lacey - Shore News Network

Lacey Township man indicted for father’s 2022 murder

Breaking Local News ReportJanuary 31, 20250

LACEY TOWNSHIP, N.J. — A Lacey Township man has been indicted for the 2022 murder of his father, authorities announced Thursday. Justin Donaldson, 38, was formally charged by an Ocean County Grand Jury with the murder of his father, 67-year-old David Donaldson, following an investigation by local and county law enforcement. On Sept. 7, 2022, at approximately 4:35 p.m., officers from the Lacey Township Police Department responded to a home on Weehawken Avenue after a family member, attempting a welfare check, was denied entry by Justin Donaldson. When police arrived and entered the residence, they discovered David Donaldson’s body with

Fatal Lacey Township fire claims life of 75-year-old homeowner

Breaking Local News ReportJanuary 5, 20250

LACEY TOWNSHIP, N.J. — A structure fire on Signal Street has claimed the life of a 75-year-old man, prompting an investigation by local and state authorities, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced Saturday. On January 3, at approximately 5:50 p.m., Lacey Township police and fire departments responded to a reported fire at a residential property. First responders discovered the homeowner, Edward Teixeira, outside the structure, suffering from severe burns. He was transported to Community Medical Center in Toms River but succumbed to his injuries on January 4. Investigators from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Arson Squad, Ocean County Sheriff’s

Lacey GOP Leaders in Heart of Spadea Country Endorse Ciattarelli for Governor

Breaking Local News ReportDecember 26, 20240

LACEY TOWNSHIP, N.J. — Mayor Peggy Sue Juliano and the entire Township Committee have endorsed Jack Ciattarelli in his campaign for New Jersey governor, highlighting his leadership and plans to address issues affecting local communities. The endorsement, announced Tuesday, includes Deputy Mayor Peter Curatolo, Committeeman Steve Kennis, Committeeman Tim McDonald, and incoming Committeeman Bob Laureigh. The officials praised Ciattarelli’s experience in job creation and small business development, as well as his policy priorities for the state. “Jack is a true leader who has created jobs, built small businesses, and will get New Jersey back on track,” Juliano said, citing his

Pancakes! New IHOP Restaurant Opens in Lacey Township

Breaking Local News ReportDecember 9, 20240

LACEY TOWNSHIP, N.J. — A new IHOP restaurant officially opened its doors in Lacey Township on Monday, marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by local officials and community leaders. State Senator Carmen Amato joined the event to celebrate the addition of the popular chain to the area, presenting a citation on behalf of the 9th District Delegation to commemorate the occasion. “I was thrilled to attend today’s ribbon-cutting for the new IHOP in Lacey Township,” Senator Amato stated. “We wish the Lacey IHOP team the best of luck!” The opening was welcomed by local residents and officials, who see the

Lacey Township Woman Admits to Drug Operation That Involving Minors

Breaking Local News ReportNovember 20, 20240

Lacey Township Woman Admits to Drug Charges Involving Minors

**Lacey Township, NJ** – Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on November 18, Margaret Whalen, 60, of Lacey Township, pled guilty to several charges, including possession of psilocin mushrooms with intent to distribute, employing a juvenile in a drug distribution scheme, and endangering the welfare of a child. Whalen entered her plea before the Honorable Dina M. Vicari, J.S.C. The state is seeking prison terms ranging from four to five years for each charge at Whalen’s sentencing on January 10, 2025, with all sentences to run concurrently.

In March, Lacey Township Police were informed by the Division of Child Protection and Permanency about Whalen’s alleged activities involving the manufacture and distribution of psilocin mushrooms from her residence on Elwood Street. Following a court-authorized search on March 13, law enforcement seized several jars containing the suspected substance. Laboratory tests conducted by the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation lab confirmed the presence of psilocin mushrooms on May 23.

