Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato and Stafford Township Police Chief Thomas Dellane today announced the arrest of Leonardo D. Rugerio, 24, of Manahawkin, NJ, for Sexual Assault and Endangering the Welfare of a Minor.

The arrest stems from an investigation by Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit Det. Stephanie Bayha and Stafford Township Police Det. Drew Smith, with assistance from Trooper Marcelo Pirez of the New Jersey State Police.

On May 19th, 2016, a twelve (12) year old female victim reported that Rugerio had inappropriately touched her numerous times over the last several years. The partnering detectives’ investigation into the victim’s report would lead to Rugerio’s arrest on Wednesday (6/8/2016).

Based on the facts of the investigation, Sr. Assistant Prosecutor Terry Ann Linardakis approved the above charges. The Honorable James M. Blaney set the defendant’s bail at $100,000, no 10% and ordered a Nicole Law (No Contact Order). Rugerio was lodge in to the Ocean County Jail in default of bail

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

LEONARDO DANIEL RUGERIO

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Defendant Belsay Guzman Hernandez, 53, of Lakewood was sentenced today before Judge James M. Blaney, J.S.C., for 1st degree Aggravated Sexual Assault to 15 years in New Jersey State Prison with a 15 year stipulation of parole ineligibility, along with Parole Supervision for Life, Megan’s Law Registration and Nicole’s Law (No Contact with Victim). The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant Prosecutor Terry Ann Linardakis. Debra Giordano from Ocean County Prosecutor’s Victim/Witness Unit, along with Betty Valdes assisted the family throughout the process.

The sentence stems from the June 11, 2015, arrest by Lakewood Police Det. Pete Aakjer and Ocean County Prosecutor’s Special Victims Unit Det. Melissa Matthews of the defendant after an investigation initiated on June 9, 2015. The partnering detectives began the investigation based on a referral received from the Division of Child Protection and Permanency. The investigation alleged Hernandez sexually assaulted a 4 year old female, known to him, on two occasions.

The defendant has remained incarcerated since the time of his arrest on bail set by the Honorable Wendel E. Daniels, J.S.C. at $150,000 with no 10% option.

Belsay Guzman Hernandez

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On Friday, June 10, 2016, the Honorable Melanie S. Appleby, J.S.C., sentenced Ronnie Kimball, 26, having a last known address of 976 President Avenue in Toms River, to a period of eighteen (18) months in New Jersey State Prison, concurrent to a sentence he is serving for a parole violation.

The defendant entered a guilty plea on April 18, 2016, to a charge of fourth (4th) degree Obstruction by Failing to Register pursuant to Megan’s Law. The crime date was on or about Saturday, November 28, 2015. The offense occurred in Toms River Township. Former Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Adam J. Hess initiated the complaint. The defendant has been continually incarcerated since the date of his arrest. He is being housed at the Albert C. Wagner Youth Correctional Facility. After Kimball was taken into custody pursuant to a parole warrant, it was learned that the defendant had moved into Toms River Township without registering with the police department as required under Megan’s Law.

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.

Ronni Kimball

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Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato is proud to announce coveted awards for OCPO Narcotics Unit members from two separate major New Jersey Narcotics Associations.

The first award recognition was bestowed upon a Special Operations Group Detective who was honored at two prestigious events first hosted by the NJ Narcotics Enforcement Officers Association on June 9th at Bally’s Conference Center in Atlantic City as their 2016 Central Narcotics Officer of the Year and again at the Southern Counties Narcotics Task Force Commanders Association on June 10th at the Buena Vista Country Club as their Albert Mallen Ocean County Narcotics Officer of the Year.

The OCPO Detective, who cannot be named due to his operational duties, was recognized by both organizations for successfully directing and managing a four month cooperative multi-jurisdictional investigation conducted by the Prosecutor’s Special Operations Group, along with other state, county and local law enforcement agencies. The investigations targeted two high level heroin distribution networks that were operating in Union, Ocean, Monmouth and Atlantic counties, as well as, Philadelphia Pennsylvania. The investigations labeled “Operation Broken Rule” and “Operation Sin City” began in December 2014 and culminated in April of 2015. During the early stages of the investigations confidential informants were utilized to purchase quantities of heroin from John Gonzalez, 32, a.k.a. “Sin” (Hence the name Sin City) and a high ranking blood street gang member identified as Bertrick Artis, 45, a.k.a. “King Rule” (Hence the name “Broken Rule).

