Category: Point Pleasant

Belmar, Fishing, Mercer County, Monmouth County, Ocean County, Outdoors, Point Pleasant, Trenton

Charter Fishing And Watercraft Rentals Reopen Today

May 17, 2020

BELMAR, NJ (MONMOUTH)– Yesterday Governor Murphy signed Executive Order 146 to reopen charter boat fishing and watercraft rentals. You can view details in yesterday’s story here.

This morning at 7:30 am, one and a half hours after the covid-19 chartered fishing ban was lifted the Golden Eagle heads out of the Shark River Inlet fishing for striped bass and blues. It appears that most everyone had masks on and well spaced on the boat.

Belmar, Fishing, Mercer County, Monmouth County, Ocean County, Outdoors, Point Pleasant, Trenton

Chartered Fishing And Watercraft Rentals To Resume Tomorrow

May 16, 2020 UPDATED AT 7:20 PM to include executive order and additional information provided by the Governor’s Office

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Governor Murphy is expected to sign an executive order today to allow reopening of fishing charters and other chartered boating serviced, this will also include watercraft rentals. The executive order will take effect May 17, 2020 at 6 am. Once we receive the executive order will will post it here.

Governor Murphy Signs Executive Order to Reopen Charter Fishing and Watercraft Rental Businesses

TRENTON – Governor Phil Murphy today signed Executive Order No. 146, which allows charter fishing services and for-hire vessel activities, as well as watercraft rental businesses, to open with required social distancing measures. These businesses can open on Sunday, May 17 at 6 am.“Reopening charter fishing services and watercraft rental businesses restores an extremely important component of our Shore economy.” said Governor Murphy. “The social distancing measures that we are putting in place will ensure that these businesses can sustain themselves while still adhering to public health guidance.”Charter fishing services and for-hire vessels will be allowed to reopen to the public so long as they adopt policies that include:

  • reduced capacity to no more than 10 people on a vessel at any one time;
  • electronic or telephone reservation and payment systems;
  • no make-up or open boat trips;
  • social distancing measures on the vessels and in waiting and boarding areas, including demarcation and signage;
  • prohibiting sharing of fishing equipment, bait, and gear;
  • limiting the use of nets or gaffs to the crew;
  • infection control and hygiene practices;
  • providing sanitization materials to passengers and crew;
  • frequent sanitization of vessel and high-touch areas;
  • The crew and passengers must wear a mask while aboard the vessel;
  • prohibiting food and beverage service; and
  • briefing all passengers prior to embarking on social distancing, capacity limits, and hygiene requirements.

Watercraft rental businesses will be allowed to reopen so long as they adopt policies consistent with the “curb-side pickup” restrictions that apply to retail establishments pursuant to Executive Order No. 142.
Copy of Executive Order No. 146

” I will sign an EO allowing for the resumption of:
🎣Fishing charters and other chartered-boat services
🛶Watercraft rentals

This Order will take effect tomorrow morning at 6:00 AM.

We will require specific social distancing and sanitation measures to be followed.”

File photos from Point Plesant, NJ by: Dennis Symons, Jr.

Burlington, Lakewood, Mercer County, Middlesex County, Monmouth County, Ocean County, Point Pleasant, Princeton, Rumson, Seaside Heights

AG Grewal and Col. Callahan Issue Weekly Round-Up on COVID-19 Enforcement Matters

May 1, 2020

TRENTON – Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal and Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police, today announced enforcement highlights from the past week, including coughing and spitting assaults and bias incidents, and noteworthy violations of Governor Murphy’s Executive Orders.  The Attorney General also announced enforcement actions targeting price-gouging, consumer fraud violations, and alcoholic beverage control violations. “We’re cracking down on those who jeopardize public health and undermine public safety,” said Attorney General Grewal. “We have zero patience for those who spit on cops, gouge prices, or try to exploit this pandemic for their personal gain.” “Although law enforcement and medical professionals are on the frontlines of the battle against COVID-19, we are ultimately winning the war because of the extraordinary resolve and fortitude of New Jersey citizens who are doing their part day in and day out, abiding by the executive orders and sacrificing for the greater good,” said Colonel Patrick Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police.  “Those who choose to ignore the law and selfishly place others at risk will face swift law enforcement action.” Assaults and Threats Against Police Officers, EMTs, or Others

