TOMS RIVER, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on April 22, 2024, Olivia Paige, 35, of Toms River, pled guilty to Robbery before the Honorable Guy P. Ryan, P.J.Cr.P., in connection with an incident that occurred on August 29, 2023, in Lakewood Township. Additionally, Paige pled guilty to Possession of Cocaine in connection with an incident that occurred on January 11, 2023, also in Brick Township. Finally, Paige pled guilty to Aggravated Assault in connection with an incident that occurred on April 14, 2023, likewise in Lakewood. At the time of her sentencing on June 28, 2024, the State will be seeking a term of eight years New Jersey State Prison (NJSP) – subject to the terms of the No Early Release Act – as to the Robbery charge, three years NJSP as to the narcotics offense, and 18 months NJSP as to the Aggravated Assault charge. The sentences are to run concurrently.
On August 29, 2023, Officers from the Lakewood Township Police Department were summoned to the area of Clifton Avenue for a reported robbery. Responding Officers determined that a female was sitting in her car on Clifton Avenue, when she was approached by a female suspect who brandished a knife and demanded money. The victim handed the suspect money, at which time the suspect fled the area. The Officers were able to ascertain a detailed description of the suspect. A short time later, the Officers located the suspect – later identified as Paige – at a nearby eatery. Paige was taken into custody without incident; she was searched incident to arrest, and found to be in possession of a five-inch utility knife. Paige was transported to the Ocean County Jail, where she has been detained since August 29, 2023.
On January 11, 2023, Officers from the Brick Township Police Department were summoned to a convenience store on Maple Avenue for a reported shoplifting. An investigation by responding Officers determined that Paige was responsible for taking items from the store without paying for them. Paige was located behind the store with the missing items, and taken into custody without incident. Paige was searched incident to arrest, and found to be in possession of cocaine. Paige was transported to the Ocean County Jail, and subsequently released as a consequence of New Jersey Bail Reform.
On April 14, 2023, Officers from the Lakewood Township Police Department were dispatched to the area of First Street for a report of a disorderly female. Responding Officers found that the female – later identified as Paige – was shouting profanities and acting in an erratic manner. As Officers attempted to subdue Paige, she spit in their faces. Paige was taken into custody, transported to the Ocean County Jail, and subsequently released as a consequence of New Jersey Bail Reform.
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the diligent efforts of Senior Assistant Prosecutor Shanon Chant-Berry who handled these cases on behalf of the State, and commends the Lakewood Township Police Department and Brick Township Police Department for their efforts in connection with these investigations – leading to Paige’s guilty pleas, and soon her state prison sentence.
LAKEWOOD, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer has announced that the decedent at the center of an investigation originating out of Lakewood Township has been identified as David Koscuik, 57, of Lakewood.
On February 28, 2024, at approximately 12:13 p.m., the Lakewood Township Police Department received notification concerning an unconscious male located inside the trunk of a vehicle, parked in the area of Fairway Court in Lakewood Township. Upon responding to the area, Officers located the body of a deceased male.
The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Lakewood Township Police Department, Manchester Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit are currently investigating this matter.
This investigation remains active and ongoing; there is no known danger to the public, and additional information will be released when it becomes available.
Anyone in possession of information regarding this investigation is urged to contact Detective Olga Brylevskaya of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office at 732-929-2027, extension 4105, or Detective Austin Letts of the Lakewood Township Police Department at 732-363-0200.
LAKEWOOD, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force collaborated with the Lakewood Township Police Department, Lakewood Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Lakewood Township Police Department Street Crimes Unit, Jackson Township Police Department Street Crimes Unit, Brick Township Police Department Street Crimes Unit, Toms River Township Police Department Special Enforcement Team, Manchester Township Police Department, Manchester Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Manchester Township Police Department Narcotics Enforcement Team, New Jersey State Police Drug Trafficking Central Unit, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office, and United States Marshals Fugitive Task Force, to conduct a two month-long investigation into the distribution of illegal narcotics in Ocean County. This cooperative, multi-agency investigation identified Justin Love, 25, of Jackson Township, as being involved in the distribution of crack cocaine in Ocean County.
