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.

Jackson Police Officers Promoted

The members of the Jackson Police Department would like to congratulate three newly promoted sergeants and three new officers to the department.

On January 30, 2017 in a ceremony at town hall, a large group of officers joined with friends and family of Police Officer Larry Logan, Police Officer Arthur Salisbury and Detective Mitch Cowit as the three officers were sworn in and appointed as sergeants with the Jackson Police Department.

Sergeant Larry Logan has been a police officer with the Jackson Police Department since 1999 and has served in the patrol division on the afternoon and day shifts. Prior to being hired by the Jackson Police Department he served in the United States Army and was activated for Desert Storm and afterwards he earned a degree in business administration from the University of South Dakota. He has obtained the good conduct ribbon, achievement ribbon, education ribbon and 2 police unit citations.

Sergeant Arthur “Burt” Salisbury has been a police officer with the Jackson Police Department since 1995. Prior to being hired by the Jackson Police Department he served in the United States Army and also served in Desert Storm during 1990-1991 and afterwards he attended Ocean County College. He has served on all of the patrol shifts and was a juvenile detective 2002-2006 and a school resource officer 2006-2010, he also served on the department’s Special Response Team from 1996-2003.

Sergeant Mitch Cowit started his law enforcement career as a Class 2 Special Police Officer with the Jackson Police Department and was then hired as a full time officer with the Boro of Ocean Gate. He was then hired as a full time Police Officer with the Jackson Police Department in 1992. He was transferred to the Detective Bureau in 1996, was a member of the department’s Special Response Team, a hostage negotiator and the department’s designated bias investigator and has been involved in many high profile investigations in his more than 20 years in the Detective Bureau. He has attended multiple law enforcement schools and also currently is an instructor at the Ocean County Police Academy and with his own company, which runs multiple law enforcement training classes. Sergeant Cowit was most recently assigned to Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office where he was involved in numerous narcotics investigations throughout the county.

The newly promoted Sergeants will be assigned to supervise squads in the Patrol Division.

The department would also like to announce the recent hiring of three new officers.

Police Officer Kevin Kleinknecht joined the agency as an intergovernmental transfer from the Manasquan Police Department. He graduated from Jackson Memorial High School before attending Brookdale Community College and Stockton University. He then graduated from the Monmouth County Police Academy and served as a patrol officer with the Manasquan Police Department since 2015 prior to transferring to the Jackson Police Department.

Police Officer Thomas Conti graduated from Jackson Memorial High School and attended Ocean County College. He graduated from the Ocean County Basic Course for Special Police Officers and served as both a Class 1 and Class 2 Special Police Officer with the Seaside Heights Police Department and most recently as a Class 2 officer with the Jackson Police Department. He will be assigned to attend an upcoming academy class for training to obtain his waiver to full time officer.

Police Officer Derek Thomason served as a Jackson Police Explorer as a teenager and graduated from Jackson Liberty High School. He graduated from the Ocean County Basic Course for Special Police Officers and served as a Class 2 Special Police Officer for the Point Pleasant Police Department and the Jackson Police Department. He was then hired as a full time police officer with the Robbinsville Police Department before returning to the Jackson Police Department and is attending training at the Ocean County Police Academy to obtain his waiver to full time officer.

The three recently hired officers are currently in training and riding with Field Training Officers. When they complete the field training program, they will be assigned to a patrol squad.

We wish the new sergeants and officers the best in their new positions.

These hires bring the department to 89 sworn officers to serve the 100 square mile township and its approximately 60,000 residents. The department was at its highest staffing of 90 officers in 2008. We would like to thank the Mayor, Town Council and Administration for their continued support and commitment to staffing and supervision within the department so the agency is better prepared to serve the residents and visitors to the Township as we look forward to the future and several large projects which will bring more residents to the community.

Pictured: Chief Kunz with new Sergeants Logan, Salisbury and Cowit.

Belmar teen grew up with her alleged killer, father recalls in anguish

NEPTUNE CITY – As a New Jersey State Police helicopter buzzed overhead, Michael Stern stood with his hands in his pockets, braced against the bitter wind, looking out over the Shark River and trying to process why he was there. “Please let them find her. Please let them find her,” he repeated in his head. A…

Men accused of killing Sarah Stern reportedly helped search for her

NEPTUNE CITY — The man charged with strangling a 19-year-old Neptune City woman and another man accused of helping to dispose of her body took part in the search to find her in the weeks after she disappeared, News 12 New Jersey reported. Liam McAtasney and Preston Taylor, both 19, were friends of Sarah Stern, who…

13 Arrested in NJ Gang Sweep; 6 Freed Under Bail Reform

NEWARK — An Essex County judge this week ordered three of 13 men arrested in a recent State Police gang sweep in the city be held without bail pending trial. The Attorney General’s office has said the men, arrested as part of a state-led gang sweep two weeks ago, are members of the “Red Breed Gorillas,”…

Have you seen this man? Police say he stole, crashed a motorcycle

CAPE MAY — Cape May City police are still searching for a Gloucester County man wanted for stealing a motorcycle last month and crashing it in an Atlantic City parking garage. On Jan. 17, Michael Benko, 23, of Sewell, crashed a stolen motorcycle into a car driven by a 50-year-old Atlantic City man in a parking…

Extremely Successful Howell Based Addiction Assistance Program Launched in Jackson

by Marianne Kinsman

JACKSON– Over the past two years, Ocean and Monmouth County have topped the charts for highest rates of overdose deaths in New Jersey. Jackson Township officials have decided, enough is enough.

On Wednesday evening, Township officials met and agreed to adopt the R.I.S.E. program which address Recovery, Intervention, Support, and Education. This program comes as an extension of CFC Loud N Clear Foundation which was founded in Howell in 2012. Since conception, CFC has greatly impacted the drug issues and community. From being #19 on NJ’s worst heroin towns, to completely dropping off of the list, Howell has become a recovery sensitive community and Jackson is now doing the same. In 2015, CFC opened sober living homes in Jackson and Howell.

This program has been created to empower communities and utilize already existing municipalities to provide free resources to families battling addiction or residents looking to start a new life in recovery. Mayor Michael Reina met with officials Nicole Pormilli, Board of Education, Virgil Hollender & Catherine Gross of the Jackson Chamber of Commerce, John McGeehan of CentraState Community Relations, Phil Stilton of JTown Magazine, Jay Rivera, Marianne Kinsman and Lynn Regan of CFC Loud n Clear Foundation. Together as a community we will work to provide recovery, interventions, support and education for this horrible disease that does not discriminate.

CFC Loud N Clear Foundation is committed to helping people and their families struggling with addiction find a positive, progressive life in recovery – making them assets to their community.  CFC is not only driving awareness to the disease of addiction but helping many people in crisis. By seamlessly integrating all aspects of a township municipality, CFC is expanding recovery support services through mentorship, peer support, community education and outreach (including naloxone training) programs that reduce stigma or discrimination against individuals with substance use disorders.

This program does not just happen by itself – it requires a committed, vigilant, and proactive team.

By bringing R.I.S.E. to your community the following is available to you…

  • Access to all CFC Loud N Clear Recovery Programs and Resources
  • Provide local CCAR Certified Recovery Coaches to community members in need
  • Host local CCAR Recovery Coach & Ethics Certification Classes
  • Manage and Initiate R.I.S.E. CIT Program with Chief of local Police Department
  • Coordinate prevention programs with Township Municipal Alliance
  • Organize & launch T+K=GO Program® with the help of local Chamber of Commerce members and businesses
  • Coordinate and participate in community outreach events
  • School presentations, parental and teacher education seminars, etc.

 

CFC is extremely excited to expand these programs to Jackson residents. All meetings and time schedules in Jackson will be announced soon. For current programs, visit www.HealingUS.org

 

Photo: Phil Stilton/JTOWN Magazine.

Former Lakewood Code Official Sentenced For Taking Contractor Bribes

TRENTON – Attorney General Christopher S. Porrino announced that a former electrical code inspector for Lakewood Township was sentenced to prison today for accepting bribes from contractors in exchange for preferential treatment in the form of scheduling and conducting inspections more quickly or, in at least one instance, approving work that was not actually inspected.

Mitchell B. Perkins, 68, of Stafford Township, N.J., was sentenced to three years in state prison by Superior Court Judge Wendel E. Daniels in Ocean County. Perkins pleaded guilty on Dec. 5 to second-degree conspiracy to commit bribery. As a result of the guilty plea, he is permanently barred from public employment in New Jersey.