  • John R. Hendricks, 19, of Rumson, was charged on April 25 by the Middletown Township Police Department with terroristic threats during an emergency (2nd degree), aggravated assault on a police officer (3rd degree), resisting arrest (3rd degree), criminal mischief (3rd degree), and violating the emergency orders.  Andrew R. Jacome, 18, of Fair Haven, was charged with criminal mischief (3rd degree) and violating the emergency orders.  Homeowners called police to report two subjects throwing rocks at their door, vandalizing their vehicle, and exploding fireworks in their mailbox.  Police arrested Hendricks and Jacome nearby.  Hendricks allegedly attempted to flee and physically resisted arrest.  He allegedly screamed at the victims, threatening to return and burn their house down.  At police headquarters, Hendricks allegedly tried to kick officers and spat on the floor, claiming he had the coronavirus.         
  • Alana B. Hall, 24, of Wenonah, was charged on April 26 by the Woodbury Police with terroristic threats during an emergency (2nd degree), aggravated assault (3rd degree), and disorderly conduct. It is alleged that Hall purposely coughed on medical staff at Inspira Medical Center and said she was infected with COVID-19.  She allegedly scratched and struck a nurse technician, spat on her, and fought with other medical personnel.
  • Jaymee Tice, 37, of Point Pleasant Borough, was charged on April 26 by the Point Pleasant Borough Police with second-degree terroristic threats during an emergency.  Tice entered the driver’s seat of an occupied vehicle while the driver was inside getting ice cream at Sundaes on Route 88.  The car owner saw Tice and returned to her vehicle. She managed to get Tice out, but Tice allegedly shouted at her, saying, “Do you want corona? Do you want to die?”
  • Jenna Richardson, 24, of West Deptford, was charged on April 29 by the West Deptford Police with second degree terroristic threats during an emergency and fourth-degree throwing bodily fluid at an officer. Richardson allegedly spat on an officer and said she had COVID-19.
  • Quentin Daniels, 33, of Mount Laurel, was charged by the Mount Laurel Police on April 28 with aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer (4th degree) and obstruction (disorderly persons offense).  Police responded to a report of a domestic dispute.  Daniels refused to cooperate and attempted to leave. While being handcuffed, he allegedly purposely coughed on officers and said he had the coronavirus.  Throughout his transport and upon his initial detention at headquarters, he continually removed the N95 mask placed on him by police and repeatedly coughed on officers, saying, “I hope you all get the virus.”

Theft of Personal Protective Equipment

  • Stephen Milligan, 54, of South Amboy, was charged yesterday with conspiring with Kevin R. Brady, 49, of Point Pleasant Beach, to steal up to 1,600 respirator masks from Prudential Financial in Iselin.  Brady was charged in the theft on April 23.  Like Brady, Milligan was charged with theft by unlawful taking and conspiracy to commit theft, both third-degree charges. The two men were charged in an ongoing investigation by the New Jersey State Police, Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, Woodbridge Police Department, and Point Pleasant Beach Police Department, based on a referral from the National Hoarding & Price-Gouging Task Force headed by New Jersey U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito.  Brady and Milligan were on-site electrical contractors who had access to storage areas in the Prudential Financial facility.  Between March 27 and April 1, Brady and Milligan allegedly stole seven to eight cases of N95 respirator masks, each case containing 200 masks.  Prudential Financial had intended to donate the masks to a local hospital.  The Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office issued a press release detailing this further.

Price Gouging Enforcement ​AG Grewal announced updates on the Division of Consumer Affairs’ actions to stop price gouging. As of this week: 

  • The Division has issued 92 subpoenas to retailers and online market places reported by consumers for allegedly engaging in unfair price increases.
  • Approximately 756 cease-and-desist letters have been sent, warning retailers about the penalties for violating New Jersey’s price-gouging law, and the Consumer Fraud Act’s protections from gross and unreasonable inflation of the price of any product during a state of emergency.

