Page 8422 – Shore News Network

Man Sentenced for COVID-19 Relief Fraud

by Press Release August 3, 2021

By Press Release

Miami, Florida — A Florida man has been sentenced to 33 months in prison for fraudulently seeking over $7,263,564 in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (SBA) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

Andre Clark, 48, of Miramar, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud on May 14. Clark admitted that he obtained a PPP loan of $488,565 on behalf of his company, Top Choice LLC, based on falsified information and documents that a co-conspirator, James Stote, submitted on his behalf. Clark also admitted to recruiting friends and associates whom he referred to Stote for the purpose of submitting additional fraudulent PPP loan applications, sometimes in exchange for kickbacks. Clark admitted to seeking $6,774,999 in fraudulent PPP loans through other conspirators that he referred to the scheme. In addition to the prison sentence, Clark was ordered to pay $2,975,086 in restitution.

Additionally, two other co-conspirators were recently sentenced for their roles in the scheme. On July 29, Tonye Johnson, 29, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 18 months in prison. Johnson admitted to obtaining a fraudulent PPP loan of $389,627 for his company, Synergy Towing & Transport LLC, based on falsified information and documents. And, on July 13, Tiara Walker, 38, of Miami Gardens, Florida, was sentenced to 12 months and a day in prison. Walker admitted to obtaining a fraudulent PPP loan of $258,575 for her company, Utilization Review Pros LLC, based on falsified information and documents. Both Johnson and Walker falsely inflated the number of employees and monthly payroll for their companies, and they worked with Stote and other co-conspirators to obtain their fraudulent loans.

James Stote was charged by complaint on June 24, 2020, with wire fraud, bank fraud, and conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and his case remains pending. A complaint is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Acting U.S. Attorney Juan Antonio Gonzalez of the Southern District of Florida; Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Special Agent in Charge Michael J. De Palma of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Miami Field Office; Special Agent in Charge George L. Piro of the FBI’s Miami Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge Amaleka McCall-Brathwaite of the SBA’s Office of Inspector General (SBA-OIG) Eastern Region made the announcement.

The IRS-CI, FBI, and SBA-OIG investigated the cases.

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Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Turken and David Snider of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida and Trial Attorney Philip Trout of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section prosecuted the cases.

In May, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.

Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

You may find related court documents and information on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case numbers 21-cr-60029, 21-cr-60017, and 20-cr-60159.

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Department of Justice Press Releases

Slidell Man Pleads Guilty to Social Security Fraud of More Than $75,000

by Press Release August 3, 2021

By Press Release

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that MICHAEL R. MATHERNE (“MATHERNE”), age 61, of Slidell, Louisiana pled guilty as charged on July 22, 2021 to an indictment returned by a grand jury on November 6, 2020, for Theft of Federal Funds.

According to the Indictment, the Social Security Administration (“SSA”), an agency or department of the United States of America, operated the Retirement Survivor Insurance Benefit program (“RSI Program”). The purpose of the RSI Program is to provide benefits to certain persons, including widows and widowers, in their retirement.

In or around January 1993, M.F. applied for and began receiving RSI Program benefits. The SSA sent the benefits to M.F. at her address in Slidell, Louisiana in the form of a paper check, which she regularly deposited into her Whitney bank account.

On September 24, 2006, M.F. and MATHERNE were married. In July 2012, MATHERNE created a joint Whitney bank account. On November 3, 2012, M.F. died and MATHERNE never advised the SSA of M.F.’s death.

From December 2012 through March 2019, SSA continued sending checks to M.F., at her home address in Slidell, Louisiana, and MATHERNE continued depositing the checks into the Whitney bank account. From December 2012 through March 2019, MATHERNE received monthly SSA benefits totaling approximately $75,838, which he deposited into the Whitney bank account and used for his living expenses.

MATHERNE entered a guilty plea on July 22, 2021 before U.S. District Judge Barry W. Ashe. He is set to be sentenced November 4, 2021. MATHERNE faces a maximum of 10 years imprisonment, a fine of not more than $250,000, supervised release of at least 3 years, and a mandatory special assessment of $100 as to each count.

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The case was investigated by the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Carter K. D. Guice, Jr.

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Department of Justice Press Releases

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Announces Agreement With Bermudian Bank To Resolve Criminal Tax Investigation

by Press Release August 3, 2021

By Press Release

Audrey Strauss, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Stuart M. Goldberg, Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, and James C. Lee, Chief of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (“IRS-CI”), announced today that Bank of N.T. Butterfield & Son Limited (“BUTTERFIELD”) entered into a non-prosecution agreement (“NPA”) with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and agreed to pay $5.6 million to the United States for assisting U.S. taxpayer-clients in opening and maintaining undeclared foreign bank accounts from 2001 through 2013. The NPA was based on BUTTERFIELD’s extraordinary cooperation, including its efforts in providing 386 client files for non-compliant U.S. taxpayer-clients, and provides that BUTTERFIELD will not be criminally prosecuted. The NPA requires BUTTERFIELD to forfeit $4.896 million to the United States, representing certain fees that it earned by assisting its U.S. taxpayer-clients in opening and maintaining these undeclared accounts, and to pay $704,000 in restitution to the IRS, representing the approximate unpaid taxes arising from the tax evasion by BUTTERFIELD’s U.S. taxpayer-clients.

