On Monday (2/8), Prosecutor Coronato and the the Ocean County Child Advocacy Center Board of Trustee’s Treasurer Harvey York Esq. presented a plaque of appreciation to Ken Malagiere, owner of Narcissus Floral in Toms River, and his team for their very meaningful weekly act of kindness and concern for victims and families of child sexual and physical abuse. Every Monday morning for almost two years Narcissus Floral has delivered fresh floral arrangements to Tina’s House, adding to the homes safe and comforting atmosphere in a small way to somehow soften the trauma suffered by so many victims.

Pictured from left to right Tom and Mary Malagiere (Kens parents), Harvey York Trustee, Ken Malagiere, Linda Palmer, and Prosecutor Joseph Coronato.

Follow the Office of the Ocean County Prosecutor online at Twitter and Facebook. The social media links provided are for reference only. The OCPO does not endorse any non-governmental websites, companies or applications. For additional information visit our website at www.oceancountyprosecutor.org.

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On Wednesday (2/10) at approximately 3:40 pm, Ship Bottom police responded to the intersection of Route 72 and Barnegat Ave for a report of a 2 vehicle crash involving serious injuries.

The subsequent investigation by Ocean County Prosecutor’s Fatal Accident Investigation Det. Michael Proto, Ship Bottom Police Department, Long Beach Police Department and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department CSI Unit found that failure to observe a red traffic signal due to driver inattention contributed to the crash.

Reconstruction of the events leading to the crash found that a 2008 PT Cruiser being driven by Lori Pelosi, 53, of Long Beach, was traveling south on Barnegat Ave when she failed to observe a red traffic signal, proceeded into the intersection and was struck on her driver’s side by a 2009 Ford F-350 Pick-up being driven by Todd Parillo, 49, of Little Egg Harbor. Parillo was driving west on Route 72 when he collided into Pelosi’s vehicle with his front end. Parillo had a green traffic signal as he approached the intersection.

Pelosi was restrained, however, sustained serious injury and was transported to Southern Ocean Medical Center where she succumbed to her injuries. She was pronounced dead at 4:30 pm. Parillo was uninjured and refused medical attention at the scene. There were no other occupants in either vehicle.

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On Monday (2/8), Detective John M. Argento of the Megan’s Law Unit of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office opened an investigation into Romeo A. Worthy, 29, for the third (3rd) degree crime of failure to register out of Toms River Township. Registrants are required by New Jersey State law to notify the incoming and outgoing police departments of their intention to change their address. The investigation revealed that Worthy had absconded from his registered address in Toms River, NJ.

During the evening hours of Tuesday (2/9), Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office’s Megan’s Law Unit Detectives, with assistance from OCPO Major Crime Unit Detectives, located and arrested Worthy in Toms River Township. He was arrested without incident and charged with the third (3rd) degree crime of failure to register pursuant to New Jersey Megan’s Law. Ordinarily, the maximum potential punishment on this third (3rd) degree crime is 5 years in New Jersey State Prison with up to a $35,000 fine.

The Honorable Wendel E. Daniels, P.J.Cr. approved signing of the complaint authorizing said charges and set bail set at $35,000 no 10% as presented by Assistant Ocean County Prosecutor Ehsan F. Chowdhry.

Anyone with relevant information should contact Detective John M. Argento at (732) 929-2027 extension 2903. These charges are merely accusations and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law

Romeo Antwon Worthy

Follow the Office of the Ocean County Prosecutor online at Twitter and Facebook. The social media links provided are for reference only. For additional information visit our website at www.oceancountyprosecutor.org.

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The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Megan’s Law Unit announced the sentencing of three men in three separate unrelated cases over the last two weeks for Failing to Register Pursuant to Megan’s Law. These laws were made effective on Monday, October 31, 1994 by the New Jersey Legislature and are part and parcel of the Megan’s Law and / or Registration and Community Notification Laws. The New Jersey Legislature upgraded this crime to a third (3RD) degree from a fourth (4TH) degree if the crime occurred on or after Tuesday, July 1, 2014.

