TRENTON, N.J. – An Ocean County, New Jersey, man was sentenced today to 240 months (20-years) in prison for his conviction on drug and weapon charges, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Dyshawn Moss, 42, of Manchester, New Jersey, was convicted on Oct. 27, 2022, following a four-day trial before U.S. District Judge Michael A. Shipp on five charges: possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute heroin, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Judge Shipp imposed the sentence today in Trenton federal court.
According to documents in this case and evidence at trial:
On May 24, 2019, law enforcement agents went to arrest Moss outside of his apartment building in Manchester, New Jersey. Inside his apartment, Moss possessed over 1,000 grams of fentanyl, over 1,300 grams of heroin, and over 2,600 grams of cocaine; drug-packaging materials; over $150,000 in cash; and a 9mm Taurus handgun loaded with 10 rounds of ammunition.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Shipp sentenced Moss to 10 years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited members of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Cheryl Ortiz; and the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago, with the investigation leading to the conviction.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Vera Varshavsky and Olta Bejleri of the Criminal Division in Newark.
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Defense Counsel: Mark Davis Esq., Hamilton, New Jersey
MANCHESTER, NJ (OCEAN)–Police say that on Thursday, November 16, 2023, at approximately 6:00 p.m., officers from the Manchester Township Police Department responded to the area of 2011 Route 37 for the report of a car verse bicyclist. Upon arrival, officers observed a white 2021 Dodge Ram Cargo Van with damage to the front passenger side and extensive damage to the front windshield. Officer’s also observed a male lying on the grass area in front of the plaza and a black electric bike with extensive damage. The driver of the Dodge Ram Cargo Van was identified as, 34-year-old Jack Ravenna of Greenville, South Carolina. Mr. Ravenna did not sustain any injuries as a result of the crash. The rider of the electric bike was identified as, 46-year-old Raymond Santory of Manchester, NJ. Mr. Santory sustained trauma to his right leg and several lacerations to his head and face. Mr. Santory was flown via MEDAVAC, to Jersey Shore University Hospital Trauma Center, in Neptune, NJ to be further elevated for his injuries.
The crash investigation revealed that the Dodge Ram Cargo Van was traveling west on State Highway 37 in the right travel lane. The Dodge Ram Cargo Van traveling west on State Highway 37 was approaching the entrance to 2011 Route 37 and began to make a right turn into the entrance. Mr. Santory was traveling east in the westbound shoulder of State Highway 37 on his electric bike wearing dark clothing and no helmet. Mr. Santory impacted the Dodge Ram Cargo Van on the front passenger side of the vehicle. Mr. Santory was ejected from his bicycle and then impacted the windshield of the vehicle on the passenger side. After initial impact with the Dodge Ram Cargo Van, Mr. Santory and his electric bicycle continued to travel east approximately 10 feet before coming to final rest on the grass section of the plaza.
Assisting at the scene were EMT’s from the Manchester Township Division of Emergency Medical Services, and Paramedics from Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. The investigation into the crash is still ongoing, but at this point, the failure to ride a bicycle with the flow of traffic and the use of dark clothing are the primary contributing factors in the crash. This crash is being investigated by Patrolman Conner Yatauro of the department’s Traffic Safety Unit.
MANCHESTER, NJ (OCEAN)–On Wednesday, September 20th, at approximately 4:35 p.m., officers from the Manchester Township Police Department responded to the area of Pasadena Road near the intersection of Buckingham Road to investigate the report of a motor vehicle accident involving a motorcycle.
Upon arrival, officers observed a 2017 Yamaha motorcycle near the wood-line on the grass shoulder adjacent to the roadway with extensive damage. A witness in the area observed the incident and immediately contacted the police. Upon arrival, Officers and EMT’s from the Manchester Emergency Medical Services began life saving measures on the motorcyclist who had sustained severe injuries.
The investigation revealed that the Yamaha motorcycle was traveling westbound on Pasadena Road attempting to pass another motor vehicle when the rider lost control of the motorcycle, ran off the roadway, and struck a tree. The rider was ejected from the motorcycle as a result of the impact with the tree. The sole occupant of the Yamaha was identified as 27-year-old Robert Trout of Lanoka Harbor, NJ, and he was determined to be wearing a DOT approved helmet at the time of the crash. He was transported via ambulance to Southern Ocean Medical Center where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
The roadway was closed for several hours during the crash investigation. Assisting at the scene were members of the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department Crime Scene Investigation Unit, Manchester Emergency Medical Services EMT’s and firefighters, Robert Wood Johnson Paramedics, and Priced Rite Towing Service. The investigation into this crash is still ongoing, however, speed and driver error appear to be contributing factors. The crash is being investigated by Patrolman Jose Diaz and Patrolman Brendan Brush of the department’s Traffic Safety Unit.
