Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato announced today the return of an indictment against Walter C. Uzsenski, the former superintendent of Brick public schools; Andrew J. Morgan, the former Interim Director of Special Services for Brick public schools; Jacqueline Halsey, Walter Uszenski’s daughter and the mother of J.H., and Lorraine Morgan, the wife of Andrew J. Morgan, and former Academic Officer for Brick public schools.

Prosecutor Coronato stated, “It is the intention of my office to pursue this case.  This case represents a serious breach of the public trust.  We have carefully reviewed the Court’s decision, which resulted in the dismissal of a prior indictment.  We are mindful of our legal responsibilities and obligations.  The matter has been presented to another grand jury, which after evaluation of the evidence presented, returned this new indictment.”

The indictment charges Walter Uszenski, Andrew Morgan and Jacqueline Halsey with Official Misconduct, a second degree crime, for engaging in a course of conduct that resulted in the creation and implementation of a fraudulent purported Individualized Education Program for Mrs. Halsey’s then pre-school aged child, the provision of illegal and improper in-home counseling services for the child at public expense and transportation expenses beyond that to which the child was entitled.  These defendants are also charged with theft by deception.

Lorraine Morgan is charged with Official Misconduct, a third degree crime, in connection with the approval of payment to a school district employee for providing in-home counseling services to the superintendent’s grandson, in her official capacity as the district’s Academic Officer.

The indictment charges Walter Uszenski with Official Misconduct, a crime of the second degree, for failing, as superintendent, to properly investigate Andrew J. Morgan’s prior employment history before recommending Andrew Morgan to the Brick Board of Education for employment as the Interim Manager of Special Education.

The indictment charges Andrew Morgan with two separate counts of False Swearing: one, for denying he had been previously convicted of an offense involving the possession or sale of a controlled dangerous substance and two, for certifying on his “Brick Township Public Schools Online Application” that he had never been arrested, charged or convicted of a criminal offense; and that he had never failed to be rehired, or never had been asked to resign a position, or had never resigned to avoid termination, or never had been terminated from previous employment.  False swearing is a fourth degree crime.

Walter Uszenski and Andrew Morgan are charged with Theft by Deception, a crime of the third degree, between the dates of June 18, 2013 and December 31, 2013, for creating the false impression that Andrew Morgan had truthfully set forth his employment and criminal histories on his employment application and was qualified to be appointed to the position of Interim Manager and/or Director of Special Services.

Walter Uszenski and Andrew Morgan are charged with Official Misconduct, a crime of the second degree, for falsely stating that Andrew Morgan, who at the time was an employee of the Brick school district, was not the subject of a criminal arrest, charge or conviction, knowing that Andrew Morgan’s employment with the district was subject to termination for such a misrepresentation.

Walter Uszenski is charged with Official Misconduct, a second degree crime, for failing to conduct any investigation into whether Andrew Morgan had misrepresented his prior criminal history and whether Andrew Morgan’s employment with the district was subject to termination before Andrew Morgan resigned his position.

Walter Uszenski is charged with engaging in a pattern of Official Misconduct as superintendent of the Brick public school district.  The allegations are that Walter Uszenski committed the following five (5) acts of Official Misconduct:

1. Walter Uszenski failed to properly investigate the prior employment history of Andrew Morgan and did represent Andrew Morgan to be qualified for appointment to the position of Interim Manager and then Interim Director of Special Services, resulting in Andrew Morgan’s appointment by the Brick Board of Education to that position;
2. Walter Uszenski, knowing that Andrew Morgan’s employment with the Board of Education was subject to termination, did falsely assert that Andrew Morgan was not the subject of a criminal arrest, charge or conviction;
3. Walter Uszenski did illegally and fraudulently effectuate and approve a purported Individualized Education Program for his grandson which allowed his grandson to attend a private day care facility at public expense and to receive transportation benefits greater than those to which the child was entitled;
4. Walter Uszenski, knowingly failed to initiate the necessary and appropriate investigation into whether Andrew Morgan had misrepresented his prior criminal and employment history, and whether Andrew Morgan was subject to termination, but rather did knowingly allow Andrew Morgan to resign his position without initiating or conducting any investigation;
5. Walter Uszenski, did participate in a fraudulent scheme to provide his grandson with in-home counseling services at Brick school district expense.

Andrew Morgan is also charged with engaging in a Pattern of Official Misconduct.  The indictment alleges that Andrew Morgan engaged in the following acts of Official Misconduct:

1. Andrew Morgan did illegally and fraudulently orchestrate, engineer, and effectuate a purported Individualized Education Program for Walter Uszenski’s grandson, which improperly and unlawfully allowed the child to attend a private day care at public expense from July of 2013 through June of 2014 and to receive transportation expenses greater than those to which the child was entitled;
2. Andrew Morgan, knowing that his employment with the Board of Education was subject to termination, did falsely assert that he was not the subject of a criminal arrest, charge and/or conviction;
3. Andrew Morgan, knowingly did effectuate and participate in a fraudulent scheme to provide Walter Uszenski’s grandson with in-home counseling services at the expense of the Brick school district.

