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Murderer who Used Golf Club, Lamp Arraigned in Toms River

Originally Published by Al DellaFave, OCPO

Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato and Long Beach Township Police Chief Anthony Deely today announced that the Ocean County Grand Jury returned an indictment against Conrad Sipa, 52, of 1 Homelands Drive, Colts Neck, New Jersey charging him with the murder of Richard Doody, Jr. Sipa was arrested and released last year on $1,000,000 bail.

Mr. Doody’s body was found at his residence in Barnegat Light by Officers from the Long Beach Township Police Department on Monday, November 23, 2015, after a concerned family member was unable to make contact with Mr. Doody.

An autopsy conducted by Dr. Ian Hood on November 24, 2015, determined that Mr. Doody suffered blunt force trauma to his head and slash wounds to his neck. Dr. Hood ruled that Mr. Doody was the victim of a homicide.

The events outlined in the Indictment allege that Sipa committed the offense of knowing or purposeful murder by causing the death of Richard Doody, Jr., sometime between November 21, 2015, and November 23, 2015. He is further alleged to have utilized multiple weapons against the victim in the commission of this murder, including a knife, golf club, and/or a ceramic lamp. Sipa is also alleged to have taken steps to attempt to clean up the scene of the crime and to remove items of evidence from the scene in order to avoid apprehension.

The specific counts of the Indictment include one count of Murder – First Degree, three counts of Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose – Third Degree, one count of Unlawful Possession of a Weapon – Fourth Degree, one count of Hindering Apprehension or Prosecution – Third Degree, and one count of Tampering with Physical Evidence – Fourth Degree.

The investigation in this case has been conducted by Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes and White Collar Crimes Units, the Long Beach Township Police Department and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department Crime Scene Investigations Unit. The lead detectives are Detective John Murphy from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office and Sergeant Ron Hullings of the Long Beach Township Police Department. The victim’s residence was meticulously examined and processed by members of the Crime Scene Investigations Unit of the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department.

The media and public are reminded that criminal charges are merely accusations. Each person charged with a crime is presumed innocent until their guilt is proven beyond a reasonable doubt in court.

New Jersey State Police Union Reveals Terrifying Bail Reform Statistic

The New Jersey State Policeman’s Benevolent Association this week released a terrifying statistic about New Jersey’s bail reform. It’s a system where those pushing it are making millions of dollars, but the people of New Jersey, including police and prosecutors are the ones paying the price.

“Bail Reform Numbers – In the 3,382 cases statewide that were processed in the first four weeks of January, judges set bail only three times,” the NJSPBA announced.

On this Day: Russian Poet Alexander Pushkin Died from Injuries Sustained in a Duel

JACKSON-On this day in 1836, Alexander Pushkin died from wounds suffered in duel days earlier.

A memorial dedicated to Pushkin is here in Jackson, dedicated to the Russian poet and writer. Jackson is home to a very large Russian Orthodox population and was once a global vacation destination for the Russian Orthodox community.   Many came to the now defunct, but once very popular and thriving Rova Farms Resort.

Jackson is also home to the Pushkin Memorial Home, a senior assisted living facility.

Aleksandr pushkin memorial

Photo of the Pushkin Memorial in Jackson Township.

New Playa Bowls in Brick Highlights Success of Empty Storefront Program

BRICK-Across Ocean County, many retail storefront units have remained empty for years, but in Brick, an incentive program for new and expanding businesses is helping to fill those empty stores.

Brick Township’s empty storefront program helps businesses in Brick and the community by waiving all township fees for businesses willing to open shop in a retail space that has been vacant for more than one year.

Under the program, building permits and inspection fees are waived.

Mayor John Ducey touted the success of the program with the announcement of the addition of the wildly popular Playa Bowls chain coming to the Shops at Brownstone.

In his February 7th Facebook live session with residents, Ducey said although builders are free to clear lots and build commercial space in town, he would rather see businesses move into existing vacant spaces.

“We’d rather see empty storefronts filled first and that’s what we’re seeing around town,” Ducey said. “As you drive around as everyone sees, there less vacancies and more and more being filled all the time.”

Playa Bowls is rapidly growing chain of health food shops specializing in acai bowls, pitaya bowls, juices, smoothies, and Chloe’s soft serve fruit.

 

 

Students Learn Impact Dogs Can Have on Mental Health Challenges

The Junior health classes at Toms River High School North assembled to hear a lecture given by Ms.Trisha Baker representing “Attitudes In Reverse” (AIR), a mental health education program. AIR members go into the community to educate about mental health and suicide prevention. With education comes understanding and empathy. If all of society understood the challenges of mental health issues, we would normalize the illness, increase compassion and lessen bullying. Ms. Baker brought along “Mickey” a therapy dog. Research has shown that the simple action of petting dogs releases good brain chemicals that allow us to relax and reduce stress.

Meise Shore Conference High Jump Champ

Toms River High School South’s Madison Meise took home first place at the Shore Conference High Jump Championship with a jump of 5’2. Madison also received the silver medal in the 55 meter hurdles with a time of 8.67 seconds.

Toms River East Cheerleaders Grand Champions at Battle of the Boardwalk

Toms River High School East’s competition cheerleading team competed in the Battle of the Boardwalk, a national cheer and dance competition on February 4, 2017. The girls took first place in their division as well as the title of Grand Champion which means they earned the highest score out of all the high schools, middle schools and grade school in their category.

Toms River North, Jackson Memorial Girls Basketball for Cancer Awarness

The Lady Mariners of Toms River North and the Jackson Memorial Jaguars basketball teams joined forces at the Pine Belt Arena and played a game to raise awareness about breast cancer. This year, all proceeds from the gate, concessions and merchandise were donated to the American Cancer Society. It was a fun night playing “Hoops for Hope” with true team spirit in play.

Berkeley Mayor Amato Announces Evening Office Hours

BERKELEY – Mayor Carmen F. Amato, Jr., is pleased to announce the next installment of his evening office hours. Mayor Amato’s evening office hours are in addition to his
“Meet the Mayor” and “Town Hall” programs, which will also continue in 2017.

“My next scheduled public evening office hours will be held Monday, February 13th at Berkeley Town Hall from 5:30pm to 7:00pm. Elected officials have an obligation to be as accessible as possible to our constituents. During my time in office, I have held countless “Meet the Mayor” and “Town Hall” meetings, regularly meet with constituents outside of regular business hours, and have created additional avenues for residents to contact local government.” Mayor Amato said.

“Our Hot Line gives residents one-stop access to Township government, enabling the township to more effectively and efficiently respond to resident’s suggestions, concerns or complaints. The Hot Line number is 732-244-7400 Extension 203, and is available 24 hours a day.” Mayor Amato said.

Residents can also email the Mayor directly at: mayor@twp.berkeley.nj.us .

“In addition to the “Hot Line” and my email, residents are encouraged to visit www.berkeleytownship.org and click next to the Mayor’s message to provide suggestions or feedback online, with most residents receiving follow-up the next business day.” Mayor Amato said.

