WARETOWN — Five people were injured in a four-vehicle crash on Saturday after a deer started across the Garden State Parkway, reports say. At about 5 a.m., a Honda struck a deer near milepost 70 and 71, which then caused a Dodge to rear end the Honda, according to a report by the Asbury Park Press.…
Police Blotter
Police blotter reports are generally written by the authoritative agency and only edited by Shore News Network for grammar and accuracy. If you have any questions regarding the information in these reports, please contact the issuing authority.
College student arraigned for allegedly killing man, dumping body
FREEHOLD – A 20-year-old Monmouth County woman was arraigned on multiple charges, included murder and robbery, in a Monmouth County courtroom on Monday morning for her alleged role in a February killing and attempted cover-up. Wearing a maroon, jail-issued uniform and with her hands shackled in front of her, Tinton Falls resident Raquel Garajau, 20, pleaded…
Car Smashes Through Two Homes on Barrier Island
Chadwick Beach-Two homes sustained damage after a car plowed through the middle of them this morning, according to the Ocean Beach Volunteer Fire Company. Station 27 responded and no injuries were reported. Building inspectors and utility crews were dispatched to assess the damage and safety risks to the homes.
https://www.facebook.com/oceanbeachfire/photos/pcb.876008402549286/876007949215998/?type=3&theater
Could Lakewood Vaad Endorsement Sink Guadagno, Column C Republicans?
LAKEWOOD-Four years ago, the Lakewood Vaad, an influential group that essentially controls the Orthodox Jewish bloc vote here endorsed Governor Chris Christie and hardly anyone noticed.
This year, the Vaad’s robocall to urge Orthodox voters to vote “Column C” was recorded and leaked to the public by am Orthodox watchdog who calls himself the First Amendment Activist.
The bloc vote, along with his overwhelming support base in the county is what helped to propel Christie into another four years in office that November. Christie regularly cited his Ocean County support as the push he needed to get over the finish line in both of his elections.
It’s no secret that securing the Ocean County vote is critical to any Republican that wants to win higher office in New Jersey.
Just four years ago, the Vaad was an organization contained to Lakewood. Most outside of Lakewood didn’t know, or even care what the Vaad was, or who they endorsed, because their choices did not affect their own towns.
Fast forward to 2017, Ocean County is a county divided by fear. Fear that the Lakewood Vaad and the Orthodox Jewish community is on a mission to “take over” neighboring towns of Jackson, Toms River, Brick and Howell. Now, the Vaad’s influence not only affects Lakewood, but all five surrounding towns. Residents are now paying attention, but are voters? And will they come out today in the rain to make their voices heard?
If it was 2013, the Vaad’s endorsement of the establishment column C Republicans, such as Guadagno would have been the icing on the cake to secure their wins.
This year the Vaad’s blessing could be the kiss of death as for the first time in many years, Ocean County’s “Column C” Republicans are facing serious primary challenges.
It was Ocean County gubernatorial candidate Joseph Rullo who viewed Guadagno’s endorsement by the Vaad as, “selling her soul”. Rullo said his message was not a religious one, but one that emphasized his platform of not engaging in any negotiations or deal making with any collective voting units, whether it’s the religious power brokers at the Vaad, influential union leaders or party bosses. Rullo said at the end of the day, if he wins, he doesn’t want to owe anything to any of them, or have it appear that he’s in anyone’s pocket except for the people of New Jersey. Rullo said he wasn’t interested in reaching out to the Vaad in the primary election, or any powerbrokers for that matter.
Our original news story was read over 100,000 times and shared thousands of times in just a few days, with hundreds of readers expressing their displeasure and their intent to not support Guadagno, but how far down-ballot with that fervor run and will those who are commenting on social media actually show up to vote today?
If they do, damage could be significant in several Ocean County races including the District 12 primary in Jackson where Senator Samuel Thompson’s Row C team could face Vaad endorsement backlash in the polls. Thompson last year drew his own criticism after voting in favor of the $14 million annual subsidy to fund a private school bussing consortium in Lakewood. That pilot program was rolled out this year, but could it soon be a template to be used in neighboring towns of Toms River, Jackson, Brick and Howell? That has some voters worried about Thompson’s future plans.
In Toms River, the Row C establishment line is facing a powerful challenge from Lavallette police officer Justin Lamb in the township’s waterfront first ward.
If offline candidates can muster a good showing on Tuesday in the polls, it could turn Republican politics in Ocean County upside down. In the past, challengers couldn’t compete with the party money, but this year is a case study that solid platforms and a strong conservative approach could weaken the establishment’s grip on county politics and allow the residents of Ocean County a seat at the table, not longer the dogs that beg for scraps from the floor. Wins could embolden other Republicans seeking to normalize politics and to remove the rampant nepotism, cronyism and patronage to seek office in future years.
In a few years, analysts might look back as June 6, 2017 as the spark of the Republican Revolution in Ocean County, or the party leaders could look back and laugh it off as the year the people thought they could rise up against their power, but failed, because Facebook fervor doesn’t win elections.
The destiny of Ocean County’s Republican landscape is now in the hands of the voters.
Great White Shark Surfaces Near Seaside Park
SEASIDE PARK-A 3,456 pound great white shark was spotted off the coast of Seaside Park on Sunday as it traveled south along the Ocean County barrier peninsula this weekend.
Mary Lee, as she was named by Ocearch, a global shark tracking organization has been tracked since she was tagged with a monitoring device off Cape Cod in September of 2012.
The great white shark was spotted Sunday morning two miles off the coast of Seaside Heights and made an inland approach towards Seaside Park.
She was last spotted at 10:32 am on Sunday, but hasn’t surfaced since, so she could be anywhere in the area.
This marks her third visit to the Jersey Shore in two years. She passed by the shoreline in May of 2015 and October of 2016.
Update: As of 6:52 AM, Monday, Mary Lee traveled south and was spotted approximately 5 miles off the coast of Long Beach Island.
