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 and Jackson Township Police Chief Matthew D. Kunz announced the arrest of Anthony Marano, 29, of Jackson.  Marano is charged with 3rd degree Aggravated Assault, 3rd degree Possession of Child Pornography and 2nd degree Distribution of Child Pornography.  The Ocean County Prosecutor’s High Tech Crime Unit (HTCU), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and Jackson Township Police Department teamed up in this latest proactive operation to stop child exploitation.

The arrest is the result of proactive cyber monitoring by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit indicating someone within Ocean County had downloaded images of prepubescent children engaged in sexual acts.  OCPO HTCU first initiated an investigation of the defendant in December of 2016, but were unable to substantiate the alleged activity due to covert cyber measures taken by Marano.  Undeterred, HTCU Detectives would continue the investigation and uncovered additional information from the FBI Cyber Crime Task Force regarding Marano’s alleged criminal activity.

Yesterday morning, the OCPO HTCU investigation led to the execution of an approved search warrant by the partnering agencies at 32 Eucalyptus Court in Jackson.  After HTCU Detectives announced their presence with a search warrant several times, they observed Marano move from the living room of the residence into the bedroom instead of responding to the door.  They then forced entry and were met by the defendant exiting the bedroom with a handgun in his hand.  The Detectives, showing great use of force restraint, ordered Marano multiple times to drop the weapon before he finally complied.  After Marano was secured, they found the semi-automatic firearm was loaded with a round in the chamber.

A search of the residence was conducted and numerous images of child pornography were located.  As a result of the evidence located, OCPO Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Hillary Bryce approved the above charges.  Marano is lodged in the Ocean County Jail pending a first appearance hearing.  The media and the public are reminded that criminal charges are merely accusations and that the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The post OCPO CYBER NET CONTINUES TO INTERDICT LOCAL CHILD PORNOGRAPHERS 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

Booker, Menendez Announce Inclusion of Ocean County in Federal Drug Prevention Program

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senators Cory Booker and Bob Menendez (both D-NJ) announced the expansion of the New York/New Jersey High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA), a federal drug prevention program, to include Ocean County and assist efforts to battle the opioid epidemic.  The designation, which Sen. Booker advocated for in May, will allow Ocean County to receive federal resources to further the coordination and development of drug control efforts among federal, state, local law enforcement officials.  According to NY/NJ HIDTA, in 2015 Ocean County had the second highest incidence of heroin-related deaths in the New Jersey, due in large part to the large influx of potent heroin laced with toxic adulterants, including fentanyl.

In 2016, Booker and Menendez were also successful in expanding the New York/New Jersey HIDTA to include Monmouth County, which has experienced a sharp rise in both heroin and opioid use and trafficking. Through that designation, Monmouth County was eligible to receive $125,000 in federal funding to support a team led by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office consisting of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), local law enforcement and other partners to focus on opioid- and heroin-related investigations and outreach.

“The opioid epidemic plaguing our nation continues to tear families and communities apart across Ocean County and our entire state,” said Sen. Booker.  “The key to finding a long-term solution to the opioid crisis is to implement an all-hands-on-deck approach that includes law enforcement, medical professionals, and treatment providers.  This designation will do just that by increasing coordination among all levels of government and providing Ocean County access to critical federal resources. In the wake of yet another stunning defeat of efforts to strip healthcare away from millions of Americans, this federal designation comes at an important time to help heal our communities and save lives.”

“Ocean County is the epicenter of a growing opioid epidemic gripping our state, and sweeping across the country,” said Sen. Menendez.  “Being part of the New York/New Jersey HIDTA provides Ocean County with yet another tool in the ongoing battle against opioids, including access to federal resources to help stem the tide and save lives from the perils of heroin and prescription opioid overdose.  This HIDTA designation combined with expanded access to naloxone and treatment programs, as well as greater awareness amongst patients and providers about addiction risk, are essential to protecting our citizens and our communities from the affliction of addiction.” 

HIDTA was created by Congress through the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988, and provides assistance to federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies operating in areas determined to be critical drug-trafficking regions of the United States.

“I can’t thank the Senators enough for helping us achieve this critical designation, bringing new and powerful assistance to Ocean County’s opioid crisis fight,” said Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato.  “We have long sought the help of this federal drug prevention program to bolster our ability to make substantial impact in our fight to close Ocean County borders to drug dealers.  We especially thank Senator Booker for personally advocating so strongly on our behalf.  Simply put: This is a game changer.” 

