Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato today announced that the concerted efforts of Ocean County Law Enforcement and residents have brought great success in disposing of unused prescription medications. On Wednesday (7/20) OCPO supervised the destruction of 2960 pounds of unused prescription meds, the largest pill burn to date. Since the programs start in the summer of 2014 over 13,340 pounds of various medicines were destroyed between October 3, 2014 and April 13, 2016. Below are the previous burn dates and totals:

• October 3, 2014             2220 lbs.
• March 27, 2015             2880 lbs.
• July 17, 2015                  2520 lbs.
• October 29, 2015          2300 lbs.
• December 2, 2015        1040 lbs.
• April 13, 2016               2380 lbs.

Prosecutor Coronato stated, “Unused medications often end up in the wrong hands, are used illegally, or find their way into our water supply. In the worst case scenarios these forgotten pain killing medications lead to addiction or teens becoming unwitting drug dealers”. Project Medicine Drop is the county wide initiative to make disposal of unused medications an easy convenient priority for Ocean County residents. The towns that participate by having easily accessible medication drop boxes at police department entrances are: Barnegat, Berkeley, Jackson, Lacey, Lakewood, Little Egg Harbor Township, Long Beach, Manchester Township, Ocean, Pt. Pleasant, Seaside Heights, Stafford, Toms River and Tuckerton.

It can be difficult to comprehend the amount of medications to account for such a huge total. These attached photos of OCPO detectives loading the pills into a box truck for transport to the burn should give you a good sense of the astounding volume. The stiff backs of the detectives can certainly attest to it.

OCPO Agent Denis Mitchell (left) gets a pill burn celebration happy dance lesson from OCPO’s Anthony Carrington III.

Please do your part. “Clean Out & Drop Off” those unused meds. For more info go to: www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/meddrop or www.oceancountyprosecutor.org

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.

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Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph Coronato, Sheriff Mastronardy and area Chiefs of Police join Pastors, community organizations and residents for a community discussion this past week. The event organized and hosted by Pastor William Greene and his Second Baptist Church of Toms River congregation resulted in real and progressive conversations between all in attendance.

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Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato and Lacey Township Police Chief Michael DiBella 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 two Lacey residents.

Detectives from the Prosecutor’s Special Operations Group, Southern Enforcement Unit and the Lacey Township Police Department conducted a short term cooperative investigation that resulted in the arrest of two Lacey residents on various drug charges. During the course of the investigation Detectives from the Prosecutor’s Southern Enforcement Unit and the Lacey Township Police Department identified a residence in Lacey Township, specifically 214 Haines Street, Forked River NJ as being utilized by Theodore J. Vansanten age 32 to store and distribute quantities of heroin. Police also identified a 2012 blue Nissan Sentra as also being utilized by Mr. Vansanten to further his illicit drug distribution activities.

On July 22, 2016 at approximately 9:45 pm members of the Prosecutor’s Southern Enforcement Unit, the Lacey Township Police Department along with members of the Ocean County Regional SWAT Team executed a no knock search warrant at 214 East Haines Street, Forked River. Detectives also executed a search warrant on the 2012 Nissan Sentra. As a result quantities of heroin, suboxone and anabolic steroids were recovered. Police also seized approximately $600 in cash. The 2012 Nissan Sentra was also seized pending forfeiture proceedings.

The following individual was arrested and charged:

Theodore J. Vansanten, age 32 214 Haines Street, Forked River NJ was arrested and charged with (2) Counts of Possession of Heroin, (2) Counts of Possession of Heroin with Intent to Distribute and (2) Counts of Distribution of Heroin. Ocean County Superior Court Judge Wendel E. Daniels P.J.Cr.P JSC set bail at $25,000, no ten percent. Mr. Vansanten was subsequently housed in the Ocean County Jail.

Theodore J. Vansanten

Jason A. Fiorvante, age 28 214 East Haines Street, Forked River NJ was arrested and charged with Possession of Suboxone and Possession of Anabolic Steroids. Mr. Fiorvante was released on a summons.

Jason A. Fiorvante

The investigation is continuing and additional charges are expected to be issued regarding this investigation.

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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Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato and Toms River Police Chief Mitch Little today announced the arrest of Jack Kennedy Jr., 34, of Jackson for the charge of Aggravated Manslaughter. The charges stem from a fatal motor vehicle crash that occurred on July 14 on Whitesville road, resulting in the death of Michael Gormley, 60, of Lanoka Harbor.

On July 29th Toms River Traffic Safety Officers and Ocean County Prosecutors Office Vehicular Homicide Unit arrested Jack Kennedy Jr. on the above charges at his Violet Lane residence in Jackson without incident.  The investigation alleges that Kennedy was under the influence of a controlled dangerous substance at the time he caused the July 14 Whiteville Road fatal motor vehicle crash.

The Aggravated Manslaughter charge, which was signed by OCPO Detective Brad Frank, has a bail amount of $200,000 full cash. Additionally, Toms River Officer Terry Warren charged Kennedy with Driving Under the Influence, Reckless Driving, Failure to Maintain a Marked Lane, and Failing to have his vehicle Properly Inspected. Kennedy is currently being held in the Ocean County Jail.

In the original press release, issued at the time of the crash, it was reported that the Toms River Police responded to a motor vehicle crash on Whitesville Road at Medjay Lane. Michael Gormley, 60, of Lanoka Harbor was traveling north on Whitesville Road in his 2010 Chevy Malibu. Jack Kennedy Jr., 34, of Jackson was operating a 2000 Nissan XTR traveling south in the opposite direction. Kennedy crossed over the center yellow line and struck Gormley’s vehicle head on. A third vehicle that was traveling north behind Gormley’s tried to avoid the crash, but was unable to do so. The driver of that 2015 Kia, Dawn Kavchok, 45, of Manchester was taken to Community medical center for treatment of minor injuries.

Michael Gormley died as a result of his injuries. Kennedy was treated for his injuries at Jersey Shore Medical Center in Neptune Township. Pleasant Plains and Silverton Fire Companies responded in order to extricate the victims from their vehicles. The injured were transported to area hospitals by Toms River and Silverton EMS Units.

The crash investigation was led by Toms River Traffic Safety Officer Terry Warren. He was assisted by Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Investigators Mike Proto and Brad Frank. Also assisting on the scene were members of the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department C.S.I. Division.

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

Jack Kennedy Jr.

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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The Office of the Ocean County Prosecutor once again for the umpteenth time is receiving calls from individuals who have received unsolicited calls from individuals demanding payment while fraudulently claiming to be from the IRS.