The media and the public are reminded that criminal charges are merely accusations. Each person charged with a crime is presumed innocent until such person’s guilt is proven beyond a reasonable doubt 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 announced today the results of an investigation by Detectives from the Prosecutor’s Office Arson Task Force and the Manchester Township Police Department into the April 7, 2017 structure fire at 3 Kingfisher Way, Manchester, New Jersey.   That investigation has led to the June 21, 2017, arrest of Dianna Lynn Wills, 66, of Martin Drive in Whiting, NJ.  Wills is charged with 2nd degree Aggravated Arson and 2nd degree Manslaughter for the structure fire. It should be noted the investigation continues and the stated charges may be amended or expanded.  Wills is lodged in the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.

Wills’ arrest stems from Friday, April 7, 2017, when at approximately 9:35 P.M., a structure fire was reported at 3 Kingfisher Way, Manchester Township.  The Manchester Fire and Police Departments responded to the location.  Initial responding officers reported they observed the structure fully involved in fire with flames protruding from the roof.  The homeowner was able to safely exit the structure and summon assistance.  Unfortunately, the homeowner’s five dogs were trapped inside the residence and perished in the fire.  The fire ultimately consumed the majority of the structure, resulting in the Manchester Township Building Inspector deeming the dwelling uninhabitable.  The residence next to the structure fire, 160 Mockingbird Way, sustained heat damage and the homeowner, Steve Kundin, had to be transported from the fire scene to Community Medical Center for smoke inhalation.

An investigation into the origin, cause and circumstances surrounding the fire at 3 Kingfisher Way was completed.  The fire origin was determined to be near the North side of the residence entrance stairs. The cause of the fire was incendiary – an open flame was introduced to available combustibles.  Further investigation revealed Dianna Wills was at the front door of 3 Kingfisher Way prior to the homeowner discovering the fire and subsequently responsible for initiating the blaze.

On May 31, 2017, Steve Kundin died while hospitalized because of the 3 Kingfisher Way fire.  On June 4, 2017, the Designated Medical Examiner from the Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office completed a post mortem examination of Mr. Kundin.  The Designated Medical Examiner determined Mr. Kundin’s death resulted from the smoke inhalation he suffered on April 7, 2017 and the death was ruled a homicide.

In addition to the Prosecutor’s Office Arson Task Force and the Manchester Police Department, the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department Crime Scene Investigation Unit and the Ocean County Fire Marshall’s Office assisted with the investigation.  The case is being prosecuted by OCPO Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Bridget Coughlin.

The media and public are reminded that criminal charges are merely accusations and 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 and State Comptroller Philip James Degnan announced today the first of multiple ongoing arrests within Lakewood, New Jersey by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office for defrauding Medicaid and government assistance programs.  The investigations initiated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Red Bank Office and the  New Jersey Office of the State Comptroller – Medicaid Fraud Division, were expanded to include the US Social Security Administration, New Jersey Department of the Treasury – Office of Criminal Investigation, and the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office – Economic Crimes Unit.  Today’s initial arrests include charges of collecting $1.3 million in illegal benefits.

Prosecutor Coronato stated, “Financial assistance programs are designed to alleviate family hardships for those truly in need.  My office gave clear guidance and notice to the Lakewood community in 2015 of what is considered financial abuse of these programs.  Those who choose to ignore those warnings by seeking to illegally profit on the backs of taxpayers will pay the punitive price of their actions.”

OCPO detectives/prosecutors, along with its collaborating agencies, began the first phase of the operation by arresting two married couples.  Mordechai, 37, and Jocheved, 35, Breskin of Blue Jay Way in Lakewood, were arrested and charged with 2nd Degree Theft by Deception for wrongfully collecting approximately $585,662 in Medicaid, SNAP, HUD and SSI benefits between January 2009 thru December 2014.    Zalmen, 39, and Tzipporah, 35, Sorotzkin of Olive Court collecting approximately $338,642 in Medicaid, SNAP, HUD and SSI benefits between January 2009 and April 2014.  A Detention Hearing is scheduled for 1:30 pm today at Ocean County Superior Court.

The nature of the criminal events investigated and basic charges allege that the defendants misrepresented their income, declaring amounts that were low enough to receive the program’s benefits, when in fact their income was too high to qualify.  The investigations revealed that the defendants’ received income from numerous sources that they failed to disclose on required program applications.  As a result, they received benefits that they were not entitled to under these programs for themselves or family members.

“This operation highlights the success of federal, state and county cooperation in New Jersey’s effort to combat Medicaid and other government benefits fraud,” State Comptroller Degnan said. “My office will continue to ensure that only individuals and families truly in need of benefits receive them, and that those who choose to steal from New Jersey taxpayers are referred for prosecution.”

The Ocean County Prosecutors Office is prosecuting the above arrested individuals at the state level.  The Federal Bureau of Investigations arrested four additional individuals as a part of its’ role in the comprehensive review of financial assistance programs.  Information regarding the FBI facilitated arrests continues below:

Rachel Sorotzkin, 32, and Mordechai Sorotzkin, 35, are charged by complaint with one count of conspiring to steal government funds. Yocheved Nussbaum, 40, and Shimon Nussbaum, 42, also of Lakewood, are charged in a separate complaint with one count of conspiring to steal government funds. The Sorotzkins and the Nussbaums, all of Lakewood, are expected to make their appearances this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Douglas E. Arpert in Trenton federal court.

