LITTLE EGG HARBOR, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer and Little Egg Harbor Township Chief of Police James Hawkins announced that on July 29, 2023, at approximately 5:10 a.m., Officers from the Little Egg Harbor Township Police Department responded to a residence on Whitemarsh Court in reference to a 911 call; the caller stated that she believed someone was breaking into her apartment. Responding Officers made forced entry into the apartment, where they located the deceased body of a 49-year-old female victim with an apparent gunshot wound to the face. A deceased dog with apparent gunshot wounds was located in the apartment as well. Additionally, Officers discovered a 52-year-old male with an apparent gunshot wound to the head. The male – who was conscious when police arrived- was transported to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center in Atlantic City, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit and Little Egg Harbor Township Police Department responded to the scene for purposes of conducting an investigation. Preliminary investigation indicates that the male shot the female victim, and the dog, before turning the gun on himself. The investigation remains active and ongoing.
Prosecutor Billhimer and Chief Hawkins acknowledge the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Little Egg Harbor Township Police Department, Little Egg Harbor Police Department Detective Bureau, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office, for their combined and collective assistance in connection with this investigation.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on March 24, 2023, Gregory Fullman, Jr., 33, of Manchester Township, pled guilty to three counts of Aggravated Arson before the Honorable Guy P. Ryan, P.J.Cr.P. At the time of his sentencing on May 19, 2023, the State will be seeking a term of twelve years New Jersey State Prison. Fullman will also be responsible for making restitution in connection with fire suppression services.
On January 31, 2022, a multi-jurisdictional investigation into numerous forest fires intentionally set in Ocean County culminated with Fullman’s arrest. The investigation revealed that Fullman was responsible for setting fires and destroying or damaging wooded areas in Little Egg Harbor Township, Manchester Township, and Lakewood Township between the dates of May 2021 and January 2022. Fullman was taken into custody on January 31, 2022, and has been lodged in the Ocean County Jail since his apprehension.
Prosecutor Billhimer Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the diligent efforts of Senior Assistant Prosecutor Meghan O’Neill who handled the case on behalf of the State, as well as the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Arson Squad, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Economic Crime Unit, Little Egg Harbor Township Police Department, Manchester Township Police Department, Lakewood Township Police Department, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigations Unit, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Field Services Unit, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Administrative Unit, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit, Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office, Ocean County Vehicle Services Department, New Jersey State Forest Fire Service, New Jersey State Police Office of Forensic Sciences, New Jersey State Police Regional Operations Intelligence Center, Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Monmouth County Fire Marshal’s Office, Wall Township Police Department, and City of Bridgeton Fire Department Bureau of Fire Prevention K-9 Unit, for their combined and collective efforts relative to this extensive investigation, resulting in Fullman’s guilty pleas, and soon, his state prison sentence.
LITTLE EGG HARBOR, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on March 6, 2023, at approximately 1:45 p.m., multiple fire companies from the Little Egg Harbor Township area responded to a structure fire on Harvest Way in Little Egg Harbor Township. During a search of the residence, the body of a deceased male was discovered. The decedent’s body was transported to Community Medical Center in Toms River for a post mortem examination and identification.
The origin and cause of the fire are currently under investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Arson Unit, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, Little Egg Harbor Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office, and Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Additional information will be released to the public as it becomes available.
LITTLE EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Just after noon today March 7, 2023 the New Jersey Forrest Fire Service responded to a fire in Little Eggo Harbor Township off of Route 539 near Warren Grove after being spotted by the Cedar Bridge Fire Tower. Upon arrival the original fire was around 10 acres in size and quickly growing due to weather conditions. A command post is set up near the Warren Grove Range. The fire has a reported potential to exceed 450 acres. Fire will be known as the ‘Governor’s Branch Wildfire’- Munion Field Road south of the Governor’s Branch.
Local fire departments have been requested for structural protection in the area of the fire.
TUCKERTON, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on March 5, 2023, Ronald Yaniak, 56, of Little Egg Harbor Township, was charged with Criminal Sexual Contact in connection with an incident that occurred in Tuckerton on March 4, 2023.