The two heroin networks were responsible for the import of over a kilogram of heroin a week into Ocean County. The investigation into the “Sin City” heroin distribution network was responsible for importing pre-packaged and raw heroin into Ocean County, where it was prepared and packaged for distribution into individual dosage units. The investigation into the “Broken Rule” heroin distribution network was responsible for importing pre-packaged heroin into Ocean County, where hundreds of bricks of heroin were brought into Ocean County several times per week.

As a result of search warrants executed during operation “Broken Rule” police seized large amounts of heroin (30,000 individual dosage units), cash, several illegal firearms to include an assault style firearm and packaging materials associated with the distribution of heroin. Police also searched and seized 10 motor vehicles that were identified as being utilized by this drug distribution network.

During the course of these investigations, the recognized detective successfully managed over fifty police officers from multiple local, county and state law enforcement agencies while authoring 19 Title III wiretap affidavits, numerous search and arrest warrants as well as several seizure warrants. As a result of the investigations into these heroin distribution networks police arrested 34 individuals on various drug and weapons charges, seized nearly 34,000 individual dosage units of heroin, approximately 50 grams of raw heroin, approximately $140,000 in cash, 34 motor vehicles one of which was equipped with an electronic “TRAP” utilized to conceal CDS, several firearms to include a TEC- 9 assault weapon and materials consistent with a CDS manufacturing and production facility. The heroin seized during operation “Broken Rule” and operation “Sin City” has an approximate street value of $325,000.

Finally, The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Special Operations Group was recognized by the NJ Narcotics Enforcement Officers Association at their June 9th event for their role in above described Operations “Broken Rule” and “Sin City”.

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Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato and Lakewood Police Chief Robert Lawson today announced the arrest of Merrill Spencer, 34, of Lakewood for the murder of Johntel Thomas, 23, also of Lakewood.

On Monday (6/13), a 911 call was placed at approximately 6:32 am by a male individual advising that he saw what appeared to be a black male unconscious lying on the sidewalk in the area of Martin Luther King Blvd and Alder St. in Lakewood. Members of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, the Lakewood Police Department, OCPO High Tech Crime Unit, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Department Crime Scene Investigations Unit all responded. The investigating Detectives found the decedent had suffered a gunshot wound to his left rib area. The Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office responded and pronounced the decedent. The scene was isolated and everything of evidentiary value was secured.

The partnering agencies conducted a canvas of the area to locate witnesses. Additionally, investigating detectives watched surveillance footage from various surveillance systems in the area. These and other investigative measures quickly developed information leading detectives to Merrill Spencer and a Lakewood residence he was known to frequent. OCPO and Lakewood detectives kept watch at the suspect’s location while a search warrant was obtained for the residence, authorized by the Honorable Judge Wendel E. Daniels, P.J.Cr.P.

Supervising Assistant Prosecutor William Porter reviewed the case investigation and approved the search warrant application and the charges of Murder, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, and Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose.   The Honorable Judge Wendel E. Daniels approved the arrest affidavit, along with complaints, and set bail at 1,000,000 cash.

At approximately 10:30 pm on 6/13, Spencer was apprehended at 106 Martin Luther King Blvd without incident, processed at Lakewood PD and transported to the Ocean County Jail in default 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.

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

MERRILL CLINTON SPENCER

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Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato and Lakewood Police Chief Robert Lawson today announced that on Tuesday (6/14) the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, Lakewood Police Department, and the NJ Parole Department collaborated to graduate 416 sixth grade students from the Lakewood Middle School. This group of students is one of many for the 2015/2016 school year highlighting the continued growth of the G.R.E.A.T. (Gang Resistance Education and Training) Program within the Office of the Ocean County Prosecutor and partnering law enforcement departments.

The Gang Resistance Education And Training (G.R.E.A.T.) Program is an evidence-based, national and international gang and violence prevention program that has been building trust between law enforcement and communities for almost 30 years. G.R.E.A.T. is intended as an immunization against delinquency, youth violence, and gang membership. It is designed for children in the years immediately before the prime ages for introduction into gangs and delinquent behavior. The program is built around school-based, law enforcement officer-instructed classroom curricula.

Beyond today’s Lakewood Middle School Graduation, this year the program has already graduated the fifth grade classes of the Toms River Hooper Avenue Elementary School, Toms River Silver Bay Elementary School and East Dover Elementary School, as well as, 6th graders from Toms River Intermediate East. To date the program has imparted life skills/lessons this school year to over 1100 students from Ocean County who have completed the school-based, law enforcement officer-instructed classroom curriculum designed to build life skills, prevent delinquency, violence and gang membership.