In December 2023, Detectives from the aforementioned law enforcement agencies established stationary and mobile surveillance on Love. Detectives were able to determine that Love was utilizing a residence on Deer Path in Lakewood to store and distribute crack cocaine. On February 14, 2024, the Lakewood Township Police Department Special Response Team executed a court-authorized search warrant on the subject residence and Love’s motor vehicle. As a result, Detectives seized approximately 15 grams of crack cocaine, a semi-automatic handgun, drug paraphernalia, and approximately $5,000 in United States Currency. A search of Love’s motor vehicle resulted in the seizure of an additional quantity of crack cocaine, drug paraphernalia, and United States currency. Love was taken into custody at the residence without incident.
Justin Love was charged with Possession of Less than One Half Ounce of Crack Cocaine with Intent to Distribute, Possession of Crack Cocaine, Possession of Oxycodone Without a Valid Prescription, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Unlawful Possession of a Handgun, and Possession of a Weapon During a Controlled Dangerous Substance Offense. Love is presently lodged in the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.
Prosecutor Billhimer commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Asset Forfeiture Unit, Lakewood Township Police Department, Lakewood Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Lakewood Township Police Department Street Crimes Unit, Lakewood Township Police Department Special Response Team, Jackson Township Police Department Street Crimes Unit, Brick Township Police Department Street Crimes Unit, Toms River Township Police Department Special Enforcement Team, Manchester Township Police Department, Manchester Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Manchester Township Police Department Narcotics Enforcement Team, New Jersey State Police Drug Trafficking Central Unit, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office, and United States Marshals Fugitive Task Force, for their combined and collective assistance in connection with this investigation.
The charges referenced above are merely accusations and the press and public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
LAKEWOOD, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer and Lakewood Township Police Chief Gregory Meyer announced that on November 19, 2023, at approximately 7:45 a.m., Officers from the Lakewood Township Police Department were dispatched to the area of 4th Avenue and Forest Avenue, for a report of a suspicious item attached to a utility pole. The New Jersey State Police Bomb Disposal Unit were notified and secured the device.
“The device was found to be inert and nonexplosive. There is no danger to the public and this remains an active and ongoing investigation,” Prosecutor Billhimer stated.
“Anyone with information regarding this investigation should contact Officer Alex Guzman of the Lakewood Township Police Department at 732-363-0200, extension 5341 or Sergeant David Petracca of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office at 732-929-2027, extension 2186,” Prosecutor Billhimer concluded.
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.
LAKEWOOD, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on November 1, 2023, at approximately 4:15 p.m., Officers from the Lakewood Township Police Department were summoned to the Lakewood Housing Authority on Sampson Avenue for a report of an explosion that developed into a structure fire. Responding Officers observed a male victim, later identified as Ronald Prichard, 67, the sole occupant of the housing unit, to be suffering from serious injuries. Mr. Prichard was transported to Monmouth Medical Center, Southern Campus, in Lakewood, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
A thorough and extensive investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Arson Squad, Lakewood Police Department Township Detective Bureau, Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, revealed that the origin of the explosion was in the bedroom of the housing unit, and the cause of the explosion was the release of natural gas to an open flame.
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Arson Squad, Lakewood Township Police Department, Lakewood Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, for their collective assistance in connection with this investigation.
LAKEWOOD, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on October 18, 2023, John Filistovich, 59, of Lakewood, was indicted by a Grand Jury sitting in Ocean County on charges of Murder and Theft in connection with the death of Betty Perry, 60, of Lakewood, which occurred on May 30, 2023.
On May 30, 2023, at approximately 12:15 p.m., Officers from the Lakewood Township Police Department responded to a residence on Thornbury Court to conduct a welfare check on Betty Perry. Responding Officers made entry into the residence and found the deceased body of a female, later identified as Ms. Perry, on the floor of the bedroom.