Based on the 90,000 complaints that the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration has received through its telephone hotline, to date, TIGTA has identified approximately 1,100 victims who have lost an estimated $5 million from this scam. Taxpayers should remember their first contact with the IRS will not be a call from out of the blue, but through official correspondence sent through the mail. A big red flag for these scams are angry, threatening calls from people who say they are from the IRS and urging immediate payment. This is not how the IRS operates. People should hang up immediately and contact TIGTA or the IRS. Additionally, it is important for taxpayers to know that the IRS:

• Never asks for credit card, debit card or prepaid card information over the telephone.
• Never insists that taxpayers use a specific payment method to pay tax obligations
• Never requests immediate payment over the telephone and will not take enforcement action immediately following a phone conversation. Taxpayers usually receive prior notification of IRS enforcement action involving IRS tax liens or levies.
• Potential phone scam victims may be told that they owe money that must be paid immediately to the IRS or they are entitled to big refunds. When unsuccessful the first time, sometimes phone scammers call back trying a new strategy.

Other characteristics of these scams include:

• Scammers use fake names and IRS badge numbers. They generally use common names and surnames to identify themselves.
• Scammers may be able to recite the last four digits of a victim’s Social Security number.
• Scammers spoof the IRS toll-free number on caller ID to make it appear that it’s the IRS calling.
• Scammers sometimes send bogus IRS emails to some victims to support their bogus calls.
• Victims hear background noise of other calls being conducted to mimic a call site.
• After threatening victims with jail time or driver’s license revocation, scammers hang up and others soon call back pretending to be from the local police or DMV, and the caller ID supports their claim.
• If you get a phone call from someone claiming to be from the IRS, here’s what you should do:
• If you know you owe taxes or you think you might owe taxes, call the IRS at 1.800.829.1040. The IRS employees at that line can help you with a payment issue, if there really is such an issue.
• If you know you don’t owe taxes or have no reason to think that you owe any taxes (for example, you’ve never received a bill or the caller made some bogus threats as described above), then call and report the incident to TIGTA at 1.800.366.4484.

The OCPO encourages taxpayers to be vigilant against phone and email scams that use the IRS as a lure. The IRS does not initiate contact with taxpayers by email to request personal or financial information. This includes any type of electronic communication, such as text messages and social media channels. The IRS also does not ask for PINs, passwords or similar confidential access information for credit card, bank or other financial accounts. Recipients should not open any attachments or click on any links contained in the message. Instead, forward the email to phishing@irs.gov.

For more information or to report a scam, go to www.irs.gov and type “scam” in the search box.

More information on how to report phishing scams involving the IRS is available on the genuine IRS website, IRS.gov.

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 August 8th at 6:50 pm, members of the Barnegat Police Department and Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office arrested Cassie Hansen, 27, of Barnegat for knowingly leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident that resulted in death. The arrest was in connection with a hit and run collision that occurred earlier in the day and resulted in the death of Marie Thorne, 61, of Barnegat.

At approximately 4:00 pm, an anonymous citizen who had seen media reports describing the incident and description of the vehicle being sought, flagged down Ptl. Kyle Cranmer and advised him that he had just seen a vehicle matching the description traveling south on Route 9. Barnegat officers saturated the area in an effort to locate the vehicle. A short time later, Sergeant Jason Carroll located a tan Chevrolet Silverado truck with front passenger side damage in the driveway of a Center Street address.
Members of the Barnegat Police Department and Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office made contact with Hansen at the Center Street address. The resulting investigation culminated in Hansen’s arrest. Hansen was charged with 2nd degree Knowingly Leaving the Scene of a Motor Vehicle Accident that resulted in death. She was lodged in the Ocean County Jail in default of $150,000 bail with no 10% option.

The Barnegat Police Department gave special thanks to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office and Ocean County Sheriff’s Department for their outstanding technical and investigative support and expertise. We would also like to thank the members of the public and media for their invaluable help throughout the investigation.

See defendant’s attached photo courtesy the Ocean County Jail. The media and public are reminded that criminal charges are only allegations. All criminal defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

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 his Safety/Enforcement Initiative to address the rash of eleven (11) fatal crashes and numerous serious accidents that had occurred from 2013 to July 31, of 2015 along County Route 539 will team up again to remind drivers to drive responsibly.  The detail will run from Friday (8/12) to Sunday (8/28).

Prosecutor Coronato stated, “Last year’s initiative concluded with over 600 vehicle stops and zero fatalities for the 32 day effort.  The great news is that we have continued to see zero fatalities to date.  We want to not only celebrate that success, but use the detail to educate drivers of the wonderful end result of driving responsibly.  

Last year’s CR539 detail managed to raise significant awareness among the motoring public regarding the safety issues along CR539, but more important it led to coordinated efforts by Ocean County Law Enforcement, Ocean County Engineering and Road Departments to take important steps toward making commuting along CR539 safer.”  

Prosecutor Coronato continued, “The many partners involved in last year’s effort want to build on that success with this visible reminder that the responsibility of driving safety never ends.  Though the coordinated enforcement element will conclude the end of August, policing agencies along CR539 will continue to make CR539 patrols a priority.  Now that the partnership logistics and plans have been worked out, the coordinated enforcement element can be quickly reinstituted in the event of increased reports of accidents or dangerous driving behaviors.”

The safety/enforcement initiative on CR 539 between Tuckerton and Plumsted Borough encompasses seven (7) municipal jurisdictions traversing 38 miles of roadway in Ocean County from Milepost 0 – 38.  The road crosses through the towns of Tuckerton, Little Egg Harbor, Stafford, Barnegat, Lacey, Manchester, Plumsted and Jackson.  This two-lane highway runs southeast to northwest through Ocean County and is frequently used by local seniors, commuters traveling to the Trenton area, tourists looking to vacation along the Jersey Shore and a large amount of commercial trucks.

The partnership is the result of extensive meetings called for by Prosecutor Coronato with local police chiefs, county officers/officials, NJ State Police and the Ocean County Road/Engineering Departments to address CR539 safety issues.  Beyond the enforcement element, the initiative includes Engineering and Education elements which will continue into the future.  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” – Red Lion and Tuckerton Stations
• NJ State Police Troop “C” – Tactical Patrol Unit
• NJ State Police – Transportation Safety Bureau
• Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders
• Ocean County Road Department
• Ocean County Engineering Department
• Barnegat Police Department
• Jackson Police Department
• Lacey Police Department
• Little Egg Harbor Police Department
• Manchester Police Department
• Plumsted Police Department
• Stafford Police Department
• Tuckerton Police Department

The enforcement element of the initiative this weekend 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 utilized 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.

The engineering aspect of the initiative has to date completed many of the below proposed safety improvements:

1. Rumble strips: Reduces centerline crossover motor vehicle accidents often caused by sleepy motorists or those traveling at excessive speeds.

2. Raised pavement markers: These markers are fairly common on roadways today and are designed to increase nighttime visibility. They are typically placed along the center lines of a roadway and reflect the light from a motor vehicle’s headlights to outline the lanes of a highway in rural areas.

3. All-weather reflective striping: Makes the lines on a roadway easier to see at night (like a cat’s eyes), particularly in bad weather conditions.