During the Ocean County stop of his annual #JerseyRoadTrip, in July Sen. Booker was joined by Brick Township Mayor John Ducey, Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph Coronato, health professionals, advocates and New Jerseyans in recovery for a roundtable discussion at Ocean Medical Center on the heroin and opioid addiction crisis in New Jersey and how the Affordable Care Act has helped expand treatment for individuals battling addiction across our nation.          

In July, Booker and Menendez were joined by U.S. Representative Bill Pascrell (NJ-09) and other state legislators, advocates, and hospital representatives at Englewood Hospital to highlight the devastating impact Republican efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act would have on opioid addiction and treatment throughout New Jersey and the nation.

In March 2016, Booker and Menendez met with NY/NJ HIDTA officials at a statewide opioid summit the lawmakers convened to discuss way to combat New Jersey’s opioid epidemic. In August 2016, Booker and Menendez also hosted a panel discussion with U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy and Veterans Affairs Under Secretary for Health David Shulkin at Saint Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston on the heroin and opioid addiction crisis in New Jersey.

The post OCPOs DreamCome True – Now a HIDTA Member 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 yesterday of ISTVAN MEHESZ, 58, of Monmouth Avenue, Lakewood, NJ.  In a joint investigation conducted by Ocean County Special Victims Unit Det. Alex Dasti and Lakewood Police Det. Michael Cavallo, with assistance from the New Jersey State Police, the defendant is charged with two (2) counts of Aggravated Sexual Assault, three (3) counts of Sexual Assault, and three (3) counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child.

The (9/28) arrest stems from the partnering detectives investigation into the alleged sexual assault of a 12-year-old female victim over the past year by Mehesz.  The cooperating detectives overcame the Hungarian defendant’s inability to speak English by utilizing NJSP Trooper Kristina Pados as an interpreter in the case.  Senior Assistant Prosecutor Christine Lento approved the above charges after reviewing the collected investigative facts.

The defendant was remanded to the Ocean County Jail pending his detention hearing.  Nicole’s Order (No contact with victim) is mandated by the court.

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

The post DEFENDANT ARRESTED/CHARGED WITH SEXUAL ASSAULT 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

In compliance with the New Jersey Attorney General’s Law Enforcement Directive 2006-5 (July 28, 2015) on the uniform statewide procedures and best practices for conducting police officer use-of-force investigations, this public statement is being issued regarding the March 14, 2017 Toms River Township police officer involved shooting of Christopher Apostolus. The Office of the Attorney General agrees with the findings of Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato that the undisputed facts of this case establish that the use of deadly force by the police officers was legally justified. The Attorney General also agrees that there are no material facts in dispute with regard to the officers’ use of force.  As a result, presentation to a Grand Jury is not warranted.

The facts regarding the use of force are as follows: On March 10th, 2017, officers of the Toms River Police Department were dispatched to 190 Edgewood Drive to conduct a well-being check of Christopher Apostolus.  They were unable to locate him at that time.  Officers of the Toms River Police Department returned on March 11th, March 12th, and March 13th.   Once again, they were unable to locate Apostolus on those dates.  On March 14, 2017, at 12:30 pm, two fully uniformed Toms River police officers returned to 190 Edgewood Drive to conduct a well-being check of Christopher Apostolus. The Officers knocked several times, announcing their presence as police officers, but received no response.  The officers had obtained a key from the apartment manager that they then used to gain entry into Apostolus’s apartment. The officers unlocked the apartment and again announced themselves as police officers.  The officers then entered and searched the apartment. Upon failing to locate Apostolus, the officers exited the apartment. The officers were concerned that Apostolus was still inside as they located a warm pot of beans in the kitchen and a television that was left on.  They also observed Apostolus’s vehicle parked in front of the apartment.

The officers reentered the apartment to conduct a further search for Apostolus.  They checked the balcony on the rear of the apartment but determined that the door had been locked from the inside eliminating that as a possibility. The officers continued to search the apartment for an attic access or other possible hiding spots.

Officer Mark DeGrandis (Officer #1) entered the only bathroom in the apartment, walked to the far end and noticed that there was a closet door that was missed in the initial search. With the bathroom door open, as it had been during the initial search, the officer’s view of the closet door was obstructed.  Officer #1 notified Officer Francis Bopp (Officer#2) of the closet location.  Officer #1 then proceeded to place his left hand on the closet doorknob and attempted to open it.  As Officer #1’s hand began to turn the knob, the door to the closet flew open.  A man later identified as Apostolus, burst out of the closet screaming and grabbed Officer #1 by the neck with one hand while his other hand reached for Officer #1’s duty weapon.  Officer #1 fired his gun three times during the struggle, striking Apostolus twice. Officer #1 explained that he was afraid that Apostolus was going to overpower him, take control of his gun and kill Officer #1, Officer #2 or both of them.