The most recent sentence came on Friday (2/22) when the Honorable Melanie D. Appleyby, J.S.C., sentenced Gregory J. Torrez, 38, of Toms River Township, to a period of three hundred sixty four (364) days to the Ocean County Justice Facility as a condition of probation as a result of a guilty plea he entered on Monday December 21, 2015 for the third (3rd) degree crime of failing to register pursuant to Megan’s Law in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:7-2d(1) before the Honorable Linda G. Baxter. Additionally, part of his sentence is to continue his obligations to register once released from jail and all probation conditions imposed by the court. The crime date occurred on or about October 28, 2015 out of Toms River Township and former Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Adam J. Hess initiated the complaint. The defendant’s bail was set at $35,000 no 10% and he has been continuously incarcerated. The defendant knowingly failed to register his current address with the Toms River Township Police Department 10 days prior to the change of his address.

On Friday (2/22) the Honorable Melanie D. Appleyby, J.S.C., sentenced William E. Bennett, 34, of Toms River Township, to a period of three hundred sixty four (364) days to the Ocean County Justice Facility as a condition of probation as a result of a guilty plea he entered on Monday, December 21, 2015, for the third (3rd) degree crime of failing to register pursuant to Megan’s Law in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:7-2d(1) before the Honorable Linda G. Baxter. Additionally, part of his sentence is to continue his obligations to register once released from jail and all probation conditions imposed by the court. The crime date occurred on or about August 17, 2015 out of Toms River Township and Detective John M. Argento initiated the complaint. The defendant’s bail was set at $30,000 no 10% and he has been continuously incarcerated. The defendant knowingly failed to register his current address with the Toms River Township Police Department 10 days prior to the change of his address.

Also on Friday (2/22) the Honorable Melanie D. Appleby, J.S.C., sentenced Maurice L. Thomas, 33, of the Borough of Seaside Heights, to a period of 364 days to the Ocean County Justice Facility for various guilty pleas he entered on Monday, December 21, 2015, for three (3) third degree crimes of violating Community Supervision for Life (CSL) and two (2) third degree crimes of failing to register pursuant to Megan’s Law before the Honorable Linda G. Baxter. Additionally, part of his sentence is to continue his obligations to register once released from jail and continue on CSL. Moreover, under the mandates of the new law, the defendant will be subject to Parole Supervision for Life (PSL). The crime dates are various and occurred out of the Borough of Seaside Heights and Toms River Township. Senior Parole Officers Jessica Swarer and Mark Grausso were involved with initiating the CSL complaints, Detective Lawrence Mayberry of the Seaside Heights Police Department initiated a failure to register complaint and Detective Mark Bajada of the Toms River Police Department initiated another failure to register complaint. The defendant’s bail was set at $10,000 no 10% and he has been continuously incarcerated since May 18, 2015. The defendant knowingly failed to register his current address with the Toms River Township Police Department 10 days prior to the change of his address, along with not complying with his conditions of CSL.

All three cases were prosecuted by Assistant Ocean County Prosecutor Ehsan F. Chowdhry of the Megan’s Law Unit of the Special Investigations Bureau.

Gregory J. Torrez

William E. Bennett

Maurice L. Thomas

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Today (2/23) at approximately 10:27 am, Barnegat Police and Fire Department responded to a Fish Pond Terrace address of the Mirage Retirement Community in Barnegat reference a report of a severe burn victim. Upon their arrival they indeed found the homes resident, Ann Honebein, 83, had suffered severe burns to her body. Miss Honebein was transported initially to Atlantic City Trauma Center, but later transferred to Temple Burn Center in Philadelphia due to the extent of her burns.

The subsequent investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, Ocean County Sheriff’s Department CSI, Ocean County Fire Marshall, and Barnegat Police and Fire Departments found preliminarily that Miss Honebein’s sweater and pants had somehow caught fire while she was at the stove preparing pancakes and tea. Miss Honebein phoned her daughter who responded within minutes from her job just around the corner from the home. Upon her arrival she found her mother on the floor of the kitchen, immediately rendered aid and contacted 911.

