This years annual 911 Remembrance outside 119 Hopper Ave, Toms River, marked the 15 year anniversary of the September 11th attacks in 2001.

Among the nearly 3,000 people who died in the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon were more than 400 emergency personnel; 343 firefighters, 60 police officers and eight paramedics died when the Twin Towers collapsed that morning.

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A therapeutic garden at Vetwork has been spearheaded by a Participant in the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Veterans Diversion Program. The Veterans Diversion Program encourages volunteer efforts for participants as part of the recovery process from post-traumatic stress connected to their service. Anthony Crincoli, a veteran who has been in the program for over a year, has worked with Vetwork, Ocean Mental Health Services, Lacey Township and members of the community to make the garden a reality.

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Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato and NJ Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NJSPCA) President Steve Shatkin today announced the arrest of Nicholas Piccolino, 33, of Seaside Heights, in connection with the beating death of 10 year-old female Bichon Frise dog named “Booshu”.

The arrest stems from an animal abuse incident reported on August 19, 2016, at approximately 9:55 pm, to the Seaside Heights Police. Booshu’s owner alleged that Piccolino, who was alone with the dog in her kitchen, caused the dog’s death. An investigation by NJSPCA Det. Sergeant Larry Donato, with assistance from the Seaside Heights Police Department, determined that during Piccolino’s time alone with Booshu, a resident of the house upstairs heard several loud banging sounds and a dog yelping in the kitchen below. Shortly after, Piccolino notified the dog’s owner that something was wrong with her dog. Booshu’s owner found the dog dead on the floor of the bathroom. Piccolino claimed that Booshu “dirtied” herself in her crate and that while he was cleaning her up, he dropped her.

Booshu was transported to Red Bank Animal Hospital where she was pronounced dead upon arrival. A subsequent necropsy performed on Booshu by Dr. Shannon Swist of the NJ Animal Health Diagnostic Lab found that Booshu suffered multiple blunt force injuries to her head and body which contributed to her death.

Yesterday, September 13, having received the necropsy report and having completed witness interviews, Det. Donato presented his findings to Ocean County Assistant Prosecutor Heidi Tannenbaum-Newman who approved Third Degree charges pursuant to NJSA Title 4:22-17c(1) and 4:22-17 c (3)(a) of Torment, torture, unnecessarily or cruelly beat a living animal resulting in their death. Bail was set at $35,000 and he was remanded to the Ocean County Jail in default of 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.

Nicholas Piccolino

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On Wednesday, September 14, 2016, an Ocean County Jury seated before the Honorable James M. Blaney, J.S.C., in Toms River, found defendant Michael D. Gibson guilty of first degree robbery and third degree possession of an imitation firearm. First degree robbery is punishable by up to 20 years in New Jersey state prison and carries a mandatory period of parole ineligibility of 85% of the sentence imposed. Third degree possession of an imitation firearm is punishable by up to 5 years incarceration.

The charges stem from October 6, 2015, when the defendant entered the TD Bank vestibule, at 2292 Hooper Avenue in Brick at 5:12 p.m., while displaying a firearm. The inner doors to the bank were locked. Gibson brandished the firearm and banged on the glass door with the gun, but he was unable make entry into the bank. Bank employees and customers were still inside the bank at the time of the robbery. They hid behind the teller desk until defendant left and then contacted police.

Gibson then fled on foot and was observed leaving the scene in a blue Toyota. A concerned citizen observed Gibson inside the vestibule and followed the defendant as he fled the parking lot and ultimately followed him in the vehicle to Beaverson Blvd. Brick Township Police Officers John Ziobro, Brian Farnkopf and Brick Detective Waleski conducted a motor vehicle stop at which time the defendant was arrested and a black air soft handgun was recovered from inside his vehicle.

Detective Thomas Cooney then conducted an interview during which the defendant admitted to brandishing the handgun in the vestibule.

At trial, two TD Bank employees, a concerned citizen, Patrolman Ziobro, Patrolman Farnkopf, Detective Waleski and Detective Cooney testified. Defendant claimed renunciation, claiming that he had abandoned his purpose to rob the bank. His defense was rejected by the jury when it returned verdicts of guilty of armed robbery and possession of an imitation firearm.