Our Township of Berkeley Facebook Page is new, and is constantly updated with information, and news on the Township.

If you haven’t signed up for our Nixle system, please visit our web site to register to receive important emails and text messages.

“I look forward to continuing my dialog and outreach to residents in 2017.” Mayor Amato said.

N.J. lawmakers will vote on legalizing marijuana despite Trump's new Attorney General

TRENTON — With an avowed enemy of marijuana legalization sworn-in as the nation’s Attorney General Thursday, the state lawmaker working to make pot available for recreational use in New Jersey said he is “concerned” but not deterred from his goal. Sen. Nicholas Scutari (D-Union) said he’s putting the finishing touches on a bill he will introduce…

Secaucus DPW truck plowing snow bursts into flames

JERSEY CITY — A Secaucus Department of Public Works truck plowing snow on Seaview Drive burst into flames this morning. At about 8:45 a.m. the driver noticed fire coming from the truck’s engine compartment and the flames quickly grew, stretching several feet above the truck’s roof, Secaucus Police Capt. Dennis Miller said. The town fire department…

Jackson Council Attacks Local News Magazine, Union Labor over "Exorbitant Fees"

PRESS RELEASE

JACKSON,NJ-The Jackson Township Council has criticized JTOWN Magazine over the local news magazine’s support of American union labor in a recent outburst at a town hall meeting.  The township council lashed out at JTOWN Magazine’s open print rate of $800 for a single insertion in the magazine, despite that rate being lower than rates advertised in the Jackson Times which was referenced as a “cheaper alternative”.

“The council’s claim is without factual basis, uniformed and nothing but an attack on our publication because our news coverage wasn’t to their favor during the last election,” said Editor Phil Stilton.  “It’s also an assault against hard working union labor in America. Nothing but more political hyperbole of politicians protecting their own campaign gravy train.”

Stilton said JTOWN Magazine proudly utilizes union labor in their production and delivery process.

“We offer a better quality product and reach more homes than our competitors, at a lower rate and with full utilization of union labor from production to delivery,” Stilton added.  “We can of course lower our rates significantly if we had our magazine delivered by non-union drivers who speed through neighborhoods in unmarked white utility vans, throwing it in driveways, but I have respect for our unions, our product and our residents, so I choose to use the United States Postal Service.  We’re one of their biggest clients in Jackson Township and proud to do our part to support the United States Postal Service and to help keep members of the American Postal Workers Union employed despite a massive downturn in their industry.  I am a believer in the post office and their union employees. I am a supporter of union labor.  No media in Ocean County supports union labor like we do, including our police unions.”

“I would have expected then Council President Robert Nixon to have interjected this assault on unions by his council partners,” Stilton added.  “After all, Mr. Nixon is a lobbyist for the New Jersey State PBA and understands more than anyone else the importance of labor unions and workers rights in America and the cost associated with treating America’s workers better.”

Stilton said the added benefits to the town are also beneficial to the community.  Nearly 10,000 Jackson residents follow JTOWN Magazine on social media where the company regularly posts township news, council meeting minutes, agenda postings and meeting dates and reports to the community.   Micromedia, the competitor reference by the township reaches just 2,400.     JTOWN Magazine regularly promotes and supports community charities, providing free advertising to schools and other community causes and dedicated pages of its magazine each month to efforts such as increasing drug awareness, safe driving for students, non-profits, sports leagues and whoever asks for the free services it provides the community.

“The added bonus of the publication being put in mailboxes comes with an unfortunate cost,” Stilton added. “However that cost is negated by the fact that it doesn’t sit on driveways in rain and snow or blow away to litter our community and block storm drains, which is a complaint I have heard from township workers who clear storm drains.”

Stilton also said the township knew the numbers before the statement was made, but made the remarks regardless in an effort to discredit the publication in public.  In January of 2016, Stilton contacted township business administrator Helene Schlegel to inform her of the township not taking advantage of pre-scheduling and bulk insertions.

“I reached out to the town last January as I did every year prior to work on lowering the rates. Even though one department paid $800 for a single insertion, the Recreation Department who did negotiate a rate and a package campaign saved the township hundreds of dollars,” Stilton said.  “Business is about negotiating. Even though our published rates are lower than the others, we do allow for bulk discounts and some level of negotiating contracts.  I cannot be blamed if a department chose to just run a single insertion.  They had no other ads to run all year. I asked the township to bundle all of the spending into one contract to lower the rates, but the township was not interested in bundling all departments together for lower rates.”

“The fabricated story by the township was also covered recently in a political attack blog that further shows the intent of their predatory and harmful intent,” Stilton said.  “Contrary to what the council, who reads bills and claims only minutes before arriving in town hall claim, JTOWN Magazine has a wonderful working relationship with the Township of Jackson and values that relationship. It seems that a couple of councilmembers for whatever their reason is, don’t want to maintain that relationship.”

“I also found out that the same council members who balked at our rates had no problem paying that same rate for their political campaign ads just weeks before in another publication,” Stilton said. “Councilmen Nixon, Calogero and Bressi had no problem paying that rate when the money came from high powered politically aligned professionals in return for six figure contract awards to those professionals.”

While the council claims a competitor can run the same ad for $595, they failed to mention that same publication also charges $225 for color.  JTOWN magazine includes color in their rates.

“The township should immediately issue a retraction or correction on those false statements and maybe make a statement based in the world of reality,” Stilton added. “I have asked the township to do an apples to apples audit of print advertising many times over the years and they refuse to hold publishers accountable to their numbers and their claims.  JTOWN Magazine mails out 21,500 magazines each month and our numbers are certified by the hard working postal employees.  I have been told by mayors in other towns that the competitor’s circulation is only 10,000 copies, which would make our rates 1/2 the price of theirs per home. When you factor in mailbox delivery and all of the things we do for the township for free outside of advertising rates, they can’t find a better deal, but if they want to use the alternative, that’s their choice. They have a history of making bad decisions, so this is par for the course. What is truly in exorbitant in Jackson is the rampant nepotism and political patronage.”

“Due to the misinformation presented by this council, we had several advertisers leave us this week,” Stilton added.  “In the end, making some cuts this month, I have to cut our charity sponsorships in order to print this month, but we’ll make up for it next month or the month after.”

“I will not let this local governing body impede on our first amendment right to freedom of speech and freedom of the press,” Stilton concluded.  “This is Jackson Township, not Nazi Germany.  We are free to speak our voices and opinions without political persecution.”

Car Fire in Beachwood Extinguished by Fire Department

Originally published by the Beachwood Volunteer Fire Department.

BEACHWOOD-At approximately 3:45 PM the Beachwood and Pine Beach Fire Departments responded to a vehicle fire at the intersection of Mermaid Avenue and Maple Street. Units found a well involved engine compartment fire that progressed into the passenger area of the vehicle. The fire was extinguished quickly and there were no reported injuries. The fire is being investigated by the Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office and the Beachwood Police Department.

