LACEY TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–The Lacey Township Police Department has worked with investigative authorities to identify the pilot in the small airplane crash near that Robert J. Miller Airpark on Saturday, September 2, 2023.
The pilot has been positively identified as Oscar Molina, 61, of Ocean Avenue, Long Branch, NJ. The family of the pilot has been formally notified. The men and women of the Lacey Township Police Department express their sincere condolences to the Molina family.
The crash remains under investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board.
LACEY TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–The Lacey Township Police Department is confirming that one person has died in a small, private airplane crash that took place in the wooded area of Lacey Township, east of Robert J. Miller Airpark. The identity of the pilot has not been confirmed at this time.
The Lacey Township Police Department was notified of a smoke condition off of Dover Road and West Lacey Road shortly before midnight on Saturday September 2, 2023. Several fire agencies from our area initially responded to the scene, including the Manitou Park and Bamber Lake Fire Departments, as well as the New Jersey Forest Fire Service.
As the investigation continued into the smoke condition, a small airplane crash was located in the area of the fire. Due to smoke and fire in the area, as well as the difficult terrain, authorities could not immediately access the scene of the airplane crash. The fire continued to spread, at which time the New Jersey Forrest Fire Service activated their personnel.
During the afternoon hours on Sunday, September 3, 2023, authorities were able to access the scene of the crash, where it was confirmed that the pilot of the airplane was deceased.
Operations related to the fire will continue in the wooded areas surrounding the Robert J. Miler Airpark for the next several days. Smoke conditions will remain in place for the next several days. The NJ Forest Fire Service does not expect the fire to grow any further in size and containment will continue to increase throughout the day. The fire is currently estimated at 70% contained. Please remain vigilant if traveling through the area. Any inquiries related to the status of the forest fire should be made directly to the NJ Forest Fire Service.
Due to the fire operations in the area, Dover Road and Mule Road remain closed from Lacey Road to Pinewald Keswick Road. The Robert J. Miller airpark also remains closed.
The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) were immediately notified, and are currently investigating the crash. Any inquiries related to the status of the airplane crash investigation should be made directly to the FAA Eastern Region Public Affairs Office.
The Lacey Township Police Department would like to thank all of the agencies, local fire departments, and firs aid squads that responded to assist in investigating and managing this incident. A complete list of agencies that responded to the scene will be published at a later time.
WILDFIRE UPDATE: Airpark Wildfire – Miller Airpark – Lacey Twp, Ocean County
The New Jersey Forest Fire Service has made substantial progress in containing a wildfire burning in the area of the Robert J. Miller Airpark in Lacey Twp.
The wildfire has grown to 831 acres and is 70% contained.
ROAD CLOSURES: Dover Rd is closed from Lacey Rd to Pinewald Keswick Rd Mule Rd is closed from Lacey Rd to Pinewald Keswick Rd
STRUCTURES THREATENED 25 structures threatened
Structure protection is being provided by local volunteer fire companies. We thank them for their assistance.
WILDFIRE UPDATE: Airpark Wildfire – Miller Airpark – Lacey Twp, Ocean County
The New Jersey Forest Fire Service has made substantial progress in containing a wildfire burning in the area of the Robert J. Miller Airpark in Lacey Twp.
The wildfire has grown to 831 acres and is 70% contained.
ROAD CLOSURES: Dover Rd is closed from Lacey Rd to Pinewald Keswick Rd Mule Rd is closed from Lacey Rd to Pinewald Keswick Rd
STRUCTURES THREATENED 25 structures threatened
Structure protection is being provided by local volunteer fire companies. We thank them for their assistance.
September 3, 2023
LACEY TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Sometime around 11:30 p.m. September 2, 2023 the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office received a report of smoke in the area of the Miller Air Park, Ocean County Airport (MJX), in Lacey Township near the border with Berkeley Township. The New Jersey Forrest Fire Service responded and found a small plane down in the woods on fire near the Miller Air Park and found a victim. The fire spread to the wood creating wildfire conditions in the area. Numerous surrounding fire departments responded with a task force for structural protection in the area. The Federal Aviation Administration and the New Jersey State Police RIC had officers responded. There were no survivors on the aircraft.
