Jersey Shore News

Seaside Heights Man Charged for Beating Small Dog to Death

SEASIDE HEIGHTS-Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato announced the indictment of Nicholas Piccolino, 34, of Seaside Heights, for one count of Animal Cruelty in the 3rd degree for causing serious bodily injury and death to a 10 year-old female Bichon Frise dog named “Booshu”.

The indictment stems from an animal abuse incident reported on August 19, 2016, at approximately 9:55 pm, to the Seaside Heights Police Department.  Booshu’s owner alleged that Piccolino, who was alone with the dog in her kitchen, caused the dog’s death.  An investigation by NJSPCA Det. Sergeant Larry Donato, with assistance from the Seaside Heights Police Department, determined that during Piccolino’s time alone with Booshu, a resident of the house upstairs heard several loud banging sounds and a dog yelping in the kitchen below.  Shortly after, Piccolino notified the dog’s owner that something was wrong with her dog.  Booshu’s owner found the dog dead on the floor of the bathroom.  Piccolino claimed that Booshu “dirtied” herself in her crate and that while he was cleaning her up, he dropped her.

Booshu was transported to Red Bank Animal Hospital where she was pronounced dead upon arrival.  A subsequent necropsy performed on Booshu by Dr. Shannon Swist of the NJ Animal Health Diagnostic Lab found that Booshu suffered multiple blunt force injuries to her head and body which contributed to her death.

On September 13, 2016,  having received the necropsy report and having completed witness interviews, Det. Donato presented his findings to Ocean County Assistant Prosecutor Heidi Tannenbaum-Newman who approved Third Degree charges pursuant to NJSA Title 4:22-17c(1) and 4:22-17 c (3)(a) of Torment, torture, unnecessarily or cruelly beating a living animal resulting in their death.  Bail was set at the time of his arrest at $35,000.

The media and public are reminded that criminal charges are merely accusations and that the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Heavy traffic expected for Polar Bear Plunge in Seaside Heights

SEASIDE HEIGHTS – The Special Olympics New Jersey Polar Bear Plunge has brought thousands of off-season visitors to the Jersey Shore every year for nearly a half century. As a result, the crowds and area residents alike have grown accustomed to a little extra traffic when this popular fundraiser is in town. This year, however, the…

Shark River Dredging Project Complete

NEPTUNE, NJ – After facing years of setbacks and obstacles, the long-awaited dredging project at Shark River has been completed. Equipment from the project, which included removing sediment and reopening the navigation channels in the Shark River, is being removed.

“I’m pleased to report that with help of local and state partners, Shark River’s navigable channels have been restored to use,” said Monmouth County Freeholder Thomas A. Arnone. “The project’s two phases have restored the full length of the navigable channels.”

“The restoration of state channels to allow safe passage for recreational and commercial traffic is critically important to maintaining our vibrant shore economy,” NJDOT Commissioner Richard T. Hammer said. “I am proud of the efforts of the NJDOT Office of Maritime Resources, working with the county and local officials, to make the Shark River safer to navigate than it has been in decades.”

The dredging project hydraulically removed almost three decades of sediment from the Shark River making it possible for vessels to travel during low tide from the eastern side of the river in Neptune Township to the main channels on the western side in Neptune City and Belmar. Approximately 9,000 feet of navigable channels have been restored.

The sediment was hydraulically dredged and then piped via a secure welded pipeline to mechanical dewatering equipment located in the Belmar Marina parking lot. The dewatered material was then trucked to the Monmouth County Reclamation Center for beneficial use as cover material on the active landfill.

“Last summer this project was suspended by the shutdown of projects funded by the Transportation Trust Fund (TTF),” said Arnone. “I participated in negotiations with the State to restart this project and I plan to keep advocating for the State to maintain and improve this valuable environmental, recreational and economic resource for all County residents.