On March 4, 2023, the Borough of Tuckerton Police Department received a 911 call from a female stating that she was touched inappropriately by an Uber driver while she was utilizing the ride-sharing service. An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victim’s Unit and the Borough of Tuckerton Police Department determined that the victim and three fellow passengers called for an Uber ride from Barnegat to Tuckerton. During the ride, the Uber driver inappropriately touched the victim – who was seated in the front passenger seat of the vehicle.
Further investigation revealed that Yaniak was the driver of the subject vehicle and that he did, in fact, touch the victim inappropriately. On March 5, 2023, Yaniak was charged with Criminal Sexual Contact at the Tuckerton Police Department, processed, and released on a summons pending a future appearance in Ocean County Superior Court.
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victim’s Unit and Borough of Tuckerton Police Department 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.
LITTLE EGG HARBOR, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on March 3, 2023, Michael Pillarella, 28, of Manahawkin, was found guilty of Manslaughter and Assault by Auto in connection with a motor vehicle crash that occurred in Little Egg Harbor Township during the evening hours of January 30, 2021. The crash resulted in the death of a female juvenile victim, and serious bodily injury to a second female juvenile victim. After a nearly three-week jury trial before the Honorable Guy P. Ryan, P.J.Cr.P., the jury concluded beyond a reasonable doubt that Pillarella recklessly caused the death of one victim, and recklessly operated a motor vehicle and caused serious bodily injury to the second victim. Pillarella is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Ryan on May 5, 2023, at which time he faces up to 15 years New Jersey State Prison.
On January 30, 2021, at approximately 9:45 p.m., officers from the Little Egg Harbor Township Police Department responded to the area of Radio Road and Baltusrol Court for a report of a two-vehicle crash with serious injuries. An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Vehicular Homicide Unit and Little Egg Harbor Police Department revealed that a 2017 Hyundai Elantra, operated by Pillarella, was traveling northbound on Radio Road when he failed to negotiate a curve in the roadway, crossed over the centerline, and struck an oncoming 2006 Toyota XB travelling southbound on Radio Road. The Toyota XB was operated by a female juvenile; there was also a female juvenile passenger in the vehicle. As a result of the crash, both juveniles sustained serious injuries and were subsequently airlifted to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune.
Pillarella was airlifted to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center Trauma Center in Atlantic City for treatment of his injuries from the crash. A warrant was obtained for a draw of Pillarella’s blood. Pillarella was treated and signed himself out of the hospital against medical advice. Pillarella was initially issued several motor vehicle summonses in connection with the crash.
Further investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Vehicular Homicide Unit and Little Egg Harbor Police Department resulted in the filing of additional charges against Pillarella on February 1, 2021, for Aggravated Assault and Assault by Auto — two counts as to each offense relating to both juvenile victims. Pillarella was taken into custody without incident by officers from the Little Egg Harbor Police Department, and he has been lodged in the Ocean County Jail since his arrest.
On February 9, 2021, the female juvenile passenger in the Toyota XB succumbed to the injuries she sustained as a result of the January 30, 2021 crash. She was pronounced deceased at Jersey Shore University Medical Center. As a consequence, the charges against Pillarella were upgraded to include Aggravated Manslaughter and Vehicular Homicide relative to the passenger victim.
On February 15, 2020, Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office received the laboratory results in connection with Pillarella’s blood draw; those results revealed that Pillarella was under the influence of a combination of Alprazolam, Methadone, Fentanyl, and alcohol at the time of the crash, and that he was unfit to safely operate a motor vehicle on the roadways of the State of New Jersey. Additionally, further investigation revealed that Pillarella was operating his motor vehicle at an excessive rate of speed – approximately 80 miles per hour at the time of the crash.
Prosecutor Billhimer appreciates the diligence and dedication of Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Robert Cassidy and Assistant Prosecutor Alyssa Mandara, who ably and skillfully tried the case on behalf of the State. The Prosecutor likewise extends his gratitude to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Vehicular Homicide Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crimes Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Victim Witness Advocacy Unit, Little Egg Harbor Township Police Department, Berkeley Township Police Department, New Jersey State Police, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office, for their combined and collective efforts investigating this tragedy – ultimately resulting in today’s guilty verdicts.
