Middlesex - Shore News Network

$500K scratch-off win stuns Middlesex County retiree

Local News ReportDecember 13, 20240

TRENTON, N.J. — A Middlesex County retiree is deciding how to spend $500,000 after winning a top prize from the Neon Cash Party $10 Scratch-Off game. The winning ticket was purchased at Ace Golden Liquors on Bergenline Avenue in North Bergen, Hudson County. It is the second of three $500,000 prizes in the game, with one top prize still available. The winner initially verified the ticket using a phone app and is now considering how to use the money, calling it an unexpected financial opportunity. The New Jersey Lottery, established in 1970, has contributed over $33.6 billion to the state’s

Middlesex County prosecutors promote autism-friendly policing at statewide summit

Breaking Local News ReportNovember 14, 20240

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ — The Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office took part in a statewide summit on autism-friendly law enforcement on November 12, with First Assistant Prosecutor Christopher Kuberiet addressing attendees about initiatives aimed at improving interactions between law enforcement and individuals with autism. The event focused on strategies to make police practices more accessible and supportive for those on the autism spectrum. During the summit, Kuberiet highlighted the importance of the Special Needs Registry, a program designed to help officers better understand and respond to individuals with special needs, including autism. The registry allows families and caregivers to voluntarily provide

Middlesex County man pleads guilty to drug-induced death charge

Breaking Local News ReportOctober 22, 20240

RARITAN TOWNSHIP, N.J. — Leonard R. Contreras, 26, of Hopelawn, pleaded guilty on Friday to first-degree strict liability for drug-induced death, according to a joint statement from the Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office and the Raritan Township Police Department. The guilty plea comes in connection with the death of 21-year-old Cayla R. Dunham, of Hedgesville, West Virginia, who died from a fentanyl overdose on October 31, 2022, in Raritan Township. Dunham and her boyfriend had purchased what they believed was cocaine from Contreras, but lab tests later confirmed the substance was predominantly fentanyl. Prosecutors will recommend a 10-year prison sentence for

Players Claim Huge Prizes in Ocean and Middlesex Counties

Local News ReportOctober 16, 20240

Trenton, NJ – Two lucky players have each secured a 20% share of the Progressive Jackpots with their $2 Jersey Jackpot tickets over the past few days. On Saturday, October 12, a winning ticket worth $36,106 was sold at Quick Check #135, located at 768 Route 9 in Bayville, Ocean County. Just days later, on Tuesday, October 15, another winning ticket for $31,855 was sold at Wawa #8315 on 3600 Highway 9 in Old Bridge, Middlesex County. Fast Play Progressive tickets can be purchased at any participating retailer, providing players with a quick and exciting way to find out if

Middlesex County Fair in Full Swing

Breaking Local News ReportAugust 10, 20240

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ — The Middlesex County Fair, running from August 5 to 11, is underway at the Middlesex County Fairgrounds. The event offers a week of family-oriented entertainment and activities, attracting visitors from across the region. Fairgoers can enjoy a wide array of attractions, including carnival rides, games, and live entertainment. The fair also showcases agricultural exhibits and craft displays, providing a platform for local talent and community involvement. In addition to these activities, a variety of food vendors are available, offering a diverse selection of refreshments and treats. The fair is held at 655 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick,

Middlesex County Men Indicted in $6.7 Million Investment Fraud Scheme

Breaking Local News ReportAugust 1, 20240

TRENTON, NJ – Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced today that a state grand jury has indicted two men from Middlesex County for orchestrating a multi-million dollar investment fraud. Shahid Javed, 39, of Old Bridge, and Wilfredo Topacio, 64, of Woodbridge, face multiple charges, including first-degree conspiracy, second-degree theft by deception, and first-degree money laundering. The indictment details a fraudulent scheme starting in March 2018 and continuing until April 2023, where Javed and Topacio allegedly deceived investors into pouring approximately $6.7 million into what were presented as lucrative fuel product investments. These investments were purportedly with two companies, Prime Petroleum,

Middlesex County Resident Convicted in Major Fentanyl and Heroin Distribution Case