According to the complaints:

From 2011 through 2014, Rachel and Mordechai Sorotzkin applied for and received Medicaid health insurance benefits for themselves and their children. After being approved for Medicaid benefits in August of 2011, the Sorotzkins received significant windfalls – including a lump sum payment of $1 million from Rachel Sorotzkin’s business in April of 2013 – which they failed to report to Medicaid officials. Despite earning in excess of $1 million in each of the 2012 and 2013 calendar years, the Sorotzkins continued to use their Medicaid cards, ultimately defrauding the government of approximately $96,000 in taxpayer-funded medical care.

In a separate scheme, Yocheved and Shimon Nussbaum applied for and received public benefits for themselves and their children from 2011 through 2014, despite their significant income. In the years prior to and during the conspiracy, the Nussbaums created a variety of companies that were nominally run by relatives but were actually controlled by the Nussbaums.

They opened various bank accounts in the names of these companies and used funds from these accounts to cover personal expenses.

In applying for Medicaid, Section 8 housing, and SNAP food benefits, the Nussbaums grossly underreporting their true income by failing to include the income from these business accounts. Despite annual income of up to as high as approximately $1.8 million in 2013, the Nussbaums continued to receive taxpayer-funded health, housing and food benefits through August of 2014, ultimately defrauding the government of approximately $178,000.

The conspiracy counts each carry a maximum potential penalty of up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense.

Acting U.S. Attorney Fitzpatrick in his press release credited special agents with the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Timothy Gallagher in Newark; the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato; the New Jersey Office of the State Comptroller, under the direction of State Comptroller Philip James Degnan; the New Jersey Department of the Treasury – Office of Criminal Investigation; under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Charles Giblin; Social Security Administration – Office of the Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge John Grasso;  and criminal investigators of the U.S. Attorney’s Office with the investigation leading to today’s arrests.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Molly S. Lorber of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Trenton.

The investigation by all the participating agencies is continuing and additional arrests are forthcoming.  OCPO and our prosecuting partners may add additional relevant charges (ie. Tax charges) as each case proceeds through the legal process.  Anyone with any information is asked to contact Sergeant Mark Malinowski of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office at (732) 929-2027.

The media and the public are reminded that criminal charges are only allegations and that each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.  See Photos below courtesy the Ocean County Jail:

BRESKIN, MORTECHAI DOVID

BRESKIN, JOCHEVED ALIZA

SOROTZKIN, ZALMEN

SOROTZKIN, TZIPPORAH

The media and public are reminded that criminal charges are merely accusations and 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.  Please send all press inquiries to Al Della Fave 732-288-7616 (OFFICE) 732-814-7347 (CELL) and adellafave@co.ocean.nj.us.

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Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato and State Comptroller Philip James Degnan announced today additional ongoing arrests within Lakewood, New Jersey by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office for defrauding Medicaid and government assistance programs.  The investigations initiated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Red Bank Office and the  New Jersey Office of the State Comptroller – Medicaid Fraud Division, were expanded to include the US Social Security Administration, New Jersey Department of the Treasury – Office of Criminal Investigation, and the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office – Economic Crimes Unit.  The arrests made just before midnight (6/27), include charges of individuals collecting illegal benefits in the six-figure range.

OCPO detectives/prosecutors, along with its collaborating agencies, continued Monday’s operation by arresting the following three married couples.  Hearings are scheduled for 1:30 pm today (6/28) at Ocean County Superior Court.

• Yitzchock, 33, and Sora, 39, Kanarek of Brisk Lane – charged with 2^nd Degree Theft by Deception for wrongfully collecting approximately $339,002.56 in Medicaid, SNAP, HUD, and SSI benefits between January 2009 and July 2014.
• Chaim, 40, and Liatt, 39, Ehrman of Twin Oaks Drive – charged with 2^nd Degree Theft by Deception for wrongfully collecting approximately $185,692.22 in Medicaid, SNAP, HEAP, and Sandy benefits between January 2011 and December 2015
• William, 45, and Faigy, 40, Friedman of Leigh Drive – charged with 2^nd Degree Theft by Deception for wrongfully collecting approximately $149,842.28 in Medicaid, SNAP, HEAP, and HUDbenefits between January 2011 and December 2015.

The nature of the criminal events investigated and basic charges allege that the defendants misrepresented their income, declaring amounts that were low enough to receive the program’s benefits, when in fact their income was too high to qualify.  The investigations revealed that the defendants’ received income from numerous sources that they failed to disclose on required program applications.  As a result, they received benefits that they were not entitled to under these programs for themselves or family members.  The Ocean County Prosecutors Office is prosecuting the above arrested individuals at the state level.

The investigation by all the participating agencies is continuing and additional arrests are forthcoming.  OCPO and our prosecuting partners may add additional relevant charges (ie. Tax charges) as each case proceeds through the legal process.  Anyone with any information is asked to contact Sergeant Mark Malinowski of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office at (732) 929-2027.

The media and the public are reminded that criminal charges are only allegations and that each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.  See Photos below courtesy the Ocean County Jail:

The media and public are reminded that criminal charges are merely accusations and 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.  Please send all press inquiries to Al Della Fave 732-288-7616 (OFFICE) 732-814-7347 (CELL) and adellafave@co.ocean.nj.us.

Download Press Release & Photo’s Here.

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Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato announced the arrest yesterday (6/28) of Gerald J. Moors, 20, of Beachwood on the charge of 3^rd Degree Possession 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 Beachwood 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 indicating someone within Ocean County had downloaded images of prepubescent children engaged in sexual acts.  HTCU detectives initiated an investigation, which led to a search warrant being executed by the partnering agencies at 134 Beachwood Blvd in Beachwood, NJ.

