On Monday, April 17, 2017, at 9:10 p.m., Officers Martin Julian and Andrew Slota responded to the area of Beach Boulevard and Route 9 in Forked River, for a report of a hit and run motor vehicle crash. The caller reported the suspect vehicle fled the scene heading north on Route 9. The suspect vehicle then struck a second vehicle on Lakeside Drive South near Taylor Lane. The suspect vehicle was located on Elwood Street in Forked River. An investigation led to the arrest of 32-year-old John C. Molloy of Elwood Street in Forked River, for DUI. He was transported to Police Headquarters and processed. John Molloy was released after receiving traffic summonses for DUI, Reckless Driving (2 counts), Failure to Maintain Lane (2 counts), Failure to Report an Accident (2 counts), and Leaving the Scene of an Accident (2 counts). A passenger in the vehicle struck on Lakeside Drive South sustained minor injuries. The vehicle John Malloy was operating was impounded pursuant to John’s Law. The investigation continues and additional charges are pending.
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.
Mayor Ducey, Brick Announces Safe Exchange Zone for Online Buyers
Chipotle hacked in latest data breach of credit, debit cards
Chipotle dished out some more bad news to its customers and this time, it may hurt your wallet instead of your gut. The company said in a statement that its payment processing system may have been hacked between March 24 and April 18. Chipotle said it has put in additional security measures and has taken the…
Man, 25, killed during police pursuit in Howell, cops say
HOWELL — A 25-year-old Marlboro man died after he crashed his car early Sunday while trying to evade authorities, police said. Brian Fani was pronounced dead at the scene after he ran his 2009 Subaru Legacy off the road at a bend in the road on Southard Avenue near the Howell Golf Course, side-swiped a utility…
Rozzi: With Drone Ban Ordinance, Toms River Council Flies to Unconstitutional Heights
Tonight, the Toms River Township Council will consider an ill-advised and legally questionable ordinance that would severely limit the ability of citizens to operate drones in accordance with federal law over the skies of the township. The ordinance should not be passed because it is preempted by federal law and its provisions deprive individuals and journalists…
Lakewood rabbi pleads not guilty to stealing public funds from special needs school
NEW BRUNSWICK — A Lakewood rabbi who runs a school for children with developmental disabilities pleaded not guilty Monday to charges of stealing public funds for personal use. Osher Eisemann, 60, the founder and director of the School for Children with Hidden Intelligence in Lakewood, is accused of using a private fundraising nonprofit for the school…
N.J. man admits to diesel fuel theft scheme, torching mini-bus in coverup
MAYS LANDING — A Stafford Township man has pleaded guilty to an elaborate diesel fuel theft scheme throughout the state, as well as causing a vehicle to explode while in a police impound lot. Robert Bailey, 49, of Stafford Township, admitted last week in Atlantic County Superior Court to charges of aggravated arson and theft, according…
Man Who Offered 12 Year Old Gaming System for Sex Indicted
Originally published by Al DellaFave,
Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office
TOMS RIVER-Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato today announced the Ocean County Grand Jury returned an indictment against Christopher Wilson, 20, of Little Egg Harbor Township, charging him with second degree Attempted Sexual Assault and two counts of third degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child.
The indictment yesterday (4/18) stems from an investigation by Ocean County Prosecutor’s Special Victims Unit Detective Stephanie Bayha and Little Egg Harbor Township Police Detective Joel Mahr. The partnering agencies’ investigation, which began in December of 2016, alleges that Wilson offered the 12 year old female victim a gaming system in return for sexual favors.
On 1/19/17, Wilson was arrested after Sr. Assistant Prosecutor Christine Lento approved charges. Nicole’s Order (No contact with victim) was implemented by Judge Patricia B. Roe J.S.C. and Wilson remains incarcerated in the Ocean County Jail.
McDonalds Employees Assaulted, Stabbed Over Drive Through Order Complaint
BERKELEY TWP-On Sunday, April 9th, two McDonalds employees were assaulted, one slashed with a knife after a drive through window order escalated into violence.
Berkeley police officers were dispatched after they received a call from an employee at McDonalds advising that two males were complaining about their food and then assaulted his manager.
According to the police report:
Ptl. Heffernan, Ptl. Kappock, Ptl. Wahl and Sgt. Allison Wray responded to the scene. Upon arrival, the manager, Victim#1 (19 yrs old) advised that the two males walked up to the drive through window, after ordering their food, and began to bang on the window. Victim #1 further advised that he spoke with them and they were complaining their order was incorrect. Victim #1 then states that he asked the males if they could return the next day, since they were now closed, and he would credit them. At this point, the one male threw his bag of food in his face and grabbed him. Victim #1 advised that he was punched in the face during the altercation and while trying to close the drive thru window, his hand got slammed in the window and he could not move it.
Furthermore, a second McDonalds employee, Victim #2 (21 yrs old), advised that he ran out of the side door to the store, near where the subjects were parked, in order to confront them. When approaching one of the males, the subject pulled out a knife and a struggle ensued. As a result, Victim #2 sustained a wrist laceration.