New Jersey Tries to Squeeze Mafia Out of Recycling Business
TRENTON — A bill aimed at fixing blind spots in regulating the recycling industry is moving through the New Jersey Legislature following a state report that found it remains vulnerable to influence from organized crime. The State Commission of Investigation found in a report published earlier this year that many of the laws and regulations passed…
Weekend Beach Outlook: 5 Shore Beaches Given Swim Advisories
A swimming advisory was issued for five ocean beaches in Monmouth County on Wednesday afternoon due to high levels of bacteria. The five beaches include: Broadway and Spray Avenue, in Neptune Township; Public Beach in Sea Bright Borough; and Brown Avenue and York Avenue in Spring Lake Borough. The statewide agency will check the beaches every…
Ocean County Rained On Most in NJ in May
May turned out to be a lousy month for New Jersey sun worshippers, but a great month for lush lawns and flower beds. All because of a pesky weather pattern that pushed a lot of storm clouds over the region and dumped abundant amounts of rain. Although some areas of North Jersey ended up getting average…
Lakewood Population Breaks 100,000 Mark
LAKEWOOD — The township has exceeded 100,000 residents, making it the eighth largest in New Jersey, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s most recent data. The Ocean County town now has approximately 100,758 residents, according to the bureau’s data from 2016. That’s a 1.5 percent increase compared to the previous year. Very few local municipalities are…
First mounds of sand pumped ashore to start massive beach replenishment project
ORTLEY BEACH — The first mounds of sand for one of New Jersey’s largest beach replenishment projects started being pumped onto Ortley Beach this week as Shore towns on the northern Ocean County peninsula, which for decades had fought hard against engineered beaches, relented after Hurricane Sandy. After having at least two projected start dates fall…
Rullo: Guadagno "Sold Her Soul"; Secures Powerful Lakewood Orthodox Bloc Vote
LAKEWOOD-The influential political power brokers of Lakewood Township, the Lakewood Vaad, have announced Kim Guadagno as their candidate of choice for governor of New Jersey in Tuesday’s Republican primary election.
In a report yesterday on the political news website, Ocean County Politics, editor Gavin Rozzi broke the news through a video published by Lakewood’s “First Amendment Activist” of a robocall sent out by Rabbi Yisroel Schenkolewksi, one of the Vaad’s religious and political leaders.
In the call, Schenkolewksi urged Lakewood’s Orthodox voters that a vote for Guadagno, Lakewood’s large bloc vote remains powerful.
“Let us stop those who are trying to divide us and weaken us,” Schenkolewksi said.
Guadagno’s opponent in the election, Ocean County resident Joseph Rullo wondered what offers or promises Guadagno made to Lakewood in return for the endorsement.
“It’s so corrupt how one guy can cut a deal to get 13,000 votes for promises after elected in Lakewood,” Rullo said. “Kim sold her soul….Lakewood is a sanctuary city with no rules.”
The news also doesn’t sit well with voters in the Republican stronghold of Ocean County where an ongoing confrontation exists between Lakewood’s growing Orthodox Jewish population and the surrounding gentile townships of Jackson, Brick, Toms River and Howell where Rullo is showing strong against Guadagno and the other Republican establishment candidates.
In a new SaveJersey poll, a shore area conservative blog site, Rullo is leading the pack with 41% of voters. Rival conservative Steve Rogers polled with 22% with Guadagno and her establishment arch-nemesis Jack Ciattarelli trailing with just 14% and 16% respectively.
In the latest Shore News Network poll, consisting mostly of Ocean County residents, Rullo received 51% of the votes and Guadagno 27.8%. Ciattarelli (8%), Singh (7%) and Rogers (5%) all trailed.
Rullo hopes his conservative platform and open support of Donald Trump resonates with the New Jersey voters on Tuesday. He backed the president in last November’s election and has been a staunch supporter of Trump since his announcement in 2015.
Rullo said he feels most of New Jersey’s Trump supporters will be behind him, while Guadagno, Ciattarelli and Singh compete over the balance of the establishment type voters in the state.
One Injured as Man Jumps Out of Window to Escape Lavallette Condo Fire
by Al Della Fave, OCPO
LAVALETTE-On Thursday, May 25th 2017, at 1:21 am, The Lavallette Police Department and Fire Department were dispatched to a structure fire at 1806 Grand Central Avenue. Upon arrival, emergency personnel observed the second floor of a two story, multi-unit dwelling condominium structure was fully involved in fire. Both Seaside Heights and Seaside Park Fire Departments assisted with fire suppression.
RELATED NEWS >> Lavallette Police Officer Under Fire by Toms River GOP Smear Campaign
Despite the intensity of the flames responding units found upon arrival, the fire event produced one minor injury. A 45-year-old male was transported to Community Medical Center for non-life threating injuries sustained when jumping from the second story to escape the extreme fire and smoke conditions.
The subsequent investigation conducted by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes/Arson Unit, Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office, Ocean County Sheriff’s Department Crime Scene Investigation Unit and Lavallette Police Department determined that the area of origin was on the exterior of the south side of the structure, along a balcony style walkway on the second floor. The point of origin is on top of outdoor carpeting that lined the floor of the walkway in between unit #7 and unit #8. The cause of the fire is deemed accidental and improperly discarded smoking material cannot be eliminated as the cause of the fire.
https://www.facebook.com/JerseyShoreHurricaneNews/videos/1592115787474594/
School Buses Erupt in Flames in Toms River
Toms River-Police here said they are investigating an overnight blaze that occurred at a school bus parking lot that damaged two school buses.
BREAKING NEWS>> Lavallette Police Officer Under Fire by Toms River GOP Smear Campaign
On May 26th at 2:40 am a fire was located to the rear of 2301 Industrial way. Toms River Police Officer John Minor was on patrol along Route 37 when he observed a smoke condition on the South side of the highway. He conducted a search of the area and located the source of the smoke. Officer Minor came upon several vehicles engulfed in flames. Toms River Fire Companies #1 and #2 responded and ultimately extinguished the multiple fires. Two Chevrolet buses and one Ford bus suffered extensive damage. Minor secondary exposure damage was done to a Ford F150 pickup. The vehicles are owned by the Toms River School District and they were within the transportation storage area at the time of the incident. Officers are still on the scene and the cause of the fires remains under investigation. The police department worked overnight with School Superintendent David Healy and his staff to ensure that no morning bus routes were negatively affected.
The cooperative investigation is being conducted by Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention Inspector Kevin Britton, Toms River Police Detective Mark Bajada, Ocean County Prosecutors Arson Detective John Doran, and Ocean County Sheriffs C.I.U. Officer Jillian Menke.
Jackson Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Role in 2015 Pizzeria Murder
TOMS RIVER-Daniele RomeodiSantillo, 29, of Jackson Township received a sentence of 30 years by judge James M. Blaney for his role in the murder of Peyman Sanandaji. Mr. Sanandaji was murdered on April 9, 2015 in the abandoned Casanova’s Ristorante, adjacent to the RemoediSantillo’s family owned Romeo’s Pizzeria.
RomeodiSantillo claimed the murder was in self defense, but during the trial, the jury found him guilty of conspiring with Hector Calderon, of Freehold to murder Sanandaji, and was found guilty on charges of murder, weapons charges and conspiracy to commit murder.
RomeodiSantillo maintained his innocence throughout the trial.
Rock Truck Crash in Manchester Sends Three to Hospital
by Manchester PD
MANCHESTER-On Monday, May 15, 2017, at approximately 3:28 p.m. , members of the Manchester Township Police Department responded to the intersection of Route 539 and Harry Wright Boulevard in the Whiting section of the Township to investigate a motor vehicle crash involving an overturned dump truck.