 The Division has logged a total of 4,245 complaints related to the COVID-19 emergency against 2,358 locations. Nearly 90 percent of the complaints allege unlawful price hikes on essential items like food, bottled water, cleaning products, and personal protective equipment such as masks, disinfectants and sanitizers. Examples of alleged price hikes that consumers have reported to the Division include:

  • a convenience store allegedly charging $4.50 for a quart of milk
  • a wholesale store allegedly selling a case of paper towels for $65, almost double the previous $35 price
  • a supermarket allegedly raising the price of bacon from $4 to $9.99—an increase of over 50%
  • a medical supply store allegedly selling a 2.4-once bottle of hand sanitizer for $13.42
  • a convenience store allegedly charging $30 for a single face mask
  • a dollar store allegedly charging $3.99 for a package of gloves that used to cost $1.49
  • a gas station allegedly selling purified water that normally costs $3 for $14 a pack
  • a pharmacy allegedly charging $10 for small plastic containers of sanitizing wipes, which were previously sold for $3.99
  • a deli allegedly selling a dozen eggs for $5.99

 In addition to price gouging, the Division is looking into complaints from consumers alleging unlawful refund practices as a result of closures related to the COVID-19 health emergency. To date, the Division’s overall complaints include 202 reports of health clubs, hotels, ticket agents and other business allegedly refusing to issue refunds after they closed or suspended services as a result of theCOVID-19 pandemic. New Jersey’s price-gouging law, which took effect on March 9 upon Governor Murphy’s declaration of a state of emergency, prohibits excessive price increases during a declared state of emergency and for 30 days after its termination. A price increase is considered excessive if the new price is more than 10 percent higher than the price charged during the normal course of business prior to the state of emergency, and the increased price is not attributable to additional costs imposed by the seller’s supplier or additional costs of providing the product or service during the state of emergency. Price-gouging and other consumer fraud violations are punishable by civil penalties of up to $10,000 for the first violation and $20,000 for the second and subsequent violations. Violators may also be required to pay consumer restitution, attorney’s fees, and investigative fees, and will be subject to injunctive relief. Each sale of merchandise is considered a separate violation. Consumers who suspect consumer fraud, violations, or believe that businesses have unfairly increased their prices in response to COVID-19, are encouraged to file complaints online to report specific details investigators can follow up on. Photographs of items being sold, receipts and pricing can now be uploaded to our new price gouging complaint form.           Other Violations of Executive Orders, Including “Stay at Home” Order, and Ordinances

  • Newark Enforcement.  The Newark Police Department’s COVID-19 task force issued 490 summonses for violations of the emergency orders and ordered eight non-essential businesses closed in enforcement actions during the past week, April 24 through 30.
  • Paterson Enforcement.  The Paterson Police Department’s issued 21 summonses for violations of the emergency orders in enforcement actions on April 27.
  • Stephanie Hazelton, 48, of Medford, was charged with violating the emergency orders for her role in organizing and participating in a protest at the Capitol Complex in Trenton on April 28.  She was served with a complaint-summons at her residence.
  • Christopher Pitts, 38, of West Deptford, was charged on April 25 by the West Deptford Police Department with violating the emergency orders by allowing golfers to play at the golf course he operates, Westwood Golf Course.  Police had previously warned Pitts, but found approximately 24 people golfing on the course and sharing golf carts without social distancing. 
  • Naman Rafi, 39, of Galloway, was charged by the Galloway Police Department on April 24 with two violations of the emergency orders for opening his business, Tobacco Outlet on Jimmie Leeds Road.  Rafi had been warned several times about closing the business.
  • Delvis Rivera, 34, of Newark, was charged on April 24 by the North Arlington Police with violating the emergency orders for cutting hair at the business where he works, Avenue Cuts 34 on Ridge Road.  This was the second complaint about the barber shop being open.
  • Zachary Novosellar, 62, of Lakewood, was charged on April 28 by the Lakewood Police for hosting an engagement party at his residence on 14th Street.  Police found 25 to 30 cars parked on the street and approximately 20 people standing in front of the residence, without social distancing.  Novosellar said he arranged for the parties to meet to pick up engagement gifts. 
  • John C Bigham, 46, of Chatham, was charged on April 28 with violating the emergency orders by holding a large birthday party for his wife.  Police found a gathering of 25 to 30 people congregating and drinking on his front lawn. The crowd dispersed once the police came.
  • Miran Lee, 44, of Passaic, was cited twice by the Passaic Police Department, on April 29 and April 30, for violating the emergency orders by opening her massage business on Brook Avenue, which operates under the names Sky Spa, Ohangs and New Asian Massage.
  • Janice Lauria, 52, of Point Pleasant, was charged by the Point Pleasant Police on April 28 with violating the emergency orders by ignoring repeated warnings from the police and allowing individuals to exercise in the gym she owns on Route 88, Anytime Fitness.