Today’s graduation is the results of the partnering instruction from Ocean County Prosecutor’s Detective Sergeant Sandra Rodriguez, Lakewood PD Officers Alex Guzman and Steve Nickens, Sr. Parole Officers Joe Meroni and Monica Cherry of New Jersey Parole. OCPO brought the program to Ocean County Schools in 2011 and have been continuously working cooperatively with other Ocean County law enforcement agencies to expand the program locally in an effort to reach as many children as possible. Those wishing more Information about the G.R.E.A.T. program can go to: www.great-online.org.

Picture left to right: Lakewood PD Officer Alex Guzman, OCPO DSGT Sandra Rodriguez, Lakewood Officer Steve Nickens, Principal Richard Goldstein, Sr Parole Officer Joe Meroni, Sr. Parole Officer Monica Cherry

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Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato and Lakewood Police Chief Robert Lawson today announced the arrest of Dmitrii Dorzhinov, 53, of Lakewood for the murder of Gela Suqiashvilli, 54, also of Lakewood.

On Tuesday (6/14) at approximately 1:04 am, the Lakewood Police Department received a 911 call through the Howell Police Department in which the Russian speaking caller through language line reported that a stabbing had occurred at 149 East Kennedy Boulevard, Building 4, Apartment 7, Lakewood, New Jersey. The Lakewood Police Department subsequently dispatched Officers to the apartment who knocked on the door and received no response from inside.

Lakewood officers proceeded to check the apartment complex area and located Dmitrii Dorzhinov several doors down from apartment 149. Dorzhinov spoke Russian to the Officers who located him. The Officers utilized language line to communicate with him and learned that Dorzhinov was involved in an altercation within apartment 149 with the occupant.

Lakewood Police Officers immediately responded back to the apartment and forced entry finding a victim, later identified as Gela Suqiashvilli, sitting on a chair unresponsive and suffering from multiple puncture and slash wounds to his upper torso and face. Monoc Medic Unit 207 was immediately summoned to provide medical aid, however, Suqiashvilli was pronounced dead 1:48 am. Ocean County Prosecutor’s Major Crime Unit and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department CSI were notified and responded to assist in the investigation.

As the crime scene was being processed, Dmitrii Dorzhinov was taken to the Lakewood Police Headquarters where OCPO Major Crimes Detective John Murphy and Lakewood Police Detective Oscar Valmon continued the investigation. Lakewood Police Officer Tymur Zavalnyuk, who speaks Russian, was able to communicate with Dorzhinov and provided translation assistance. The investigation alleges that Dorzhinov and the victim began to wrestle, which escalated and resulted in the stabbing. Dorzhinov then made the 911 call reporting the stabbing after leaving the residence.

Executive Assistant Prosecutor Michael Paulhus reviewed the case investigation and approved the charges of Murder, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, and Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose.   The Honorable Judge Rochelle Gizinski, J.S.C., approved the arrest affidavit, along with complaints, and set bail at 1,000,000 cash. At approximately 9:30 am (6/14), Dorzhinov was arrested on the above charges and remanded to the Ocean County Jail in default of bail.

Dmitrii Dorzhinov

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

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 today announced details of his Summer 2016 Safety/Enforcement Initiative to address rising fatalities, 55 Alcohol/Narcotics motor vehicle arrests, numerous serious accidents and moving motor vehicle violations that have occurred from 2015 to the present on CR 528. The following charts highlight CR 528 Crash Hot Spots from 2012-2015:

Prosecutor Coronato stated, “Ocean County Law Enforcement must be pro-active in our efforts to keep motorists safe. A review of Crash/Arrest/Traffic Enforcement statistics and a rise in 2015 fatalities for CR528, added to the huge influx of additional summer commuters on this roadway, calls for a prudent coordinated traffic safety response. As in the case of CR539 last summer, I have called upon all departments having jurisdiction in the area to do their part in alleviating these concerns and resolving potential safety issues”.

This safety/enforcement initiative on CR 528 between Mantoloking and Plumsted Borough encompasses five (5) municipal jurisdictions traversing 26 miles of roadway in Ocean County from Milepost 14 – 40.  The road crosses through the towns of Mantoloking, Brick, Lakewood, Jackson, and Plumsted. Additionally, Ocean County Law Enforcement will also partner with the New Jersey State Police and the Police Departments of Bordentown, Chesterfield and North Hanover to focus increase enforcement efforts on CR 528 from MP 0 – 14 in Burlington County.