A subsequent investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Lakewood Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, revealed that Filistovich and Ms. Perry had been living together and were in a dating relationship. Further investigation revealed that a 2015 Hyundai Elantra belonging to Ms. Perry had been taken from the residence.
Later in the day on May 30, 2023, investigating Detectives received information that Maryland State Troopers had encountered Filistovich on the side of the road near Salisbury, Maryland, in the victim’s vehicle. Filistovich was transported to a local medical facility in Salisbury. On that date, Filistovich was charged in connection with the theft of Ms. Perry’s vehicle.
On May 31, 2023, the Ocean County Medical Examiner performed a post-mortem examination of Ms. Perry, and determined the cause of her death to be blunt force injuries to the head, neck, and chest with asphyxiation, and the manner of death to be homicide. The investigation in this matter resulted in Filistovich being identified as the individual responsible for Ms. Perry’s death, and he was formally charged with her murder on June 1, 2023.
Upon being released from the medical facility in Salisbury, Maryland, on June 1, 2023, Filistovich was taken into custody without incident. He was subsequently transferred to the Wicomico County Corrections Center, also located in Salisbury, and thereafter extradited to Ocean County. Filistovich has been lodged in the Ocean County Jail since his extradition to New Jersey.
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the diligent efforts of Assistant Prosecutor Kaitlyn Burke 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, Lakewood Township Police Department, Lakewood Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office, Maryland State Police, and Salisbury (Maryland) Police Department, 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.
LAKEWOOD, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer has announced that the victims who perished in the motor vehicle crash that occurred in Lakewood Township on October 7, 2023, have been identified as Jayla Ortiz, 23, of Lakewood, Ceasia Jefferson, 24, of Neptune Township, and a 17-year-old male of Lanoka Harbor.
On October 7, 2023, at approximately 2:20 a.m., Officers from the Lakewood Township Police Department were summoned to the area of New Hampshire Avenue and Cedar Bridge Avenue for a report of a serious motor vehicle crash.
An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Vehicular Homicide Squad and Lakewood Township Police Department determined that a 2009 Honda Accord being operated by Jayla Ortiz, and containing passengers Mylani Theibault, 18, Lakewood, seated in the front passenger seat, Alexis Holloway, 23, of Berkeley Township, Ceasia Jefferson, 24, of Neptune, and a 17 year-old male of Lanoka Harbor, all seated in the rear passenger seat, was traveling eastbound on Cedar Bridge Avenue. Ms. Ortiz failed to stop at a red traffic signal and entered the intersection – striking a 2008 Dodge Truck. The impact caused the Dodge Truck to roll over and split in two. The Honda Accord continued off the roadway and struck a metal traffic signal pole; upon contact with the pole, the Accord likewise broke into two parts.
“As a result of the crash, Mathew Draheim, 56, of Lakewood, who was the operator of the Dodge Truck, was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center (JSUMC) in Neptune to be treated for minor injuries. Jayla Ortiz and Ceasia Jefferson were pronounced deceased at the scene. Mylani Theibault, Alexis Holloway, and the 17-year-old male, were transported to JSUMC for treatment. At the hospital, the 17-year-old male succumbed to his injuries. Mylani Theibault and Alexis Holloway remain hospitalized; Mylani Theibault is currently listed in stable condition. Alexis Holloway is currently listed in critical condition,” Prosecutor Billhimer stated.
“This is every parent’s worst nightmare. Our thoughts and prayers are with these young men and women, their families and their friends,” Prosecutor Billhimer stated.
“The crash remains under investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Vehicular Homicide Squad and Lakewood Township Police Department,” Prosecutor Billhimer concluded.
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit- Vehicular Homicide Squad, Lakewood Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, for their cooperative assistance in connection with this investigation.