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said: “Butterfield admits to helping its clients conceal their ownership of foreign bank accounts to avoid their U.S. tax obligations. Butterfield created sham entities and assisted U.S. clients in funneling money between U.S.- and Cayman Islands-based accounts. The resolution of this matter through a non-prosecution agreement, along with forfeiture and restitution, reflects Butterfield’s cooperation in our investigation and demonstrates that cooperation, including assistance in providing U.S. taxpayer client files, has tangible benefits. We will continue to pursue financial services firms around the world that help their clients evade U.S. taxes.”

Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg said: “As part of the resolution announced today, Butterfield has facilitated the production of approximately 386 unredacted client files. Taxpayers contemplating hiding money offshore and those who would facilitate their fraud should take note – nothing remains hidden forever.”

IRS-CI Chief James C. Lee said: “As a result of the successful resolution of this investigation, Butterfield has agreed to turn over account files relating to U.S. taxpayer-clients who maintained undeclared assets overseas. This agreement marks yet another significant step forward in combating offshore tax evasion. Anyone who is hiding money or assets offshore with the intent of committing tax evasion will be found and prosecuted. It’s not a matter of ‘if,’ it’s a matter of ‘when.’”

As part of the NPA, BUTTERFIELD admitted various facts concerning its wrongful conduct and the remedial measures that it took to cease that conduct. Specifically, BUTTERFIELD admitted that it knew or should have known certain U.S. taxpayers were using their BUTTERFIELD accounts to evade their U.S. tax obligations, in violation of U.S. law. BUTTERFIELD acknowledged that it helped certain U.S. taxpayer-clients conceal from the IRS their beneficial ownership of undeclared assets maintained in foreign bank accounts by: (i) maintaining undeclared accounts for U.S. taxpayer-clients that were held by sham entities – structures that had no legitimate business purpose – even though Bank personnel knew, or should have known, that the entities were being used to conceal the identities of the true account owners; and (ii) opening accounts and facilitating the transfer of funds for U.S. taxpayer-clients despite obvious red flags that the U.S. clients were using the accounts to maintain undeclared assets or commit tax evasion.

The NPA recognizes that, in 2013, BUTTERFIELD implemented a series of remedial measures to stop assisting U.S. taxpayers evading federal income taxes. The NPA further recognizes BUTTERFIELD’s cooperation, including its efforts to facilitate the production of approximately 386 client files for non-compliant U.S. taxpayers, which included the identities of those U.S. taxpayers.

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As part of the NPA, BUTTERFIELD has agreed to forfeit $4.896 million to the United States, representing the gross revenues from services that it provided to U.S. taxpayers with undeclared foreign bank accounts from 2001 through 2013. In connection with this forfeiture, BUTTERFIELD has agreed not to contest a civil forfeiture action filed by the United States.

The NPA requires BUTTERFIELD to continue to cooperate with the United States for at least three years from the date of the agreement. In the event that BUTTERFIELD violates the NPA, the U.S. Attorney’s Office may prosecute BUTTERFIELD.

Ms. Strauss thanked the IRS for its outstanding work in the investigation of this matter and thanked the Tax Division of the Department of Justice for its assistance in the investigation.

This investigation is being overseen by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kiersten A. Fletcher is in charge of the matter.

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Department of Justice Press Releases

Indian National Arrested for $2.3 Million Elder Fraud Scheme

by Press Release August 3, 2021

By Press Release

NEWARK, N.J. – An Indian national was arrested today in connection with a scheme to fraudulently obtain at least $2.3 million from elderly victims by impersonating fraud prevention representatives from United States banks, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.

Ashish Bajaj, 28, of India, is charged by complaint with conspiracy to commit wire fraud. He appeared this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Joe L. Webster in federal court in the Middle District of North Carolina and was detained pending his initial appearance in the District of New Jersey.

“As alleged in the complaint, this defendant and his co-conspirators took advantage of elderly victims by posing as trusted bank employees who could help the victims catch fraudsters. In fact, the defendant and his co-conspirators were the fraudsters,” Acting U.S. Attorney Honig stated. “Detecting and preventing elder fraud continues to be a priority for this Office, whether the defendants reside in the United States or operate out of call centers located overseas. Together with our law enforcement partners, we will track them down and bring them to justice.”

“Unfortunately, it has become a regular occurrence for our citizens to be duped into giving up their hard-earned money by someone pretending to work for a bank, a fraud detection company, or even a law enforcement agency,” Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr. said. “These unscrupulous schemers keep evolving and push every button until they hit the one that will earn them the confidence of their victims or one that they can use to scare and intimidate. While the FBI will continue its relentless pursuit of scammers, the public’s best defense is to remain aware and take extra precautions before handing over money, such as by checking, first, with the supposed entity on the other end of the line. If you have an elderly loved one, educate them so they won’t become the next victim.”