The planned response is the result of extensive meetings called for by Prosecutor Coronato with local police chiefs, county officers/officials, NJ State Police, NJ Office of Highway Traffic Safety, and the Ocean County Road/Engineering Departments to assure a full safety review of this major artery traversing Ocean County utilizing the proven plan of action covering three (3) critical components: Enforcement, Engineering, and Education. The crafted initiative is a coordinated multi-jurisdictional/agency effort supported by the Chiefs of Police and Department Heads from the following jurisdictions/agencies:

• Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office
• Ocean County Sheriff’s Department
• NJ State Police Troop “C” – Tactical Patrol Unit
• NJ State Police – Transportation Safety Bureau
• NJ Office of Highway Traffic Safety
• Ocean County Road Department
• Ocean County Engineering Department
• Mantoloking Police Department
• Brick Police Department
• Lakewood Police Department
• Jackson Police Department
• Plumsted Police Department
• NJ State Police Troop “C” – Bordentown Station Burlington County
• Bordentown Police Department – Burlington County
• Chesterfield Police Department – Burlington County
• North Hanover Police Department – Burlington County

The enforcement element of the initiative, which will run from June 17 – June 30, will bring vigilant and aggressive enforcement of all those motor vehicle moving and equipment violations that are major contributory causes to crashes. These causes include, but are not limited to, Improper Passing, Excessive Speed, Driving While Under the Influence, Aggressive Driving, Improper Turning, Failing to Yield, Inattentive Driving, Disregard of Traffic Signal, Following Too Close and various commercial carrier violations such as overweight, equipment maintenance and brake pressure. Additionally as part of the enforcement efforts, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office personnel assigned to the detail will utilize unmarked police vehicles to report any aggressive and erratic driving to operating marked units, all policing agencies are encouraged to utilize patrol vehicles equipped with Automated License Plate Readers, and Variable Message Signs will be strategically placed along the roadway during the course of the initiative.

The engineering aspect of the initiative will include a review by Ocean County Engineering of the accidents and specific roadway dynamics to determine if ‘Rumble Strips’ or other possible safety improvements may be appropriate for portions of the roadway.

The education element will include signage, media postings, radio public service announcements, awareness posters and coordinated social media postings by all the partnering agencies. As evident by recent localized media releases on enforcement, Prosecutor Coronato has directed all participating Chiefs to be proactive in keeping media informed of enforcement efforts, crash stats and initiative developments.

With regard to the public’s contribution – we simply ask all motorists to please drive responsibly.

PROSECUTOR JOSEPH D. CORONATO, BRICK POLICE CHIEF JAMES RICCIO AND LAKEWOOD POLICE CAPTAIN GREG MEYER TAKE A MOMENT ROADSIDE OF CR528 TO THANK THE POLICING PARTNERS AND WISH THEM A SAFE PATROL

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During the week of Monday, June 13, 2016, Detective Juan G. Pastrana of the Megan’s Law Unit of the Special Investigations Bureau of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office opened an investigation into thirty (30) year old Romeo A. Worthy 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 Wednesday, June 8, 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 Worthy failed to register properly with the Toms River Township Police Department.

An arrest warrant was reviewed and approved by Assistant Ocean County Prosecutor Ehsan F. Chowdhry designating the charge. Chowdhry and Pastrana presented the affidavit in support of the arrest warrant to the Honorable Wendel E. Daniels, P.J.Cr., who set bail at $40,000 no 10%.

Detective Pastrana continued the investigation into the following week and located Worthy at Winteringham Village in Toms River on Monday, June 20, 2016. He was arrested without incident with the assistance of Toms River Police Patrolman Daniel Burke, on the strength of the warrant. Worthy was processed and transferred to the Ocean County Justice Facility and faces presentment of this charge to an Ocean County Grand Jury. The criminal complaint is now turned over for prosecution by Assistant Ocean County Prosecutor Ehsan F. Chowdhry. Worthy is facing the third (3rd) degree crime of failure to register.

This is Worthy’s second arrest for failing to register. In early February 2016 Detective John M. Argento of the Megan’s Law Unit of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office opened an investigation into Romeo A. Worthy, then age 29, for the third (3rd) degree crime of failure to register out of Toms River Township. The investigation revealed that Worthy had absconded from his registered address in Toms River, NJ.   During the evening hours of Tuesday (2/9/16), 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 at that time with the third (3rd) degree crime of failure to register pursuant to New Jersey Megan’s Law. In this first arrest the Honorable Wendel E. Daniels, P.J.Cr. set bail at $35,000 no 10%.

Anyone with relevant information should contact Detective Juan G. Pastrana at (732) 929 2027 extension 5794. The information may be given anonymously. This charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty or found guilty in a court of law.