FOUND GUILTY:
Michael Pillarella, 28, of Manahawkin, was found guilty of Manslaughter and Assault by Auto in connection with a motor vehicle crash that occurred in Little Egg Harbor Township during the evening hours of January 30, 2021. The crash resulted in the death of a female juvenile victim, and serious bodily injury to a second female juvenile victim.
FREEHOLD, NJ (MONMOUTH)–An Ocean County man has been arrested in connection with the death of a mother and her child from a fatal July crash in Freehold Township, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced on Friday.
On Friday December 16, 2022, Thomas F. Polson, 53, of Little Egg Harbor, was arrested on two counts of second-degree Vehicular Homicide, one count of third-degree Hindering Apprehension, two counts of fourth-degree Assault by Auto and one count of fourth-degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance.
The charges stem from a fatal crash that took place on Thursday July 14, 2022. At approximately 5 p.m. on that date, members of the Monmouth County Serious Collision Analysis Response Team (SCART), the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Freehold Township Police Department responded to the area of Siloam Road and Old Turkey Swamp Road in Freehold Township. At that location, first responders located the three vehicles involved in the collision: a Ford F350 pickup truck driven by Polson, a Chrysler Pacifica minivan driven by Denise James, 42, of Ocean Township (Ocean County), and a Honda CR-V SUV driven by a 34-year-old male resident of Jackson Township.
James was pronounced deceased at the scene, and her 3-year-old child was transported via medical helicopter to Jersey Shore University Medical Center, where she later succumbed to her injuries. The other two children, ages 9 and 13, were also taken to Jersey Shore for treatment and were later released.
The subsequent investigation revealed that Polson’s pickup truck left the southbound lane of Siloam Road and struck the involved SUV with a glancing blow before colliding head-on with the minivan immediately thereafter. The investigation also revealed that Polson was operating his vehicle at the time of the fatal collision while under the influence of a Controlled Dangerous Substance.
Anyone who may have witnessed the collision or has any information about it is urged to contact MCPO Detective Nicolas Logothetis at 800-533-7443 or Freehold Township Police Department Patrolman Justin Nunno at 732-294-5139.
Polson is lodged at the Monmouth County Correctional Institution (MCCI) pending a first appearance and detention hearing to take place in Monmouth County Superior Court.
Convictions of this nature on second-degree criminal charges are commonly punishable by up to 10 years in a state prison and are subject to the provisions of the “No Early Release Act” (NERA) requiring a defendant to serve 85 percent of the sentence imposed before becoming eligible for release on parole.
The case is assigned to Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Matthew Bogner, Director of the Major Crimes Bureau. Polson is represented by William J. Rush, Esq., of Carlstadt.
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.
LITTLE EGG HARBOR, NJ (OCEAN)–Trooper II Charles Marchan from the NJ State Police Public Information Unit told MidJersey.News that Troopers responded to a motor vehicle crash at approximately 9:23 p.m. on the Garden State Parkway south at milepost 59.3, Little Egg Harbor Twp., Ocean County.
Based on a preliminary investigation Michelle L. Ross, a 50-year-old female of Asheville, North Carolina was operating a 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander on the Garden State Parkway South. Cortney L. Downey a 32-year-old female of Northfield, NJ was operating a Toyota Corolla on the Garden State Parkway South. In the area of milepost 59.3, an opposite direction head on collision occurred between the Mitsubishi and the Toyota. After impact, the Mitsubishi overturned. Both drivers sustained fatal injuries. The crash remains under investigation and there is no additional information available at the moment.
LONG BEACH TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on August 8, 2022, John Madden, 43, of Little Egg Harbor Township, pled guilty to Knowingly Leaving the Scene of a Motor Vehicle Accident Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1.1, as well as Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol in violation of N.J.S.A. 39:4-50, in connection with an incident that occurred in Long Beach Township on April 8, 2020. Madden also pled guilty to an unrelated charge of Aggravated Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1b(5)(a), in connection with an incident that occurred in Little Egg Harbor on April 4, 2020. At the time of his sentencing on September 30, 2022, the State will be seeking a term of three years New Jersey State Prison (NJSP) with respect to the Knowingly Leaving the Scene of a Motor Vehicle Accident charge, and 18 months NJSP as to the charge of Aggravated Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer. The sentences are to run concurrently.