The defendant, who was incarcerated pending trial, is being held in the Ocean County Jail without bail pending sentencing. He is scheduled to be sentenced in November.

The State’s case was presented by Assistant Prosecutor Ashley Tito, who was assisted by Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Patrick Sheehan.

Detective Michael Lepore from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office assisted in the investigation and preparation of the case for trial.

Michael D. Gibson

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An explosive device discharged within a garbage pail (Pictured below) at approximately 9:35 am. There are no reported injuries or damage to surrounding structures. The Ocean County Prosecutors Office Arson Unit is on scene and will be assisted by FBI, ATF and NJ State Police Bomb Squad.

At this time the area is on lock down while bomb dogs search for additional devices. There is a report of at least one other device which the NJSP will make safe. Please avoid the area.

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On 09-19-2016, Berkeley Township Police Det. Joseph Santoro and Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, Special Victim’s Unit Det. Stephanie Bayha arrested and charged Yordy R. Santanacastillo, 28, of Forked River, NJ, with 2 counts of Fourth Degree Child Abuse.

The investigation initiated on September 9th, 2016, by the partnering Detectives, with assistance from Ocean County Sheriff’s Department CSI, found the defendant was allegedly observed at approximately 4:40 pm by witnesses leaving his two children (ages 1 and 3) unattended in his car for approximately 19 minutes. The car was parked in the Retro Fitness parking lot on Route 9 in Berkeley with the ignition to the vehicle off while SANTANACASTILLO inquired about a gym membership. The outdoor air temperature at the time exceeded 90 degrees. A temperature as high as 97 degrees was recorded on the day of the incident.

The case was reviewed by Senior Assistant Prosecutor Christine Lento who approved the above charges. The defendant is released on a summons pending his appearance in Superior Court.

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

Photo courtesy National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

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Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato today announced the arrest of Richard Woodard, 63, part owner Willwood Builders of Clearwater, Florida. Woodard was located and arrested on Friar Tuck Lane in Dunedin, Florida last Wednesday (9/21/16) at approximately 2 pm by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Department at the request of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Economic Crimes Unit

Richard Woodard and his company are alleged to have taken in excess of $75,000 from a total of seven (7) known victims. The thefts came in the form of clients’ savings, insurance money and state Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, Elevation and Mitigation (RREM) grants that were paid without Willwood Builders ever finishing the contracted work.

OCPO’s Economic Crimes Unit charged Woodard with Theft by Failure to Make Required Disposition on behalf of the seven known victims. Bail was set at $150,000, no 10% option. Proceedings have begun to extradite Woodard to Ocean County to answer the charges. Anthony Sodano III, of West Orange was previously identified as the attorney representing Woodard.

Anyone who may have experienced issues with Richard Woodard’s Willwood Builders Construction Company can contact OCPO Economic Crimes Unit Detective Lindsay Llauget at 732-929-2027 Ext. 3462.

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

Photo courtesy NJ MVC

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Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato today announced Andrew L. Mayer, 29, of Toms River, who was indicted on June 30, 2015, for the death of his dog (Rolo), yesterday (9/26) entered a guilty plea before Judge James M. Blaney, J.S.C. to one count of 3rd Degree Animal Cruelty. Ocean County Assistant Prosecutor Heidi Tannenbaum-Newman is seeking 364 days in Ocean Jail as a condition of probation, restitution for first responders, and a waiver of owning companion animals. The tentative sentence date is set for December 9th before Judge Blaney.

The case stems from Mayer’s acts on March 1, 2015, when he allegedly purposely, knowingly or recklessly failed to provide necessary care for and protection of his dog from harm by driving his pickup truck onto the frozen Toms River and as a result the vehicle cracked through the ice and his dog died.

Mayer then failed to notify authorities of this incident when he got safely to shore, resulting in a huge rescue operation that took place for hours involving the United States Coast Guard’s Aviation Unit, The New Jersey State Police Aviation Unit, NJ State Police/local marine units, multiple local police departments, fire companies and First Aid squads from Toms River, Beachwood, Pine Beach and Island Heights.

