Swamp Road and Jackson Mills Road Cedar Swamp Road is closed between East Commodore Road and Jackson Mills Road Jackson Mills Road is closed between East Commodore Road and Cedar Swamp Road
Please avoid the area.
STRUCTURES THREATENED 30 structures are threatened – structure protection is being provided by local fire companies.
JACKSON, NJ (OCEAN)–The National Weather Service has confirmed four tornados in the area and storm surveys are ongoing to determine the details such as length and path width. The four tornadoes confirmed in New Jersey so far were in Jackson Township, Howell Township, Cinnaminson and Sea Girt.
In Jackson many residents and business were without power, homes and buildings were damaged and numerous trees and utility poles and equipment damaged. Many are still without power and a freezer truck is at the police station and residents can bring frozen items there for temporary storage. The trailer is being provided by the Chaveirm of Central Jersey and will be staffed If you have questions about the freezer truck call 1-973-907-3153
A shelter is set up at the Senior Center located on Don Connor Boulevard and is currently open and ready for anyone who may need it. The Red Cross is also stationed at Town Hall for anyone in need of fresh water for free.
The tornado damaged a tensioned membrane structure that houses Adventure Crossings Golf and Entertainement. There appeared to be a rip in the center of the membrane that allowed the structure to collapse since the membrane is supported by air. There were no reported injuries. These sports complexes are commonly known as sport “bubbles” since the lightweight membrane is supported by air.
A new warehouse near completion was destroyed by the tornado on April 1, 2023. The 95,000 square foot warehouse had walls collapse and roof removed destroying the building. The building is located in the 300 Block West Commodore Blvd.
An industrial building in the 400 Block of West Commodore Blvd. had a partial roof removal and tree damage.
Updates to follow, tornado strength, path, width should be available late tonight or tomorrow morning.
From Jersey Central Power and Light:
Power has been restored to about 33,000 out of the nearly 43,000 customers affected by the stormy weather that caused extensive tree damage, downed lines and broken poles, especially in the hardest-hit areas of Howell, Jackson and Lakewood. We expect to restore power to the majority of customers who remain without service by late tomorrow night.
We will provide updates for specific damage locations as they become available on our outage map: http://spr.ly/NJOutageMap. You can also call 888-544-4877 or text STAT to 544487 for updates specific to your outage.
As crews continue to clear hazards and restore service, customers are reminded to stay at least 30 feet away from all downed or low-hanging wires and report them ASAP to 9-1-1.
This is an all-hands-on-deck effort and we’ll be working 24/7 until service is restored to every customer. Thank you for hanging in there with us!
FREEZER TRAILER AVAILABLE TO ALL RESIDENTS. PACKAGE YOUR FROZEN ITEMS AS DIRECTED AND BRING THEM FOR TEMPORARY STORAGE.
For any questions call 1-973-907-3153
ALL RESIDENTS – SHELTER/WARMING CENTER If you or anyone you know are without power and need somewhere warm for the evening with electricity while waiting for restoration, the township has set up a “Shelter In Place”. The shelter is the Senior Center located on Don Connor Boulevard and is currently open and ready for anyone who may need it. Please do not hesitate to take advantage of this location if needed. If a ride is needed, please contact the police department for assistance. Red Cross is also stationed at Town Hall for anyone in need of fresh water for free. Stay Safe and thank you all for your patience. We will get through this together!
Storm damaged a tensioned membrane structure that houses Adventure Crossings Golf and Entertainement. There appeared to be a rip in the center of the membrane that allowed the structure to collapse since the membrane is supported by air. There were no reported injuries.
A new warehouse near completion was destroyed by the tornado on April 1, 2023. The 95,000 square foot warehouse had walls collapse and roof removed destroying the building. The building is located in the 300 Block West Commodore Blvd.
An industrial building in the 400 Block of West Commodore Blvd. had a partial roof removal and tree damage.
JACKSON, NJ (OCEAN)–Six Flags Great Adventure announced that they will be closed today due to the Jackson Township Emergency Declaration and for the safety of their guests and team members. Six Flags Great Adventure and Safari will be closed today April 2, 2023 and anticipates to reopen on Wednesday, April 5, 2023 for Spring Break.
UPDATES from Jackson Township Police Department:
We are aware the power is still out and it has been reported that over 9300 people are without power at this time. There is no ETA on when power will be restored.
PLEASE DO NOT call the police department about your power outage asking for updates. We do not know and our dispatchers are already overloaded with emergency calls for service.