On April 8, 2020, Officers from the Long Beach Township Police Department were summoned to the area of Long Beach Boulevard for a report of a hit-and-run involving serious injuries to a bicyclist. An investigation by the Long Beach Township Police Department, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, revealed that Daniel Bogacz, 63, of Beach Haven, was riding his bicycle northbound on Long Beach Boulevard when he was struck by a 2020 Jeep Liberty, also traveling northbound. The Jeep Liberty did not stop to render aid, but instead made a U-turn and accelerated past the injured victim. Mr. Boaz was air-lifted to Atlantic City Medical Center, where he was treated for his injuries and later released.
Further investigation revealed that Madden was, in fact, the driver of the Jeep Liberty. Madden was arrested at his residence in Little Egg Harbor on April 8, 2020 without incident. He was initially transported to Southern Ocean Medical Center in Stafford Township where a blood draw was taken from Madden pursuant to a court-authorized warrant. He was thereafter transported to the Ocean County Jail, and later released as a consequence of New Jersey Bail Reform.
Laboratory results of Madden’s blood draw – received by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office in the course of the investigation – revealed his Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) to be .245 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 his/her BAC is .08 or greater.
On April 4, 2020, Officers from the Little Egg Harbor Police Department were summoned to a convenience store on Mathis town Road for a report of a shoplifter. Responding Officers determined that the manager of the store witnessed Madden shoplifting and confronted him. The manager of the store asked an off-duty New Jersey State Park Police Officer – who happened to be at the convenience store and was in uniform at the time – for assistance. As the off-duty officer attempted to detain Madden, he pushed the officer in an attempt to get away. The officer was able to detain Madden until Little Egg Harbor Police arrived. Madden was arrested and transported to the Ocean County Jail, and later released as a consequence of New Jersey Bail Reform.
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Long Beach Township Police Department, Harvey Cedars Police Department, Surf City Police Department, Little Egg Harbor Police Department, Ship Bottom Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, for their efforts and assistance in connection with these investigations leading to Madden’s apprehension, guilty pleas, and soon his state prison sentence.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on July 25, 2022, Donald Rutter, 53, of Tuckerton, was sentenced by the Honorable Wendel E. Daniels, J.S.C. (retired and temporarily assigned on recall), to five years New Jersey State Prison (NJSP), as a result of his previously entered guilty plea to Aggravated Assault in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1b(1), in connection with an incident that occurred during the evening hours of January 5, 2021 in Little Egg Harbor Township. This sentence will be subject to the terms of the No Early Release Act, N.J.S.A. 2C:43-7.2, meaning that Rutter will be required to serve at least 85 percent of his prison sentence before he may be considered for parole eligibility. Judge Daniels also sentenced Rutter to 18 months NJSP as a result of his guilty plea to Stalking in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:12-10b, in connection with the same incident. The sentences will run concurrently. Additionally, Judge Daniels executed a Permanent Stalking Restraining Order barring Rutter from having any contact with the victim, Thomas Jarvis, 55, of Little Egg Harbor. Rutter pled guilty to both charges before Judge Daniels on June 13, 2022.
On January 5, 2021, at approximately 7:30 p.m., Little Egg Harbor Township Police were dispatched to Jarvis Marine on Radio Road in response to a 911 call which related that an individual had been shot. Responding Officers found Mr. Jarvis with an apparent gunshot wound to his midsection. Mr. Jarvis was transported to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center. He was treated for his injuries and eventually released from the hospital.
An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit revealed that Rutter was, in fact, the individual who shot Mr. Jarvis. An exhaustive search of the surrounding area by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, Little Egg Harbor Township Police Department, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Regional SWAT Team, New Jersey State Police, New Jersey State Park Police, United States Marshals Service, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office, and Tuckerton Police Department, was unsuccessful in locating Rutter in the aftermath of the shooting. As such, a warrant was issued for Rutter’s arrest.