 Violation of the emergency orders is a disorderly persons offense carrying a sentence of up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.  Such violations are charged by summons, without arrest. COVID-Related Violations of State Alcohol Laws AG Grewal announced that the Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) this week issued charges against 20 bars, restaurants, breweries and liquor stores for violating executive orders related to COVID-19. All 20 establishments face suspension of their liquor licenses for at least 10 days. Two other establishments were issued fines for lesser COVID-19 related infractions. Under executive orders issued by Governor Murphy, businesses licensed to sell alcohol in the state are permitted to remain open during the COVID-19 state-of-emergency, but only for take-out or delivery services of food and alcohol. No table or bar service is permitted, on premise alcohol consumption is prohibited, and alcoholic beverages “to go” must be in sealed original containers. The establishments facing suspension for violating the orders are:

  • Alchemist and Barrister in Princeton
  • Bask Bar and Grill in Woodland Park
  • Buteco Sports Bar in Long Branch
  • Core 3 Brewery in Clayton
  • Devil’s Creek Brewery in Collingswood
  • Disabled American Veterans, Clifton Chapter #2 in Clifton
  • Lina’s Restaurant in Bloomingdale
  • Linwood Inn in Linden
  • Medina Liquor Store in Elizabeth
  • Old Glory Kitchen and Spirits in Keyport
  • Quilvio’s Tavern in Paterson
  • Rail’s Steak House in Towaco
  • Randolph Diner in Randolph
  • Riviera Maya in Branchville
  • Riviera Maya in Rockaway
  • Tacos El Tio in Medford
  • Taphouse 15 in Wharton
  • The Sawmill in Seaside Heights
  • Vincenzo’s Ristorante in Middlesex

The establishments that received fines are:

  • Juliano’s Restaurant in Egg Harbor Township ($500) for offering investigators a beer before they identified themselves.
  • The Liquor King in Pennsauken ($750) for violation of face mask requirements.

 Since the state of emergency was declared in New Jersey on March 9, at least 28 people have been charged with second-degree terroristic threats during an emergency for spitting, coughing, or otherwise threatening to deliberately expose officers, medical personnel, or others to COVID-19.  Second-degree offenses carry a sentence of five to 10 years in state prison and a fine of up to $150,000. Third-degree charges carry a sentence of three to five years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000, while fourth-degree charges carry a sentence of up to 18 months in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. The charges are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. If you are seeing a lack of compliance with the Governor’s emergency orders in your town, please contact your local police department or report here https://covid19.nj.gov/violation The Attorney General’s Office and New Jersey State Police will continue to work with law enforcement throughout New Jersey to deter non-complaint behavior. No one should take advantage of this pandemic to further their own biased agendas.  COVID-19 is no excuse to promote anti-Semitic conspiracy theories and or other biased stereotypes.  Please report bias crimes at 1-800-277-BIAS.

  • New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy speaks during his Friday, May 1, 2020, press conference at War Memorial in Trenton, NJ, on the State’s response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Press Pool Photos by: Thomas Costello, and Rich Hundley
Mercer County, Ocean County, Point Pleasant, Trenton

Point Pleasant Beach Woman entered the police station, yelling, “Pigs! Oink, oink!” Claims Fever-Cough, Also Removes Mask To Blow On EMTs In Ambulance, This Is One of Many COVID-19 Violations In NJ

April 18, 2020

TRENTON – Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal and Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police, announced the following recent enforcement actions related to COVID-19, including those involving individuals in violation of Governor Murphy’s Executive Order 107: Assaults and Threats Against Police Officers, EMTs, or Others