Source: Beachwood Volunteer Fire Department.

Report: Developer Seeks to Build 1,800 Homes on Eagle Ridge Golf Course

LAKEWOOD-A report in today’s Asbury Park Press says Lakewood’s Eagle Ridge Golf Club on Faraday Avenue is being eyed by a developer who seeks to build 1,800 homes on the site.

The report also states the course was in the process of being sold.  The report also said the buyer told nearby residents it would continue operating the golf course and restaurant.

 

Read more…

Democrat Activism Seminar Coming to Ocean County in February

TOMS RIVER-The first of three seminars aimed at teaching local democrats about activism and running for office takes place tonight at the Ocean County Library in Toms River.  Anyone interested in Democratic activism in Ocean County is invited to attend.  Although Ocean County is a dominant Republican stronghold, Ocean County Democrats seek to expand their growing wave of local power in the county from the Brick Township and the Toms River schools boards across the county.

Brick Township remains the only “blue” town in Ocean County and Democrats also are in firm control of the Toms River Regional School Board where teachers are approaching the one year mark without a contract.  Teachers have been working without a contract since July 1st of 2016.

In stark contrast in Brick, under the Democrats the the teacher’s union was awarded in 2015 for having one of the top contract settlements in the county.

What does the future hold for Ocean County’s Democrats eager to seize

Today’s event is entitled “Making a Difference – How, why and when in the Trump era”.

FEB 8
Today 18:00 · Ocean County Library · Toms River
Sheila and 3 friends are interested
FEB 23
Thurs 18:00 · Barnegat Branch-Ocean County Library · Barnegat
You like Ocean County Democrats
FEB 18
Sat 12:30 · County Building Cafeteria, 129 Hooper Ave, Toms River
You like Ocean County Democrats

County to Launch Study on Northern Ocean County Road Infrastructure

TOMS RIVER – With the completion of the Route 9 corridor study and an increase in population growth, Ocean County is undertaking a study to review potential county road network improvements in the northern area of the County.

“We have had some initial meetings with representatives from Lakewood and Jackson townships,” said Ocean County Freeholder John P. Kelly, Director of Law and Public Safety. “Today we are ready to bring on a consultant to perform the study that will provide us with both short term and long term recommendations.”

The recommendations will be used to upgrade Ocean County’s countywide transportation model which was last updated in 2013.

“This is an important tool to help us with future planning when it comes to the county road network,” said Kelly, who is also liaison to the Ocean County Engineering Department.

After reviewing several proposals, Ocean County is expected to choose Stantec Consulting Services with offices in Wall Township to oversee the study.

“Picking a consultant is key to getting this work under way,” Kelly said.

The study will focus on the traffic network in the northern area of the County.

“It’s been determined that an update to the transportation model for the northern municipalities is warranted to reflect new growth patterns,” Kelly said. “This update will be used by the County to update our long term capital improvement program.”

In addition to reviewing all traffic county data currently available from the County, the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority and the state Department of Transportation, the consultant also will look at socioeconomic data, zoning information, planned developments, approved developments, and certificates of occupancy.

“This will be a comprehensive study that addresses growth in the northern section of the County and how it impacts the county road network,” said Ocean County Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari. “We need to make certain we do whatever we can to provide the best road network possible for motorists and pedestrians.”

A timeline for the study is expected to be established during the county’s first meeting with the consultant.

However, the consultant is expected to begin traffic counts by April.

“Once all this is completed we will have a comprehensive look of not just current conditions but current and future growth patterns,” Kelly said. “This will allow us to determine our best course of future action.”

The consultant will develop forecasts for years 2025 and 2040 based on the traffic counts, the Route 9 corridor study and the updated data collected.

“The study will result in a comprehensive report including a list of action items outlining transportation hot spots,” Kelly said. “The list will be divided into short-term and long-term transportation improvements that will improve the operation of Ocean County’s transportation network within the project townships.”

Kelly noted that while the study is going on the County will continue to implement improvements in the county’s road network.

“This study will help in long range planning,” Kelly said. “In the meantime, the County continues to do infrastructure projects that improve our roads.”

For example, Kelly noted that the County recently went out to bid for two new traffic signals in Lakewood.

The new signals will be constructed at two intersections that currently do not have traffic signals. The intersections are at New Hampshire Avenue and America Avenue and Cedarbridge Avenue and Avenue of the States.

Besides providing for vehicular coordination at these intersections, the intersections will also have full pedestrian accommodations. Construction on the new signals is expected to take place this summer.

“The new signals will help improve traffic flow and safety,” Kelly said.

Jackson Police Report Busy Weekend of Drug Arrests and Mental Health Calls

Thursday February 2:
– CDS ARREST: At 1810 hours, Police Officers Cilento and Conti responded to South Lakeview Drive to check on a suspicious vehicle report called in by an area resident. The vehicle was located and during the investigation, an 18 year old male was placed under arrest when suspected marijuana and paraphernalia were recovered. The male was charged with possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a controlled dangerous substance while operating a motor vehicle. He was processed and released pending a court appearance.

Friday February 3:
– CDS ARREST: At 2243 hours, Police Officer French was on patrol and conducting a check of the Prospect Point Apartments located on South New Prospect Road. During this time a 2001 Mazda was observed parked in a fire zone, running but without it’s headlights on. As the officer drove his vehicle near the Mazda, it left the parking lot and began to travel on South New Prospect Road without turning on the headlights. After observing this and other violations, the officer conducted a motor vehicle stop with the car. During the stop the officer detected the odor of burnt marijuana coming from inside the vehicle and a search resulted in the seizure of suspected marijuana and a glass pipe. The 26 year old male driver was placed under arrest and charged with: possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of CDS while operating a motor vehicle and failure to use headlights. He was processed and released on summons pending a court appearance.
– CRISIS INTERVENTION: At 2328 hours, multiple officers responded to a residence in the township on a report of parents attempting to restrain their 21 and 23 year old sons who were reported to be out of control. Arriving officers were advised that it was believed that the two males had smoked marijuana that was laced with an unknown substance and then began hallucinating and acting bizarrely. One of the subjects became combative with the officers and had to be restrained to be escorted from the residence. The other, clothed only in his underwear, fled from the officers who had to pursue him and then restrain him after a brief struggle once he was caught. Both were transported to an area hospital for treatment.