Breaking Local News ReportJuly 30, 20240

NEWARK, NJ – A resident of Middlesex County has been convicted on charges related to a large-scale fentanyl and heroin distribution network. U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger confirmed that Kenneth Strickland, 57, of New Brunswick, New Jersey, faced a jury which found him guilty of all charges presented in the superseding indictment. Strickland was convicted on one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute significant amounts of narcotics—specifically, 400 grams or more of fentanyl and 100 grams or more of heroin—and five additional counts of distribution and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. The verdict came

Middlesex County Man Receives 108-Month Prison Sentence for Violent Robbery Attempt

Breaking Local News ReportJune 28, 20240

TRENTON, NJ – Jonathan Rosales, a 23-year-old from New Brunswick, New Jersey, was sentenced to 108 months in prison today for his involvement in a gunpoint robbery attempt that resulted in the victim being shot 14 times. U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced that the sentencing took place in Trenton federal court, presided over by U.S. District Judge Robert Kirsch. The incident, which occurred on December 28, 2020, involved Rosales along with accomplices Saul Peralta and Giovanni Hoyos-Jaimes, attempting to rob an individual in New Brunswick. During the confrontation, the victim sustained severe injuries from multiple gunshot wounds but survived

Two Middlesex County Tickets Share $100K Jersey Cash 5 Jackpot

Local News ReportApril 8, 20240

TRENTON, NJ – In a fortunate turn of events, two tickets from Middlesex County have each won $50,000 by splitting a $100,000 Jersey Cash 5 jackpot. The winning draw took place on Saturday, with the numbers 09, 10, 21, 29, and 31, alongside an XTRA number of 04. The lucky retailers, Iselin Mini Mart in Iselin and Stelton Liquor in Piscataway, will each be rewarded with a $2,000 bonus for selling the winning tickets. This win brings excitement to the local community, spotlighting the lucky establishments.

$220,895 Lottery Jackpot Won in Middlesex County

Jessica WoodsMarch 19, 20240

A single ticket holder in Middlesex County struck luck as their ticket matched all five numbers drawn in the Thursday, March 14, Jersey Cash 5 drawing, winning the $220,895 jackpot. The winning numbers were: 04, 06, 30, 40, and 44, with the XTRA number being 03. The retailer, Cooke Avenue Food Mart in Carteret, will receive a bonus check of $2,000 for selling the winning ticket. James Carey, Executive Director of the New Jersey Lottery, extended congratulations to the fortunate winner, expressing hope that the substantial prize brings them immense joy. Carey also hinted at the anticipation of awarding future

Middlesex County Store Sells Winning $220K Jersey Cash 5 Ticket

Local News ReportMarch 15, 20240

TRENTON, NJ – A single ticket has won the $220,895 jackpot in the Jersey Cash 5 drawing on Thursday. The lucky numbers were 04, 06, 30, 40, and 44, with an XTRA number of 03. Cooke Avenue Food Mart, located at 24 Cooke Ave., Carteret, in Middlesex County, sold the winning ticket. As a reward, the retailer will receive a $2,000 bonus check.

$129K Fast Play Jackpot Ticket Sold in Middlesex County

Local News ReportFebruary 1, 20240

TRENTON, NJ – In a stroke of luck, a Fast Play ticket worth $129,456 has been sold today, with the winner taking home the entire progressive jackpot. The winning ticket, part of the $10 Jersey Jackpot game, was purchased by a fortunate individual. Fast Play Progressive tickets, known for their quick and easy gameplay, are available at various retailers. These tickets allow players to find out if they have won instantly. The lucky ticket this time was sold at Shoprite #584, located at 4154 US Route #1, Monmouth Junction in Middlesex County. This win adds to the growing list of

$100K Jersey Cash 5 Jackpot Won in Middlesex County

Local News ReportJanuary 23, 20240

TRENTON, NJ – A stroke of luck has hit Middlesex County, where a single ticket has won the Jersey Cash 5 jackpot, amounting to a whopping $100,000. The lucky win came from the drawing held on Monday, January 22nd. The winning numbers for this significant prize were 03, 10, 18, 19, and 34, with the XTRA number being 04. This jackpot-winning ticket was sold at Quick Chek #51, located at 853 Convery Blvd., Perth Amboy in Middlesex County, making it a place of interest for lottery enthusiasts. In recognition of its role in selling the winning ticket, the retailer will

