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New Jersey Corrections Officer from Brick Pleads Guilty to Assault

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New Jersey Corrections Officer Pleads Guilty to Assault

**Trenton, NJ** — A New Jersey Department of Corrections police officer has pleaded guilty to aggravated assault after an incident at the Adult Diagnostic and Treatment Center’s Special Treatment Unit in Woodbridge.

Giuseppe Mandara, 55, from Brick, New Jersey, admitted to attempting to cause significant bodily injury during a plea hearing on Tuesday. The hearing was held before Judge Thomas K. Isenhour in Union County.

Under a plea agreement with the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability, Mandara consented to forfeit his public employment and was barred from future public office. Prosecutors will recommend a four-year prison sentence, with sentencing scheduled for January 31, 2025.

The incident occurred on August 23, 2019, when Mandara assaulted a victim, escalating a verbal dispute into a physical altercation. Following the altercation, the victim suffered a fatal stroke, however, a state grand jury did not file homicide charges related to the death.

New Hampton Resident Sentenced in Child Rape Case

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New Hampton Resident Sentenced in Child Rape Case

**Goshen, NY** – Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler announced on Wednesday that Justin Babb, a 41-year-old resident of New Hampton, was sentenced to 18 years in state prison. The sentencing followed Babb’s guilty plea to charges of engaging in sexual conduct with a child.

On May 23, Babb admitted in Orange County Court to Criminal Sexual Act in the First Degree, acknowledging the crime, which took place in August 2023, involved a child under eleven. Alongside the prison sentence, Babb will have a post-release supervision period of ten years and will be registered under the New York Sex Offender Registration Act.

District Attorney Hoovler commended the Orange County Child Abuse Investigation Unit for their efforts leading to Babb’s arrest. He noted the severity of Babb’s actions and expressed gratitude for achieving a resolution without causing additional trauma to the child by testifying in court.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Julie Mohl. It was stressed that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a fair trial.

Multiple Vehicle Burglaries Lead to Arrest in West Orange

Multiple vehicle burglaries lead to arrest in west orange

Multiple Vehicle Burglaries Lead to Arrest in West Orange

**West Orange, NJ** – The Township experienced multiple vehicle burglaries on Monday and Tuesday evenings at Essex Green Shopping Plaza, specifically the parking lot of LA Fitness and other areas of the shopping plaza. Detective Austin Vanderhoof led the investigation with minimal evidence available at the crime scenes.

The West Orange Police Department worked with law enforcement from Verona and Cedar Grove Police Departments. Through video analysis and intelligence sharing, Detective Vanderhoof successfully identified the suspect. His methods included surveillance, interviews, and searches.

On December 2, Hakir Hodges, 28, from Newark, NJ, was charged in connection with these incidents. He faces eight counts related to burglary and theft from motor vehicles, and two counts of attempted burglary.

Hodges is currently held at Essex County Correctional Facility. Further details on the case have not been released at this time.

Matthew R. Nazzaro Appointed as New Police Chief in Cranford

Matthew r. Nazzaro appointed as new police chief in cranford

Matthew R. Nazzaro Appointed as New Police Chief

**Cranford, NJ** – Matthew R. Nazzaro was sworn in as the twelfth Police Chief of the Cranford Police Department on Tuesday. The swearing-in ceremony took place with US Magistrate Judge Justin Quinn administering the Oath of Office.

In his acceptance speech, Chief Nazzaro commended the dedication of the Cranford Police Department’s personnel, emphasizing their role in maintaining the township as a safe and appealing place to live. He assured township residents of the high caliber of protection and service provided by the department.

Chief Nazzaro joined the department in June 2002 as a Communications Officer and became a Police Officer in December 2003. During his tenure, he has served in all divisions and held key positions, including Detective, Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Captain before his promotion to Chief. He holds degrees in Public Administration from Kean University and has played significant roles such as School Resource Officer and Executive Director of the Cranford Police Athletic League.

Members of the community are encouraged to extend their good wishes to Chief Nazzaro as he begins his new role leading the department.

Washington, D.C. Resident Wins $50,000 in Maryland Lottery

Washington, d. C. Resident wins $50,000 in maryland lottery

Washington, D.C. Resident Wins $50,000 in Maryland Lottery

**Seat Pleasant, MD** – A Washington, D.C. resident unknowingly held a $50,000 winning ticket for weeks before claiming her prize in the Maryland Lottery’s $50,000 Cash game. The winner realized her good fortune upon checking the ticket during a trip back to Maryland.

The winning ticket was purchased at Seat Pleasant BP on Martin Luther King Jr. Highway. The woman, accompanied by her daughter who was home from college, stopped by the retailer before a hair-styling appointment and bought the $20 instant ticket.

Three weeks after purchasing the ticket, the woman, a social worker, discovered her win after scanning the ticket at a lottery retailer. She hurried home to share the exciting news with her daughter, who was initially skeptical of the claim.

Plans for the prize include settling debts, making investments, and helping others. Seat Pleasant BP will receive a $500 bonus for selling the winning ticket. The $50,000 Cash game launched in December 2022, and 68 top prizes remain unclaimed, along with various smaller prizes.

Price Gouging Protections Enforced in Erie County Following Severe Snowstorm

Price gouging protections enforced in erie county following severe snowstorm

Price Gouging Protections Enforced in Erie County Following Severe Snowstorm

**Harrisburg, PA** – Price gouging protections are in effect in Erie County due to a severe snowstorm that left more than three feet of snow. Attorney General Michelle Henry emphasized the importance of being aware of unfair price increases during emergencies.

The declaration of a disaster emergency was made by Governor Shapiro on Thursday. This has activated a state law prohibiting companies from raising prices on consumer goods or services more than 20% above their average price from the preceding week.

