blotter
Brooklyn Baseball Coach Faces Sexual Abuse Charges
Brooklyn Baseball Coach Faces Sexual Abuse Charges
**Brooklyn, NY** – A Brooklyn baseball coach has been indicted for multiple sexual abuse charges involving seven teenage players, as announced by District Attorney Eric Gonzalez on Thursday. Nicolas Morton, 31, allegedly conducted the abusive acts during practices with a travel baseball team and as the head coach at The Packer Collegiate Institute. The victims were between the ages of 12 and 14. Morton is accused of making sexual comments, insisting players expose themselves, and touching their intimate parts on several occasions.
Morton was arraigned before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Donald Leo and faces a 20-count indictment. The charges include second-degree course of sexual conduct against a child, various degrees of sexual abuse, endangering the welfare of a child, forcible touching, and unlawful imprisonment. Morton was granted bail at $75,000 cash or $150,000 bond, with a court date scheduled for December 13.
According to the investigation, the alleged incidents took place between early 2023 and the summer of 2024. The accusations include asking to see the boys’ pubic hair, touching their genitals over and under clothes, and using coercive tactics to obtain compliance. These acts reportedly occurred
Leonia Police Investigate Series of Burglaries and Thefts
Leonia Police Investigate Series of Burglaries and Thefts
**Leonia, NJ** – The Leonia Police Department is conducting investigations into several reported burglaries and thefts. The incidents occurred from Tuesday night into Wednesday morning.
During this period, two thefts of catalytic converters took place, with one possible attempted theft. These incidents occurred on the 100 block of Glenwood Avenue, 100 block of Oakdene Avenue, and the 100 block of Ames Avenue. Additionally, a vehicle was stolen from a parking lot on Lakeview Avenue west of Grand Avenue between 11:30 p.m. on Tuesday and 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday.
On Wednesday at 12:25 p.m., a diversion burglary was reported on Grand Avenue near the Englewood border. In this case, three white males with Irish accents engaged the resident under the pretense of doing neighbor’s tree work, allowing one suspect to enter the home and commit theft.
Another residential burglary and theft took place between 10:00 a.m. and 1:10 p.m. on the 400 block of Birch Lane the same day. The Leonia Police Department urges residents to report suspicious activities promptly and to exercise caution when allowing
Wall Township Man Charged with Armed Bank Robbery
Wall Township Man Charged with Armed Robbery
**Freehold, NJ** – A Wall Township resident was apprehended and charged in connection with an armed robbery, as announced by Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago on Thursday.
Jeffrey L. Kniffin, age 50, faces charges including first-degree armed robbery, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and possession of hollow point bullets, a fourth-degree offense.
On Wednesday, officers responded to a robbery at a Bank of America on State Highway 35. The suspect, masked and armed, reportedly stole over $5,000 and fled.
An off-duty officer observed a suspect matching Kniffin’s description on a bicycle near the bank. He followed the individual to Kniffin’s M Street residence, where Kniffin was arrested.
Kniffin remains in custody at Monmouth County Correctional Institution. The case is managed by Assistant Prosecutor Michael Luciano, and Kniffin’s attorney details have not been released.
Pedestrian Fatality on Eastern Boulevard Under Investigation
Pedestrian Fatality on Eastern Boulevard Under Investigation
**Baltimore, MD** – On Wednesday at approximately 7:30 p.m., Baltimore County police officers responded to an incident in the 1000 block of Eastern Boulevard involving a vehicle and a pedestrian.
Initial investigations indicate that a 2023 Kia, moving westbound, struck Edward Ryan, 35, as he attempted to cross the street near Old Eastern Boulevard. Ryan was transported to a hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
The driver of the Kia experienced minor injuries and received treatment at a nearby hospital.
The Baltimore County Police Crash Team is conducting an ongoing investigation into the crash.
Cumberland Pool Game Leads to Disorderly Conduct Charge
Cumberland Incident Leads to Disorderly Conduct Charge
**Cumberland, MD** – The Cumberland Police Department responded to a disturbance on Wednesday. The incident occurred at a business in the 600 block of Columbia Avenue.
Officers arrived on the scene after receiving a report of an ongoing assault. They spoke with several involved parties and witnesses present at the location. The situation started with an argument over a pool game, which escalated into a physical altercation. No one was injured during the fight.
While officers were on-site, a woman disrupted the street, refusing to listen to instructions to stop. Consequently, Misty Dawn Jenkins, 47, of Cumberland, was arrested. She was later issued a Criminal Citation for disorderly conduct and released, pending a trial in District Court.