There is no further info regarding Miss Honebein’s condition at this time. The investigation continues.

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On 2/24/16, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Special Victims Unit Det. Tom Tiernan and Lakewood PD Det. Chase Messer arrested William H. Jenkins, 65, of Lakewood for Sexual Assault and Endangering the Welfare of a Child.

The investigation initiated on 2/24/16 alleges Jenkins sexually assaulted a fifteen (15) year old female on 02/11/2016. OCPO Special Victims Unit Det. Stephanie Bayha and Sgt. Jason Steele assisted in the investigation by preparing search warrants for the suspect’s vehicle and residence. The Ocean County Sheriff’s Department CSI processed the case evidence.

Based on the completed investigation Senior Assistant Prosecutor Christine Lento authorized charges of Sexual Assault and Endangering the Welfare of a Child. The Honorable Judge Gizinski set bail at $250,000 no 10% and implemented Nicole’s Law (No contact with victim). The defendant was remanded to the Ocean County Jail in lieu of bail.

The media and the public are reminded that criminal charges are merely accusations and that the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

William H. Jenkins

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Just after 7 am today (3/3), the Ocean County Prosecutor’s High Tech Crime Unit, with assistance from OCPO Megan’s Law Unit and the Stafford Township Police Department, arrested Robert Williams, 70, at his residence on Galleon Road in Stafford Twp.

The investigation and subsequent arrest stems from a referral by NJ State Parole to OCPO HTCU. While conducting a routine parole visit Williams was found to be on social networks, which was in violation of his court mandated Community Supervision for Life imposed during sentencing for a prior sexual assault. Parole then contacted OCPO HTCU for assistance. A warrant was applied for and a forensic examination of Williams’ computer found images of prepubescent children engaged in sexual acts.

Based on the investigation’s findings Assistant Prosecutor Kristin Pressman authorized the charge of One (1) count of Possession of Child Pornography by HTCU detectives. Bail was set at $50,000 no 10% by the Honorable Judge Wendel Daniels. Williams was remanded to the Ocean County Jail in lieu of bail.

The media and the public are reminded that criminal charges are merely accusations and that the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Robert Williams

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Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato, Burlington County Prosecutor Robert D. Bernardi, Atlantic County Prosecutor James P. McClain and Little Egg Harbor Police Chief Richard Buzby announced today the culmination of an investigation into a brother, father, son alleged drug dealing team.

Detectives from the Prosecutor’s Special Operations Group, Southern Enforcement Unit conducted a cooperative multi agency drug investigation with the New Jersey State Police T.E.A.M.S. Unit, Detectives and Troopers from the New Jersey State Police, the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office, the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office and the Little Egg Harbor Police Department that resulted in the arrest of five subjects on various drug charges. During the course of the investigation, Detectives identified Dax Wolhafe, 43, of Washington Township as allegedly coordinating drug distribution of heroin in the southern Ocean County area with family members and others.

During the early morning hours of Thursday (March 3, 2016), Detectives from the Prosecutor’s Southern Enforcement Unit with the assistance of the New Jersey State Police, the New Jersey State Police Teams Unit, the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office, the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office and the Little Egg Harbor Police Department executed a no knock search warrant at Dax Wolhafe’s residence. As a result of the search warrant, police seized approximately 500 individual dosage units of heroin, cocaine, marijuana, assorted drug paraphernalia and approximately $1500 in suspected drug proceeds.

Ocean County Prosecutor’s Captain Jack Sramaty, who serves as the Chairman of the New Jersey County Commanders Association and is the Commander of the Prosecutor’s Special Operations Group stated, “This is another excellent example of what can be achieved when multiple police agencies at different levels join forces and cohesively work together to combat the distribution of narcotics in New Jersey.”

The following individuals were arrested and charged as a result of this investigation:

Dax Wolhafe, 43, of 4 Charles Avenue, Washington Township (Burlington County), NJ was arrested and charged with Possession of Heroin, Possession of Heroin with Intent to Distribute and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. The Honorable Superior Court Judge Rochelle Gizinski JSC set bail at $40,000 cash. Wolhafe was housed in the Burlington County Jail.