“Efforts to dredge the Shark River were a long time in the making and I am extremely pleased that our strong coalition of State, County and local leaders effectively advocated and committed funding to the dredging project,” said Arnone. “Twenty years ago, I was a councilman in Neptune City when I began advocating for keeping the Shark River a viable waterway. I kept up the pressure as mayor and finally, as a Monmouth County Freeholder, I am seeing results. Thank you to the NJDOT, the County Freeholders, Neptune City, Neptune Township, Wall, and Belmar.”

“I am pleased to have worked to secure funding for the Shark River dredging which was long overdue,” said Congressman Chris Smith. “The FEMA reimbursement of roughly one third of the project cost made the dredging possible, and will now make for safe navigation in the state channels. As someone who grew up boating and fishing on the Shark River, I know the importance of seeing this waterway improved.”

The dredging project was bid at $7.6 million, began in December 2015 and was performed by Mobile Dredging sand Pumping Co. of Chester, Pennsylvania. County and municipal commitments were as follows: Monmouth County $1.1 million; Neptune City $100,000; Neptune Township $450,000; and Wall Township $315,000. Belmar provided in-kind service for the dewatering process at the Belmar Marina.

“This is really a beginning; it certainly could not have been accomplished without the coordination of the surrounding municipalities, County, and the State to get it off the ground,” Senator Jennifer Beck said. Going forward we must conduct regular maintenance dredging to ensure the viability of this river.”

Freeholders Oppose Flounder Restrictions

OMS RIVER – Noting the importance of the fishing industry on Ocean County’s economy, County officials are supporting federal and state representatives and recreational and commercial anglers who are in opposition to changes that will have a drastic effect on the summer flounder recreational harvest.

“I stand with federal and state lawmakers, along with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and representatives of the state’s recreational and commercial fishing industries in stating that the new regulations would devastate our fishing industry and have a devastating economic impact on Ocean County’s shore tourism,” stated Ocean County Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari, who serves as liaison to the county’s Tourism and Business Development. “Summer flounder is one of the most popular game fish in the region among recreational anglers and is very important to commercial fishing operations.”

Vicari authored a letter to U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker noting his concerns about the proposed rule recently announced by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries that would significantly reduce the commercial quotas and recreational harvest limits for summer flounder in 2017 and 2018.

“This rule will have a dramatic and disastrous effect on the residents of Ocean County, especially those that rely upon the summer flounder fishery for their livelihood,” Vicari said. “Some of our area fisherman said this rule would put them out of business.

“In an area of New Jersey that was heavily hit by Superstorm Sandy in 2012 and is finally regaining some of its economic losses, this rule will hurt tourism which is a key factor of our economic engine,” Vicari said. “Our fishing communities have faced many adverse challenges and are already struggling. We do not need to add to this.”

In New Jersey, the recreational and commercial fishing industries generate about $2.5 billion annually and represent more than 20,000 jobs, according to State DEP Commissioner Bob Martin. Recreational fishermen landed more than 650,000 summer flounder and commercial fishermen caught more than 1.2 million pounds last year.

Last month, votes taken by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) and the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC) would likely result in an increase in the size of individual summer flounder anglers can keep, as well as a decrease in number of fish that may be kept each day, and a reduction in season length.

One of the options under consideration could reduce New Jersey’s recreational harvest limit for summer flounder by as much as nearly 50 percent.

Vicari, echoing the recommendations of DEP Commissioner Bob Martin, said the quotas that have been proposed are arbitrary and require a more thorough scientific analysis.

“Without fair examination taking into consideration the impact of the proposed quota, the County’s marinas, charter boat operators, bait and tackle shops, hotels, restaurants and other tourism related businesses will be adversely affected,” Vicari said.

Vicari applauded DEP Commissioner Martin, U.S. Representatives Frank LoBiondo, Tom MacArthur and Frank Pallone Jr. and U.S. Senators Robert Menendez and Cory A. Booker for coming together to support the fishing industry and oppose the proposed quotas.

“I also commend the many organizations representing our commercial and recreational fishing industries for their actions in opposing these new regulations,” Vicari said.