Deputy Attorney General Pearl Minato prosecuted Perkins and handled the sentencing for the Division of Criminal Justice Corruption Bureau. The charge was contained in a June 2016 indictment that was the result of an investigation by the New Jersey State Police Official Corruption Bureau South Squad and the Division of Criminal Justice Corruption Bureau.

Perkins formerly was employed as an electrical sub-code official/electrical inspector for Lakewood Township. He was arrested in this case on Sept. 25, 2015, and subsequently retired from that position.

The investigation began after the New Jersey State Police received information that Perkins had been accepting bribes from contractors. Between May and September 2015, Perkins accepted four separate payments of $300 from an electrical contractor as consideration for preferential treatment. The contractor was working as a cooperating witness for the State Police at the time and requested that Perkins inspect his work more quickly. Perkins returned the first payment, but he kept the three later payments. After the first payment, Perkins, who previously had inordinately delayed inspections of the contractor’s works sites, began to conduct timely inspections of his work sites. On one occasion, Perkins approved electrical work performed by the contractor without first inspecting the work.

In addition to the payments from the cooperating witness, the investigation revealed that Perkins accepted other payments from contractors on multiple occasions dating back to 1997 to influence the performance of his work as an electrical sub-code official and inspector for Lakewood Township.

“When inspectors like Perkins take bribes from contractors, it erodes trust in government and can threaten public safety,” said Attorney General Porrino. “This prison sentence sends a clear message that government officials who betray the public by putting their authority up for sale will face stern punishment.”

“The public has a right to expect that inspectors like Perkins will focus single-mindedly on public safety, not lining their own pockets,” said Director Elie Honig of the Division of Criminal Justice. “We’ll aggressively prosecute any officials who corruptly use their public positions for personal gain.”

“There are few assets more valuable than a person’s home, and homeowners have a right to expect that government inspectors will focus exclusively on ensuring that homes are safe, not on satisfying contractors who pay bribes,” said Colonel Rick Fuentes, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “This sentence sends a message that the state will not tolerate any illegal behavior that could endanger its citizens.”

Attorney General Porrino commended Deputy Attorney General Minato and the detectives who conducted the investigation for the New Jersey State Police Official Corruption Bureau South Squad.

Attorney General Porrino and Director Honig noted that the Division of Criminal Justice has established a toll-free Corruption Tipline 1-866-TIPS-4CJ for the public to confidentially report corruption, financial crime and other illegal activities. The public also can log on to the Division’s web page at www.njdcj.org to report suspected wrongdoing confidentially.

Video: Car runs over two at Atlantic City McDonalds Drive-Thru

ATLANTIC CITY-This group of individuals DID|AC after they ran over a party of two they were arguing with while online at the drive-thru at McDonalds.

https://www.facebook.com/OCPoliceBlotter/videos/1218597808175753/

User contributed video

 

Another Sexual Offender Out of Jail in Jersey Courtesy of Bail Reform

SOUTH PLAINFIELD-On Wednesday, February 01, 2017 at approximately 5:00pm, the South Plainfield Police were called to investigate a possible Sexual Assault involving a juvenile. Following a joint investigation conducted by the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office and the South Plainfield Police Department, Gregory Coen, age 57, 1150 Evergreen Ave., Plainfield, NJ, was charged with Sexual Assault, Criminal Sexual Contact, and Endangering the Welfare of a Child.

The investigation revealed that Coen met the juvenile through a smart phone app and had set up a meeting at the juvenile’s residence in South Plainfield where the sexual assault was committed. Subsequent to his arrest, Coen was transported to the Middlesex County Jail.

On February 02, 2017, Coen was released from custody by a Superior Court Judge during his appearance in Superior Court pursuant to the Bail Reform Act.

PHOTO: Stock Photo/bail reform meme posted on the internet. Does not represent defendant or South Plainfield Police Department.

Berkeley PD: No Child Luring Danger After Police Find Suspected Vehicle

by BERKELEY PD

BERKELEY TWP-On January 26th 2017 the Berkeley Township Police received a report regarding an attempted luring incident in which a suspicious white van, who’s driver was speaking to children in the neighborhood at the bus stop. This occurred in the afternoon in the area of Harbor Inn Road. Patrol units responded immediately and were present at these bus stops for the next several days.

In addition, Berkeley Detectives responded to the area and conducted a follow-up investigation to try to identify the vehicle and the driver. The investigation lead to the vehicle and the driver being identified. Berkeley Detectives contacted and interviewed the driver.

At this time no evidence indicating criminal activity was uncovered and no evidence exists to indicate that this was a luring attempt.

Additional reports of attempted luring that have been circulating on social media are unfounded. Although we have fielded many calls regarding this, there have been no reports of additional incidents.

The Berkeley Township Police remind residents to always remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity promptly to 732-341-6600. Tips can be given by calling 732-341-1132 x611.

Illegal Immigrant; Most Wanted Fugitive in New Jersey Captured

A fugitive previously convicted of sexual assault was arrested by immigration officials on Tuesday in New Jersey. Mexican citizen Javier Atlixqueno-Vaquero, 37, had been removed from the United States in May 2004 but managed to sneak back in at some point, according to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Atlixqueno-Vaquero has previously been convicted of sexual assault…

Police station fumigated after men caught in store sex act, report says

CLIFTON – Two men face lewdness and other charges after they were caught in an alleged sex act on a display bed at Bed Bath & Beyond, according to a report on NorthJersey.com. Police were called to the store on Route 3 during business hours on Jan. 30 after an employee said the men were engaged…

Ex-Ocean Gate police chief was suspended 90 days before retirement, report says

OCEAN GATE — Former Ocean Gate Police Chief Reece J. Fisher was suspended for 90-days before he retired on Dec. 1, according to documents and interviews obtained by app.com. The suspension came after an internal review by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office of Fisher concluded that he violated department policies relating to a crash involving one…

Runaway red Target ball crashes into SUV (VIDEO)

PARAMUS – A two-ton cement ball used as a bollard outside a Target store became dislodged, rolling through the store parking lot and striking a moving vehicle, reportedly causing thousands in damage. Target’s famous red ball, which is meant to protect the store entrances, was knocked loose by a pickup truck passing through the lot, as…

Another Little Egg Harbor Man Facing More Child Sexual Assault Charges

LITTLE EGG HARBOR-Officials today announced additional charges for defendant Milton Cortina, 40, of Little Egg Harbor.  Cortina on 1/30/17 was arrested and charged with two counts of Aggravated Sexual Assault (1st degree), Aggravated Criminal Sexual Contact (3rd degree), Endangering the Welfare of a Child (2nd Degree), Production of Child Pornography (1st degree), Possession of Child Pornography (2nd degree) and Invasion of Privacy (3rd degree).  On 2/1/17 the partnering agencies levied additional charges of Possession of Child Pornography (2nd degree) and Invasion of Privacy (3rd degree).

Earlier this week (1/30/17), after completing an investigation begun in December of 2016 Ocean County Prosecutor’s Special Victims Unit Det. Stephanie Bayha, along with Little Egg Harbor Police Dets. Joel Mahr and Steven Martin, arrested Cortina at his Little Egg Harbor residence.  At that time he was charged with Aggravated Sexual Assault and the other before mentioned charges committed against a juvenile female victim.  During their investigation the Ocean County Prosecutor’s High Tech Crime Unit and Ocean County Sheriff’s Department CSI also assisted.  Search warrants were executed on multiple electronic devices of Cortina which provided significant digital forensic evidence gleamed by the OCPO High Tech Crime Unit to support the charges.

On 2/1/17, after additional digital forensic evidence was developed by OCPO High Tech Crime Unit alleging a second juvenile female victim, OCPO Det. Bayha and Little Egg Harbor Police Det. Joel Mahr added charges against Cortino of Possession of Child Pornography (2nd degree) and Invasion of Privacy (3rd degree).

Nicole’s Law (no contact with victims) has been implemented.  Cortina remains incarcerated in the Ocean County Jail pending a Detention Hearing.  The media and public are reminded that criminal charges are merely accusations and that the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Woman Able to Steal $1 Million From Boss Before Being Caught

MILLSTONE- Virginia DeBerri, 52, of Brick Township, pleaded guilty to second degree theft, acknowledging that she stole more than $1 million dollars from her employer, Foresight Enviroprobe, Inc., over the course of five years while she was employed as a bookkeeper for the Millstone-based company.

In November of 2015, troopers from Hamilton Station began investigating DeBerri when company owners were notified of a banking discrepancy. During the course of the investigation by State Police and Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office detectives, investigators discovered that DeBerri forged more than 500 company checks between 2010 and 2015, which were deposited into her personal bank account. They also discovered that she increased her own salary by manipulating the company payroll without authorization.