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

From at least as early as in or around April 2020 through in or around July 2021, Bajaj and his co-conspirators received at least $2.3 million in fraudulently obtained funds by impersonating fraud prevention representatives from banks located in the United States. Bajaj and his co-conspirators targeted elderly victims. They told the victims that they worked at a “hub” for multiple financial institutions’ fraud departments and they were reaching out because the victims’ bank accounts had been hacked.

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Bajaj and the co-conspirators then asked the victims to assist with their fraud prevention efforts by setting up “sting” operations to catch the fraudsters who had allegedly hacked the victims’ bank accounts. The requested assistance included initiating various wire transactions to various bank accounts, including bank accounts in India, ultimately resulting in a loss to the victims. Over the course of the investigation, law enforcement has identified multiple victims of this scheme, including victims in New Jersey and California.

The count of wire fraud conspiracy is punishable by a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense.

Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents and intelligence analysts of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr. in Newark. She also thanked the FBI Charlotte Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Robert R. Wells, for its assistance leading to Bajaj’s arrest.

Additional victims associated with Bajaj’s conduct may reach out to the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324) or visit www.fbi.gov.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren E. Repole of the Economic Crimes Unit in Newark.

The charge and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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Department of Justice Press Releases

Hudson County Man Admits Drug Distribution Charges

by Press Release August 3, 2021

By Press Release

NEWARK, N.J. – A Hudson County, New Jersey, man today admitted possessing with intent to distribute heroin, cocaine and cocaine base, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.

Hason Armfield, 43, of Jersey City, New Jersey, pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Kevin McNulty to an indictment charging him with possessing with intent to distribute heroin, cocaine and cocaine base.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

Armfield’s residence was searched as part of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Jersey City Police Department. Law enforcement officers found heroin, cocaine, cocaine base, drug paraphernalia, and U.S. currency.

The charge to which Armfield pleaded guilty carries a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment and a $1 million fine. Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 6, 2021.

Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited agents and task force officers of the DEA, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Susan A. Gibson, and members of the Jersey City Police Department, under the direction of Public Safety Director James Shea, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.

This investigation was conducted as part of the Jersey City Violent Crime Initiative (VCI). The VCI was formed in 2018 by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Jersey City Police Department, for the sole purpose of combatting violent crime in and around Jersey City. As part of this partnership, federal, state, county, and city agencies collaborate to strategize and prioritize the prosecution of violent offenders who endanger the community. The VCI is composed of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI, the ATF, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) New Jersey Division, the U.S. Marshals, the Jersey City Police Department, the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office, New Jersey State Parole Board, the Hudson County Jail, and the New Jersey State Police Regional Operations and Intelligence Center/Real Time Crime Center.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracey Agnew of the Organized Crime and Gangs Unit in the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Newark.

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Department of Justice Press Releases

Burlington Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Methamphetamine Offense

by Press Release August 3, 2021

By Press Release

DAVENPORT, IOWA – On Wednesday, July 28, 2021, a Burlington man was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge John A. Jarvey to 20 years in federal prison for distributing methamphetamine.

According to court documents, Gerald Victor Terry, age 50, admitted to distributing ice methamphetamine in Burlington. Terry had several prior criminal convictions and was on State of Iowa parole for two felony convictions at the time of this offense. After Terry’s prison term he will serve five years of supervised release.

Acting United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Southeast Iowa Narcotics Taskforce, Burlington Police Department, Des Moines County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

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Department of Justice Press Releases

EDVA to Participate in Community Events During National Night Out

by Press Release August 3, 2021

By Press Release

RICHMOND, Va. – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia (EDVA) will join community organizers, neighbors, and law enforcement partners to participate in National Night Out events this evening, August 3. During this year’s National Night Out, Acting U.S. Attorney Raj Parekh will attend community events in the Richmond area with Chief of Richmond Police, Gerald M. Smith.

“Keeping our communities safe is a top Justice Department priority, as it is for state, local and Tribal police departments across the country,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “Law enforcement is most effective when it has the trust and support of the communities it serves. That is why events like National Night Out are so important and effective; they help to bridge the gap between neighbors and their police departments in a positive and informal setting.”

“Participating in community-based events and strengthening the bonds of trust and friendship with the residents we serve are essential to our crime reduction efforts across the Eastern District of Virginia,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Raj Parekh. “We are committed to working closely with our communities to keep our neighborhoods safe, eliminate injustices, and protect civil rights and civil liberties. When we stand united with our neighbors in looking out for each other, we can make meaningful, long-lasting improvements in the safety of our cities and streets.”

National Night Out is a community-building and crime prevention program that promotes partnerships and camaraderie between law enforcement and the communities they serve to make our neighborhoods safer places to live. National Night Out was established in 1984 with funding from the Bureau of Justice Assistance of the U.S. Department of Justice. The program is administered by the National Association of Town Watch, a nationwide non-profit organization.

During National Night Out, community involvement in crime prevention is generated through a variety of local events that help strengthen neighborhood spirit and unity, such as block parties, cookouts, festivals, parades, safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, visits from emergency personnel, and more. National Night Out sends a message that neighbors are united and working together to keep their communities and each other safe.

