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.

Arrests in Wall Township: DWI and trespassing incidents

Arrests rise in Wall Township after DWI and trespassing incidents

Wall Township, NJ

Recent police activity in Wall Township has resulted in multiple arrests over several days. Numerous cases involving driving while intoxicated (DWI) were reported following investigations and motor vehicle stops.

On Monday, patrolman Kyle Pelech arrested John Stgermain, 69, of Brick, for DWI at approximately 5:26 PM after an accident investigation on State Highway 34. Stgermain was processed and released in accordance with John’s Law.

On Tuesday, patrolman Alexandra Clayton apprehended William Cecere, 74, of Spring Lake, for trespassing during a suspicious person investigation at Target on State Highway 35. Cecere was processed and released on a summons.

Also on Tuesday, patrolman Orin McKay arrested Alexsander Bavykin, 41, of Ocean Township, for DWI at around 5:12 PM on State Highway 35. Bavykin was processed and released in accordance with John’s Law.

On Thursday, patrolman Kevin Orender arrested Frank Barone, 21, of Toms River, for DWI at 12:22 AM after a motor vehicle stop on State Highway 35. Barone was processed and released in accordance with John’s Law.

Additionally, at 2:52 AM, patrolman Joseph Phillips arrested Tiffany Rongo, 26, of Manalapan, for DWI following an investigation at the Manasquan Circle. Rongo was processed and released in accordance with John’s Law.

Later on Thursday, patrolman Trent Powers arrested Jessica Romano, 40, of Gillette, for obstruction and disorderly conduct on Water Street. Romano was processed and released on a summons.

Patrolman Joshua Wheeler arrested Claudia Volk, 46, of Point Pleasant, for DWI at approximately 11:52 PM on State Highway 34. Volk was processed and released in accordance with John’s Law.

On Friday, patrolman Tyler Martin arrested Justin Confessore, 39, of Tinton Falls, for DWI at 1:52 AM after a motor vehicle stop on State Highway 18. Confessore was processed and released in accordance with John’s Law.

That same day, patrolman Clint Forgach arrested Sara Emery, 48, of Asbury Park, for a Wall Township traffic warrant after responding to the Ocean Township police headquarters. Emery was transported to the Monmouth County Correctional Institution.

On Saturday, patrolman Alexandra Clayton arrested Zachary Scott, 36, of Wall, for shoplifting at Target on State Highway 35. Scott was processed and released on a summons.

On Sunday, patrolman John Kelly arrested Luis Ramirez Vargas, 25, of Jackson, for DWI at 1:48 AM after a motor vehicle stop on Interstate 195. Vargas was processed and released in accordance with John’s Law.

Court rules against Cassilly administration for violating public information act

Court rules against Cassilly administration for violating public information act

Bel Air, MD – A Maryland court has ruled that the Cassilly Administration has violated the Public Information Act for the third time. The ruling orders the release of text messages from County Executive Bob Cassilly to County Council President Patrick Vincenti during a public meeting.

On November 17, Circuit Court Judge W. Michel Pierson upheld an earlier order from the Public Information Act Compliance Board. The messages were sent on April 16 before the Council voted on a $1,000,000 settlement related to a deputy-involved shooting.

Judge Pierson rejected the Cassilly Administration’s claim of executive privilege and emphasized that the text messages are public records. The court’s findings included dissatisfaction with the administration’s failure to provide the messages for review.

Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler, who initiated the original request, expressed concern over repeated violations and called for transparency. He criticized the administration for wasting taxpayer dollars in a legal battle to withhold public records.

Despite the court order, the Cassilly Administration has yet to release the text messages over 19 months later. This ongoing refusal raises questions about the administration’s accountability and transparency regarding public spending.

Man indicted for murder-for-hire related to body burning and burial

Man indicted for murder-for-hire related to body burning and burial

Bibb County, AL

John Wesley Collum, 57, faces a capital murder-for-hire indictment for involvement in the death of Oscar De Santiago Soto, 36. Prosecutors allege Collum participated in killing Soto and disposing of his body along with a 1998 Ford Ranger.

According to court documents, Collum was hired with unidentified accomplices to assist in the murder earlier this year. He is accused of placing Soto’s body in a hole, setting it ablaze, and burying it with a backhoe.

The indictment outlines that Soto’s remains were buried in close proximity to where his vehicle was last seen. Investigators indicate that Soto was driving the Ford Ranger when he went missing on June 18.

Evidence suggests Collum allegedly committed the acts between June 18 and June 27. He is charged with capital murder for pecuniary gain, hindering prosecution, abuse of a corpse, and tampering with physical evidence.