Virginia DeBerri entered a plea agreement with the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, which has recommended a seven-year sentence in state prison.

Now look, people, you may deserve a raise. We get it. But you just can’t go ahead and give yourself one without the boss knowing!

Great job by Hamilton Station troopers and our detectives from the Troop “C” Criminal Investigations Office! Let’s give them a big ole’ #Attaboy in the comments below!

Two Charged for Murder of Missing Belmar Girl

FREEHOLD-Two Neptune City men have been charged in connection with the murder of 19 year-old Sarah Stern, who has been missing since early December, announced Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni. The arrests end a nearly two month long search for the missing teen, last seen alive on December 2nd.

The Neptune City Police Department charged Liam McAtasney, 19, of Neptune City with first degree Murder, first degree Felony Murder, first degree Robbery, second degree Desecration of Human Remains, second degree Conspiracy (to Desecrate Human Remains) and second degree Hindering Apprehension. Preston Taylor, 19, also of Neptune City, was charged with second degree Desecration of Human Remains, second degree Conspiracy (to Desecrate Human Remains) and second degree Hindering Apprehension. Detectives determined that McAtasney was responsible for killing Stern and stealing property from her on December 2, 2016. The investigation also revealed that Taylor provided assistance to McAtasney in moving and ultimately disposing of Stern’s body in order to avoid detection.

These arrests are the culmination of an almost two-month investigation into the whereabouts of Stern, who was last seen at her Neptune City residence on the afternoon of December 2, 2016. An investigation was launched after her 1994 silver, four-door Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight, was found abandoned on the shoulder of the southbound lane of the Route 35 Bridge in Belmar. Neptune Township Police were alerted to the vehicle by a passerby. Stern’s deserted car was operational and the keys were found in the vehicle. At that time, no persons were in the area and the vehicle was subsequently towed from the road by the Neptune Township Police Department.

The Neptune Township Police Department contacted the Neptune City Police Department to request a welfare check of the registered owner of the vehicle. Upon arrival at the address of the registered owner, who is a family member of Stern’s, the residence was found unlocked and no one was home. Further investigation determined Sarah Stern was the missing driver of the vehicle and her family did not know of her whereabouts.

As a result of Stern’s vehicle being found unoccupied and on the bridge, the Belmar Water Rescue Team was called to search Shark River for any evidence of her body. The Belmar Water Rescue Team was assisted by the United States Coast Guard, the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team, the Area Network of Shore Water Emergency Responders Team and the New Jersey State Police. Those assets searched the Shark River with divers, boats and helicopters, but, to date, attempts to locate Stern have been unsuccessful.

On Sunday, December 4th, detectives from the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office joined the investigation in an effort to locate Stern. Detectives from the Prosecutor’s Office and the Belmar and Neptune City Police Departments have continued to investigate her whereabouts since that time. The New Jersey State Police Missing Persons Unit and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children have also assisted in this investigation.

Recent developments in the investigation led detectives to McAtasney and Taylor and culminated in their arrests. Anyone with information that may assist in this investigation is asked to contact Detective Brian Weisbrot from the Monmouth County Prosecutors Office at (800) 533-7443, Detective Michael Vollbrecht of the Neptune City Police Department at (732) 775-1615, or Detective John Mahoney from the Belmar Police Department at (732) 681-1700.

The case is assigned to Assistant Prosecutor Christopher J. Decker, Director of the Office’s Major Crimes Bureau.

Anyone who feels the need to remain anonymous, but has information about a crime can contact Monmouth County Crime Stoppers confidential telephone tip-line by calling 1-800-671-4400; can text “MONMOUTH” plus their tip to 274637; or, they can email a tip via the website at:

www.monmouthcountycrimestoppers.com. Monmouth County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest of criminals and fugitives. Despite these charges, every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, following a trial at which the defendant has all of the trial rights guaranteed by the United States Constitution and State law

Man breaks into house to drink cough syrup, steal vodka, cops say

TOMS RIVER — A 42-year-old man drank cough syrup and stole a bottle of vodka and a laptop after breaking into a house, authorities said. Kevin Laird broke a basement window and entered a house on Greenwich Court on around 5:30 p.m. on Jan. 23, Toms River police said in a news release. When the residents…

Chiropractor had fentanyl, charged patients for services he didn't provide, grand jury says

TOMS RIVER — A Lakewood chiropractor was indicted Tuesday on charges he submitted insurance claims for work he didn’t do. The grand jury indictment charged Carlo Amato, 55, of Beachwood, with four counts of healthcare claim fraud and one count each of theft by deception and possession of fentanyl, according to court documents. The indictment said…

Singer, Sweeney Want NJ Taxpayers to Pay More for Broken Bail Reform Costs

 

TRENTON-A new bill was introduced this week in the New Jersey State Senate to allow for tax increases to cover the added expenses of managing New Jersey’s new Bail Reform and Speedy Trial Act.   The new act which has created a well-oiled revolving door that benefits criminals and hinders law enforcement comes at a price and somebody has to pay for it.

Photos: Top: NJ Senator Steve Sweeney. Above: Robert Singer, representing Lakewood Township.

The bail reform isn’t working. It’s letting criminals go free without bail and costing local towns and courts a lot of money.  Instead of working on repealing it, two state senators want the taxpayers to pay more money to make it work.

The new act has created more paperwork for law enforcement entities and has been blamed for letting a two-time child sex offender in Little Egg Harbor walk free after sexually assaulting a child.

Now, New Jersey State Senators Steve Sweeney and Robert Singer want New Jersey taxpayers to bear the brunt of a criminal justice reform that just isn’t working.

The bill creates a one-year property tax levy cap exclusion for costs incurred by local units as a result of the implementation of bail reform pursuant to P.L.2014, c.31 (C.2A:162-15 et al.).  The bill permits counties to add bail reform expenditures incurred during calendar year 2017 to the adjusted tax levy for calendar year 2018.

The Bill was introduced on Monday.

“In November 2014, the voters approved an amendment to Article I, paragraph 11 of the New Jersey Constitution, which allows the Legislature to pass laws concerning pretrial release and pretrial detention.  P.L.2014, c.31 concerns several aspects of judicial administration,” the Singer-Sweeney bill said.  “That law establishes statutory trial deadlines for persons being detained in jail, both pre- and post-indictment; reforms the manner in which determinations for bail and other forms of criminal pre-trial release are made; provides courts with the authority to deny pre-trial release and instead order pre-trial detention; and authorizes the Judiciary to revise and supplement fees to help fund a pre-trial risk assessment and monitoring program, and other court-related programs and services.”

According to the duo, “Published news reports indicate counties have incurred new costs associated with the bail reform initiative.  Currently, such expenses are not excluded from the cap on increases in the county property tax levy.  Without this temporary levy cap exclusion, county governments may be forced to limit expenditures on local priorities in order to support the bail reform program.  Providing a levy cap exclusion will allow counties to budget for any additional costs to be incurred while maintaining local services.”

Bail reform in New Jersey has done nothing but let criminals go free and handcuff law enforcement since it was enacted on January 1st of this year, now the state wants the residents who have been exposed and endangered by this new and improve revolving door of justice to pay more to make it work.

Matawan man charged for death of bicyclist

​Middlesex County Prosecutor Andrew C. Carey and Chief Darren Lavigne of the South Amboy Police Department said a Matawan man has been charged with causing the death of a bicyclist who died after he was struck by a car that was being driven by the defendant.

Francis Smith, 56, of Matawan was charged with aggravated manslaughter, death by auto, and leaving the scene of a motor vehicle crash involving fatal injuries.
The charges were filed after William Nash, 57, of South Amboy died on January 18, 2017 from head injuries he suffered when he was struck while riding his bike on Main Street in South Amboy on January 17, 2017.
The charges were filed during an investigation by Officer Steven Clark of the South Amboy Police Department and Detective Donald Heck of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office.
During the investigation, it was determined that Mr. Nash was riding on Main Street near Route 9 when the defendant, who was driving a 2012 Hundai Sonata, struck the victim from behind. The victim was taken to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick.
Smith fled the scene but was apprehended a half-mile away when his car hit a curb and was disabled.
The defendant initially was charged with driving while intoxicated, aggravated assault and fleeing. The new charges were filed on January 22, 2017. Mr. Nash died at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick.
Smith has been in custody since he initially was charged with injuring Mr. Nash.
The investigation is active and is continuing. Anyone with information is asked to call Officer Clark of the South Amboy Police Department at (732) 721-0111, or Detective Heck of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at (732) 745-8842.