This year, National Night Out organizers are expecting over 16,000 communities and millions of people from all 50 states, U.S. territories, and military bases worldwide to take part in community events. The program concludes annually on the first Tuesday of August in most areas of the country.

EDVA staff members have been encouraged to participate in community events located in or around the Office’s Alexandria, Richmond, Norfolk, and Newport News Divisions. For more information, visit https://natw.org/ or click on each of the preceding links for examples of National Night Out Events taking place across the Eastern District of Virginia.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia.

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Politics

Nancy Pelosi, Chuck Schumer calls for the resignation of Andrew Cuomo

by Conservative Times August 3, 2021

By Conservative Times

U.S. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi today called for the resignation of New York Governor Andrew Cuomo after New York Attorney General Leticia Jones issued a report saying the governor engaged in sexual harassment against state employees.

“Under Attorney General Letitia James, a comprehensive and independent investigation into the allegations against Governor Cuomo has been completed. As always, I commend the women who came forward to speak their truth,” Pelosi said in a statement. “Recognizing his love of New York and the respect for the office he holds, I call upon the Governor to resign,” she added.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer echoed Pelosi’s call for Cuomo to resign.

“No elected official is above the law. The people of New York deserve better leadership in the governor’s office. We continue to believe that the Governor should resign,” Schumer said.

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Delaware News Police Blotter

Police investigating shooting of teen in Swanwyck

by Dinesh Patel August 3, 2021

By Dinesh Patel

NEW CASTLE, DE – On Monday, at approximately 9:10 p.m. patrol officers from the New Castle County Division of Police were dispatched to the intersection of Glen Avenue and Dyer Avenue in the community of Swanwyck for the report of a shooting just occurred.

When the officers arrived at the scene, they observed a 19-year-old male who was suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to his upper torso. He was treated at the scene and transported to a local area hospital where he was admitted under serious condition.

Detectives from the New Castle County Division of Police Criminal Investigations Unit arrived at the scene and assumed the investigation.

This is an active and ongoing investigation, future updates to follow.

Anyone with information/or video pertaining to this investigation is asked to contact Det. Rau at 302-395-8110 or by e-mail at [email protected] or by calling New Castle County Police non-emergency number at 302-573-2800.Citizens can also text a tip anonymously simply by texting the number 847411 keyword: NCCDE. You can also submit a tip via our website at http://www.nccpd.com. Tipsters may also call Crime Stoppers at (800) TIP-3333 or visit us on Facebook (IM) at New Castle County Division of Police.

August 3, 2021 0 comments

Police Blotter

The search is on for four fugitves wanted for abusing children

by Dinesh Patel August 3, 2021

By Dinesh Patel

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX – Corpus Christi Police Department is asking for your help to locate 35-year-old Damon Villarreal and 33-year-old Teresa Hernandez Villarreal who both have an outstanding warrant for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child or Children ($200,000 Bond each).

Villarreal is described as a 35-year-old male who stands 5′ 07″, weighs approximately 185 pounds, with brown eyes and a bald head. Villarreal has several tattoos on his head, neck and face.

Hernandez Villarreal is described as a 33-year-old female who stands 5′ 02″, weighs approximately 200 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. Teresa has numerous tattoos, including a chest tattoo, tattoo that reads Villarreal on the right side of her hand and was last known to have blonde hair. If you know how to locate either party, call 911 or Crime Stoppers at 888-TIPS (8477) or submit the information online at https://www.p3tips.com/TipForm.aspx?ID=343&C=&T=, it can earn you a cash reward.

August 3, 2021 0 comments

Police Blotter

Two teens charged for shooting death of Nicodemus Gonzales

by Dinesh Patel August 3, 2021

By Dinesh Patel

LAS CRUCES, NM- Las Cruces police have arrested two teenagers believed to be responsible for Saturday morning’s shooting that resulted in the death of Nicodemus Gonzales.

Isaiah James William Taylor, 19, of the 1600 block of High Street, and a 17-year-old boy are both charged with an open count of murder, two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and one count each of shooting at a house or dwelling. Because of his age, police will not publicly identify the 17-year-old suspect.

Taylor and the 17-year-old boy were both located by police Saturday evening and taken into custody. Both are initially being held without bond at the Dona Ana County Detention Center.

About 3:30 a.m. Saturday, July 31, Las Cruces police were dispatched to the report of shots fired at a loud party on the 1800 block of Chaparro Street. Officers arrived to find 23-year-old Nicodemus “Nico” Gonzales suffering from at least one gunshot wound. Gonzales was pronounced dead on scene.

Detectives are still actively investigating the case. Anyone with information on this incident, and has not already been interviewed by police, is asked to call Las Cruces police at (575) 526-0796.

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Florida News Police Blotter

Daytona police trying to identify deceased male found floating in the Halifax River

by Dinesh Patel August 3, 2021

By Dinesh Patel

DAYTONA, FL – Police in Daytona are asking for public assistance in their attempt to identify the body of a man found floating in the Halifax River this week.