Police have confirmed that another suspect was apprehended, though formal charges remain unreported. Collum is currently held in the Bibb County Jail without bond as he awaits trial set for September 2026. He maintains a not guilty plea.

Headlines rattle the calm of Stafford with multiple DUI arrests

Headlines rattle the calm of Stafford with multiple DUI arrests

Stafford, VA

Deputies made multiple DUI arrests over the weekend following several incidents. An intoxicated driver was reported at a local store on November 29. The driver, James Fitzpatrick, 70, of Stafford, was arrested after Deputy E. L. Jones detected an odor of alcohol.

In a separate incident that same night, a driver sped past with a speed of 105 mph on I-95. Frank Armenteros, 36, of Alexandria, face multiple charges including DUI, reckless driving, and possession of concealed weapons.

Public intoxication charges were also filed against individuals who displayed symptoms of alcohol consumption. Kanfory Yattara, 25, was charged after being found unsteady and slurring his speech on November 28. Jahn Payton, 39, of San Jose, California, was similarly charged after complaints at a local Wawa.

John Conover, 58, of Spotsylvania, was arrested for public intoxication after authorities responded to a drunk driver complaint.

In another incident, Clayton Coley, 24, of Nokesville, was apprehended for possession of a controlled substance after being found passed out behind the wheel of a parked vehicle at Sheetz.

These incidents highlight continued efforts by law enforcement to address alcohol-related offenses in the area.

Suspect arrested with illegal gun and drugs in West New York

Police light, traffic safety officer - Stock Photo by Daniel Tadevosyan

**Suspect arrested with illegal gun and drugs in West New York**

West New York, NJ Officers apprehended a man with active warrants during a response to a physical altercation near 62nd Street and Bergenline Avenue. Richard Zambrano, 39, of Jersey City, was identified by officers following an initial report of the incident.

During the stop, Zambrano provided a false name and resisted identification. Officers confirmed his identity and found he had active warrants from Secaucus and Union City.

Zambrano’s arrest led to a struggle before he was taken into custody. A search incident to his arrest uncovered a handgun, a large-capacity magazine with hollow-point bullets, cocaine packaged for distribution, and drug paraphernalia.

He faces multiple charges, including unlawful possession of a handgun, possession during a CDS offense, and resisting arrest. Zambrano was processed at the West New York Police Department and subsequently taken to Hudson County Jail.

Police Director Henry Codina commented on the incident, emphasizing the role of law enforcement in ensuring community safety.

For inquiries, contact media@wnypdnj.org.

Undercover sting operation uncovers unlicensed contractors

Yellow law enforcement tape isolating crime scene. Blurred view of city, toned in red and blue police car lights

Undercover sting operation uncovers unlicensed contractors

Trenton, NJ – Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced the results of recent undercover enforcement operations by the Division of Consumer Affairs. The operations led to Notices of Violation and civil penalties against 18 home improvement contractor businesses and 11 moving companies allegedly operating without necessary licenses.

Operation Safe House took place over three days in Manchester Township. Investigators targeted home improvement contractors advertising services despite expired registrations or no registrations at all.

In a separate operation, known as Operation Safe Move, investigators conducted a two-day sting in Hamilton Township. This operation revealed numerous unlicensed moving companies doing business in New Jersey without the required licenses.

The investigations highlighted the necessity for compliance with state regulations. Businesses are required to be registered and must maintain general liability insurance to protect consumers.

“Businesses should never take advantage of hardworking New Jerseyans,” said Platkin. He emphasized that unlicensed companies pose risks to consumers due to potential poor service and lack of legal recourse.

Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs, Elizabeth M. Harris, stressed the importance of compliance. “Companies must follow the law and adhere to all regulations that protect consumers from deceptive or unfair practices,” she stated.

In Operation Safe House, investigators posed as individuals seeking to renovate a home. They requested bids from numerous contractors, resulting in citations for those without active registrations.

During Operation Safe Move, investigators hired unlicensed movers for a scheduled relocation. Upon arrival, the company representatives were greeted by investigators verifying their credentials and performing safety inspections.

The moving companies cited during this operation faced penalties of $5,000 each. Inspections found 45 motor vehicle safety violations among the unlicensed operations.

The Division has implemented an outreach program to educate consumers about hiring licensed movers. This includes distributing bumper stickers to licensed companies to raise awareness of the importance of verifying movers’ credentials.

Consumers may file complaints with the State Division of Consumer Affairs if they believe they have been scammed or mistreated.

For more information on contractor hiring practices, visit the Division’s website.