Jersey Cash 5 Ticket Hits $621,347 Jackpot in Middlesex County

Breaking Local News ReportJanuary 23, 20240

TRENTON – A Jersey Cash 5 ticket hit the jackpot in Middlesex County, securing a win of $621,347 in the drawing held on Sunday, January 21. The winning numbers were 01, 06, 09, 18, and 37, with the XTRA number being 02. This significant win was confirmed in the latest announcement from the New Jersey Lottery. The ticket, matching all five numbers, was purchased at ABP 31 LLC, located at 692 Livingston Ave., North Brunswick. In recognition of selling the winning ticket, the retailer will receive a bonus check of $2,000. New Jersey Lottery Executive Director James Carey extended congratulations

Middlesex Store Sells $422K Winning Jersey Cash 5 Ticket

Local News ReportDecember 26, 20230

TRENTON, NJ – A single Jersey Cash 5 ticket has won the substantial sum of $422,650 in Middlesex County, marking a significant win in the Friday, December 22, drawing. The numbers that led to the windfall were 09, 15, 20, 30, and 31, with an XTRA number of 02. The winning ticket was purchased at the Pit Stop Food Store, located at 1193 Englishtown Rd. in Old Bridge. As a reward for selling the winning ticket, the store will be receiving a $2,000 bonus check. New Jersey Lottery Executive Director James Carey extended congratulations to the lucky winner, expressing hopes

$293K Jersey Cash 5 Ticket Won In Middlesex County

Local News ReportDecember 18, 20230

MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ – A single Jersey Cash 5 ticket hit the jackpot in Middlesex County, winning a grand total of $293,248 in the draw yesterday. The winning numbers were 01, 11, 23, 31, and 32, with the XTRA number being 04. Krauszer’s Food Store, located at 309 Main St., Sayreville, sold the lucky ticket and will be awarded a $2,000 bonus for its role in the win. New Jersey Lottery Executive Director James Carey extended congratulations to the winner, expressing hope that the prize would bring joy and happiness. Carey also shared his anticipation for awarding future jackpots.

$124K Jersey Cash 5 Jackpot Won At This Middlesex County Wawa

Local News ReportNovember 28, 20230

TRENTON, NJ — A single ticket in Middlesex County has hit the jackpot, winning an impressive $124,795 in the Jersey Cash 5 drawing yesterday. The lucky numbers that brought fortune to the winner were 17, 18, 41, 43, and 44, with an XTRA number of 04. The winning ticket was sold at Wawa #914, located at 426 Ryders Lane in East Brunswick, Middlesex County. In recognition of selling the lucky ticket, the store will receive a bonus check of $2,000. James Carey, the Executive Director of the New Jersey Lottery, extended hearty congratulations to the Jersey Cash 5 winner. He

Middlesex County Women Charged with COVID-19 Fraud Scheme

Indira PatelNovember 16, 20230

NEWARK N.J. – A Middlesex County, New Jersey, woman was arrested on charges that she fraudulently obtained Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) and Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds and unemployment insurance benefits totaling $694,212, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today. Damaris Valerio, 41, of Perth Amboy, New Jersey, is charged by complaint with one count of wire fraud and one count of money laundering. She made her initial appearance on Nov. 15, 2023, before U.S. Magistrate Judge André M. Espinosa in Newark federal court and was released on $100,000 unsecured bond. According to documents filed in this case and

Middlesex County Resident Hits Big with $210,864 Jersey Cash 5 Jackpot Win

Local News ReportNovember 15, 20230

TRENTON, N.J. — A stroke of luck has hit Middlesex County as one Jersey Cash 5 ticket wins a substantial jackpot of $210,864. The winning numbers for the Tuesday, November 14 drawing were 03, 14, 16, 27, and 34, with an XTRA number of 03. This winning ticket was purchased at Quick Chek #2, at 191 Stelton Rd. in Piscataway, Middlesex County. As a token of appreciation, the retailer will be awarded a bonus check of $2,000 for selling the lucky ticket. New Jersey Lottery Executive Director James Carey congratulated the fortunate winner. He expressed hopes that the prize would

