April 22, 2024

TOMS RIVER, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on April 21, 2024, Edward Lynch, 52, of Toms River, was charged with Distribution of Child Pornography and Possession of Child Pornography.

This investigation was the result of a referral from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).  NCMEC received cyber-tips that an individual was downloading images of child pornography from the internet; an investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit identified an IP address associated with a residence in Toms River as the location from which the individual was downloading these images.

On August 24, 2023, Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, Toms River Township Police Department, and Toms River Township Police Department Emergency Services Unit, executed a court-authorized search warrant on the subject residence.  As a result, Detectives seized multiple electronic devices from the residence.  An initial forensic examination of the devices by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit led to the discovery of more than 1000 items of child pornography.  Further investigation revealed that Lynch was the individual responsible for downloading the child pornography in question.  On August 24, 2023, Lynch was charged with Possession of Child Pornography.  Lynch was taken into custody at his residence without incident; he was thereafter transported to the Ocean County Jail, and subsequently released as a consequence of New Jersey Bail Reform.

In furtherance of the investigation, a full forensic examination on all seized electronic devices by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit revealed that Lynch knowingly distributed more than 1000 items of Child Pornography by using the internet applications of Telegram, Session, and Wickr Me.  As a consequence, Lynch was additionally charged on April 21, 2024 with Distribution of Child Pornography, along with a second count of Possession of Child Pornography.  On that date, Lynch surrendered himself to Toms River Township Police Headquarters.  He was transported to the Ocean County Jail, where he is presently lodged pending a detention hearing.

Prosecutor Billhimer commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, Toms River Township Police Department, Toms River Township Police Department Emergency Services Unit, and National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, for their collaborative 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).

March 1, 2024

TOMS RIVER, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on March 1, 2024, Raphael Powell, 38, of Toms River, was sentenced by the Honorable Guy P. Ryan, P.J.Cr.P., to an aggregate term of 25 years New Jersey State Prison (NJSP), having previously been found guilty of Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, Being a Certain Person Not to Possess a Firearm, Unlawful Possession of a Handgun with a prior conviction for a No Early Release Act (NERA) Offense, Terroristic Threats, Possession of Hollow Nose Bullets, Possession of a Large Capacity Magazine, and Possession of Fentanyl, all in connection with an incident that occurred in Toms River Township on July 2, 2022.  Specifically, Judge Ryan sentenced Powell to 20 years NJSP with a 10-year period of parole ineligibility as to the Handgun Possession charge, and an additional five years NJSP with a 42-month period of parole ineligibility relative to the Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose offense – to run consecutive to the Handgun Possession charge.  Additionally, Judge Ryan sentenced Powell to a concurrent five years NJSP with a five-year period of parole ineligibility as to the Certain Person Not to Possess a Firearm charge, concurrent to five years NJSP as to the Terroristic Threats charge, concurrent to 18 months NJSP as to the Possession of Hollow Nose Bullets charge, concurrent to 18 months NJSP as to the Possession of a Large Capacity Magazine charge, concurrent to five years NJSP as to the Possession of Fentanyl charge.  In total, Powell will be required to serve at least 13.5 years of his 25-year state prison sentence before he may be considered for parole eligibility.

Powell was found guilty of all offenses on January 11, 2023, after a week-long jury trial before Judge Ryan.

On July 2, 2022, at approximately 11:00 p.m., Officers from the Toms River Township Police Department were dispatched to assist a male victim who had just been assaulted.  Responding Officers met with the victim, who advised that he was entering a residence on Rory Road when a male approached him and asked him what he was doing in the area.  The male suspect then punched the victim in the face and removed a handgun from his waistband.  The male suspect brandished the handgun and then threatened to shoot and kill the victim.  Another male then appeared at the scene and the victim was able to leave the area.

An investigation conducted by the Toms River Township Police Department determined that Powell was the individual who struck and threatened the victim with the handgun on July 2, 2022.  Toms River Township Police Officers located Powell outside of his residence in Toms River in the early morning hours of July 3, 2022, and he was taken into custody without incident.  Powell was searched incident to his arrest, and found to be in possession of a stolen handgun loaded with 17 rounds of hollow nose bullets.  Powell was also found to be in possession of 30 wax folds of Fentanyl at the time of his arrest.  Powell was arrested and transported to the Ocean County Jail, where he has remained lodged since July 3, 2022.