  • Wadim Sakiewicz, 73, of Sparta,  was charged yesterday, April 17, by the Sparta Police Department with terroristic threats during an emergency (2nd degree), aggravated assault on an officer (4th degree), resisting arrest (4th degree), obstruction (disorderly persons offense), criminal mischief (disorderly persons offense), and violating the emergency orders.  On April 15, Sakiewicz entered Stop & Shop in Sparta without wearing a face mask.  When an employee asked him to leave, he became combative, and when a second employee escorted him out of the store, he allegedly said he had the coronavirus and began to cough on the employee.  The store alerted police, who identified and located Sakiewicz on April 17.  Sakiewicz allegedly physically resisted arrest and tried to spit on and bite officers.
  • Amy Bosco, 47, of Point Pleasant Beach, was arrested on April 16 by the Point Pleasant Beach Police and charged with terroristic threats during an emergency (3rd degree), disorderly conduct, and violating the emergency orders.  Bosco entered the police station, yelling, “Pigs! Oink, oink!” She was irate and aggressive, screaming obscenities and refusing to leave. She claimed she had a fever, a cough, and was sick. She was arrested and taken to the hospital, but remained aggressive, shouting profanities and removing her mask to blow on EMTs in the ambulance.
  • Jose Lopez, 27, Irvington, was arrested yesterday, April 17, by the Irvington Police and charged with throwing bodily fluid at a police officer (4th degree), endangering (disorderly persons offense), and violating the emergency orders.  When officers asked a group to disperse, Lopez refused, gesturing with his middle finger and shouting obscenities. He lunged at one officer, but was stopped by other officers.  When they released him, he allegedly spat at the officer, yelling  “Corona [expletive]!”  The defendant got into a fighting stance, but officers subdued and arrested him.

Other Criminal Charges Involving Indictable Offenses

  • Katie Orszulski, 29, of Parlin, was arrested by the Hazlet Police on Wednesday night, April 15, and charged with burglary (2nd degree), simple assault (disorderly persons offense), criminal mischief (disorderly persons offense), and violating the emergency orders.  Police responded to a report of a women being attacked by another woman outside her home.  Investigation revealed that Orszulski got into a dispute with the victim over a man both were dating.  Orszulski allegedly went to the victim’s home, dragged her outside, and began beating her in the street.
  • Franklin Moore, 62, of  Cape May Court House, was charged yesterday by the New Jersey State Police in Port Norris with possession of heroin (3rd degree), DWI, motor vehicle violations, and violating the emergency orders. Moore was involved in a motor vehicle accident and was unresponsive when police arrived, with heroin in the vehicle. He was treated and charged.

Other Violations of Executive Orders, Including “Stay at Home” Order

  • Newark Enforcement.  The Newark Police Department’s COVID-19 task force issued 88 summonses for violations of the emergency orders and ordered four non-essential businesses closed in enforcement actions yesterday, April 17.
  • Geoffrey T. Vonderlinden, 51, of Basking Ridge, was charged yesterday with violating the emergency orders after he was rescued while kite surfing off Normandy Beach in Toms River.  Police and rescue crews responded to a report of a kite surfer in distress approximately 50 yards off shore and drifting northbound in the water, with strong winds and current.  Fire department rescue crews and another surfer reached Vonderlinden and all returned to shore safely.
  • Isaiah M. George, 33, of Jersey City, Jabril Corley, 28, of Jersey City, and Megan Stoddart, 29, of Howell, were charged yesterday by the Jersey City Police with violating the emergency orders.  In addition, Corley and another man, Marc Y. Bruny, 33, of Jersey City, were charged with disorderly conduct. The defendants were charged in connection with a party involving approximately 15 people inside an Airbnb rental in Jersey City.
  • Mauricio Mejia, 19, of Clifton, Irbin Martinez, of Passaic, 24, Everardo Almonte, 23, of Passaic, and Sergio Bernal, of Passaic, were charged yesterday evening, April 17, by the Passaic Police with violating the emergency orders for gathering in an apartment building on Monroe Street and not practicing social distancing. They do not reside in the apartment building and had no legitimate purpose for being there.
  • Elizabeth Police charged eight individuals at various times yesterday, April 17, with violating the emergency orders for loitering at the corner of Jackson Avenue and Bond Street or the corner of 3rd Street and Magnolia Avenue after police warned them about violating the Executive Order.  Police charged Edwin Alerte, 30, Pearl Moore, 54, Larhonda Burgess, 57, Kevin Lewis, 65, Tyshawn Jones, 44, Thyshon Orr, 36, Arthur Johnson, 64, and Eguane Robinson, all of Elizabeth except for Robinson, who lives in Paterson.  Moore, Burgess, and Lewis had all received summonses for violating the orders the previous day as well.
  • Tivon Davies, 20, of Morristown, was charged yesterday, April 17, by the Morristown Police with violating the emergency orders.  It was determined that he was part of a disorderly group that gathered on the night of April 16 outside an apartment on Clyde Potts Drive.  Three other men were charged earlier with violating the emergency orders in connection with that incident.