Kelaher swears in new auxiliary police volunteers

TOMS RIVER-During last week’s Toms River Township council meeting, Mayor Kelaher administered new oaths of office to members of the Auxiliary Police at their annual swearing in ceremony. The Toms River Auxiliary Police is comprised of volunteer citizens, both men and women, who donate their time to help the community. They perform varies duties including traffic/crowd control at civic events, uniformed patrols, first aid, CPR, calls for service, community events and details.

Brick, Toms River Residents Identified as Victims of Fatal Parkway Crash

Police identify 2 killed in Parkway crash

ABERDEEN — Police have identified the two people killed in a crash on the Garden State Parkway Saturday afternoon. Kyia Fredericks, 25, of Brick, and Rene Munoz, 29, of Toms River, were in a Chevrolet Camaro when it stopped in the center lane of the southbound express lanes of the Parkway around 3:30 p.m., near milepost…

Most NJ Governor Candidates, Governor Christie Silent on Bail Reform Failures in first 30 days

TOMS RIVER-With the apparent breakdown of bail reform in New Jersey in the first 30 days of its existence, New Jersey’s Republican candidates have kept their distance from the topic.

After a month filled with news releases published by many of the state’s municipal police departments cataloging several dozen cases of violent offenders being released back into the community without bail, one thing is clear, bail reform in New Jersey is not working as promised.

The subject was highlighted after a two-time child sexual predator was released back into the small southern Ocean County community of Little Egg Harbor to the dismay of the local police chief and Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph Coronato.

Only one candidate for Governor in the Republican primary responded to our requests for comment on New Jersey’s bail reform woes, Joseph Rullo who lives in Little Egg Harbor, ground zero for bail reform’s breakdown.

Rullo told us bail reform has many problems as it is now.  Intended originally to allow low income offenders out of jail for minor offenses, it has become a golden ticket to get out of jail for some of New Jersey’s hardened criminals.

Rullo said New Jersey should not be releasing violent offenders back into the community without supervision.  He added that the state raised taxes to pay for the $500 million cost of the reform.

“Bail reform is tying up police with needless paper work,” Rullo said. “Rather than being on patrol, but that paper work also adds to overtime for police, with added expense to the municipalities.”

Rullo said the biggest issue with bail reform from his standpoint, beyond the inherent public safety concerns is that now the public will have to pay for those who fail to return to court to be relocated and relocated.  Prior to bail reform, the job of finding those who skipped bail was left up to private bail bondsmen at no cost to the public.

Now, according to Rullo, the municipalities will bear the cost of finding and returning those who skipped their court hearing, putting police departments in the unnecessary position, risking resources and officers in an effort to bring those people back to justice for a second time…sometimes third and fourth times.

As of this writing, neither the campaign for Kim Guadagno nor Jack Ciattarelli have responded to several requests for comment on this topic.

After an initial call by Peter McAleer, an appointed public information officer representing the New Jersey Courts, last week contesting our coverage of bail reform, McAleer has yet to address the topic since with us.   A request for comment from Governor Chris Christie on the subject also was not answered.

 

Report: Homeless Man Charged with Aggravated Sexual Assault Released under Bail Reform Act

FRANKLIN TWP, GLOUCESTER CO.-A homeless man from California, living in New Jersey was arrested in Franklinville by Franklin Township police officers on Tuesday, January 17th.

Police charged Lester R. Cook, 23, with aggravated sexual assault, with penetration.

No further details were made available, but Cook was immediately released with a summons by police under direction of the judge, according to the New Jersey Bail Reform Act.

Source: NJ Bail Reform

Man Accidentally Killed with Shotgun While Hunting

by Al DellaFave, OCPO

BERKELEY TWP-On Saturday January 28, 2017 at 8:46 am, Berkeley Township Police were dispatched to the wooded area of 100 Locker Street following a 9-1-1 call stating a male had been shot while hunting.

Berkeley Township Police and MONOC Unit 712 responded and the body of A 26 y/o male from Barnegat, NJ was pronounced dead via telemetry at 9:08am by Dr.Juarez from Newark Beth Israel Hospital. The decedent was transported to Community Medical Center in Toms River.

The scene was immediately secured and Det. Matthew Scutti and Det. Laudicina of the Ocean County Sheriff Department (CSI) processed the scene. The shotgun used in this matter has been secured with the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department.

Ocean County Major Crimes Unit Det. John Carroll and John Murphy, along with Berkeley Township Police Det. Joseph Santoro, were assigned to lead the investigation. Preliminarily their investigation found the victim, his father and two friends were out hunting deer. One of the victims’ friends, a 41 y/o male from Forked River discharged his shotgun while hunting and struck the decedent killing him. After hearing the gunshot the victim’s father immediately attempted to render aid while 9-1-1 was called.

Report: One Dead in Jackson Crash

JACKSON-The Jackson Police Department today said 25 year old Shane R. Stewart, a township man has been killed as the result of a single vehicle crash early Saturday morning.

The Police Department Reported: 

The Jackson Police Department is currently investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash which occurred early this morning on Freehold Road and is seeking any witnesses to the incident.

On January 28, 2017 at approximately 2:00 am, officers and emergency personnel responded to a serious motor vehicle crash on Freehold Road. The crash involved one vehicle, which had only one occupant. The operator was identified as Shane R. Stewart, age 25, of Jackson, NJ. Preliminary investigation shows that the vehicle was traveling south on Freehold Road when for unknown reasons it crossed the center line into the north bound lane, then continued off the north bound side of the roadway where the vehicle struck a tree.

Jackson First Aid Squad also responded to the scene.

The crash is under investigation by P.O. Don Lasko of the Jackson Township Police Dept. Traffic Safety Bureau, overseen by Sgt. George Vidalis of the Traffic Bureau.

Any witnesses to the crash are asked to contact the Jackson Police Department at (732)928-1111

Man Who Pushed State Trooper Out of Moving Vehicle During Car Jacking Gets 10 Years in Prison

TRENTON-A a Newark man was sentenced to prison on Friday for a violent crime spree in which he seriously injured a State Police detective when the detective tried to stop him from committing a carjacking and was ejected from the moving vehicle.Terry Saunders, 28, aka Tarik Smith, of Newark, N.J., was sentenced today to 10 years in state prison, including 8 ½ years of parole ineligibility, by Superior Court Judge Michael L. Ravin in Essex County. Saunders pleaded guilty on Nov. 14 to first-degree carjacking, first-degree robbery, and second-degree aggravated assault. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison on each of the first-degree charges, and five years on the second-degree charge, with the sentences to run concurrently. All of the charges fall under the No Early Release Act, so he must serve 85 percent of the sentences without possibility of parole.

Deputy Attorney General Annmarie Taggart, deputy chief of the Gangs & Organized Crime Bureau, handled the sentencing for the Division of Criminal Justice.

“Once behind the wheel of a stolen car, Saunders wielded that car like a weapon, with zero regard for the life of anyone who got in his way,” said Attorney General Porrino. “The State Police detective in this case is a true hero who risked his life to take this violent criminal off the street.”

“This sentence ensures that Saunders will serve a lengthy term behind bars, where he can’t commit robberies or threaten the lives of civilians and police officers,” said Director Elie Honig of the Division of Criminal Justice. “We have removed this menace from our communities.”

“Terry Saunders’ crime spree of stealing cars turned into mayhem as a result of his violent attempts to elude authorities, which ended-up seriously injuring a trooper,” said Colonel Rick Fuentes, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “Our first priority is to preserve life and protect the community, and I commend this State Police detective who placed himself in peril in order to do just that.”

Saunder’s crime spree began at about 5:18 a.m. on Sept. 30, 2014, when he drove a stolen car onto the lot of Alamo Rent A Car on U.S. 1 & 9 in Newark. An unarmed guard, believing he was an employee, allowed Saunders to drive to the rear of the facility, where he stole a Chevrolet Tahoe. Saunders pulled the SUV up to the front exit and honked his horn, but the guard, who had become suspicious, approached the vehicle. At that point, Saunders rammed the gate. He then put the vehicle into reverse and crashed into two cars behind him. Another guard, who was armed and had seen the collisions, ran in front of the SUV, yelling for Saunders to stop. Saunders drove directly toward the armed guard, who fired his .40-caliber handgun once, striking Saunders in the shoulder. Saunders then crashed the SUV into the exit gate again, disabling the vehicle. Saunders fled on foot. The armed guard chased Saunders and struggled with him in an attempt to take him into custody, but Saunders escaped.