Prosecutor Billhimer commends the diligence and dedication of Assistant Prosecutor Kimberly Carr who ably and skillfully tried the case on behalf of the State.  The Prosecutor likewise extends his gratitude to the Toms River Township Police Department and Berkeley Township Police Department for their combined and collective efforts in connection with this matter, ultimately leading to Powell’s lengthy state prison sentence.

December 18, 2023

TOMS RIVER, NJ (OCEAN)–On Sunday morning, at approximately 12:45 a.m., multiple police units were dispatched to the Days Hotel on Route 37 for a large fight in progress in the parking lot area. While responding, officers received further information regarding possible gunshots. Further investigation revealed evidence that shots were fired but no victims were struck. The Ocean County Sheriff’ Department CSI unit responded to assist in processing the scene. One male suffered a seizure during the incident and was transported to Community Medical Center by Silverton First Aid. The investigation is ongoing at this time.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Toms River Police Department Detective Bureau at dmacrae@trpolice.org or by calling 732-349-0150 x 1323. All information will remain confidential.

We’d like to thank our neighboring police departments in Manchester, Island Heights, Berkeley, South Toms River, Jackson, Brick, Seaside Heights, and Lavallette for providing assistance at the scene, as well as handling a variety of calls throughout the town during the investigation.

September 27, 2023

TOMS RIVER, NJ (OCAN)–Toms River Police reported that shortly after 8:00 a.m., this morning, police units were dispatched to Route 37 East, at the intersection of River Drive for a motor vehicle accident involving an electric bike. The initial investigation revealed a 33-yearold male from Little Egg Harbor was traveling west on his electric bike in the westbound shoulder of Route 37 East when he made a sudden left turn into traffic and was struck by a vehicle in the center lane of the highway. The driver of the vehicle remained at the scene.

The bicyclist suffered severe injuries and was taken to Community Medical Center by Toms River EMS
where he was later pronounced dead. The accident remains under investigation by Toms River Traffic Safety Officer, Corporal Robert Westfall. Also assisting at the scene were the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department Crime Scene Investigation Unit and Hatzalah Volunteer EMS.

The bicyclist’s name is being withheld pending notifications.

September 19, 2023

TOMS RIVER, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on September 15, 2023, Ashley Beams, 32, of Toms River Township, was sentenced by the Honorable Guy P. Ryan, P.J.Cr.P., to five years New Jersey State Prison as a result of her previously entered guilty plea to Vehicular Homicide in connection with a motor vehicle crash that occurred in Toms River on February 8, 2022 – resulting in the death of James Cruz, 62, of the Parlin section of Old Bridge Township.  This sentence will be subject to the terms of the No Early Release Act, meaning that Beams will be required to serve at least 85 percent of her prison sentence before she may be considered for parole eligibility. Beams pled guilty to the charge before Judge Ryan on July 24, 2023. Additionally, on September 15, 2023, Beams pled guilty to the motor vehicle offense of Driving While Under the Influence of Alcohol; as a consequence, Judge Ryan suspended Beams’ driving privileges for a term of one year.

On February 8, 2022, at approximately 10:30 p.m., Officers from the Toms River Township Police Department responded to the area of Bay Avenue for a report of a motor vehicle crash.  Responding Officers determined that James Cruz had been struck by a motor vehicle operated by Beams.  An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Vehicular Homicide Unit, Toms River Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, revealed that Beams had been traveling eastbound on Bay Avenue approaching the cross street of Twin Oaks Drive.  Shortly after passing Twin Oaks Drive, Beams failed to maintain her lane of travel and entered the shoulder – striking Mr. Cruz – who at the time was retrieving a package from the trunk of his vehicle.  As a result of the collision, Mr. Cruz was pinned between the two vehicles and carried a significant distance eastbound on Bay Avenue.  Mr. Cruz was subsequently pronounced deceased at the scene.