Fishing advocacy groups that have been actively opposing the measure include the New Jersey Outdoor Alliance, the Recreational Fishing Alliance, the New Jersey Coast Anglers Association, the New Jersey Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs, United Boatmen and the Save the Summer Flounder Fishery Fund.

According to the DEP, the summer flounder season in New Jersey typically runs from May through September, concurrent with the peak tourism season. Current New Jersey regulations allow recreational anglers fishing in most parts of the state to keep summer flounder that are at least 18 inches long, at a maximum of five fish per day. In Delaware Bay, anglers may take up to four summer flounder per day that meet a minimum 17-inch length requirement.

The DEP is particularly concerned about any regulatory changes that would increase the minimum length of fish caught in New Jersey because few fish would meet the larger size limit. Summer flounder in New Jersey tend to be smaller than in states to the north due to the species’ biological needs and migration patterns.

New Jersey Police Detective Speaks Out Against Bail Reform

After our coverage last week regarding the problems associated with New Jersey bail reform, many police officers have contacted us thanking us, but very few would go on the record criticizing the new system that is rapidly undoing their hard work apprehending criminals and keeping their communities safe.

One police officer, a detective who has had enough of the hardened criminals his department arrests being let back into public hours after an arrest wanted New Jersey to know the other side of bail reform.

After the editorial board of the Star Ledger defended bail reform and blamed only a judge for the release of a two-time Little Egg Harbor Township child sexual assault offender, this detective had enough.

He did share with us his name and asked us to publish his name, but because of our knowledge of a recent gag order the Attorney General of New Jersey, we’ve decided not to publish his name or department.   Police officers, courts, prosecutors and every level of law enforcement agencies have been under pressure to “go with the flow” on the very broken bail reform system.

Here is his response to the Star Ledger editorial on bail reform.

The editorial published by Star Ledger Staff regarding bail reform published on February 2nd, is a great indication of the general public’s misconceptions of how this system is really working. The Star Ledger cites several examples of where the system has failed already, but seems to place the blame on the judges rather than the system itself.

Quoting the Star Ledger “Under the old [bail] law, the only factor [in determining bail] was a defendant’s risk of flight – not the threat posed to the community.” This is false.

Under Bail Schedules 1 and 2, Court Rule 3:26-1, a predetermined monetary bail amount was set according to each specific statute. When setting bail, Judges and Judicial Officers HAD to abide by Court Rule 3:26-1:

“3:26-1 – Right to Bail before Conviction – The factors to be considered in setting bail are:

  • The seriousness of the crime charged against defendant, the apparent likelihood of conviction, and the extent of the punishment prescribed by the Legislature;
  • Defendant’s criminal record, if any, and previous record on bail, if any;
  • Defendant’s reputation, and mental condition;
  • The length of defendant’s residence in the community;
  • Defendant’s family ties and relationships;
  • Defendant’s employment status, record of employment, and financial condition;
  • The identity of responsible members of the community who would vouch for defendant’s reliability;
  • Any other factors indicating defendant’s mode of life, or ties to the community or bearing on the risk of failure to appear, and, particularly, the general policy against unnecessary sureties and detention.”

As you can see, there wasn’t just one factor as the Star-Ledger would like it’s readers to believe, there were a total of eight. Suffice it to say, the Star Ledger didn’t do their research. What’s very important to note is number 8 “… the general policy against unnecessary sureties and detention.” The monetary bail system in New Jersey was generally well balanced and fair. For the most part, people weren’t subject to unnecessary pretrial incarceration for minor offenses thanks in large part to these factors unless there were other extenuating circumstances, but I won’t say that it never happened.

Now, to address the statement made by the Star Ledger that people were sitting in jail on minor or non-violent offenses and couldn’t “buy” their freedom. Bail reform did not address the issue of people sitting in jail on “minor offenses” like traffic warrants. In fact, under bail reform, people are more likely to be incarcerated on the inability to pay a traffic ticket as opposed to having committed a crime.