The roads that were listed previously are still closed along with a section of West County Line Road between Bennetts Mills Road & Villanova Drive.
Everyone is working diligently to open roadways and assist JCP&L in any way with power restoration.
In addition there is a Declaration of Emergency in effect so please limit your usual traffic today so that emergency services can focus on getting everything back in order.
That being said if you need police assistance or have any type of emergency please do not hesitate to call us.
Stay Safe and we will update accordingly
Please DO NOT drive through Closed Roads, past barrels and cones, or Over Wires!
This is for everyone’s safety.
Thank you.
UPDATE From Ocean County Sheriff’s Office:
We are asking for the public’s assistance today. If you must travel in Jackson Township today to please avoid all road closures, obey traffic laws, and do not driver over any downed wires!!!
JACKSON, NJ (OCEAN)–The Ocean County Sheriff’s Department is urging the public in Jackson Township to stay off the roads this evening due to multiple trees, poles, and wires down!
Jackson Mills Fire Company posted Jackson Twp has multiple trees and power lines down throughout the town. It is dark and you may not see many hazards that emergency services have not gotten to yet. Please stay home tonight and stay safe.
There are also numerous trees and wires down throughout Upper Freehold Township. Upper Freehold Township Emergency Management sent out a notice asking people to stay off the roads tonight around 8:33 p.m. not long after severe thunderstorms with possible tornados moved though the area. Wires poles down in the area of County Road 539, County Road 537, Ellisdale Road
The Wall Township Police Department along with Fire and EMS are responding to numerous calls for service. We have received numerous calls in reference wires down and trees down blocking the roadways. Please do not approach down wires. Please do not travel on roadways unless absolutely necessary
There are poles and wires down in the Crosswicks Hamilton Township area near South Broad Street. There were reports of numerous locations. If traveling in that area be careful tonight.
MidJersey.news has a reporter in Jackson and will be sending in updates. Check back for further details and photos.
UPDATE from Jackson Police Department
First and foremost we hope everyone is safe! There are ALOT of reports of damage throughout the entire town. We are aware of power outages and the power companies along with DPW and county are doing all they can to clean everything up and restore power.
All emergency services are working diligently to get this accomplished.
The following roads are closed at the moment:
– West Commodore Boulevard between Cedar Swamp Road and Diamond Road
– North Cooksbridge Road between Rose Dr and Willow Drive along with parts of South Cooksbridge Road.
We ASK that everyone please stay in doors and off the roads so clean up can be completed safely. Please don’t venture out to assess the damage, we will take care of that.
As always do not hesitate to call us if you need our assistance or emergency services! Please refrain from calling us about power outages as we are aware and our dispatchers are fielding a high volume of calls.
Thank you for your cooperation and stay safe!!!
Jackson Township, New Jersey after the storms tonight. Photo from the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office.
TOMS RIVER, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced on March 24, 2023, Charles Sharkey, Jr., 33, of Jackson Township, was charged with four counts of Aggravated Assault, four counts of Assault by Auto, Unlawful Taking of a Means of Conveyance, Causing Death or Injury While Driving with a Suspended or Revoked Driver’s License, and multiple motor vehicle summons, in connection with a serious motor vehicle crash that occurred on March 23, 2023, in Toms River.
On Thursday, March 23, 2023, at approximately 4:00 p.m., Officers from the Toms River Police Department responded to the area of Route 70 and Massachusetts Avenue for a report of a serious motor vehicle crash. Initial investigation by responding officers revealed that a 2022 Dodge Ram 1500, operated by Sharkey, was traveling eastbound on Route 70 approaching the cross street of Massachusetts Avenue. Sharkey failed to stop at the red light at the intersection, and grazed the rear of a 2016 Honda CRV which had been travelling westbound on Route 70 and turning left onto Massachusetts Avenue. Sharkey then struck a 2017 Subaru Impreza – also attempting to make a left-hand turn onto Massachusetts Avenue from Route 70 westbound – which contained a male adult driver and three juvenile passengers. As a result, the Impreza was pushed backward and rotated in a clockwise manner. The Dodge Ram operated by Sharkey overturned and came to final rest on the driver-side; the vehicle caught fire and sustained heavy fire damage. In the process of the vehicle overturning, a 2021 Lexus RX 350 was grazed and sustained minor damage.
