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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.

Candidate Criticizes Toms River Council over Airbnb Legislation

TOMS RIVER-Seaside vacationers looking for a place to spend a few days on the barrier island in Ocean County these days are turning to Airbnb to find short term summer vacations rentals.

Airbnb is a San Francisco based firm that connects rental property owners directly with potential renters through their iphone, mobile devices and online.

The service allows travelers to book accommodations worldwide, directly with the property owners.

The Toms River Township council has recently attempted to regulate Airbnb style rentals within its borders, restricting short term rentals under 30 days on the mainland year round and limited airbnb rentals to a period between April 15th and September 15th on the barrier island.

Justin Lamb, a Lavallette police officer who is challenging incumbent councilwoman Maria Maruca in the township’s first ward called the ordinance a knee jerk decision.

“The Township Council’s overreach in its hastily delivered Airbnb measure illustrates the type of bad decision making that needs to end now. The ordinance as delivered was a knee-jerk reaction that was short-sighted and showed the lack of understanding the governing body has with our residents. After coming under fire by our Ward 1 residents, they now are quickly working to undo the draconian course they prematurely took,” Lamb said.  “As a strong Republican, I believe that any restriction on individual property rights is not consistent with the same conservative principles our Township Council members now claim to be running on in this primary election. With that being said, the council’s unwillingness to craft an ordinance that balances the interests and concerns of every resident in Ward 1 should not be tolerated. This type of knee-jerk decision-making must end now. The residents of Ward 1 deserve a more transparent and rational governing body.”

Toms River’s first ward is split between the eastern portion of Toms River on the mainland and the township’s barrier island communities.

The township is scheduled to host a public hearing to revise the airbnb ordinance on April 25th at 6pm at town hall.

 

Empanada Guy Headlines This Weekend's Food Truck Festival at Six Flags

JACKSON-Not officially, but fan favorite “Empanada Guy” is among the food trucks on the “not to miss” list at this weekend’s Food Truck Festival at Six Flags Great Adventure.

“This delicious festival provides a chance to fuel up between coasters. Guests can enjoy a variety of cuisines ranging from Cajun to Korean and Greek to Italian, plus sweets including waffles and shakes.” the company said in a statement today.

Fifteen trucks will be available from 12 to 7 p.m., and three award-winning New Jersey wineries will also be on hand from 1 to 5 p.m. for sampling and wine purchases.

Participating Food Trucks:                    

  • Cajun Jax BBQ – A taste of the old south with a Cajun twist
  • Chimney Cake Factory – Transylvanian oven-baked pastries
  • Empanada Guy – Gourmet Latin pastries and tapas
  • Gyros To Go – Custom made Greek-American food
  • Johnny’s Pork Roll – Pork roll sandwiches
  • My Four Suns – Authentic Korean fusion cuisine
  • Oink and Moo BBQ – American BBQ and Tex-Mex
  • Star of the Sea Seafood – Homemade, hand-prepped seafood
  • Suzie’s Rolling Wrappers – Gourmet, deep fried wrappers
  • Sweet Lavender – Simple, yet sophisticated desserts
  • The Flying Pie Guy – Hand held, savory Aussie pies
  • The Guac Spot – Artfully crafted, avocado-inspired tacos, sliders and desserts
  • The Little Sicilian – Specializing in many varieties of Sicilian riceballs
  • Waffle de Lys – Authentic Belgian waffles with a French twist
  • Five Sisters – Pub-style burgers and fat sandwiches

Wineries:

  • DiMatteo Vineyards
  • Villari Vineyards
  • Wagonhouse Winery

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.

“The rising property tax burden on Ward 1 residents, especially those residing in our beach communities and along the waterfront is unacceptable and needs to be challenged,” he said. “The layers of bureaucracy that exist in Toms River need to be reduced and streamlined.”
Also running against Maruca and Lamb is political newcomer Chris Grimes.

HS Lacrosse: Brick Memorial Crushes TR North

BRICK-Lindsay Hernandez was strong in goal, stopping 11 of 17 shots against her in 17-6 win over Toms River North.