Upon arrival, officers observed a gray, 2008, Nissan Altima pinned under a silver, 2016, Kenworth T80 tri-axle dump truck which had been loaded with stone. Both vehicles were along the northbound shoulder of Route 539. The initial investigation revealed that the dump truck was traveling southbound on Route 539 when it struck the driver’s side of the Nissan as it was making a left turn onto Harry Wright Boulevard from Route 539 south. The impact caused both vehicles to leave the roadway and the subsequent collision with multiple signs and trees caused the dump truck to overturn onto the Nissan’s roof and spill its load.
The driver of the Nissan, 24-year-old, Andrea Penna of Whiting was trapped underneath stone and debris as the vehicle’s roof completely collapsed on top of her. Extensive extrication efforts were conducted and Penna was eventually rescued from her vehicle and transported to Community Medical Center for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. The driver of the dump truck, 41-year-old, Tayfun Obut of Browns Mills and the front seat passenger of the Nissan, 22-year-old, Kaitlyn McCabe of Lakehurst both sustained non-life threatening injuries and were transported to Community Medical Center for evaluation and treatment. The roadway was closed for several hours during the rescue, investigation and subsequent clean-up.
Assisting at the scene were detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigations (CSI) Unit as well as members of both the Manchester and Whiting Volunteer Fire Departments. Also assisting were EMTs from Quality Medical Transport and paramedics from MON-OC as well as representatives from the Manchester Township Department of Public Works and the Ocean County Road Department. We would also wish to express our gratitude to the members of the New Jersey State Police, New Jersey Department of Corrections, and other motorists who had stopped to assist with the extrication process. This crash is being investigated by Patrolman Ian Bole, Sergeant Antonio Ellis, and Patrolman Thomas O’Hare with the Manchester Township Police Traffic Safety Unit.
Anarchy in Toms River? Republicans Claim Anarchy in Wake of Firehouse Defeat
Anarchists are on the loose in Toms River according to statements made by Toms River GOP leaders after voters turned down a $14 million firehouse in a special election on Saturday.
According to a story in PoliticsOc today, Toms River Republican school board member Christopher Raimann, still recovering from a black eye after losing a critical political appointment vote earlier this year condemned the taxpayers of Toms River for voting down a new, lavish $14 million firehouse project.
The Toms River Republicans privately blamed conservative challenger Justin Lamb for their defeat, but their memo, like so many before were leaked to the local news media.
According to the report, Raimann, who sits on the supposed non-partisan Toms River Regional School District Board of Education, fired off a memo to the Toms River Republican Club warning them not to take Lamb’s campaign lightly, blaming Lamb for lying to voters about the costs of the firehouse.
After looking over Lamb’s social media and campaign statements, Lamb was an advocate for the defeat of the referendum, but did not appear to publish any statements that were not consistent with the facts released by the township and fire district pertaining to the project. Lamb offered sharp criticism over the costs, size of the building and clarification of the use of the word “average” when used by township officials in the expected tax increase.
“This memo is one of many I have received and agree with since the Fire House vote,” DiBiase was quoted as writing by Politics OC. “We will continue to expose them as the anarchists they are!”
“While we could only speculate over the TR GOP’s silence over this backdoor tax increase prior to the Saturday’s vote, this latest revelation from this surrogate shows they have been in full support of a huge tax increase all along,” Lamb said in a statement.
Lamb said his opponent, incumbent Maria Maruca had a chance to speak out against the referendum, but chose not to when the matter was discussed before the council.
Lamb is a police officer and volunteer firefighter himself and said the cost of the new facility was excessive at $14 million and would have impacted ward 1 residents more than others in town due to higher property values along the bay front and oceanfront.
Prior to the claim of anarchy in Toms River, Republicans have sharply criticized Lamb, leading to what could be a situation of strange bedfellows throughout the general election should Lamb defeat Maruca in the June 6th primary elections where he would run with those he criticized and those who have criticized him.
He would run as part of the Republican ticket in November.
Lamb fired off a final salvo in the back and forth exchange in heated contest which has had its share of mudslinging prior to the firehouse election.
“Are we taxpayers anarchists?” Lamb asked. “I believe we are called Conservative Republicans, an informed electorate is the establishment’s biggest fear…the TR GOP and WARD 1 has no leadership and my opponent sits silent as usual.”
NJ Attorney General Will Pay You $25,000 to Snitch on Corrupt Politicians
TRENTON-Attorney General Christopher S. Porrino announced two new initiatives to fight public corruption, including a reward program offering up to $25,000 for tips from the public, as well as a program that offers lower-level defendants in a corruption scheme the potential to avoid prosecution if they reveal the crime to the Attorney General’s Office so more culpable defendants can be prosecuted.
New Jersey has tough anti-corruption laws that provide mandatory minimum terms of imprisonment and parole ineligibility for people who commit crimes that touch upon their public office or employment. The Attorney General’s Office has utilized these laws in recent years to prosecute major cases involving elected officials, government employees and companies receiving public funds. A critical challenge, however, is securing the initial leads that allow such crimes to be uncovered and prosecuted. The new programs are designed to encourage those with information on corruption to come forward.
“It’s a troubling reality that along with the many public officials and employees who carry out their duties with integrity, there are some who abuse their authority and corruptly exploit their positions for personal gain,” said Attorney General Porrino. “We know these bad actors are out there, and we’re casting a wide net to catch them with these two new programs. For members of the public who have personal knowledge of corruption and are fed up with it, we’re offering an added motivation for them to turn their anger into action.”
“Our whistleblower program strategically allows secondary players in corruption schemes to come clean and avoid prosecution,” Porrino added. “Whether we’re talking about a skilled public worker assigned to act as a personal handyman for his boss, or a contractor asked to pay bribes to a local code inspector, or a corporate employee pressured by executives to make illegal political contributions, we’re offering a way out of such predicaments for those who come forward first and are less culpable.”
“These new programs offer strong incentives for people to come forward confidentially and help us root out public corruption, whether they’re tipsters from the public seeking a reward, or public workers or others seeking to extricate themselves from a corrupt scheme,” said Director Elie Honig of the Division of Criminal Justice. “By offering the programs for a limited time, we’re looking for swift results, and we will vigorously pursue every lead.”
“By implementing the Anti-Corruption Reward and Anti-Corruption Whistleblower Programs for a relatively short time frame, we are hoping for quick and decisive action by anyone with knowledge of public corruption by elected officials and government employees,” said Colonel Rick Fuentes, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “The goal of the initiatives is to encourage those to come forward with information that will eventually lead to the prosecution of anyone who engages in these corruption schemes.”
Attorney General Porrino announced the following programs to promote reporting of corruption cases:
Anti-Corruption Reward Program
- The Attorney General’s Office is offering a reward of up to $25,000 for tips from the public leading to a conviction for a crime involving public corruption. The reward program will be funded by the Attorney General’s Office using criminal forfeiture funds.