Further investigations by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit and Lacey Township

Lacey Township Man Admits to Bias Intimidation and Other Charges

Breaking Local News ReportJune 8, 20240

OCEAN COUNTY, NJ—John Vincentini, 64, of Lacey Township, has pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including bias intimidation, narcotics possession, and possessing an assault firearm. The announcement was made by Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer following the plea before the Honorable Kenneth T. Palmer, J.S.C., on June 7, 2024. The bias incident occurred on September 5, 2022, when Vincentini reportedly blocked an Amazon delivery driver’s vehicle in a cul-de-sac, questioning the driver’s presence in the neighborhood and making threatening racial remarks. Vincentini warned the driver about the neighborhood’s racist attitudes and threatened violence with a rifle. The driver subsequently escaped

Woman Charged for Manufacturing Drugs at Lacey Township Home

Breaking Local News ReportJune 7, 20240

OCEAN COUNTY, NJ—Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer has announced the arrest of 60-year-old Margaret Whalen of Lacey Township. Whalen faces several serious charges including operating a controlled substance facility and employing a juvenile in a drug distribution scheme. The investigation began in March 2024 after the Lacey Township Police Department was notified by the Division of Child Protection and Permanency of potential illegal activities at Whalen’s residence on Elwood Street. This led to a search on March 13, where detectives from both the Lacey Township Police and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit discovered multiple jars

Lacey Township Couple Arrested with Large Marijuana Haul

Breaking Local News ReportApril 3, 20240

OCEAN COUNTY, NJ – Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that John Vincentini, 64, and his wife, Karen Vincentini, 64, both residents of Lacey Township, will remain in Ocean County Jail pending their trial. The decision was made by the Honorable Kimarie Rahill, J.S.C., on April 2, 2024, following charges related to narcotics and weapons. John Vincentini faces charges including manufacturing marijuana in a quantity of more than five pounds but less than 25 pounds, distribution of marijuana in a quantity of more than one ounce but less than five pounds, possession of marijuana, two counts of possession of

Lacey Township Resident Fights Sale of Historic Local Properties

Charlie DwyerFebruary 24, 20240

Lacey, NJ – A Lacey Township resident has taken legal action against the local government’s decision to sell two historic buildings, presenting a “Cease and Desist” letter to the Mayor over the controversial auction. Barry Bender, a resident of Lacey, delivered the legal notice on February 22, challenging the sale of the historic Worden House and the Charles A. Smith Community Hall. These properties, integral to Lacey’s heritage, were auctioned on GovDeal, despite being gifts to the community over a century ago. The planned sale has sparked disappointment among residents, who criticize the government’s neglect of these historic sites, crucial

Lacey Township Man Sentenced for Theft in Home Remodeling Scam

Leo CanegaJanuary 13, 20240

OCEAN COUNTY, NJ – On Friday, Jeffrey Crawford, a 50-year-old resident of Lacey Township, received a three-year sentence in New Jersey State Prison for Theft by Failure to Make Required Disposition of Property. This sentencing, handed down by Honorable Dina M. Vicari, J.S.C, follows Crawford’s guilty plea on October 23, 2023. He is also mandated to pay approximately $70,000 in restitution to the victim. The case originated in May 2021 when the Toms River Township Police Department was alerted by the Ocean County Department of Consumer Affairs about a complaint against Crawford’s business, Hercules Renovations, LLC. Investigations revealed that Crawford

Lacey Student Killed Two Injured in Friday Crash

Charlie DwyerDecember 16, 20230

LACEY TOWNSHIP, NJ – A senior from Lacey High School was killed in a tragic road crash on Friday, which also left two adults injured. The incident occurred on Lacey Road, and authorities have identified the victim as a senior student from Lacey High School. The collision resulted in the fatality of the student, while two adults sustained injuries. The details of the crash are currently under investigation by local law enforcement, and they have not released the names of the individuals involved. The cause of the accident has not been disclosed at this time. Emergency responders arrived at the

Lacey Township Men Charged with Arson and Criminal Mischief

Charlie DwyerNovember 30, 20230

OCEAN COUNTY, NJ – Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer and Lacey Township Police Chief Christopher Kenny announced the arrest of Alexander Gerber, 19, and Connor Dougherty, 20, both residents of Lacey Township. The charges include arson and four counts of criminal mischief, linked to incidents occurring between November 21 and 28, 2023, in Lacey Township. The first incident was reported on November 21, 2023, when Lacey Township Police Officers found a fire in the women’s restroom at Gille Park during a routine patrol. The Lanoka Harbor Fire Department extinguished the fire, which was determined to have been intentionally set. On November