This case was a joint investigation by the NJ State Police, NJ SPCA, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, as well as the Toms River, Pine Beach, Beachwood and Island Heights Police Departments.

Toms River Search & Recovery Operations

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Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato and Lacey Township Police Chief Michael DiBella announced today the culmination of a short term 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 Lacey Township Police Department that resulted in the arrest of an Ocean County resident on numerous drug and weapons charges.

Detectives from the Prosecutor’s Special Operations Group, Southern Enforcement Unit along with Detective’s and Patrol Officers from the Lacey Township Police Department conducted a short term investigation into drug activity in the Lacey Township area. During the course of the investigation Detectives from the Prosecutor’s Southern Enforcement Unit and the Lacey Township Police Department identified a Toms River woman, Karen Thompson age 52 of Toms River who was allegedly transporting heroin and other drugs into the Lacey Township area.

During the early afternoon hours of September 26, 2016 Detectives from the Prosecutor’s Special Operations Group, Southern Enforcement Unit along with members of the Lacey Township Police Department’s Detective Bureau located Ms. Thompson in the area of Route 9 near the Shop Rite Plaza. After a brief surveillance Detectives approached Ms. Thompson. A subsequent search of a back pack that was in the possession of Ms. Thompson resulted in the seizure of quantities of CDS to include over 100 individual dosage units of Heroin, Cocaine, over 100 pills to include Suboxone, Oxycodone and Xanax. Ms. Thompson was also found to be in possession of a loaded .22 caliber handgun. Ms. Thompson was arrested and transported to the Lacey Township Police Department.

The following individual was arrested and charged:

Karen Thompson, age 52, 78 Castleton Drive, Toms River NJ was arrested and charged with Possession of Heroin, Possession of Heroin with Intent to Distribute, Possession of Suboxone, Possession of Suboxone with Intent to Distribute, Possession of Cocaine, Possession of Oxycodone, Possession of Xanax, Possession of a Firearm during the commission of a CDS offense and Certain Persons not to Possess a Firearm. The Honorable Superior Court Judge Patricia B. Roe JSC set bail at $200,000, no ten percent on Ms. Thompson. Ms. Thompson   was subsequently housed in the Ocean County Jail.

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

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Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato announced today that the Grand Jury returned an indictment on 9/27/16 against Jesus E. Roman, 25, and Carlos Lagunes, 24, for Murder, Felony Murder, Burglary in the second degree and Robbery in the first degree.   The grand jury also returned an indictment against Evelyn Rodriguez, 47, for second degree Hindering Apprehension.

The indictments stem from the death of Miguel Rivera, 45, of Lakewood, New Jersey. The joint investigation by the OCPO Major Crimes Unit and Lakewood Township Police overcame defendant Jesus Roman’s mother’s attempts to hinder the investigation and developed evidence implicating the two Sussex County men in the homicide of Mr. Rivera.

Miguel Rivera’s body was found at his Laguna Lane home on Christmas Eve by Lakewood Police Officers who responded to his residence as part of a well-being check. Police had received a call from Rivera’s family reporting that they had not heard from him for several days. When officers entered the home at around 8 pm on December 24th, they found Rivera’s body lying face down in the doorway area of his bedroom. He appeared to have suffered trauma to his head.

On 1/4/2016, Carlos Lagunes was located and arrested at a Sussex Pizzeria by Troopers from the New Jersey State Police, Sussex Barracks acting on an arrest warrant obtained by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Major Crimes Unit. A short time later, Jesus Roman was arrested at his residence, located at 3B Church Street, Sussex, N.J., by OCPO Major Crimes Det. John Murphy and Lakewood PD Ptl. Chase Messer.

Jesus Roman and Carlos Lagunes were both charged with one (1) count of Murder and one (1) count of Burglary in the death of Miguel Rivera. The Honorable Wendel Daniels, set bail at the time for both Roman and Lagunes at $1,000,000 cash only. Both remain incarcerated since the time of their arrest.