This is still an active scene further details to follow as information becomes available.
Midjersey.news photo
Lacey Township Police report:
Multiple agencies are involved managing an active forest fire in Lacey Township. Currently, Dover Road is closed from Lacey Road to Pinewald Keswick Road. Mule Road is closed from Lacey Road to Pinewald Keswick Road. There will be a noticeable presence of fire personnel in the area. Please avoid these areas.
Anticipate additional road closures throughout the day due to heavy smoke conditions in these areas.
There are no evacuations required at this point.
The New Jersey Forest Fire Service Reports
WILDFIRE ALERT: Airpark Wildfire – Miller Air Park – Lacey Twp, Ocean County
ROAD CLOSURES: Dover Rd is closed from Lacey Rd to Pinewald Keswick Rd Mule Rd is closed from Pinewald Keswick Rd
Please avoid the area at this time.
FlightRadar24 shows a plane in the area of time of the reported smoke condition fall off radar in the area of the wildfire. (Note in UTC Time to Eastern Time is 10:17 p.m.)
BARNEGAT LIGHT, NJ (OCEAN)–The Coast Guard rescued four people and a dog from a boat taking on water Sunday near the Forked River in Barnegat Bay.
A 29-foot Response Boat – Small crew from Coast Guard Station Barnegat Light, in New Jersey, discovered the sinking 30-foot recreational boat while already underway for operations.
The Coast Guard crew transferred the four people and their dog aboard the Coast Guard rescue boat. The recreational boat capsized moments after completing the personnel transfer.
“The boat’s owner believes the boat was taking on water due to a loose plug, but the compartment was not accessible to confirm,” said Chief Warrant Officer James B. Corbisiero, Coast Guard Station Barnegat Light’s commanding officer. “The timing of this rescue was fortunate; I commend the Coast Guard boat crew’s attentiveness and fast actions to aide these people and their dog.”
The Coast Guard crew took the rescued people and dog into a marina in Lanoka Harbor, New Jersey. A commercial salvage company righted the boat and towed it into the same marina.
There are no reported injuries.
To learn about safe, responsible boating visit boatus.org.
A recreational boat is capsized near the Forked River in Barnegat Bay, New Jersey, Sunday, Aug. 28, 2023. A 29-foot Response Boat – Small crew from Coast Guard Station Barnegat Light was already underway when the crew discovered the sinking boat and rescued the four people and dog aboard. (U.S. Coast Guard photo) Photo by Chief Petty Officer Cynthia Oldham
“improperly discarded smoking material cannot be eliminated as the cause of the fire.”
August 2, 2023
LACEY TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on August 1, 2023, at approximately 12:30 p.m., a structure fire with entrapment was reported on Buttonwood Drive in the Lanoka Harbor section of Lacey Township. Upon arrival, emergency personnel discovered a fully engulfed two-story structure fire.
Brenda Wright, 67, an occupant of the residence, was rescued from the rear of the structure. Ms. Wright was transported to Community Medical Center for treatment of her injuries; she is listed in stable condition.
Reports indicated that there were four additional victims inside the structure. Attempts were made to rescue these victims, but the roof of the structure collapsed – forcing firefighters to evacuate.
“It is with great sadness that I must report the loss of Jennifer Wright, 39; Alaina Wright, 34; a 14-year-old female victim; and a four-month-old infant, all of whom were occupants of the residence, and perished in the fire. This is an unspeakable tragedy, and our prayers are with the loved ones of these victims,” stated Prosecutor Billhimer.
A thorough and extensive investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office-Arson Unit, Lacey Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office, New Jersey State Fire Marshal’s Office, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, revealed that the fire originated on the porch on the west side of the structure, and that improperly discarded smoking material cannot be eliminated as the cause of the fire.
“The cause of the fire has been ruled accidental,” Prosecutor Billhimer stated.
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office-Arson Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, Lacey Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office, New Jersey State Fire Marshal’s Office, and Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office for their collective and collaborative assistance in connection with this investigation.
Prosecutor Billhimer also extends his gratitude to all the neighbors, fire service personnel and emergency service personnel that responded in an effort to assist and suppress this fire.