“At 12:48 p.m. on July 28, 2021, we received an emergency call directing us to the 1300 block of North Halifax Avenue (between Zelda and Golf boulevards), where the caller told us he found a body floating in the Halifax River,” the department said. “Officers managed to recover the body a short time later. It is very decomposed and all we can tell you for sure is that it is an adult white male.”

If you have any information, please contact Detective David Dinardi at (386) 671-5219 or [email protected] regarding Case 210014181.

August 3, 2021 0 comments

Government News New Jersey News Ocean County News

Ocean County pushing to spend $10 million Dominion voting machines after receiving campaign contributions

by Your News August 3, 2021

By Your News

by Ron Wilson, Open Government

Dominion Voting System (Dominion) and Elections Systems & Software (ES&S) are competing for the $10 million voting machine contract. After both companies attended multiple meetings to demonstrate their voting machines, the senior staff from the Ocean County Board of Elections overwhelmingly recommended ES&S over Dominion.

At a June 21, 2021 meeting, the Board of Elections voted to purchase the ES&S voting machines, based on the recommendation of the senior staff. However, County Administrator Carl Block and County Clerk Scott Colabella are attempting to block the purchase of the ES&S machines, and have advocated for the purchase of the Dominion machines instead.

According to official campaign finance reports, Colabella and Block have received a combined $11,400 in campaign donations from Dominion representative Adam Perna and his company, Election Graphics. Perna represented Dominion at multiple meetings with the Board of Elections, including a May 4,2021 meeting closed to the public, where the Dominion machines were demonstrated to Election Supervisors and IT staff.

In total, Perna and his company Election Graphics have donated $134,200 to currently elected Ocean County officials and administrators, including Colabella ($6,800), Block ($4,600), County Surrogate Jeffrey Moran ($13,000), County Sheriff Michael Mastronardi ($13,000) and County Commissioners ($96,800 total) Joseph Vicari, Virginia Haines, Jack Kelly, Gerry Little, and Gary Quinn.

At the June 21, 2021 Board of Elections Meeting, which was open to the public, senior staff raised concerns about the Dominion voting machines including voter privacy, the reliability of the printers, and operational complexity. The Board of Elections staff noted that the ES&S machines are superior to Dominion and easier for the voter to use. Staff also noted that the Dominion voting machine printers are typically used for a home office and the process of moving the machines in the back of a truck could result in system failures. Before each election, voting machines must be delivered from the county warehouse to every voting precinct in Ocean County.

Despite the Board of Elections decision to purchase the ES&S voting machines, Ocean County officials are now issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP), in an attempt to award the contract to Dominion, whose representatives have donated $134,200 to their campaign accounts.

On July 30, County Administrator Carl Block issued the RFP for new voting machines. The RFP omits requirements for security measures, battery backup, transportability, and ease of use for poll workers and voters. Perhaps the most notable omission is that voting machines are not required to be certified by the Election Assistance Commission (EAC), the federal agency responsible for certifying all election equipment.

The RFP process will give the Ocean County Commissioners the ultimate decision on which voting machines will be purchased, despite their apparent conflict caused by the $96,800 in campaign donations received from Dominion representative Adam Perna.

Ocean County currently uses the Sequoia Voting Systems AVC Advantage Voting Machine. These machines now need to be replaced because they are fully electronic and do not have a paper backup for each individual vote. New Jersey P.L. 2021, c. 40, signed by Governor Murphy on March 30, 2021 requires voting machines which produce a voter-verifiable paper ballot, which allows for an election audit to do a 100% match with cast ballots.

August 3, 2021 0 comments

New Jersey News Ocean County News

Police arrest man dealing drugs in Manitou Park

by Dinesh Patel August 3, 2021

By Dinesh Patel

BERKELEY TOWNSHIP, NJ – Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force collaborated with the Berkeley Township Police Department Detective Bureau and Patrol Division, as well as the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit, to conduct an investigation into the distribution of narcotics in the Ocean County area.

The investigation identified a residence in the Manitou Park section of Berkeley Township as being utilized to store and distribute Cocaine.Based on the investigation, Detectives obtained a court-authorized search warrant for the subject residence. On July 30, 2021, Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, Ocean County Regional SWAT Team, Berkeley Township Police Department and Patrol Division, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit, executed the search warrant at the residence.

As a result, Detectives seized approximately 30 grams of Cocaine, along with a loaded Glock 9mm handgun with a large capacity magazine containing hollow point bullets.

Tiron Hester, 29, of Toms River, was arrested and charged with Possession of More than One-Half Ounce but Less than Five Ounces of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5b(2); Possession of Cocaine in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(1); Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-7b(1); Possession of a Firearm During a Controlled Dangerous Substance Offense in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4.1a; Possession of a Large Capacity Magazine in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-3j; and Possession of Hollow Point Ammunition in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-3f(1).

Hester was processed at the Berkeley Township Police Department, and is presently lodged in the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.Prosecutor Billhimer commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Asset Forfeiture Unit, Berkeley Township Police Department Detective Bureau and Patrol Division, Ocean County Regional SWAT Team, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit, for their combined assistance in connection with this investigation.