Following the failed robbery attempt at Alamo, an alert was broadcast to police with a description of Saunders, who was described as “armed.” In fact, there is no evidence that Saunders was armed at the time. Shortly afterward, a New Jersey State Police detective who was on patrol in Newark saw Saunders and noted that he fit the description in the bulletin. Saunders was engaged in a carjacking involving a Monte Carlo that had stopped at a traffic light on Frelinghuysen Avenue. Saunders opened the passenger door and told the driver to get in the back seat. Fearing Saunders was armed, the driver complied.

The detective, who saw Saunders get into the passenger side of the car and push the driver toward the back seat, parked his unmarked Jeep behind and perpendicular to the Monte Carlo. The detective exited his vehicle, stealthily approached the driver’s door of the Monte Carlo, and opened the door to kneel on the driver’s seat facing Saunders. The detective wrestled with Saunders to keep him from getting into the driver’s seat. The detective drew his weapon and repeatedly told Saunders to show his hands. Saunders, however, continued to struggle and ultimately put the car in reverse, accelerating backward.

The detective, who could not maintain his balance and feared he would be tossed from the vehicle, fired three or four rounds from his 9mm handgun at Saunders, none of which appear to have hit him. As the car reversed, the detective was ejected from the open driver’s side and was struck by the driver’s door. He was dragged several feet until the car crashed into the unmarked police car. The detective landed on the road with his head inches from both a rear wheel of the Monte Carlo and a front wheel of the Jeep. The car pulled forward several feet, at which point the detective – fearing the car would reverse over him and seeking to stop the carjacking and kidnapping – fired seven or eight more rounds from his weapon. One of the rounds struck Saunders in the back.

Saunders fled in the car, with the man he carjacked still in the back seat. After driving about 10 minutes, he got out of the car and fled on foot. The carjacking victim was unharmed. Later that night, Saunders was admitted to Harlem Hospital Center in New York City for treatment of his gunshot wounds. While at the hospital, he was identified and arrested in connection with the crimes in New Jersey. He was extradited to New Jersey, where he has been held in the Essex County Jail with bail set at $750,000.

Among other injuries, the detective suffered broken bones in his spine, a broken shoulder and broken ribs, as well as wounds to his head and other areas that required numerous staples and sutures to close.

Deputy Attorney General Vincent J. Militello presented the case to the state grand jury for the Attorney General’s Shooting Response Team and took the guilty plea. With respect to the police-involved shooting, after analyzing all of the facts and circumstances of this incident, it was concluded by Director Elie Honig of the Division of Criminal Justice that the detective used an acceptable level of force under the Attorney General’s Use-of-Force Policy in firing his handgun at Saunders. An officer may use deadly force in New Jersey when the officer reasonably believes it is immediately necessary to protect the officer or another person from imminent danger of death or serious bodily harm. An officer also may use deadly force in appropriate circumstances to make an arrest for the crimes of kidnapping and robbery. All portions of the Attorney General’s Directive on Police-Use-of-Force Investigations which were in effect during the course of the investigation were complied with.

Man Held on Immigration Detainer After Trying to Lure Young Girls Walking Home From School

LONG BRANCH-On January 25th, at approximately 3pm, the Long Branch Police received a call of a possible kidnapping near Prospect Street and Bath Ave. While officers were enroute to this call, another call came in from the same area concerning the robbery of a cell phone. SGT Robert Bell immediately responded to the area and was able to detain a subject who fit the description of the accused in both incidents. Officers Gary Vecchione, Daniel Richards and Hector Umana arrived shortly thereafter, and were able to ascertain that 3 separate incidents had occurred, all involving girls aged 12-14 that had either just exited the school bus or were walking home from school.

The accused, later identified as Daniel Omar Mejia-Reyes, approached the girls separately, but all within a few minutes of each other. In the first two incidents, he forcibly robbed the victims of their cell phones. In the last case he picked up the young victim and attempted to remove her from the area. In the first two cases, the bus driver and bus aide saw the robberies and came to the victim’s aid, and ushered the victims back onto the bus. In the last case, the victim was walking home from school, and she attempted to fight off her attacker, and was helped by another classmate.

Detectives arrived at the scene at the same time. Detective Jake Pascucci became the lead investigator and he was assisted by Detective SGT Brendan Cahill, Romano, O’Brien, Spitale and Kennedy. They were able to arrest Daniel Omar Mejia-Reyes, 27 years old, 383 Bath Avenue, and he was charged with 2 counts of Robbery, Criminal Restraint, Aggravated Criminal Sexual Contact and Sexual Assault. He was remanded to the Monmouth County Correctional Institution with no bail and additionally held on an Immigration detainer.

The quick response time and actions by both the Patrol Division and the Detective Bureau, working together, brought this incident to a quick conclusion, ending in the arrest of the accused. Everyone involved, including the bus aide driver and student, should be commended. If anyone has any further information please contact DET Jake Pascucci at 732-222-1000.

Brick Hires 5 Special Police Officers

Brick Township welcomed five new police officers to the department. Jacob Camaraza, Kyle Beaver, Christon Clarke, Jacob Wetmore and Johnathan Ling, all of whom were sworn in as Special Police Officers last Friday.

Man Released Twice in Week Under NJ Bail Reform Suspect in Another Burglary

NEW BRUNSWICK — Police are looking for a Plainfield man they say broke into a Union County home days after being picked up for another burglary in Middlesex County. The Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office filed a motion Thursday asking the court to rescind the previous pre-bail ruling for Dawud Ward from Jan. 17 when the judge…

Handgun, $50k in Heroin Not Enough to Keep Gang Member in Jail under New Jersey Bail Reform

Bail reform has failed another New Jersey community this week as the South Plainfield Police Department watched a gang member they arrested hours before walk out of court without bail.

Omar R. Perkins, 23, was released from Middlesex County Jail on 1/27/2017 pursuant to the new Bail Reform Law.

Perkins, a G-Shine Bloods Gang Member, was arrested on 1/20/2017 after a court ordered search warrant was executed at his residence which resulted in the seizure of over $50,000.00 worth of heroin and a Hi-Point 9mm handgun.

Perkins was charged with Certain Persons Not to Possess Weapons, Possession of CDS with Intent to Distribute, Possession of CDS, Possession of a Weapon during a Drug Distribution Scheme, Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Perkins was arraigned today in accordance to new bail reform regulations. Despite the efforts of The Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office to keep Perkins detained in the County Jail, a Superior Court Judge ordered that Perkins be released over the Objection of the Prosecutor.

Burglar Set Free Twice in One Week Under New Jersey Bail Reform Law

SOUTH PLAINFIELD-The fast revolving door of New Jersey’s new criminal justice system was well oiled last week in South Plainfield where a man was set free twice over a three day span after committing burglaries.

The following report was published by the South Plainfield Police Department:

On Friday, January 13th 2017 at about 12:30pm, South Plainfield Police responded to a residence on May Ave. for a reported burglary in progress.

Upon arrival, Officers located a male on the property of the residence. Investigation revealed the male, Dawud Ward, 23 of 1135 Hillside Ave in Plainfield, unlawfully entered the unoccupied home. Ward was in possession of burglar tools, gloves and a garbage bag. Ward drove to the location in a family member’s vehicle, which was towed from the scene by police.

Ward was placed under arrest and charged with Criminal Attempt, Burglary, Possession of Burglar Tools, 4 Counts of Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Ward was brought to the Middlesex County Correctional Center after his arrest.

In compliance with the newly implemented Bail Reform Act which took effect January 1st, 2017, Ward was arraigned in Middlesex County Superior Court on January 17th. During the arraignment, The Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office filed a motion to keep Ward detained in the County Jail. The Superior Court Judge denied the motion and released Ward at the objection of the County Prosecutor.

After being released by Middlesex County Superior Court, Ward was arrested by the Cranford Police on January 20th after he was caught in the act committing yet another residential burglary. Ward was transported to the Union County Jail after that arrest.

On Saturday, January 21st, Ward was again released from Union County Jail after his arraignment in Union County Superior Court pursuant to the new Bail Reform Act.

Police: Man Arrested with 37 Bricks of Heroin; Released without Bail

TOMS RIVER-Police said on January 6th, they arrested Taree Howell who had on his possession, 37 bricks of heroin.   Taree was charged with possession, manufacturing and intent to distribute heroin.

37 brick of heroin is equivalent to 1,850 doses of the drug with a street value of roughly $15,000.

Taree, according to law enforcement officials was immediately released by the courts based on his low score generated by computer models used to guide judges under the new state bail reform system.

 

New Jersey Bail Reform Is Not What New Jersey Voted for in 2014

In November of 2014, New Jersey voters overwhelmingly supported an election ballot referendum that allowed the state to amend the constitution to allow for a more comprehensive pretrial system for criminal justice cases.