- Individuals applying for this reward must provide information about a crime that has not previously been revealed to law enforcement and they must not have participated in the crime.
- The reward limit for any case is $25,000. In most cases, only the person who first reports the crime will receive the reward. However, where two or more people provide different information that is material to successfully prosecuting the case, the reward may be apportioned.
- The reward is not available to government employees who learn of the crime in the course of their employment if they have an official duty to report such crimes.
Anti-Corruption Whistleblower Program
- This program encourages eligible individuals or corporations to self-report their involvement in criminal activity, in return, in appropriate cases, for an agreement by the Attorney General’s Office to waive prosecution of the whistleblower.
- Individuals interested in participating in the program can choose initially to report information anonymously and/or through an attorney to determine whether they are a likely candidate for waiver of prosecution under the program. They can then decide whether to proceed with the formal application.
- The program is restricted to lower-level participants in a crime who provide information that enables the Attorney General’s Office to charge higher-level defendants. The whistleblower must provide truthful and complete information and must cooperate as required by investigators.
- An individual will not be eligible for the program if he or she is an elected official, had a controlling role in the criminal scheme, or enlisted another party to participate in the scheme.
- The whistleblower may be subject to forfeiture of public employment depending on the circumstances.
- Corporations may apply for the Whistleblower Program only where the criminal activity at issue was committed by employees of the corporation, without the knowledge, acquiescence or participation of the high-level employees, officers, directors or shareholders seeking waiver of prosecution for the corporation, and only where the corporation took prompt action to terminate the illegal activity or report it to law enforcement once it was discovered.
The programs are intended to encourage individuals who have information on public corruption to come forward promptly, so they will be open for a limited time. Both programs will expire on Aug. 1, 2017.
The Attorney General’s Office will keep the identities of applicants to the programs confidential to the fullest extent possible, subject to any statute, rule of court, or judicial decision to the contrary which may require disclosure to certain parties, including, in certain circumstances, a criminal defendant. Applicants to each program may be interviewed by detectives at the discretion of the Division of Criminal Justice. The applicant may also be required to give his or her verbal statement under oath and sign a written memorialization of his or her statement.
Additional information about the two programs can be found posted with this press release on the Attorney General’s Office website: www.njpublicsafety.com.
Individuals may report information and apply for the Anti-Corruption Reward Program or Anti-Corruption Whistleblower Program by one of the following methods:
- Call the DCJ hotline 866-TIPS-4CJ to speak with corruption detectives 24 hours/7 days a week;
- Visit www.njdcj.org to submit an online report;
- Write directly to DCJ at the following address:
New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety
Division of Criminal Justice
25 Market Street
P.O. Box 085
Trenton, NJ 08625-0085
Attention: Anti-Corruption Reward Program OR Anti-Corruption Whistleblower Program.
Police Charge Three Involved in Tailgate Thefts
by Christopher Parise
Jackson PD
JACKSON-The Jackson Police Department’s Detective Bureau investigation regarding a recent rash of stolen Ford tailgates has culminated in the arrest of three individuals.
28 year old Peter Wesolowski of Manchester was arrested by Detectives Scott Conover and Detective Keith Hood on May 8. Mr. Wesolowski was charged with two counts of theft and five counts of receiving stolen property. After being charged, Mr. Wesolowski was remanded to the Ocean County Jail.
31 year old Scott Hendrickson of Bennetts Mills Road in Jackson was charged with five counts of receiving stolen property. Mr. Hendrickson was released on a summons complaint.
32 year old Ronald Pearn Jr of Bennetts Mills Road in Jackson was charged with five counts of receiving stolen property. Mr. Pearn was released on a summons complaint.
Jackson Police Department were able to recover five stolen tailgates, four from thefts that occurred in Jackson and one that was stolen from Brielle. The investigation is still ongoing and anyone having information about these thefts are asked to contact Jackson Detective Keith Hood at 732-803-3012 or the Jackson Police Tip Line at 732-833-3032.
-The media and public are reminded that any persons arrested or charged with any offenses or crimes are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Lacey Speedball Competition A Success for the Community
by Michael DiBella
Chief, Lacey PD
LACEY–May 12, 2017, was a night of intense and competitive games of speedball at the Lacey Township Middle School. Over one-hundred 7th and 8th grade Middle School students participated in a double-elimination speedball tournament, ultimately resulting in one team being announced as the 2017 Lacey Middle School Speedball Tournament Champions. The tournament, which was coordinated by the Lacey Township Recreation Department, the Lacey Township Police Department and the Lacey Municipal Police Foundation, included free food and giveaways, provided by Lacey Township Recreation and the Municipal Alliance. Additionally, free team t-shirts (in various team colors) were provided to each Middle School student who participated, by the Lacey Municipal Police Foundation. Last evening’s tournament involved 10 teams of middle school students and several Lacey Township Police Officers who served as coaches and assistants.
The below picture depicts Officer Anthony Sarno looking on during one of the impressive games at last night’s Middle School Speedball Tournament.
The competition was very competitive with approximately 15 matches being completed before the final championship game. The championship game was between the “Flourescent Yellow Team” and “Golden-Rod Team,” with the Flourescent Yellow taking the victory after a very spirited hard-faught match.
Ten officers from the Lacey Township Police Department participated in the event, including: Chief Michael C. DiBella, Captain Patrick Ganley, Detective Dimitri Tsarnas, Officer Michael Hein, Officer George Resetar, Officer Anthony Sarno, Officer Scott Keefe, Officer Christopher Meyler, Officer Jason Lee and Officer Noah Schaffer. The members of the Lacey Township Police Department had an amazing evening serving as coaches and most of all interacting with the middle school students.
The below picture depicts an intense game between two teams (Maroon and Blue Teams) at last evening’s Lacey Middle School Tournament.
I want to truly thank everyone who participated in last evening’s event, including the students and staff of the Lacey Middle School, the families who attended and supported the event, the members of the Lacey Township Recreation Department and the members of the Lacey Township Municipal Alliance. In addition, I would like to thank all of my officers who participated. Building a positive relationship with the Officers of the Lacey Township Police Department and the students of our community remains a top priority for our agency. Moving forward the Lacey Township Police Department in coordination with the Lacey Township Recreation Department, will continue to foster these types of events for our kids. An additional Lacey Middle School Speedball Tournament might be forthcoming before the end of the year.
I would like to note that the next Gille Park Skate Park Evening Event will be held next Friday, May 19th, 2017, beginning at 6pm. There will be a live DJ playing music, along with a new Gaming Trailer made possible by the Lacey Municipal Police Foundation and the Lacey Municipal Alliance. Additionally, the Lacey Township Junior Policy Academy is scheduled to take place between July 10th and July 14th, 2017. Twenty Middle School students will be participating in the academy. Furthermore, the Lacey Township Police Department is presently coordinating National Night Out for Lacey Township at Gille Park on Tuesday Evening, August 1, 2017.