4. Radar-activated LED (light-emitting diode) chevron signs placed in clusters at curves and will light up in a synchronous pattern when a motor vehicle approaches to outline the sharpness of the curve.

5. High-friction road surface designed to prevent a vehicle from skidding when its driver attempts to stop suddenly from a high rate of speed.

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

We continue to ask the motoring public to police themselves by simply driving responsibly.

PROSECUTOR CORONATO TAKES A MOMENT ROADSIDE OF CR539 TO THANK THE POLICING PARTNERS AND WISH THEM A SAFE PATROL

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 announced today the culmination of an investigation into drug activity in the Ocean County area.

Detectives from the Prosecutor’s Special Operations Group, Northern Enforcement Unit conducted a cooperative investigation with the Berkeley Township Police Department that resulted in the arrest of four Ocean County residents on various drug charges.

Detectives from the Prosecutor’s Special Operations Group, Northern Enforcement Unit with the assistance of the Berkeley Township Police Department conducted a short term investigation into drug activity in the Berkeley Township area. During the course of the investigation Detectives from the Prosecutor’s Northern Enforcement Unit and the Berkeley Township Police Department identified a residence in Berkeley Township, specifically 53 Pheasant Drive, Bayville NJ as being utilized to store and distribute quantities of cocaine. Police also identified a 2010 gray Toyota Camry as also being utilized by Muhammad Jack Bomar age 28 of Bayville to further his illicit drug distribution activities.

During the early afternoon hours of August 4, 2016 Detectives from the Prosecutor’s Special Operations Group, Northern Enforcement Unit located the gray 2010 Toyota Camry being driven by Mr. Bomar in the area of Route 9 and Sylvan Lakes Boulevard in Bayville. Mr. Bomar observed the officers conducting surveillance at which time he exited the Toyota Camry armed with an aluminum baseball bat. Mr. Bomar swung the bat at a Prosecutor’s Detective as the Detective drove towards Mr. Bomar. After swinging the bat Mr. Bomar re-entered his vehicle and drove into the Wawa Food Store on Route 9 and Sylvan Lakes Boulevard. Additional members of the Special Operations Group subsequently conducted a motor vehicle stop on the 2010 Toyota Camry and placed Mr. Bomar under arrest.

Prosecutor’s Detectives along with members of the Berkeley Township Police than executed the search warrant at 53 Pheasant Drive where they encountered 3 additional suspects who were also subsequently arrested on various drug charges. Detectives also executed a search warrant on the 2010 Toyota Camry. As a result of the search warrants police seized quantities of cocaine and assorted drug paraphernalia. The 2010 Toyota Camry was also seized pending forfeiture proceedings.

The following individual was arrested and charged:

Muhammad Jack Bomar, age 28 of 53 Pheasant Drive, Bayville NJ was arrested and charged with (2) Counts of Possession of Cocaine, (2) Counts of Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute and (2) Counts of Distribution of Cocaine. The Honorable Ocean County Superior Court Judge James M. Blaney JSC set bail at $50,000, no ten percent regarding the above listed drug charges. Mr. Bomar was also charged with Aggravated Assault on a Police Officer, Possession of a weapon and Possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. An additional bail in the amount of $75,000 cash was set on Mr. Bomar for the listed assault and weapons charges by the Honorable Ocean County Superior Court Judge Melanie Appleby JSC. Mr. Bomar was subsequently housed in the Ocean County Jail.

Muhammad Jack Bomar

Quataisha Hailey, age 22 of 436 Brookforest Drive, South Toms River NJ was arrested and charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine. Ocean County Superior Court Judge James M. Blaney JSC set bail at $10,000, no ten percent regarding the above listed drug charge. As a result of the search warrant at 53 Pheasant Drive, Ms. Hailey was also charged with Possession of Cocaine and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Ocean County Superior Court Melanie Appleby JSC set an additional bail of $35,000, no ten percent regarding the above listed drug charge. Ms. Hailey was subsequently housed in the Ocean County Jail.

Quataisha Hailey

Cherlyn Borchert, age 38 of 809 Newport Avenue, Ocean Gate NJ was arrested and charged with Possession of Cocaine and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. The Honorable Ocean County Superior Court Judge Melanie Appleby JSC set bail at $35,000, no ten percent on Ms. Borchert. Ms. Borchert was subsequently housed in the Ocean County Jail.

Cherlyn Borchert

Cory Richard, age 39 of 53 Pheasant Drive, Bayville NJ and 809 Newport Avenue, Ocean Gate NJ was arrested and charged with Possession of Cocaine and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. The Honorable Ocean County Superior Court Judge Melanie Appleby JSC set bail at $35,000, no ten percent on Mr. Richard. Mr. Richard was subsequently housed in the Ocean County Jail.

Cory Richard

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.  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, Lacey Township Police Chief Michael DiBella, Barnegat Township Police Captain Richard Dugan and Ocean Township O.I.C. Lieutenant George Thompson announced today the culmination of a multi-agency cooperative investigation into drug activity in the southern Ocean County area.

Detectives from the Prosecutor’s Special Operations Group, Southern Enforcement Unit conducted a cooperative multi agency investigation with the Barnegat Township Police Department, the Lacey Township Police Department and the Ocean Township Police Department that resulted in the arrest of four Atlantic County residents on various drug charges.

Detectives from the Prosecutor’s Special Operations Group, Southern Enforcement Unit along with members of the Barnegat Police Narcotics Unit, the Lacey Township Detective Bureau and the Ocean Township Police Department conducted a short term investigation into drug activity impacting the southern Ocean County area. During the course of the investigation Detectives identified a gold 2000 Nissan Altima as being utilized by individuals to store and distribute quantities of both heroin and cocaine in the southern Ocean County area.

On August 9, 2016 at approximately 6:30 PM Detectives located the gold 2000 Nissan Altima in the area of the Wawa food store located on West Bay Avenue in Barnegat. The detectives maintained surveillance on the gold Nissan resulting in the Detectives conducting a motor vehicle stop and approaching the subject vehicle in the parking lot of the Wawa food store. Upon approaching the vehicle police located four Atlantic County residents within the vehicle. A subsequent investigation and search of the vehicle yielded quantities of heroin and cocaine. The investigating Detectives located approximately 300 individual dosage units of heroin and approximately 10 grams of cocaine. All four suspects were arrested and transported to the Barnegat Township Police Department for processing. The Nissan Altima was also seized pending forfeiture proceedings.

The following individuals were arrested and charged:

Tariq Johnson, age 25, 28 South Georgia Avenue Apt. 54, Atlantic City NJ was arrested and charged with Possession of Cocaine, Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute, Possession of Heroin and Possession of Heroin with Intent to Distribute. The Honorable Ocean County Superior Court Judge Steven Nemeth JSC set bail at $60,000, no ten percent on Mr. Johnson. Mr. Johnson was subsequently housed in the Ocean County Jail.