Under bail reform, determinations for incarceration are made based on computer Algorithms called “Public Safety Assessments” or PSA’s. If a defendant has a high PSA they are recommended for incarceration, if the PSA is low pretrial release or release on summons is recommended. However, as experienced by law enforcement across the state, the program is flawed. For example, the PSA numbers for Ahmad Khan Rahami, (the Seaside Park Boardwalk Bomber), were low enough that if he were processed under the new bail reform act, he would technically be eligible for pretrial release. Yet, despite bail reform being touted as a huge success; people are still sitting in jail on minor offenses because they have a past of committing minor crimes like shoplifting, while violent offenders are routinely released. Hypothetically, you could murder someone having never committed a crime in your life and have a lower PSA score than someone who shoplifted a few times in the past, so the Star Ledger was wrong again, a PSA score does not take the seriousness of the alleged offense into consideration when determining incarceration or release.

I will concede to one thing the Star Ledger stated; the bail system SHOULD be based on a risk assessment and a judge. In fact, it used to be. Just read the rules of 3:26-1 again; only Judges were allowed to use common sense. Now they’re forced to rely on the flawed PSA’s to make these determinations and it has failed miserably time and time again, for example Dawud Ward; he was arrested and released three times in a month for residential burglary. Maybe if Ward was in jail the first time under “the old law”, he wouldn’t have victimized two additional innocent people. But I digress. The pretrial conditions of bail reform require judges to take the PSA numbers into consideration; and to be fair, some judges may be more inclined to incarcerate while others are not.

Yes, offenders could post bail before and be released. But, the gang member that Star Ledger referenced with $50,000 worth of heroin, and a loaded 9mm, more than likely would have had a $250,000 – $500,000 bail maybe more depending upon his criminal history, prior failure to appears, and his status as a gang member. Even with a 10% option, he and/or his buddies are putting up a lot of cash to get him out. But let’s say he did bail out; the purpose of bail money is to guarantee he’s going to show up in court to answer to his charges; if he doesn’t, he forfeits the money and a warrant is issued for his arrest. But there’s more to it than simply “buying your freedom” as the Ledger puts it.

Most significantly, what the Star Ledger conveniently neglected to mention is what was known as a Bail Source Inquiry, P.L. 2007, c. 46., which was in effect until The Bail Reform Act was enacted.  During a Bail Source Inquiry, Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2A:162-13, a person charged with a crime with bail restrictions had to provide, under penalty of perjury, information “about the obligor, indemnifier or person posting cash bail, the security offered, and the source of any money or property used to post the cash bail or secure the surety or bail bond, as the case may be.” This bail source inquiry was an 8 page application that had to be submitted for prosecutor review which encompassed the source of the money being posted for bail to ensure that gang members or other ill-gotten funds weren’t posted to bail someone out of jail. Just Google “NJ Bail source inquiry”, you will find the actual application on the Attorney General’s website.

But now defendants are released, with no bail source inquiry, no accountability, nothing to lose, just simply a promise to appear. Sometimes pretrial release monitoring consists of an ankle bracelet which offenders have been cutting off, and other methods are having the defendant provide a good phone number so they can “check in”, which shockingly enough, most phone numbers that have been provided don’t work. But for the Ledger to say “there’s more monitoring”, is a feel good statement without basis, there simply is not.

The most inaccurate statement the Star Ledger makes: “the poor were jailed simply because they couldn’t [“buy” their freedom].” First of all, refer back to the bail schedules, if you committed a burglary your bail was in the same range whether you were a millionaire or on public assistance, Judges simply had to set bail amounts according to the 8 factors mentioned above on a case by case basis. Furthermore, this isn’t about being poor – 3:26-1(6) – Rules Governing the Courts of New Jersey – Setting of Bail: “defendant’s employment status, record of employment, and financial condition [must be taken into consideration when setting bail].

What this is about personal accountability. It’s about obeying laws, and being responsible enough not to worry about coming up with bail money in the first place, I’ve managed to do it my whole life and so have millions of other people. The criminal justice system isn’t perfect, and it does need tweaking… here’s the fix; dangerous people belong behind bars, not on the street, and if they’re released, they need to be held accountable.