Shore Couple Tied Up During Home Invasion
HOLMDEL — Two alleged robbers tied up a Holmdel couple Saturday night as they rummaged through their personal belongings for items to steal, authorities said. Two township residents, a 45-year-old woman and a 37-year-old man, came home around 10:54 p.m. to two individuals in their townhouse on Banyan Boulevard, said Donna Weaver, a spokeswoman for the…
Man killed, 5 injured after lightning strikes down tree limb at barbecue
PASSAIC – A Passaic man was killed and five people were injured Sunday afternoon, when police said lightning struck a tree limb that then fell on them during a backyard barbecue. The incident occurred at 4:28 p.m., at a home on Paulison Avenue, said Lt. Jonathan Schaer of the Passaic Police. Schaer said the 28-year-old man…
Toms River Voters Say No to $14 Million Firehouse
Voters on Saturday voted in a special election to build a $14,000,000 firehouse in Downtown Toms River. The effort was touted by Toms River Fire District 1 Administrator, Brian Kubiel, who also sits on the Toms River Township Council.
The fire district lobbied residents for the past few months to support the new three story building, but the voters rejected the plan. The district said the existing buildings were in need of repair and offered logistical problems for the fire companies that use them.
The defeat could also give insight into voter direction for the upcoming June 6th Republican primary election for the hotly contested first ward.
The vote was seen as a victory for Republican council challenger Justin Lamb who has been fighting town hall in recent months to reduce spending. Lamb hopes that the defeat carries into a win for his anti-establishment campaign to win over township Republicans.
“The voters of Ward 1 spoke and they spoke loudly, thank you for the turnout,” Lamb said tonight. “I need you all one more time on June 6th. I will work every hour of everyday to make sure we are safe and sound.”
Lamb is facing off against incumbent Maria Maruca who is seeking re-election.
In the past week, Maruca’s campaign team went on the offensive against Lamb in a series of inflammatory attacks against the political newcomer.
The referendum for the new firehouse was defeated 535 votes to 306.
For now, Fire Company No. 1 will continue to use the 120 old Robbins Street station and Fire Company 2 will continue to operate out of the 90 year old Water Street station instead of jointly operating out of the proposed 32,965 square foot facility.
Jackson Man Busted By State Police with 100 Bags of Heroin
HAMILTON TWP-The New Jersey State Police have arrested Dario Jefferson, 28, of Jackson, N.J. and seized $300 worth of heroin.
On Monday, May 8, at 2:52 p.m., Trooper Keith Ashley stopped Jefferson for a traffic violation on eastbound Interstate 195 at milepost 3.1. in Hamilton Township. During the stop, Tpr. Ashley arrested Jefferson for DWI. After further investigation, Tpr. Ashley discovered that Jefferson was in possession of 100 bags of heroin.
Dario Jefferson was charged with possession of heroin, criminal under the influence and DWI. He was released pending a court appearance.
Lakewood High School Students Stage Walkout to Protest Teacher Cuts
LAKEWOOD-The embattled Lakewood School District, facing a $14 million budget deficit may be forced to fire up to 140 teachers and faculty and students at the high school staged a walkout. Video was published to Twitter today by APP’s Alex Gecan.
Lakewood High School student walkout @AsburyParkPress pic.twitter.com/4qek7J5gBN
— Alex N. Gecan (@GeeksterTweets) May 12, 2017
Lawsuits claim 'upskirting' teacher touched, berated female students
DEPTFORD TWP. — Six former students have filed lawsuits against a former teacher and the school that employed him, saying he secretly video recorded up their skirts and engaged in a pattern of sexual harassment against female students. The claims are outlined in two recent lawsuits filed against Adam Mayr, 39, of Washington Township, the Gloucester…
DUI Hit-and-Run Suspect Previously Deported 15 Times
An illegal immigrant accused of a hit-and-run while driving under the influence over the weekend in San Diego that left a six-year-old boy severely injured had been deported from the U.S. 15 times since 2002, authorities told The San Diego Union-Tribune Tuesday. Mexican citizen Constantino Banda-Acosta, 38, reportedly slammed his pickup truck into a Honda Accord…
Guadagno: Christie would make a good FBI director
NEWARK — Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno may be distancing herself from Gov. Chris Christie as she runs for the Republican nomination to succeed him, but she didn’t scoff Wednesday at the idea of Christie becoming the new head of the FBI. President Donald Trump on Tuesday fired James Comey as FBI director. Christie has a background…
Agudath Israel Files Lawsuit Against Jackson Township for Religious Discrimination
JACKSON-A series of laws and ordinances enacted by the township of Jackson in recent months has led to Agudath Israel of America filing a religious discrimination lawsuit against the town.
In March, the township passed two ordinances aimed at limiting the building of schools and banning the construction of school related dormitories. Township officials cited quality of life concerns for the residents, but Agudath Israel claims the ordinances were adopted to hinder the constitutional rights of the influx of Orthodox Jewish residents to the township.
“The adoption of the Ordinances was motivated by discriminatory animus against the Orthodox Jewish community, they treat religious educational institutions differently and worse than various nonreligious assembly and institutional uses, they unreasonably limit and exclude religious educational institutions from the Township, and they make housing unavailable within the Township based on religion,” Agudath Israel claims in the legal filing.
The organization, which represents Jewish interests nationwide said Jackson Township’s elected officials have been trying to “Build a Wall” around the township to deter Jewish residents from moving there.
“The Ordinances are the latest action taken by the Township in a long campaign to erect a wall on its border with Lakewood Township, where many Orthodox Jews live, in order to discourage them from moving into Jackson,” the lawsuit continued.”
The lawsuit also claims that Mayor Michael Reina told residents not to sell to Jewish residents.
“Its Mayor has told residents ‘Don’t sell’ to the Orthodox Jewish community, its township council president said that a suggestion that Orthodox Jews move into communities such as Jackson was ‘reprehensible,’ and referred to the community as a ‘threat’ to Jackson, and noted that the Township Council ‘is on the same page”’ with a community that harbors substantial hostility toward the Orthodox Jewish community,” the lawsuit claims.
In the meetings Shore News Network has covered, Reina always made it clear that the township has no right to restrict who can and can’t buy homes and said if residents were concerned about the home sales, the only option was to not sell their homes. Reina often told distraught residents that they lived in America and it’s not anyone’s right to tell another who they can and can’t sell their homes to.
The lawsuit also targeted Republican Councilman Robert Nixon who said of the growth of the Jewish population in town, “The threat can be eliminated if people held their ground and refused the offers being made on their properties and remain committed to Jackson Township and their neighbors.”
Nixon has been on the frontlines of the township’s battle against the Orthodox Jewish growth in the township.