LACEY TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on August 1, 2023, at approximately 12:30 p.m., a structure fire with entrapment was reported on Buttonwood Drive in the Lanoka Harbor section of Lacey Township. Upon arrival, emergency personnel discovered a fully engulfed two-story structure fire. A female victim was rescued from the rear of the structure; she was transported to Community Medical Center for treatment of her injuries. Reports indicated that there were four additional victims inside the structure. Attempts were made to rescue these victims, but the roof of the structure collapsed – forcing firefighters to evacuate.
“This is an absolutely tragic situation. Sadly, four of the occupants of the residence perished in this fire. An investigation into the origin and cause of the fire is being conducted by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office-Arson Unit, Lacey Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office, and New Jersey State Fire Marshal’s Office. More information will be released as it becomes available,” stated Prosecutor Billhimer.
TOMS RIVER, NJ–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on June 29, 2023, John Vincentini, 62, of Lacey Township, was indicted by a Grand Jury sitting in Ocean County on the charges of Bias Intimidation and Terroristic Threats, in connection with an incident that occurred in Lacey Township on September 5, 2022.
An investigation conducted by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Bias Crime Unit and Lacey Township Police Department Detective Bureau determined that on September 5, 2022, Vincentini was operating a motor vehicle in Lacey Township and followed an Amazon delivery driver into a cul-de-sac as the driver was making deliveries; Vincentini parked his vehicle in such a way as to block the Amazon driver’s vehicle. Vincentini proceeded to confront the driver, questioned why the driver was in his neighborhood, and further inquired as to whether the driver understood that it was a racist neighborhood. Vincentini then asked the driver whether he wanted him to go back to his car, get his rifle, and shoot the driver in the head. The Amazon driver then drove away and contacted the Lacey Township Police Department.
On October 5, 2022, Vincentini surrendered himself to the Lacey Township Police Department. He was processed and released on a summons pending future appearances in Ocean County Superior Court.
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the diligent efforts of Senior Assistant Prosecutor Ashley Angelo and Assistant Prosecutor Julie Peterson who presented the case to the Grand Jury on behalf of the State, and commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Bias Crime Unit and Lacey Township Detective Bureau 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.
TOMS RIVER, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on June 19, 2023, Jehmar Barrett, 36, of Lacey Township, pled guilty to Manslaughter before the Honorable Kimarie Rahill, J.S.C., in connection with the death of a 35-year-old female in Toms River on November 24, 2020. At the time of his sentencing on August 18, 2023, the State will be seeking a term of seven years New Jersey State Prison – subject to the terms of the No Early Release Act.
On November 24, 2020, Toms River Township Police Officers responded to a residence on Alabama Avenue for a report of an unresponsive female. Upon arrival, Officers discovered the body of the victim, who was already deceased from an apparent drug overdose.
A subsequent investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit and Toms River Police Department Detective Bureau determined that Barrett distributed heroin and cocaine to the victim on November 23, 2020.
Further investigation and toxicology analysis received by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office confirmed the presence of fentanyl in the victim’s system. It was determined through laboratory analysis that the controlled dangerous substance distributed to the victim by Barrett – initially believed to be heroin – was, in fact, fentanyl, matching the fentanyl found in the victim’s system. Based upon the toxicology analysis, the Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office opined that the fentanyl found in the victim’s system was the cause of her death. On April 29, 2021, Barrett was charged in connection with the victim’s death.
On April 30, 2021, Barrett surrendered himself to Toms River Township Police Department Headquarters. He was transported to the Ocean County Jail, and subsequently released as a consequence of New Jersey Bail Reform.
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the diligent efforts of Assistant Prosecutor Stephen Burke who is handling the case 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, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Victim Witness Advocacy Unit, Toms River Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Toms River Township Police Department Special Enforcement Team, Toms River Township Police Department Patrol Division, Berkeley Township Police Department, Lacey Township Police Department, Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, for their collaborative efforts in connection with this investigation leading to Barrett’s guilty plea, and soon his state prison sentence.
FREEHOLD – An Ocean County man has been arrested for allegedly killing his wife and leaving her body on the side of a road in Ocean Township this past weekend, Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced Monday.