On January 28, 2021, Rutter was ultimately located in Atlantic City and taken into custody, without incident, by the United States Marshals Service. He has been lodged in the Ocean County Jail since his apprehension.
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the diligent efforts of Senior Assistant Prosecutor Meghan O’Neill and Assistant Prosecutor Kaitlyn Burke who handled the case on behalf of the State, as well as the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, Little Egg Harbor Township Police Department, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Regional SWAT Team, New Jersey State Police, New Jersey State Park Police, United States Marshals Service, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and Tuckerton Police Department, for their combined and collaborative efforts in connection with this investigation resulting in Rutter’s apprehension, guilty pleas, and now his state prison sentence.
In 2008, Frew was convicted in New Jersey of endangering the welfare of children due to his possession of child pornography. As a result of his prior convictions in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, Frew was a registered sex offender at the time of his conduct charged in the information.
July 18, 2022
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER) – An Ocean County, New Jersey, man today admitted receiving images of child sexual abuse and inducing a minor to send him sexually explicit images and engage in sexually explicit conduct over an online messaging service, U.S. Attorney Philip Sellinger announced.
David M. Frew, 41, of Little Egg Harbor, New Jersey, pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Michael A. Shipp to an information charging him with one count of receipt of child pornography and one count of online enticement of a minor to engage in criminal sexual conduct.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
In June 2017, Frew used an online messaging service to communicate with a minor victim. At Frew’s request, the victim sent Frew sexually explicit images.
In 2008, Frew was convicted of three counts of unlawful contact with a minor and one count of criminal use of a computer in Pennsylvania after sending sexually explicit photos or videos to investigators in the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Child Predator Unit, who were posing as minors online. Also in 2008, Frew was convicted in New Jersey of endangering the welfare of children due to his possession of child pornography. As a result of his prior convictions in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, Frew was a registered sex offender at the time of his conduct charged in the information.
Because Frew is a previously convicted sex offender, the charge of receipt of child pornography carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison, a statutory maximum potential penalty of 40 years in prison, and a $250,000 fine. The charge of online enticement carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a statutory maximum potential penalty of life in prison, and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 23, 2022.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), in Atlantic City, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jason J. Molina in Newark; the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Technical Crime Unit; the RCMP National Child Exploitation Coordination Centre; the Ocean County Prosecutors Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer; and the Little Egg Harbor Police Department, under the direction of Chief James Hawkins, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander E. Ramey of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Trenton.
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — The Coast Guard rescued two people Friday night after their 33-foot sailing vessel, Free Bird, grounded and overturned near Little Egg Inlet.
A person aboard Free Bird used a VHF-FM marine radio Friday at about 8 p.m. to hail Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay watchstanders and report that they grounded in shoals and began heeling over while heading south toward Atlantic City.
An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City, along with rescue boat crews from Coast Guard Stations Atlantic City and Barnegat Light, responded to the call for help.
When Coast Guard responders arrived on the scene, they quickly located the Free Bird hard aground and on its side in breaking surf with both people aboard. Due to the shallow waters surrounding the vessel, the aircrew initiated hoisting the people.
“With high winds, driving rain and thunderstorms in the area, our aircrew worked to quickly lower the rescue swimmer to help the couple,” said Lt. Humberto Hernandez, a pilot who flew on the rescue. “Our swimmer was able to walk in the shallow breaking surf to the Free Bird and assist the people away from the vessel to facilitate a safer hosting situation, away from the overturned vessel’s mast.”
With each survivor safely hoisted into the aircraft, they returned to the air station and transferred to awaiting emergency medical personnel. Both people are reportedly in good condition and will coordinate salvage plans for their vessel.
The Coast Guard reminds all mariners that having reliable communication aboard your vessel can be the difference between life and death in an emergency. A VHF-FM marine radio is the best way to alert the Coast Guard to an emergency, especially on the water, where cell phone connectivity and weather are often unpredictable.