NEWARK, N.J. – A New Jersey man whose 24-year federal prison sentence was commuted after being twice convicted of defrauding investors of a total of $230 million was charged today with four other men for committing additional crimes, including conspiring to defraud investors of more than $35 million, and with conspiracy to obstruct justice, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
A criminal complaint was unsealed today charging each of the five defendants with one count of wire fraud conspiracy and one count of conspiracy to obstruct justice. The defendants are: Eliyahu “Eli” Weinstein, aka Mike Konig, 48, Aryeh “Ari” Bromberg, 49, and Joel Wittels, 57, all of Lakewood, New Jersey, along with Shlomo Erez, 55, a citizen and resident of Israel, and Alaa Hattab, 34, of Otttowa, Canada. The three defendants who were arrested are scheduled to make their initial appearances today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Tonianne Bongiovanni in Trenton federal court; Wittels and Hattab remain at large.
“As alleged in the complaint, Weinstein, along with four other individuals, has once again perpetrated a sophisticated fraud scheme causing losses of millions of dollars,” said U.S. Attorney Sellinger. “He did so by using a fake name and falsely promising access to deals involving scarce medical supplies, baby formula, and first-aid kits supposedly destined for wartime Ukraine. These were brazen and sophisticated crimes that involved multiple conspirators and drew right from Weinstein’s playbook of fraud. No matter how many times someone attempts to prey on innocent investors, my office will dedicate whatever resources are necessary to root out and punish fraudsters.”
“We allege Mr. Weinstein took part in a new scheme to rip off investors by hiding his real identity,” Special in Charge James E. Dennehy of the Newark FBI said. “He was aware his actions were against the terms of his release on a previous investment fraud conviction, and we allege he engaged in criminal activity anyway. I want to commend everyone who worked on this investigation. Cases like this can be tedious, and at times very frustrating, but the investigative team does the work to prevent more people from being victimized and to ensure career criminals face the justice they deserve.”
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Weinstein was convicted two times in New Jersey federal court for defrauding investors. His first case involved a real estate Ponzi scheme, and his second case stemmed from additional fraud Weinstein committed while on pretrial release. For these crimes, which resulted in combined losses to investors of approximately $230 million, Weinstein was sentenced to serve 24 years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. On Jan. 19, 2021, after Weinstein had served less than eight years, the President of the United States at that time commuted Weinstein’s term to time served, leaving intact the rest of his sentence.
Soon after being released from prison, Weinstein began orchestrating a new scheme to solicit money from investors through a company called Optimus Investments Inc. (Optimus). Using the fake name “Mike Konig,” Weinstein ran Optimus with Bromberg and Wittels. They kept Weinstein’s true name and identity hidden because, as Weinstein acknowledged in a secretly recorded conversation, investors wouldn’t give them “a penny” if they learned of Weinstein’s involvement.
Weinstein, Bromberg, and Wittels received the bulk of investor money through a second company, Tryon Management Group LLC, which was owned and controlled by two other conspirators. Tryon promised these individual investors – consisting mostly of friends and family – lucrative opportunities to invest in deals involving COVID-19 masks, scarce baby formula, and first-aid kits supposedly bound for wartime Ukraine. Posing as Mike Konig, Weinstein provided the information for these supposed deals. Based on that information, investors gave money to Tryon, believing the deals were legitimate and not knowing about Weinstein’s involvement. In turn, Tryon transferred those funds to Weinstein, through Optimus.
In February 2022, almost immediately after Tryon and Optimus started receiving investor money, Tryon was unable to pay its investors. Rather than reveal this information to investors, Weinstein, Bromberg, and Wittels agreed with Tryon’s owners to pool money from existing investors of both Optimus and Tryon and use it to make monthly payments to other investors in a Ponzi-like fashion. Bromberg, Wittels, and the Tryon owners concealed this arrangement from investors by falsely telling investors that the payments derived from legitimate investment returns, not other investors’ money.
In late August 2022, Weinstein revealed his true identity to the Tryon owners, admitting in a secretly recorded meeting, “I am Eli Weinstein.” In another recorded August 2022 meeting, Weinstein admitted to misappropriating Tryon investor money and making various false statements about the purported Optimus deals. Weinstein acknowledged that he was conducting a Ponzi scheme, stating, “I finagled, and Ponzied, and lied to people to cover us.”