As a result of the evidence located, OCPO Assistant Prosecutor Kristin Pressman approved charges of 1 count of 3nd Degree Possession of Child Pornography.  Moors was taken into custody and lodged in the Ocean County Jail pending a first appearance heading.

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

GERALD JOSEPH MOORS

The media and public are reminded that criminal charges are merely accusations and 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.  Please send all press inquiries to Al Della Fave 732-288-7616 (OFFICE) 732-814-7347 (CELL) and adellafave@co.ocean.nj.us.

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Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato today announced the arrest yesterday (6/29) of Francis E. Scullion, 58, of Somerdale, NJ, for the charge of third (3^rd) degree Theft.

The arrest stems from the 2-5-15 indictment of Scullion.  The indictment alleges Scullion was contracted to make renovations to a Bayville home within Berkeley Township after Superstorm Sandy.  He allegedly took in excess of $15,000 from the homeowner from June 2012 to July 2012 and never completed the contracted work.  The indictment alleges he instead used the monies for his daily living expenses.

The case was investigated by Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Det. James Conroy.  Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Martin Anton will be handling the prosecution for the state.

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

FRANCIS EDWARD SCULLION

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 JULY 2, 2017 AT 10:52 PM, A PEDESTRIAN WAS STRUCK AND SERIOUSLY INJURED AT THE CORNER OF CEDAR BRIDGE AVE. AND HURLEY AVE (RT.528), IN LAKEWOOD, NJ. THE ACTOR VEHICLE FLED THE SCENE HEADING EAST BOUND ON CEDAR BRIDGE AVE. (RT.528)

SURVEILLANCE FOOTAGE DOWNLOAD HERE WAS OBTAINED WITH THE HELP OF THE OCEAN COUNTY PROSECUTOR’S HIGH TECH CRIME UNIT FROM A NEAR BY GAS STATION REVEALING THE ACTOR TO BE A POSSIBLE BLACK MALE DRIVING A BLUE IN COLOR 2002-2006 FORD EXPLORER (MATCHING THE ABOVE-CAPTIONED PHOTOGRAPH).  NO DEBRIS WAS LEFT ON THE SCENE AS THE PEDESTRIAN WAS RUN OVER.  ANY INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT DETECTIVE MIKE PROTO OF THE OCEAN COUNTY PROSECUTOR’S OFFICE AT 732-232-7240 OR OFFICER DAVE SILBERSTEIN OF THE LAKEWOOD POLICE DEPT. AT 732-363-0200 X5387

The media and public are reminded that criminal charges are merely accusations and 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.  Please send all press inquiries to Al Della Fave 732-288-7616 (OFFICE) 732-814-7347 (CELL) and adellafave@co.ocean.nj.us.

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Toms River, NJ – With the start of the busy summer travel season, Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato today announced a special DWI/Traffic checkpoint detail this coming weekend along Route 35 in Point Pleasant Beach.  The program’s design creates a force multiplier by regionalizing and supplementing local DWI enforcement.  In making his announcement, Prosecutor Coronato reminded drivers that an extra measure of caution and not operating under the influence could prevent tragedy.

Prosecutor Coronato stated, “The tremendous added volume of summer shore vehicle and pedestrian traffic calls for increased vigilance by law enforcement, and that will be the focus over this coming weekend.  We ask that drivers do their part by driving responsibly and making smart choices behind the wheel every day of the year.”

Inattentive and aggressive drivers are always targets of law enforcements’ regular patrols, the purpose of this effort is to detect, educate, deter, arrest, and vigorously prosecute impaired drivers, while also making Ocean County roads safer for the added pedestrian traffic.  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 countywide 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.

The yearly Ocean County fatal totals show some drivers are not getting the message.  Last year Ocean County had 45 fatalities on our roadways.  To date there have already been 26 roadway fatalities in our county.

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.

The media and public are reminded that criminal charges are merely accusations and 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.  Please send all press inquiries to Al Della Fave 732-288-7616 (OFFICE) 732-814-7347 (CELL) and adellafave@co.ocean.nj.us.

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Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato and State Comptroller Philip James Degnan announced today additional individuals charged within Lakewood, New Jersey by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office for defrauding Medicaid and government assistance programs.  The investigations initiated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Red Bank Office and the  New Jersey Office of the State Comptroller – Medicaid Fraud Division, were expanded to include the US Social Security Administration, New Jersey Department of the Treasury – Office of Criminal Investigation, and the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office – Economic Crimes Unit.

 OCPO detectives/prosecutors, along with its collaborating agencies served complaint summons for 3^rd Degree Theft by Deception on the following individuals:

• Eliezer, 33, and Elkie, 31, Sorotzkin of Isabella Drive for allegedly wrongfully collected approximately $74,960 in Medicaid benefits between January 2011 and December 2013.
• Samuel, 45, and Esther, 44, Serhofer of Whispering Pines Lane for allegedly wrongfully collecting approximately $72,685 in Medicaid benefits between January 2009 and December 2013.
• Yisroel, 37, and Rachel, 34, Merkin of Hermosa Drive for allegedly wrongfully collecting approximately $70,557.51 in Medicaid, SNAP, and HEAP benefits between January 2011 and December 2014.
• Jerome Menchel, 33, and Mottel Friedman, 30, of Pressburg Lane for allegedly wrongfully collecting $63,839 in Medicaid and SNAP benefits between January 2011 and July 2014.
• Tzvi, 35, and Estee, 34, Braun of Ridge Avenue for allegedly wrongfully collecting $62,746.74 in Medicaid, HEAP, and CICRF benefits between January 2009 and December 2013.
• Moshe, 30, and Nechama, 27, Hirschmann of Emmanuel Drive for allegedly wrongfully collecting $53,418.39 in Medicaid and SNAP benefits between January 2011 and December 2015.