Historically, The State of New Jersey has exceeded Federal Constitutional Standards and extended these additional protections to its citizens. The 6thand 8th Amendments were never an exception. With that said there is a delicate balance between protecting the Constitutional Rights of defendants, while also placing a higher value of the rights of a person to live in a community knowing violent or abhorrent offenders are safely locked behind bars or at least being held accountable for their actions.

Bail reform has done the opposite. It has created a revolving door where offender after offender is being released back onto the streets days or even hours after arrest which compromises the safety and security of victims and communities. Even after only a month of bail reform, offenders are routinely arrested again shortly after being released. It isn’t “a rare case or bad call”, as the Star Ledger puts it, when it happens on a daily basis across the state; it is a testament to the failure of the system.

Because of the revolving door it has created, bail reform has proven to be a complete drain on law enforcement resources which has resulted in increased municipal overtime. Suffice it to say, bail reform came with changes to the online complaint systems which every law enforcement agency in this state uses.  The changes have resulted in increased booking times, increased complaint processing times and most importantly increased overtime.  What was touted as being saved in incarceration costs is lost in day to day police operations and most of all lost in implementation: $53.4 Million to be exact. The recently retracted Bill S2933, sponsored by Senators Robert Singer and Steven Sweeney which called for a property tax cap exclusion, that would have allowed the state to raise property taxes in order to fund bail reform throughout 2017, substantiates the fact that bail reform is unsustainable and New Jersey simply can’t afford. It took only a month and lawmakers were already looking to the taxpayer for additional funding… isn’t that a surprise.

By the way, I’m not a bail bondsman. I didn’t’ make a living from a monetary bail system, (nor was I financially liable for the estimated $638 Million in commercial bail posted annually, which a majority was allocated to the 21st Century Fund) and personally, bail reform hasn’t affected me. But dealing with it every day, I see its shortcomings and all the societal woes that are sure to follow. I’m a police officer who’s tired of devoting days, months and endless hours into investigations only to see criminals being released with a slap on the wrist. I’m tired of seeing this state value its criminals more than the innocent people they victimize. The rights of the innocent should be appreciated more than anything else in our society. Trenton and some of our politicians obviously feel differently, and until they change it, the innocent people of this state will continue to pay for and fall victim to this total failure called bail reform.

Editor’s note 2/5/17: Edited for style, additional information added regarding bail reform.

Search Continues for Body of Sarah Stern

FREEHOLD-On Friday, February 3, 2017, troopers from the New Jersey State Police Marine Bureau, Point Pleasant Station, began a secondary search of the Shark River for Sarah Stern’s remains, announced Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni. As a result of recent incidents and the charges filed against Liam McAtasney and Preston Taylor for the murder of 19 year-old Sarah Stern who was last seen alive on December 2, the search for her remains continues in the area of the Shark River, Prosecutor Gramiccioni said.

“The search of the Shark River continues as we partner with the State Police and we hope to locate the remains of Sarah Stern.

It is possible due to oceanic currents and tides that her remains might have been swept out of the river into the Atlantic. But we are hoping for a miracle,” Prosecutor Gramiccioni said. The search and recovery operation to locate Stern’s remains is expected to continue into the weekend.

The secondary search for Stern’s remains gets underway after an extensive search of waters and area since the beginning of December when she disappeared and her vehicle was found abandoned on the shoulder of the southbound lane of the Route 35 Bridge in Belmar. To date, multiple agencies, including Belmar Water Rescue Team, 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 have participated in the search for Stern in the Shark River. Those assets searched the Shark River with divers, boats and helicopters, but, to date, attempts to locate Stern have been unsuccessful.

On Wednesday, February 1, 2017, 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.

On Sunday, December 4, detectives from the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office joined the investigation in an effort to locate Sarah 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 the investigation.

Photo: stock photo, New Jersey state police.