Dax Wolhafe Jr, 22, (Dax Wolhafe’s Son) of 4 Charles Avenue, Washington Township (Burlington County), NJ was arrested and charged with Possession of Heroin and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Wolhafe Jr. was released on a summons.

Kenneth Wolhafe Jr, 46, (Dax Wolhafe’s Brother) of 4 Charles, Washington Township (Burlington County), NJ was arrested and charged with Possession of Cocaine and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Kenneth Wolhafe Jr. was released on a summons.

Dylan Saninocencio Jr, 19, of 4 Charles Avenue, Washington Township (Burlington County), NJ was arrested and charged with Possession of Cocaine and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Saninocencio was released on a summons.

Emma Nickerson, 18, of 726 Ravenwood Drive, Galloway, NJ was arrested and charged with Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Ms. Nickerson was released on a summons.

The media and public are reminded that criminal charges are merely accusations and that these defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

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On Friday (3/11), the Honorable Melanie D. Appleby, J.S.C., sentenced Melton L. Mincey, 55, having a last known address in the Borough of Seaside Heights, to a period of 364 days in the Ocean County Justice Facility as a result of guilty pleas he entered on Tuesday, January 19, 2016, for the third (3rd) degree crime of failing to register pursuant to Megan’s Law and for the third (3rd) degree crime of possession of a controlled dangerous substance (cocaine). In addition to the term of incarceration, part of his sentence is to continue his obligations to register once released and following all guidelines of probation imposed on him.

This matter was prosecuted by Assistant Ocean County Prosecutor Ehsan F. Chowdhry of the Megan’s Law Unit. Assistant Deputy Public Defender Ernest A. Ryberg represented the defendant. AP Chowdhry argued for a three (3) year New Jersey State Prison term and argued that this was an appropriate sentence in light of the facts and circumstances of this case, the defendant’s risk to commit another offense, his prior criminal record and the need for general and individual deterrence.

The crime date for the failure to register occurred on or about July 29, 2015 in the Borough of Seaside Heights. Seaside Heights Borough Detective Lawrence Mayberry initiated that complaint. The crime date for the possession of a controlled dangerous substance (cocaine) occurred on or about August 10, 2015 in the Borough of Seaside Heights. Seaside Heights Patrolman Andrew Leahy initiated that complaint. Mincey has been continuously incarcerated since his second arrest. The defendant knowingly failed to register his current address with the Borough of Seaside Heights Police Department 10 days prior to the change of his address.

Melton Lee Mincey

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During the week of Monday, February 22, 2016, Ocean County Prosecutor Megan’s Law Unit Det. John M. Argento, along with assistance from Stafford Township PD Det. Drew G. Smith, opened an investigation into James D. Lynn, 63, of Stafford Township for the third (3rd) degree crime of failure to register pursuant to Megan’s Law. The crime date is alleged to have occurred on or about Monday, February 29, 2016. Registrants are required by New Jersey state law to either register annually or every ninety (90) days with the police department of the municipality in which they reside and when they change addresses, employment and schooling. The investigation revealed that Lynn failed to register properly with the Stafford Township Police Department.

On Monday (3/7), the Honorable Wendel E. Daniels, P.J.Cr. approved the signing of the complaint authorizing the above charges and set bail at $40,000 no 10% as presented by Assistant Ocean County Prosecutor Ehsan F. Chowdhry. The third (3rd) degree crime of failure to register carries a maximum potential punishment of five (5) years in New Jersey State Prison with up to a $15,000 fine.

On Friday (3/11), On Friday, March 11, 2016, Lynn was arrested without incident, on the strength of this and other warrants, by the Vineland Police Department in Cumberland County. Lynn was transferred to Stafford Township Police Department for processing and then transferred to the Ocean County Justice Facility in default of the above bail.

Anyone with relevant information should contact Detective John M. Argento at (732) 929-2027 Ext. 2903. The information may be given anonymously. At this time there is no information on whether the defendant has an attorney. This charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty or found guilty in a court of law.