An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City, New Jersey, stands with two survivors May 6, 2022, after the aircrew rescued the couple. The two people were aboard a 33-foot sailing vessel when it grounded and overturned in heavy weather offshore from Little Egg Inlet, New Jersey. (U.S. Coast Guard photo.)
LITTLE EGG HARBOR, NJ (OCEAN)–It was something out of a Ray Steven’s music video posted to the Little Egg Harbor Police Department Facebook page this afternoon. Police are seeking to identify what appears to be a naked man just wearing sneakers caught on camera in the Forsgate Drive area of the Township. There were no additional details on why they are seeking to identify this person.
The Little Egg Harbor Twp. Police Department is attempting to identify the below shown male who was caught on camera behind a residence in the Cross Creek development. We are asking residents, in Cross Creek, and the area off Forsgate Dr., to check video cameras between the hours of 10pm-1am, the evening of 05-04-2022.
Please refrain from posting random comments, we are attempting to identify the male.
Anyone with video footage, or with information regarding the identity of the male, please contact Det. Matt Cook, 609-296-3666 Ext. 602, or email, MCook@lehpolice.org
Little Egg Harbor Twp. Police Department seek to identify this person caught on camera.
TOMS RIVER, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on January 31, 2022, Gregory Fullman, Jr., 32, of Manchester Township, was charged with twenty-five counts of Aggravated Arson in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:17-1a(5), in connection with multiple fires that occurred in the Townships of Little Egg Harbor, Manchester, and Lakewood – between May 2021 and January 2022.
On January 31, 2022, a multi-jurisdictional investigation into numerous forest fires intentionally set in Ocean County culminated with Fullman’s arrest. The investigation revealed that Fullman was responsible for setting fires and destroying or damaging wooded areas in Little Egg Harbor Township on May 16, 2021 and December 8, 2021, Manchester Township on December 1, 2021 and December 16, 2021, and Lakewood Township on December 1, 2021 and January 21, 2022. Fullman was taken into custody on January 31, 2022, and is presently lodged in the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to the many law enforcement agencies that were involved in this very thorough and wide-ranging investigation,” Prosecutor Billhimer stated. “The resolve and determination exhibited by these professionals over the last eight months has resulted in this arrest. I am thankful for their hard work, and grateful that no one was hurt or killed as a result of these fires,” Prosecutor Billhimer concluded.
Prosecutor Billhimer commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Arson Squad, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Economic Crime Unit, Little Egg Harbor Township Police Department, Manchester Township Police Department, Lakewood Township Police Department, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigations Unit, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Field Services Unit, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Administrative Unit, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit, Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office, Ocean County Vehicle Services Department, New Jersey State Forest Fire Service, New Jersey State Police Office of Forensic Sciences, New Jersey State Police Regional Operations Intelligence Center, Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Monmouth County Fire Marshal’s Office, Wall Township Police Department, and City of Bridgeton Fire Department Bureau of Fire Prevention K-9 Unit, for their collective and collaborative efforts relative to this extensive 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).
Gregory Fullman, Jr., 32, of Manchester Township Gregory Fullman, Jr., 32, of Manchester Township, was charged with twenty-five counts of Aggravated Arson in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:17-1a(5), in connection with multiple fires that occurred in the Townships of Little Egg Harbor, Manchester, and Lakewood – between May 2021 and January 2022.
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. – The Coast Guard rescued three mariners from a grounded pleasure craft near the entrance of Little Egg Harbor, New Jersey, on Sunday December 26, 2021.
Watchstanders at the Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay command center received a report via VHF channel 16 from the 36-foot pleasure craft Phyllis II stating that the vessel ran aground near the entrance to Little Egg Harbor.
Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay dispatched a 29-foot Response Boat Small –II boatcrew from Coast Guard Station Atlantic City to the scene. The boatcrew was unable to approach the Phyllis II due to low tide.
An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew from Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City was launched to the scene. The aircrew hoisted the three mariners and transported them to Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City.
“Situations like this emphasize the importance of using Channel 16 as an effective way to seek help in times of distress,” said Chief Petty Officer Charles Osenbach, the command duty officer in the Sector Delaware Bay command center, “We encourage mariners to be prepared at all times when on the water.”
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