The nature of the criminal events investigated and basic charges allege that the defendants misrepresented their income, declaring amounts that were low enough to receive the program’s benefits, when in fact their income was too high to qualify.  The investigations revealed that the defendants received income from numerous sources that they failed to disclose on required program applications.  As a result, they received benefits that they were not entitled to under these programs for themselves or family members.  The Ocean County Prosecutors Office is prosecuting the above arrested individuals at the state level.

The investigation by all the participating agencies is continuing.  OCPO and our prosecuting partners may add additional relevant charges (ie. Tax charges) as each case proceeds through the legal process.  Anyone with any information is asked to contact Sergeant Mark Malinowski of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office at (732) 929-2027.  The media and the public are reminded that criminal charges are only allegations and that each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

The media and public are reminded that criminal charges are merely accusations and 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.  Please send all press inquiries to Al Della Fave 732-288-7616 (OFFICE) 732-814-7347 (CELL) and adellafave@co.ocean.nj.us.

The post LAW ENFORCEMENT CONTINUE LAKEWOOD MEDICAID/GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE FRAUD CHARGES appeared first on Ocean County Prosecutor Office.

This morning (7/6), the Ocean County Prosecutor’s High Tech Crime Unit (HTCU), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and Toms River Police Department arrested Mark Camlin, 60, on Citta Street in Toms River.  Camlin was charged with one (1) count of 2nd Degree Distribution of Child Pornography and one (1) count of 3rd Degree Possession of Child Pornography by OCPO detectives.  Toms River Police charged Camlin with one (1) count of 3rd degree Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana and one (1) count of 4th Degree Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

The investigation was initiated by members of the OCPO High Tech Crime Unit, who over several months allegedly received images of child pornography from the defendant’s residence on Citta Street.  Today the partnering agencies executed a search warrant at the residence.  As a result of the search warrant, a forensic preview of the computers in the residence found several hundred images and videos of prepubescent children engaged in illicit sexual acts.  Detectives also found a marijuana grow of several plants, and paraphernalia within the residence.

Assistant Prosecutor Kristin Pressman and Assistant Prosecutor Michelle Armstrong approved charges.  Camlin presently remains at Toms River PD completing processing before being turned over to the Ocean County Jail.

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

Mark Camlin

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 three month cooperative multi-jurisdictional investigation, continuing Ocean County Law Enforcement’s relentless pursuit of illegal narcotics being imported into the county.

In this latest operation, detectives from the Prosecutor’s Special Operations Group, Southern Enforcement Unit joined forces with the Barnegat Township Police Department and the Stafford Township Police Department Drug Enforcement Units to conduct an investigation into the distribution of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and firearms in the southern Ocean County area.

The investigation by the partnering agencies identified the following three Ocean County individuals and their residences allegedly being utilized to store and distribute quantities of CDS and firearms:

• Jason Groome, 43, of 3 Capstan Street, Barnegat, NJ

• Anthony Brandt, 53, of 8 Longboat Avenue, Barnegat NJ

• Daniel Wunder, 61, of 660 North Green Street, Little Egg Harbor, NJ.

Detectives also identified a 2008 Chrysler 200 and a 2010 Dodge Ram pick-up truck as being utilized by Jason Groome to store and distribute quantities of CDS and firearms.  The investigative findings would ultimately lead to detectives obtaining no knock search warrants for all three of the aforementioned residences and vehicles.

On Monday July 10, 2017 at approximately 4:40 pm, Prosecutor’s Detectives along with members of the Barnegat Township Police and the Ocean County Regional SWAT Team executed a motor vehicle stop on the 2010 Dodge Ram which was being operated by Jason Groome.  The motor vehicle stop took place within the Gunning River Mall located on West Bay Avenue in Barnegat and resulted in the arrest of Groome on various drug and weapon charges.  The seizure of approximately 2 ounces of Cocaine and a defaced 9mm handgun were from Groome as a part of the stop and overall investigation.

Simultaneously with the arrest of Groome, members of the Prosecutor’s Special Operations Group, the Barnegat Police Drug Enforcement Unit, the Stafford Police Drug Enforcement Unit along with members of the Little Egg Harbor Police Narcotics Unit, the Ocean County Sherriff’s Department K-9 Unit and the Ocean County Regional SWAT Team executed the no-knock search warrants on the three listed residences.  The investigation and execution of the listed search warrants resulted in police seizing Cocaine less than ½ ounce, Marijuana, drug paraphernalia and a Mossberg 12 Gauge pump style shotgun from the Longboat Avenue residence and approximately four hundred (400) Oxycodone pills and a .22 caliber rifle seized from the N. Green Street residence.

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 commended the efforts of all the law enforcement agencies that participated in this investigation stating, “This investigation is a prime example of what can be achieved by law enforcement when local and county police agencies join forces to combat the distribution of narcotics and firearms in Ocean County.”