Saturday February 4:

– CDS ARREST: At 0157 hours, Police Officer French was on patrol on South New Prospect Road when he conducted a motor vehicle stop with a 2012 Nissan Altima. During the stop, the officer detected the odor of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle and a search resulted in the seizure of suspected marijuana, suspected Oxycodone pills, and over 170 wax folds packaged to appear to be heroin along with other items. The 23 year old female driver was placed under arrest and later charged with: possession with intent to distribute imitation CDS, possession of heroin, possession of heroin with the intent to distribute, possession of Oxycodone, possession of marijuana, possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of CDS while operating a motor vehicle, obstructed view, driving while revoked, unclear plates and failure to maintain lane. She was processed and released on summons pending a court appearance and later transported to an area hospital for treatment after making threats to harm herself.
– CDS/WARRANT ARREST: At 0738 hours, multiple officers responded to the report of a dispute on Willow Point Drive. After getting information that suspects in the incident had fled the area in a vehicle, the 1998 Honda they were operating was located and stopped. During the course of the stop, an 18 year old male was discovered to have an outstanding warrant out of Jackson for his arrest. He was placed under arrest and later released after posting bail. Also during the stop, the officers detected the odor of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle and observed an occupant attempting to hide a glass pipe. The pipe along with suspected marijuana was recovered and a 22 year old male was placed under arrest. He was processed and charged with possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia and later released on summons pending a court appearance.
– CDS ARREST: While on patrol on South New Prospect Road at 1317 hours, Police Officer Falzarano conducted a motor vehicle stop with a 1998 Subaru for motor vehicle violations. During the course of the stop, the officer detected the odor of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle and during a further search, suspected marijuana and paraphernalia was recovered. An 18 year old female occupant of the vehicle was arrested and charged with possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. The vehicle driver was issued summonses and released at the scene.
– CRISIS INTERVENTION: At 2000 hours, officers responded to a residence in the township on the report of a 59 year old male who may want to harm himself. Responding officers located the heavily intoxicated male at his residence and observed he had numerous fresh cuts on his body along with blood smeared over several locations inside the residence. He was later transported to an area hospital for treatment.

Sunday February 5:
– CRISIS INTERVENTION: At 1110 hours, officers responded to a residence in the township on the report of an out of control teenager who had fled the residence after claiming he wanted to harm himself. The juvenile was located a short distance away from the residence and transported to an area hospital for treatment.
– CDS ARREST: At 2127 hours while on patrol, Police Officer French conducted a motor vehicle stop with a 2005 Toyota on Garden Street. During the course of the investigation, multiple wax folds containing suspected heroin, hypodermic syringes and other items consistent with narcotics use was recovered. A 21 year old female and 31 year old male were arrested and charged with: possession of a controlled dangerous substance, possession of hypodermic syringes and possession of drug paraphernalia. Both were processed and released on summons pending a court appearance.

Man shot himself in parking lot of police headquarters, police say

READINGTON TWP. – A man driving a semi tractor-trailer pulled into the parking lot of police headquarters on Route 523 and shot himself on Tuesday night, the Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office announced. The incident happened at 9 p.m. Whitehouse Fire Company and Whitehouse Rescue Squad responded, transporting the man to Robert Wood Johnson Hospital in New…

Get ready N.J., winter storm warning issued in latest snowfall update

The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning Wednesday morning ahead of a snowstorm that could dump between 3 and 10 inches across the state Thursday. The most significant snowfall of winter for New Jersey will come after possible record high temperatures on Wednesday before the mercury plummets overnight. Eighteen of New Jersey’s 21 counties…

Police chief reportedly under fire for skit playing on Asian stereotypes

KEYPORT– A roast by the chief of police to honor the outgoing chief of the fire department has drawn criticism from civil-rights organizations for playing on Asian stereotypes, according to app.com. But fire Chief Eugene Eng, the target of the roast and who is of Chinese descent, said he was not offended by the routine and…

Judge refuses to release Preston Taylor as new details emerge in Sarah Stern's death

FREEHOLD — A former classmate charged in connection with the death of Sarah Stern hid her body in the bushes of her home and returned to the crime scene at least twice before helping toss her body off a bridge in Belmar, prosecutors disclosed in court on Tuesday. After a lengthy detention hearing in which prosecutors…

Dog Shot by Police During Home Raid Rehabilitated by Associated Humane Society

LACEY TWP-A dog that was shot in a police raid on a home in Orange in undergoing rehabilitation at the Associated Humane Society and is getting ready to return to her home.  It’s just one of the many ways AHS and shelters like Lacey Township’s Popcorn Park Zoo help New Jersey’s four legged friends.
That help unfortunately comes as a cost and AHS is using Lucy’s story to help raise money to help other dogs and cats.
“Most of our stories here at Associated Humane Societies are about helping animals that come to us in desperate need, and finding them a good home in the end. But some of the stories are about helping people with their animals as well, and just doing the right thing in the end. With Lucy and her family, we had to do the right thing,” AHS said. “Lucy was one of three dogs that were living their lives with a good family, when a terrible accident occured. It was mid-December when a police raid on a home was taking place for suspected criminal activity. The details were not made very clear to us but from what we can surmise, these dogs were in the wrong place at the wrong time. Whether the police went to the wrong home or what the situation was, it didn’t end well for these dogs who got caught up in the confusion. Lucy was shot by the police officers before anyone realized that a mistake had been made and she was injured badly.”An animal control officer from the city of Orange brought Lucy to the AHS- Newark facility and once their staff realized how badly she was injured, she was taken directly to Animal Emergency & Referral Associates in Fairfield.

Lucy sustained a gunshot wound to the shoulder and required emergency surgery. The surgery went well and Lucy is still recovering in the medical department at the Newark facility where she is feeling like one happy and lucky little lady these days.

Lucy’s family has the other two dogs at home, who were unharmed and well taken care of, and were just devastated about what happened to Lucy.


“Once Lucy is healed, she will be going back home as well. Lucy’s family was not prepared for the $4000 medical bill that we incurred for taking Lucy to the hospital to save her life but in the end, Lucy will wind up back in her good home, with her good family, and that is what we like to see,” AHS said.“Picking up the tab in a case like this unexpected accident is obviously a bit difficult for us but was the right thing to do. Our Res-Q Fund is designed specifically for the special needs and emergency cases and that fund has been stretched quite thin recently so we would like to ask that if you can, please consider making a donation to our Res-Q Fund,” the AHS added.

You can help by texting HumaneHelp to 41444 or by clicking here: http://www.ahscares.org/shop/item.asp?itemid=28&catid=5 . Your donation is what helps AHS to always do the right thing for animals that need them. 

Berkeley Mayor and Council Congratulate Elks Soccer Shoot Winners

On Monday, January 30th, Mayor Carmen Amato and the Berkeley Council honored the Bayville Elks #2394 6th Annual Soccer Shoot winners!

Congratulations to the top three winners in each age group:
U-8 Boys
1st Mayson Pennell
2nd Aiden Brescia
3rd Daniel Zaic

U-8 Girls
1st Mirabella Jimenez
2nd Peyton Sullivan
3rd Sophia Napolitano

U-10 Boys
1st Ryan Brescia
2nd Mason Bednarz
3rd Madden Mozal

U-10 Girls
1st Hailey Monprode
2nd Sophia Martin
3rd Nicole Kangas

U-12 Boys
1st Cosmo Zaccaro
2nd Ma’te’ Temesi
3rd Anthony Madrigal

U-12 Girls
1st Hannah Lewis
2nd Erika Kangas
3rd Gracie Lowe

This is reader submitted news. Got news to share with the Jersey Shore?  Click our Report News link and share your accomplishments.