The arrests of McAtasney and Taylor 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 EightyEight, 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 the missing girl, 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 the investigation, detectives determined that McAtasney was responsible for killing Stern and stealing property from her on December 2, 2016. The investigation has also revealed that Taylor provided assistance to McAtasney in moving and ultimately disposing of Stern’s body in order to avoid detection. Both McAtasney and Taylor appeared in court on Thursday, February 2, 2017, where they were formally charged. Both men remain in the Monmouth County Correctional Institution, awaiting detention hearings.
Despite these 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.

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.

1 to 3 inches of snow expected to fall overnight in Ocean County

The National Weather Service is forecasting between 1 to 3 inches of snow in Ocean County with southern areas receiving the higher end of the forecast.

Southern Ocean County can see up to 3 inches while northern Ocean County can expect 1-2 inches of snow late Sunday night and early Monday morning.

 

News 12's Amazing Photo of the Surf Club Unearthed by the Nor'easter

News 12’s Karla Bardinas took this shot on Tuesday at the site of the former Joey Harrison’s Surf Club in Ortley Beach.  The passing nor’easter exposed the few feet of sand on top of the rubble of the club, destroyed during Superstorm Sandy and covered by with sand.

Cover photo: Joey Harrison’s Surf Club as it appeared in November of 2012, after being destroyed by Superstorm Sandy.

Toms River Dune Update: Replenishment to begin Thursday

ORTLEY BEACH-After losing nearly 75% of the community’s dune and sand berm protection in this week’s passing nor’easter, the township announced replenishment efforts will begin on Thursday.

“Our Engineering Department says Cardinal Construction will be importing sand starting this Thursday to shore up the dunes in Ortley Beach and Normandy Beach,” the department said in a release.

 

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.

Toms River Officials: 75% of beach dunes lost in Nor'easter

A news release has been published by the Township of Toms River. It reads:

The Township Department of Public Works and Engineering have been monitoring conditions at our beaches following last night’s nor’easter. Unfortunately, we estimate about 75 percent of our dunes were lost in this storm. Several walkovers were also damaged. Our Parks, Buildings and Grounds department has closed access points to the beaches in these locations. Fortunately, there were no breaches of ocean breaking through to the streets.

The Township has an emergency contract in place with Cardinal Construction to import sand as soon as possible. We hope to be moving sand in the next day or so, working first in Ortley Beach then moving to Normandy Beach. Mayor Kelaher has been in contact with the state Department of Environmental Protection to request some assistance from the state for this nor’easter.


Until the federal dune replenishment project begins this spring, the Township remains committed to protecting private property and businesses from storms and flooding.

photos provided by Toms River Township.

Moderate Flooding Reported on Long Beach Island

The passing Nor’easter that hit New Jersey on Monday, January 23, 2017 left portions of Long Beach Island in Harvey Cedars and Beach Haven Flooded.  Photos provided by Beach Haven and Harvey Cedar Police Departments.

Long Beach Blvd is still impassable in most areas from Beach Haven to Ship Bottom. High tide at the bridge is at 7:56 am. Avoid travel to and from Long Beach Island until roadways have cleared. Police dispatch calls for tide information or roadway information should be avoided at this time. Stay home until tidal waters have receded.

 

Video: Large waves pound Seaside Heights on Both Sides

Videos posted today to Facebook show the power and force of waves hitting Seaside Heights on the ocean and bay fronts.

https://www.facebook.com/jlcoccaro/videos/10202603243358013/

 

https://www.facebook.com/jlcoccaro/videos/10202603286679096/

Nor'Easter Photos: Ortley Beach

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Photos from Ortley Beach during the January 23rd Nor’easter by the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department.  Click photo to view gallery.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_images_carousel images=”93746,93747,93748,93749″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Roof ripped off building in Long Branch

Long Branch Fire Depart reported: Tour 4 clearing up from the scene of storm damage to a beachfront building. The buildings roof membrane separated from the structure. No injuries were reported. Photo: James Quinn.

Gates Removed at Fort Monmouth; Route 537 through former base opens to traffic

The front gates which have been closed at Fort Monmouth since September of 2011 are opening again today.  Route 537 through the base will be open for public traffic at noon. The plan is part of an overall project to repurpose now defunct U.S. Army base.