MANCHESTER, NJ (OCEAN)–On August 23, 2023, at approximately 1:37 p.m., Manchester Emergency Services responded to a vehicle fire in the driveway of an Addlestone Lane residence located in the River Point section of town. Upon arrival, the vehicle was observed to be fully involved in flames which ultimately spread to the residence causing the home to catch on fire. The homeowners had already evacuated the home and nearby residences were evacuated by police as a precaution. As a result of the fire, the residence sustained damage and the home was subsequently deemed uninhabitable by the Manchester Township Building Inspector. There were no injuries resulting from this incident.
Responding to, and assisting at the scene, were the Manchester Police Department, Manchester Fire Department, Manchester Township Volunteer Fire Department, Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Department, Joint Base Fire Department, Whiting Fire Department, Toms River Fire Department, the Ocean County Fire Coordinator, the Ocean County Fire Marshall, and Manchester Emergency Medical Services. This incident is being investigated by the Ocean County Fire Marshall and the Manchester Police Investigations Bureau.
MANCHESTER, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that the Toms River man previously charged in connection with a fatal crash that occurred in Manchester Township on August 3, 2023, and believed to be 22 years-old – is actually a juvenile.
“At the time of the fatal crash, the young man presented identification indicating he was 22-years-old. Further investigation revealed that he provided false identification to the police and that he was actually 17-years-old. The juvenile has been charged with Vehicular Homicide, Strict Liability Vehicular Homicide, Knowingly Leaving the Scene of a Motor Vehicle Crash Resulting in Death, being an Unlicensed Driver Involved in a Motor Vehicle Crash Resulting in Death. As a result of providing false identification to the police, the juvenile has also been charged with Hindering Apprehension by Giving False Information to Law Enforcement, all in connection with a motor vehicle crash that occurred in Manchester Township on August 3, 2023,” Prosecutor Billhimer stated.
On August 3, 2023, at approximately 10:00 p.m., Officers from the Manchester Township Police Department were summoned to the area of 1881 Route 37 for a report of a serious motor vehicle crash. Responding Officers determined that a 2007 Yamaha motorcycle and a 2005 Nissan Murano were involved in a crash, and that the driver of the Nissan Murano had fled the scene. An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Vehicular Homicide Unit and Manchester Township Police Department revealed that the Yamaha motorcycle was being driven by Jeffrey Schlinger, 23, of Toms River, and was traveling eastbound on Route 37. The Nissan Murano, operated by the juvenile, pulled out onto Route 37 – failing to yield to the motorcycle. The motorcycle was unable to avoid a collision and struck the rear passenger side door of the Nissan Murano. As a result, Mr. Schlinger suffered serious injuries. He was transported to Community Medical Center in Toms River, where he ultimately succumbed to those injuries.
Further investigation revealed that after the crash, the juvenile continued eastbound on Route 37 until his vehicle became inoperable. The juvenile then exited the vehicle and fled on foot into a nearby wooded area. He was ultimately located by Manchester Township Police Officers. Once apprehended, the juvenile gave false information to the Officers as to his identity. The juvenile is being detained in the Ocean County Juvenile Detention Center.
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Vehicular Homicide Unit, Manchester Township Police Department, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and the Ocean County Department of Corrections, for their 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. R.P.C. 3.6(b)(6).
Manchester Twp NJ – On Friday, August 4, 2023, at approximately 11:47 p.m., the Manchester Township Police and Manchester Volunteer Fire Company were dispatched to a structure fire on Birmingham Avenue located in the Pine Lake Park section of the Township. Upon arrival, the home was found to be fully engulfed in flames at which time the sole resident of the house was found outside uninjured. The resident was able to exit the home prior to the arrival of emergency responders. Officers shut down the roadway and immediately began evacuating the residents located in the surrounding homes. As a result of the fire, a portion of Birmingham Avenue was without power for several hours.
Assisting the Manchester Volunteer Fire Company were members of the Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Company, Whiting Volunteer Fire Company, Toms River Volunteer Fire Company, and the Silverton Volunteer Fire Company
Two Firefighters were transported to Community Medical Center by Manchester Emergency Medical Services with non-life-threatening injuries and later released. The American Red Cross also responded and assisted the owner of the residence.