James D. Lynn

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On Tuesday (3/15), Ocean County Prosecutor Special Victims Detective Stephanie Bayha and Little Egg Harbor Township Police Department Detective Steve Martin, arrested JOSEPH CORIO, 22, of Middletown, NJ, for two counts of Sexual Assault and Endangering the Welfare of a Child.

The arrest stems from an investigation by the partnering detectives into the sex assault of a two (2) females, age 15 and 13. The investigation alleges that, in and around September of 2015, the first victim, age 15, met the suspect on a dating website and began an inappropriate sexual relationship. The first victim then allegedly introduced a second victim, age 13 to the suspect, who Corio, allegedly also began to engage in illegal sexual acts.

Corio was arrested yesterday (3/15), after Detective Bayha, Detective Martin, OCPO Detective John Dotto and Ocean County Sheriff’s Department CSI Detective Ralph Laudicina executed a Search Warrant at the suspect’s residence and his vehicle in furtherance of the investigation. The Honorable Wendel E. Daniels, P.J.Cr. approved the signing of the complaint authorizing the above charges and set bail at $100,000 no 10%. Nicole’s Law was implemented mandating no contact by Corio with both victims. This charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty or found guilty in a court of law.

Joseph Corio

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OCPO & OC K9 Cops paid a visit to Brick Memorial HS this am to assure a Drug Free School Zone and Safe learning environment.
‪#‎OCPOFamily‬ ‪#‎K9Cops‬ ‪#‎DrugFreeSchoolZone‬

Remember Followers: We do not discuss our finds with media or public. When something is found we advise the school officials and parents so that they will be aware of an issue and can take immediate corrective action. This is not a who has the worse HS thing.

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Today (3/17), the Honorable Melanie S. Appleyby, J.S.C., sentenced David Earl McBride, 52, having a last known address in the Township of Toms River, to a period of three (3) years in New Jersey State Prison as a result of a guilty plea he entered before the Honorable Linda G. Baxter on Monday, December 14, 2015, for the third (3rd) degree crime of Failing to Register Pursuant to Megan’s Law. In addition to the term of imprisonment, part of his sentence is to continue his obligations to register once released and following all guidelines of probation imposed on him.

This matter was prosecuted by Assistant Ocean County Prosecutor Ehsan F. Chowdhry of the Megan’s Law Unit of the Special Investigations Bureau. Assistant Deputy Public Defender Ernest A. Ryberg represented the defendant. Assistant Prosecutor Chowdhry argued for a five (5) year New Jersey State Prison term and argued that this was an appropriate sentence in light of the facts and circumstances of this case, the defendant’s risk to commit another offense, his prior criminal record and the need for general and individual deterrence.

The crime date for the failure to register occurred on or about April 25, 2015 out of the Township of Manchester. The defendant knowingly failed to register his current address with the Township of Manchester 10 days prior to the change of his address. Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Megan’s Law Unit Detective John M. Argento initiated the complaint.

McBride has been continuously incarcerated since his arrest on Saturday, May 23, 2015, in default of $10,000 no 10% bail set by the Honorable Wendel E. Daniels, P.J.Cr.

David Earl McBride

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Today (3/21), Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office “Tina’s House” received a check for $25,000 from Investor’s Bank. The attached photo below shows OC Prosecutor Joseph Cornato as he accepts the check from Vice President of Investors Bank Sandy Broughton and Harvey York, local attorney, who serves as Treasurer for the “Friends of the Ocean County Child Advocacy Center. This generous donation helps “Tina’s House” to improve and expand on the services it’s provides OC’s Child, Sex Assault and Domestic Violence Victims.

“Tina’s House” serves as Ocean County’s comprehensive, child friendly facility that provides a multi-disciplinary team response to allegations of child abuse. It brings together members from law enforcement, child protection, prosecution, mental health, medical and victim advocacy, to make team decisions regarding the management of child abuse cases.