Pinewald Fire Company Installs 2017 Officers

BERKELEY TWP-The Pinewald Fire Company installed their 2017 line officers at a ceremony this weekend.

Mayor Carmen Amato administered the oath of office and thanked the volunteers for their community service.

This is reader submitted news. Got news to share with the Jersey Shore?  Click our Report News link and share your accomplishments.

New Jersey Legislators and Politicians and Where they Stand on Bail Reform

On Tuesday, January 31st, we reached out to every New Jersey assemblyman and state senator to talk about the first 30 days of the state’s new bail reform system.

Here are the responses we have received.

This will be updated as more reach out to us.

Those for bail reform…

Senator Robert Singer (R), 30th District – Assemblyman Singer did not reach out to us directly, but last week did introduce a bill to increase funding outside of New Jersey’s 2% tax cap to pay for bail reform.

Senator Steve Sweeney (D), 3rd District –  Senator Sweeney did not reach out to us directly, but last week did introduce a bill to increase funding outside of New Jersey’s 2% tax cap to pay for bail reform.
Those against bail reform…

Assemblyman Erik Peterson (R), 23rd District – “Many residents are uneasy – and in some cases outraged – by the dramatic changes to bail proceedings that allow potentially dangerous criminals out of jail for free.  Meanwhile, everyday people are held for days with minor infractions, like missing a traffic court date.  I opposed and continue to oppose these changes because of the substantial cost on counties and, more importantly, the release of dangerous people with the absence of judicial discretion.  This system has already proven to be off to a rocky and questionable start in New Jersey.   I look forward to working with my colleagues to make improvements.”

Assemblyman Robert Auth (R), 39th District- “I didn’t vote for it, I would repeal it if I could.”

Assemblyman Ron Dancer (R)

What the NJ governor candidates are saying…

Joseph Rullo – Is against bail reform. Has stated facts and figures supporting his opposition. No direct comment yet.

Kim Guadagno – Guadagno’s name was on the 2014 bail reform ballot referendum – no comment yet

Jack Ciattarelli – no comment yet

Steven Rogers – no comment yet
Legislators, candidates for office, local elected officials and law enforcement entities may contact us with their opinions, letters and statements on bail reform by sending an email to news@shorenewsnetwork.com.

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.

Lacey Police Blotter: January 26- January 31, 2017

  • Burglary and Theft (Auto) – On Tuesday, January 31, 2017 at 11:32 p.m., Officer Anthony Sarno responded to police headquarters to take a theft report. The victim reported that on January 31, 2017, at approximately 1:30 a.m., his unlocked vehicle, that was parked in the driveway of his residence on Parkside Drive in Forked River, was entered.  Approximately $13.00 in change was stolen from inside.
  • DUI Arrest- On Tuesday, January 31, 2017 at 10:27 p.m., Officer Christopher Meyler conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of Route 9 North and Sunrise Boulevard in Forked River. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of the driver, 44-year-old Russell J. Kalman of Nostrand Drive in Toms River, NJ, for DUI. He was transported to police headquarters and processed.  Russell J. Kalman was released after receiving traffic summonses for DUI, Reckless Driving and Speeding.  The vehicle he was operating was impounded pursuant to John’s Law.
  • Burglary and Theft (Auto) – On Tuesday, January 31, 2017 at 1:30 p.m., Officer Daniel Ricciardella responded to police headquarters to take a theft report.  The victim reported that between 10:00 a.m. on January 29, 2017 and 8:00 p.m. on January 30, 2017, an unknown person or persons entered his unlocked vehicle that was parked in the driveway of his residence on Ariel Drive in Forked River, and stole his Dell Laptop computer valued at $400.
  • Burglary and Theft (Auto) – On Tuesday, January 31, 2017, at 4:50 a.m., Officer Christopher Meyler responded to police headquarters for a theft report. The victim reported that during the overnight hours of January 30, 2017 into January 31, 2017, an unknown person or persons entered his two unlocked vehicles parked in the driveway of his residence on Brookdale Park Drive in Forked River and stole property. The property consisted of a wallet, cash, and cigarettes with a total estimated value of $225.00.
  • Warrant Arrest (Multiple) – On Tuesday, January 31, 2017,at 12:30 a.m., Officer Scott Keefe conducted a traffic stop on Lacey Road near Lane Place in Forked River. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of the driver, identified as 23-year-old James Boone of Maple Street in Waretown, NJ, on three (3) outstanding warrants. Warrant number one (1) was issued by the Lacey Township Municipal Court in the amount of $1500 and warrant number two (2) was issued by the Berkeley Township Municipal Court in the amount of $199. Warrant number three (3) was issued by the Ocean Township Municipal Court in the amount of $120.  James Boone was transported to police headquarters and processed. He was later lodged in the Ocean County Correctional Facility in default of bail.  In addition, James Boone received traffic summonses for Driving with a Suspended License and Failure to Observe a Traffic Signal.
  • DUI Arrest – On Saturday, January 28, 2017, at 12:39 a.m., Officer Jesse Dalziel conducted a traffic stop on Route 9 South near Station Drive in Forked River. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of the driver, identified as 31-year-old Kathryn A. Kroeger of Buttonwood Drive in Paramus, NJ, for DUI. She was transported to police headquarters and processed. Kathryn A. Kroeger was released after receiving traffic summonses for DUI, Reckless Driving and Failure to Maintain Lane. The vehicle she was operating was impounded pursuant to John’s Law.
  • Burglary and Theft (Auto) – On Friday, January 27, 2017, at 9:45 a.m., Officer Frederick Anderson responded to the 400 block of Drew Avenue in Lanoka Harbor, for a theft report. The victim reported that between 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 26, 2017, and 7:45 a.m. on Friday, January 27, 2017, an unknown person or persons entered his unlocked vehicle that was parked in the driveway and stole his wallet. The value of the wallet and its contents is estimated at $280.
  • Burglary and Theft (Auto) – On Thursday, January 26, 2017, at 6:07 p.m., Officer John McKee responded to the 800 block of Margaret Place in Lanoka Harbor, for a theft report. The victim reported that between 12:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., on Tuesday, January 24, 2017, an unknown person or persons entered her vehicle and stole prescription medication valued at $50.  The victim was unsure if her vehicle was locked during the time of theft. There were no signs of forced entry.
  • Criminal Mischief (Auto) – On Thursday, January 26, 2017, at 3:39 p.m., Officer Elton Copes responded to the 1700 block of Binnacle Road in Forked River, for a report of criminal mischief to a vehicle. The complainant reported that between 8:00 p.m. on January 25, 2017 and 6:15 a.m. on January 26, 2017, an unknown person or persons smashed the driver’s side mirror of their vehicle and dented it. The damage to the vehicle is estimated at $500.
  • DUI with Hit and Run Motor Vehicle Crash (Arrest) – On Thursday, January 26, 2017, at 12:48 a.m., Acting-Sergeant Dimitri Tsarnas and Officer Christopher Meyler responded to the 100 block of Brick Avenue in Lanoka Harbor, for a report of a hit and run motor vehicle crash involving a mailbox. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of the driver, identified as 38-year-old Ivan B. Garrison of Quail Lane North in Lanoka Harbor, for DUI. He was transported to police headquarters and processed. Ivan B. Garrison was released after receiving traffic summonses for DUI, Refusal to Submit to Breath Testing, Reckless Driving, Leaving the Scene of a Motor Vehicle Crash, Failure to Report a Motor Vehicle Crash, Driving with a Suspended License, Failure to Maintain Lane, and Failure to Install an Interlock Device.