Both subjects were transported to Community Medical Center for treatment. Victim #1 sustained a possible broken wrist and Victim #2 received stitches.
Today police said as a result of an intense follow up by the Berkeley Township Detective Bureau, an arrest was made regarding the assault and alleged stabbing.
Arrested was a Kwasi Mayweather 31 of Belmont Ave in Bayville. Mayweather was charged with one count of disorderly conduct for the physical altercation. It was determined through the course of the investigation that no evidence existed regarding the other occupant of the vehicle having committed a crime.
Further, details involving the alleged stabbing and injuries sustained as a result of this incident and are still under investigation as evidence is being processed. More charges are possible as the investigation continues.
Toms River Republicans Face Primary Challenge from Police Officer
TOMS RIVER-Justin Lamb, a Lavallette police officer, is challenging the Republican establishment in Toms River, taking on incumbent Republican Maria Maruca in June’s Ward 1 primary election.
“I can no longer sit on the sidelines and watch our community continue to suffer from the current administration’s inaction and lack of vision,” Lamb said in a campaign statement. “While I am not a professional local politician, I have served in the public eye as a police officer for 15 years.”
Lamb said during his career as a police officer, he has successfully navigated governmental procedures and challenges at the local, county, and state level.
“In addition, my experience as a police officer and past experience managing a small construction company allows me to recognize the need to form strong relationships with the citizens and the local businesses of our community,” he said. “These experiences, along with my legal education from Rutgers University, ensure that I am the effective advocate that our community needs.”
Lamb described himself as a lifelong Republican and has lived in Toms River for 8 years.
Private Beach Debate Boils Over as Proposed Parking Fees Could Aide Off-Limits Beach Clean Up
DEAL-A plan by the borough council is under fire by the New Jersey Chapter of the Surfrider Organization. The organization is claiming that beaches aren’t the only thing here that need cleaning, but so does a new ordinance that could allocate public funds to beaches that are off limits to the general public.
According to Andrew L. Chambarry, Esq., representing the public, “The Borough of Deal has proposed their most sinister parking plan to date. They want to charge the public for parking passes which would fund the purchase of a beach sweeping machine. The machine will be used to clean beaches that you can’t access.”
At a public meeting on April 5, 2017, the Borough of Deal introduced Ordinance #1143 which would require permit parking during the summer months on five streets (Monmouth Terrace, Monmouth Drive, Hathaway, Sydney and Neptune Ave) with two vital beach access points for a cost of $100 for the summer or $50 per month.
“Mayor Cohen also said, and this is a direct quote from the public hearing, that this ordinance is the lesser of two evils,” said Harry Chambarry. “So he admits that the ordinance is evil.”
A release by the organization read:
At the meeting, Mayor Cohen said it best, “If you want easier public access, you’re going to have to pay!” The Borough wants the public to pay $100 for a parking permit that won’t guarantee a space. They won’t restrict beachfront residents from purchasing permits and parking on the street to keep you away. They won’t admit that restricting parking is restricting access. They have no plan for ADA access or handicapped parking. They have no plan for increased traffic west of Ocean Ave. They want to push Ordinance #1143 through.
Worst of all is the Borough’s reasoning behind the Ordinance. They plan to purchase a $100,000 “beach sweep” machine to clean the beaches. Sounds great right? Wrong. Deal has notoriously horrible public access. Many of the street ends lead to dead-ends where access points should be. These street ends were vacated by the Borough in the 1980’s and early 1990’s to benefit adjacent homeowners and create private beaches. In essence, the Borough wants to charge you for a permit to fund beach cleaning equipment for beaches that you can’t enjoy.
The borough tried to pass similar ordinances in October 2015 and June 2016 restricting access. Those ordinances were tabled after they were met with fierce opposition. Ordinance #1143 is another slap in the face to local taxpayers, given that Deal’s beaches were recently the benefactor of a $40 million taxpayer-funded beach restoration project by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
It’s clear to everyone that the Borough intends to keep surfers, fisherman and the general public away from what they consider to be “their” private beaches. We have a right to access and enjoy the shoreline under New Jersey law. We can’t allow the Borough of Deal to restrict access to beaches that we all paid for.
Ocean County Says It Is NOT a Sanctuary County
TOMS RIVER-Ocean County officials are trying to set the record straight, it is not a sanctuary county, despite it once being identified as such by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Division of Homeland Security (ICE).
As of August 2014, Ocean County was officially designated as a sanctuary county.
According to ICE, Ocean County previously stated it would not honor ICE detainers unless an individual committed an indictable offenses such as being a danger to the community, offenses against property, offenses against others or offenses against public order, health and decency.
Ocean County also honored ICE detainers for offenses such as escape and eluding police officers.
Now, the county wants to let the world know it should no longer be called a sanctuary county.
“We are not a sanctuary county, nor has Ocean County ever had an interest in being a sanctuary county,” said Ocean County Freeholder John P. Kelly, Director of Law and Public Safety.”