Officer #2 was in the hallway area next to the bathroom when Officer #1 notified him of the closet in the bathroom. He was still in the hallway area when he heard the scream from the closet.  Immediately thereafter, the bathroom door slammed shut hitting his foot.  Officer #2 then heard a gunshot but was unable to push the door open entirely as the bathroom door was wedged against the linen closet door. With an obstructed view through the partly open door, Officer #2 was only able to see Officer #1 backed up against the bathtub with Apostolus’s hand on his gun and another around his neck. Officer #2 saw Officer #1 fire another round that hit Apostolus’s hand between the thumb and pointer finger.  At that time, Officer #2 was unable to safely fire his weapon as Officer #1and the subject were struggling in a tight area. After a moment, Officer #2 gained a clear shot and fired once striking Apostolus thereby ending the struggle. Officer #2 explained that he fired his duty weapon because he thought that Apostolus was going to gain control of Officer #1’s gun and kill Officer #1, Officer #2 or both of them.

Dr. Malamet from Newark Beth Israel Hospital pronounced Apostolus dead on scene at 1:06 PM.  On March 16, 2017, the Ocean County Medical Examiner conducted a post mortem examination and determined the cause of death to be multiple gunshot wounds and the manner of death to be homicide.

An Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Detective interviewed the property manager and assistant property manager for Silver Ridge Apartment Complex where Apostolus resided.  The assistant property manager indicated that Apostolus had recently come to the office to inquire as to whether his brother could enter his apartment to retrieve his belongings in the event of his death. After the assistant property manager told him that his brother would not be permitted to enter his apartment, he returned shortly thereafter with a notarized letter. It indicated that in the event of his sudden death, his brother had permission to enter his apartment and retrieve his belongings. The property manager indicated that it seemed odd that he was leaving this letter and that she felt it was like a suicide note.

The Office of the Attorney General and Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph Coronato determined that the undisputed facts establish that the Toms River Township police officers used the appropriate force necessary to protect their lives and, furthermore, that the officers were legally justified in that use of force. This investigation was conducted consistent with the New Jersey Attorney General’s Law Enforcement Directive 2006-5 (July 28, 2015) regarding the uniform statewide procedures and best practices for conducting police officer use-of-force investigations.

The post OCEAN COUNTY PROSECUTOR’S OFFICE RELEASES FINDINGS OF THE MARCH 14, 2017 TRPD FATAL POLICE INVOLVED SHOOTING 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 the arrest on Wednesday (10/4/17) of Darin Smith, 45, of Whiting, NJ, for the charge of second (2nd) degree Theft.

The arrest stems from the 9/27/17 indictment of Smith. The indictment alleges Smith, the owner of Heritage Construction Enterprises Corporation, entered contracts with four separate homeowners to make renovations to their respective homes, after the homes received damage during Superstorm Sandy. The homes are located in Long Beach, Ship Bottom, Tuckerton, and Toms River. The indictment alleges that Smith converted in excess of $75,000 that he received from the homeowners for his own use and failed to make required payments of said funds towards the projects.

The case was investigated by Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Det. Lindsay Llauget. Anyone with information regarding Smith or Heritage Constructions Enterprises Corporation is asked to contact Det. Eric Ludwick of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office at (732) 929-2027. The media and public are reminded that criminal charges are merely accusations and that the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The post OC SANDY CONTRACTOR ARRESTED FOR THEFT 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, N.J. – With Halloween approaching at the end of the month, the Office of the Ocean County Prosecutor and Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari are reminding parents and their costumed kids in search of treats about some important safety precautions.  Halloween offers special challenges for parents, drivers and children.

“Ocean County is home to approximately 750 registered sex offenders, and we want you to know where they reside so that you avoid those houses when trick-or-treating,” said Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph Coronato.

Vicari encouraged residents to visit the Meghan’s Law Website, accessible through the Ocean County Government Homepage at www.co.ocean.nj.us, for the most up-to-date information on local sex offenders. Towns, counties, zip codes and even individual streets can be easily reviewed. More advanced checks allow users to input the names of convicted sex offenders or check only newer records.

“This only takes a few minutes and can make a big difference in keeping a child safe,” Vicari said.

The site can also be accessed directly through the New Jersey State Police website www.njsp.org

“We do the best we can in making sure sex offenders live where they tell us, so it is crucial that our citizens visit the, to see who the registered sex offenders are and where they are living,” Coronato said.