August 3, 2021 0 comments

Featured News Mercer County News New Jersey News Sports

Trenton teen Athing Mu wins Olympic gold medal for Team USA

by Phil Stilton August 3, 2021

By Phil Stilton

New Jersey teenager Athing Mu, of Trenton, has won the gold medal in the 800-meter race. Mu’s win is history in the making as she becomes the first American to win the gold medal in the event in more than 50 years. Mu is a 2020 graduate of Trenton High School but did not compete on the school’s track team, instead competed in the “Trenton Track Club”

ATHING MU TAKES THE GOLD! 🥇

She is the first American woman to win the 800m since the 1968 Mexico City Games. #TokyoOlympics pic.twitter.com/WmJq2dYulr
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) August 3, 2021

August 3, 2021 0 comments

New Jersey News

Four injured in early morning crash in Newark

by Charlie Dwyer August 3, 2021

By Charlie Dwyer

NEWARK, NJ – On August 3, 2021, at about 0119 hours, Newark Police responded to the 500 block of North Country Club Drive for a report of a crash. Arriving officers found a 2013 Jeep Cherokee on its side on the front lawn of a residence on North Country Club Drive. Officers found that there were four occupants in the vehicle and all were trapped. Aetna Hose Hook and Ladder Company of Newark responded to the scene and extricated all four occupants, two of whom were unconscious. They were treated at the scene by New Castle County paramedics.

One of the rear seat passengers was transported by a Delaware State Police helicopter to an area hospital. The three other occupants were transported to an area hospital by ambulance. The two rear seat passengers were admitted in critical condition. The driver, a 24 year-old male, and a female passenger, were admitted in serious condition. All three passengers are in their early 20’s.

The Newark Police Department’s Traffic Unit responded to the scene and assumed the investigation. An initial investigation found that the Jeep was westbound on Country Club Drive. The Jeep failed to negotiate the turn at Windsor Drive and drove up a grass embankment, overturned and struck a tree. Both impairment and speed are believed to be factors in this crash.

August 3, 2021 0 comments

New Jersey News Police Blotter

Two charged for Newark robbery

by Dinesh Patel August 3, 2021

By Dinesh Patel

NEWARK, NJ – On July 29, 2021, Deputies from the Cecil County (Maryland) Sheriff’s Office observed a vehicle occupied by William Payes IV, 32 and Angela Biggs, 40. Both were wanted by Newark Police on active warrants in this case. The deputies attempted to stop the vehicle and engaged in a pursuit with the vehicle after it did not stop. The vehicle crashed and both were taken to an area hospital.

Upon his release from the hospital, Payes was transported to Newark Police headquarters where he was charged with:

Robbery First Degree
Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony
Conspiracy Second Degree

Payes appeared before Justice of the Peace Court #2 by video and was ordered to be held in default of $122,000 cash bail. Payes was turned over to the custody of the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution in Wilmington.

Biggs was charged with:

Robbery First Degree
Conspiracy Second Degree

Biggs appeared before Justice of the Peace Court #2 by video from the hospital and was released on $31,000 unsecured bond.

August 3, 2021 0 comments

Police Blotter

Woman shot inside Las Cruces Planet Fitness

by Dinesh Patel August 3, 2021

By Dinesh Patel

LAS CRUCES, NM – Las Cruces police are investigating a shooting that injured a woman inside a gym on El Paso Road Tuesday morning.

About 8 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 3, police were dispatched to Planet Fitness, 1300 El Paseo Rd., where a 29-year-old employee was suffering from at least one gunshot wound. The woman was transported to Mountainview Regional Medical Center with an injury that does not appear to be life-threatening.

Witnesses gave police a description of the suspect and the direction he took off running. Officers quickly located and detained a man, believed to be the suspect, nearby.

The investigation is ongoing.

Planet Fitness and the parking lot near the gym were temporarily closed while police were on the scene. The parking lot and gym have since been cleared and are once again open.

August 3, 2021 0 comments

Business News Featured News New York News Politics

DeBlasio announced NYC ban against the unvaccinated, calling it “Key to NYC Pass”

by Shore News Network August 3, 2021

By Shore News Network

NEW YORK, NY – New York City Mayor Bill DeBlasio today announced his plan to exclude unvaccinated New Yorkers, workers and tourists from eating in restaurants, attending sports events, and entering indoor private businesses. He’s calling it a “Key to NYC Pass” when it is instead it locks out 40% of the regional New York tri-state area from participating in everyday life.

“Today, I announce a new approach which we’re calling the “Key to NYC Pass”, the key to New York City when you hear those words, I want you to imagine the notion that because someone’s vaccinated they can do all the amazing things that are available in this city,” DeBlasio said.

If you’re unvaccinated, don’t bother, because DeBlasio wants you locked out.

“But, if you’re unvaccinated, unfortunately, you will not be able to participate in many things. That’s the point we’re trying to get across,” DeBlasio said. “It’s time for people to see vaccination as literally necessary to living a good and full and healthy life.”

DeBlasio said the Key to NYC Pass is the first in the nation that will also require vaccination for workers and customers in indoor dining in indoor, fitness facilities, and indoor entertainment facilities.

“This is going to be a requirement,” he said. “The only way to patronize these establishments indoors will be if you’re vaccinated at least one dose.