Tariq Johnson

Lionel Dabney, age 29, 16 West Mulberry Street, Pleasantville NJ was arrested and charged with Possession of Cocaine, Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute, Possession of Heroin and Possession of Heroin with Intent to Distribute. The Honorable Ocean County Superior Court Judge Steven Nemeth JSC set bail at $60,000, no ten percent on Mr. Dabney. Mr. Dabney was subsequently housed in the Ocean County Jail.

Lionel Dabney

Robert Gunter, age 33, 6212 Delilah Road, Egg Harbor Township NJ was arrested and charged with Possession of Cocaine, Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute, Possession of Heroin and Possession of Heroin with Intent to Distribute. The Honorable Ocean County Superior Court Judge Steven Nemeth JSC set bail at $60,000, no ten percent on Mr. Gunter. Mr. Gunter was subsequently housed in the Ocean County Jail.

Robert Gunter

Rachel Brolewicz, age 22, 6512 Reega Avenue, Egg Harbor Township NJ was arrested and charged with Possession of Cocaine, Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute, Possession of Heroin and Possession of Heroin with Intent to Distribute. The Honorable Ocean County Superior Court Judge Steven Nemeth JSC set bail at $35,000, no ten percent on Mr. Brolewicz. Mr. Brolewicz was subsequently housed in the Ocean County Jail.

Rachel Brolewicz

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.  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 announced today the culmination of an investigation into drug activity in the southern Ocean County area.

Detectives from the Prosecutor’s Special Operations Group, Southern Enforcement Unit conducted a cooperative investigation with the Ocean Township Police Department that resulted in the arrest of two Ocean County residents on various drug charges.

Detectives from the Prosecutor’s Special Operations Group, Southern Enforcement Unit with the assistance of the Ocean Township Police Department conducted a short term investigation into drug activity in the Ocean Township area. During the course of the investigation Detectives from the Prosecutor’s Southern Enforcement Unit and the Ocean Township Police Department identified a residence in Ocean Township, specifically 34 Dock Road, Ocean Township (Waretown) NJ as being utilized to store and distribute quantities of prescription pills. After a short term investigation, Detectives were able to obtain a search warrant for 34 Dock Road, Ocean Township NJ.

During the early afternoon hours of August 5, 2016 Detectives from the Prosecutor’s Special Operations Group, Southern Enforcement Unit along with members of the Ocean Township Police executed the search warrant at 34 Dock Road where they encountered 2 individuals who were subsequently arrested on various drug charges. As a result of the search warrant police seized quantities of prescription pills to include Oxycodone and Xanax prescription pills. Police also seized a quantity of marijuana.

The following individuals were arrested and charged:

Todd Faulch, age 43, 34 Dock Road, Ocean Township (Waretown) NJ was arrested and charged with 2 counts of Possession of CDS Xanax, 2 counts of Possession of CDS Xanax with Intent to Distribute, 2 counts of Distribution of CDS Xanax, 1 count of Possession of CDS Oxycodone, 1 count of Possession of CDS Oxycodone with intent to Distribute and 1 count of Distribution of CDS Oxycodone. The Honorable Municipal Court Judge Stacey Kerr JMC set bail at $75,000, no ten percent on Mr. Faulch. Mr. Faulch   was subsequently housed in the Ocean County Jail.

Todd Faulch

Desiree Rakoski, age 52, 34 Dock Road, Ocean Township (Waretown) NJ was arrested and charged with 2 counts of Possession of CDS Xanax, 2 counts of Possession of CDS Xanax with Intent to Distribute, 2 counts of Distribution of CDS Xanax, 1 count of Possession of CDS Oxycodone, 1 count of Possession of CDS Oxycodone with intent to Distribute and 1 count of Distribution of CDS Oxycodone. The Honorable Municipal Court Judge Stacey Kerr JMC set bail at $75,000, no ten percent on Ms. Rakoski. Ms. Rakoski   was subsequently housed in the Ocean County Jail.

Desiree Rakoski

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.  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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Toms River, NJ – Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato today announced the continuation of its’ summer DWI checkpoint program. The program’s design creates a force multiplier by regionalizing and supplementing local DWI enforcement. This Saturday evening CR 539 in Plumsted Township will be targeted for DWI checkpoint enforcement. In making his announcement, Prosecutor Coronato looks to remind drivers that an extra measure of caution and not operating under the influence can prevent tragedy.

While inattentive and aggressive drivers are always targets of law enforcements’ regular patrols, the purpose of these efforts is to detect, educate, deter, arrest, and vigorously prosecute impaired drivers. The program targets those under the influence of alcohol, but in response to Ocean County’s drug crisis also utilizes an addition of two Drug Recognition Experts at each check point to detect those under the influence of narcotics. The county also oversees a county wide call out system for DRE’s to respond and assist agencies in conducting evaluations of subjects suspected to be operating a motor vehicle under the influence of narcotics.

Each year impaired drivers are responsible for about a third of the deaths occurring on Ocean County roadways. Last year Ocean County had 38 fatalities on our roadways. Though our county has moved from second highest in the state for fatalities from a year ago, there is no cause for celebration. Even one fatality is too many.

The checkpoint program, which is funded in part by the Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety, will be conducted by local police agencies in conjunction with Detectives from the Prosecutor’s Office and Sheriff’s Department K-9 Unit focusing on both intoxicated and drug impaired drivers. The program is operated/coordinated by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Vehicular Homicide Unit under the direction of Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Michael Weatherstone.

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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Hamilton Twp., Mercer County, N.J. – Forty men including at least one from every county in New Jersey have been charged with possession of child pornography, New Jersey Attorney General Christopher Porrino announced today at the State Police Technology Center. The six-month investigation, called Operation Statewide, was a proactive effort coordinated by the New Jersey Regional Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. Of the 40 arrested, 37 have been charged with distribution of these images as well as possession. A number of seized computers each had more than 1,000 juvenile pornographic images and videos stored on them—one had more than 76,000 files.

The Operation Statewide law enforcement team, led by New Jersey State Police detectives, followed the digital fingerprint of known images of child porn as they were being sent and received over file sharing networks to specific computers. Internet addresses were traced to street addresses and detectives from partnering agencies knocked on the doors of many surprised defendants, one of whom was in the process of downloading child porn images.

“These offenders, by their actions, contribute in a very real and direct way to the cruel exploitation of innocent children, and that is why we remain tireless in our efforts to protect children by locking up these criminals,” said Attorney General Porrino. “The message that Operation Statewide delivers to these offenders is clear: It doesn’t matter where you live or whether you think you can hide your crimes by viewing these vile images in the dark seclusion of your home, we’re monitoring you on the Internet, and we will track you down and arrest you.”