Police tell 'cautionary' tale of road rage after driver flashes gun on Turnpike

WESTAMPTON TWP. — New Jersey State Police reminded drivers in a cautionary Facebook post what can happen when you engage in road rage. “Don’t be the one staring down the barrel of a gun (not saying that this happened here), or the one going to jail because you made a rash decision in anger,” the post…

Jackson Police Officers Promoted

The members of the Jackson Police Department would like to congratulate three newly promoted sergeants and three new officers to the department.

On January 30, 2017 in a ceremony at town hall, a large group of officers joined with friends and family of Police Officer Larry Logan, Police Officer Arthur Salisbury and Detective Mitch Cowit as the three officers were sworn in and appointed as sergeants with the Jackson Police Department.

Sergeant Larry Logan has been a police officer with the Jackson Police Department since 1999 and has served in the patrol division on the afternoon and day shifts. Prior to being hired by the Jackson Police Department he served in the United States Army and was activated for Desert Storm and afterwards he earned a degree in business administration from the University of South Dakota. He has obtained the good conduct ribbon, achievement ribbon, education ribbon and 2 police unit citations.

Sergeant Arthur “Burt” Salisbury has been a police officer with the Jackson Police Department since 1995. Prior to being hired by the Jackson Police Department he served in the United States Army and also served in Desert Storm during 1990-1991 and afterwards he attended Ocean County College. He has served on all of the patrol shifts and was a juvenile detective 2002-2006 and a school resource officer 2006-2010, he also served on the department’s Special Response Team from 1996-2003.

Sergeant Mitch Cowit started his law enforcement career as a Class 2 Special Police Officer with the Jackson Police Department and was then hired as a full time officer with the Boro of Ocean Gate. He was then hired as a full time Police Officer with the Jackson Police Department in 1992. He was transferred to the Detective Bureau in 1996, was a member of the department’s Special Response Team, a hostage negotiator and the department’s designated bias investigator and has been involved in many high profile investigations in his more than 20 years in the Detective Bureau. He has attended multiple law enforcement schools and also currently is an instructor at the Ocean County Police Academy and with his own company, which runs multiple law enforcement training classes. Sergeant Cowit was most recently assigned to Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office where he was involved in numerous narcotics investigations throughout the county.

The newly promoted Sergeants will be assigned to supervise squads in the Patrol Division.

The department would also like to announce the recent hiring of three new officers.

Police Officer Kevin Kleinknecht joined the agency as an intergovernmental transfer from the Manasquan Police Department. He graduated from Jackson Memorial High School before attending Brookdale Community College and Stockton University. He then graduated from the Monmouth County Police Academy and served as a patrol officer with the Manasquan Police Department since 2015 prior to transferring to the Jackson Police Department.

Police Officer Thomas Conti graduated from Jackson Memorial High School and attended Ocean County College. He graduated from the Ocean County Basic Course for Special Police Officers and served as both a Class 1 and Class 2 Special Police Officer with the Seaside Heights Police Department and most recently as a Class 2 officer with the Jackson Police Department. He will be assigned to attend an upcoming academy class for training to obtain his waiver to full time officer.

Police Officer Derek Thomason served as a Jackson Police Explorer as a teenager and graduated from Jackson Liberty High School. He graduated from the Ocean County Basic Course for Special Police Officers and served as a Class 2 Special Police Officer for the Point Pleasant Police Department and the Jackson Police Department. He was then hired as a full time police officer with the Robbinsville Police Department before returning to the Jackson Police Department and is attending training at the Ocean County Police Academy to obtain his waiver to full time officer.

The three recently hired officers are currently in training and riding with Field Training Officers. When they complete the field training program, they will be assigned to a patrol squad.

We wish the new sergeants and officers the best in their new positions.

These hires bring the department to 89 sworn officers to serve the 100 square mile township and its approximately 60,000 residents. The department was at its highest staffing of 90 officers in 2008. We would like to thank the Mayor, Town Council and Administration for their continued support and commitment to staffing and supervision within the department so the agency is better prepared to serve the residents and visitors to the Township as we look forward to the future and several large projects which will bring more residents to the community.

Pictured: Chief Kunz with new Sergeants Logan, Salisbury and Cowit.

Belmar teen grew up with her alleged killer, father recalls in anguish

NEPTUNE CITY – As a New Jersey State Police helicopter buzzed overhead, Michael Stern stood with his hands in his pockets, braced against the bitter wind, looking out over the Shark River and trying to process why he was there. “Please let them find her. Please let them find her,” he repeated in his head. A…

Men accused of killing Sarah Stern reportedly helped search for her

NEPTUNE CITY — The man charged with strangling a 19-year-old Neptune City woman and another man accused of helping to dispose of her body took part in the search to find her in the weeks after she disappeared, News 12 New Jersey reported. Liam McAtasney and Preston Taylor, both 19, were friends of Sarah Stern, who…

13 Arrested in NJ Gang Sweep; 6 Freed Under Bail Reform

NEWARK — An Essex County judge this week ordered three of 13 men arrested in a recent State Police gang sweep in the city be held without bail pending trial. The Attorney General’s office has said the men, arrested as part of a state-led gang sweep two weeks ago, are members of the “Red Breed Gorillas,”…

Have you seen this man? Police say he stole, crashed a motorcycle

CAPE MAY — Cape May City police are still searching for a Gloucester County man wanted for stealing a motorcycle last month and crashing it in an Atlantic City parking garage. On Jan. 17, Michael Benko, 23, of Sewell, crashed a stolen motorcycle into a car driven by a 50-year-old Atlantic City man in a parking…

Extremely Successful Howell Based Addiction Assistance Program Launched in Jackson

by Marianne Kinsman

JACKSON– Over the past two years, Ocean and Monmouth County have topped the charts for highest rates of overdose deaths in New Jersey. Jackson Township officials have decided, enough is enough.

On Wednesday evening, Township officials met and agreed to adopt the R.I.S.E. program which address Recovery, Intervention, Support, and Education. This program comes as an extension of CFC Loud N Clear Foundation which was founded in Howell in 2012. Since conception, CFC has greatly impacted the drug issues and community. From being #19 on NJ’s worst heroin towns, to completely dropping off of the list, Howell has become a recovery sensitive community and Jackson is now doing the same. In 2015, CFC opened sober living homes in Jackson and Howell.