Also during the course of the investigation, Jesus Roman’s mother, Evelyn Rodriguez, 46, was taken into custody on December 29th, 2015 at the New Jersey State Police Barracks in Sussex (Augusta), NJ and charged with one count of Hindering. Her bail was set at $250,000, with a 10% option.

OCPO Senior Assistant Prosecutor Christine Lento is the prosecuting attorney. The lead investigators in the case are OCPO Major Crimes Unit Det. Ray Gardner and Lakewood Police Ptl. Mike Mooney. The Ocean County Sheriff’s Department CSI processed the crime scene and provided evidence collection and preservation throughout the murder investigation.

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 an Ocean County Grand Jury handed up an indictment on Wednesday (9-28) against Patrick A Trushell II, age 38 of Toms River on charges of 2nd Degree Theft by Deception, 3rd Degree Theft, 3rd Degree Impersonation/ID Theft, and 3rd Degree Credit Card Theft.

These charges are related to an investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Economic Crimes Unit of theft by deception involving Patrick Trushell II and three energy brokerage companies, The Legacy Energy Group, LLC, Keytex Energy, LLC and Connexture Energy, LLC, located in three different states that conduct business in the State of NJ. It is alleged that all three companies hired Trushell as a salesman on the premise that he was not employed by a competitor and would work exclusively for them as specified in his employment agreements. He received salaries from each of these employers who were unaware of others. He also started an energy brokerage company of his own during the time he was otherwise employed. The employers allowed him to work from home in Ocean County. Patrick Trushell II produced almost no business for these employers and utilized proprietary sales lead and customer information for his own benefit or for competitors of these employers. The salary paid by these employers is alleged to have been obtained by deception as each of the employers would not have hired him had they been aware of the true state of affairs.

Patrick Trushell II was also indicted for engaging in ID theft and credit card theft involving a business associate located in Delaware. It is alleged that this relationship resulted in Patrick Trushell obtaining two American Express credit cards representing himself as Barrett Kidner, utilizing Kidner’s personal identifying information and charging over $23,000 in unauthorized transactions in multiple towns throughout New Jersey along with charges made in over a half a dozen other states.

Additionally, as a result of a joint investigation with the NJ Division of State Taxation, Patrick and Jenna Trushell, 30, (his wife) were indicted for failure to file state income taxes for 2013 and 2015, filing of a fraudulent state income tax return for 2014 and failure to pay their state income tax for three years (2013, 2014, 2015) totaling over $13,000 due to the State of New Jersey.

Should anyone have further information regarding these individuals, please contact Sgt. Mark Malinowski at the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office. 732 929-2027 x4032.

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

Photo courtesy NJ MVC

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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REPORTS OF SOUTH TOMS RIVER CLOWN ATTACK FALSE

CRY WOLF JUVENILE CHARGED

In the first case, Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato and South Toms River Police Chief Andrew Izatt today announced a 14 year old South Toms River Female was charged with Creating a False Public Alarm. The juvenile told her mother that she was chased by a person armed with a knife and dressed as a clown this morning while walking to the school bus stop.

The investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s High Tech Crime Unit (HTCU) and the South Toms River Police Department began this morning when they learned of the posting by concerned area residents. The partnering agencies immediately began efforts to substantiate the alarming Facebook post of the alleged attack and to apprehend the reported clown attacker. South Toms River Police quickly increased patrols in response to the report, while the OCPO HTCU worked to locate the origin of the post in order to collect additional information. Within a few hours, the investigation would ultimately lead to the South Toms River juvenile, who recanted her story.

The juvenile has been remanded to the custody of her parents to answer the charges in Juvenile Court. It should be noted that under New Jersey’s current law, the parents will be required to make restitution for the police services expended while responding to the False Public Alarm. That amount will be determined at a future date.

JUVENILE ARRESTED FOR KILLER CLOWN HOAX

In the second case, on the evening of October 4^th, the Toms River Police Department was made aware of a posting on Instagram regarding an unspecified threat to Intermediate School East. The post from “Killerclownfromnj” stated “Some people wanted Toms River Intermediate East Middle School; I will be there at 8:37 sharp on Thursday, October 6th 2016!!”