Romeo Antwon Worthy

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Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato announced today the culmination of a cooperative multi-jurisdictional narcotics investigation conducted by the Prosecutor’s Special Operations Group, Southern Enforcement Unit, along with county and local law enforcement agencies. The investigation focused on mid-level heroin, marijuana and prescription pill distributors found to be operating in Ocean County. The investigation, identified as Operation “Southern Shield” began in March 2016 and culminated on Thursday June 16, 2016. The operation’s goal was to disrupt and/or dismantle the illicit controlled dangerous substance (CDS) distribution activities within the southern portion of Ocean County.

The investigation led to 20 arrests for various offenses involving distribution of CDS, (4) four search warrants were executed resulting in 1500 dosage units of heroin, 112 Oxycodone pills, along with quantities of “crack” cocaine, marijuana and Xanax recovered, and approximately $3,700 and a 2006 Dodge Charger being seized pending forfeiture proceedings.

This operation involved the strength of the following agencies, in addition to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Special Operations Group:

• Lacey Township Police Department Detective Bureau
• Waretown Township Police Department Detective Bureau
• Barnegat Township Police Department Drug Enforcement Unit
• Stafford Township Police Department Drug Enforcement Unit
• Ocean County Regional SWAT

Search Warrants were executed at the following locations:

• 710 Clairmore Rd., Lacey Township, NJ the residence of Casey and Joseph Sinopoli
• 322 Harzold Rd., Lacey Township, NJ the residence of Paul Brennan
• 13 Perrywinkle Road, Barnegat Township, NJ the residence of Peter and Donna Frate

The following individuals were arrested as a result of operation “Southern Shield”. See attached photo chart:

Micahel Araneo II, 23, Bail $100,000.00, no 10%

826 Hazelton Avenue, Lacey Township NJ

Charged with: Possession of Heroin, Oxycodone and Xanax, Possession of Heroin, Oxycodone and Xanax with Intent to Distribute, and Distribution of Heroin.

Alyssa Everett, 24, Bail $100,000.00, no 10%

826 Hazelton Avenue, Lacey Township NJ

Charged with: Possession of Heroin, Oxycodone and Xanax, Possession of Heroin, Oxycodone and Xanax with Intent to Distribute, and Distribution of Heroin.

Thomas Rickmers Jr., 26, Released on own Recognizance

614 Clairmore Road, Lacey Twp., NJ

Charged with: Distribution and Possession of Xanax, Possession with the intent to distribute Xanax.

Michael Araneo, 57, Bail $75,000.00 No 10%

826 Hazelton Avenue, Lacey Township, NJ

Charged with: Distribution of Heroin, Possession with intent to distribute heroin and possession of heroin

Nicholas Picone, 29, Bail $50,000 No 10%

195 Alder Sreet, Lakewood Township, NJ

Charged with: Possession of Heroin, Possession of Heroin with Intent to Distribute and Distribution of Heroin.

Casey Sinopoli, 21, Bail $75,000.00 No 10%

710 Clairmore Road, Lacey Township, NJ

Charged with: Possession of Heroin, Possession of Heroin with Intent to Distribute, Distribution of Heroin.

Joseph Sinopoli, 23, Released on own Recognizance

710 Clairmore Road, Lacey Township, NJ

Charged with: Possession of Heroin, Possession of Heroin with Intent to Distribute, Distribution of Heroin.

Ivory Lewis, 24, Bail $40,000 No 10%

63 Brynmawr Ave., Trenton, NJ

Charged with: Possession of Heroin, Possession of Heroin with Intent to Distribute, Distribution of Heroin.

Francis Jarczynski, 32, Bail $25,000 no 10%

28 Main Street, Waretown, NJ

Charged with: Possession of Heroin, Possession of Heroin with Intent to Distribute, Distribution of Heroin.

Tiemear Lewis, 25, Bail $40,000 no 10%

844 Carteret Avenue, Trenton, NJ

Charged with: Possession of Heroin, Possession of Heroin with Intent to Distribute, Distribution of Heroin.

Sara Cervera, 20, Released on own Recognizance

39 Bayside Avenue, Barnegat Township, NJ

Charged with: Distribution of marijuana, possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute, possession of marijuana.

Jonathan Locilento, 44, Bail $75,000 No 10%

808 Hazelton Road, Lacey Township, NJ

Charged with: Possession of Heroin, Possession of Heroin with Intent to Distribute, Distribution of Heroin.

Marguerit Tyger, 30, Bail $50,000 no 10%

28 Main Street, Waretown, NJ

Charged with: Possession of Heroin, Possession of Heroin with Intent to Distribute, Distribution of Heroin.