Middlesex County Man Sentenced for Threatening Synagogue Attack

Leo CanegaNovember 15, 20230

CAMDEN, NJ – On Tuesday, Omar Alkattoul, 19, of Sayreville, New Jersey, has been sentenced to 15 months in prison for transmitting threats to attack a synagogue and Jewish individuals. U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced the sentence, imposed by U.S. District Judge Christine P. O’Hearn. Alkattoul, who pleaded guilty to transmitting a threat in interstate and foreign commerce, used social media to disseminate a manifesto titled “When Swords Collide,” explicitly targeting Jews. His actions led to a statewide alert and heightened community concern. In addition to the prison term, Alkattoul is subject to three years of supervised release.

Middlesex County Man Found Guilty of Luring Women into Prostitution

Breaking Local News ReportOctober 12, 20230

NEWARK, N.J. – Today, Jose Torres, 45, of Middlesex County, New Jersey, was found guilty on all four counts related to persuading, inducing, and enticing women to travel across state lines for prostitution purposes, as stated by U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger. The conviction follows a six-day trial overseen by U.S. District Judge Brian R. Martinotti in the Newark federal court. As per the evidence presented and case documents, between May 2015 and October 2019, Torres targeted commercial sex workers, convincing them to travel from places as far as Canada and New York to engage in prostitution activities in New

Middlesex County Man Convicted of Persuading, Inducing and Enticing Victims for Prostitution

Indira PatelOctober 12, 20230

NEWARK, N.J. – A Middlesex County, New Jersey, man was convicted today of four counts of persuading, inducing, and enticing women to travel in interstate commerce to engage in prostitution, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced. Jose Torres, 45, was convicted of all four counts of a second superseding indictment following a six-day trial before U.S. District Judge Brian R. Martinotti in Newark federal court. According to the documents filed in this case and the evidence at trial: From May 2015 to October 2019, Torres persuaded, induced and enticed female victims, often commercial sex workers, to travel from out

Jersey Cash 5 646K Jackpot Won by Single Middlesex Ticket

Erica SchmidtSeptember 27, 20230

TRENTON, NJ – The Jersey Cash 5 lottery jackpot of $646,070 was clinched by a single ticket in the draw held on Tuesday. The victorious digits were 02, 07, 13, 20, and 34, with an XTRA number of 02. Daisy’s Food Store, located on Amboy Avenue in Perth Amboy, where the winning ticket was sold, will be awarded a bonus check for $2,000. The jubilation was shared by New Jersey Lottery Executive Director James Carey, who congratulated the winner and expressed fervent hopes that the windfall would bring them immense joy. He also shared his anticipation for awarding the forthcoming

Lucky Ticket Wins $616K Jersey Cash 5 Jackpot in Middlesex County

Kristen Harrison-OnealSeptember 12, 20230

MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ – A single ticket matched all five numbers in the Jersey Cash 5 drawing on Friday, September 8, netting a prize of $616,258. The winning numbers were 14, 16, 19, 43, and 45, with an XTRA number of 02. The lucky ticket was sold at Superfood Fresh Supermarket, located on Union Avenue, in Middlesex. The retailer will receive a bonus check for $2,000 for selling the winning ticket. New Jersey Lottery Executive Director James Carey stated, “Congratulations to our very fortunate Jersey Cash 5 winner! We hope this incredible prize brings joy and happiness to the winner;

Jersey Cash 5 Ticket Hits $616,258 Jackpot in Middlesex County

Jessica WoodsSeptember 12, 20230

TRENTON, NJ – One ticket matched all five numbers in the Jersey Cash 5 drawing on Friday, September 8, winning a jackpot of $616,258. The winning numbers were 14, 16, 19, 43, and 45, with an XTRA number of 02. The retailer, Superfood Fresh Supermarket located at 738 Union Ave., Middlesex in Middlesex County, will receive a bonus check for $2,000 for selling the winning ticket. New Jersey Lottery Executive Director James Carey said, “Congratulations to our very fortunate Jersey Cash 5 winner! We hope this incredible prize brings joy and happiness to the winner; we’re already looking forward to