New Jersey News

New Jersey AG Investigating Cops After Shootout in Jersey City

Attorney General (AG) Matthew Platkin NJ State Chief Law Enforcement Officer

Gunfire erupts in Jersey City as officer-involved shooting claims civilian life

Jersey City, NJ

The Attorney General’s Office is investigating a fatal shooting involving law enforcement that occurred early Tuesday morning. An adult male civilian sustained fatal injuries during the exchange of gunfire.

Officers from the Jersey City Police Department’s Street Crimes Unit encountered the civilian in the vicinity of Bergen and Virginia avenues shortly after 1:00 a.m. Gunfire was exchanged and the civilian was struck.

Emergency medical aid was provided at the scene before he was transported to Jersey City Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at approximately 1:44 a.m. The identities of both the civilian and the involved officer have not been released.

A gun was recovered at the scene. The investigation remains ongoing, and no further details are available at this time.

A law enacted in 2019 mandates that the Attorney General’s Office conduct investigations into any civilian deaths occurring during encounters with law enforcement. This law also requires that findings be presented to a grand jury to determine potential indictments against officers involved.

State board permanently revokes Bergen County physician’s license for illegal opioid distribution

State board permanently revokes Bergen County physician’s license for illegal opioid distribution

Trenton, NJ – The State Board of Medical Examiners has permanently revoked the medical license of Robert Delagente, a Bergen County family practitioner. Delagente is currently serving a six-year federal prison sentence for illegally distributing prescription medications.

The Board’s decision follows allegations of gross negligence and professional misconduct. Delagente pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute controlled dangerous substances and obstruction of justice.

Delagente operated North Jersey Family Medicine in Oakland. He has been out of practice since June 2019 when a temporary suspension was initiated after his arrest.

Federal agents charged Delagente for unlawful prescribing practices, as he prescribed opioids and benzodiazepines without legitimate medical purposes. This included drugs such as oxycodone and alprazolam.

Delagente falsified medical records to cover his actions. A joint investigation by the FBI and the New Jersey Office of the Insurance Fraud Prosecutor revealed he submitted over $32,000 in false claims to an insurance company.

The revocation of his medical license means he cannot reapply for future licensure in New Jersey. His CDS registration was similarly revoked.

Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin stated that Delagente’s actions betrayed his professional oath and contributed to the opioid addiction crisis. Elizabeth M. Harris, Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs, emphasized the need for accountability in the medical profession.

Patients who suspect inappropriate treatment can file complaints online.

Trenton attorney general vows to protect New Jersey voters ahead of elections

Trenton attorney general vows to protect New Jersey voters ahead of elections

Trenton, NJ – The Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced measures to ensure a fair election during the upcoming general election. The Department of Law and Public Safety aims to protect the right to vote and assist voters and election officials.

Early in-person voting will begin on Saturday, October 25. Divisions within the Department of Law and Public Safety will focus on maintaining free and fair elections in New Jersey.

Since 2022, the Voter Protection Initiative has addressed issues impacting voting access. The initiative seeks to remedy voting rights violations on Election Day and during early voting, according to New Jersey civil rights laws.

“The success of our democracy depends on elections that remain free and fair,” Platkin stated. He also emphasized the plan to ensure that New Jerseyans can vote without harassment or intimidation.

The Department of Law and Public Safety’s Voting Rights Resources webpage will assist residents with questions about their voting rights. This resource will also guide voters on reporting issues encountered during early voting and on Election Day.

Dedicated attorneys in the Division of Law will provide legal support to county election officials throughout early voting and on Election Day. Their role is to uphold election integrity in accordance with New Jersey’s election laws.

The Office of Public Integrity and Accountability will monitor allegations of voter intimidation, election fraud, and other violations. They will coordinate with law enforcement as necessary.

Updated Attorney General Guidance on the role of law enforcement in election activities has been issued to law enforcement officials statewide. This guidance clarifies laws protecting voters from harassment.

The guidance highlights that soliciting voters or electioneering within a designated “protective zone” around polling locations is a criminal offense. Under a new 2025 law, the protective zone around polling sites can extend up to 200 feet.

The Division on Civil Rights will have a team available to assist voters who experience discrimination or harassment during the elections. Voters can report issues via phone or through the online portal.

The New Jersey Division of Elections offers a list of county election office contacts and additional election-related information for the public. Voters can call the State’s Voter Information and Assistance line with any concerns about their voting rights.

Three charged in Secaucus armed robbery captured in New York and Pennsylvania

Prison-Jail-Cell

Three charged in Secaucus armed robbery captured in New York and Pennsylvania

Secaucus, NJ Three men committed an armed robbery early Wednesday at the RVR complex at the Exchange, leaving the victim injured and prompting a police chase. The suspects, armed with handguns, approached the victim as he exited his vehicle, demanding his watch and hitting him multiple times.

The suspects fled the scene in a Chevrolet Camaro. The victim followed them while calling the police, leading to a pursuit on the New Jersey Turnpike, during which the suspects fired at the victim’s car.

On Friday, police stopped the suspect vehicle in West Chester County, New York. Following the investigation, Raheem Hickman, 22, of Sharon Hill, Pennsylvania, and Sahr Keppah, 22, of Collingdale, Pennsylvania, were identified.

On Tuesday, Keppah was arrested at his home by police. Hickman was taken into custody Wednesday in the Bronx, New York.

Both men face multiple charges, including robbery, aggravated assault, and conspiracy related to the armed robbery incident.

Chief Dennis Miller acknowledged the collaboration among police departments and emphasized the importance of working together to combat crime across jurisdictions.