Jackson Township officials have not yet responded to the lawsuit.
The 35 page filing released today by the Lakewood Scoop can also be found on our Shore News Network and JTOWN Magazine Facebook pages.
Suspected Point Pleasant Aspiring ISIS Terrorist Stabbed Mom's Dog Because it was "unclean"
A Point Pleasant man who was accused by the FBI of providing material support for ISIS was caught after police were called on a report that he had stabbed his mother’s dog and threatened to kill her.
According to the Point Pleasant Police Department, officers arrived at the residence for a report of a male subject threatening to kill the family dog.
Responding Point Pleasant Police officers set up a perimeter around the residence and attempted to make contact with the male resident.
“During our attempt to negotiate, 20 year old Gregory Lepsky emerged from the residence and was taken into custody,” police said.
According to a report in the Asbury Park Press, Lepsky told first responders he wanted to kill the dog, because under his view of Islam, the pet was dirty.
He also stabbed himself. Lepsky was transported to Brick Hospital to be treated for a self-inflicted laceration.
The family dog was located within the residence alive, however, sustained a significant laceration to his back. The dog was immediately transported to an area veterinary hospital.
A large knife was recovered from the suspect’s bedroom that was believed to have been used in the attack on the dog. Detective Scalabrini of the Point Pleasant Police Department charged Gregory Lepsky with Terroristic Threats 2C:12-3a, Possession of a Weapon for Unlawful Purpose 2C:39-4d, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon 2C:39-5d, Criminal Mischief 2C:17-3a and Animal Cruelty 4:22-17c(1).
Through the course of this investigation, information was developed to connect Mr. Lepsky with ISIS and a potential plan to build and use a pressure cooker bomb. Detectives from the Point Pleasant Police Department commenced a joint investigation with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness.
Gregory Lepsky, 20, of Point Pleasant, New Jersey, will appear in federal court today to face allegations that he planned to construct and use a pressure cooker bomb in support of the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization. Lepsky is charged by criminal complaint with one count of attempting to provide material support to ISIS.
During searches of computers and other digital evidence linked to Lepsky, law enforcement found evidence of Lepsky’s plan to build and detonate a bomb as part of his support for ISIS. During several social media communications, Lepsky told others that he intended to fight on behalf of ISIS, and that he would, if necessary, become a martyr by driving a “bunch of explosives” to where the “enemies” could be found and blowing himself up.
Law enforcement also located a series of instructions that had been published online by another terrorist group that gave specific, step-by-step instructions on how to build a pressure cooker bomb, which coincided with the delivery to Lepsky of the pressure cooker a short time before his arrest. In addition, law enforcement recovered a message forwarded by Lepsky from another ISIS supporter stating that if a westerner could not travel to Syria to fight for ISIS, he could conduct a terrorist attack in his home country using improvised explosive devices.
Housing authority director admits to embezzling federal funds
CAMDEN — The executive director of the Ocean City Housing Authority admitted on Monday to embezzling federal funds, authorities said. Alesia Watson, 54, of Galloway Township, pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of embezzling funds received from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Acting U.S. Attorney William E. Fitzpatrick said in a…
New Jersey Bail Reform Lets Man Who Tried to Meet 15 Year Old For Sex Out of Jail
FREEHOLD-A 28 year old Brick Township man who tried to set up a meeting with a 15 year old girl in Howell Township has been released under the New Jersey Bail Reform’s pretrial hearing.
Members of New Jersey’s anti-bail reform coalition have called the release of Criag Sorokach, “Another validated pretrial risk assessment failure.”
A computer model assesses the person’s flight risk and whether or not the computer algorithm determines if the person is likely to commit another crime while awaiting trial, instead of holding a person in jail until trial.
Sorokach, of Sawmill Road in Brick, was charged following an investigation by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office working in conjunction with the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC). He is charged with Attempted Sexual Assault, Luring, Enticing a Child by Various Means, Attempted Endangering the Welfare of a Child, and Attempted Obscenity to a Minor after he arranged to meet with the girl in Howell.
Report: 140 Teachers, Faculty fired in Lakewood School District
LAKEWOOD-The Lakewood School District held a four hour budget meeting on Monday and decided to not lay off over 100 school teachers, but today, the Lakewood Scoop is reporting that the state installed monitor did layoff those employees.
According to the report, all 140 teachers and faculty who received notices last week were laid off today.
State monitor David Shafter called the board’s decision irresponsible and said that without funding the teachers should go. The proposed budget by the board of education left the district with a $14.7 million shortfall.
Jackson School District, Police Say No Threat at McAuliffe Middle School
Two police officers stood at the entrance of the McAuliffe Middle School parking lot on Monday during student arrival after an incident both the district and department are downplaying occurred on Friday.
This morning, social media erupted in speculation over what was rumored to be a threat to students on Monday, prompting the district communications coordinator, Allison Erwin to release a statement to parents at the school.
“We wanted to address significant amount of rumor and exaggeration on social media that has led to people believe there is some kind of threat at McAuliffe Middle School. There is no threat.” Erwin said. “We realize that any time a parent, student or staff member hears about something that could impact the safety of our students, it can cause alarm and anxiety. This is why the district routinely posts messages on our site, emails parents and at times also calls parents with messages about threats that are being investigated. Typically, those messages include a notice that we are having “increased police patrols” around the school as a precaution.”
A parent whose child witnessed the statement said a student had told a group of other students, “I have a surprise for all of you on Monday.”
The district said that it was simply a comment taken out of context that caused a frenzy on social media.
“This was not the case here. There was not a threat. There was a comment that was made that was taken out of context. That comment then became the basis for rumor and exaggeration that took on a life of its own on social media,” Erwin said.
She said the presence of the police officers at the school this morning was a response to help calm the nerves of people who may have been concerned.
“The School Resource Officer assigned to our school made a round this morning. His presence, which is not unusual in our school, was in response to the potential anxiety being caused by the rumors and was not related to a need for increased security,” she added.
Police said they have been monitoring the situation at the school at the request of school resource police officer John Pejoski. Pejoski and another officer stopped at the school this morning.
“When news of the continued rumors got to the watch commander this morning, he then directed that when available, a zone car drive through the parking as increased visibility,” Lt. Steven Laskiewicz said. Laskiewicz said there was a comment made to a student, but police did not consider it a threat after an investigation was conducted by officers on Friday.
“It appears that the rumor continued over the weekend,” Laskiewicz said.
NJ Governor Christie Vetoes Dem Bill that Sought to Block President Trump from Being on 2020 Ballot
TRENTON-A bill approved by the legislature in the blue state of New Jersey that could have kept President Donald Trump off the ballot in the Garden State in 2020 if he doesn’t release his tax returns.