You will also find many other beneficial tools such as the ability to sign up for FREE automatic email notifications informing you if an offender moves within a specified radius of any address you register.  “If you aren’t planning on trick-or-treating in your neighborhood, but will be in a family or friend’s neighborhood, register their address beforehand so you know which houses to avoid. You can register any and all of the addresses where your children spend a lot of time; for example friend’s, grandparents, or babysitter’s addresses,” Prosecutor Coronato said. The alerts are in real-time and sent out via e-mail as soon as a new offender has registered with their municipal police department.  Prosecutor Coronato says, “The benefit of registering for this free confidential e-mail alert service is that it allows us to monitor your important addresses for you, thereby keeping you up to date of newly registered offenders and making it unnecessary for you to have to check your important addresses daily or even weekly”.

Prosecutor Coronato and Freeholder Director Vicari encouraged everyone to have a fun and safe Halloween.  Knowledge is power and knowing where the registered sex offenders reside in your area can help you make the best choices for safe and enjoyable Halloween activities.  For further information, please call the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Megan’s Law Unit at 732-929-2027.

Finally, here are some Prosecutor’s Office safety tips to help make the 2017 Halloween holiday safe and enjoyable for everyone:

TRICK-OR-TREATERS

Consider using make-up rather than masks.  Masks may obstruct a child’s vision making it difficult for them to see oncoming traffic.  MORE…

Wear light-colored clothing or add reflective tape to darker costumes.  Always carry a flashlight at night. Inexpensive battery – operated strobe lights are now sold in many drug stores and convenience stores.

An adult should always accompany small children when they are out trick-or-treating.  Older children should travel in groups for their safety.

Make sure trick-or-treaters know to only approach familiar houses that have outside lights on and NEVER ENTER A STRANGER’S HOUSE OR VEHICLE.

The best advice: Trick-or-treat in daylight hours.

DRIVERS

Stay alert at all times for young children who may dart in front of your vehicle unexpectedly.  In the excitement of the day, trick-or-treaters probably won’t be paying attention to passing motor vehicles, so slow down and drive cautiously.

If you attend a Halloween party where alcohol is served, make sure you have a designated driver for the trip home. Alcohol, even in small amounts, slows reaction time and dulls the senses.  With small children running from house to house, driving while under the influence can have a deadly result.

If you are transporting trick-or-treaters, remember that seat belt laws are not a burden, but a proven lifesaving measure. Costume or not, buckle up!

TREATS

Consider handing out something other than candy – fast food coupons, pens, sports cards…

All opened candy should be thrown out.  Make your own trick-or-treaters wait until they return home, and you have examined their goodies, before they sample any treats.  It is sad to think people may tamper with food and candy given to children, but better safe than sorry.

Halloween isn’t just for kids. Spend quality time with your children by trick-or-treating with them – it is not only safer for them to walk with an adult, but it also can be a lot of fun for you.  The Office of the Ocean County Prosecutor believes there is nothing more important than the safety and care of children.  Please consider these suggestions and have a safe and happy Halloween.

The post TIPS TO PROTECT YOUR KIDS AND MAKE HALLOWEEN NOT SO SCARY 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

Michael Allan Guerino, 53, of Toms River, NJ, was found guilty of 1^st Degree Armed Robbery, 3^rd Degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, 3^rd Degree Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, 4^th Degree Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, and 4^th Degree Theft yesterday (10/25) before the Honorable Therese A. Cunningham, J.S.C.

Guerino’s guilty verdict stems from his Armed Robbery of the Dollar Tree in Toms River on January 29, 2016.  During the course of the trial, the jurors heard that the defendant entered the Dollar Tree on Hooper Avenue at approximately 9:40 pm.  He was wearing a hooded sweatshirt and gloves.  The defendant approached the 24-year-old female cashier and threw a candy bar on the counter by the register, feigning an attempt to purchase it.  As the cashier attempted to ring up the sale, the defendant walked around the back of the register and pulled a knife.  As the defendant pressed the knife into the cashier’s back, he demanded she open the register and threatened to “stick” her if she tried to call for help.  The cashier was unable to open the register, causing the defendant to rip the cash drawer out of the register.  He then fled the area with $234.96 and the cash register drawer.

The Toms River Police Department quickly developed Guerino as a suspect.  Their investigation would result in Toms River Police executing a search warrant of 48 Gower Court, Toms River, where the defendant resided.  Inside, the police found evidence of clothing worn by the defendant on the night of the Robbery.  That evidence, along with the identification of the defendant as the perpetrator by the victim, the female cashier, was presented to the jury of 9 women and 3 men.  It took the jury approximately 3 hours to return a guilty verdict in all five (5) counts of the indictment.