Route 537 which connected Fort Monmouth from the Eatontown gate to Camden is the state’s third longest county road.

 

Police in standoff with man at Point Pleasant Beach house

UPDATED: From Point Pleasant Beach Police Department:

On January 16th, 2017 at 1038 AM, SGT Gerald Quaglia, CPL Brian Spader and PFC Scott Nase responded to 617 Atlantic Ave to check on the welfare of a male subject.

Upon arrival, officers made contact with the male, who stated he was armed with a weapon and did not want to speak with officers. Officers immediately backed out of the residence and secured the scene. Several neighboring towns were requested to respond as well as members of the Ocean County Regional SWAT team.

Phone contact was made with the subject who after a few hours, voluntarily surrendered to members of the SWAT team. He was taken into custody without further incident and subsequently transported to the hospital for a medical evaluation.
Neighboring homes were evacuated as a precaution as well as members of the Point Pleasant Emergency Squad being put on standby.
All Officers cleared the scene at 1500hrs. This is still an active investigation and criminal charges are pending at this time.

POINT PLEASANT BEACH — The Ocean County SWAT team is on the scene of a borough home where a resident has barricaded himself inside. Authorities at the Atlantic Avenue home are negotiating with a man Ocean County Sheriff Michael G. Mastronardi described as “despondent.” The man has no hostages and is alone in the house, the…

Ocean County Beach Replenishment Project Awarded to Weeks Marine

by Debra Hoover, NJDEP

TRENTON-The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, working in partnership with the Department of Environmental Protection, has awarded a contract to construct long-awaited engineered beaches and dunes for the northern Ocean County peninsula, one of the areas hardest hit by Superstorm Sandy, Commissioner Bob Martin announced today.

The Army Corps awarded a base contract of $92 million to Cranford-based Weeks Marine to conduct the first phase of construction. The total contract amount is expected to reach about $128 million as work progresses to additional areas of the peninsula where the state is continuing to work to secure access easements from property owners.

The overall project will cover some 14 miles of coastline along the Barnegat Peninsula and will protect the communities of Bay Head, Berkeley, Brick, Lavallette, Mantoloking, Point Pleasant Beach, Seaside Heights, Seaside Park and Toms River.

This is the last major stretch of beaches in New Jersey to be awarded a contract for construction of engineered systems of beaches and dunes. These systems are proven to protect lives, property and infrastructure, a major goal of the Christie Administration in the aftermath of Sandy.

“We are very pleased that this crucial project is moving forward,” Commissioner Martin said. “When completed, all of New Jersey’s coastal communities will be afforded the level of protection that comes with beach and dune systems that meet Army Corps’ engineering standards. The Christie Administration has remained steadfast – even in the face of challenges from some property owners over providing easements – in its commitment to building a full coastal system of engineered beaches that, in addition to providing protection, are vital to the state’s economy and identity.”

Work will begin in the spring and will progress in 1,000-foot sections to minimize impacts to residents and visitors.

“This represents one of the largest beach-fill contracts in the history of the United States Army Corps of Engineers,” said U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Philadelphia District Commander Lt. Col. Michael Bliss. “The engineered dune and berm system will serve the vital purposes of reducing risk and helping to protect people and property.”

The Barnegat Peninsula was hit especially hard when Sandy slammed the state in October 2012. The ocean breached the peninsula in Mantoloking. Record storm surge caused significant damage to Brick, Lavallette. Mantoloking, Seaside Heights, Seaside Park and the Ortley Beach section of Toms River. Homes, businesses, piers, boardwalks and infrastructure – including State Route 35 – were destroyed or severely damaged.

These areas did not have properly engineered beached and dunes when Sandy hit. Engineered beaches and dunes block and absorb the impact of storm surge, mitigating property damage.