Jeremy B. Cruz, 51, of Forked River is charged with First-Degree Murder in connection with the death of 51-year-old Dawn C. Cruz.
At approximately 1:30 a.m. on Sunday, October 30, a woman who appeared to have sustained severe injuries was observed by a concerned motorist at the intersection of Asbury and Colonial avenues in the Township of Ocean. Upon responding, Ocean Township Police Department officers located the victim, identified as Dawn Cruz, who was ultimately pronounced dead at the scene.
A short while later, Jeremy Cruz turned himself in to authorities at Berkeley Township Police Department headquarters in Ocean County. A joint investigation by members of the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, Ocean Township Police Department, Asbury Park Police Department, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, and Berkeley Township Police Department ultimately led to the arrest and charging of Cruz. He remains in custody pending a first appearance and detention hearing to take place in Monmouth County Superior Court.
This case has been assigned to Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Caitlin J. Sidley of the Major Crimes Bureau. Information on Cruz’s legal representation was not immediately available. Convictions on Murder charges are commonly punishable by terms of up to life in state prison.
Anyone with information about this matter is being asked to contact MCPO Detective Aaron Shaw at 800-533-7443 or Ocean Township Police Department Detective Zachary Rhein at 732-531-1800.
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.
Vincentini parked his vehicle in such a way as to block the Amazon driver’s vehicle. Vincentini proceeded to confront the driver, questioned why the driver was in his neighborhood, and further inquired as to whether the driver understood that it was a racist neighborhood. Vincentini then asked the driver whether he wanted him to go back to his car, get his rifle, and shoot the driver in the head. The Amazon driver then drove away and contacted the Lacey Township Police Department.
October 7, 2022
LACEY TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that John Vincentini, 62, of Lacey Township, was charged with Bias Intimidation in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:16-1a(1) and Terroristic Threats in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:12-3b, in connection with an incident that occurred in Lacey Township on September 5, 2022.
An investigation conducted by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Bias Crime Unit and Lacey Township Police Department Detective Bureau determined that on September 5, 2022, Vincentini was operating a motor vehicle in Lacey Township and followed an Amazon delivery driver into a cul-de-sac as the driver was making deliveries; Vincentini parked his vehicle in such a way as to block the Amazon driver’s vehicle. Vincentini proceeded to confront the driver, questioned why the driver was in his neighborhood, and further inquired as to whether the driver understood that it was a racist neighborhood. Vincentini then asked the driver whether he wanted him to go back to his car, get his rifle, and shoot the driver in the head. The Amazon driver then drove away and contacted the Lacey Township Police Department.
On October 5, 2022, Vincentini surrendered himself to the Lacey Township Police Department. He was processed and released on a summons pending future appearances in Ocean County Superior Court.
“It is against the law to intimidate someone based upon their race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, national origin, disability, or gender identity/expression. Individuals that employ hatred, intolerance, and prejudice with a purpose to intimidate will be investigated and if warranted – prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” Prosecutor Billhimer stated.
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Bias Crime Unit and Lacey Township Detective Bureau 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).
John Vincentini, 62, of Lacey Township, was charged with Bias Intimidation in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:16-1a(1) and Terroristic Threats in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:12-3b, in connection with an incident that occurred in Lacey Township on September 5, 2022.
LACEY TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force collaborated with the Lacey Township Police Department Patrol Division, Lacey Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit, to conduct an investigation into the distribution of illegal narcotics in Ocean County. This cooperative, multi-agency investigation identified a residence in Lacey Township as being used by Douglas Ward, 59, of Lacey, to store and distribute cocaine.
On July 28, 2022, Detectives from the aforementioned law enforcement agencies established stationary and mobile surveillance on the subject residence. Ward was observed by Detectives leaving the residence and meeting with an individual later identified as Thomas Prosser, 60, of Bayville. Detectives approached Ward and Prosser, and both individuals were taken into custody.
At the time of his arrest, Ward found to be in possession of several small bags containing cocaine. Additionally, a court authorized search warrant was executed on Ward’s Lacey Township residence, resulting in the seizure of approximately 70 additional grams of cocaine, and nearly $20,300 in United States Currency.