The fire is under investigation by the Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office and Detective Emmons of the Manchester Township Police Department Detective Bureau. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined.
Manchester Twp NJ – On Monday, July 17, 2023, at approximately 11:13 p.m., members of the Manchester Township Police Department responded to the intersection of Commonwealth Blvd, and Northampton Blvd for the report of a two-vehicle crash.
Upon arrival, officers observed a maroon 2009 Honda Accord, and a grey 2012 Hyundai accent with heavy front-end damage. The driver of the Hyundai, 28-year-old James Natoli of Toms River, NJ suffered an apparent head injury, and was actively seizing. First responders, aided by local Pine Lake Park residents, were able to stabilize Mr. Natoli. He was later airlifted to Jersey Shore University Medical Center via a medevac helicopter. The driver of the Honda, 50-year-old, Thurrayya Pendleton of Forked River, NJ, sustained a non-life-threatening chest injury. Ms. Pendleton was subsequently transported via ground to Ocean University Medical Center for treatment. Both drivers appeared to have been wearing their seatbelts, and remain stable at this time.
Assisting at the scene were members of the Manchester, and Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Departments, Emergency Medical Technicians from the Manchester Township Division of Emergency Services, Robert Wood John University Hospital Paramedics, and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital LifeFlight Medevac Helicopter. The investigation into the crash is still ongoing, but at this point, a medical episode appears to be the main contributing factor. This crash is being investigated by Ptl. Keith Douglas of the Manchester Township Traffic Safety Unit.
Manchester Twp NJ – On Sunday, July 9, 2023, at approximately 10:58 a.m., members of the Manchester Township Police Department responded to Route 70 near the entrance to Manchester Plaza (Shoprite), for the report of a two vehicle crash with multiple injuries.
Upon arrival, officers observed a 2008 black Chevrolet HHR, and a blue 2006 Toyota Sienna with heavy damage. The passenger of the Toyota, 93-year-old Helena Vanhouten of Whiting, NJ was entrapped with serious injuries. First responders were able to stabilize the Toyota and extricate Mrs. Vanhouten. She was later airlifted to Jersey Shore Medical Center via medevac. The driver of the Toyota, 94-year-old, Donald Vanhouten of Whiting, NJ, sustained injuries to his head and abdomen. Mr. Vanhouten was transported via ground to JSMC. Both occupants were observed to have been wearing their seatbelts, and the vehicle had multiple airbag deployments. At this time both occupants of the Toyota are listed as non-critical and stable condition.
The driver of the Chevrolet, identified as 62-year-old Angel Fuentes of Whiting, NJ, was transported to Community Medical Center for non-life threatening injuries. Assisting at the scene were members of the Manchester, Whiting, and Ridgeway Volunteer fire Departments, Emergency Medical Technicians from the Manchester Township Division of Emergency Services, Robert Wood John University Hospital Paramedics, and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital LifeFlight Medevac Helicopter. The investigation into the crash is still ongoing, but at this point, driver error appears to be the main contributing factor. This crash is being investigated by Ptl. Keith Douglas of the Manchester Township Traffic Safety Unit.
MANCHESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on June 29, 2023, the Honorable Wendel E. Daniels, J.S.C. (retired and temporarily assigned on recall), ordered that Ron Carr, 34, of Manchester Township, shall remain detained in the Ocean County Jail pending trial on 36 criminal counts which include Bias Intimidation, Aggravated Arson, Arson and Criminal Mischief, in connection with incidents that occurred in Manchester Township on June 6, 2023 and the early morning hours of June 7, 2023.
Carr has been lodged in the Ocean County Jail since his apprehension on June 7, 2023. The detention hearing was handled by Senior Assistant Prosecutor Ashley Angelo.
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).
Ron Carr, 34, of Manchester Township, shall remain detained in the Ocean County Jail pending trial on 36 criminal counts which include Bias Intimidation, Aggravated Arson, Arson and Criminal Mischief, in connection with incidents that occurred in Manchester Township on June 6, 2023 and the early morning hours of June 7, 2023.
MANCHESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)– Police say that on Tuesday, June 27, 2023, at approximately 8:00 p.m., members of the Manchester Township Police Department and Manchester Township EMS responded the intersection of County Route 530 (Lacey Rd.) and Lake Road in the Whiting section of the township for a report of a motor vehicle crash involving a person on a skateboard.