A key component of the project is the construction of dunes and beaches along a four-mile stretch of sea wall in Mantoloking and Brick that the DEP teamed up with the New Jersey Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration to build as added protection for Route 35. This is the main artery and coastal evacuation route through a particularly vulnerable stretch of the peninsula that was severely damaged during Sandy.

This highway, since reconstructed to modern design standards with extensive flood controls, was the scene of a major breach at the Mantoloking Bridge during Sandy. The four-mile-long protective wall is comprised of steel sheet pilings driven deep into the sand that will serve as emergency backup protection, with the beach and dune system providing primary protection to the roadway.

Work will begin with beach and dune construction in southern Mantoloking, as well as all of Lavallette, Toms River, Seaside Heights and Seaside Park. Work in Bay Head, Berkeley, northern Mantoloking and Point Pleasant Beach will begin after all necessary easements have been obtained.

A total of 545 easements are needed for the project. An easement is a legal right of access to private or municipally owned property the Army Corps and DEP need to perform construction. Nearly 350 easements – or 64 percent – had been provided voluntarily. The state also obtained 54 additional easements through condemnation proceedings under the Eminent Domain Act and is pursuing additional condemnation proceedings.

“The Governor and I are grateful to the majority of property owners who voluntarily provided their easements because they recognize that this is the right thing to do for their neighbors and their communities,” Commissioner Martin said.

Over the course of the project, some 11 million cubic yards of sand will be pumped from offshore to build dunes and beaches. For most of the project area, dunes will be built 22 feet above sea level. Beaches will be constructed from 100 feet to 300 feet wide and 8.5 feet above sea level. The project area will receive periodic replenishment projects over the course of 50 years to replace sand lost through normal erosion.

The federal government will be paying for 65 percent of the project using money approved under the 2013 Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, which funds projects that Congress had previously authorized but had not been completed by the time Sandy hit in October 2012. New Jersey will pay for 35 percent of the project from the state’s Shore Protection Fund.

DEA, Local Police Discover Heroin Lab at Ocean County Apartment Complex

During the closing months of 2016 the Toms River Police Department’s Special Enforcement Team, in conjunction with the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Ocean County Prosecutors Office Special Operations Group, and Lavallette Police Department, concluded a month long investigation into the distribution of heroin.  On December 22, 2016, Kevin Porter, 27, of Newark NJ was arrested and charged by the investigative team.  The arrest of Porter led to the seizure of 250 wax folds of heroin, 50 grams of powder heroin, and $750.00 in U.S. currency.

Further investigation led to the execution of a search warrant in Winteringham Village as well as a search of a residence on the 100 block of Philadelphia Avenue in Lavallette.  Detectives uncovered a full manufacturing facility where heroin was being mixed, packaged and stamped by Porter for resale.  Items included empty wax folds ready to be packaged, stamps, sifters, and several other items used to package and distribute heroin.

Porter was charged with possession of heroin, possession of heroin over one half ounce with the intent to distribute (2nd degree) and maintaining a heroin manufacturing facility (1st degree).  Bail was set at $75,000.00 no ten percent.

Rare Whale Beached at Island Beach State Park

BERKELEY TOWNSHIP — A rare whale washed up dead along a section of the northern Ocean County barrier island, marine mammal rescue officials said Wednesday. Staff from the Marine Mammal Stranding Center in Brigantine were called out last week to retrieve the Blainesville’s beaked whale that washed up on Island Beach State Park, said Bob Schoelkopf,…

Cape May Company Cited by DEP for Illegal Dumping on Deal Beach

DEAL — A federal sub-contractor violated New Jersey’s anti-dumping laws when it disposed of excavated material on the beach in Deal, state officials said on Tuesday. Agate Construction Co. of Ocean View dumped an undetermined amount of fill onto the Roosevelt Avenue beach in Deal last week when the loads actually were supposed to be taken…

New storm-protecting berm lasts just one storm

HOLGATE — It took only a couple days of storms to wash away week’s worth of work to build a protective berm on Long Beach Island where successive storms have taken their toll on many beaches this winter, officials said on Wednesday. In what literally has been a situation of shoveling sand against the tide, Long…