The media and public are reminded that criminal charges are merely accusations and that these defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.  Below find defendant photos, arrest and criminal charges information:

Jason Groome (Photo courtesy the Ocean County Jail) – charged with Possession of Heroin, Possession of Heroin with the Intent to Distribute, Distribution of Heroin, Possession of Cocaine, Possession of Cocaine over one half ounce with the Intent to Distribute, Distribution of Cocaine over One Half Ounce, Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute, Distribution of Methamphetamine, Possession of a Firearm (9mm Handgun), and Possession of a Firearm (9mm Handgun) during a CDS Offense. Mr. Groome was subsequently housed in the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.

Anthony Brandt (Photo courtesy NJMVC) – charged with Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Cocaine, Possession of Suboxone and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.  Mr. Brandt was released on a summons pending a future court date.

Daniel Wunder (Photo courtesy NJMVC) – charged with Possession of CDS (Oxycodone), Possession of CDS (Oxycodone) with the Intent to Distribute and Possession of MDMA (Ecstasy).  Mr. Wunder was released on a summons pending a future court date.

The media and public are reminded that criminal charges are merely accusations and 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.  Please send all press inquiries to Al Della Fave 732-288-7616 (OFFICE) 732-814-7347 (CELL) and adellafave@co.ocean.nj.us.

The post ARRESTS IN ILLEGAL DRUGS AND WEAPONS DEALING IN SOUTHERN OCEAN COUNTY appeared first on Ocean County Prosecutor Office.

The media and public are reminded that criminal charges are merely accusations and 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.  Please send all press inquiries to Al Della Fave 732-288-7616 (OFFICE) 732-814-7347 (CELL) and adellafave@co.ocean.nj.us.

Yesterday (7/12), Jesse James Sauer, 25, of Beachwood was arrested and charged by the South Toms River Police Department with Aggravated Arson, Hindering and Destruction of Evidence for the July 10, 2017 truck fire in a wooded area of South Toms River.  Additionally, Sauer was charged by the Toms River Police Department with Theft of a Motor Vehicle and multiple counts of Burglary/Theft to residences and vehicles.

The arson charge stems from the 7/10 early morning fire that destroyed a truck in the woods off Oak Street and Briar Way.  The Beachwood Volunteer Fire Department responded to a report of smoke at about 5:45 am that day and extinguished the blaze that destroyed the 2003 Ford F350 truck.

The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, Ocean County Sheriff’s Department CSI, Ocean County Fire Marshall, South Toms River, Toms River and Beachwood Police Departments investigated the fire labeled suspicious.  The partnering agencies concluded that the fire originated in the area of the driver’s seat in the passenger compartment of the vehicle.  The cause of the fire was incendiary by a person(s) using an open flame to available combustibles.

The investigation would ultimately lead to Sauers and develop information implicating him in the alleged Toms River Theft of a motor vehicle and multiple home and vehicle burglaries.  Sauer is being held in the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.

The post INVEST INTO SOUTH TOMS RIVER TRUCK FIRE LEADS TO ARSON, BURGLARY AND AUTO THEFT CHARGES appeared first on Ocean County Prosecutor Office.

The media and public are reminded that criminal charges are merely accusations and 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.  Please send all press inquiries to Al Della Fave 732-288-7616 (OFFICE) 732-814-7347 (CELL) and adellafave@co.ocean.nj.us.

On Friday (July 14, 2017), Christopher Dalzell, 61, of Brick Township was sentenced by Judge Patricia B. Roe, J.S.C., to 15 years in New Jersey State Prison on the charge of first degree Attempted Murder (No Early Release Applies).  OCPO Assistant Prosecutor Robert J. Cassidy prosecuted the case.

The sentencing stems from the March 29, 2015 stabbing investigation.  On that Sunday at approximately 9:53 pm, a 911 call was received by the Brick Township Police Department in reference to a stabbing at a Cedar Bridge Avenue Address.  Upon their arrival, they found a female, 50 years of age, within the residence who had been stabbed multiple times in her chest and abdomen.  The victim advised the officers that the individual who stabbed her was known to her and was still in bedroom of the residence.  Responding officers immediately called for EMS and secured the scene.  The victim was transported to Jersey Shore Medical Center in critical condition to be treated for over six stab wounds to her torso.

A search of the residence located the suspect covered in blood in the bedroom.  He was identified as Christopher Dalzell, then 58, of Brick Township.  The subsequent investigation resulted in Dalzell’s arrest.  He was charged with Attempted Murder and Possession of a Weapon.  The Honorable Judge Francis Hodgson set bail at the time at $250,000 no 10% and no contact with the victim.

Brick Township Police Detective Tim McCarthy and OCPO Major Crimes Detective John Murphy were the lead investigators in this case.  The scene was processed by Ocean County Sheriff’s Department CSI Detective John Anderson.

The post BRICK TOWNSHIP STABBING DEFENDANT SENTENCED appeared first on Ocean County Prosecutor Office.

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The media and public are reminded that criminal charges are merely accusations and 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.  Please send all press inquiries to Al Della Fave 732-288-7616 (OFFICE) 732-814-7347 (CELL) and adellafave@co.ocean.nj.us.

Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez has released the following information:

On July 12, 2017, a Hudson County Grand Jury handed up a 79-count indictment charging Golden Williamson, age 31, of Jersey City, with being a Leader of a Narcotics Trafficking Network and two counts of Murder relating to the deaths of Kevin Miles on Stuyvesant Avenue in Jersey City on January 28, 2016, and Byunguen Lee on Bergen Avenue in Jersey City on December 19, 2015.