“This legislation would prohibit general election candidates for President and Vice-President from appearing on a ballot in New Jersey unless they file a copy of their federal income tax returns for the five most recent years with the Division of Elections and would also prohibit any elector from voting for President or Vice-President unless the candidate complies with the bill’s requirements. This is clearly unconstitutional. The United States Constitution sets the rules in this regard to prevent politics like this bill,” the governor told the senate on May 1st.
The Presidential release of tax returns is a relatively new practice in the history of the United States with President Richard Nixon. No law requires anyone running for office to release their tax returns.
“Unwilling to cope with the results of last November’s election, the Legislature introduced this unconstitutional bill as a form of therapy to deal with their disbelief at the 2016 election results, and to play politics to their base. Any claim to the contrary is belied by the press releases its supporters issued immediately upon its final passage and the plain language of the bill,” the Governor continued.
Tax returns are now an issue in the 2017 election to replace Governor Christie with Democrat millionaire Phil Murphy’s refusal to release his own tax returns. Murphy, in December held a brief viewing of his returns for reporters, but under the law aimed at Donald Trump, Murphy’s “viewing” would not have satisfied the law vetoed by the Governor.
Ocean County Governor’s favorite, Republican Joseph Rullo, an avid constitutionalist said Democrats should start worrying about fixing the problems before them and less on individuals’ income tax returns.
“The Democrats front runner hasn’t released his tax returns only allowing reporters a peek at a designated time,” Rullo said. “I will not release my tax return as a private citizen. The state has more worries than mine and Trumps tax returns like fixing New Jersey.”
Rullo has been a staunch supporter of Trump since his candidacy began and blasted the attempt by the Democrat majority legislation to use their office to make a political move against the President.
There is currently no law that requires any candidate for office to release his or her tax returns.
Man Shot in Trailer Park Shooting in Jackson Township
Police are investigating a shooting in a Jackson Township trailer park where one man was treated in the hospital for a gunshot wound to the abdomen.
Police said. just after midnight on May 4, 2017 Jackson Police Officers Kafton, Daniels and Mabey were conducting an investigation in the Luxury Mobile Home Community, located off Toms River Road (Rt 571). While there, the aforementioned officers heard a number of gunshots coming from an adjacent street, Coleman Way, in the community. After arriving on Colemen Way numerous residents were located outside. After speaking with the residents, a description of a male suspect and vehicle possibly involved was obtained.
A short time later, Community Medical Center contacted the Jackson Police Department and indicated they had a shooting victim in their Emergency Room. The victim was identified as a 22 year old male from Neptune NJ. The male was treated and later released with an abdominal wound.
While checking the Coleman Way area, officers located a number of .40cal shell casings on the ground. Officers also identified a mobile home, which was occupied, that had one round which penetrated the home’s exterior wall.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Jackson Police Detective John Rodriguez at 732-833-3008 or leave information on the Jackson Police Department’s Tip Line at 732-833-3032.
Will Weather Clear for Toms River Food Festival?
TOMS RIVER-With heavy rains tonight through early morning, the weather might just cooperate for Saturday’s Toms River Food Festival.
Temperatures are expected to be in the mid 60’s with just a 15% chance of rain throughout the day until later in the evening. Showers are expected to pass through after 5pm.
The event will feature local food trucks, arts and craft vendors, free rides for children and live entertainment from 11am to 8pm.
In case the event is rained out, Sunday is planned as a rain date. Visit the Food Festival page on Facebook for updates.
Toms River Woman Arrested for Prostitution in Ocean Township
Ocean Township Police Announce Drug and Prostitution Arrests
Marina Sviridenko, left, and Krystal Waz. photos via facebook Three women were arrested in Ocean Township on prostitution and drug charges last month, according to announcements from Det. Lt. Timothy Torchia. On April 2, Marina Sviridenko, 28 of Toms River, was caught in field stop by Detective Michael Legg and Officer Dean Schoch. The investigation revealed…
The Unfriendly Skies: Family Kicked off Delta Plane After Being Asked to Have Child Give Up Seat
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3RcvNvLLCk
LOS ANGELES — An Orange County couple says they were kicked off a Los Angeles-bound Delta flight last month after airline staff insisted their 2-year-old son could not sit by himself, even though the family had already paid for the seat. Brian and Brittany Schear of Huntington Beach told KABC-TV’s “Eyewitness News” they were removed from…
Probe into N.J. teen's deadly fall at Penn State frat to be released
BELLEFONTE, Pa. — After a lengthy grand jury investigation, prosecutors are expected to announce on Friday the results of a probe into the death of a Penn State sophomore who fell down a set of stairs during a pledge ceremony. Timothy Piazza, 19, of Readington Township in Hunterdon County, died on Feb. 4. He had fallen…
Mayor who crashed car twice says he's bipolar
RAHWAY — Mayor Samson Steinman underwent in-patient treatment for bipolar disorder during a seven-week medical leave that followed his second car crash in seven months, he said Thursday. Steinman said he was diagnosed about a year ago and began a long trial-and-error process of looking for a treatment that worked for him. When he crashed a…
Attempted murder trial begins for N.J. man who allegedly stabbed woman 17 times
FRANKLIN — Opening arguments were heard Thursday in Somerset County Superior Court in the attempted first-degree murder trial of a Linden man accused of stabbing a teenage woman 17 times and repeatedly hitting her in the head with a barbell in an incident in her home. Winston Wilson, now 26, has been charged with first-degree attempted…
Plainfield man sentenced to 25 years for fatally beating 4-month-old son
ELIZABETH — A Plainfield man who tried to flee to Iowa after he beat his 4-month-old son to death in 2013 has received a 25-year prison sentence, authorities said Thursday. State Superior Court Judge Regina Caulfield on Thursday ruled Michael Bell, 38, must serve at least 85 percent of that sentence before he is eligible for…
Lakewood charity raised millions without registering with state, report says
LAKEWOOD — A Lakewood charity that raised $4.6 million over five years didn’t register with the state as required by law, according to a report on APP.com. Services for Hidden Intelligence is the fundraising arm of the School for Children with Hidden Intelligence, whose director was indicted earlier this year on charges of theft and money…
Number of dangerous fungal disease on rise in N.J., according to CDC
Cases of a newly-emerging strain of fungal disease that can be fatal have jumped in New Jersey and New York since the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention first warned hospitals about it late last year. There have now been 15 reported cases of Candida auris in New Jersey, and 39 in New York, according…
Body of fisherman missing since January found on Barneget Bay island
LITTLE EGG HARBOR — The body of a Tuckerton fisherman who has been missing since January was found Friday on an island in the Barnegat Bay, authorities said Thursday. Christopher Hugg’s body was found on Middle Island by the Ocean County Mosquito Control Commission, who contacted the New Jersey State Police, Trooper Alejandro Goez, a State…
Tag! You're It! Police Looking for Assistance to Identify "Sleeper"
The Brick Township Police Department has released photos of a male who was caught spray painting cars and buildings this week and are looking for your help in finding him.