We have been actively working to correct the record and have Ocean County’s name removed from whatever lists are out there calling us a sanctuary county.
“ICE has taken steps to memorialize this information (March 31) by removing Ocean County’s name from its declined detainer outcome report list of sanctuary counties and cities,” Kelly added.
The change officially took effect in 2015, when Sandra Mueller took office to replace longtime jail warden Theodore Hutler and rescinded a previous policy that placed restrictions on when suspects would be reported to ICE.
In an email sent to Ocean County Jail Warden Sandra Mueller on March 30, an ICE official wrote: “I want to thank you again for the continued cooperation between the Ocean County Department of Corrections and ICE… I have submitted your updated policy regarding Immigration Detainers dated July 28, 2015 to the department responsible for Declined Detainer Outcome Report and have explained that Ocean County works very closely and cooperatively with ICE.”
Shortly after the email, Ocean County’s name was no longer listed on the ICE declined detainer outcome report, but was listed in prior reports.
Ocean County’s 48 Hour Immigration Detainer Policy was crafted on July 28, 2015 by Jail Warden Mueller. This was done to cooperate with the intention of detainer requests by ICE under the Priority Enforcement Program (PEP). This policy was jointly developed with ICE. Under the policy Ocean County would maintain custody, not to exceed 48 hours, of a removable alien who has been identified as an immigration enforcement priority under the Priority Enforcement Program and that probable cause existed that these individuals are removable aliens. Earlier detainment procedures were not this specific and had not been created in partnership with ICE which appears to have resulted in the county being viewed as a sanctuary county.
Now, the county must hope the change filters through many resources on the internet that continue to list it as a sanctuary county as the federal government begins to take aim at sanctuary cities and counties with the threat of reduced federal funding.
NJ Transit nightmare spills into 4th day, but full service could return Friday
An almost week-long commuting nightmare for NJ Transit train commuters may be over on Friday when Amtrak officials say they expect to complete repairs to track damage from Monday’s train derailment in Penn Station New York. “We’re hoping to have the work done by Friday,” said Mike Tolbert, an Amtrak spokesman. Until then, NJ Transit trains…
Girl, 5, sexually assaulted on school bus, mom says
TRENTON — A Trenton mom says her 5-year-old daughter was sexually assaulted on the school bus by an older student, the latest in a series of incidents involving special education students. The mom, who doesn’t want her identity revealed, said the incident occurred March 28 on an afternoon bus leaving P.J. Hill Elementary School. Her daughter…
Panel upholds sentence of former NBA player convicted in $2M Ponzi scheme
PHILADELPHIA– A former player with the New Jersey Nets will remain behind bars after he lost his appeal of a conviction for orchestrating a multimillion dollar fraud, Acting U.S. Attorney William E. Fitzpatrick said in a statement. C. Tate George, a Newark native, was sentenced to nine years in prison in January 2016 for defrauding investors…
Howell Police Officer Involved in Serious Crash
HOWELL-A Howell police officer was involved in a serious crash Wednesday afternoon and transported to the hospital along with two other victims. According to the Howell Police Department, a vehicle pulled out in front of the officer and was responsible for the crash.
Below is the release issued by the Howell Township Police Department:
DEPARTMENT INFORMATION RELEASE
OFFICER-INVOLVED MVA
WEST FARMS ROAD / CASINO DRIVE
At approx 1:30 pm, Officer Mike Moore radioed he was involved in a collision.
Both the officer and the occupants of the other vehicle were transported to the hospital. The officer sustained a hand injury. The driver and passenger of the other vehicle had to be extricated. They sustained moderate injuries.
Initial investigation has revealed the passenger vehicle pulled out directly into the path of the patrol unit.
More information will be released once investigation is complete.
Reported Hostage Incident in Jackson was "Swatting" Prank
JACKSON-On Tuesday April 4, 2017 at approximately 8:06 pm, multiple officers responded to a residence on Tilford Street after a call was received at police headquarters from an unknown phone number indicating that the caller, who claimed to be at the residence, was armed with a rifle and pipe bombs and had four hostages.
Arriving officers set up a perimeter around the house and blocked travel on nearby streets, then began to evacuate nearby residents while contact was made with the residence. After multiple attempts, contact was made with the resident who came outside and then the house was checked.
The incident reported turned out to be false as it was determined that everyone within the residence was safe. The investigation is ongoing and anyone who may have information on this incident is asked to contact Jackson Police Det. Keith Hood at 732-928-1111.
March Madness in Ocean County: Top Craziest News Stories You Might Have Missed
2017 has been a very strange year here in Ocean County in the news. Here’s our list of the top 10 craziest stories in case you missed them.
Million Dollar Heroin Man Released via Bail Reform Act
A Manchester man caught with a million dollars in heroin is back on the streets hours after a coordination law enforcement operation takes him off the street thanks to New Jersey’s bail reform and speedy trial act. Read it here.
