Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer and Lakewood Township Police Chief Gregory Meyer announced that on Tuesday, March 31, 2020, at approximately 4:30 p.m., Lakewood Township Police were dispatched to a residence on Spruce Street for a report of a social gathering. Responding Officers found a group of individuals, including children, on the front lawn and inside the residence. 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. The Officers made contact with the owners of the residence who hosted the gathering, an engagement party, Yaakov Kaufman, 47, and Eti Kaufman, 45. Both Yaakov Kaufman and Eti Kaufman were charged with Violating Any Rule or Regulation Adopted by the Governor During a State of Emergency in violation of APP.A: 9-49h, as well as six counts of Child Endangerment in violation of N.J.S.A. 9:6-1– each count relating to one of their six minor children who were in attendance at the gathering.
The following individuals were also charged with Violating Any Rule or Regulation Adopted by the Governor During a State of Emergency in violation of APP.A: 9-49h for their attendance at the engagement party hosted by the Kaufmans: Joshua Lichtenstein, 54, of Lakewood; Brocha Lichtenstein, 22, of Lakewood; Tzipora Wolfe, 24, of Lakewood; Shmuel Kaufman, 23, of Lakewood; Syril Lichtenstein, 54, of Lakewood; Samuel Wolfe, 27, of Lakewood; Michael Zimmerman, 99, of Lakewood; and Ruky Zimmerman, 21, of Lakewood.
Prosecutor Billhimer and Chief Meyer extend their profound gratitude to the men and women in Law Enforcement who continue to work tirelessly on behalf of our citizens, enforcing the laws of the State of New Jersey in the face of extreme adversity during these very trying and perilous times.