Erez claimed to be Weinstein’s attorney and helped conceal Weinstein’s true identity by, among other things, receiving and managing money on Weinstein’s behalf.. Hattab served as a broker for Optimus and helped conceal Weinstein’s involvement from investors and his business activities from the United States Probation Office.
Once the Tryon owners learned that Mike Konig was actually Weinstein, they agreed with the defendants to continue concealing Weinstein’s identity from investors and to raise additional money to pay off existing Tryon investors, all in an effort to stop the Ponzi scheme from falling apart and to cover up the fraud.
In addition to defrauding investors, the defendants also conspired to obstruct justice. They helped hide Weinstein’s assets that should have been used to pay over $200 million in restitution that he still owes his previous victims. The defendants also concealed Weinstein’s myriad business activities, which he was required to disclose to the court and which were expressly prohibited by the terms of his supervised release. In multiple secretly recorded conversations, Weinstein discussed his intent to conceal his various assets from the government. In one such conversation, Weinstein referenced hidden assets that he “can’t touch” while on supervised release because he’d otherwise “go to jail.” Weinstein then boasted, “I just told you something that no one in the world knows because I hid money. Get it?”
The wire fraud conspiracy charge is punishable by a maximum of 20 years in prison. The obstruction conspiracy charge is punishable by a maximum of five years in prison. Each count is also punishable by a maximum fine of either $250,000 or twice the gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greatest.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) also filed a civil complaint against Weinstein, Bromberg, Wittels, Hattab, and two other individuals based on the same and additional conduct.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Dennehy, with the investigation leading to the charges in this case. He also expressed appreciation for the Securities and Exchange Commission, under the direction of Antonia Apps, Director of the SEC’s New York Regional Office.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan Fayer and Emma Spiro of the Economic Crimes Unit in Newark.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
23-207
Defense counsel: Weinstein: Eric Creizman Esq., New York Bromberg: Ricardo Solano Esq., Newark
NEWARK, N.J. – An Ocean County, New Jersey, man admitted his role in a durable medical equipment kickback scheme, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.
Alexander Schleider, 57, of Lakewood, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Michael A. Shipp in Trenton federal court to an information charging him with one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and one count of wire fraud.
According to documents filed in the case and statements made in court:
Schleider owned and operated durable medical equipment (DME) companies in New Jersey that provided orthotic braces to beneficiaries of Medicare and other federal and private health care benefit programs without regard to medical necessity. Schleider and his conspirators obtained prescriptions for the DME braces through the payment of kickbacks and bribes to individuals operating marketing call centers, who in turn utilized the service of telemedicine companies to obtain prescriptions for the DME. Schleider caused losses to Medicare and other health care benefit programs of $21.7 million.
Schleider also committed wire fraud in connection with funds made available in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. After one of his DME companies received $322,237 from the Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Resources and Services Administration Provider Relief Fund, Schleider submitted a fraudulent attestation to HRSA in which he claimed that the DME company provided diagnoses, testing, and care for individuals with possible or actual cases of COVID-19 after Jan. 31, 2020. In reality, the DME company had ceased billing for any services in April 2019. The attestation also falsely claimed that the payment would only be used to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus, and that the payment shall reimburse the recipient only for health care related expenses or lost revenues that are attributable to coronavirus. Schleider did not use the funds for those purposes, but transferred them into other accounts and subsequently used them to purchase real estate and vehicles, among other things.
The charge of conspiracy to commit health care fraud is punishable by a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000, or twice the gross profit or loss caused by the offense, whichever is greatest. The charge of wire fraud is punishable by a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000, or twice the gross profit or loss caused by the offense, whichever is greatest. Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 8, 2023.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark; the Department of Health and Human Services-Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Naomi Gruchacz; and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Christopher F. Algieri, with the investigation leading to the guilty plea.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sean M. Sherman and DeNae Thomas of the Health Care Fraud Unit in Newark.