The case was prosecuted by Ocean County Senior Assistant Prosecutor Michael Abatemarco.  Toms River Police Detectives Steven Bucci, Patrick Jacques and Louis Santora all testified at the trial.  Additionally, the jury heard testimony from Toms River Police Officers Matthew Broderick and Anthony Claps, along with Ocean County Sheriff’s Officer Ralph Laudicina.

The defendant’s sentencing is scheduled for December 15.  At that time, the State will seek an extended term of imprisonment for Guerino, who has over 30 prior convictions, making the defendant eligible for a life term.

The post OCPO CALLS FOR EXTENDED IMPRISONMENT IN ARMED ROBBERY GUILTY VERDICT appeared first on Ocean County Prosecutor Office.

WHAT:  Ocean County senior residents are invited to join the conversation on the national opioid epidemic as the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey continues its Knock Out Opioid Abuse Town Hall Series.  Organized with the Horizon Foundation for New Jersey, the series focuses on the link between prescription drug dependency and heroin abuse and examines the causes of the current opioid crisis and possible solutions in addressing the issue. The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office is a collaborating partner for the Ocean County town hall.  The event will feature a panel of speakers that includes experts from law enforcement, government, the medical community and the prevention and treatment fields.  “All residents of New Jersey are encouraged to join the conversation and participate in their local Knock Out Opioid Abuse Town Hall to understand the disease of addiction, develop strategies to help protect their families and identify resources to address individuals who have become dependent on prescription drugs or are abusing heroin,” said Angelo Valente, Executive Director of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey.

WHY: Every day, an average of 144 people in the United States die from an opioid overdose, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration. In New Jersey, an estimated 2,000 people died of an opioid overdose in 2016.

WHEN: 10 a.m. to noon, Thursday, November 2, 2017 (Doors open at 9:30 a.m.)

WHERE: Greenbriar 1 Residential Complex, 1 Darley Circle, Brick, NJ 08724

FOR MORE INFORMATION: A dedicated website, knockoutopioidabuse.drugfreenj.org, has been created to provide a full schedule of countywide town hall meetings and registration information. Knockoutopioidabuse.drugfreenj.org also will provide local, county and state substance abuse prevention and treatment resources available.

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Best known for its statewide anti-drug advertising campaign, the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey is a private not-for-profit coalition of professionals from the communications, corporate and government communities whose collective mission is to reduce demand for illicit drugs in New Jersey through media communication.  To date, more than $70 million in broadcast time and print space has been donated to the Partnership’s New Jersey campaign, making it the largest public service advertising campaign in New Jersey’s history. Since its inception, the Partnership has garnered 166 advertising and public relations awards from national, regional and statewide media organizations.

The post Ocean County Experts and Seniors to Address Opioid Crisis at Knock Out Opioid Abuse Town Hall 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 November 2, 2017 at 2:48 pm, the South Toms River Police Department received a 911 call reporting an unknown male had fallen into the Toms River.  South Toms River Police immediately responded to 100 Atlantic City Ave, Mathis Park in an effort to locate the man and attempt life saving measures.  Their search, assisted by the New Jersey State Police Marine Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, Ocean County Sheriff’s Department, Toms River PD and several surrounding area fire departments, located the male floating in the water face down.  The victim was transported to the shoreline by a NJSP Marine Unit and pronounced deceased at 4:08 pm.

The investigation by South Toms River Detective Tim Meier and OCPO Major Crimes Unit Detective John Carroll learned the decedent is Edward Kosar, 51, who was homeless and recently living in the wooded area near the Toms River.  The decedent was reported drinking earlier in the day and observed via surveillance cameras to be stumbling and having trouble walking due to apparent intoxication.  A witness called 911 after seeing the victim walking near the water’s edge and falling into the river.

The post MAN DIES AFTER FALL INTO THE TOMS RIVER appeared first on Ocean County Prosecutor Office.

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

Prosecutor Joseph Coronato announced that on Friday, November 3, 2017, Patrick A Trushell, II age 39 of  Toms River, N.J. was sentenced to 5 years to New Jersey state prison, by Ocean County Superior Court Judge Rochelle Gizinski, on the charges of 2nd degree Theft by Deception and 3rd degree Failure to File a State Tax Return.