Consumers in Erie County suspecting price gouging are encouraged to report it. Complaints can be submitted online at www.attorneygeneral.gov or by calling the Bureau of Consumer Protection at 800-441-2555.

The law empowers the Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection to investigate such complaints. Penalties for violations can reach up to $10,000 per incident, with provisions for restitution.

Bronx Man Receives 20-Year Sentence for Fatal Stabbing at Gowanus Club

Bronx man receives 20-year sentence for fatal stabbing at gowanus club

Bronx Man Receives 20-Year Sentence for Fatal Stabbing at Gowanus Club

**Brooklyn, NY** – A Bronx resident has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for the fatal stabbing of one bouncer and injuring another outside a club in Gowanus. The announcement was made by Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, following the defendant’s guilty plea to manslaughter in October.

The defendant, identified as 22-year-old Jose Velasco from the Morrisania area of the Bronx, received his sentence under Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun. Alongside the prison term, Velasco faces five years of post-release supervision for the crime that took place on February 26, 2022, at approximately 10:35 p.m.

According to the case details, Velasco was removed from a party at 168 7th Street in Gowanus for aggressive behavior. He then engaged in a confrontation with three bouncers, leading to an altercation in which Velasco stabbed a 21-year-old bouncer in the back and 25-year-old Marvin Pretto in the chest, who later died at Brooklyn Methodist Hospital.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Joseph Mancino with oversight from Assistant District

Stafford County Sheriff’s Office Reports Multiple Incidents

Stafford county sheriff's office reports multiple incidents

Stafford County Sheriff’s Office Reports Multiple Incidents

**Stafford, VA** – The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office has released details of several incidents from Wednesday’s daily report, including DUI arrests, fraud investigation, larceny, and public intoxication.

Two separate DUI incidents occurred on Richmond Highway on Tuesday. The first happened at 6:26 a.m. around Hospital Center Boulevard, where Deputy R. Tully stopped a vehicle with missing rear lights that drifted into another lane. The driver, reportedly intoxicated, was taken to Rappahannock Regional Jail on charges of DUI, lane violation, and defective equipment with a $2,000 bond. Later, at 10:13 p.m., Deputy R.T. Philippsen stopped a driver entering the I-95 exit ramp against traffic at Aquia Towne Center Drive. The driver admitted to beer consumption and was also charged with DUI.

At 12:56 p.m., a fraud case took place at Dollar General, 20 Plantation Drive. Detective H.D. Young identified a skimmer device on a card terminal, which was seized, and the investigation is ongoing.

Additionally, a larceny incident at Target, 25 South Gateway Drive, was reported when

Assault Incident Leads to Arrest in Utica

Handcuffs

Assault Incident Leads to Arrest in Utica

**Utica, NY -** Police and fire units responded to a reported assault on November 23 at 110 Genesee St. Authorities found the victim with head lacerations, allegedly inflicted during an altercation inside the building involving a knife. The Utica Fire Department provided on-scene treatment. The Criminal Investigations Division took over the case.

Following their inquiry, investigators identified a suspect. On December 1, patrol units apprehended the individual using details from a previously issued BOLO. A knife matching the one used in the assault was recovered.

Joseph Spann, 34, of Utica, faces charges related to the assault case. He is charged with assault in the second degree and criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree.

Man dead in Columbus shooting, suspect arrested

Man dead in columbus shooting, suspect arrested

Shooting Incident on N. 4th St. Results in Arrest

**Columbus, OH** – Officers were dispatched Saturday night to the 1200 block of N. 4th St. for a reported shooting. Upon arrival at 8:29 p.m., officers discovered 20-year-old Anthony Wise with a gunshot wound. He was transported to a hospital in critical condition and was later pronounced deceased.

The following day, police arrested 20-year-old Daveon Murphy in connection with the incident. Murphy was charged with murder in relation to Wise’s death.

Police detectives are seeking video footage from anyone with cameras in the vicinity of the shooting. Relevant videos can be submitted via a provided QR code.

Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact Detective Westfall or call Central Ohio Crime Stoppers. Tips regarding the investigation can also be emailed.

Lowe’s thief arrested in North Utica

Handcuffs used during police arrest.

Suspect Arrested for Larceny at North Utica Lowe’s

**Utica, NY** – On Sunday, Utica Police responded to a report of larceny at Lowe’s in North Utica. The police were informed by store personnel that a suspect exited the store with a shopping cart containing over $1,000 worth of unpaid merchandise.

Authorities received a description of the suspect and the direction in which he fled. Officers subsequently located the individual walking on Buchanan Rd. Following a citizen stop and positive identification, the suspect was taken into custody and transported to the Utica Police Department.

The suspect, identified as 26-year-old Brandon Rivera with no known address, faces charges of grand larceny in the fourth degree. The investigation is ongoing to identify any additional parties involved.

Egg Harbor Township Police Launch Crackdown on Impaired Driving

Egg harbor township police launch crackdown on impaired driving

Egg Harbor Township Police Launch Crackdown on Impaired Driving

**Egg Harbor Township, NJ** – The Egg Harbor Township Police Department is set to initiate roving patrols during the holiday season to enforce laws against driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. From Friday, December 6, lasting through January 1, officers will be on duty to identify and apprehend reckless, careless, and impaired drivers.

The department plans to enhance enforcement through saturation patrols in targeted areas within the township. These patrols aim to arrest drivers operating under the influence and reduce reckless driving.

This year, Egg Harbor Township Police have responded to 1,900 reported crashes. They have made 123 DWI arrests, dealt with 40 crashes involving impaired drivers, and attended 10 fatal crashes resulting in 11 deaths.

The police department urges everyone to ensure their holiday activities do not lead to impaired driving. Residents are reminded to plan for a safe and sober ride home if their celebrations involve alcohol or other impairing substances.