The Mayor said starting September 13th, the city will begin inspecting businesses and possibly shutting down those who are not denying service to the unvaccinated.

“Right now this new policy will be phased in over the coming weeks so we’ve been working with the business community getting input,” DeBlasio said. “We’re going to do more over the next few weeks.”

DeBlasi added that the plan will roll out officially on August 16th, giving businesses nearly 30 days to comply with the order.

August 3, 2021 0 comments

New York News

Biden says accused sexual harasser Cuomo “One Hell of a Guy”, the “Gold Standard”

by Adam Devine August 3, 2021

By Adam Devine

President Joe Biden had once said New York Governor Andrew Cuomo was the “gold standard” and doing “one hell of a job”. This was as multiple sexual assault allegations were being lodged against Cuomo.

Now, New York Attorney General Leticia Jones has concluded Cuomo sexually harassed multiple women including a New York State Trooper on his personal security detail.

One of the governor’s former aides who claims she was a victim of Cuomo’s sexual harassment called on the governor to resign today. Cuomo, according to documents released by the state often picked on Bennett, sometimes complaining about how she did her hair.

“It’s taking everything in me to deal with this calmly,” Bennett told a friend. “I think I’m going to wear my hair in a bun every day until I see him leave.”

“This is a sad day for New York because independent investigators have concluded that Governor Cuomo sexually harassed multiple women and, in doing so, broke the law,” said Attorney General James. “I am grateful to all the women who came forward to tell their stories in painstaking detail, enabling investigators to get to the truth. No man — no matter how powerful — can be allowed to harass women or violate our human rights laws, period.”

Reminder: Joe Biden called Andrew Cuomo the “gold standard” pic.twitter.com/CRTLm1WypT
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) August 3, 2021

August 3, 2021 0 comments

Featured News Government News Health and Wellness

Biden administration says migrants who have signs of COVID-19 being released to local healthcare systems

by Conservative Times August 3, 2021

By Conservative Times

The Biden administration today acknowledges that it is not itself testing, quarantining, or treating illegal migrants entering the country via the country’s southern border. Instead, any immigrant who exhibits signs of COVID-19 are instead being released and “referred to local health systems”.

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki did not say what, if any public health oversight is conducted once the migrants leave federal custody or if the migrants are required to seek treatment at all once released.

When asked if migrants were being released before being tested in large numbers, Psaki said the process does not require it.

“Let me give you a little bit of an understanding of what actually happens when people come across the border,” Psaki said. “CBP provides migrants with PPE from the moment they are taken into custody and migrants are required to keep masks on at all times including when they are transferred or in the process of being released.

Psaki said the federal government’s protocol is to release the migrants into the local community to see private personal health care.

“Our other protocol is if anyone exhibits signs of illness in, CBP custody they’re referred to local health systems for appropriate testing diagnosis isolation and treatment that is our process,” Psaki said.

August 3, 2021 0 comments

CNN finally acknowledges the Biden Border Crisis, “This is a crisis in their own making”

by Conservative Times August 3, 2021

By Conservative Times

CNN has largely been ignoring the Biden Border Crisis and has given the administration a free pass as hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants, including many dangerous criminals and those infected with COVID-19 cross the southern border unchecked.

“We learned last night that in July, more than 19,000 unaccompanied children were encountered, that surpasses the record in March”, said Priscilla Alvarez. “It is remarkably high, especially in the summer months where we normally see a decline.”

“This is a crisis of their own making,” she said Republicans said of the Biden administration.

August 3, 2021 0 comments

Business News Featured News New Jersey News

McDonald’s to require facemasks for all employees, customers vaccinated or not

by The Daily Caller August 3, 2021

By The Daily Caller

Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience. For licensing opportunities of our original content, please contact [email protected].

Read the full story at the Daily Caller News Foundation

Fast food chain McDonald’s is requiring all its staff and customers, vaccinated and unvaccinated, to resume wearing masks in its restaurants in areas deemed high risk by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The company first announced its new rules in an internal memo to franchisees and workers, CNBC reported. The rules, which went into effect Monday, follow updated guidance last week from the CDC, which recommended fully-vaccinated Americans wear masks indoors to prevent the spread of the delta variant of coronavirus.

McDonald’s told the Daily Caller News Foundation the change in policy was due to the CDC’s updated guidance, and said the company was following the science in making its decision.

Several other major chains have updated their mask policy following the CDC’s new guidance. Retail giant Target announced Monday it would require face coverings for all its workers regardless of vaccine status in stores in high risk areas, while Home Depot said Monday its workers in all of its stores would need to be masked going forward.

Other large companies have imposed vaccine mandates on workers, with Walmart issuing a vaccine mandate for all its corporate employees Friday. Major tech companies Google, Uber and Facebook issued mandates last week requiring all workers to be vaccinated before they can return to the office.