These charges are a result of a joint investigation conducted by Sgt. Mark Malinowski and members of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Economic Crimes Unit along with Auditor, Kerry Cymek of the New Jersey Department of Treasury – Office of Criminal Investigation.  Mr. Trushell engaged in the acts of theft by deception against three different energy brokerage companies.  Mr. Trushell, utilized his positions at these companies to obtain customer lists and customer accounts and filtered them to a fourth company that paid him a commission and to his own company, Chrono Energy, LLC, all the while collecting a full time salary from all three resulting in a theft over $250,000 in compensation pursuant to exclusive employment agreements between 2013-2014.

The post TOMS RIVER MAN SENTENCED IN THEFT 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 November 2, 2017, Lakehurst Police Sgt. Matthew Kline and OCPO Special Victims Unit Det. Stephanie Bayha arrested and charged Mark Coleman, 25, of Lakehurst with Sexual Assault, Aggravated Assault and Terroristic Threat.

The arrest stems from a 911 call, Tuesday (10/31), from a 23-year-old female victim reporting that Coleman physically and sexually assaulted her, as well as, threatened to kill her.

The partnering detectives completed their investigation and presented the facts of the case to OCPO Assistant Prosecutor Mara Brater who approved the above charges.  The defendant was located at his residence on Orchard Street mid-day yesterday and placed under arrest.  After processing, he was remanded to the Ocean County Jail pending his detention hearing.

The post LAKEHURST MAN ARRESTED IN SEX ASSAULT 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

With (5) five of the (7) seven deaths on New Jersey roadways during last year’s Thanksgiving holiday weekend involving passengers in vehicles, Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato today announced stepped up DWI/Traffic enforcement this Thanksgiving.  The enforcement effort will concentrated throughout the Ocean County area and consist of numerous checkpoints/roving patrols searching for impaired drivers.  In making his announcement, Prosecutor Coronato reminded drivers that Thanksgiving is a time for thanks, not mourning avoidable tragedies caused by irresponsible drivers.

Prosecutor Coronato stated, “Last year the majority of deaths came to passengers riding in vehicles.  Drivers must remember the safety of their passengers and others depends solely on their commitment to drive responsibility.  The Thanksgiving holiday is for celebrating family and loved ones. We beg those who get behind the wheel this holiday to drive responsibly and make smart choices to assure this holiday remains a time for celebration and not mourning.”

Beyond targeting inattentive and aggressive drivers, the detail will also focus on detecting, educating, deterring, arresting, and vigorously prosecuting impaired drivers.  The program targets those under the influence of alcohol, but in response to Ocean County’s drug crisis also utilizes an addition of two Drug Recognition Experts at each check point to detect those under the influence of narcotics.  The county also oversees a 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.  During the 2016 Thanksgiving holiday weekend (2) two of (6) six fatal accidents involved drugs or alcohol.

Prosecutor Coronato concluded by stating, “The last three years have seen a steady increase in New Jersey roadway deaths – 480 deaths in 2015, 534 in 2016, and 540 deaths to date in 2017.  These statistics are tremendously tragic and unacceptable.  Thankfully, Ocean County had no fatalities during the 2016 Thanksgiving holiday.  The dedicated law enforcement officers of our county will spend their holiday away from family trying to repeat that zero fatality weekend.  Please do your part by simply driving safely.”

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 Ocean County 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 post OC LAW ENFORCEMENT WILL SPEND THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY WORKING TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT DETAILS TO REDUCE FATALITIES 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 today that John C. Adams entered guilty pleas yesterday (11/30) before the Honorable Wendel E. Daniels, P.J.Cr.P to Official Misconduct – Second Degree and Theft – Second Degree in connection with his misappropriation of cocaine to which he was entrusted for purposes of canine training.  Adams was serving as the commander of the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department canine unit at the time.  He had been a sworn sheriff’s officer for 16 years. It is believed that Adams ingested the cocaine.  As a consequence of his guilty pleas, Adams must forfeit his public employment.  He is also ineligible for any future government employment in the State of New Jersey.  The plea agreement requires Adams to serve a three-year State Prison sentence, which includes a mandatory period of parole ineligibility of two years.

The guilty plea is the result of an investigation that began in January of 2017, which ultimately uncovered that Adams had failed to properly secure cocaine used in the training of canine animals.  Adams initially falsely reported that the cocaine was accidentally discarded with canine training items.  Upon further investigation, it became apparent that Adams had blamed other members of the K-9 Unit for the cocaine’s disappearance after he diverted in excess of one kilogram of the controlled dangerous substance from its intended training purposes and used it for his personal consumption.

The Ocean County Sheriff’s Department provided assistance and cooperation from the inception and throughout the investigation.

Adams remains free on bail pending his scheduled sentencing on April 6, 2018.