“This type of operation is nothing new, yet people continue to ignore the arrests and seek this depraved material regardless of the impact to the children it victimizes, or to society at large,” said Colonel Rick Fuentes, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “It’s widely accepted that a percentage of those obtaining child porn will be involved at some point in the sexual assault of children, so these arrests may actually prevent the abuse of some future victims,” Fuentes added.

Three years ago, Governor Christie signed a bill that strengthened New Jersey’s child pornography laws, bringing them closer in line with federal laws. The new laws include enhanced penalties based upon the number of items of child pornography (images or videos) possessed or distributed. The new law requires a five-year mandatory minimum prison sentence without possibility of parole for defendants convicted of distributing 25 or more items of child pornography. The new law also creates a presumption of imprisonment for defendants convicted of possessing 100 or more items of child pornography, making state prison a near certainty even for some first time offenders charged in this investigation.

Twenty of those arrested have already been charged with possession of 100 or more items based on on-site forensic previews of computer media. Those defendants, should they be convicted, will be subject to that statutory presumption of imprisonment. Nine men were so far charged with distributing 25 or more images based on the same previews. They could be facing a mandatory minimum of five years without parole in state prison if convicted, and thorough forensic examinations of seized media could place more defendants in this category.

State troopers executed a search warrant and arrested John Defay, Jr., 47 of Pitman, Gloucester County, on July 13. A preview of his computer equipment uncovered the largest collection of child pornography found in Operation Statewide. Detectives found more than 76,000 files with a complete backup system, which doubled the files in his possession. A large number of these were video files. This speaks to the amount of this material available on the web. Defay was charged with distribution and possession commensurate with the amount of material he stored or transmitted.

Shawn Bovasso, 47 of Howell, Monmouth County, had over 5,000 files of child pornography at the time of his arrest by detectives on July 15^th. Troopers also found and seized two assault weapons from his residence. The assault weapons are being examined by firearms to determine if charges are appropriate.

Those arrested were from 20 to 72 years old. The defendants include a former teacher who taught in Delran, Bristol Twp., Pa., and Philadelphia; factory workers; an accountant; computer professionals; construction workers; salesmen; food service workers; and a custodian in the Long Branch School District. A large percentage are unemployed and two men are undocumented non-citizens.

In addition to the New Jersey State Police, the allied agencies participating in Operation Statewide include:

New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice, who contributed investigators in addition to tremendous legal work on the numerous search and arrest warrants. They are also prosecuting many of the cases.

United States Homeland Security Investigations, both the Newark and Cherry Hill field offices

County Prosecutors’ Offices and Municipalities

Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office

Bayonne Police Department

Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office

Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office

Camden County Prosecutor’s Office

Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office

Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office

Essex County Prosecutor’s Office

Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office

Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office

Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office

Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office

Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office

Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office

Morris County Prosecutor’s Office

Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office

Passaic County Sheriff’s Department

Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office

Salem County Prosecutor’s Office

Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office

Springfield Police Department

Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office

Union County Prosecutor’s Office

Warren County Prosecutor’s Office

The following is a list of those arrested in Operation Statewide. The investigating agency is listed in parenthesis next to each name. Charges are mere accusations and all persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

1. Thomas Colameco (NJSP)

• Age: 24
• Salem, Salem County, NJ
• Search Warrant/Arrest Date: 5/31/2016
• Charges:
  • Distribution of Child Pornography, N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(a)
  • Possession of Child Pornography, N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(b) 

2. Adam Farrington (NJSP)

• Age: 37
• Cinnaminson, Burlington County, NJ
• Search Warrant/Arrest Date: 6/7/2016
• Charges:
  • Distribution of Child Pornography, N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(a)(i); 2C:24-4b(5)(a)(iii)
  • Possession of Child Pornography, N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(b)

3. John Rudy (NJSP)

• Age: 54
• Flemington, Hunterdon County, NJ
• Search Warrant/Arrest Date: 6/9/2016
• Charges:
  • Distribution of Child Pornography, N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(a)
  • Possession of Child Pornography, N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(b)

4. Michael Adams (NJSP)

• Age: 43
• Newark, Essex County, NJ
• Search Warrant/Arrest Date: 7/6/2016
• Charges:
  • Distribution of Child Pornography, N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(a)
  • Possession of Child Pornography, N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(b)

5. Jeffrey Mace (NJSP)

• Age: 32
• Arlington, Bergen County, NJ
• Search Warrant/Arrest Date: 7/12/2016
• Charges:
  • Distribution of Child Pornography, N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(a)
  • Possession of Child Pornography, N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(b)

6. John Defay, Jr. (NJSP)

• Age: 47
• Pitman Borough, Gloucester County, NJ
• Search Warrant/Arrest Date: 7/13/2016
• Charges:
  • Distribution of Child Pornography, N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(a)(i); N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(a)(iii)
  • Possession of Child Pornography, N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(b)

7. Shawn Bovasso (NJSP)

• Age: 46
• Howell, Monmouth County, NJ
• Search Warrant/Arrest Date: 7/15/2016
• Charges:
  • Distribution of Child Pornography, N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(a)
  • Possession of Child Pornography, N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(b)

8. Fabian Maldonado-Espinosa (NJSP)

• Age: 31
• Lakewood, Ocean County, NJ
• Search Warrant/Arrest Date: 7/20/2016
• Charges:
  • Distribution of Child Pornography, N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(a)
  • Possession of Child Pornography, N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(b)

9. Anthony White (NJSP)

• Age: 30
• Lakewood, Ocean County, NJ
• Search Warrant/Arrest Date: 7/20/2016
• Charges:
  • Distribution of Child Pornography, N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(a)
  • Possession of Child Pornography, N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(b)

10. Armando Guerrero (NJSP)

• Age: 52
• Milltown, Middlesex County, NJ
• Search Warrant/Arrest Date: 7/21/2016
• Charges:
  • Distribution of Child Pornography, N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(a)
  • Possession of Child Pornography, N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(b)

11. Omar Reina (NJSP)

• Age: 41
• Newark, Essex County, NJ
• Search Warrant/Arrest Date: 7/22/2016
• Charges:
  • Distribution of Child Pornography, N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(a)
  • Possession of Child Pornography, N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(b)

12. Halil Sahin (Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office)

• Age: 39
• Somerville, Somerset County, NJ
• Search Warrant/Arrest Date: 7/12/2016
• Charges:
  • Distribution of Child Pornography, N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(a)
  • Possession of Child Pornography, N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(b)
• Lodged $100,000, cash only bail

13. Kevin Ward Jones (Essex County Prosecutor’s Office)

• Age: 29
• Irvington, Essex County, NJ
• Search Warrant/Arrest Date: 6/22/2016
• Charges:
  • Distribution of Child Pornography, N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(a)(iii)
  • Possession of Child Pornography, N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)

14. Esau Rios-Osorio (Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office)

• Age: 27
• Vineland, Cumberland County, NJ
• Search Warrant/Arrest Date: 2/24/2016
• Charges:
  • Distribution of Child Pornography, N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(a)
  • Possession of Child Pornography, N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(b)
• Lodged $100,000 cash only bail, still incarcerated.