St. Patty’s Day Drunk Driver’s Crash Caught on Video
Watch as a pizza delivery driver’s dash cam captures this reveler crashing into the median in Silverton. Read it here.
Deranged Man Shot by Toms River Police
Toms River Police forced to shoot a deranged man in apartment complex standoff. Read it here.
Accused Pedophile Weeps as He’s Sent to Jail
A man accused of sexual crimes against children in Little Egg Harbor finally incarcerated after outcry by the public and local chief of police, Richard Buzby. Read it here.
WOBM Radio Host Drives into Multiple Park Cars, Nothing to See Here
An odd story about money and power as a WOBM Radio host drives into several parked cars and eludes police, yet the media which receives advertising dollars from the wealthy host’s philanthropic organization remains silent. Read it here.
Ocean County Sheriff’s Officer Charged with Stealing Coke
Sharing a Coke took on a new meaning in Ocean County in March after a Sheriff’s Officer was charged with stealing cocaine from an evidence locker for his own use. Read it here.
Gymnastic Coach Charged with Child Porn
A local gymnastics coach who teaches young girls charged for possession of child [censored]ography. Read it here.
Letter says no Goyim at new Lakewood Shopping Plaza
A letter written by a Lakewood resident condemns the thought of non-Jews and Jews interacting at a newly proposed shopping plaza. Read it here.
Anti-Trump Protesters Scuffle on the Seaside Heights Boardwalk
Watch as these anti-Trump protesters engage Trump supporters at the March MAGA March in Seaside Heights. Read it here.
Finger Flipping Quad Rider Caught
A quad rider who vandalized a local school and flipped off the security camera was identified by police. Read it here.
A Dangerous School Bus in Lakewood
Watch as this school bus driver in Lakewood just can’t wait in traffic like everyone else. Read it here.
Barnegat Bay Pirate Ship For Sale
A replica pirate ship that sails the Barnegat Bay went up for sale. Read it here.
Ritacco Style Politics Blocked by Toms River School Board
The Toms River School Board blocked a move to appoint Ritacco tied firm to a $97,000 appointment. Read it here.
Little Egg Harbor Jumps Off Florida Overpass
A Little Egg Harbor Man jumps off a Florida overpass after pushing a cop down in the sunshine state. Read it here.
Man Exposes Himself to Point Pleasant Teenage Girls
Police searched for a man who exposed himself to teenage girls. Read it here.
Hooking Up For Bernie, Now Helping Seniors
A Brick woman who made national headlines by using dating app Tinder to campaign for Bernie Sanders given appointment to township housing authority. Read it here.
Jersey Democrat's Request Could Make it Virtually Impossible to Jail Criminals Before Trial
TRENTON — A state lawmaker and critic of New Jersey’s bail overhaul says prosecutors should have to release more evidence up-front when asking a judge to lock up people accused of crimes. Sen. Ronald Rice (D-Essex) weighed in on a fight before New Jersey’s Supreme Court on the hearings where judges will decide whether to order…
The grandpa of one of three armed robber teens shot dead by an AR-15 believes “they did not deserve to die”
The grandfather of one of the three armed robber teens gunned down in self-defense by a 23-year-old Oklahoman with an AR-15 is saying that while “[w]hat these three boys did was stupid” “they did not deserve to die.” RELATED: Teenage armed robbers’ last sight on Earth was a 23-year-old with an AR-15 Watch the video To…
College student from N.J. dies after choking in pancake eating contest
Students and faculty at Sacred Heart University are mourning the death of a college student from New Jersey who died three days after choking during a pancake eating contest at the school, according to reports. Caitlin Nelson, 21, of Clark, died Sunday at a Connecticut hospital, three days after taking part in a pancake eating contest…
Judge: Ocean County Corruption Lawsuit to Proceed
FREEHOLD – A judge Friday rejected a motion by Ocean County to dismiss a lawsuit filed by a former detective in the county prosecutor’s office who alleges county-wide corruption, according to a published report. The Asbury Park Press reports the motion was denied by Monmouth County Superior Court Judge Jamie S. Perri. The case was moved…
Toms River PD Searching for Two Pub Patrons Who Could Have Info on Purse Snatching
https://www.facebook.com/tomsriverpolice/videos/1450938214917890/
Have you seen these women? On March 3rd around 2am, a woman had her purse stolen from Christopher’s Pub, 955 Hooper Avenue. The purse, which was on the back of her bar stool, was removed and we would like to identify these two women who were seen on surveillance video. We believe that they may have information related to the theft.
Anyone who can identify them should contact Detective Tom Grosse at 732-349-0150 extension 1263 or by email at tgrosse@trpolice.org.
Police Involved in Deadly Turnpike Rest Stop Shooting
TRENTON — Authorities have confirmed a man was fatally shot by a state trooper Thursday afternoon at a rest stop along the New Jersey Turnpike. But the state Attorney General’s Office, which is overseeing the investigation into the shooting, has released few details. Fatal shooting involving State Police reported at N.J. Turnpike rest stop WHAT WE…
Cowardly Vocal Drexel College Professor Hides After Criticizing U.S. Soldier
Drexel University Professor who made his claim to fame by calling for “white genocide” during the Christmas break is now in the spotlight again after tweeting disgust over a U.S. soldier being given a first class seat on a flight.