The post SHERIFF’S OFFICER PLEADS GUILTY IN OFFICIAL MISCONDUCT CASE 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 elements of his Traffic Safety/Enforcement Initiative would team up again to remind drivers to drive responsibly.  The detail will begin on Thursday (12/7), with targeted enforcement on December 7^th and Saturday (12/16).

The efforts of the partnership will focus this time in Lakewood Township.  The detail will target the following intersections/roadways due to a recent high rate of fatal motor vehicle accidents.  The areas are as follows: Cedar Bridge Ave and Martin Luther King Blvd., US 9 and County Road 526 (County Line Road), State Highway 70, and State Highway 88.  This initiative is resulting from thirteen (13) fatal accidents and numerous serious accidents that have occurred in 2017 alone.  This is a multi-jurisdictional effort supported by the department heads and supervisors from the following jurisdictions: Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, Lakewood Police Department, and NJ State Police Troop “C” – Tactical Patrol Unit.

Prosecutor Coronato stated, “The Policing Partnership details have managed to raise significant awareness among the motoring public regarding roadway safety issues, but more important it has led to coordinated efforts by Ocean County Law Enforcement to take important steps toward making commuting Ocean County roadways safer.  The partnership logistics and plans having been worked out for our prior CR539. CR528 and Route 35 details insures the coordinated enforcement element can be quickly reinstituted to address the above increased reports of accidents and dangerous driving behaviors.”

This enforcement initiative will bring strict and aggressive traffic enforcement of the various moving and equipment violations that are contributory causes to crashes.  These causes include, but are not limited to, Driving While Under the Influence, aggressive drivers, improper turning, failing to yield, failing to keep right, improper passing, inattentive driving, disregard of traffic signal, excessive speed, following too close, pedestrian violations and various commercial carrier violations such as overweight, equipment maintenance and brake pressure.

The participating agencies will also utilize Automated License Plate Reader to identify those operating illegally.  Variable Message Signs will be strategically placed no later than December 4th and will read “Traffic Enforcement Detail in Effect” – “Obey All Traffic Laws”.  Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office personnel assigned to the detail will utilize unmarked police vehicles.

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

The post Policing Partnership Rides Again to Address Tragic Lakewood Roadway Stats 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 that the concerted efforts of Ocean County Law Enforcement and residents continue to bring great success in disposing of unused prescription medications.  On Thursday (12/14) OCPO broke the previous pill burn record of 4460 lbs. by supervising the safe disposal of 4,520 lbs. (equivalent of over 2 tons) of unused prescription meds.  Since the programs start in the summer of 2014, thirty one thousand three hundred sixty (31,360) pounds of various medicines have been destroyed between October 3, 2014 and December 14, 2017.  Below is the list of burn dates and totals:

• October 3, 2014 2220 lbs.
• March 27, 2015 2880 lbs.
• July 17, 2015 2520 lbs.
• October 29, 2015 2300 lbs.
• December 2, 2015 1040 lbs.
• April 13, 2016 2380 lbs.
• July 20, 2016 2960 lbs.
• October 26, 2016 2800 lbs
• March 1, 2017 3280 lbs
• August 3, 2017 4,460 lbs
• December 14, 2017 4,420 lbs

Project Medicine Drop is the countywide initiative to make disposal of unused medications an easy convenient priority for Ocean County residents.  With just under half of the municipalities in Ocean County having easily accessible medication drop boxes at police department entrances, there is no excuse not to clean out and drop off these potentially dangerous meds.  Please do your part to “Clean Out & Drop Off” those unused meds.  For more info go to:

www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/meddrop or www.oceancountyprosecutor.org

The post OCPO CONTINUES RECORD BREAKING PILL BURNS LATEST BURN TOPS AUGUST 2017 TOTAL YIELDING 4,520 LBS. OF PRESCRIPTION/DRUGS DESTROYED appeared first on Ocean County Prosecutor Office.

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

Shortly before 8:00 pm on December 23rd , Jackson Township Police received a 911 call reporting that a  male subject armed with a knife was inside his residence at 37 Laurel Avenue, Jackson NJ reportedly holding individuals as hostage. Members of the Jackson Township Police Department responded to 37 Laurel Avenue. Upon their arrival the responding officers entered the residence where they encountered a man later identified as Travis Van Pelt age 22 of 37 Laurel Avenue wielding a knife in a threatening manner. The responding officer(s) fired upon Mr. Van Pelt striking him at least one time. While encountering Mr. Van Pelt, Officers also located other occupants within the residence. Subsequently, Mr. Van Pelt was transported to an area hospital where he remains listed in stable condition.