15. John Yorke (Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office)

• Age 48
• Wantage, Sussex County, NJ
• Search Warrant/Arrest Date: 7/29/2016
• Charges:
  • Distribution of Child Pornography, N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(a)
  • Possession of Child Pornography, N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(b)

16. Alfredo Vincente (Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office)

• Age 60
• Edgewater, Bergen County, NJ
  • Search Warrant/Arrest Date: 7-14-2016 / 7-21-2016
• Charges:
  • Distribution of Child Pornography, N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(a)
  • Possession of Child Pornography, N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(b)

17. Hector Romero (Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office)

• Age 20
• Clifton, Passaic County, NJ
• Search Warrant/Arrest Date: 5/12/2016
• Charges:
  • Distribution of Child Pornography, N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(a)
  • Possession of Child Pornography, N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(b)

18. Jared Allen (Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office)

• Age 27
• Wayne, Passaic County, NJ
• Search Warrant/Arrest Date: 6/16/2016
• Charges:
  • Distribution of Child Pornography, N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(a)
  • Possession of Child Pornography, N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(b)

19. Michael Devlin (Union County Prosecutor’s Office)

• Age 62
• Cranford, Union County, NJ
• Search Warrant/Arrest Date: 7/12/2016
• Charges:
  • Possession of Child Pornography, N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(b)

20. Adolfo Reyes-Aguayo (Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office)

• Age 38
• Flemington, Hunterdon County, NJ
• Search Warrant/Arrest Date: 7/7/2016
• Charges:
  • Distribution of Child Pornography, N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(a)
  • Possession of Child Pornography, N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(b)
• Bail $100,000, no 10%. No contact with children upon release.

21. Abeer Jaffri (NJ DCJ)

• Age 24
• Morganville, Monmouth County, NJ
• Search Warrant/Arrest Date: 5/31/2016
• Charges:
  • Distribution of Child Pornography, N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(a)
  • Possession of Child Pornography, N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(b)

22. Enrique Estremadoyro Vergara (NJ DCJ)

• Age 34
• Harrison, Hudson County, NJ
• Search Warrant/Arrest Date: 6/3/2016
• Charges:
  • Distribution of Child Pornography, N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(a)
  • Possession of Child Pornography, N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(b)

23. Edward C. Friedman (Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office)

• Age 60
• Montague, Sussex County, NJ
• Search Warrant/Arrest Date: 6/3/2016
• Charges:
  • Distribution of Child Pornography, N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(a)
  • Possession of Child Pornography, N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(b)
  • Possession of Marijuana over fifty (50) grams, N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(3)
• Bail $75,000, no 10%

24. Michael J. Boda (NJSP)

• Age 24
• Phillipsburg, Warren County, NJ
• Search Warrant/Arrest Date: 3/21/2016
• Charges:
  • Distribution of Child Pornography, N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(a)
  • Possession of Child Pornography, N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(b)

25. Justin Piccola (Morris County Prosecutor’s Office)

• Age 21
• Randolph, Morris County, NJ
• Search Warrant/Arrest Date: 4/8/2016
• Charges:
  • Distribution of Child Pornography, N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(a)(iii)
  • Possession of Child Pornography, N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(b)

26. Devin McMenamy (Springfield Police Department – Union County)

• Age 30
• Springfield, Union County, NJ
• Search Warrant/Arrest Date: 7/26/2016
• Charges:
  • Possession of Child Pornography, N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(b)

27. Robert H. Magrann (Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office)

• Age 51
• Maple Shade, Burlington County, NJ
• Search Warrant/Arrest Date: 6/30/2016
• Charges:
  • Distribution of Child Pornography, N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(a)
  • Possession of Child Pornography, N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(b)

28. Nicholas Puppo (Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office)

• Age 40
• Bordentown City, Burlington County, NJ
• Search Warrant/Arrest Date: 6/8/2016
• Charges:
  • Distribution of Child Pornography, N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(a)
  • Possession of Child Pornography, N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(b)

29. Robert Cohen (Camden County Prosecutor’s Office)

• Age 20
• Magnolia, Camden County, NJ
• Search Warrant/Arrest Date: 5/20/2016
• Charges:
  • Distribution of Child Pornography, N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(a)
  • Possession of Child Pornography, N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(b)

30. Roy Donald (Camden County Prosecutor’s Office)

• Age 58
• Pennsauken, Camden County, NJ
• Search Warrant/Arrest Date: 6/3/2016
• Charges:
  • Distribution of Child Pornography, N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(a)
  • Possession of Child Pornography, N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(b)

31. Michael Kushner (Camden County Prosecutor’s Office)

• Age 42
• Cherry Hill, Camden County, NJ
• Search Warrant/Arrest Date: 6/9/2016
• Charges:
  • Distribution of Child Pornography, N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(a)
  • Possession of Child Pornography, N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(b)

32. Christopher Campi (Camden County Prosecutor’s Office)

• Age 48
• Gloucester City, Camden County, NJ
• Search Warrant/Arrest Date: 7/6/2016
• Charges:
  • Distribution of Child Pornography, N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(a)
  • Possession of Child Pornography, N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(b)

33. Alfred Suez (Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office)

• Age 72
• North Wildwood, Cape May County, NJ
• Search Warrant/Arrest Date: 4/22/2016
• Charges:
  • Possession of Child Pornography, N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(b)

34. Lawrence J. Venturino, Jr. (Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office)

• Age 27
• Villas, Cape May County, NJ
• Search Warrant/Arrest Date: 5/13/2016
• Charges:
  • Distribution of Child Pornography, N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(a)
  • Possession of Child Pornography, N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(b)
• Bail set at $100,000

35. Antonio DeLapa (Bayonne Police Department)

• Age 68
• Bayonne, Hudson County, NJ
• Search Warrant/Arrest Date: 7/18/2016
• Charges:
  • Distribution of Child Pornography, N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(a)
  • Possession of Child Pornography, N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(b)

36. Moises Garcia (Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office)

• Age 21
• Carteret, Middlesex County, NJ
• Search Warrant/Arrest Date: 7/14/2016
• Charges:
  • Distribution of Child Pornography, N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(a)
  • Possession of Child Pornography, N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(b)

37. Gregg Bilarczyk (Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office)

• Age 58
• Mays Landing, Atlantic County, NJ
• Search Warrant/Arrest Date: 6/2/2016
• Charges:
  • Distribution of Child Pornography, N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(a)
  • Possession of Child Pornography, N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(b)

38. Randy G. Hull (Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office)

• Age 43
• South Toms River, Ocean County, NJ
• Search Warrant/Arrest Date: 8/10/2016
• Charges:
  • Distribution of Child Pornography, N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(a)
  • Possession of Child Pornography, N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(b)
• Bail $75,000 no 10% with no contact with children.