Through the overnight hours Toms River Police Detectives coordinated with The Ocean County Prosecutors Office High Tech Crime Unit to evaluate the social media postings and if there was any credible threat. Superintendent of Toms River Schools, David Healy, was made aware of the situation and coordinated with the police department to provide extra security measures at all schools within the township. At no time was there any credible threat to students and this incident appears to be an ill-conceived hoax.

The investigation identified the perpetrator as a 12 year old female who attends school within the township. In addition to disciplinary action levied by the school she was charged with one third degree criminal count of 2C33-3(2); causing false public alarm. The investigation was conducted by Toms River Police Detective Jon Turner and members of the Ocean County Prosecutors Office High Tech Unit.

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

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On October 5, 2016 at 7:34 a.m., the Holmdel Police Department received a 911 call reporting a male hanging from a Comcast truck in the parking lot located at 22 South Holmdel Road.

Holmdel Police responded to find a male, later identified as Tyree Johnson, 32, of Jackson Township, hanging from the bucket of the Comcast Truck. Holmdel Police subsequently responded to 2506 Lexington Court in Jackson, which was identified as Johnson’s possible residence, to make the death notification to the decedent’s family.

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Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato announced that yesterday (10/11), Robert Clayton, 36, of Pittsburgh, PA, pled guilty before Judge Rochelle Gizinski, J.S.C., to the most serious charge of Aggravated Sexual Assault, a first degree offense.  Clayton is facing 20 years with a 15 year period of parole ineligibility pursuant to the plea agreement.  The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant Prosecutor Christine Lento.

Clayton was arrested on 5/5/16, in a great cooperative effort by OCPO, the Toms River and Lakewood Police Departments.   OCPO Special Victims Unit Det. Stephanie Bayha and Toms River Police Department Det. Jennifer Grob, were lead investigators into the alleged victimization of an 11 year old female.  The partnering detectives, with assistance from OCPO Major Crime Det. John Murphy, Lakewood PD Det. Lynn Miller and OCPO High Tech Crimes Unit Det. John Dotto, alleges that after the victim met the defendant via social media, Clayton drove to the victim’s residence on Saturday (5/1/16), picked her up and took her to an Ocean County hotel.

On 5/3/16, the investigation led to information that the victim was sexually assaulted by Clayton while at the hotel.  The victim was unable to identify the hotel, but was able to provide details about the defendant’s appearance, the vehicle he was driving and information about his social media accounts.  A canvas of local hotels by Det. Thomas Tiernan of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit, led to the identity of the hotel where the alleged assault took place.  Sgt. David Deleeuw and Det. Matthew Scutti of the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department CSI Unit responded and processed the crime scene.

In addition, it was learned that Clayton had pawned various items, including a cellular telephone.  OCPO Sgt. Michael Cecchini was contacted and assisted with the recovery of said items.  Further, Lt. Steven Allaire of the Lakewood Police Department obtained information which identified the defendant’s vehicle.  On 5/5/16, at approximately 12 pm, off duty Sgt. Steven Austin of the Toms River Police Department located the defendant’s vehicle at the Wawa located on Rt. 9 in Toms River.  He immediately contacted patrol units and Clayton was detained for transport to Toms River Police Department as part of the continuing investigation.  The defendant’s vehicle was seized to be processed at a later date.  It was at this time Clayton was charged with Aggravated Sexual Assault, Sexual Assault, Luring, and Endangering the Welfare of a Child.

Ocean County Superior Court Judge Melanie Donohue Appleby set bail at $375,000 no 10% at the time of his arrest and ordered the defendant to have no contact with the victim as per a Nicole’s Law.  He has remained incarcerated since the time of his arrest.

ROBERT DAVID CLAYTON

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This morning (10/13) just after 1:30 am, the Barnegat Police Department received multiple reports of an explosion in the area of Village Drive, Barnegat.  Arriving Officers found a cloud of smoke emanating from the remnants of a rubber trash can located curbside between 81 Village drive and 82 Windward Drive with a debris field contained within 10 yards of the area of origin.  The explosion caused no injuries, damage to surrounding homes or vehicles.