Child victims find in “Tina’s House” a ranch style home with a warm and welcoming nautical theme throughout the building. The waiting rooms resemble living rooms and are equipped with televisions, toys, games and books. The Center is designed to provide a calm child friendly environment that will minimize stress to the child, while allowing the interviewer to gather accurate information regarding the allegations.

Other services provided at “Tina’s House” may include: Domestic Abuse and Sex Assault Response, medical exams by a certified Forensic Nurse, mental health referrals, victim/witness advocacy, community outreach services and prevention programs.

“Tina’s House” is a division of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office and home to the Special Victim’s Unit. It is located at 7 Hadley Avenue in Toms River, New Jersey. Anyone seeking information or wanting to report abuse can call 732 929-2027. Below is a list of extensions and additional resources available:

For the Special Victims Duty Officer, dial ext. 5323
For the Special Victims Advocate, dial ext. 3923
For the Main Office Administrative Assistant dial ext. 2910
For the Spanish Speaking Administrative Assistant dial 3647

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Ocean County Prosecutor High Tech Crime Unit today warned county residents of malicious “Ransomware” computer programs circulating the county designed to hold your computer files hostage until a ransom is paid to unscrupulous cyber criminals.

Known as “Ransomware”, this scam has been reported in over twenty (20) countries in Europe and has been circulating regularly in the United States infecting computers. The malicious software can be installed from a website the user has visited, from an email, instant message or a message on a social network which the user receives. When Ransomware infects your computer, it will cause the computer to lock up. At times, Ransomware will create a pop up window or a webpage warning which advises the user that they have been engaged in some type of illegal activity on the internet. The computer system is then rendered unusable until the Ransomware is removed. The message from the cyber-criminal advises the user that once the fine is paid the machine will be unlocked or the user will be sent a code to unlock the machine.

There is no known “CURE” or way to reverse the latest variant of “Ransomware” once your computer is infected. Unless you have a back-up of the files on a secondary storage device you will not be able to recover the files. Although anti-virus companies are working to prevent this type of activity, unfortunately computer criminals are always updating their tactics and inventing ways to circumvent the computer industry’s anti-virus programs. Consumers can avoid being a victim of Ransomware by keeping all security software on the computer up to date, keep your firewall turned on, do not open spam email messages or links to suspicious websites and most importantly by backing up all important files to a secondary storage device.

The Ocean County Prosecutor advises citizens that they should not send any money in response to this type of activity. Any questions about Ransomware can be reported to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, High Tech Crimes Unit at 732-929-2027. For further tips on how to avoid computer scams call the Ocean County Department of Consumer Affairs at 732-929-2105.

Follow the Office of the Ocean County Prosecutor online at Twitter and Facebook. The social media links provided are for reference only. The OCPO does not endorse any non-governmental websites, companies or applications. For additional information visit our website at www.oceancountyprosecutor.org.

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Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato and Lacey Township Police Chief Dave Paprota announced today the culmination of an investigation into drug activity impacting the southern Ocean County area. Detectives from the Prosecutor’s Special Operations Group, Southern Enforcement Unit conducted a cooperative narcotics investigation with the Lacey Township Police Department that resulted in the arrest of three Lacey residents.

At approximately 6:30 pm on March 28, 2016 Detectives from the Prosecutor’s Southern Enforcement Unit and the Lacey Township Police Department located a 2005 Ford Taurus, identified as allegedly being utilized to transport quantities of heroin into Lacey Township, which was occupied by Michael A. Araneo, 57, Michael A. Araneo II, 23, and Nicholas M. Picone, 35. A motor vehicle stop was conducted on the vehicle in the area of Bay Way and Maple Road in the Lanoka Harbor section of Lacey Township. A search of the suspect vehicle located approximately 550 individual dosage units of heroin along with a quantity of cocaine. Police also seized approximately $1200 dollars in cash.

During the course of the motor vehicle stop, the senior Michael Araneo failed to obey commands and struggled with officers refusing to exit the suspect vehicle. The Araneos were later identified as father and son. All three subjects were subsequently arrested and transported to the Lacey Township Police Department.