He was rightfully ripped apart by the Twitterverse. George Ciccariello has since gone dark. Before he went into the internet witness protection program from his Drexel University safe space, he had this to say.
“Two days after U.S. airstrikes incinerated an estimated 200 civilians in the Iraqi city of Mosul, I sent a personal tweet in reaction to what I considered a smug and self-congratulatory gesture by a first-class passenger toward a uniformed soldier. Maybe predictably, my tweet has since been fed into and misrepresented by the outrage machine that is right-wing media. Needless to say, my personal views expressed off-campus have absolutely nothing to do with those of my employer, Drexel University.”
It wasn’t his first encounter with stupidity, over the Christmas break, he did this…
The Drexel University Facebook page has since been flooded with people calling for Ciccariello’s termination and voicing their disgust in this lost liberal professor’s disgusting remarks.
https://twitter.com/Michael77654321/status/847343589516431361
After posting his Christmas Eve white genocide statement, he was allowed to keep his job. It is uncertain if he will remain employed by Drexel at this time.
Trump Supporters, Protesters Scuffle at Seaside Boardwalk Rally
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RhC4iDB3FI
Scuffles were seen between Trump supporters and anti-Trump protesters in Seaside Heights, New Jersey, on Saturday after a pro-Trump rally of over 1000 people was interrupted by some people protesting against the President.
Watch: School Bus Driver Endangers Safety Trying to Beat the Lakewood Traffic Gridlock
The First Amendment Activist, a Lakewood watchdog activist shared this video from earlier in the month showing a school bus illegally passing vehicles and nearly causing a crash.
Video: Dash Cam Driving in Downtown Lakewood
Lakewood’s popular “First Amendment Activist” took a ride through Downtown Lakewood’s main street, Clifton Avenue. Here’s what happened…
WATCH: Interstate Highway Bridge Collapses During Fire
A massive fire caused a section of Interstate 85 to collapse in Atlanta. There were no injuries, but the Interstate remains closed in both directions.
Prominent NJ Democrat Slams Bail Reform Failures
JERSEY CITY — Mayor Steve Fulop took a shot at New Jersey’s bail reform during his sixth and final state of the city address tonight, saying the system is keeping the city from “turning a corner” on preventing gun violence. Fulop, in a 30-minute speech delivered in the Casino in the Park banquet hall, slapped state…
Bail Reform Supporters Battle Each Other in Court Over Flawed New System
TRENTON — After sweeping changes to New Jersey’s bail system took effect this year, prosecutors and defense attorneys who joined hands in supporting the reforms are now duking it out over the ground rules. The state Supreme Court heard arguments Wednesday in a dispute regarding evidence rules at the hearings where judges decide whether to order…
Contractor's scam grows, now affects 34 victims and $1.5M, authorities say
TOMS RIVER — A contractor charged with bilking homeowners after promising to repair their homes damaged by Hurricane Sandy is facing a new indictment after authorities found more victims in a scam that’s reached $1.5 million. Jamie Lynn Lawson, 42, was initially charged with theft and money laundering related to 14 people who were tricked out…
Woman Pays $50,000 to International Lottery Scammer
On May 18, 2016 Patrolman David Levine #636 conducted a motor vehicle stop that would precipitate the discovery of an international “lottery” scam in which an unknowing elderly woman from Idaho was defrauded of approximately $50,000. The investigation by the Howell Police Department, with assistance from the FBI, led to the woman’s identification. $3,000 seized during the stop is being returned to the victim.
Ptl. Levine stopped a suspicious vehicle in the area of Route 9/Estelle Ln. for having tinted front windows. During the motor vehicle stop, Ptl. Levine found the operator to be deceptive with his answers, had improper credentials for the vehicle and appeared to be under the influence of drugs. Ptl. Levine summoned the assistance of K9 Officer Nicholas Bondarew #610 and his partner Jago, who gave a positive indication as to the presence of controlled dangerous substance(s) in the vehicle. This led to a search of the vehicle and the discovery of $2,071 cash and a “MoneyGram” order in the amount of $1,000 made out, hand-written, to the operator of the vehicle and came from Costa Rica. The operator gave conflicting stories regarding the money order and cash but eventually admitted both were “winnings” from an online gambling website. The MoneyGram and cash was seized pending the investigation. The operator was released at the scene.
The subsequent thorough, months-long investigation by Ptl. Levine and Detective Anthony Romano #605 led to the discovery that the “MoneyGram”, which is one of a batch of ten, originated in a Wal-Mart store located in Hayden, Idaho for a total of $9,800. Det. Romano and Ptl. Levine were able to retrieve surveillance footage from the Idaho Wal-Mart depicting an elderly woman, later discovered to be a 71 year-old fraud victim from Coeur D’Alene, Idaho purchasing the MoneyGrams. Through Wal-Mart surveillance footage from Idaho, Det. Romano and Ptl. Levine identified the woman’s vehicle make and model. Det. Romano sought the assistance of FBI Special Agent Edward Jacobson from the FBI office in Coeur D’Alene Idaho. SA Jacobson was able to identify the vehicle and its operator/victim.