As per the mandates and guidelines of the New Jersey State Attorney General’s Office regarding police involved shootings, the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, Major Crimes Unit is leading the investigation with assistance from the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department CSI Unit, and with the full cooperation of the Jackson Township Police Department.

Anyone who has any information is asked to contact 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.

The post Jackson Shooting Information 12-23-17 appeared first on Ocean County Prosecutor Office.

Lakehurst, NJ – On 1/3/2018, at approximately 10:06 pm, the Lakehurst Police Department responded to the area of 506 Route 70 for a report of a pedestrian struck in the roadway. The arriving officers found the victim, later identified at Peggy Acquisto, 42, of Whiting, unresponsive in the roadway.  Arriving paramedics pronounced Acquisto deceased at the scene.

The preliminary investigation by the Lakehurst Police Department, the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Major Crime Fatal Accident Investigation Unit, and the Ocean County Sheriff’s CSI Unit found a 2013 Hyundai Elantra, driven by Arvid Wisth, 56, of Whiting, was traveling westbound on Route 70 when he struck the decedent who was in the west bound travel lane. The decedent was crossing the street with a male companion in a dark area of the roadway, outside of a designated crosswalk.  Wisth immediately turned the vehicle around and parked across from the area of impact on the eastbound side of Route 70 and awaited police arrival.

Wisth provided consent for a search of his telephone and vehicle, both of which yielded negative results.  Furthermore, Wisth performed multiple field sobriety tests and did not exhibit any signs of impairment.

Witness acknowledged that the victim walked slowly into oncoming traffic, and was almost struck by one vehicle prior to being struck by Wisth while she was standing in the middle of the westbound lane of Route 70.

The post LAKEHURST PEDESTRIAN FATAL appeared first on Ocean County Prosecutor Office.

Point Pleasant Borough, New Jersey – On Wednesday, January 3, 2018, at 1:52 am, a structure fire was reported at 1161 Ridgefield Drive in Point Pleasant Borough.  The fire consumed the front portion of a one story residential structure.  Firefighters made entry into the structure after the fire was controlled and located a male victim located in the Southeast bedroom behind the bedroom door. Ocean County Prosecutors Office Arson Unit, Fire Marshal’s Office, Ocean County Sherriff’s Department CIU, Ocean County Medical Examiner, and Point Pleasant Borough PD Detective Bureau responded to conduct a scene examination into the origin and cause of the structure fire / fatality.

The investigation by the partnering agencies found that the origin of the fire was located in the Southeast corner of the living room. The cause of the fire is deemed accidental.  A failure of energized electrical equipment could not be eliminated as the contributing factor.

The victim is identified as Dennis Breuel, 65, the sole resident of the home.  The Ocean County Medical Examiner determined the cause of death to be inhalation of products of combustion and the manner to be accidental.

The post POINT FATAL FIRE UPDATE – VICTIM IDENTIFIED 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 and Pine Beach Borough Police Chief Matthew Petrecca announce the arrest of Beth Ellen Brown, 54, of Toms River, in the Pine Beach Santander Bank robbery.

The arrest stems from the January 5, 2018 robbery, when shortly after 3 pm, an elderly woman entered the Santander Bank on Route 9, handed the teller a note stating she had a gun and demanded cash.  The woman was given an undisclosed minimum amount of cash and departed the bank.  No weapon was shown during the incident and no one was injured.

Det. Anthony Pruchnik of the Pine Beach Police Department Criminal Investigation Bureau, the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), the Ocean County Prosecutors Office, Ocean County Sheriff’s Department, and Toms River Police Department began a collaborative investigation, which would result in the arrest.  On January 8, at approximately 9:00 pm, the partnering agencies located and arrested Beth Ellen Brown at the Pelican Hotel on Route 37 in Toms River.

Brown is charged with 1st degree Robbery and is being lodged in the Ocean County Jail pending a court appearance.   The media and the public are reminded that criminal charges are merely accusations and that the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The post ARREST IN BANK ROBBERY 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 January 18th 2018, at approximately 9:54 pm, the Lakewood Police Department responded to the intersection of Route 88 and Clover Street for a report of a pedestrian struck. The subsequent investigation by Lakewood PD and the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office found that 2002 Dodge Stratus, driven by Juan Soriano-Ramirez, 25, of Lakewood was traveling east on Route 88 approaching Clover Street when he struck a Hispanic male walking within the east bound travel lane.

The post OC RASH OF PEDESTRIAN FATALS CONTINUE appeared first on Ocean County Prosecutor Office.