Ocean County Prosecutor’s Captain Jack Sramaty, who serves as the Chairman of the New Jersey County Commanders Association and is the Commander of the Prosecutor’s Special Operations Group stated, “This is a prime example of what can be achieved when local and county law enforcement join forces to combat the distribution of narcotics in Ocean County.”

Michael A. Araneo, 57, of 826 Hazelton Ave, Lanoka Harbor, NJ, was charged with Possession of Heroin, Possession of Heroin with Intent to Distribute and Resisting Arrest. Ocean County Superior Court Judge Wendel E. Daniels P.J.Cr.P JSC set bail at $75,000, no ten percent. Mr. Araneo was subsequently housed in the Ocean County Jail.

Michael A. Araneo II, 23, of 826 Hazelton Ave, Lanoka Harbor, NJ, was charged with Possession of Heroin, Possession of Heroin with Intent to Distribute and Possession of Cocaine. Ocean County Superior Court Judge Wendel E. Daniels P.J.Cr.P JSC set bail at $50,000, no ten percent. Mr. Araneo II was subsequently housed in the Ocean County Jail.

Nicholas M. Picone, 35, of 1503 Whitcomb Road, Forked River, NJ, was charged with Possession of Heroin, Possession of Heroin with Intent to Distribute and Possession of Cocaine. Ocean County Superior Court Judge Wendel E. Daniels P.J.Cr.P JSC set bail at $50,000, no ten percent. Mr. Picone II was subsequently housed in the Ocean County Jail.

The media and public are reminded that criminal charges are merely accusations and that these defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Michael A. Araneo II

Michael A. Araneo

Nicholas M. Picone

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Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato and Lacey Township Police Chief Dave Paprota announced the arrest of PHILIP M. CAPUTO, 60, of Forked River, NJ, for 2 counts of Aggravated Sexual Assault, 1 count of Sexual Assault, and 2 counts of Attempted Sexual Assault.

The arrest stems from an investigation by Ocean County Prosecutor’s Special Victims Unit Detective Alex Bromley and Lacey Township Police Department Detective Brian Flynn. The investigation began on December 21, 2015, when the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Special Victims Unit was contacted by the first victim, a male, who alleged that Caputo sexually assaulted him in 1998 at the age of 12 on multiple occasions in Lacey Township and in Florida. In addition, as the investigation continued a second male victim alleged that Caputo attempted to sexually assault him from the age of 11 to 17. Further, a third male victim reported that Caputo allegedly sexually assaulted him at the age of 11. The investigation revealed each victim was known to Caputo at the time of the alleged offenses.

On Friday (4/1/2016) at 8:15am, the partnering detectives arrested Caputo at his 402 Musket Road residence on the above charges approved by Senior Assistant Prosecutor Terry Ann Linardakis. The Honorable Judge James M. Blaney set Caputo’s bail at $200,000 cash and imposed Nicole’s Law (no contact with the victim).

The media and public are reminded that criminal charges are merely accusations and that the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

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Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato and Lacey Township Police Chief Dave Paprota announced today the culmination of two separate cooperative investigations conducted by Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Special Operations Group, Southern Enforcement Unit and the Lacey Township Police Department that resulted in the arrest of a brother and sister duo from Trenton, as well as, two Lacey Township brothers on various drug charges.

In the first operation, a month long investigation by the partnering agencies resulted in Detectives identifying a white 2015 Dodge Journey that was allegedly transporting quantities of heroin from the Trenton area into the Lacey Township. At approximately 2:00 pm on April 1, 2016, Detectives from the Prosecutor’s Southern Enforcement Unit and the Lacey Township Police Department located the 2015 Dodge Journey in the area of Bay Way in the Lanoka Harbor section of Lacey Township. The vehicle was stopped and found to be occupied by Trenton residents/sister and brother, Ivory L. Lewis and Tiemear Lewis. A subsequent search of the suspect vehicle located approximately 350 individual dosage units of heroin, along with a quantity of marijuana. Both Ivory Lewis and Tiemear Lewis were arrested and charged with various drug charges. They were transported to the Lacey Township Police Department where they were processed.