McDonald’s Will Require Workers And Customers To Wear Masks, Vaccinated Or Not

Ailan Evans on August 3, 2021

August 3, 2021 0 comments

Business News Featured News Government News New York News Politics

New York City announces vaccine segregation, banning the unvaccinated from restaurants and indoor businesses

by Adam Devine August 3, 2021

By Adam Devine

NEW YORK CITY, NY – If you’re unvaccinated, you might want to think twice about going to New York City, because Mayor Bill De Blasio said this week that he will order businesses, including restaurants, entertainment venues and fitness centers to deny you service.

“If you’re unvaccinated, unfortunately, you will not be able to participate in many things,” de Blasio said. “If you want to participate in our society fully, you’ve got to get vaccinated.”

New York City becomes the first city in America to formally announce that it will begin segregating its population by vaccination status, denying business services to the unvaccinated.

The order is similar to the twentieth-century Jim Crow laws that allowed businesses to deny service to African American customers and allowed governments to suppress their rights in accordance with the law.

De Blasio did not say whether or not he will mandate vaccination for private sector workers working in the establishments which deny entry to the unvaccinated.

This is a developing story.

August 3, 2021 0 comments

New York News Police Blotter Politics

AG Investigation concludes Cuomo used fear and intimidation, sexually harassed multiple women

by Adam Devine August 3, 2021

By Adam Devine

NEW YORK – The independent investigators appointed by New York Attorney General Letitia James — led by Joon H. Kim and Anne L. Clark — today released their report into the multiple allegations of sexual harassment by New York Governor Andrew Cuomo. After nearly five months, the investigators concluded that Governor Cuomo did sexually harass multiple women — including former and current state employees — by engaging in unwanted groping, kissing, and hugging, and making inappropriate comments. Further, the governor and his senior staff took actions to retaliate against at least one former employee for coming forward with her story. Finally, the Executive Chamber fostered a “toxic” workplace that enabled “harassment to occur and created a hostile work environment.” The investigators find that Governor Cuomo’s actions and those of the Executive Chamber violated multiple state and federal laws, as well as the Executive Chamber’s own written policies.

The investigation was conducted after, on March 1, 2021, the Executive Chamber made a referral, pursuant to New York Executive Law Section 63(8), for Attorney General James to select independent lawyers to investigate “allegations of and circumstances surrounding sexual harassment claims made against the governor.” Kim and Clark were chosen to lead the investigation on March 8, 2021.

Executive Chamber “Rife with Fear and Intimidation,” Enabled
“Harassment to Occur and Created a Hostile Work Environment”

“This is a sad day for New York because independent investigators have concluded that Governor Cuomo sexually harassed multiple women and, in doing so, broke the law,” said Attorney General James. “I am grateful to all the women who came forward to tell their stories in painstaking detail, enabling investigators to get to the truth. No man — no matter how powerful — can be allowed to harass women or violate our human rights laws, period.”

Starting in December 2020, multiple women came forward with allegations that Governor Cuomo sexually harassed them. Over the course of the investigation, the investigators interviewed 179 individuals. Those interviewed included complainants, current and former members of the Executive Chamber, State Troopers, additional state employees, and others who interacted regularly with the governor. More than 74,000 documents, emails, texts, and pictures were also reviewed as evidence during the investigation.

Backed up by corroborating evidence and credible witnesses, the investigators detail multiple current or former New York state employees or women outside state service who were the targets of harassing conduct on the part of the governor.

Sexual Harassment Included Unwanted and Inappropriate Groping, Kissing, Hugging, and Comments That Accusers Called “Deeply Humiliating, Uncomfortable, Offensive, or Inappropriate”

As part of the investigation, Governor Cuomo also sat with the interviewers and answered questions under oath. While the governor denied the most serious allegations, the investigators found that he did so by offering “blanket denials” or that he had a “lack of recollection as to specific incidents.” The investigators also found that the governor’s recollection “stood in stark contrast to the strength, specificity, and corroboration of the complainants’ recollections, as well as the reports of many other individuals who offered observations and experiences of the governor’s conduct.”

Additionally, the investigators found that the Executive Chamber was “rife with fear and intimidation” that not only “enabled the above-described instances of harassment to occur,” but also “created a hostile work environment overall.” Further, Governor Cuomo, himself, and the Executive Chamber engaged in “retaliatory” behavior by “intend[ing] to discredit and disparage” a former employee that came forward with her story of harassment.

The investigation found that Governor Cuomo’s sexual harassment of multiple women and his and the Executive Chamber’s retaliation against a former employee for coming forward with her claims of sexual harassment violated multiple state and federal laws, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the New York State Human Rights Law, and 42 U.S. Code § 1983, in addition to the Executive Chamber’s own equal employment policies.

Jennifer Kennedy Park, Abena Mainoo, and Rahul Mukhi from the law firm Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP were all deputized — in addition to Joon H. Kim — as Special Deputies to the First Deputy Attorney General to conduct the investigation and issue this report. Yannick Grant from the law firm Vladeck, Raskin & Clark, P.C. was deputized — in addition to Anne L. Clark — as a Special Deputy to the First Deputy Attorney General to conduct the investigation and issue this report. A number of other attorneys from both Cleary Gottlieb and Vladeck were appointed as Special Assistants to the First Deputy Attorney General to assist with the investigation.

August 3, 2021 0 comments

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