New Jersey News

Jersey City armed robber sentenced to 33 years after overnight rampage across Hudson County

A judge's gavel - File Photo

Bergen County man serves 33 years for series of armed robberies

Jersey City, NJ

A Bergen County man received a 33-year prison sentence for multiple armed robberies across Hudson County. Joel Krecz, 38, was convicted on several charges including four counts of armed robbery.

The Honorable John Young sentenced Krecz on Tuesday, October 28. His conviction stems from incidents occurring between late night April 29 and early morning April 30, 2022.

In each robbery, Krecz brandished a handgun and demanded money from clerks at various businesses.

The charges included one count of robbery, five counts of possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and multiple counts of theft and aggravated assault.

A joint investigation involved the Jersey City Police Department, Union City Police Department, Secaucus Police Department, Hoboken Police Department, and the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Gangs Task Force.

Krecz was identified as the suspect in robberies at a liquor store and gas station in Secaucus, as well as a business on Paterson Plank Road in Union City and another liquor store in Hoboken.

He was arrested on May 3, 2022, in Jersey City while armed.

Hudson County Assistant Prosecutor Kenneth Paulus represented the state at sentencing.

The sentence is subject to the No Early Release Act and the Graves Act. Krecz was found not guilty of one count of aggravated assault during his trial.

The state was represented by Hudson County Assistant Prosecutors Kenneth Paulus and Kevin Roe.

Newark vet banned after pets die in filthy clinic

Essex County veterinarian faces consequences after neglecting animals

Newark, NJ – A veterinarian in Essex County has agreed to permanently surrender his license after allegations of gross negligence surfaced. Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced the resolution to the case on Wednesday.

Ehren Seth Yablon, who owned Newark Veterinary Hospital, reportedly failed to provide proper care for multiple animals resulting in their deaths. Allegations included treating pets in unsanitary conditions and the mishandling of parvovirus-positive puppies, two of which died while in his care.

The State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners received a verified complaint in April detailing instances of Yablon’s alleged misconduct. Evidence suggested he kept three parvovirus-positive puppies in a kennel without food or water, leading to the death of one puppy, while another died two days later.

In additional reports, Yablon was accused of inappropriate treatment of a bulldog that ultimately died while under his care. The owner sought a second opinion that revealed no surgery had been performed, contrary to Yablon’s claims.

Investigators inspecting Yablon’s facility found numerous health violations, including unsanitary conditions and expired medications. The final consent order prohibits Yablon from practicing veterinary medicine in New Jersey and prevents him from any professional veterinary services in the state.

He also relinquished his New Jersey CDS Registration, which allowed him to prescribe controlled substances. Deputy Attorney General Karen Webber oversaw the state’s prosecution in this case, while Division of Consumer Affairs investigators conducted the inquiry.

Pet owners suspecting unethical treatment can file complaints with the State Division of Consumer Affairs.