What those New Jersey voters received in January was nothing more than a bait and switch, because the current state of bail reform in the Garden State does not remotely resemble the 2014 referendum question.

The ballot question heading read, “Constitutional amendment to allow a court to order pretrial detention of a person in a criminal case.”

The question posed to voters read as follows:

Do you approve amending the Constitution to allow a court to order pretrial detention of a person in a criminal case? This would change the current constitutional right to bail. The change to the Constitution would mean that a court could order that a person remain in jail prior to trial, even without a chance for the person to post bail, in some situations. The amendment also removes language in the Constitution about bail eligibility for death penalty cases. The death penalty no longer exists in New Jersey.

Just in case voters were not sure about what this meant, it came with an interpretive statement which read:

The Constitution currently requires a court to grant bail to a jailed person in a criminal case before trial. If the person posts bail, the person is released from jail pending trial. The amendment would give a court the option of ordering a person to remain in jail in some situations. The court could order such detention based upon concerns that the person, if released: will not return to court; is a threat to the safety of another person or the community; or will obstruct or attempt to obstruct the criminal justice process. The amendment authorizes the Legislature to pass laws concerning pretrial release and pretrial detention. The amendment would take effect on January 1, 2017 to allow any new laws to be enacted and their requirements to be established. The amendment would also remove language in the Constitution about bail eligibility for death penalty cases. The death penalty no longer exists in New Jersey. Lt. Governor Kimberly M. Guadagno, Secretary of State.

Instead, New Jersey got a system that puts violent criminal offenders, sex offenders and drug dealers back on the streets hours after their arrest…without bail.

The failure of the new bail reform system was highlighted this week in Ocean County when Judge Wendel E. Daniels released a man who was caught not once, but twice sexually assaulting children.  At least once as a minor and last week as an adult.  According to the local police chief in the perp’s town, Richard Buzby, the man poses a serious threat to children.  Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph Coronato agreed.

Judge Daniels let the man return home with a gps monitoring device, even though he had lured his victims from the comfort of his home on the internet and at school bus stops, according to sources close to the matter who wished to remain anonymous.

Despite Coronato’s office appealing the matter all the way up to the New Jersey Supreme Court, Daniels released him back into the community.

Why? Because he only scored 1.2 on a new computer generated inmate grading system.  According to that score, the man poses no flight risk to the court system.

Law enforcement officials in Ocean County and the man’s hometown of Little Egg Harbor were left frightened and handcuffed…unable to even alert the neighborhood residents of the man’s release or charges because of further red tape in the Megan’s Law processing procedures.  Unable to to do anything but hope he doesn’t wander out of his house and assault a third child, Buzby made an unconventional plea to residents on Facebook to watch their children.

As if things couldn’t appear worse than they already are with the Ocean County case, they are.

This week, neighbors and friends of a man who viciously assaulted his girlfriend, smashing her head through a television set,  said he was released hours later, again with no bail, through the new and improved revolving door of the New Jersey criminal justice system, courtesy of the state’s legislators, court system and signed by Governor Chris Christie.

Also this week, a drug dealer in Ocean County was caught with an extremely large amount of heroin, also released back into the community with no bail.

As if things couldn’t appear worse than that, they are.

Police now are worried that criminals may already be working the system that now gives them a clear cut advantage over law enforcement.  Gone is the leverage initial investigating officers had over suspected drug dealers.    We’ve all seen it in the movies, cops playing good cop, working together to get a perp to divulge more details of the crime and of his greater operation or organization…with deals of lighter charges…talking to the judge on their behalf… if they cooperated and negotiated… perhaps give up more names in a criminal enterprises.

Gone.  Why would somebody who knows they will rate low on the new computerized criminal scorecard worry what Joe Cop is threatening in the interrogation briefing when he knows he’s a 1, maybe a 2 on the computer and will be home in time for Monday Night Football that evening?

As if things couldn’t get worse than that, they are.

Criminals aren’t as dumb as many think they are.  In fact, many are crafty and smart.  Police know that.  That’s why their job at is always a tough one.  Some police officers we spoke to now fear that the word is out on this new computerized rating system and suspect criminals will start using low-scoring mules to do their dirty work.

Why should a drug manufacturer risk his own freedom delivering a package from one distribution point to another distribution point?  If he’s high on the computer ratings system, he could be looking at an expensive bail posting to get out jail, which they always seem to have laying around.   Now, he can delegate those tasks to underlings or perhaps even recruit new help off the streets with lower computer scores.  It happens already with drug cartels smuggling drugs into America, exploiting women and children.

No police officers we spoke to this week would go on record and talk about how bail reform has handcuffed their ability to protect their communities.   Several expressed concerns over political backlash, since, “This one comes from the top.”

They all however agreed on two things. First, New Jersey’s bail reform system has broken down, just three weeks into the year in which it started and nobody is benefiting from it except the criminals and the court system.  Second, the system that was implemented on January 1st, bears little resemblance to the 2014 ballot referendum New Jersey voters approved.

In the Little Egg Harbor case, bail reform was just one problem.  The other problem was Megan’s Law.  The defendant is currently disputing the Megan’s Law tier he was assigned, a process that could take as long as six to eight months.  During that time, he is not registered as a sex offender, so by law, cannot be treated as one.

Another problem is that the state’s new ratings system does not factor a criminal’s juvenile record into the final score.  The courts can be advised of the record by the prosecutor’s office, but the computer rating system is blind to it.

The other problem is that the algorithm is geared towards flight risk and penalizes petty criminals more severely than first time violent offenders.

Drug addicts are harshly penalized by the computer grading system.   A drug addict who might have been picked up once or twice on CDS possession charges, maybe one or two shoplifting charges to support his habit and might have missed a few court cases because he was hungover in the morning or just too high to remember his court date will rate as a high flight risk.  He might a get a score of 4 or 5 out of 6, while an enraged boyfriend who never committed a crime smashes his girlfriend’s head through a television rates a 1 or 2, because the computer algorithm doesn’t see him as a flight risk.

If New Jersey doesn’t fix the mess it’s in, just one month into bail reform, jails will be clear of violent offenders and full of small time drug addicts, contrary to what the original intent of the referendum was.

New Jersey’s bail reform is a system that was developed by politically appointed administrators and politicians, managed on the front lines by the politically appointed judges who don’t have to answer to anyone.   New Jersey’s law enforcement community did not take part in or have a say in the constructing of the new laws and regulations they now have to deal with on a daily basis.

This afternoon, we were contacted by Peter McAleer, a communications officer for the New Jersey Administrative Office of Courts.   McAleer took offense to our earlier story on Thursday criticizing bail reform.   We advised McAleer that we would be open to talk to the state about this topic and provide the state with a platform for their agenda, but only from the top, through Governor Christie himself.

What can you do about New Jersey bail reform putting violent offenders, sex offenders and criminal back on our streets?  Call your local state assemblyman or senator and let them know how you feel.

You can get a full list here.

90 Year Old Driver Crashes Into Tree, Three Houses Pulling Out of Her Driveway

by Capt. Todd Malland, MPD

MANCHESTER– A 90-year-old Manchester woman was injured after she lost control of the vehicle while exiting her driveway and struck three houses and a tree in the Leisure Village West section of the Township Thursday morning. Maria T. Pannizzo of Buckingham Drive, lost control of her 2002, Toyota Camry while pulling from her driveway and left the roadway on three separate occasions, striking three nearby houses before coming to a stop after impacting a tree and rolling over. She was transported to Community Medical Center in Toms River for treatment of injuries sustained during the crash.

On January 26th, at approximately 8:30 am, officers from the Manchester Township Police Department responded to the area of Yorkshire Court and Buckingham Drive in the Leisure Village West section of the Township for the report of a single vehicle crash in which a car struck several houses and a tree. Upon arrival, officers located the involved vehicle, a 2002 Toyota Camry with heavy damage on the side of Buckingham Drive. The initial investigation revealed that Pannizzo was backing from her driveway and was attempting to turn left onto Buckingham Drive when she over-accelerated and left the roadway and impacted the side of 60A Buckingham Drive.  After striking the side of the Buckingham Drive residence, Pannizzo put her vehicle in reverse and accelerated backwards onto Buckingham Drive.  While in reverse, her vehicle left the roadway a second time and impacted the sun rooms of 1C and 1D Yorktown Court.  After striking the above residences, Pannizzo put her vehicle back into drive and accelerated forward once again crossing over Buckingham Drive. In doing so, she left the roadway a third time and travelled in a north direction on the grass parallel to the Buckingham Drive for several hundred feet before impacting a tree. The force of the impact caused Pannizzo’s vehicle to roll over 360 degrees before finally landing back on all four wheels.