Kevin Kronberger, 25, Bail $30,000 No 10%

28 Main Street, Waretown, NJ

Charged with: Possession of Heroin, Possession of Heroin with Intent to Distribute, Distribution of Heroin.

Paul Brennan, 53, Bail $50,000 No 10%

322 Harzold Avenue, Lacey Township, NJ

Charged with: Distribution, possession and distribution with the intent to distribute Oxycontin/Oxycodone.

Peter Frate, 33, Bail $5,000 with 10%

13 Perrywinkle Road, Barnegat, NJ

Charged with: Conspiracy to distribute Oxycodone.

Donna Frate, 40, Bail $10,000 with 10%

13 Perrywinkle Road, Barnegat, NJ

Charged with: Distribution and possession with intent to distribute Oxycodone.

Thomas Malone, 35, Bail $30,000 with 10%, JSC James Blainey

1980 Millcreek Road, Stafford Township, NJ (Home Address)

Distribution and possession with intent to distribute Oxycodone

Mark Jung, 56, Bail $5,000 with 10%, JSC James Blainey

15 Mizzen Way, Waretown, NJ (Home Address)

Conspiracy to distribute Oxycodone

Still at Large:

James Hallock, , 38, $75,000 no 10%, JSC Damian Murray,

Unknown address

Distribution and possession of heroin

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of James Hallock is asked to contact the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, Special Operations Group at 732-341-6150 or 732-929-2027.

All of the arrested individuals who had bails set were transported to the Ocean County Jail in lieu of the listed bail or they posted bail upon their arrest.

The following vehicle was seized as a result of operation “Southern Shield”:

• 2006 Dodge Charger operated and owned by Paul Brennan.

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

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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On Friday (June 17, 2016), Defendant Frederic B. Whitehead, 45, of Waretown, NJ, was sentenced by Judge Rochelle Gizinski J.S.C., to 10 years in New Jersey State Prison (No Early Release Applies) on one count of 1st degree Aggravated Sexual Assault concurrent to 8 years (No Early Release) on one count of 2nd degree Sexual Assault, with Megan’s Law Registration, Parole Supervision for Life and Nicole’s Law (No contact with victim).

Frederic B. Whitehead

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Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato today called on all Ocean County drivers to put highway safety “first on the list” during the upcoming Fourth of July holiday and throughout the entire summer driving season. Coronato stated, “OC Law Enforcement will do our part by being extra vigilant. Our intent is to assure that all enjoy a safe and happy holiday.”

Thanks to projected beautiful weather for the coming holiday, this weekend will bring an excessive number of motorists on NJ/OC roadways. Prosecutor Coronato stresses that throughout the July 4^th holiday weekend; Ocean County Law Enforcement will partner and coordinate efforts to maximize patrol resources throughout the July 4th holiday period and urged drivers to stay alert during their summer driving trips. The patrols will focus across the board enforcement on DWI, aggressive, careless, inattentive, drowsy drivers and seat belt violators as they go about their business of enforcing the state’s traffic laws and promoting safe driving practices.

The 2016 July 4th holiday officially begins Friday, July 1, at 6 pm and ends on Tuesday, July 5, at 5:59 am. During the 2015 July 4th holiday, Ocean County accounted for one (1) of the three (3) persons who lost their lives as a result of motor vehicle accidents on New Jersey roadways. .

The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office also issued a reminder to OC residents and visitors that all fireworks are illegal to possess and use. It is a crime to sell, use, and/or possess any kind of fireworks—including Chinese firecrackers, Roman candles, M80’s, cherry bombs, salutes, M100’s, sparklers, etc.

OCPO noted that the vast majority of illegal fireworks are brought into Ocean County by adults and, as a result of such irresponsible actions, a disproportionate number of children suffer injuries. In an effort to prevent injuries and property damage, local departments will step-up enforcement activities during the summer “fireworks season” confiscating illegal fireworks.

Possession of illegal fireworks is a disorderly person offense and is punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and/or up to 30 days in jail. Possession with intent to sell is a Fourth Degree crime, punishable by fine of up to $10,000 and/or up to 18 months in jail. And, possession of destructive devices is a Third Degree crime with fines of up to $10,000 and incarceration of up to three to five years in jail.

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Robert A. Houser, 40, of Toms River was located on June 15 and subsequently charged with Aggravated Arson and Assault.

His arrest stems from the May 19, 2016 investigation by the Beachwood Police Department and Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Arson Investigation Unit into a shed fire set that date at approximately 5:20 am behind 417 Atlantic City Blvd. Beachwood Police and Fire Department responded quickly extinguishing the fire. The investigation found a witness who reported observing a male leaving the scene with a gas can and fleeing the area in a white Chevy Express van. The van was last seen heading south on Capstan Avenue.