As a consequence of the crash, the adult driver of the Impreza and two of the juvenile passengers were taken to Jersey Shore University Medical Center (JSUMC) in Neptune Township for treatment of minor injuries; they were subsequently released. The third juvenile passenger of the Impreza was also taken to JSUMC with serious injuries, and is presently listed in critical condition.
Further investigation revealed that Sharkey had been driving erratically and was utilizing a cellular device just prior to the crash. Additionally, it was learned that Sharkey had a suspended driver’s license at the time of the crash, as well as two active warrants for his arrest. It was also determined that the Dodge Ram was a rental vehicle – taken by Sharkey without the renter’s consent. Sharkey was placed under arrest at the scene. He was transported to Monmouth Medical Center-Southern Campus in Lakewood for treatment of his injuries. While at the hospital, Detectives obtained a warrant for a draw of Sharkey’s blood; the laboratory results relative to the blood draw remain pending. Sharkey was transported to the Ocean County Jail, where he is currently lodged pending a detention hearing. Further charges may be forthcoming.
Prosecutor Billhimer commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Vehicular Homicide Squad, Toms River Township Police Department, Toms River Township Police Department Detective Bureau, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, for their combined and collective effort 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.
JACKSON, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer and Jackson Township Police Chief Matthew Kunz announced that on March 8, 2023, Gerson Aguilar-Lara, 24, of Lakewood, was charged with two counts of Kidnapping, Endangering the Welfare of a Child, and Robbery, in connection with a series of events that occurred in Jackson Township between March 7, 2023 and March 8, 2023.
On March 7, 2023, at approximately 10:30 p.m., the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call from a female victim seeking help; the call was subsequently disconnected. Upon callback, the victim was able to provide her name and basic information before the connection was again terminated. The Jackson Township Police Department was able to ascertain the address of the victim as a residence on North Chapel Road in Jackson. Through investigation, responding officers determined that the victim and her infant child had been taken from the residence against their will. Further investigation revealed that Aguilar-Lara, who was in a dating relationship with the victim and father of the infant, had forced the victim and her child into a Chevrolet Equinox and then fled the area.
The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit and Jackson Township Police Department put out a description of the vehicle, and utilized various investigative techniques to locate the victims as well as Aguilar-Lara. On March 8, 2023, at approximately 3:15 a.m., the Toms River Police Department observed Aguilar-Lara’s vehicle as it turned into a parking lot on Route 37 in Toms River. As the vehicle came to a stop, Aguilar-Lara fled on foot; he was taken into custody by officers of the Toms River Township Police Department shortly thereafter. Neither the victim nor her infant child were harmed.
Aguilar-Lara was transported to Jackson Township Police Headquarters, where he was processed and he is currently lodged in the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.
Prosecutor Billhimer and Chief Kunz acknowledge the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Special Offenders Unit, Jackson Township Police Department, Jackson Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Lakewood Township Police Department, Toms River Township Police Department, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office, and New Jersey State Police Aviation Unit, for their collaborative efforts in connection with this investigation leading to Aguilar-Lara’s apprehension.
The charges referenced above are merely accusations and the press and public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
JACKSON TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on January 18, 2023, Michael Tsamas, 33, of Laurence Harbor, was indicted by a Grand Jury sitting in Ocean County on the charges of Aggravated Manslaughter, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, two counts of Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, and two counts of Possession of a Prohibited Weapon, in connection with the death of Joseph Delgardio in Jackson Township on May 26, 2022.
On May 26, 2022, at approximately 6:15 p.m., Officers from the Jackson Township Police Department responded to the area of West Veterans Highway and Conor Road in reference to a 911 call stating that a male was lying in the roadway in a pool of blood. Responding Officers found Joseph Delgardio, 44, of Jackson Township, with a severe wound to his neck. At the time of the Officers arrival, Mr. Delgardio was already receiving first aid CPR from Fire Department personnel. Life-saving measures were unsuccessful, and Mr. Delgardio was pronounced deceased at the scene.
An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Jackson Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, revealed that Tsamas was working for a company hired by Verizon to solicit customers on a door-to-door basis. Tsamas knocked on Mr. Delgardio’s door in an attempt to solicit his business. Mr. Delgardio told Tsamas that he was not interested, and Tsamas left Mr. Delgardio’s residence. A short time later, Mr. Delgardio confronted Tsamas on the street and a physical altercation ensued. During the altercation, Tsamas removed a knife from his pocket and stabbed Mr. Delgardio in the neck.