Manalapan Man Charged in Fatal Holmdel Collision
Manalapan Man Charged in Fatal Holmdel Collision
**FREEHOLD, NJ** – A 28-year-old man from Manalapan, John Baradekji, has been charged in relation to a fatal collision in Holmdel. Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced the charges on Thursday.
Baradekji faces one count of third-degree Operating a Motor Vehicle with a Suspended License while involved in a fatal crash. The incident occurred on Monday, August 12, at approximately 7:34 a.m., when a crash involving a motor vehicle and bicycle was reported near Bethany Road and Galway Drive.
The bicycle rider, 65-year-old Timothy Neher from Holmdel, was found at the scene and later transported to Bayshore Medical Center. He succumbed to his injuries at 8:41 a.m. An investigation conducted by local authorities determined that the bicyclist was struck by a 2008 Kia driven by Baradekji.
Baradekji is represented by attorney Joshua D. Altman, based in New Brunswick, Middlesex County. Under U.S. law, Baradekji is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of
Halloween Parade to Prompt Road Closures in Township of Hamilton
Halloween Parade to Prompt Road Closures in Township of Hamilton
**Hamilton Township, NJ** – The Township of Hamilton Police Department announced a Halloween Parade scheduled to take place on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. Several roads will be temporarily closed as a result of this event.
Main Street from Route 40 and River Drive to Mill Street and Route 606 will be closed from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. For the same duration, Route 50 will be inaccessible from Old Egg Harbor Road to River Drive.
Residents are advised to plan accordingly and find alternate routes during the event. Motorists may opt to use Weymouth Road (CR559) through Old Harding Highway and Old Egg Harbor Road to Route 40.
Drivers employing these alternate routes should anticipate increased traffic given the expected congestion. The police department has urged motorists to exercise caution and patience.
Bicycle Delivery Driver Menaced with Handgun, Suspect Arrested in Utica
Bicycle Delivery Driver Menaced with Handgun, Suspect Arrested in Utica
**Utica, NY** – Thursday, Utica police responded to a weapon possession and menacing incident on the 1000 block of Miller Street around 10:30 AM.
A bicycle delivery driver reported a confrontation with a man on a porch. During their exchange, the suspect picked up and threw a stick at the delivery driver.
Following the initial incident, the suspect returned inside his residence, only to come out pointing a handgun at the delivery driver, who contacted the police. Responding officers apprehended the individual and conducted a search of his apartment.
The search led to the discovery of a 9mm handgun. Lauren Smith, 24, of Utica, is charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the second and third degrees, Criminal Possession of a Firearm, and Menacing in the second degree.
Brick Township Man Charged for Lewd Images of Children
Brick Township Man Charged with Child Pornography Possession
**Brick Township, NJ** – Dennis Hubert, a 42-year-old resident of Brick Township, was charged Thursday with possession of child pornography. The charge follows an investigation initiated by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office.
The investigation began after a cyber-tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children was referred to the New Jersey State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. This tip alerted authorities to an individual allegedly involved in sending and receiving child pornography online.
The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit identified an IP address belonging to a residence in Brick Township as the source of the illicit activity. Through further investigation, Dennis Hubert was identified as the individual accessing the illegal material.
On Thursday, law enforcement agencies including detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations, and Brick Township Police Department executed a search warrant at Hubert’s home. A forensic examination of electronic devices found several items of child pornography. Hubert was subsequently taken into custody and is being held at the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.
Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer acknowledged the collaborative effort of the various law enforcement agencies involved
Fatal Crash in Upper Marlboro Under Investigation
Fatal Crash in Upper Marlboro Under Investigation
**Upper Marlboro, MD** – Authorities in Prince George’s County are investigating a fatal crash that took place on Wednesday evening along Largo Center Drive. The incident involved two vehicles and resulted in the death of 57-year-old Monica Wilson of Springdale, MD.
Police were called to the scene at approximately 5:10 p.m. after receiving a report of the collision. Upon arrival, they found Wilson with critical injuries, and she was pronounced dead shortly thereafter at a hospital. The other driver involved sustained injuries but they are not life-threatening. Witnesses report that two passengers from the second vehicle fled the scene.
Initial investigations indicate that Wilson was driving north on Largo Center Drive while the second vehicle was heading south. For reasons currently under investigation, the second vehicle crossed into oncoming traffic and collided head-on with Wilson’s car.