Ward was charged with Possession of more than One-Half Ounce but less than Five Ounces of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5b(2); Possession of Cocaine in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(1); and Financial Facilitation of Criminal Activity in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:21-25a. He was transported to the Ocean County Jail, and later released as a consequence of New Jersey Bail Reform.
Prosser was charged with Possession of Cocaine in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(1), and Wandering in a Public Place to Obtain or Distribute Controlled Dangerous Substances in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:33-2.1b. Prosser was served with the charges via summons pending an upcoming first appearance in Ocean County Superior Court.
Prosecutor Billhimer commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Asset Forfeiture Unit, Lacey Township Police Department Patrol Division, Lacey Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit, for their combined and collective 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).
TOMS RIVER, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on May 6, 2022, Andrew Bradley, 22, of Lacey Township, was sentenced by the Honorable Guy P. Ryan, P.J.Cr.P., to ten years New Jersey State Prison as a result of his previously entered guilty plea to Maintaining a Controlled Dangerous Substance Production Facility in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-4. Bradley pled guilty before Judge Ryan on February 11, 2021.
An investigation conducted by the Lacey Township Police Department Detective Bureau between 2017 and 2020 determined that Bradley was utilizing a residence in the Forked River section of Lacey Township to store and distribute cocaine and marijuana. As a result, Detectives from the Lacey Township Police Department performed a motor vehicle stop on Bradley’s vehicle in Lacey Township on October 1, 2021, at which time Bradley was detained. Lacey Township Detectives – with the assistance of the Stafford Township Police Department K-9 Unit – thereafter executed court-authorized search warrants on Bradley’s vehicle and residence. As a result, Detectives seized quantities of cocaine, psilocybin mushrooms, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), dimethyltryptamine (DMT), marijuana including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), drug paraphernalia, and equipment and supplies indicative of manufacturing and distributing cocaine, from Bradley’s residence. Bradley was taken into custody and transported to the Ocean County Jail, and later released as a consequence of New Jersey Bail Reform.
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the diligent efforts of Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Kristin Pressman, Senior Assistant Prosecutor Ashley Angelo, and Senior Assistant Prosecutor Meghan O’Neill, who handled the case on behalf of the State, as well as the Lacey Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Lacey Township Police Department Patrol Division, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, and Stafford Township Police Department K-9 Unit, for their collaborative assistance in connection with this investigation leading to Bradley’s apprehension, guilty plea, and now his state prison sentence.
Andrew Bradley, 22
Andrew Bradley, 22, of Lacey Township, was sentenced to ten years New Jersey State Prison as a result of his previously entered guilty plea to Maintaining a Controlled Dangerous Substance Production Facility
LACEY TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on February 11, 2021, Andrew Bradley, 22, of Lacey Township, pled guilty before the Honorable Guy P. Ryan, J.S.C., to Maintaining a Controlled Dangerous Substance Production Facility in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-4. At the time of his sentencing on April 1, 2022, the State will seek a term of ten years New Jersey State Prison.
An investigation conducted by the Lacey Township Police Department Detective Bureau between 2017 and 2020 determined that Bradley was utilizing a residence in the Forked River section of Lacey Township to store and distribute cocaine and marijuana. As a result, Detectives from the Lacey Township Police Department performed a motor vehicle stop on Bradley’s vehicle in Lacey Township on October 1, 2021, at which time Bradley was detained. Lacey Township Detectives – with the assistance of the Stafford Township Police Department K-9 Unit – thereafter executed court-authorized search warrants on Bradley’s vehicle and residence. As a result, Detectives seized quantities of cocaine, psilocybin mushrooms, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), dimethyltryptamine (DMT), marijuana including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), drug paraphernalia, and equipment and supplies indicative of manufacturing and distributing cocaine, from Bradley’s residence. Bradley was taken into custody and transported to the Ocean County Jail, and later released as a consequence of New Jersey Bail Reform.
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the diligent efforts of Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Kristin Pressman, Senior Assistant Prosecutor Ashley Angelo, and Senior Assistant Prosecutor Meghan O’Neill, who handled the case on behalf of the State, as well as the Lacey Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Lacey Township Police Department Patrol Division, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, and Stafford Township Police Department K-9 Unit, for their collaborative assistance in connection with this investigation leading to Bradley’s apprehension, guilty plea, and soon his state prison sentence.