Tea Ferrara had 5 goals and 2 assists, accompanied by Megan Egan’s 3 goals and 7 assists.

 

HS Baseball: Manchester tops Liberty 4-3

MANCHESTER-Joe Felipe struck out 10 batters and pitched 6 innings, giving up just one run but didn’t earn the win for the Manchester Hawks in a 1-1 nail biter that broke openin the 7th inning.

Matt Piro pitched 3 innings for the Lions, giving up 1 run.  Rich Dordas pitched 3.1 innings a struck out 3.

 

Jackson Liberty took a 3-1 lead in the top of the 7th inning, but gave up 3 runs to lose the game at the bottom of the inning.

Team 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 R H E
Jackson Liberty
 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 3 4 4
Manchester Township
 1 0 0 0 0 0 3 4 7 3

HS Girls Lacrosse: Point Pleasant Boro Defeats Jackson Liberty 6-5

JACKSON-Goals were scarce as Jackson Liberty and Point Boro faced off against each other.  Keira McNamara scored 2 goals and had 2 assists for the Panthers.  Maeve Carney scored 2 goals and had an assist for the Lions.

Team 1 2 Final
Point Pleasant Boro
 2 4 6
Jackson Liberty
 3 2 5

Boys Volleyball: Swanton Leads Mariners Past Jags

JACKSON-Joseph Swanson had 6 aces, 10 service points, 2 kills and 13 blocks to shut down the Jackson Memorial Jaguars on the road Wednesday.

Erik Wrightson had 8 aces, 10 service points, 5 kills and 8 blocks.  Robert Kauffman had 8 digs for the Mariners.

On the other side of the net, Brendon Hudak had 2 aces, 7 service points, 13 assists and 5 digs.  Justin Bienick had 3 pts, 9 kills and 5 digs.

Team 1 2 3 4 5 Final
Toms River North
 25 25 0 2
Jackson Memorial
 19 20 0 0

 

Jackson MUA Approves Up To $15,000 Pine Snake Survey for Six Flags Water Plant

JACKSON-At the February 23rd meeting of the Jackson Municipal Utilities Authority Commissioners, MUA Director David Harpell reported that a more involved pine snake survey at the proposed Six Flags Water Treatment Plant will be required before the authority can bid the project out.

“Mr. Harpell stated that the Authority heard from our environmental consultant this week and they identified mammalian burrows which could be an overwintering habitat for the pine snake. Mr. Harpell stated that the Authority will have to do an RFP for this additional survey and we will plan on awarding this project in March,” the MUA said.  “The survey can be done early April to see if pine snakes are present. If no pine snakes are identified, we should be able to go out to bid on the project. Mrs. Blake questioned if there is anything that can be put into the holes to see what is in it and Mr. Harpell stated that the normal routine is to put silt fence around the hole and wait to see what comes out. Chairman Allmann stated that if the Authority should need any approvals on this survey prior to the award at the next public meeting, please notify the Board.”

On Tuesday, the authority issued a public notice awarding the contract to DuBois Environmental Consultants, LLC in an amount not to exceed $15,000.

 

 

Domed Sports Facility Planned Near Six Flags Great Adventure

JACKSON-It’s being called Jackson Crossing 2 and includes a domed multipurpose sports facility.  The project as submitted by Cardinale Enterprises of Jackson Township, developer of Jackson Crossing, consists of an indoor soccer dome, and multipurpose turf fields that include one full baseball field, 3 soccer fields and 4 baseball/softball diamonds.

A hearing at the township zoning board will be heard on April 19th at 7pm.  A variance is needed to build the 50.5 ft high dome in a zone where there is a 35.5 foot limit.

The proposed facility will be built at the southeast corner of the exit 16 interchange of Route 195, just north of Six Flags Great Adventure.

According to tax records, the the property was purchased on March 29, 2016 for $1.15 million.

Domed sports facility planned near six flags great adventure

Domed sports facility planned near six flags great adventure

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.

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