LAKEWOOD, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that John Filistovich, 59, of Lakewood, has been extradited from Salisbury, Maryland to Ocean County, New Jersey in connection with the murder of Betty Perry, 60, of Lakewood. Filistovich is currently lodged in the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.
On May 30, 2023, at approximately 12:15 p.m., Lakewood Township Police responded to a residence on Thornbury Court to conduct a welfare check on Betty Perry. Responding Officers made entry into the residence and found the deceased body of a female, later identified as Betty Perry, on the floor of the bedroom.
A subsequent investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Lakewood Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, revealed that Filistovich and Ms. Perry lived together and were in a dating relationship. Further investigation revealed that a 2015 Hyundai Elantra belonging to Ms. Perry was not at the residence.
On May 30, 2023, investigating Detectives received information that Maryland State Troopers encountered Filistovich on the side of the road near Salisbury, Maryland, in the victim’s vehicle. Filistovich was transported to a local medical facility in Salisbury.
On May 30, 2023, Filistovich was charged with Theft in connection with the unlawful taking of Ms. Perry’s vehicle.
On May 31, 2023, the Ocean County Medical Examiner performed a post-mortem examination of Ms. Perry and determined the cause of death to be blunt force injuries to the head, neck, and chest with asphyxiation, and the manner of death to be homicide. The investigation in this matter has resulted in Filistovich being identified as the individual responsible for Ms. Perry’s death.
On June 1, 2023, Filistovich was released from the medical facility in Salisbury, Maryland, and taken into custody. He was subsequently transferred to the Wicomico County Corrections Center, also located in Salisbury, and thereafter extradited to Ocean County.
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.
LAKEWOOD, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on June 8, 2023, Mordechai Berkowitz, 21, of Lakewood, was indicted by a Grand Jury sitting in Ocean County on the charges of Aggravated Manslaughter and Aggravated Assault, in connection with a motor vehicle crash that occurred in Lakewood Township on July 22, 2022, resulting in the death of Juana Lopez-Hernandez, 44, a citizen of Mexico, and causing serious bodily injury to Maria Flores-Moreno, 35, of Jackson,
On July 22, 2022, at approximately 8:20 p.m., Officers from the Lakewood Township Police Department responded to the area of South Lake Drive and East Lake Park Drive for a report of a motor vehicle crash with serious injuries. Subsequent investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Vehicular Homicide Unit and Lakewood Township Police Department determined that a 2018 Chevrolet Impala, operated by Berkowitz, was headed eastbound on South Lake Drive when it crossed over the double yellow and collided head-on with a 2017 Toyota Rav4, operated by Maria Flores-Moreno, 35, of Jackson, and occupied by front-seat passenger, Ms. Lopez-Hernandez.
Ms. Flores-Moreno was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune for treatment of the injuries she suffered in the crash. Ms. Flores-Moreno was treated for her injuries and later released to a rehabilitation facility. She is currently home still recuperating from her injuries. Ms. Lopez-Hernandez was transported to Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus in Lakewood, where she was pronounced deceased.
Berkowitz was also transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center for treatment of injuries he sustained in the crash. Blood samples taken from Berkowitz at the hospital and in furtherance of the investigation revealed that his Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) at the time of the collision was .157 percent. In the State of New Jersey, an operator of a motor vehicle is presumed to be over the legal limit for purposes of alcohol consumption where the operator’s BAC is .08 or greater.
Further investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Vehicular Homicide Unit revealed that the vehicle operated by Berkowitz was traveling in excess of 90 miles-per-hour at the time of the crash. The posted speed limit on the roadway is 35 miles-per-hour.
On July 27, 2022, Berkowitz surrendered himself to the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office, with his attorney present, to be formally served with the charges. He was thereafter 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 Alyssa Mandara who presented the case to the Grand Jury on behalf of the State, and commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Vehicular Homicide Unit, Ocean County Victim Witness Advocacy Unit, Brick Township Police Department Traffic Safety Unit, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, and Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office, for their combined and cooperative efforts in connection with this investigation.