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ROBERT ALBERT HOUSER

Houser’s van leaving fire scene

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Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato today announced the arrest of Vincent Cicalese, 57, of Point Pleasant Beach on the charges of 2nd Degree Computer Theft and 3rd Degree Theft. Bail was set by Judge Rochelle Gizinski, J.S.C. at $25,000 with no 10% option. The 2nd degree charge of Computer Theft carries a penalty of possible 5 to 10 years in NJ State Prison if convicted. The 3rd degree Theft charge can bring a prison term of 3 to 5 years.

The charges by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Economic Crimes Unit are the result of an investigation begun after the Point Pleasant Beach Little League Board reported their suspicions to OCPO. The investigation alleges that during Vincent Cicalese’s tenure as President of the Point Pleasant Beach Little League he stole approximately $10,000 from the Little League’s bank account by withdrawing league money via ATM withdrawals in Point Pleasant Beach.

Cicalese was arrested this morning just after 7:30 am without incident at his residence by detectives from the OCPO Economic Crimes Unit, with assistance from the Point Pleasant Beach Police Department.

This charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty or found guilty in a court of law.

VINCENT JAMES CICALESE

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Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato today announced a police involved shooting within the jurisdiction of Toms River. Preliminary details of the event are as follows:

At 11:32 pm on July 7^th, Toms River Police Officers on patrol approached a suspicious vehicle near the corner of Cedar Drive and Haines Drive. Contact was made with a 29 year old Toms River man later identified as Timothy Sauers. During the interaction the man was observed to be in possession of a handgun which he pointed at Toms River Police Officers. This encounter resulted in TRPD officers firing upon the suspect. The suspect fled into the Toms River by jumping over a cement bulkhead. He was located in the area an hour later by Tactical Response Officers, apparently wounded by the police gunfire and medical assistance was immediately administered. He was transported to a nearby medical facility for treatment and is expected to survive.

The investigation is being led by the Ocean County Prosecutors Office, with assistance from the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department CSI Unit, and the full cooperation of the Toms River Police Department.   Anyone who has any information is asked to contact Detective John Murphy of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office at (732) 929-2027 extension 2422.

There is no further information that can be provided at this time. Media will be updated by OCPO immediately once additional details are confirmed. This shooting is in no way related to the Dallas shootings.

The Complaint Summons outlining charges against Sauers is attached. Be advised additional charges may be filed as the investigation proceeds. The media and the public are reminded that criminal charges are merely accusations and that the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Timothy J. Sauers

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Yesterday (7/14) after a short deliberation of only a few hours, an Ocean County jury returned a verdict of guilty on two (2) counts of Receiving Stolen Property and Dealing in Stolen Property in the case of State v. Michael Bucca, 46, of Beachwood and Malissa Bucca, 39, of Nutley. At sentencing the siblings face a possible maximum sentence of five 5 years in New Jersey State Prison. The tentative sentencing date is set for Friday, August 26.

Michael and Malissa are part of a family owned pawnshop called Quick Cash with locations in Toms River and Berkeley Township. The charges stem from the defendants accepting stolen property (Legos, food processors and coffee makers) sometime between early January 2015 and February 2015. They were arrested on the above charges on February 5, 2015.

The investigation of the defendants was the result of an alert by Ocean County Prosecutor’s Regional Automated Property Information Database (RAPID) system. This is an internet data base system in which all Ocean County pawnshops are mandated to report incoming purchases of merchandise. This case marks the systems first successful arrest & prosecution. Presently Ocean County is the only county in New Jersey to have an all-inclusive county wide system. Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato stated, “This system is a robbery or burglary victim’s best chance at finding justice and recovering their stolen property. It shuts down Ocean County as a place where thieves can anonymously profit from their ill-gotten merchandise.”

Toms River Police Detectives Tom DiMichele, Roger Hull and Robert O’Neill, with assistance from Ocean County Prosecutor Detective Taryn Ritacco-Schwartz, diligently worked the investigation to secure the convictions. The case was prosecuted by Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Patrick Sheehan and Assistant Prosecutor Ashley Tito.

Michael Bucca

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Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato today announced the graduation of 41 newly certified G.R.E.A.T. (Gang Resistance Education and Training) Program Instructors. The training offered by members of the Ocean County Prosecutors Office took place at the Ocean County Training Center in Waretown. Forty one (41) Law Enforcement Officers came from 19 different states across America and joined New Jersey Officers to attend the week long program.