SA Jacobson interviewed the victim who stated that she was called by a person identifying himself as “Special Agent Frank Anderson of the Department of Homeland Security” who advised her that she won a drawing in England and had to pre-pay the taxes on her winnings before receiving it. The woman complied, purchasing approximately $50,000 in MoneyGrams
Finger Flippin' Quad Rider Identified, Charged by Police After Damaging High School Grounds
Manchester Township, NJ – Numerous tips received by the Manchester Township Police Department led to the arrest of a 26-year-old Manchester man Tuesday on charges of criminal mischief.
Tyler Kowalski, of Wranglebrook Road, was positively identified as the individual who caused approximately $5,000 in damage to the soccer and JV softball field fences at Manchester Township High School with his quad on Saturday, March 25th. Additionally, Kowalski was also found to be responsible for damaging the front entrance to the High School when he attempted to drive his quad through the front doors of the building.
Kowalski was arrested and charged with criminal mischief on Tuesday evening after he was identified as the quad operator in this incident. He was identified after officers received numerous tips from the public via social media.
Following Saturday’s incident, Manchester Township Police posted several images of the suspect attempting to drive his quad through the front doors of the High School on its social media sites in an attempt to solicit tips and/or leads from the public. After receiving numerous tips, Officer Christopher Cerullo and Detective Richard Jupinka were able to identify Kowalski as the individual responsible for the damage. As a result, Kowalski was arrested and charged with criminal mischief in connection with the incident. Kowalski was released on a criminal summons pending a court hearing after his arrest.
The Manchester Township Police Department would like to thank the public for their assistance in providing the information which lead to the identification and arrest of the perpetrator. Residents are reminded that tips and information can also be reported to the Manchester Police anonymously at 732-657-6111 or online via the Department’s website, www.manchesterpolicenj.com, by clicking the “Tip Line” link.
Increase in Crisis Interventions Opens Door for Police Taser Use in Ocean County
Manchester Township — Approximately 50 patrol officers and supervisors successfully completed the two day Conducted Energy Device or ‘Taser’ operator’s training this month which was taught by a contingent of certified police instructors from around Ocean County. Nearly half of the 50 officers received their certification on March 15th, while the other half received their certification today. The department purchased the devices in February after they were authorized for use by law enforcement officers in Ocean County earlier this year. Conducted Energy Devices or ‘Tasers’ provide officers with another tool which can be used to safely resolve volatile and potentially violent situations before such encounters escalate to a level where deadly force may be otherwise necessary. The ability to carry and/or use CEDs by law enforcement in New Jersey has only recently been approved by the Attorney General’s Office despite the fact that police officers in many states have been carrying these devices for years. In New Jersey, there are strict guidelines as to when they can be used.
The decision to purchase these devices was made after extensive research was conducted and after careful consideration was given as to their usefulness by officers on the street who have been seeing an ever increasing number of vastly unpredictable and oftentimes dangerous encounters. One such type of call where officers are seeing a marked increase in occurrence is in the area of mental health related or emotionally disturbed persons (EDP) calls. The Manchester Township Police Department has seen a 61% increase in the number of mental health related calls between 2012 and 2016. In 2012, department personnel responded to 298 mental health related calls wherein officers responded to 481 such calls in 2016. These types of calls have the propensity to turn violent, oftentimes with little to no warning to the officer. With the deployment of the CED, officers now have a viable option for controlling such an individual without putting themselves in an oftentimes dangerous situation.
The benefit of such a tool was almost immediately known this past Sunday evening when officers responded to a residence in the Pine Lake Park section of the Township for a call involving a suicidal, 27-year-old female armed with a knife. Upon arrival, the officers made contact with the subject who was actively slashing herself with a large kitchen knife. After refusing to comply with repeated commands by officers to drop the knife, a Conducted Energy Device was deployed on the subject. The Conducted Energy Device immediately incapacitated the female, allowing the officers to safely take her into custody, before she could inflict further injuries on either herself or the responding officers. Once secured, the female was transported to a local medical facility for treatment of her self-inflicted knife wounds as well as for evaluation of her mental health issues.
“The use of the Conducted Energy Device by our officer allowed for a safe resolution of an incident which could have easily had a very tragic ending should the officers have needed to utilized deadly force to subdue this individual”, said Chief Lisa Parker. “Prior to the deployment of the CEDs, an officer in this situation would have had less options and little choice in resolving the situation without the risk of significant injury to those involved. In this case, the use of the CED, saved a life.”
In addition to the two-day CED Operators Training Course, authorized officers are also required to attend a one-day Law Enforcement Officers Response to Individuals with Special Needs/Mental Health Issues training course, which is taught by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office and area mental health professionals and successfully complete an on-line CED training though NJLearn, which is an e-learning management system (LMS) managed by the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness.