The charges referenced above are merely accusations and the press and public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
LAKEWOOD, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on May 30, 2023, the Lakewood Township Police responded to a residence on Thornbury Court in reference to a wellness check. Responding Officers found the body of a deceased female.
The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Lakewood Township Police Department and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit are currently investigating.
“This is a suspicious death and this remains an active and ongoing investigation. There is no danger to the public and more information will be released when it becomes available,” Prosecutor Billhimer stated.
If anyone has any information concerning this investigation they are urged to contact Detective Olga Brylevskaya of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office at 732-929-2027 or Detective Matthew Richardson of the Lakewood Township Police Department at 732-363-0200.
TOMS RIVER, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that yesterday, May 15, 2023, Matthew Robles, 32, of Lakewood, pled guilty before the Honorable Guy P. Ryan, P.J.Cr.P., to Distribution of Child Pornography and Failure to Register as a Megan’s Law Offender. At the time of his sentencing the State will be recommending a term of seven years New Jersey State Prison (NJSP) with a five year period of parole ineligibility, as to the Child Pornography Distribution charge. The State will also be recommending a term of three years in NJSP, as to the Failure to Register as a Megan’s Law Offender charge. The sentences would run concurrently.
An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Megan’s Law Unit revealed that Robles – a Megan’s Law Registrant under the supervision of the New Jersey Division of Parole- has been employed at a local business establishment in Brick Township without registering or notifying any law enforcement agencies. Since 1994, Megan’s Law requires certain offenders to register with their local police departments whenever they move and/or change their residential address or place of employment.
On July 26, 2022, Officers from the Division of Parole conducted a home visit and discovered images of child pornography on Robles’ cellular phone. Robles was taken into custody and transported to the Ocean County Jail for various violations of his parole. All of Robles’ electronic devices were seized by law enforcement for forensic examination purposes.
On July 28, 2022, Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit executed a court authorized search warrant on Robles’ electronic devices. As a result, Detectives discovered that Robles had been uploading and sharing images of child pornography on the internet by way of the WhatsApp Application. On August 5, 2022, Robles was served with a complaint initially charging him with Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. On August 8, 2022, Robles was served with the complaint in connection with the Distribution of Child Pornography charge. Robles is currently lodged in NJSP as a result of the parole violation in connection with these charges. He will remain detained until his sentencing.
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the diligent efforts of Senior Assistant Prosecutor Shanon Chant-Berry and Assistant Prosecutor Natalie Pouch who are handling the case on behalf of the State, and commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Megan’s Law Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, New Jersey Division of Parole, and Lakewood Township Police Department, for their collaborative assistance in connection with this investigation leading to Robles’ arrest, guilty pleas and soon his state prison sentence.
LAKEWOOD, NJ (OCEAN)–Lakewood Police reported that last evening just before 10:00 p.m. Officer Christopher Dunphy was exiting a convenience store located on Route 70 when he heard what he described as a loud bang followed by yelling and screaming that someone was just struck by a car. Officer Dunphy entered his marked patrol car and located a 2006 white Lexus with heavy front-end damage at the intersection of Route 70 and Vermont Avenue. He then observed an unresponsive teenage female lying in the roadway behind the vehicle. While Officer Dunphy was gathering his medical equipment, volunteers from Hatzolah EMS arrived on scene and began to perform life saving measures. The 15-year-old victim was transported to Monmouth Medical Southern Campus Hospital but unfortunately succumbed to her injuries.
Further investigation revealed that the operator of the white Lexus, a 19-year-old Toms River man, was traveling west on Route 70 when he struck the victim who was walking south in the crosswalk at Vermont Avenue. She was with her mother and younger sister at the time of the incident.
At this time the investigation is still active with the assistance of the Ocean County Prosecutors Office and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department. The driver of the 2006 Lexus is cooperating with law enforcement. No charges have been filed at this time.
You must be logged in to post a comment.