Upon arrival, Officers encountered Edmund Durra 4th, age 43 of Seaside Heights NJ with several injuries including a head injury. Mr. Durra was transported to Community Medical Center by Manchester EMS for further treatment of his injuries. A 2020 Jeep Wrangler was also on scene with visible signs of damage to its driver side windshield. The operator of the Wrangler, Raymond Loudy, age 49 of New City NY, was uninjured as a result of the crash.
Preliminary investigation revealed that Mr. Durra was riding on an electric skateboard, eastbound on County Route 530 approaching the intersection of Lake Road. The Jeep Wrangler was traveling westbound on County Route 530 and was attempting to turn left on to Lake Road at the time of the crash. Several witnesses were on scene at the time of the crash. This incident is still under investigation by Sgt. Paul Bachovchin of the Traffic Safety Section with the assistance of Patrol.
Manchester Twp NJ – On Monday, June 12, 2023, at approximately 2:59 pm, members of the Manchester Township Police responded to the area of Congasia Road near the intersection of Sunset Road, for the report of a vehicle that crashed into two parked vehicles and overturned.
Upon arrival, officers observed a white 2021 Subaru Crosstrek overturned on top of a white 2017 Hyundai Elantra with the driver of the Subaru trapped inside the vehicle. First responders were able to stabilize the Subaru and extricate the driver. The driver of the Subaru, 84-year-old, Anna Grissell of Whiting, NJ, sustained injuries to her abdomen and neck. She was observed to have been wearing her seatbelt and the vehicle had side curtain airbag deployment. Mrs. Grissell was transported via medevac helicopter to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center for treatment of her injuries where she is currently listed as non-critical and stable condition.
The investigation revealed that the Subaru was traveling northbound on Congasia Road approaching the intersection of Sunset Road in an area of the roadway that is curved. The Subaru failed to properly negotiate the curve in the roadway. At that point, the Subaru drove off the roadway to the left and struck a sign. The Subaru continued through the intersection of Sunset Road, where it left the roadway a second time. The Subaru then impacted a second sign, went airborne for approximately 50 feet, struck various shrubbery and trees, and ultimately impacted a bush. The bush caused the Subaru to get pushed onto the vehicle’s driver side two tires and subsequently onto the driver side of the vehicle. The Subaru then continued advancing forward, entered the parking lot of Deerfield Hall located at 6 Congasia Road, and impacted two parked vehicles, identified as the Hyundai and a white 2007 Toyota Camry. The impact with the parked vehicles caused the Subaru to vault into the air and land on top of the Hyundai. The Hyundai and Toyota were both unoccupied at the time of the crash.
MANCHESTER, NJ (OCEAN)–Manchester Police reported that on Saturday, June 10, 2023, at approximately 2:47 p.m., members of the Manchester Township Police responded to the area of the Savannah Road and Tenth Avenue, in the Pine Lake Park section of the Township, for the report of a Bicyclist collision with sport utility vehicle with an injury. Upon arrival, officers located an E-Bike within the intersection as well as a 2017 Nissan Rouge sport utility vehicle. The investigation revealed that the operator of the E-Bike was traveling on Savannah Road when he failed to stop at a posted stop sign at the intersection of Tenth Avenue. The bicyclist identified as 51-year-old Scott Sheets was transported to Community Medical Center in Toms River for his injuries was he was listed in stable condition after the crash.
Although low speed electric bicycles are permitted to be operated on roadways under current New Jersey Law, there are restrictions and additional requirements based on the class of the electric bicycle. The Manchester Police would like to remind those members of the public that they must always wear a helmet, keep to the right, and obey all other motor vehicle laws.
MANCHESTER, NJ (OCEAN)–Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced today that a suspect has been arrested on numerous charges in connection with a fire that gutted a house and anti-Semitic graffiti spray-painted on several homes in Manchester Township late Tuesday, June 6, and into the early morning on Wednesday, June 7, 2023.
Ron Carr, 34, of Manchester, was charged with 36 criminal counts, including charges of Bias Intimidation (First and Third Degree), Aggravated Arson (Second Degree), Arson (Third Degree), and Criminal Mischief (Fourth Degree). The charges stem from damage done to more than a dozen homes, including Carr’s alleged use of an accelerant to set a fire that razed a house in the township’s Pine Lake Park section. The investigation revealed that he also scrawled Nazi symbolism on homes, residential fences and elsewhere, and was targeting Jewish residents.
Manchester Township Police responded to calls about vandalism of homes in the Pine Lake Park area at about 11:45 p.m., Tuesday, June 6, 2023. Manchester Township Police determined that 14 homes were vandalized. The locations of the defaced properties are not being released to protect the victims’ identities.