Williamson is also charged with the attempted murder of several victims in Jersey City as well as multiple victims in Toms River, New Jersey.

A joint investigation conducted by the Office of the Ocean County Prosecutor, the Office of the Hudson County Prosecutor and multiple municipal police departments revealed an illegal drug enterprise that extended from Jersey City to Monmouth and Ocean counties where Williamson and his associates would arrange for the distribution of Controlled Dangerous Substances that included heroin and cocaine.

Also charged in the indictment are Eric Dawson, age 26, of Jersey City; Robert Dawson, age 26, of East Orange; James Staggers, age 28, of Jersey City; Darrell Winfree, age 34, of Jersey City; Adrian Rodino, age 41, of West New York; and Shannon Walter, age 25, of Brick.

Eric Dawson is charged, along with Williamson, with one-count of Murder and Conspiracy to Commit Murder related to the death of Kevin Miles, as well as weapons related offenses.

Staggers is charged, along with Williamson, with Attempted Murder and several weapons offenses related to a shooting that occurred on November 4, 2015, on Ocean Avenue in Jersey City.

Robert Dawson, Winfree, Rodino and Walter were charged with Conspiracy and Illegal Drug offenses as part of the Narcotics Trafficking Network.

“The leaders of this violent narcotics network engaged in multiple vicious attacks bringing fear and intimidation to witnesses, residents and business owners in Jersey City and other municipalities statewide,” said Prosecutor Suarez. “I am extremely proud of the collaborative effort by the law enforcement professionals who engaged in the lengthy, detailed and methodical investigation which led to this indictment.”

In commenting about the investigation, Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato stated, “The connectivity, cooperation and investigative excellence demonstrated by members of both the Hudson and Ocean County Prosecutor Offices has resulted in a very clear picture of the potential danger this defendant and his associates presented to New Jersey citizens. The Ocean County Major Crimes Unit and Special Operations Group were able to complete one of the most significant criminal cases of my tenure thanks to the help and professionalism of Hudson County Prosecutor’s investigators.”

Prosecutor Suarez credited investigators from her Homicide Unit and Gang Task Force, as well  as the Major Crimes Unit of the Office of the Ocean County Prosecutor, the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, the Jersey City Police Department, the Toms River Police Department, the Wall Township Police Department and the Tinton Falls Police Department, all who assisted with the investigation.

The above charges are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent  until proven guilty. R.P.C.3.6(b)(6).

Download Press Photo’s Here.

The post 79-COUNT INDICTMENT HANDED-UP BY HUDSON COUNTY GRAND JURY; ALLEGED CHARGES DESCRIBE VIOLENCE THAT SPANS OCEAN, MONMOUTH AND HUDSON COUNTIES appeared first on Ocean County Prosecutor Office.

The media and public are reminded that criminal charges are merely accusations and 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.  Please send all press inquiries to Al Della Fave 732-288-7616 (OFFICE) 732-814-7347 (CELL) and adellafave@co.ocean.nj.us

Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato announced a guilty plea entered  yesterday (7/17) by Dimitri Darzhinov, 54, of Lakewood to Aggravated Manslaughter before Judge Wendel E. Daniels for the death of Gela Suqiashvilli, 54, on June 14, 2016 in Lakewood Twp.  His sentencing is tentatively scheduled for September 1^st.  Assistant Prosecutor Kelly Biringer is the case prosecutor.  OCPO Det. John Murphy and Lakewood Police Detective Oscar Valmon handled the case investigation, with assistance from the Ocean County Sheriff Department CSI.  OCPO Victim Witness Advocate Allison Betts served as liaison to the victim’s family.

The guilty plea stems from a fatal stabbing that took place on Tuesday (6/14/2016).  On that date, at approximately 1:04 am, the Lakewood Police Department received a 911 call through the Howell Police Department in which the Russian speaking caller through language line reported that a stabbing had occurred at 149 East Kennedy Boulevard, Building 4, Apartment 7, in Lakewood, New Jersey.  The Lakewood Police Department subsequently dispatched Officers to the apartment who knocked on the door and received no response from inside.

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

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

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

Dimitri Darzhinov

The post GUILTY PLEA IN LAKEWOOD STABBING DEATH appeared first on Ocean County Prosecutor Office.

The media and public are reminded that criminal charges are merely accusations and 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.  Please send all press inquiries to Al Della Fave 732-288-7616 (OFFICE) 732-814-7347 (CELL) and adellafave@co.ocean.nj.us

Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato today announced his CR539 Safety/Enforcement Initiative partners will team up again to remind drivers to drive responsibly.  The detail will run from Thursday (7/20) to Sunday (8/6).

Prosecutor Coronato stated, “The CR539 detail has 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.  Sadly, on September 17, 2016 a month after completing last year’s enforcement detail, three people lost their lives in a fatal crash on CR539 in Little Egg Harbor Township.”

Prosecutor Coronato continued, “With the increased summer traffic volume I don’t want to see a repeat of that tragedy.  The many partners involved in past efforts are being brought together again to serve as a visible reminder that the responsibility of driving safety never ends.  Though the coordinated enforcement element will conclude in 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 that 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 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

The post POLICING PARTNERSHIP RIDES AGAIN appeared first on Ocean County Prosecutor Office.