This program has been created to empower communities and utilize already existing municipalities to provide free resources to families battling addiction or residents looking to start a new life in recovery. Mayor Michael Reina met with officials Nicole Pormilli, Board of Education, Virgil Hollender & Catherine Gross of the Jackson Chamber of Commerce, John McGeehan of CentraState Community Relations, Phil Stilton of JTown Magazine, Jay Rivera, Marianne Kinsman and Lynn Regan of CFC Loud n Clear Foundation. Together as a community we will work to provide recovery, interventions, support and education for this horrible disease that does not discriminate.

CFC Loud N Clear Foundation is committed to helping people and their families struggling with addiction find a positive, progressive life in recovery – making them assets to their community.  CFC is not only driving awareness to the disease of addiction but helping many people in crisis. By seamlessly integrating all aspects of a township municipality, CFC is expanding recovery support services through mentorship, peer support, community education and outreach (including naloxone training) programs that reduce stigma or discrimination against individuals with substance use disorders.

This program does not just happen by itself – it requires a committed, vigilant, and proactive team.

By bringing R.I.S.E. to your community the following is available to you…

  • Access to all CFC Loud N Clear Recovery Programs and Resources
  • Provide local CCAR Certified Recovery Coaches to community members in need
  • Host local CCAR Recovery Coach & Ethics Certification Classes
  • Manage and Initiate R.I.S.E. CIT Program with Chief of local Police Department
  • Coordinate prevention programs with Township Municipal Alliance
  • Organize & launch T+K=GO Program® with the help of local Chamber of Commerce members and businesses
  • Coordinate and participate in community outreach events
  • School presentations, parental and teacher education seminars, etc.

 

CFC is extremely excited to expand these programs to Jackson residents. All meetings and time schedules in Jackson will be announced soon. For current programs, visit www.HealingUS.org

 

Photo: Phil Stilton/JTOWN Magazine.

Former Lakewood Code Official Sentenced For Taking Contractor Bribes

TRENTON – Attorney General Christopher S. Porrino announced that a former electrical code inspector for Lakewood Township was sentenced to prison today for accepting bribes from contractors in exchange for preferential treatment in the form of scheduling and conducting inspections more quickly or, in at least one instance, approving work that was not actually inspected.

Mitchell B. Perkins, 68, of Stafford Township, N.J., was sentenced to three years in state prison by Superior Court Judge Wendel E. Daniels in Ocean County. Perkins pleaded guilty on Dec. 5 to second-degree conspiracy to commit bribery. As a result of the guilty plea, he is permanently barred from public employment in New Jersey.

Deputy Attorney General Pearl Minato prosecuted Perkins and handled the sentencing for the Division of Criminal Justice Corruption Bureau. The charge was contained in a June 2016 indictment that was the result of an investigation by the New Jersey State Police Official Corruption Bureau South Squad and the Division of Criminal Justice Corruption Bureau.

Perkins formerly was employed as an electrical sub-code official/electrical inspector for Lakewood Township. He was arrested in this case on Sept. 25, 2015, and subsequently retired from that position.

The investigation began after the New Jersey State Police received information that Perkins had been accepting bribes from contractors. Between May and September 2015, Perkins accepted four separate payments of $300 from an electrical contractor as consideration for preferential treatment. The contractor was working as a cooperating witness for the State Police at the time and requested that Perkins inspect his work more quickly. Perkins returned the first payment, but he kept the three later payments. After the first payment, Perkins, who previously had inordinately delayed inspections of the contractor’s works sites, began to conduct timely inspections of his work sites. On one occasion, Perkins approved electrical work performed by the contractor without first inspecting the work.

In addition to the payments from the cooperating witness, the investigation revealed that Perkins accepted other payments from contractors on multiple occasions dating back to 1997 to influence the performance of his work as an electrical sub-code official and inspector for Lakewood Township.

“When inspectors like Perkins take bribes from contractors, it erodes trust in government and can threaten public safety,” said Attorney General Porrino. “This prison sentence sends a clear message that government officials who betray the public by putting their authority up for sale will face stern punishment.”

“The public has a right to expect that inspectors like Perkins will focus single-mindedly on public safety, not lining their own pockets,” said Director Elie Honig of the Division of Criminal Justice. “We’ll aggressively prosecute any officials who corruptly use their public positions for personal gain.”

“There are few assets more valuable than a person’s home, and homeowners have a right to expect that government inspectors will focus exclusively on ensuring that homes are safe, not on satisfying contractors who pay bribes,” said Colonel Rick Fuentes, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “This sentence sends a message that the state will not tolerate any illegal behavior that could endanger its citizens.”

Attorney General Porrino commended Deputy Attorney General Minato and the detectives who conducted the investigation for the New Jersey State Police Official Corruption Bureau South Squad.

Attorney General Porrino and Director Honig noted that the Division of Criminal Justice has established a toll-free Corruption Tipline 1-866-TIPS-4CJ for the public to confidentially report corruption, financial crime and other illegal activities. The public also can log on to the Division’s web page at www.njdcj.org to report suspected wrongdoing confidentially.

Video: Car runs over two at Atlantic City McDonalds Drive-Thru

ATLANTIC CITY-This group of individuals DID|AC after they ran over a party of two they were arguing with while online at the drive-thru at McDonalds.

https://www.facebook.com/OCPoliceBlotter/videos/1218597808175753/

User contributed video

 

Another Sexual Offender Out of Jail in Jersey Courtesy of Bail Reform

SOUTH PLAINFIELD-On Wednesday, February 01, 2017 at approximately 5:00pm, the South Plainfield Police were called to investigate a possible Sexual Assault involving a juvenile. Following a joint investigation conducted by the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office and the South Plainfield Police Department, Gregory Coen, age 57, 1150 Evergreen Ave., Plainfield, NJ, was charged with Sexual Assault, Criminal Sexual Contact, and Endangering the Welfare of a Child.

The investigation revealed that Coen met the juvenile through a smart phone app and had set up a meeting at the juvenile’s residence in South Plainfield where the sexual assault was committed. Subsequent to his arrest, Coen was transported to the Middlesex County Jail.

On February 02, 2017, Coen was released from custody by a Superior Court Judge during his appearance in Superior Court pursuant to the Bail Reform Act.

PHOTO: Stock Photo/bail reform meme posted on the internet. Does not represent defendant or South Plainfield Police Department.

Bronze Star Vietnam Vet Tops Berkeley Republican Council Ticket in 2017

 

Submitted by Berkeley Township Republicans

BERKELEY TWP-On Saturday, January 28, 2017 over 130 members of the Berkeley Township Republican Organization met at the Berkeley Township Elementary School Auditorium to nominate and endorse candidates for the upcoming June 6th, 2017 primary election, said Republican Municipal Chairman and Mayor Carmen Amato.

The endorsed candidates are: Councilman James Byrnes (Ward 1), Councilman Angelo Guadagno (Ward 2), Councilwoman Judy Noonan (Ward 3) and Councilwoman Sophia Gingrich (Ward 4).