 The defendants who were charged strictly with violating the emergency orders and who do not face more serious charges were charged by summons— they were not arrested.  Those cases will be adjudicated in municipal court.  “Our police officers are working bravely and tirelessly every day to protect us during this health crisis.  Regrettably, they are being called upon far too often to deal with people violating the emergency orders— or what is more egregious, people using the virus to spread fear or impede officers in their vital work,” said Attorney General Grewal.  “Staying home and maintaining social distance isn’t just the best advice to stay healthy, it’s the law.  Make no mistake, we will do everything in our power to keep our residents and officers safe, and that means we won’t hesitate to file charges against violators.”    “Law enforcement and medical professionals are on the frontlines of this battle to protect the citizens of New Jersey from the COVID-19 virus, and we cannot stress enough how important it is that each person follow the guidelines set forth in the Executive Order,” said Colonel Patrick Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “Because lives are at stake, enforcement action will be taken without hesitation against those who are blatantly placing the lives of others at risk.” Violations of the emergency orders constitute a disorderly persons offense carrying a potential sentence of up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.  However, violators can potentially face criminal charges including second, third, and fourth degree indictable offenses. On April 1, Attorney General Grewal announced enhanced charges against six individuals who were charged with assaulting law enforcement officers and violating the emergency orders.  Specifically, those enhanced charges included making terroristic threats during a state of emergency, which is a second degree offense and carries a sentence of five to 10 years in state prison and a fine of up to $150,000.  Defendant Wadim Sakiewicz is similarly charged for his alleged conduct. Third-degree charges carry a sentence of three to five years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000, while fourth-degree charges carry a sentence of up to 18 months in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. The charges are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. If you are seeing a lack of compliance with the Governor’s emergency orders in your town, please contact your local police department or report here https://covid19.nj.gov/violation The Attorney General’s Office and New Jersey State Police will continue to work with law enforcement throughout New Jersey to deter non-complaint behavior. No one should take advantage of this pandemic to further their own biased agendas.  COVID-19 is no excuse to promote anti-Semitic conspiracy theories and or other biased stereotypes.  Please report bias crimes at 1-800-277-BIAS. 

  • New Jersey State Police Superintendent Patrick Callahan listens during Governor Phil Murphy’s updates to the media on the State’s response to the coronavirus Friday, April 17, 2020, at the War Memorial in Trenton, NJ.
  • New Jersey’s Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal headshot at the Hughes Justice Complex in Trenton, N.J. on Monday, Jan. 22, 2018. (Office of Attorney General / Tim Larsen)
  • New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy speaks during his Saturday, April 18, 2020, press conference at War Memorial in Trenton, NJ, on the State’s response to the coronavirus.
Press pool photos from: Thomas Costello, Gannett and Rich Hundley, The Trentonian

Middlesex County, Ocean County, Point Pleasant, Woodbridge

Point Pleasant Beach Man charged with theft of N95 Respirator Masks

April 17, 2020

Middlesex County Acting Prosecutor Christopher L.C. Kuberiet and Director Robert Hubner of the Woodbridge Police Department said an Ocean County man was arrested today and charged with the theft of  N95 Respirator masks from a business in Woodbridge.

Kevin Brady, 49, of Point Pleasant Beach was arrested today on one count of theft by unlawful taking in the third degree, and one count of conspiracy to commit theft in the third degree.

 He was charged as a result of a joint investigation by the New Jersey State Police – Cargo Theft Task Force, the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, the Woodbridge Police Department, and the Point Pleasant Beach Police Department, based on a referral from the National Hoarding & Price-Gouging Task Force headed by New Jersey U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito.

During the investigation it was determined that between March 27 to April 1, 2020, Brady, was employed as an on-site electrician and was working at Prudential Financial in Iselin. During his course of employment, he had unrestricted access to the Prudential Offices and entered a caged storage area in the basement and stole 7-8 cases of  N95 Respirator Masks; each case contained 200 masks.

Prudential Financial had intended to donate the masks to a local hospital at the time the theft was discovered.

The investigation is active and is continuing. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Brian Vella of the Woodbridge Police Department at (732) 634-7700.

Please report COVID-19 fraud, hoarding, or price-gouging to the National Center for Disaster Fraud’s National Hotline at (866) 720-5721 or email disaster@leo.gov.