The media and public are reminded that criminal charges are merely accusations and 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.  Please send all press inquiries to Al Della Fave 732-288-7616 (OFFICE) 732-814-7347 (CELL) and adellafave@co.ocean.nj.us

The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office teamed with NJ State Department of Parole this week to arrest Michael Christ Wenk, 40, of Little Egg Harbor Township for violating the conditions of a court imposed parole supervision for life.  The arrest came as the result of a tip posted simultaneously to the state “Offender Watch” tip line and OCPO’s Facebook page.

Wenk was arrested Wednesday night (7/19) at his Little Egg Harbor Township residence by State Parole Officer Joseph Riaves, OCPO Megans Unit Detectives John Argento and Michael LePore.  His arrest was the result of the community tip and subsequent investigation by the partnering agencies showing Wenk’s use of social media in violation of his parole supervision for life. As per the conditions of his parole, he was immediately remanded to OCJ for the violation.

The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Megans Unit is one of the few county agencies to have state parole officers permanently on staff to prosecute and provide oversight of Megan’s Law offenders.  Anyone with relevant information concerning violations of Megan’s Law can contact OCPO’s Megan’s Unit at (732) 929-2027 Ext. 2903 or through the New Jersey State Police Offenders Watch Tip Line found at www.njsp.org.  All information may be given anonymously.

MICHAEL CHRIST WENK

The post SOCIAL MEDIA BAN LANDS OFFENDER IN JAIL appeared first on Ocean County Prosecutor Office.

The media and public are reminded that criminal charges are merely accusations and 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.  Please send all press inquiries to Al Della Fave 732-288-7616 (OFFICE) 732-814-7347 (CELL) and adellafave@co.ocean.nj.us

Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato announced the arrest today (7/27) of John Dalton, Jr, 76, of Eagleswood on the charges of 3rd Degree Possession of Child Pornography and 2nd degree Distribution of Child Pornography. The Ocean County Prosecutor’s High Tech Crime Unit (HTCU) and the New Jersey State Police Tuckerton Station teamed up in this latest proactive operation to stop child exploitation.

The post OCPO CYBER CHILD PORN NET SNARES ANOTHER OC MAN appeared first on Ocean County Prosecutor Office.

The media and public are reminded that criminal charges are merely accusations and 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.  Please send all press inquiries to Al Della Fave 732-288-7616 (OFFICE) 732-814-7347 (CELL) and adellafave@co.ocean.nj.us

STAFFORD TOWNSHIP – Ocean County residents are encouraged to participate in the County’s second “Ocean County Prescription Take-Back Day” on Aug. 1 at the Ocean County Southern Service Center, 179 South Main St., here.

The program runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Aug. 1. The guest speaker will be Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph Coronato, along with several other experts in the field dealing with the opioid crisis, who will provide valuable information, as well as a question and answer session. There will also be health screenings, information tables and refreshments.

“The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office is making every effort to prevent pill abuse and theft by not just encouraging residents to get rid of old medications but also by providing a means to properly purge their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs,” said Ocean County Freeholder John P, Kelly, Director of Law and Public Safety. “Prosecutor Coronato is making an effort to reach out to all Ocean County residents by raising awareness and educating them on the hazards of unused and outdated medications.”

Ocean County residents are being encouraged to look through their medicine cabinets and properly dispose of all outdated and unused medications by bringing them to the Southern Service Center on Aug. 1.

“There are very serious health risks in taking prescription drugs,” Coronato said. “They need to be taken only under the care of a doctor and even then they have to be closely monitored to avoid addiction or other problems.”

Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari, Chairman of Senior Services, encouraged seniors in particular to attend the Aug. 1 program to learn more about ridding their homes of potential hazards caused by old and unused prescriptions.

“Our seniors are often prescribed different medications for various illnesses,” Vicari said. “Having the right information on what to do with those medications once they have expired really can help during this critical time as we continue to address the opioid crisis.”

The Prescription Take-Back Initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue.

For instance, if you flush prescription drugs or other medicines down the toilet or throw them in the trash, they pose a potential safety and health hazard to local waterways.

“The intent of this program is to not only protect the environment, but also to protect our society from improper use and distribution of prescription drugs,” Vicari said.

Coronato noted that medicines that are left or forgotten in our home medicine cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse.  Various studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.

“We encourage people to look through their medicine cabinets and properly dispose of all outdated and unused medications, to bring your pills for disposal to the Ocean County Southern Service Center from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Aug. 1,” Coronato said.

“This is a great event to come out to and bring your friends and neighbors,” Vicari said. “You can properly dispose of old medications, participate in health screenings by the Ocean County Health Department and get information on a host of topics.”

The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office has already collected a total of 22,380 pounds of various prescription/drugs that have been destroyed between October 3, 2014 and March 1, 2017. The Prescription Take Back Day also complements the ongoing programs run by many local police departments in Ocean County that are hosting medication drop off boxes.

For further information, please contact the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office at 732-929-2027 or your local Police Department.

“The effort to reduce and eventually eliminate the current opioid crisis is ongoing and widespread,” said Freeholder Kelly. “We encourage everyone to get involved. Even the simplest of steps can help make a difference.”

The post PRESCRIPTION TAKE BACK DAY SCHEDULED FOR AUG 1 RESIDENTS URGED TO GET RID OF OUTDATED/UNUSED MEDICATIONS appeared first on Ocean County Prosecutor Office.