Ms. Pannizzo, was traveling alone at the time of the crash and it appears as though she was not wearing her seatbelt. She was transported to Community Medical Center in Toms River by EMT’s from Quality Medical Transport for complaint of pain as well as a possible broken arm and hand.

Assisting at the scene were Inspectors from the Manchester Township Building Department, workers from Leisure Village Maintenance, utility crews from Jersey Central Power and Light.

The crash is under investigation by Cpl. Douglas Higgins of the Manchester Township Police Traffic Safety Unit with the assistance of Officers George Smith and Stephen Hankins of the Patrol Bureau.

How One High School Teacher Lost Her Mind During Trump Inauguration

The once peaceful liberal left is coming unhinged in just the first few days of Donald Trump’s presidency.

In Dallas, Texas, at W.H. Adamson High School, Payal R. Modi watched the inauguration on a classroom whiteboard and took her fake gun out and pretended to shoot the President, yelling, “Die!”.

From the video, others were in the room, but it could not be confirmed whether those others were students or faculty.

She Tweeted about her outburst.
“Watching the #inaguration in my classroom like…#no #stop #denial #squirtgun”

#VisitFromTheSecretService

According to The Gateway Pundit, the Secret Service office in Irving, Texas is already aware of the video.

The Dallas Independent School District has yet to issue a statement on the teacher’s behavior.

Like most who get the spotlight put on them in the past week, Ms. Modi closed all of her social media accounts and made them private.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2piY_Y83YPw

Modi had visited the White House in October of 2016.

 

 

 

 

 

How New Jersey Bail Reform Act Put Some Ocean County Children at Possible Risk

TRENTON-Law enforcement agencies in Ocean County are shocked and upset this week after New Jersey’s bail reform law has put a man who police say offered a video game console to a child in Little Egg Harbor in return for sexual favors, back on the street.

Despite best efforts by the local police chief, Richard Buzby and Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph Coronato, the man was released back into the community without bail after being arrested.

Officials close to the investigation say the case against the accused sexual offender is a solid one, but thanks to a bail reform law enacted by the state’s voters in 2014 and red tape restrictions in Megan’s law, it’s the law enforcement community that is now handcuffed.

In 2014, New Jersey voters voted in favor of a referendum that made the The Bail Reform and Speedy Trial Act a law in the state.

Police said they cannot alert families in the neighborhood where the suspect lives, even though the offender, according to Police Chief Richard Buzby has a past history of targeting children, according to the law.

“For some time a sex offender who has targeted children in the past, has lived in this community in close proximity to many family residences, school bus stops and other points of interest to children,” Buzby said. “Despite the best efforts of the county prosecutor’s office and this Agency to the contrary, the current state of Megan’s Law is such that this particular community cannot be notified until the sex offender rating process is completed and a tier is established that will allow such a notification.”

The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, according to sources, pleaded with the Judge Wendel E. Daniels of the New Jersey Superior Court to delay the man’s release, but Daniels, a politically appointed judge who now is tenured, released the offender back into the community, leaving the local law enforcement establishment speechless and without recourse to serve and protect those that could be potential victims of the man.

A law enforcement official who wished to remain anonymous today told Shore News Network that the bail reform law is keeping a repeat petty criminals and drug addicts in jail with bail until trial, but allowing some violent offenders out of the system and out on the streets without bail.

He said the bail reform law uses a computer model and rating system for offenders and decisions to hold perpetrators on bail or to release them are weighed by judges, now also guided by those rating computer model ratings.

If a small-time drug user with a history of possession charges and misdemeanors enters the system, they are graded much higher than a violent or sexual offender who may be in the system for the first time, such as the case in Little Egg Harbor, according to another law enforcement official, who again, because of the political controversy surrounding New Jersey’s bail reform law, wishes to remain anonymous.

It’s not just Ocean County where bail reform is failing the citizens of New Jersey.

A Facebook page, NJ Bail Reform – Why New Jersey is LESS safe at Taxpayer’s Expense is gaining momentum and cataloging the statewide breakdown in bail reform.

In Teaneck, an ex-con from North Carolina was immediately released after being found in a pot smoke filled car carrying a loaded gun.

A man and woman arrested in a string of burglaries with criminal backgrounds were released.  The woman reoffended within a week and was back in jail on burglary charges.

In Clifton, a man caught carrying a knife punched a police officer and was promptly put back on the streets, thanks to New Jersey Bail Reform.

A man stopped on the George Washington Bridge with a half-million dollars in cash was also released after being stopped for a moving violation.

A doctor who fired a rifle into a parked vehicle, let out of jail, so long as he promised not to drink anymore alcohol.

The reports went on and on.

The NJ Bail Reform Facebook page has been documenting and cataloging the failures of the bail reform law since it went into action this year.  Dozens of examples of failures in the system in just a few weeks were already posted.

We have reached out to Governor Christie’s office to ask the governor about this case since he was a proponent of the bail reform law, but have yet to receive an answer.  We will update this story if the request is returned.

We have also contacted the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office to discuss New Jersey bail reform and we hope to have a follow up feature on this story within the next day or so.

 

 

Joint Base Munitions Training Taking Place Today

The 87th CEG Explosive Ordnance Disposal team will be conducting routine training, today, from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM on the ranges located here Joint Base MDL.

Due to the size of training munitions and anticipated weather conditions– the noise may travel farther than normal.

We appreciate the support of our local communities and installation residents for this important training!

Sierra Club: Joint Base Chemicals Linked to ADHD in Children

The following is a press release submitted by Jeff Tittel, NJ Sierra Club

TRENTON-In August, the US Department of Defense (DOD) hired a company to begin testing the groundwater at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. They tested 21 sites on the base to determine the extent of perfluorinated compound contamination from perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). The contamination may have come from firefighting foam for military use. Now that contamination has been found off-base, in a surrounding community.

“Now we know that the PFO and PFOA contamination is more pervasive and being found in communities off-base. This is a very serious and systemic problem that needs to be dealt with. These PFOs come from substances such as firefighting foam and can seep into groundwater, both on the base and off it. They made the mess and now they have to clean it up and protect the communities around the Base,” said Jeff Tittel, New Jersey Sierra Club Director. “Putting the SRL Pipeline through this area will only make things worse.”

PFOA is a carcinogen that has been linked to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in children. A report published by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences shows a relationship between slightly elevated levels of PFOA in the blood and a higher rate of ADHD diagnosis. The incidence of ADHD in children is rising and so is the amount of PFOA in the water supply. PFOA is found in many wells in New Jersey, especially in South Jersey near the DuPont site, but also in other parts of the state such as Sayerville. The current standard for PFOA in drinking water is 150 times what is recommended.

“The DOD needs to clean up this mess and the NJDEP needs to recognize the problem of PFOAs and set standards to prevent these things from happenings. These chemicals are harmful, especially to children. We have seen PFOAs show up too often in our waterways yet the DEP has not set any standards to fix this problem. New Jersey needs to move to adopt stricter regulations for PFOA in our drinking water,” said Jeff Tittel, Director of the New Jersey Sierra Club.

Child Sex Offender Back on the Streets Shortly After Arrest Thanks to Bail Reform Law

LITTLE EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP-Chief Richard Buzby issued the following statement regarding a suspected child sex offender who has been released back into the community thanks to New Jersey’s new bail reform law.

On Friday,  announced the arrest of Christopher Wilson, 20, of Little Egg Harbor Township, NJ, for 2nd degree Attempted Sexual Assault and 3rd degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child.    Police said Wilson offered a child a video game console in exchange for sex.  Wilson was arrested, but according to Ocean County law enforcement officials, despite agencies pleading their case to keep him incarcerated, Judge Wendel E. Daniels ordered his release.

“We attempted to appeal the decision and asked for a stay until the appeal process,” said Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office spokesperson Al DellaFave. “It was denied and he was released by the judge, our hands are tied.”

Read Wilson’s Friday Arrest Report Here.

Chief Buzby wrote:

For some time a sex offender who has targeted children in the past, has lived in this community in close proximity to many family residences, school bus stops and other points of interest to children.

Despite the best efforts of the county prosecutor’s office and this agency to the contrary, the current state of Megan’s Law is such that this particular community cannot be notified until the sex offender rating process is completed and a tier is established that will allow such a notification. A determination that would have allowed such notification was reached by the prosecutor’s office but that matter is under appeal and, once again, the notification must be delayed.