As is the case with all criminal defendants, the charges against Brady are merely accusations and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Edison, Mercer County, Middlesex County, Ocean County, Point Pleasant, Trenton

AG Grewal and Colonel Callahan Issue Daily COVID-19 Enforcement Update April 16, 2020

April 16, 2020

TRENTON – Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal and Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police, announced the following recent enforcement actions related to COVID-19, including those involving individuals in violation of Governor Murphy’s Executive Order 107: Theft of Personal Protective Equipment

  • Kevin R. Brady, 49, of Point Pleasant Beach, was charged today with theft by unlawful taking and conspiracy to commit theft, both third-degree charges, in connection with the theft of up to 1,600 respirator masks from Prudential Financial in Iselin.  He was charged in an ongoing investigation by the New Jersey State Police, Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, Woodbridge Police Department, and Point Pleasant Beach Police Department, based on a referral from the National Hoarding & Price-Gouging Task Force headed by New Jersey U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito.  Brady is an on-site electrical contractor who had access to storage areas in the Prudential Financial facility.  Between March 27 and April 1, Brady allegedly stole seven to eight cases of N95 respirator masks, each case containing 200 masks.  Prudential Financial had intended to donate the masks to a local hospital.  The Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office will be issuing a press release.

Bias Incidents

  • Juvenile Charged. A juvenile female was arrested on April 14 and charged with bias intimidation (3rd degree), riot (4th degree), simple assault (disorderly persons offense), harassment and disorderly conduct (both petty disorderly persons offenses). In addition, the juvenile has been charged with violating the emergency orders.  The Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office and the Edison Police Department are continuing to investigate pursuant to the Attorney General’s Bias Incident Investigation Standards.  The investigation determined that on April 4, the juvenile and a group of others surrounded an Asian woman.  The juvenile allegedly yelled racial slurs at the victim related to the origins of the coronavirus.  The juvenile then allegedly punched the woman in the back of the head.  The Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office will be issuing a press release.

Assaults on Law Enforcement Officers

  • Eric Rock, 35, of Jersey City, was arrested at about 6 a.m. this morning by the Jersey City Police Department and charged with two counts of second-degree terroristic threats during an emergency (2nd degree), two counts of aggravated assault on a police officer (4th degree), two counts of throwing bodily fluid at an officer (4th degree), criminal mischief (disorderly persons offense), and harassment (petty disorderly persons offense).  Rock allegedly went to a relative’s home and kicked in a window of the house when she would not let him inside.  Rock does not live at the home or have any belongings there.  Police were called and found Rock in front of the house. As he was being arrested, he coughed on police officers and claimed he had the coronavirus and would infect them.  He allegedly said, “If I’m going to die, you’re going to die.”
  • Jason Reiner, 44, of Atlantic City, was charged yesterday, April 15, by the Atlantic City Police with aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer (3rd degree), shoplifting (disorderly persons offense), resisting arrest (disorderly persons offense), obstruction (disorderly persons offense), and violating the emergency orders.  Police were called to a CVS store on Atlantic Avenue on a report that Reiner was shoplifting.  When officers approached Reiner, he began acting erratically and said he was on drugs.  EMS was called but Reiner refused treatment. As officers then attempted to arrest him for shoplifting, Reiner allegedly resisted and intentionally and repeatedly coughed on police officers to spread germs and obstruct his arrest.
  • Kayla Kraus, 22, of Point Pleasant, was arrested on Tuesday, April 14, by the Point Pleasant Police and charged with two counts of terroristic threats (3rd degree) and aggravated assault on an officer (4th degree).  Kraus allegedly punched officers and threatened to infect them with COVID-19 when police responded to the Point Pleasant Inn on a report of an emotionally disturbed woman.

Other Criminal Charges Involving Indictable Offenses

  • Charles Coward, 49, of Camden, was charged yesterday, April 15, with burglary (3rd degree), possession of an imitation firearm for an unlawful purpose (4th degree), criminal mischief (disorderly persons offense), trespassing (disorderly persons offense),  and possession of burglary tools (petty disorderly person offense).  He also was charged with violating the emergency orders.  The Pennsauken Police responded at 11:48 a.m. to an alarm at Forman Mills. They found a broken side window with a hammer on the ground nearby.  Coward was inside the closed store.  Police found two coats on the ground, one of which contained a black airsoft gun. 
  • Patrick McFadden, 44, of Budd Lake – who was charged on April 14 by the Mount Olive Police Department with violating a restraining order (4th degree), trespassing (4th degree), and violation of the emergency orders – faces two new counts of each of those charges for allegedly returning to the victim’s residence twice yesterday, April 15, at mid-day and again last night.