At this time the explosive material is unknown.  The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Det. Brant Uricks, Barnegat PD Det. MaryAnn Cirulli, the NJ State Police Bomb Unit, ATF, and Ocean County Sheriff’s CSI are continuing the investigation.  Neighbors will be interviewed and the debris analyzed to determine the cause of the explosion.

Barnegat Explosion Location

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Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato announced the Grand Jury returned an indictment yesterday (10/12) against Darneil Lee Reeves, 32, of Lakewood  on one count of 1^st degree Murder, one count of 3^rd degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose (knife) and 4^th degree Unlawful Possession of a Weapon.  Reeves faces a maximum sentence of 30 years to life and a minimum mandatory penalty of 30 years in prison without the possibility of parole upon conviction of the murder charge.  He remains incarcerated in the Ocean County Jail in default of bail set by the Honorable Wendel E. Daniels, P.J.Cr.P. at one (1) million dollars with no ten percent option.

The indictment stems from the homicide that occurred in Lakewood in which Hassan Parker, 33, of Lakewood was the victim.  Parker was pronounced dead during the early morning hours of Tuesday, June 23, 2015.  He was transported to Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus after the vehicle he was driving crashed into a utility pole on the corner of John Street and River Avenue in Lakewood at approximately 11:20 p.m.   Parker was the only occupant of the vehicle. While treating Parker, it was discovered that he had suffered a stab wound to his chest. The Ocean County Medical Examiner ruled that Parker died as a result of the stab wound.

Subsequent investigation revealed that Darneil Reeves allegedly inflicted the stab wound just minutes before Parker crashed his car into the utility pole. The wound was inflicted while Parker was seated in his vehicle in the parking lot of the Martin Luther King, Jr. apartment complex in Lakewood.  The distance between the parking lot and the crash scene is less than a mile. Investigators believe that Parker was trying to drive himself to the hospital at the time of the crash.

The Ocean County Major Crimes Unit and the Lakewood Police Department, with assistance from the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department CSI conducted the investigation.  The case is being prosecuted by Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Michelle Armstrong and Assistant Prosecutor Kristin Pressman.

Darneil Lee Reeves

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The State Troopers Coalition celebrated its 2016 Annual Awards Dinner on Wednesday, October 12, 2016 at the Venetian located in Garfield, New Jersey.  The State Troopers Coalition is an official coalition of the National Police Defense Foundation, a congressionally recognized non-profit organization.  The group’s activity benefits “Operation Kids” which is a multi-faceted child safety program that also provides life-saving operations for critically ill children.

At the prestigious event Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato joined this year’s other distinguished honorees that were recognized for outstanding public service and related accomplishments that support law enforcement.  This year’s honorees are: Tony Lo Bianco (Man of the Year), Honorable Joseph D. Coronato (Prosecutor of the Year), Capt. Donna Roman (Woman of the Year), Heather Mac Donald (Excellence in Media Award), and Dorian Wilson (Distinguished Member Award).

Earlier this year, Prosecutor Coronato was recognized as Prosecutor of the Year by the New Jersey Narcotic Enforcement Officers Association.

Prosecutor Coronato proudly displays his award

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

At approximately 6:44 pm on October 16^th , Toms River Police received a 911 call reporting that a suspicious male armed with a gun was seen in the area of Sand Creek Lane in Toms River.  An additional 911 call was placed to the Toms River Police Department reporting that there were three suspicious males, one armed with a gun in the area of Sand Creek Lane. Members of the Toms River Police Department responded to the area of Sand Creek Lane and Christian Court. Upon their arrival the officers encountered a white male subject walking in the area of Sand Creek Lane and Christian Court.  Preliminary investigation has revealed that upon encountering the officers, the subject had his right hand hidden behind his back and began walking towards the officers. The officers gave repeated loud commands to the subject, ordering him to show them his hands and to put his hands in the air. The subject ignored the officer’s repeated commands. The subject quickly removed his right hand from behind his back and pointed a black object at the officers. The two initial responding officers fired a total of nine rounds striking the subject twice. The officers immediately rendered first aid to the subject who was subsequently transported to an area hospital where he is listed in critical but stable condition. He is expected to survive.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the subject made a 911 call to the Toms River Police so they would respond and that the black object that he was hiding behind his back and pointed at the officers was found to be a black television remote control. The investigation revealed that subject was currently staying at an area Toms River motel. Preliminary investigation revealed that the subject removed the black television remote from his room at the area motel and ultimately utilized the remote control to feign the presence of a deadly weapon, during his confrontation with the officers.