Adorable Cat Needs A Good Home, Currently At Lacey Shelter

Erica SchmidtNovember 17, 20230

LACEY TOWNSHIP, NJ – An adorable long-haired cat named Gurdy, approximately 5 years old, is currently seeking a new, loving home. Previously in a home with other cats, Gurdy had to be rehomed due to compatibility issues, although it’s unclear which cat initiated the discord. Gurdy is described as laid-back and somewhat lazy, enjoying attention and affection. She often engages in playful antics to attract notice and relishes being petted. Her ideal home would be one where she can coexist with another cat that respects her space and doesn’t demand constant interaction. She is best suited to a household with

Howell Defeats Lacey in Shore Conference Matchup

Phil StiltonOctober 21, 20230

HOWELL, NJ — Howell toppled Lacey with a decisive 35-12 victory in Friday night’s Shore Conference football game. The game started strong for Howell, who led the scoreboard throughout. In the first half, Howell scored 28 unanswered points, establishing a lead that Lacey couldn’t surmount. Lacey made attempts to close the gap in the second half, but their efforts were not enough to overturn Howell’s early dominance. The game concluded with Howell marking their third win of the season, moving their record to 3-5. Lacey, on the other hand, fell to a 2-7 record.

Lacey Township Student Among Three Killed in Tragic Lakewood Crash

Charlie DwyerOctober 10, 20230

LAKEWOOD, NJ – A Lacey Township High School student and former resident of Lakewood Township was killed in a tragic crash that claimed three lives and sent two to the hospital in critical condition this weekend. Jayla M. Ortiz, 23, Ceasia Jefferson, and Dashaun Witter, 17, were identified as the three victims of the crash. A grieving community comes together following the tragic loss of Dashaun Witter, affectionately known as “Daedae”, who sadly passed away in a car accident on October 7th. At just 17, Dashaun had his roots in Lakewood, NJ, resided in Lacey Township, and was a student

Offshore Wind Farm Breaks Ground in Lacey Township as Project Pushes Ahead

Jeff JonesOctober 9, 20230

LACEY TOWNSHIP, NJ – New Jersey’s inaugural offshore wind farm began its onshore construction phase in Lacey Township on Oct. 2. The work is scheduled to extend into Island Beach State Park throughout the upcoming year. Future procedures involve the installation of copper and aluminum cables. These cables are designed to link with the electric grid at substations in former power plants in Ocean and Cape May counties. Island Beach State Park construction is projected to last until May before pausing until September to avoid disrupting the peak tourism months. This was confirmed by representatives from Ørsted, a Denmark-based energy

Judge Denies Dismissal of OPRA Lawsuit Against Lacey School Board

Phil StiltonOctober 5, 20230

TOMS RIVER, NJ – The Lacey Township Board of Education faces continued legal scrutiny as a Superior Court judge declined to dismiss a lawsuit accusing them of breaching the New Jersey Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA). The lawsuit alleges covert meetings by board members in 2019, recently spotlighted in proceedings with the School Ethics Commission under the New Jersey Department of Education. The Honorable Valter H. Must, J.S.C., in his decision on September 15th, asserted that plaintiffs Gavin Rozzi and Regina Discenza presented a viable claim concerning violations of the “Sunshine Law” and the New Jersey Civil Rights Act. Central

Lacey Shuts Out Central Regional in Convincing Win

Phil StiltonOctober 1, 20230

BERKELEY, NJ – Lacey defeats Central Regional 28-0, featuring a standout performance from freshman Joey Davis. The game opened with Lacey making an early statement. Trevor Santucci caught a touchdown pass from Nick Maertens, followed by a rushing touchdown from Joey Preston. Both were successfully kicked by Lucas Conforti, making it 14-0 by the end of the first quarter. The second quarter saw more of the same as Santucci caught another touchdown pass from Maertens, extending Lacey’s lead to 21-0 going into halftime. In the third quarter, freshman Joey Davis added to Lacey’s score with a touchdown run, kicked by