There is, at present, an allegation that this subject has re-offended with a local child. An arrest has been made and all appropriate charges have been filed but the new bail reform protocol has determined that he does not present a threat and he was released by a superior court judge this afternoon.

Because of our perceived threat to other children and our continued inability to notify parents this matter has been taken under immediate appeal by the prosecutor. Once again, despite the prosecutor’s best efforts, trial court and appellate court stays have been denied and this person will apparently remain in our community until the matter progresses further.


As your chief and a fellow parent, I could not sleep tonight if I did not say something to families about being particularly careful regarding their children’s whereabouts and welfare at this time. I beg you to do so, particularly now. Rest assured, we are working with the county prosecutor’s office non-stop to rectify this matter as fast as we humanly can.

South Seaside Park Dune System No Match for Nor'easter

BERKELEY TWP-They saved South Seaside Park from the brunt of the Atlantic Ocean’s surge during Superstorm Sandy and the recent nor’easter that passed through the state Sunday and Monday were no match for them either.

The dune system in South Seaside Park did their job this week. They protected the coastal residents in this small oceanfront community between Seaside Park and Island Beach State Park.

While some areas, including Ortley beach suffered as much as 75% loss of their dune berm system during the storm, the South Seaside Park system fared well.

“Thanks to our public works, parks department and beach staff, I’m pleased our dune system once again provided protection for our residents in South Seaside Park,” said Berkeley Township Mayor Carmen Amato.

Berkeley Mayor Credits Township Workers for Speedy Cleanup After Nor'easter

BERKELEY-Berkeley Township, according to many published reports this week had nearly 3 inches of rain during the recent passing Nor’easter. It was the highest total rainfall amount of any town in New Jersey, according to the National Weather Service.

High winds brought down trees across the municipality over the two day storm, but today, Mayor Carmen Amato announced that by noon Monday, all of the roads had been cleared by township workers.

“As of noon, Monday we had some minor flooding in the back bay areas,” Amato said. “Three trees were knocked down and our parks and recreation department had quickly cleared them.”

Amato also thanked the township’s police officers, first responders and OEM services for their efforts during the storm.

This week's Lacey Township Police Blotter

  • DUI Arrest – On Tuesday, January 17, 2017, Officers Julie Barcalow and Jason Lee responded to JR’s Liquors, located at 1000 Lacey Road in Forked River for an unrelated alarm. While at the scene, a seperate DUI investigation began. The investigation led to the arrest of 45-year-old James Frey of Green View Way in Toms River, NJ, for DUI. He was transported to police headquarters and processed. James Frey was released after receiving traffic summonses for DUI, Reckless Driving, Open Container of Alcohol in a Motor Vehicle and Consuming Alcohol in a Motor Vehicle. The vehicle he was operating was impounded pursuant to John’s Law
  • Warrant Arrest – On Monday, January 16, 2017, at 11:05 p.m., Officer Michael Baldasari conducted a traffic stop in the parking lot of Caffrey’s, located at 440 Route 9 South in Forked River. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of the driver, identified as 27-year-old Keith W. Hestermann, Jr., of North Penn Avenue in Forked River, on an outstanding Lacey Township Municipal Court warrant in the bail amount of $750. He was transported to police headquarters and processed. Keith Hestermann, Jr., was unable to post bail and was lodged in the Ocean County Correctional Facility.
  • Drug Arrest – On Monday, January 16, 2017, at 12:02 a.m., Officer Michael Baldasari conducted a traffic stop in the parking lot of Applebees, located at 404 Route 9 South in Forked River. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of the driver, 25-year-old Joseph R. Greco of Bittern Lane in Bayville, NJ, for Possession of CDS. He was transported to police headquarters and processed. Joseph Greco was released after receiving a criminal summons for Possession of Marijuana 50 Grams or Less and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. In addition he received traffic summonses for Speeding and CDS in a Motor Vehicle.
  • Warrant Arrest – On Sunday, January 15, 2017, at 7:54 p.m., Officer Anthony Sarno responded to Second Street in Forked River to serve two outstanding warrants. Upon arrival, officers arrested 25-year-old Jerry L. Anderson, 3rd, of Lexington Boulevard in Barnegat, NJ on the two outstanding warrants. Warrant number one (1) was issued by the Berkeley Township Municipal Court in the bail amount of $1,500 and warrant number two (2) was issued by the Ocean Township Municipal Court in the bail amount of $120. Jerry Anderson was transported to police headquarters and processed. He was unable to post bail and was lodged in the Ocean County Correctional Facility.
  • Warrant Arrest – On Sunday, January 15, 2017, at 12:25 a.m., Officer Anthony Sarno conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of Middle Branch and Bahama Drives in Forked River. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of the driver, identified as 30-year-old Stephen P. Pajewski of Route 37 West in Toms River, NJ, on two outstanding warrants. Warrant number one (1) was issued by the Manchester Township Municipal Court in the bail amount of $500 and warrant number two (2) was issued by the Robbinsville Township Municipal Court in the bail amount of $1,500.   Stephen Pajewski was transported to police headquarters and processed. He posted bail on the Manchester Township Municipal Court warrant.  Robbinsville Township was contacted regarding their warrant and they released him on his own recognizance pending a future court date. In addition, Stephen Pajewski received a motor vehicle summons for Driving with a Suspended Driver’s License before being released from custody.
  • Warrant Arrest – On Saturday, January 14, 2017, at 10:21 p.m., Officer Anthony Sarno conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of Beverly Road and Joffre Road in Forked River. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of the front seat passenger, identified as 46-year-old Steven J. Bassford, of Lancaster Court in Forked River, on an outstanding Ocean County Sheriff’s Department warrant in the bail amount of $22,073.87. He was transported to police headquarters and processed. Stephen Bassford was unable to post bail and was lodged in the Ocean County Correctional Facility.
  • Drug Arrest – On Saturday, January 14, 2017, at 9:25 p.m., Officer Michael Verwey responded to the Wawa, located at 701 Route 9 North in Lanoka Harbor, for a report of a male slumped over the steering wheel in his vehicle.  Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of the driver, identified as 24-year-old Robert M. Donahue of Crestwood Drive in Forked River, for DUI. He was transported to police headquarters and processed. Robert Donahue was released after receiving traffic summonses for DUI, Reckless Driving, Failure to Exhibit Registration and Failure to Exhibit Proof of Insurance. The vehicle he was operating was impounded pursuant to John’s Law.
  • Drug Arrest – On Saturday, January 14, 2017, at 2:49 p.m., Special Officer Adam Bylsma conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of Route 9 South and Station Drive in Forked River. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of the driver, identified as 21-year-old Brianna L. Vega of Oregon Avenue in Waretown, NJ, for Possession of CDS. She was transported to police headquarters and processed. Brianna Vega was released after receiving a criminal summons for Possession of Marijuana 50 Grams or Less. In addition, she received traffic summonses for CDS in a Motor Vehicle and Cell Phone Use.
  • Warrant Arrest – On Friday, January 13, 2017, at 8:48 p.m., Officers Martin Julian and Jesse Dalziel responded to Constitution Drive in Forked River, to serve an outstanding warrant. Upon arrival officers arrested 24-year-old Shawn P. Kelly of Constitution Drive in Forked River, on an outstanding Hammonton Township Municipal Court warrant in the bail amount of $1500. Shawn Kelly was transported to police headquarters and processed. He was turned over to the custody the Hammonton Township Police Department.
  • Shoplifting Arrest – On Friday, January 13, 2017, at 6:37 p.m., Officers Patrick Watkins and Andrew Slota responded to the Walmart, located at 580 Route 9 North in Lanoka Harbor, for a female shoplifter.  Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of 18-year-old Taquanah I. Boone of Maple Street in Waretown, NJ, for shoplifting merchandise valued at $34.96. In addition, she initially provided a false name. She was transported to police headquarters and processed. Taquanah Boone was released after receiving a criminal summons for Shoplifting and for Hindering her own Apprehension by providing the false name.

Lacey Police Impound Vehicle in DUI Arrest

On Tuesday, January 17, 2017, Officers Julie Barcalow and Jason Lee responded to JR’s Liquors, located at 1000 Lacey Road in Forked River for an unrelated alarm. While at the scene, a seperate DUI investigation began. The investigation led to the arrest of 45-year-old James Frey of Green View Way in Toms River, NJ, for DUI. He was transported to police headquarters and processed. James Frey was released after receiving traffic summonses for DUI, Reckless Driving, Open Container of Alcohol in a Motor Vehicle and Consuming Alcohol in a Motor Vehicle. The vehicle he was operating was impounded pursuant to John’s Law.