Other Violations of Executive Orders, Including “Stay at Home” Order

  • Newark Enforcement.  The Newark Police Department’s COVID-19 task force issued 72 summonses for violations of the emergency orders and ordered one non-essential business closed in enforcement actions yesterday, April 15.
  • Jeffrey Brady, 62, of Cherry Hill, the owner of Corrado’s Pizza in Sicklerville, was charged yesterday, April 15, by the Winslow Township Police with violating the emergency orders because his employees were not wearing facial masks or gloves.  Brady advised it was too hot near the ovens for his employees to wear masks and customers could not understand them on the phone with their mouths covered.
  • Ali Siyam, 59, the owner, and Abdel Siyam, 21, an employee, were charged yesterday, April 15, by the Union City Police Department, with violating the emergency orders at the grocery store owned by Ali Siyam on Bergenline Avenue, New Way Supermarket.   The employee and several customers were not wearing facial masks.  The defendants had been warned by police at least three times on prior days that they needed to comply with the order to wear masks.
  • Kevin Beneventa, 35, of Clementon, was charged by the Mount Ephraim Police with violating the emergency orders after he was involved in an accident yesterday, April 15.  He also was ticketed for driving without a license, failure to keep right, and failure to wear a seatbelt.  Police responded to a report of an accident at 6:05 a.m. with a car overturned on West King’s Highway.  Beneventa told police he fell asleep while driving.  His vehicle struck a parked car and rolled, ending up in the middle of the road. He was taken to Cooper University Hospital for treatment.
  • Stalin Paulino, 39, and Mark Rombowski, 65, of West New York, were charged by the West New York Police with violating the emergency orders for loitering in a bus stop shelter with no legitimate purpose and failing to maintain social distance.  Both had been warned previously about violating the orders.

 The defendants who were charged strictly with violating the emergency orders and who do not face more serious charges were charged by summons— they were not arrested.  Those cases will be adjudicated in municipal court.  “Our police officers are working bravely and tirelessly every day to protect us during this health crisis.  Regrettably, they are being called upon far too often to deal with people violating the emergency orders— or what is more egregious, people using the virus to spread fear or impede officers in their vital work,” said Attorney General Grewal.  “Staying home and maintaining social distance isn’t just the best advice to stay healthy, it’s the law.  Make no mistake, we will do everything in our power to keep our residents and officers safe, and that means we won’t hesitate to file charges against violators.”    “Law enforcement and medical professionals are on the frontlines of this battle to protect the citizens of New Jersey from the COVID-19 virus, and we cannot stress enough how important it is that each person follow the guidelines set forth in the Executive Order,” said Colonel Patrick Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “Because lives are at stake, enforcement action will be taken without hesitation against those who are blatantly placing the lives of others at risk.” Violations of the emergency orders constitute a disorderly persons offense carrying a potential sentence of up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.  However, violators can potentially face criminal charges including second, third, and fourth degree indictable offenses. On April 1, Attorney General Grewal announced enhanced charges against six individuals who were charged with assaulting law enforcement officers and violating the emergency orders.  Specifically, those enhanced charges included making terroristic threats during a state of emergency, which is a second degree offense and carries a sentence of five to 10 years in state prison and a fine of up to $150,000.  Defendant Eric Rock is similarly charged for his conduct against law enforcement officers. Third-degree charges carry a sentence of three to five years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000, while fourth-degree charges carry a sentence of up to 18 months in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. The charges are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. If you are seeing a lack of compliance with the Governor’s emergency orders in your town, please contact your local police department or report here https://covid19.nj.gov/violation The Attorney General’s Office and New Jersey State Police will continue to work with law enforcement throughout New Jersey to deter non-complaint behavior. No one should take advantage of this pandemic to further their own biased agendas.  COVID-19 is no excuse to promote anti-Semitic conspiracy theories and or other biased stereotypes.  Please report bias crimes at 1-800-277-BIAS.

  • Pool Photo: Rich Hundley, The Trentonian
  • Tuesday April 14, 2020 – State Police Superintendent Colonel Patrick Callahan speaks during Governor Phil Murphy’s coronavirus briefing in the George Washington Ballroom in the Trenton War Memorial.(Pool photo by Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)