Two Arrested for Dealing Drugs in Brick
During the evening hours on 3/23/17 the Brick Police Drug Enforcement Unit and members of the Special Emergency Response Team executed a search warrant on the 400 block of Schindler Drive.
The Brick Police conducted a several month long investigation for drug activity and sales from the residence.
The following subjects were on location and subsequently arrested James Brown, 35 years old, Brick, Shakima Reeves, 35 year old, Brick and Jessie May Elliott, 59 years old, Lakewood.
Seized from the location was approximately 30 grams of crack cocaine, over one ounce of marijuana, suspected “Molly” (Ecstasy) and cash.
James Brown and Shakima Reeves were charged with possession of CDS, Possession with intent to distribute CDS over on half ounce, Distribution of CDS, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Marijuana with intent to distribute over one ounce, possession of paraphernalia. Elliot was charged with possession of CDS and CDS Paraphernalia. James Brown was lodged in the Ocean County Jail and Reeves and Elliott were released on summonses.
Mets closer Jeurys Familia suspended by MLB for domestic violence incident
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Jeurys Familia’s fate was finally revealed on Wednesday. The Mets closer has been suspended 15 games by MLB commissioner Rob Manfred under the league’s domestic violence policy. FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal was the first to confirm the amount of games. It’s the fewest amount of games awarded under the league’s young…
Toms River School Board Rejects Auditor Bid Over Campaign Donation to Board Member
The Toms River School Board on Tuesday night decided not to award a contract to an auditor who made political campaign donations to several board members despite that auditor having the lowest qualified bid.
According to a report in the Asbury Park Press today, the politically connected firm of Holman, Frenia, Allison out of Toms River submitted a bid $20,000 less than the firm chosen, but the majority of board members chose to award the contract to Livingston based Wiss & Company.
Board Republicans Daniel Leonard, Joe Nardini and Christopher Raimann voted against the contract award to Wiss & Co.
It turns out, the main dissenter, newly elected board member Leonard received a $1,000 campaign donation from a political action committee, NJ Citizens for Conservatism, which Holman donated $2,200 to.
The board voted 6-3 in favor of retaining Wiss & Co., despite Leonard’s objection in favor of his indirect campaign donor. Leonard raise approximately $5,800 during the campaign, with the bulk of his contributions coming from politically connected benefactors.
Bridgegate sentencing: Bill Baroni receives 2 years jail time in scandal
NEWARK — Bill Baroni, the former deputy executive director of the Port Authority who became caught up in the bizarre scheme of political retribution that became known as Bridgegate, was sentenced Wednesday to 24 months in prison. “I regret, more than anything, that I allowed myself to get caught up in this,” Baroni said in court…
Lakewood Rabbi Accused of Laundering $630,000 in Special Needs Earmarked Public Funds
TRENTON — A New Jersey rabbi who runs a school for children with developmental disabilities was indicted Wednesday for allegedly stealing public money intended to educate special needs students, authorities said. Osher Eisemann, 60, the founder and director of the School for Children with Hidden Intelligence in Lakewood, is accused of using a private fundraising nonprofit…
After Hooking Up for Bernie, 24 Year Old Brick Democrat Gets Political Appointment to Housing Authority Board
A Democratic political appointee in Brick Township is under fire this week after accepting a position on the township’s Housing Authority Board of Commissioners.
Hooking up for Bernie?
Robyn Gedrich, 24, made headlines during the Democratic primary election when she was kicked off a popular singles dating app, Tinder for promoting the political campaign of Bernie Sanders.
Now she will be part of the seven member board which manages subsidized housing for seniors.
On the popular Brick Township online news website, Brick Shorebeat, Gedrich was criticized by readers.
“Great…whats her qualifications…her business background…why did they choose her,” asked “Frank Rizzo”.
“Friends and family degree,” replied “smokin”.
A user by the name of Surfrider made the following statement:
C’mon “internet firestorm”? For doing something not on the up and up campaigning for the “money tree” candidate on a dating app, lying to 600 potential dates to campaign for a socialist? Doesn’t sound to me like a honest person, so lets reward her for her dishonesty. Well I for one feel this is the wrong type of character for this position. I pity the poor old people, she will be sending them to the glue factory. So this young lady, with all her experience, is tied somehow to this administration for sure? Commissioner? You gotta be kidding me. What is this salary for some one who has no experience, only 24 years old, and already appointed a commissioner? Politics, unbelievable….One thing for sure, she will never convince those who she will serve, she is working for them.BAD CHOICE BRICK!!.