Beams was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune for treatment of injuries she sustained in the crash.  Blood samples taken from Beams at the hospital and in furtherance of the investigation revealed that her Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) at the time of the collision was substantially higher than .08.  In the State of New Jersey, an operator of a motor vehicle is presumed to be over the legal limit for purposes of alcohol consumption where the operator’s BAC is .08 or greater.  On February 16, 2022, Beams was arrested by Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Vehicular Homicide Unit at her residence.  She was transported to the Ocean County Jail, and subsequently released as a consequence of New Jersey Bail Reform.

Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the diligent efforts of Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Robert Cassidy and Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Jamie Schron who handled the case on behalf of the State, and commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Vehicular Homicide Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Victim Witness Advocacy Unit, Toms River Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, for their collaborative efforts in connection with this investigation leading to Beams’ guilty pleas – and now her state prison sentence.

September 17, 2023

TOMS RIVER, NJ (OCEAN)–Toms River Police reported that just after 1:30 a.m., this morning multiple police and fire units were dispatched to Toms River Brewing on Route 37 West for an active structure fire. The fire travelled to the front of Bacchus School of Wine causing significant damage to the exterior of the building. Multiple fire companies arrived on scene and extinguished the blaze.
There were no reported injuries at the scene. The Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention is investigating the cause of the fire. Please direct any further inquiries to them.

September 5, 2023

TOMS RIVER, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on September 4, 2023, John Voltolino, Jr., 45, of Toms River, was charged with Aggravated Arson, Burglary, Theft, and Criminal Mischief, in connection with events that occurred on September 4, 2023, in Toms River.

On September 4, 2023, at approximately 5:00 p.m., Officers from the Toms River Township Police Department responded to a residence on Sun Valley Road for a report of a burglary.  The homeowner reported that his son, John Voltolino, Jr., broke into the residence and stole a laptop.  Responding Officers observed a broken window in the bathroom on the first floor, as well as blood throughout the residence.  Additionally, a strong odor of gasoline was detected, and an extinguished fire on the living room floor – adjacent to a gasoline container – was observed.  Investigation determined that Voltolino, Jr. was, in fact, responsible for the burglary of his father’s residence and theft of the laptop.  Voltolino, Jr. was subsequently discovered in a wooded area behind the residence and placed under arrest for burglary and theft.

A scene examination was conducted by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime–Arson Squad, Toms River Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and Ocean County Fire Marshal’s K-9 Unit.  It was determined that a fire had been intentionally set in the living room utilizing an open flame, paper towels, and the subject gasoline container.  Further investigation revealed that Voltolino, Jr. was responsible for setting the fire that had been extinguished.  As a consequence, Voltolino, Jr. was additionally charged with aggravated arson and criminal mischief.  Voltolino, Jr. was transported to the Ocean County Jail, where he is presently lodged pending a detention hearing.

Prosecutor Billhimer commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Arson Squad, Toms River Township Police Department, Toms River Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and Ocean County Fire Marshal’s K-9 Unit, for their combined and collective assistance in connection with this investigation.

The charges referenced above are merely accusations and the press and public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

R.P.C.  3.6(b)(6).

A forensic examination of the devices by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit led to the discovery of more than 1000 images of child pornography. 

August 25, 2023

TOMS RIVER, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on August 24, 2023, Edward Lynch, 52, of Toms River, was charged with Possession of Child Pornography.        

This investigation was the result of a referral from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). NCMEC received cyber-tips that an individual was downloading images of child pornography from the internet; an investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit identified an IP address associated with a residence in Toms River as the location from which the individual was downloading these images.          

On August 24, 2023, Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, Toms River Township Police Department, and Toms River Township Police Department Emergency Services Unit, executed a court-authorized search warrant on the subject residence.  As a result, Detectives seized multiple electronic devices from the residence.  A forensic examination of the devices by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit led to the discovery of more than 1000 images of child pornography.  Further investigation revealed that Lynch was the individual responsible for downloading the child pornography in question. Lynch was taken into custody at his residence without incident; he was thereafter transported to the Ocean County Jail, where he is presently lodged pending a detention hearing.          

Prosecutor Billhimer commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, Toms River Township Police Department, Toms River Township Police Department Emergency Services Unit, and National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, for their collaborative assistance in connection with this investigation leading to Lynch’s arrest.            

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).