Detectives are asking anyone with information regarding the crash to contact the Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Unit at 301-731-4422. People can also reach out anonymously via the Crime Solvers hotline at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477) or through the “P3 Tips” mobile app. Reference case number 24-0063161
Police Arrest Severna Park Resident on Drug and Weapon Charges
Police Arrest Severna Park Resident on Drug and Weapon Charges
**Glen Burnie, MD -** Detectives from the Northern District of the Anne Arundel County Police Department have made an arrest following a traffic stop involving drug and weapon offenses. The incident took place on October 23 near Freetown Road and Caldwell Road.
During the traffic stop, law enforcement officials seized approximately 3.62 grams of suspected cocaine and around 1.17 grams of an unidentified pill. Additionally, officers confiscated a loaded 9mm Model 19 Glock firearm from the vehicle.
The driver of the vehicle, identified as 30-year-old Khayla Monet Brunner from Severna Park, Maryland, was arrested and charged in connection to the incident. The arrest was part of an ongoing effort by the police department to address drug and weapon violations in the area.
Police have released information related to the case under reference number 24-738588 as part of their regular operations in addressing these types of violations.
Stamford Man Indicted on Fentanyl Trafficking Charges
Stamford Man Indicted on Fentanyl Trafficking Charges
**Stamford, CT** – The U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Vanessa Roberts Avery, and Stephen P. Belleau, the Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, announced charges against Darius Gamble, 39, of Stamford. Gamble, also known as “Rell,” faces charges for fentanyl trafficking offenses.
According to investigations by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force and the Stamford Police Department, Gamble was identified as a large-scale fentanyl distributor. On September 1, authorities executed a controlled purchase of approximately 50 grams of fentanyl from him.
Gamble was arrested on September 12 following a criminal complaint. During the arrest, law enforcement found approximately 42 grams of fentanyl, a kilogram press machine, narcotics processing tools, and $31,307 in cash in his residence. A further search of his vehicle revealed an additional six grams of fentanyl.
A grand jury in Bridgeport indicted Gamble on October 2 with possession and intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, with each charge carrying a mandatory minimum sentence of five
Kingsley Street Closure for Construction Detours Announced
Kingsley Street Closure for Construction Detours Announced
**Asbury Park, NJ** – The Asbury Park Police Department announced that Kingsley Street at Sunset Avenue will be closed starting Tuesday, October 29, for approximately two to three weeks. Drivers can expect detours to be clearly marked with signs.
Northbound drivers will be redirected from Fifth Avenue to Ocean Avenue. They will then move north on Ocean Avenue to Sunset Avenue and west on Sunset Avenue to rejoin Kingsley Street.
Southbound drivers will follow a path east on Seventh Avenue and south on Ocean Avenue. They will proceed west on Fourth Avenue to reconnect with Kingsley Street.
During this period, Kim Marie’s will remain open. Access to the business will be available by following “Local Traffic Only” signs.
12-Year-Old Among Two Teens Arrested in Armed Robbery
Juveniles Arrested in Armed Robbery
**Baltimore, MD** – Eastern District officers in Baltimore responded to an armed robbery on the 700 block of E. North Avenue on Wednesday. The incident involved a 14-year-old male victim who was approached by two males demanding his phone.
The suspects reportedly pulled the victim to the ground and displayed a handgun. Following the robbery, the suspects fled the scene on foot, according to police reports.
District detectives managed to track the victim’s phone and located individuals fitting the suspects’ descriptions. Officers detained two suspects: a 12-year-old male and a 14-year-old male.
Both suspects were taken to Juvenile Booking for further detention. It was revealed that the 12-year-old suspect had been previously arrested in connection with five other robbery incidents.
Monmouth County Officer Indicted on Misconduct Charges
Monmouth County Officer Indicted on Misconduct Charges
**Freehold, NJ** – A Monmouth County Grand Jury has indicted a suspended Manalapan Township Police Department officer on 19 counts related to alleged misconduct involving two teenage girls. The indictment was announced Thursday by Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago.
Kevin Ruditsky, 47, is facing multiple charges including second-degree Engaging in a Pattern of Official Misconduct. Additional charges include nine counts of second-degree Official Misconduct, three counts of third-degree Computer Criminal Activity, and three counts of third-degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child. He also faces charges of Hindering Apprehension, Impersonating a Law Enforcement Officer, and Stalking.
The investigation by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office (MCPO) began last August after receiving information about inappropriate messages and photos sent by Ruditsky to a 16-year-old. The conduct reportedly started during the 2023 National Night Out event in Manalapan Township. Authorities allege that Ruditsky, in uniform at the event, engaged in further misconduct by pulling over the victim unlawfully and deactivating his cameras.
Further investigation revealed incidents involving a second victim in December 2022