Tagging the word, “Sleeper”, this man may want to sleep with one eye open until he’s brought to justice. After creating his works, he sped off on his bicycle.
Report from the Brick Township Police Department:
The Brick Township Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the below pictured subject. The unknown white male was caught on several surveillance cameras on the north side of Brick Township spray painting “SLEEPER” on several buildings and vehicles. Anyone with information on the identity of this subject should contact Detective Ken Steinberg at 732-262-1113. You can also contact the Brick Township Police Department directly at 732-262-1100. All calls will be kept confidential.
County: Every 98 Seconds, a Sexual Assault Occurs
Every 98 seconds, another sexual assault occurs according to the Rape Abuse & Incest National Network, the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization. In recognizing April as Sexual Assault Awareness month, the Ocean County Library along with the Ocean County Health Department, the Ocean County Advisory Commission on the Status of Women and the Long Beach Island Health Department, recently partnered to host an interactive program focusing on sexual assault prevention for all ages. The program, entitled Sexual Assault: Engaging New Voices, was held on April 25 at the Toms River branch of the Ocean County Library. “This program helped raise awareness and provided important information for families and survivors,” said Freeholder Virginia E. “Ginny” Haines, who serves as liaison to the Ocean County Advisory Commission on the Status of Women. “I want to thank all the agencies involved and the Ocean County Library for hosting this program. Knowledge is one of the greatest tools we can have when it comes to our safety and protecting those we love.”
Guadagno: Never Underestimate a Woman with a Gun
TOMS RIVER-Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno is under fire this week over a comment she made back in March at the Ocean County GOP Governor’s forum at the Days Hotel in the Atlantis Ballroom.
At that event, Guadagno was addressing Ocean County’s Republican elite and stared down her opponent, Jack Ciattarelli and said, “Never underestimate a woman who carries a gun.”
Guadagno was referring to her right to conceal and carry in the state of New Jersey being a former sheriff and prosecutor.
Although just a parlor room comment amongst friends, her opponent Joseph Rullo took exception to that comment this week while addressing some 300 gun owners in Jackson Township.
“Everyone should be able to carry a gun in New Jersey, Kim,” Rullo said in front of the Jackson based Central Jersey Rifle and Pistol Club. “But we don’t even know where the hell you stand on the second amendment…we don’t know where half of them stand.”
Rullo said later that Guadagno’s double standard on gun control puts New Jersey residents at risk, offering protection only to a select and chosen few. He said every woman in New Jersey should have the right to arm and protect themselves, not just a select few.
Rullo is an avid gun rights advocate and is challenging Guadagno in the June 6th Republican primary election.
Joe Rullo Challenges New Jersey's Assault on Gun Rights in Jackson Township
JACKSON-New Jersey candidate for Governor and Ocean County resident Joseph Rullo spoke Wednesday night in front of a standing room only crowd at the Jackson Township based Central Jersey Rifle and Pistol Club about the citizens’ right to carry and conceal in the Garden State.
Jackson Township is New Jersey’s third largest municipality by square miles with over 100 square miles of land, most of protected pinelands and wetlands, making it one of the top hunting destinations in New Jersey.
It’s a town where each deer season cars and trucks line the roads near the thousands of acres of protected open space. It’s one of those few places in New Jersey where a deer stand in the woods or a duck blind in an old cranberry bog is a common sight.
Rullo spoke to some 300 of those avid hunters and gun rights advocates at the club’s regular meeting.
Rullo took aim at Democrat politicians such as Senator Cory Booker, the former mayor of the City of Newark, where violent crime in that city is five times greater than elsewhere in the state for promoting restrictive gun control laws that Rullo said only empowers the bad guys.
During his speech he also took aim at the length of time it takes for law abiding citizens of New Jersey to obtain a firearms permit.
“In this town, you can’t get your gun permit approved in six months and that is inexcusable,” he added. “As governor I will work immediately with the New Jersey State Police and chiefs of police to help make the process quicker and give them the resources they need.”
Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno was also in Rullo’s crosshairs. At the March 8th Ocean County GOP nominating convention, Guadagno bragged about being a female armed with a gun, a right she shares with few other women in the state.
“Never underestimate a woman with a bulletproof vest who carries a gun,” Guadagno bragged before her opponent Jack Ciattarelli and the Republican establishment present at that event. Rullo agreed with the Lt. Governor, every woman should be allowed to arm and protect herself, not just the political elite.
“Everyone should be able to carry a gun in New Jersey, Kim,” Rullo said in front of the Jackson gun club. “But we don’t even know where the hell you stand on the second amendment…we don’t know where half of them stand.”
Rullo said that the government is so worried that everyone will apply for conceal and carry permits, but said that isn’t the case, instead said even if few people actually applied, it would be a deterrent because criminals and terrorists won’t know who is armed and who is not.
He doubled down on his commitment to conceal and carry, saying if elected governor he will turn down his right to be protected by armed security if the average resident can’t be afforded the same protections.
“I will not be protected by guns financed by taxpayers when the people of NJ are sitting ducks stripped of their rights to conceal carry,” Rullo said today. “I will hire my own personal protection if it is necessary with my salary. The irony is I believe my life has been in more danger as a candidate with so many controversial issues.”
“I have over 100,000 social media followers from all my pages pages combined and as many candidates receive threats during the campaign,” he added. “I don’t have the state police watching over me at most events if the Lt. Governor is not at the event.”
Ford pickup tailgates are going missing and police want to know why
JACKSON-A rash of thefts has occurred this week in Jackson Township targeting tailgates of Ford F-series pickup trucks. To date, police have been notified of six thefts of tailgates from residents who own the trucks.
The Jackson Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance with any information regarding the recent thefts of tailgates from pickup trucks in multiple areas of the township.
– On April 27, 2017, a resident of Dahlia Court reported that unknown suspect(s) had stolen the tailgate off of a 2008 Ford F-450 during the overnight hours.
– On April 27, 2017, a resident of Whispering Oaks Way reported that unknown suspect(s) had stolen the tailgate off of a 2015 Ford F-350 during the overnight hours.
– On April 27, 2017, a resident of Atterbury Court reported that unknown suspect(s) had stolen the tailgate off of a 2012 Ford F-350 during the overnight hours.
– On April 29, 2017, a resident of Adelphi Drive reported that unknown suspect(s) had stolen the tailgate off of a 2011 Ford F-350 during the overnight hours.
– On April 29, 2017, a resident of Drexel Drive reported that unknown suspect(s) had stolen the tailgate off of a 2008 Ford F-250 during the overnight hours.
– On May 1, 2017, a resident of Nicole Court reported that unknown suspect(s) had stolen the tailgate off of a 2016 Ford F-350 during the overnight hours of April 27th.