Byrnes, who served as a Medic in the 82nd Airborne during Vietnam, where he received a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star, was appointed to the Council in 2012 after the retirement of Councilwoman Karen Davis.  He won the unexpired term in November of that year and was elected in 2013 to a full four-year term.  Byrnes is a 33-year resident of Bayville and a former two-term member and President of the Berkeley Township Board of Education.  He also served as Chairman of the Berkeley Township Planning Board and Member of the Berkeley Township Board of Adjustment. Councilman Byrnes currently serves on the Ocean County Construction Board of Appeals and the Ocean County Board of Social Services. He’s a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars 9503, St. Barnabas Knights of Columbus 8603, former Vice President for the International Brotherhood of Carpenters Local 2018, and a volunteer for Northern Ocean Habitat for Humanity.

Guadagno was elected in 2013, after Councilman Kevin Askew chose not to seek re-election.  Councilman Guadagno is a 14-year resident of Bayville and prior to his service on the Township Council, Councilman Guadagno served on the Berkeley Township Recreation Advisory Council and the Open Space Acquisition and Advisory Committee. Guadagno coached in Berkeley Boys and Girls Basketball, Berkeley Little League and Girls Softball, and is an educator in the Berkeley Township School System. Councilman Guadagno is Chairman of the Townships’ Parks and Recreation Committee, member of the St. Barnabas Knights of Columbus 8603, Holiday City Silver Ridge Park Italian American Club and the Berkeley Township Elementary School PTA. He has four children all attending Berkeley Schools.

Noonan is currently the longest serving Council member, having been elected in 2009 and then re-elected in 2013, and served as Council President in 2015.  Councilwoman Noonan currently serves as President of the Holiday City – Silver Ridge Park Coalition and is a Commissioner on the Berkeley Township Housing Authority.  She is a former President of the Silver Ridge Park East Homeowners Association and volunteers as a member of the Berkeley Township (CERT) Community Emergency Response Team and the Ocean County Board of Health Medical Reserve Corps.

Gingrich was first elected in 2013, served as Council Vice-President in 2016 and was unanimously selected to serve as Council President for 2017.  Councilwoman Gingrich served for three and a half years as a member of the Berkeley Township Board of Education, including as Board Vice President in 2013 prior to being elected to Council.  She has served in many capacities in her homeowner association, Holiday City at Berkeley.  Councilwoman Gingrich also volunteers, directs and organized the monthly food truck visit by the Food Bank of Monmouth\Ocean Counties in Holiday City.

“Councilmembers Byrnes, Guadagno, Noonan and Gingrich are all exceptionally qualified representatives for our town and tireless advocates for the citizens and taxpayers of Berkeley,” said Mayor Amato.  “I’m extremely pleased that they will be running for re-election and look forward to continuing the progress we’ve made on so many fronts.”

Amato cited demolition of Beachwood mall and infrastructure improvements that have begun to spark long-awaited revitalization along the Route 9 Corridor; an increased bond rating and the second lowest average overall property taxes in Ocean County; key services like additional police officers, including in the public schools, and top notch recreation programs; as well as free summer concerts and events in Veteran’s Park.

“We are proud of what has been accomplished, but there is always more work to do,” added Mayor Amato.  “Together, we want to continue to establish Berkeley Township as one of the best places to live, work and retire in all of New Jersey.”

Berkeley PD: No Child Luring Danger After Police Find Suspected Vehicle

by BERKELEY PD

BERKELEY TWP-On January 26th 2017 the Berkeley Township Police received a report regarding an attempted luring incident in which a suspicious white van, who’s driver was speaking to children in the neighborhood at the bus stop. This occurred in the afternoon in the area of Harbor Inn Road. Patrol units responded immediately and were present at these bus stops for the next several days.

In addition, Berkeley Detectives responded to the area and conducted a follow-up investigation to try to identify the vehicle and the driver. The investigation lead to the vehicle and the driver being identified. Berkeley Detectives contacted and interviewed the driver.

At this time no evidence indicating criminal activity was uncovered and no evidence exists to indicate that this was a luring attempt.

Additional reports of attempted luring that have been circulating on social media are unfounded. Although we have fielded many calls regarding this, there have been no reports of additional incidents.

The Berkeley Township Police remind residents to always remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity promptly to 732-341-6600. Tips can be given by calling 732-341-1132 x611.

Black History Month Spotlight: Frederick Douglas

Frederick Augustus Washington Bailey was born into slavery on the Eastern Shore of Maryland in February 1818. He had a difficult family life. He barely knew his mother, who lived on a different plantation and died when he was a young child. He never discovered the identity of his father. When he turned eight years old, his slaveowner hired him out to work as a body servant in Baltimore.
At an early age, Frederick realized there was a connection between literacy and freedom. Not allowed to attend school, he taught himself to read and write in the streets of Baltimore. At twelve, he bought a book called The Columbian Orator. It was a collection of revolutionary speeches, debates, and writings on natural rights.
When Frederick was fifteen, his slaveowner sent him back to the Eastern Shore to labor as a fieldhand. Frederick rebelled intensely. He educated other slaves, physically fought back against a “slave-breaker,” and plotted an unsuccessful escape.
Frustrated, his slaveowner returned him to Baltimore. This time, Frederick met a young free black woman named Anna Murray, who agreed to help him escape. On September 3, 1838, he disguised himself as a sailor and boarded a northbound train, using money from Anna to pay for his ticket. In less than 24 hours, Frederick arrived in New York City and declared himself free.
Want to learn more about Frederick Douglas? Continue reading at the U.S. National Parks Service.

Illegal Immigrant; Most Wanted Fugitive in New Jersey Captured

A fugitive previously convicted of sexual assault was arrested by immigration officials on Tuesday in New Jersey. Mexican citizen Javier Atlixqueno-Vaquero, 37, had been removed from the United States in May 2004 but managed to sneak back in at some point, according to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Atlixqueno-Vaquero has previously been convicted of sexual assault…

Police station fumigated after men caught in store sex act, report says

CLIFTON – Two men face lewdness and other charges after they were caught in an alleged sex act on a display bed at Bed Bath & Beyond, according to a report on NorthJersey.com. Police were called to the store on Route 3 during business hours on Jan. 30 after an employee said the men were engaged…

Ex-Ocean Gate police chief was suspended 90 days before retirement, report says

OCEAN GATE — Former Ocean Gate Police Chief Reece J. Fisher was suspended for 90-days before he retired on Dec. 1, according to documents and interviews obtained by app.com. The suspension came after an internal review by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office of Fisher concluded that he violated department policies relating to a crash involving one…

Runaway red Target ball crashes into SUV (VIDEO)

PARAMUS – A two-ton cement ball used as a bollard outside a Target store became dislodged, rolling through the store parking lot and striking a moving vehicle, reportedly causing thousands in damage. Target’s famous red ball, which is meant to protect the store entrances, was knocked loose by a pickup truck passing through the lot, as…