At about 3:11 a.m. on June 7, 2023, authorities responded to a structure fire in the same neighborhood and received reports regarding a suspicious person on foot in the vicinity of the fire. That individual matched the description of the suspect in the criminal mischief incidents, who had been captured on security-camera footage. Manchester Township Police located the suspect in the area of Commonwealth Boulevard and Larchmont Street and took him into custody.
The house was destroyed in the fire, three additional homes suffered heat damage and flames spread to a wooded area behind the house. No injuries were reported.
Carr is currently in a medical facility and will be transported to the Ocean County Jail in Toms River pending his detention hearing.
“This crime spree and the antisemitism that it expressed caused pain, destruction, shock and fear among the residents of Manchester Township,” said Attorney General Platkin. “No community in the State of New Jersey should feel vulnerable or anxious in the face of acts of intolerance. No resident should feel their personal safety or their home is threatened by bigotry, persecution and violence. This will not stand, and I commend the law enforcement professionals from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, the Manchester Township Police Department, and the Division of Criminal Justice for their dogged pursuit of the suspect and this quick arrest.”
“I am thankful no one was injured in these senseless acts of bigotry and hate. This type of behavior will not be tolerated in Ocean County and the seriousness of these charges reflect our unwavering commitment to prosecuting bias crimes to the fullest extent of the law,” said Prosecutor Billhimer.
First-degree charges carry a sentence of 10 to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $200,000. Second-degree charges carry a sentence of five to 10 years in state prison and a fine of up to $150,000, while third-degree charges can lead to a sentence of three to five years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000. Fourth-degree offenses could lead to up to 18 months in state prison and a maximum fine of $10,000.
Deputy Attorney General Valerie Butler is prosecuting the case for the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice in conjunction with Ocean County Assistant Prosecutor Ashley Angelo. The investigation is being conducted by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Major Crime Unit, Arson Squad, and Bias Crime Unit, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit and the Manchester Township Police Department, under the leadership of Chief Robert M. Dolan Jr.
The charges are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
MANCHESTER, NJ (OCEAN)–Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer today announced an ongoing investigation after several residential properties were spray-painted with swastikas and a suspicious house fire ignited in Manchester Township in a suspected bias incident on Tuesday.
The New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice, the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Major Crime Unit, Arson Squad, and Bias Crime Units, and the Manchester Township Police Department are working cooperatively on the joint investigation into that incident. One suspect has been taken into custody. That individual’s name is not being released at this time.
Random acts of hate designed to instill fear and to violate New Jerseyans’ sense of security and belonging, solely based on who they are and what they believe in, will be dealt with swiftly and harshly by law enforcement. Those who feel entitled to trample on their neighbors’ rights to live in peace and exercise their constitutional freedoms will not find a safe haven in New Jersey.
Multiple law enforcement agencies are collaborating in the ongoing investigation into these crimes, which resulted in several instances of vandalism and property damage around Manchester Township. We want to express our gratitude to the diligent and dedicated staff of the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice, the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office and the Manchester Township Police Department, who are working hard to resolve this case.
The investigation is ongoing and no further information is being released at this time.
FREEHOLD – An Ocean County man who had worked as a youth gymnastics coach in several locations across Monmouth County for approximately 30 years has been arrested and criminally charged with committing sexual offenses against three of the athletes he coached while they were juveniles, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced Monday.
Sasha C. Raught, 55, of Manchester Township is charged with first-degree Aggravated Sexual Assault and three counts of second-degree Sexual Assault.
An investigation by members of the MCPO Special Victims Bureau revealed that Raught entered into sexual relationships with three of his former athletes when they were each teenagers. The first two alleged instances took place when he was employed at Shrewsbury Gymnastics during the early to mid-1990s, while the third instance took place in 2008, while he was employed at Jonas Gymnastics Academy in Marlboro.
Raught was arrested at his home without incident late last month by members of the Prosecutor’s Office and the Manchester and Shrewsbury Police Departments, then lodged in the Monmouth County Correctional Institution (MCCI) pending a detention hearing tentatively scheduled to take place on Wednesday, June 7 in Monmouth County Superior Court. The State has filed a motion to keep Raught detained as the criminal case against him proceeds.
Anyone with information about Raught’s activities is urged to contact MCPO Detective Joseph Pahopin toll-free at 1-800-533-7443. This case has been assigned to Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Keri-Leigh Schaefer.
Convictions on first-degree criminal charges can be punishable by terms of up to 20 years in state prison.
Despite these charges, every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, following a trial at which the defendants have all of the trial rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and State law.
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