Officials Seeking Contractor Who Stole $1.5 Million from Hurricane Sandy Victims
Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato is asking media outlets in a number of towns and states listed below to post the attached picture of Jamie Lynn Lawson, age 42, a Super Storm Sandy contractor wanted for fraudulent activity by the Ocean County Prosecutor. Lawson has been a fugitive since December 14, 2016. He is currently under indictment for theft and money laundering related to 14 victims of contractor fraud totaling $480,000. The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office will be superseding that indictment to include 34 victims totaling approximately $1.5 million. Its alleged Lawson took money from the thirty-four homeowners in Ocean & Monmouth Counties and then did either no work or less than contracted services on their homes. He allegedly used the money for vehicles and personal expenses.
Jamie Lynn Lawson is believed to have been in the following areas since December of 2016:
Austin, TX
Dallas, TX
Addison, TX
Denton, TX
Irving, TX
Houston, TX
Port Lavaca, TX
Rowland, NC
Fairmount, NC
Lumberton, NC
Bishopville, SC
Greenville, TN
Siloam, GA
Livingston, AL
Sedalia, MO
St. Louis. MO
Tulsa, OK
Quapaw, OK
Mendenhall, MS
Brandon, MS
Florence, MS
Jackson, MS
Magee, MS
Lawson moved to New Jersey shortly after Superstorm Sandy and made application to the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs to be registered as a Home Improvement Contractor. The State registered Lawson based upon his material misrepresentations on the application including his failure to disclose his prior criminal convictions. Shortly thereafter, he began taking contracts to perform Sandy related renovations and new home construction.
The specific counts of the original Indictment include Financial Facilitation of Criminal Activity (Money Laundering) – Second Degree (more than $75,000), six counts of Theft by Failure to Make Required Disposition – Second Degree (more than $75,000), nine counts of Theft by Failure to Make Required Disposition – Third Degree (more than $500 and less than $75,000), Tampering with Public Records for submitting a fictitious Home Improvement Contractor Application Third Degree and one count of Unregistered Home Improvement Contracting – Fourth Degree. Superior Court Judge Patricia B. Roe, J.S.C. set bail on the Indictment Warrant at $150,000, restricted him from engaging in home improvement & building contracts and required him to surrender his passport.
The investigation is ongoing and is being conducted in cooperation with the Brick Police Department, Toms River Police Department, Ocean County Department of Consumer Affairs and New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs. Anyone with information regarding Lawson’s whereabouts is asked to contact Sergeant Mark Malinowski of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Economic Crime Unit
The 'Religious Left' Is on the Move
With President Donald Trump’s election to office, Christian progressives have taken a more vocal stance on issues such as climate change and social justice — while conservative Christians are holding their ground. “Although support for the religious left is difficult to measure, leaders point to several examples, such as a surge of congregations offering to provide…
1 drunk man with 33 fake IDs tried to buy $10K in flooring, report says
SOUTH HACKENSACK — A 60-year-old New York man was arrested after police found him with 33 fake IDs and 13 credit cards, CBS New York reported. Anand Clifton Persaud reportedly attempted to buy $10,000 in flooring at Lumber Liquidators in South Hackensack with a fake California ID and a matching Chase Visa card. He was drunk…
Authorities searching for inmate who escaped Trenton facilty
LAWRENCE — Authorities were searching for a man who walked away from a halfway house Tuesday night, a spokeswoman for the Department of Corrections said. Robert Jace, 35, was seen in Lawrence in the 2500 block of Brunswick, local police said in a 7 p.m. electronic alert. He is white, 5’11”, with a thin build, brown…
Wild turkey crashes through windshield of N.J. family's car
LAPORTE COUNTY, Ind. — An Emerson family returning from a trip to visit Notre Dame University was involved in a gruesome collision with a 30-lb. wild turkey, the LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement. As the Taraboczhias were travelling west on US 20, the tom flew into the windshield of their rented vehicle, the…
At least 27 victims claim abuse by former Pingry teacher
A popular teacher and Boy Scout leader at a prestigious prep school is believed to have abused at least 27 boys over six years in the mid 1970s, according to an inquiry by an investigative firm commissioned by the Pingry School. The investigation also revealed alleged sexual misconduct by two other teachers, including a music teacher…
Man accused of stabbing hiker reportedly pleads not guilty to attempted murder
NEWTON — A Sussex County man who allegedly stabbed and robbed a hiker last year has pleaded not guilty to an indictment charging him with attempted murder and robbery, New Jersey Herald reported. Philip Tintle, 27, of Vernon, was indicted last month on charges of first-degree attempted murder, first-degree robbery, second-degree robbery, second-degree aggravated assault, third-degree…
Sheriff: No plans for immigration crackdown but considering federalizing deputies
HANOVER — Morris County Sheriff James Gannon, who recently urged municipalities in his jurisdiction to reject the sanctuary city label, said Tuesday his department will not have a role in enforcing federal immigration laws. “At this juncture, unless there’s a change in the need — no,” Gannon said in response to a question from Morristown Mayor…
N.J. jail is scanning the inside of inmates
FREEHOLD – The Monmouth County Correctional Institution is the first correctional facility in New Jersey to purchase and operate a full-body X-ray device to detect concealed objects on inmate, according to the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office. Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden said in a press release that the goal of the equipment is to prevent the…