The Gang Resistance Education and Training (G.R.E.A.T.) Program is an evidence-based, national and international gang and violence prevention program that has been building trust between law enforcement and communities for almost 30 years. G.R.E.A.T. is intended as an immunization against delinquency, youth violence, and gang membership. It is designed for children in the years immediately before the prime ages for introduction into gangs and delinquent behavior. The program is built around school-based, law enforcement officer-instructed classroom curriculum designed to not only prevent delinquency, violence and gang membership, but to help students build life skills. To date over 1200 Ocean County students have completed the training.

The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office brought the program to Ocean County Schools in 2011 and has been continuously working cooperatively with other Ocean County law enforcement agencies to expand the program locally in an effort to reach as many children as possible. Prosecutor Coronato stated, “Today’s graduation marks a tremendous expansion of the program beyond New Jersey. Law Enforcement must reach children at their most impressionable age to really make a positive difference in their lives.”

Beyond New Jersey, the state’s sending representatives were: Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, South & North Carolina, Missouri, Ohio, Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Wisconsin, Montana, Tennessee, Nevada, California and Washington.

Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato addresses the class

G.R.E.A.T. Instructor Training Class 2016

Those wishing more Information about the G.R.E.A.T. program can go to: www.great-online.org.

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On July 3, 2016, the Lakewood Twp. Police Department attempted to stop a Cadillac DTS for a motor vehicle violation. The driver, later identified as Christian Hernandez-Ruiz, 42, of Lakewood, subsequently fled from police at a high rate of speed causing the pursuit to be called off. When out of sight of police, Hernandez-Ruiz lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a tree in the area of New Hampshire Ave and Oak St.

Because the crash occurred as a result of Lakewood PD’s efforts to stop the motor vehicle, the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office assumed responsibility for the investigation. OCPO’s investigation revealed that the registered owner of the vehicle was the victim of a residential burglary and the keys to the Cadillac DTS were taken by Hernandez-Ruiz. A short time later, Hernandez-Ruiz allegedly came back to the residence and took the vehicle, without the owner’s knowledge or permission.

The investigation findings were presented to OCPO Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Michael Weatherstone, who applied for an arrest warrant for Burglary and Auto Theft. Judge Melanie Donohue Appleby, J.S.C. approved the warrant and set bail at $50,000 no 10% option.

On Monday (7/18) at approximately 5 pm, OCPO Detectives Brad Frank and Anthony Paciulli responded to Jersey Shore Medical Center and arrested Hernandez-Ruiz as he was being released from the hospital. He was lodged in Ocean County Jail in lieu of the $50,000 bail.

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

Christian Hernandez-Ruiz

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On Tuesday, July 19, members of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit and Manchester Police Department arrested Lawrence Fascia, 63, of Manchester on one (1) count of 3rd degree Possession of Child Pornography and one (1) count of 2nd degree Child Pornography. Bail was originally set at $25,000 no 10% by the Honorable Judge Wendel Daniels, P.J.Cr.P., however, due to substantial health-related issues, Fascia was released to home confinement and is required to be on ankle bracelet monitoring until trial. He is prohibited from accessing the internet and electronic devices/computers as a condition of his release. He is also barred from having any contact with minors.

Fascia became the target of an investigation into the alleged Possession and Distribution of Child Pornography via the internet several months ago with a referral from the FBI. The FBI received an anonymous tip into Fascia’s activities on the internet, which they passed along to the OCPO High Tech Crime Unit. The FBI and the OCPO High Tech Crime Unit are active partners in the Innocent Images Initiative Task Force.

The investigation by the HTCU, with assistance from the OCPO Megan’s Law Unit, revealed that Fascia was allegedly actively trading images of prepubescent children engaged in sexual acts with other adults. A search warrant was executed at Fascia’s Drake Road residence which revealed a collection of thousands of graphic images of prepubescent children engaged in sexual acts, as well as evidence of trading the images via e-mail in order to build his collection.

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

Lawrence Fascia

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On Wednesday 7/20, Agustin Salvidar-Delvalle, 27, of Lakewood entered a guilty plea before Judge James M. Blaney, J.S.C. to one count of 1st degree Aggravated Sexual Assault. He will be sentenced after an AVENAL evaluation.

The guilty plea stems from an investigation by OCPO Special Victims Unit Det. Stephanie Bayha and Lakewood Police Det. Nate Reyes, with assistance from OC Sheriff’s Department CSI Det. Michael O’Hearn, into incidents that occurred in Lakewood between August to December in 2015. The victim was 9 at the time.

The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant Prosecutor Terry Ann Linardakis.

Agustin Salvidar-Delvalle

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