Tsamas was taken into custody without incident at the scene, and thereafter transported to the Ocean County Jail. Tsamas was subsequently released from the Ocean County Jail as a consequence of New Jersey Bail Reform.
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the diligent efforts of Assistant Prosecutor Victoria Veni who presented the case to the Grand Jury on behalf of the State, and commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, Jackson Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, for their collective and cooperative assistance in connection with this investigation.
The charges referenced above are merely accusations and the press and public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that Kevin Valverde-Cruz, 20, of Jackson, has been charged with three counts of Aggravated Assault and three counts of Eluding Law Enforcement in connection with incidents that occurred on October 18, 2022 and October 22, 2022, in Lakewood Township.
On October 18, 2022, Detectives from the Lakewood Township Police Department observed a white Jeep Grand Cherokee traveling at a high rate of speed. The Detectives attempted to effectuate a motor vehicle stop of the vehicle. The operator of the vehicle failed to stop and the pursuit was ultimately terminated on the Garden State Parkway due to public safety concerns. Later the same evening, the same vehicle, confirmed by the vehicles New Jersey registration number from the first encounter, was located on the shoulder of the westbound lane of Central Avenue in Lakewood Township. Detectives approached the vehicle and made contact with the operator of the vehicle. The operator of the vehicle did not comply with the Detective’s commands and put the vehicle in reverse, striking the Detective’s vehicle. The operator of the vehicle abruptly turned back into the roadway almost striking the Detectives and fled the area. At that time, one of the Detectives fired one round at the side of the vehicle.
On October 22, 2023, a Lakewood Police Officer attempted effectuate a motor vehicle stop on the same vehicle in the area of Third Street and Clifton Avenue. The operator of the vehicle failed to stop and accelerated at a high rate of speed towards Madison Avenue. The Officer did not pursue the vehicle.
An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Lakewood Township Police Department Detective Bureau and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit determined that Valverde-Cruz was the operator of the white Jeep Grand Cherokee on October 18, 2022 and again on October 22, 2022.
On January 10, 2023, the Ocean County Regional SWAT executed a court authorized search warrant on Valverde-Cruz’s residence in Jackson Township. Valverde-Cruz was taken into custody, without incident, and processed at Lakewood Township Police Department. The white Jeep Grand Cherokee was also located at the residence in Jackson Township. Valverde-Cruz was transported to the Ocean County Jail where he is currently lodged pending a detention hearing.
Prosecutor Billhimer commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, Lakewood Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Lakewood Township Police Department Patrol Division, Jackson Township Police Department, Howell Township Police Department, Ocean County Regional SWAT and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, for their collaborative efforts in connection with this investigation and Valverde-Cruz’s apprehension.
The charges referenced above are merely accusations and the press and public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
JACKSON TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on December 19, 2022, Joseph D. Tuzzio, Jr., 42, of Jackson Township, was charged with Possession of Child Pornography and three counts of Distribution of Child Pornography.
This investigation was the result of three referrals from the New Jersey State Police Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. The ICAC Task Force detected that an individual was uploading images of child pornography to the internet using the Kik Messenger App. An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit identified a Kik Messenger user with a Jackson Township address as the individual uploading the images of child pornography; that individual was ultimately identified as Tuzzio.
On October 27, 2022, Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, United States Department of Homeland Security-Investigations Unit, and Jackson Township Police Department, executed a court-authorized search warrant on Tuzzio’s residence in Jackson Township. As a result of the warrant, Detectives seized two cell phones and a laptop computer. A forensic examination of the electronic devices by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit led to the discovery of more than 500 images of Child Pornography on the laptop. Additionally, Detectives issued a Communication Data Warrant to KIK for Tuzzio’s most recently utilized KIK subscriber account. KIK provided logs showing Tuzzio’s account as both receiving and distributing videos of child pornography. The IP address associated with the child pornography activity was assigned to Tuzzio’s place of employment in Jackson.
On December 19, 2022, Tuzzio, accompanied by his attorney, surrendered himself at Jackson Township Police Headquarters where he was processed and thereafter transported to the Ocean County Jail. He was subsequently released as a consequence of New Jersey Bail Reform.
Prosecutor Billhimer commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, United States Department of Homeland Security-Investigations Unit, Jackson Township Police Department, and New Jersey State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, for their collaborative assistance in connection with this investigation leading to Tuzzio’s arrest.
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.
Exit 21 on Interstate 195 is closed
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