As per the mandates and guidelines of the New Jersey State Attorney General’s Office regarding police involved shootings, this investigation is being led by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, with assistance from the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department CSI Unit, and with the full cooperation of the Toms River Police Department.

The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office will not be releasing the names of the officers or the subject who was injured during this incident at this time. As the investigation progresses additional information will be released in the form of a press release.

Anyone who has any information is asked to contact Detective Raymond Gardner or Detective Lindsay Woodfield of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office at (732) 929-2027.  There is no further information that can be provided at this time.

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 Toms River Police – Officer Involved Shooting appeared first on Ocean County Prosecutor Office.

On Saturday, October 22, 2016 a marathon will be taking place which will necessitate the closure of County Route 539 for a portion of the day.  County Road 539 between Route 70 and County Road 528 will be closed to traffic from approximately 830 am to 1:00 pm. Please take this into consideration and allow ample time to get to your destination.  The following traffic detours will be in effect during this period: 

From South:  Detour at Route 70:  Route 70 east to Left onto CR 547 (S. Hope Chapel Road) to Left onto CR 528.

From North:  Detour at CR 528:  Left onto CR 528 to Right onto CR 547 (S. Hope Chapel Road) to Right onto Route 70 West.

The post ROAD CLOSURE SATURDAY OCTOBER 22, 2016 appeared first on Ocean County Prosecutor Office.

Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato, announced today the culmination of a multi-agency cooperative investigation into drug activity impacting the southern Ocean County area.

Detectives from the Prosecutor’s Special Operations Group, Southern Enforcement Unit conducted a cooperative multi agency investigation with the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office Guns, Gangs and Narcotics Task Force (GGNTF) along with members of the Galloway Township Police Department and the Stafford Township Police Department resulting in the arrest of an Atlantic County man on various drug charges.

Detectives from the Prosecutor’s Special Operations Group, Southern Enforcement Unit along with members of the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office GGNTF, the Stafford Township Police Department and the Galloway Township Police Department conducted an investigation into drug activity impacting both Ocean and Atlantic counties. During the course of the investigation Detectives identified Andy Nelson age 51 of Galloway Township as distributing quantities of heroin and cocaine in both Ocean and Atlantic County. The investigation also identified a 2011 Chevrolet Suburban as being utilized by Mr. Nelson to store and distribute quantities of both heroin and cocaine.

Detectives were able to obtain a no knock search warrant for the residence of Mr. Andy Nelson, specifically 431 South Tulip Avenue, Galloway Township NJ. Detectives also obtained a search warrant for the 2011 Chevrolet Suburban. During the early morning hours of October 15, 2016 Detectives from the Prosecutor’s Southern Enforcement Unit, the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office GGNTF, the Galloway Township Police Department, the Stafford Township Police Department and the Atlantic County Regional SWAT Team executed the no knock search warrant at the subject residence as well as a search warrant on the 2011 Chevrolet Suburban.

As a result of the search warrants, police seized approximately 150 bags of heroin, a quantity of cocaine over one half ounce, approximately 100 assorted prescription pills, assorted drug paraphernalia including packaging materials and approximately $3800 in cash. As a result of the investigation Mr. Nelson was arrested and transported to the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office. The 2011 Chevrolet Suburban was also seized pending forfeiture proceedings.

The following individual was arrested and charged:

Andy Nelson, age 51, 431 South Tulip Avenue, Galloway 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. Additional charges are also pending against Mr. Nelson. Mr. Nelson was subsequently released pending a future court date. There are no photos available.

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

The post OCPO’S SPECIAL OPERATIONS GROUP JOINS FORCES WITH ATLANTIC COUNTY LAW ENFORCEMENT appeared first on Ocean County Prosecutor Office.