Ivory L. Lewis, 24, 63 Brynmawr Avenue, Trenton, NJ, was charged with Possession of Heroin and Possession of Heroin under one half ounce with Intent to Distribute. Ocean County Superior Court Judge Wendel E. Daniels P.J.Cr.P JSC set bail at $40,000, no ten percent. Ms. Ivory Lewis was subsequently housed in the Ocean County Jail.

Tiemear Lewis, 23, 844 Carteret Avenue, Trenton, NJ, was charged with Possession of Heroin and Possession of Heroin under one half ounce with Intent to Distribute. . Ocean County Superior Court Judge Wendel E. Daniels P.J.Cr.P JSC set bail at $40,000, no ten percent. Mr. Lewis was subsequently housed in the Ocean County Jail.

Ivory L. Lewis

Tiemear Lewis

In the second operation, after a week long investigation into the distribution of heroin in the Lacey Township area, Detectives obtained a no knock search warrant for the residence of Joseph Sinopoli and Casey Sinopoli located at 710 Clairemore Avenue in Lanoka Harbor, NJ. On March 31, 2016 at approximately 10:00pm, the partnering agencies, with the assistance of the Ocean County Regional SWAT Team, executed the no knock search warrant at the brothers’ Clairemore residence. As a result of the search warrant, police seized approximately 250 bags of heroin, a quantity of marijuana, assorted drug paraphernalia and arrested Joseph and Casey on various drug charges. They were subsequently transported to the Lacey Township Police Department where they were processed.

Joseph Sinopoli, 23, 710 Clairemore Avenue, Lanoka Harbor, NJ, was charged with Possession of Heroin and Possession of Heroin under one half ounce with Intent to Distribute. Mr. Joseph Sinopoli was released on his own recognizance.

Casey Sinopoli, 21, 710 Clairemore Avenue, Lanoka Harbor, NJ, was charged with Possession of Heroin and Possession of Heroin under one half ounce with Intent to Distribute. Mr. Casey Sinopoli was released on his own recognizance.

There are no jail mug shots available due to the defendants R.O.R. status.

The media and public are reminded that criminal charges are merely accusations and that these defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

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On Friday, April 8, 2016, the Honorable Melanie S. Appleby, J.S.C., sentenced Thomas J. Scalgione, 44, having a last known address in Manahawkin of Stafford Township, to a period of three hundred sixty four (364) days in the Ocean County Jail. The Court sentenced the defendant to the term of incarceration on the violation of probation and negatively terminated his probation, as explained below on the indictable convictions Community Supervision for Life (CSL) will continue and a new term of Parole Supervision for Life (PSL) is now imposed.

Scalgione entered a guilty plea on December 21, 2015, to the following multiple indictable convictions: Guilty pleas to a third (3rd) degree Community Supervision for Life (CSL) violation and a guilty plea to a fourth (4th) degree Unlawful Possession of a Police Intercept Device (scanner), Guilty plea to another third (3rd) degree Community Supervision for Life violation, lastly, he entered a guilty plea to additional violation of probation today with the underlying crimes being a third (3rd) degree theft by deception and a fourth (4th) degree Community Supervision for Life violation.

This matter was prosecuted by Assistant Ocean County Prosecutor Ehsan F. Chowdhry of the Megan’s Law Unit of the Special Investigations Bureau. Assistant Deputy Public Defender Ernest A. Ryberg represented the defendant. Assistant Prosecutor Chowdhry argued for the term of incarceration citing that the defendant has a high risk of committing a new offense, has a lengthy criminal record and the need for deterring this defendant from violating the law, all of which the Court agreed.

The crime date for the first CSL indictment occurred on or about Tuesday, December 23, 2014 out of Stafford Township and the second CSL indictment occurred on or about Monday, April 20, 2015 out of Stafford Township. Senior Parole Officer Michael Cullen was responsible for initiating the complaints and charges for the defendant. Essentially, the defendant violated conditions of CSL by unlawfully accessing social media sites and by possessing illicit materials. Additionally, the defendant was unlawfully in possession of a cache of police intercept scanners.

Thomas J. Scalgione

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