39. Brandon Adelhock (Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office)

• Age 30
• Toms River, Ocean County, NJ
• Search Warrant/Arrest Date: 8/9/2016
• Charges:
  • Distribution of Child Pornography, N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(a)
  • Possession of Child Pornography, N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(b)
• Bail $20,000 no 10%.

40. Bruce Davis (NJSP)

• Age: 55
• Whiting, Ocean County, NJ (formerly of Ewing, Mercer County. Davis was charged for occurrences in both counties)
• Search Warrant/Arrest Date: 8/15/2016
• Charges:
  • Distribution of Child Pornography, N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(a)
  • Possession of Child Pornography, N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)(b)

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Since the June 17^th start of the CR528 Police Partnership Safety Initiative, the partnering police agencies have stopped a total of 311 vehicles during their coordinated saturation patrols, accounting for 211 summons issued and six (6) arrests.

Most disturbing was that seatbelt summons topped the charts at 73. It can’t be stressed enough the importance of wearing seatbelts for the safety of all vehicle occupants. Most important is the fact that a good majority of motorists are choosing to drive responsibly as highlighted by the fact only 8 speeding summons were issued during the detail ending on June 30^th . OCPO and the partnering agencies pray that trend continues making for a safer roadway.

The coordinated enforcement element has concluded, but policing agencies along CR528 will continue to make traffic safety patrols a priority. Now that the partnership logistics and plans have been worked out, the coordinated enforcement element can be quickly reinstituted in the event of increased reports of accidents or dangerous driving behaviors. We continue to ask the motoring public to police themselves by simply driving responsibly.

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Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato today announced the arrest of Carlos Diaz Rojas, 54, of Point Pleasant Beach on the charge of 3rd Degree Possession of Child Pornography. The arrest comes on the heels of “Operation Statewide” which accounted for the arrest of 40 subjects across New Jersey alleged to be Possessing Child Pornography. The Ocean County Prosecutor’s High Tech Crime Unit (HTCU), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Point Pleasant Beach Police Department continue the success of that operation by conducting a continuous proactive “Cyber Child Pornography Drag Net”.

The arrest is the result of a search warrant executed by the partnering agencies this morning at 501 Philadelphia Ave in Point Pleasant Beach. The search resulted in the seizure of computers and hard drives located in the residence. Detectives located hundreds of videos/images of prepubescent children engaged in sexual acts. As a result of the evidence located, Assistant Prosecutor Kristin Pressman approved the Possession of Child Pornography charge. Judge Wendel Daniel’s, J.S.C. set bail at $100,000 cash only. Rojas will also be the subject of an Immigration Detainer as he is illegally residing in the US.

The media and the public are reminded that criminal charges are merely accusations and that these defendants are 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 and Brick Township Police Chief James Riccio today announced the arrest of Dr. Alfred B. Parchment, 53, of Toms River for the charge of Harassment (Offensive Touching) via 2C:33-4B.

The arrest on Tuesday (8/30) stems from an investigation by Ocean County Prosecutors Special Victims Unit Det. Alex Bromley and Brick Township Police Department Det. Dan Waleski alleging Dr. Alfred B. Parchment inappropriately touched a female patient following the conclusion of her medical examination at Brick Women’s Physicians, Obstetrics and Gynecology.

The offense being a Disorderly Persons Offense, Parchment was released on a summons to appear in Brick Municipal Court on a future date. The New Jersey State Board of Medical Examiners was notified of the charge.

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.

The post BRICK OBGYN DOCTOR CHARGED WITH HARASSMENT (OFFENSIVE TOUCHING) appeared first on Ocean County Prosecutor Office.

On 08/31/2016 at 7:54 am the Ship Bottom Police Department responded to the area of the 3rd Avenue Beach in Ship Bottom for a reported pedestrian struck. Ship Bottom Police arrived and observed Megan Fabieniak, 38, of Toronto Canada with injuries to her arm and leg. The responding Officers learned that a Ship Bottom Public Works Ford F Series truck operated by Brian Archer, 42, was making morning trash pickups on the beach and struck Megan Fabieniak, who was laying in the sand. Megan Fabieniak was transported to Atlantic City Medical Center where she is listed in stable condition with minor injuries to an arm and leg.

Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Accident Investigation Detectives and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department CSI Unit were requested to respond and assist with the investigation. The subsequent additional investigation found preliminarily that Megan Fabieniak was reading on the beach when after being struck by the front wheel of the vehicle, the truck then stopped on top of Megan Fabieniak. She was removed from under the vehicle and treated on scene.

The driver, Brian Archer, of the vehicle was transported to Southern Ocean County Hospital where he consented to submit blood samples for chemical testing and agreed to provide a taped statement.

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This video is of two individuals taking a #DonaldTrump #campaign sign from the lawn of a Bayville Bowsprit Drive home on Monday at 9 pm. There have been reports of a number of signs unlawfully taken from homes in this neighborhood. If anyone can identify those in the video or provide any information regarding these thefts please contact your local police department or OCPO at 732 929-2027. All tips will be kept completely anonymous.

A person’s property and freedoms are not to be violated by others.

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Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato today announced the arrest of Vincent Spataro, 63, of Berkeley Township on the charge of Possession/Distribution of Child Pornography. The Ocean County Prosecutor’s High Tech Crime Unit (HTCU), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and Berkeley Township Police Department teamed up in this latest proactive operation to stop child exploitation.

The arrest is the result of a referral from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children through the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. A search warrant was executed by the partnering agencies this morning at 89 Carlisle Rd in the Silver Ridge Park West neighborhood, Berkeley Township, NJ. The search resulted in the seizure of computers and hard drives located in the residence. Detectives located videos/images of prepubescent children engaged in sexual acts.

As a result of the evidence located, OCPO Assistant Prosecutor Kristin Pressman approved charges of 1 count of 2nd Degree Distribution of Child Pornography and 1 count of 3rd Degree Possession of Child Pornography. Bail was set at $50,000 no 10% by the Honorable Judge Wendel Daniels, JSC.

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

Vincent Spataro

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 announced today the culmination of a two month cooperative multi-jurisdictional investigation into drug activity in the Ocean County area.

Detectives from the Prosecutor’s Special Operations Group, Northern/Southern Enforcement Units and The Prosecutor’s Economic Crimes Unit joined forces with the Lakewood Police Street Crimes Unit, the Lakewood Police SWAT Team, the Jackson Township Police Department and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department to conduct an investigation that resulted in the arrest of five Ocean County residents on various drug and weapons charges.