Andrew Bradley, 22, of Lacey Township Andrew Bradley, 22, of Lacey Township, pled guilty before the Honorable Guy P. Ryan, J.S.C., to Maintaining a Controlled Dangerous Substance Production Facility in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-4. At the time of his sentencing on April 1, 2022, the State will seek a term of ten years New Jersey State Prison.
LACY TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on October 19, 2021, Matthew Bender, 33, of Lacey Township, pled guilty to Theft in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:20-3, before the Honorable Linda G. Baxter, J.S.C. At the time of sentencing on December 7, 2021, the State will seek a term of probation, together with full restitution, forfeiture of his lifetime membership with the Lanoka Harbor Emergency Medical Service (LHEMS), resignation from his position with the Lacey Township Police Department, and forfeiture of any current or future public office or employment in the State of New Jersey.
This charge was the result of an investigation conducted by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Economics Crime Squad in the Spring of 2021. The investigation revealed that Bender, a volunteer with the LHEMS as well as a dispatcher with the Lacey Township Police Department, was responsible for maintaining the LHEMS website. Bender also had access to the LHEMS PayPal account. Between April 2020 and March 2021, the LHEMS received multiple donations from private citizens, and was also awarded monies from various grant applications. Further investigation revealed that the grant money was disbursed to the LHEMS PayPal account managed by Bender, and that that approximately $4700 was transferred from the LHEMS PayPal account to Bender’s personal PayPal account. The investigation exposed numerous purchases by Bender – in small denominations – for various restaurants, pharmacies, and auto stores, confirming that the funds were not used for the benefit of the LHEMS. It was determined that Bender misappropriated these monies for personal use.
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the diligent efforts of Senior Assistant Prosecutor Christopher Heisler and Assistant Prosecutor Taylor Toscano who handled the case on behalf of the State, as well as the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Economic Crime Squad, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, Lacey Township Police Department, and Berkeley Township Police Department, for their collaborative efforts in connection with this investigation resulting in Bender’s guilty plea.
Matthew Bender, 33, of Lacey Township
Matthew Bender, 33, of Lacey Township, pled guilty to Theft in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:20-3, before the Honorable Linda G. Baxter, J.S.C. At the time of sentencing on December 7, 2021, the State will seek a term of probation, together with full restitution, forfeiture of his lifetime membership with the Lanoka Harbor Emergency Medical Service (LHEMS), resignation from his position with the Lacey Township Police Department, and forfeiture of any current or future public office or employment in the State of New Jersey.
LACEY TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on July 1, 2021, Matthew Bender, age 33, of Lacey Township, was charged with Theft in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:20-3a.
The charge is a result of an investigation conducted by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Economics Crime Squad. The investigation revealed that Bender, a volunteer with the Lanoka Harbor Emergency Medical Service (LHEMS) and current dispatcher with the Lacey Township Police Department, was responsible for maintaining the LHEMS website. Bender also had access to the LHEMS PayPal account. On February 2, 2021, LHEMS was awarded a grant from Benevity, an organization that facilitates grants on behalf of the Macy’s corporation. The investigation further revealed that the grant money was disbursed to the LHEMS PayPal account managed by Bender.
Further investigation revealed that approximately $4690.00 was transferred the LHEMS PayPal account to Bender’s personal PayPal account. The investigation also revealed numerous purchases, in small denominations, for various restaurants, pharmacies and auto stores, confirming that the grant money was not used for the benefit of the LHEMS. It was determined that Bender misappropriated these funds for personal use.
Bender was processed at the Berkeley Township Police Department and released on a summons pending a future court date.
Prosecutor Billhimer would like to acknowledge the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Economic Crime Squad, the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, the Lacey Township Police Department, and the Berkeley Township Police Department for their collaborative efforts in 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)
According to NJOIT Open Data Center Active NJ Pension Members updated on 3/31/2021 shows that Matthew J. Bender a Lacey Township, Ocean County employee is enrolled in the Public Employees Retirement System at a salary of $40,315.00 He was enrolled in the pension system on February 1, 2017.
Dover Rd is closed from Lacey Rd to Pinewald Keswick Rd
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