Lacey Township Woman Sentenced for Killing Two-Year-Old Son

Charlie DwyerSeptember 10, 20230

OCEAN COUNTY, NJ – Natalie Sabie, 35, was sentenced to ten years in New Jersey State Prison on Friday, for Aggravated Manslaughter in connection with the death of her two-year-old son. The incident occurred last Thursday, in Lacey Township. Officers from the Lacey Township Police Department responded to a report of an unresponsive child. Despite life-saving attempts, the child was pronounced dead at Community Medical Center in Toms River. Further investigation revealed the child had access to illegal narcotics while in his mother’s care. Toxicology reports confirmed the presence of a significant amount of fentanyl in the child’s system. Sabie

800 Acre Lacey Fire 90% Contained, Sparked by Deadly Plane Crash

Charlie DwyerSeptember 5, 20230

LACEY TOWNSHIP, NJ – A fire in Lacey Township sparked by a deadly plane crash over the weekend has grown to 800 acres, but officials from the New Jersey Forest Fire Service say the fire is nearly 90% contained as of last night. The fire was sparked by a crash of a small plane heading from Wall Township to the Ocean County Airport before crashing in the woods nearby. The pilot, the only passenger in the plane has been confirmed dead. Days later, the wildfire near Robert J. Miller Airpark is now 90% contained, with no structures threatened or evacuations

Lacey Fire Sparked by Plane Crash Spreads to Over 800 Acres

Charlie DwyerSeptember 4, 20230

LACEY TOWNSHIP, NJ – A wildfire, initially ignited by a small plane crash near Robert J. Miller Airpark this weekend, has grown to 831 acres but is now 70% contained, according to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service. Roads in the immediate vicinity have been affected. Dover Rd is closed from Lacey Rd to Pinewald Keswick Rd, and Mule Rd is similarly closed from Lacey Rd to Pinewald Keswick Rd. The wildfire currently threatens 25 structures in the area. Efforts to contain the fire continue.

Lacey Fire Grows to 600 Acres, 50% Containment Reported

Charlie DwyerSeptember 3, 20230

LACEY TWP, NJ – The New Jersey Forest Fire Service reports that the wildfire near the Robert J. Miller Airpark has grown to 600 acres but is now 50% contained. The fire started after a plane crashed in the vicinity of Miller Air Park earlier in the morning. The fire has spread, and smoke and soot are being dropped in nearby bayfront neighborhoods. Due to the wildfire, road closures are in effect. Dover Rd is closed from Lacey Rd to Pinewald Keswick Rd, and Mule Rd is closed from Pinewald Keswick Rd onward. Motorists are advised to use alternate routes.

Lacey School Board Member Found Guilty in School Board Ethics Case

Phil StiltonAugust 29, 20230

LACEY TOWNSHIP, NJ – The tangled ethics complaint against former Lacey Township Board of Education member Shawn Giordano took a decisive turn. Giordano faced a complaint initiated by Regina Discenza, another former board member. Both were embroiled in separate cases which were consolidated in 2021. On February 27, an Order on Summary Decision partly granted and partly denied motions for summary decision in the case. The Office of Administrative Law found substantial negative prior history and continuing mutual disdain between Giordano and Discenza. The court concluded Giordano had violated New Jersey Statutes 18A:12-24(b), 18A:12-24.1(e), and 18A:12-24.1(f). These relate to abuse

Deadly Lacey Fire Likely Caused by Discarded Cigarette

Charlie DwyerAugust 2, 20230

LACEY TOWNSHIP, NJ – The Ocean County Prosecutors Office today said a fire at a home in Lacey Township that claimed the lives of four people was accidental. A comprehensive investigation into the cause of the fire was conducted by various law enforcement agencies, including the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office-Arson Unit, Lacey Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office, New Jersey State Fire Marshal’s Office, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit. The investigation revealed that the fire originated on the porch on the structure’s west side, and evidence pointed to improperly discarded smoking material

Woman Rescued, Four Dead in Lacey House Fire

Charlie DwyerAugust 2, 20230

LACEY TOWNSHIP, NJ – Four people were killed, and one woman was rescued from a burning home in Lacey Township Tuesday afternoon. At approximately 12:30 p.m., a structure fire was reported on Buttonwood Drive in the Lanoka Harbor section of Lacey Township. The fire involved a two-story building fully engulfed in flames when firefighters and police arrived. A female victim was discovered trapped inside the burning structure. She was rescued from the rear of the building and transported to the Community Medical Center to receive treatment for her injuries. Rescue efforts revealed four additional victims believed to be inside the