Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer and Lakewood Township Police Chief Gregory Meyer announced that on Sunday, March 29, 2020, Eliezer Silber, 37, and Miriam Silber, 34, both of Lakewood, were charged with five counts of Child Endangerment in violation of N.J.S.A. 9:6-1.
On March 29, 2020, members of the Lakewood Township Police Department were summoned to a residence on Alamitos Drive for a report of a gathering of people blocking the street. This gathering was in violation of Executive Order No. 107 signed by Governor Phil Murphy on March 21, 2020, which bans gatherings of individuals, whether they be at weddings, parties, celebrations, or other social events. Upon arrival, Officers discovered a gathering of approximately 40-50 people, including children, on the front lawn and in the street in front of the residence. The Officers ordered the crowd to disperse, and made contact with the owners of the residence, Eliezer and Miriam Silber. Eliezer Silber was charged with Violating Any Rule or Regulation Adopted by the Governor in violation of APP.A: 9-49h, as well as Endangering the Welfare of his five children who were at the gathering. Miriam Silber was likewise charged with Endangering the Welfare of her five children. They are both required to appear at a future court date in Ocean County Superior Court.
“As I have previously stated, it is my sworn duty to protect all of the residents of Ocean County. That obligation applies across the board,” stated Prosecutor Billhimer. “My Office will prosecute any individual who defies or breaks the law, State of Emergency or otherwise. Everyone must respect and follow the law,” the Prosecutor stated. “The men & women of the Lakewood Police Department have done an exceptional job in the face of a public health crisis. Their efforts are commendable,” Prosecutor Billhimer concluded.
The public and media are reminded that all defendants are innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.