This cooperative multi-jurisdictional investigation identified a residence in Jackson Township, specifically 1202 Arcadia Court as well as a residence in Lakewood specifically 523 Davina Court as being utilized to store and distribute quantities of heroin. Detectives also identified three vehicles a 2014 Gold Chevrolet Impala, a 2009 black Nissan Maxima and a 2015 red Honda Civic as being utilized by this CDS distribution network to store and distribute quantities of CDS. As a result of the investigation, detectives obtained no knock search warrants for 1202 Arcadia Court in Jackson and 523 Davina Court in Lakewood. As a result of this investigation police seized approximately 6,250 individual dosage units of heroin, over $90,000 in cash, a MAC 10 Sub Machine Gun along with quantities of cocaine, prescription pills, marijuana and illegal steroids.

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 investigation is just another excellent example of what can be achieved by law enforcement when local and county police agencies join forces to combat the distribution of narcotics in Ocean County.”

During the early evening hours of September 1, 2016 Detectives from the Prosecutor’s Special Operations Group, members of the Lakewood and Jackson Township Police Departments along with members of the Ocean County Sherriff’s Department located the 2009 black Maxima being operated by Michael Lewis age 31 of 1202 Arcadia Court, Jackson NJ in the area Chestnut Street and Route 9 in Lakewood. Detectives attempted to conduct a motor vehicle stop on the black Maxima. Mr. Lewis attempted to elude the detective’s but he stopped after a short distance. Mr. Lewis was subsequently placed under arrest. Detectives subsequently conducted a search of the 2009 black Maxima and recovered approximately 1,800 individual dosage units of heroin along with a quantity of cocaine. Mr. Lewis was subsequently transported to the Lakewood Police Department.

In coordination with the motor vehicle stop of Mr. Lewis, Detectives from the Prosecutor’s Special Operations Group along with members of the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department and the Jackson Township Police Department executed the no knock search warrant at 1202 Arcadia Court, Jackson NJ. Just prior to executing the search warrant at 1202 Arcadia Court, a Ms. Megan Crudup was observed leaving the residence and was stopped by investigators. A search of 1202 Arcadia Court resulted in the seizure of quantities of illegal steroids, prescription pills, and marijuana along with approximately $20,000 in cash. Megan Crudup age 24 of 1202 Arcadia Court, Jackson was subsequently placed under arrest and transported to the Jackson Township Police Department.

While Detectives were executing the search warrant at 1202 Arcadia Court, Detectives observed the 2015 red Honda Civic leaving the area of 523 Davina Court in Lakewood. The Honda was occupied at the time by three individuals identified as Sherod Coleman age 32 of 523 Davina Court, Lakewood, Diane Hunt age 53 and Sabrina Henderson age 34 both of Brick Township. Detectives along with members of the Lakewood Township Police Department conducted a motor vehicle stop on the red Honda Civic. A subsequent search of the red Honda resulted in the seizure of approximately4, 450 individual dosage units of heroin and a Mac 10 sub machine gun. Police also seized a loaded high capacity magazine for the MAC 10 from the Honda Civic. All three occupants of the red Honda were placed under arrest and transported to the Lakewood Township Police Department. Shortly thereafter, members of the Lakewood Police SWAT Team executed the no knock search warrant at 523 Davina Court. As a result of the search warrant at 523 Davina Court, police seized approximately $2,400 in cash.

While conducting this investigation, Detectives identified a safety deposit box which was being utilized by Mr. Lewis to store proceeds from his illicit drug distribution activities. On Friday September 2, 2016 investigating Detectives executed a search warrant on the safety deposit box utilized by Mr. Lewis. As a result approximately $70,000 in cash was seized from the box.

The 2014 Chevrolet Impala, the 2009 black Nissan Maxima and the red 2015 Honda Civic were all seized pending forfeiture proceedings.

The following individual was arrested and charged:

•          Michael A. Lewis, age 31, 1202 Arcadia Court, Jackson NJ was arrested and charged with Possession of Heroin, Possession of Heroin over one half ounce with the Intent to Distribute, Possession of Cocaine and Eluding a Police Officer. The Honorable Superior Court Judge James M. Blaney JSC set bail at $125,000, no ten percent on Mr. Lewis. Mr. Lewis   was subsequently housed in the Ocean County Jail.

•          Sherod A. Coleman, age 32, 523 Davina Court, Lakewood NJ was arrested and charged with Possession of Heroin, Possession of Heroin over one half ounce with the Intent to Distribute, Possession of a Firearm during a CDS Offense, Possession of a High Capacity Magazine and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon. The Honorable Superior Court Judge James M. Blaney JSC set bail at $200,000, cash only on Mr. Coleman. Mr. Coleman   was subsequently housed in the Ocean County Jail.

•          Diane E. Hunt, age 53, 90 Kentwood Boulevard, Brick Township NJ was arrested and charged with Possession of Heroin, Possession of Heroin over one half ounce with the Intent to Distribute, Possession of a Firearm during a CDS Offense, Possession of a High Capacity Magazine and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon. The Honorable Superior Court Judge James M. Blaney JSC set bail at $50,000, no ten percent on Ms. Hunt. Ms. Hunt   was subsequently housed in the Ocean County Jail.

•          Sabrina H. Henderson, age 34, 998 Tammy Court, Brick Township NJ was arrested and charged with Possession of Heroin, Possession of Heroin over one half ounce with the Intent to Distribute, Possession of a Firearm during a CDS Offense, Possession of a High Capacity Magazine and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon. The Honorable Superior Court Judge James M. Blaney JSC set bail at $50,000, no ten percent on Ms. Henderson. Ms. Henderson was subsequently housed in the Ocean County Jail.

•          Megan L. Crudup, age 24, 1202 Arcadia Court, Jackson NJ was arrested and charged with Possession of Marijuana. Ms. Crudup was released on a summons. (NO PHOTO AVAILABLE FOR MEGAN L. CRUDUP)

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. 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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2015 record attendance expected to be exceeded

This year’s Hope Shed’s Light Recovery Walk to raise awareness of New Jersey’s “Heroin Crisis” and educate those fighting addiction to avenues of recovery is set to draw record numbers. The media is invited to cover, help and share in Hope Shed’s Light ground roots community effort to reverse the tragic impact of the Opiate Epidemic.

Who:  Experts in Addiction, Treatment and Recovery, Family of those who have lost the battle with addiction, those successfully recovering from addiction, various vendors       associated with addiction/recovery services, OCPO members assigned to pro-actively address community policing partnerships.

Where: Hiering Ave. and the Boardwalk in Seaside Heights.

When:  September 10, 2016 from 8:30 am to Noon.

Media are welcome to speak with event founder Ron Rosetto (who tragically lost his son to addiction), his partnering foundation members, and anyone in attendance (all extremely willing to put a face on this epidemic that has claimed so many lives).

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.

The post HOPE SHEDS LIGHT HOLDS ANNUAL EVENT AT GROUND ZERO FOR NJ OPIATE EPIDEMIC appeared first on Ocean County Prosecutor Office.