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 Jackson Township Police Chief Matthew D. Kunz today announced the arrest of Genuine Baines, 19, of Trenton, NJ and Lindsay Robson, 28, of Robbinsville, N.J., in connection with the drug induced death of Lisa Guadagno, 42, of Jackson, N.J.

“Prosecutor Coronato stated, “OCPO will continue to lead the way in developing Strict Liability/Drug Induced Death cases. It’s critical during this opiate crisis we take strong punitive measures against dealers bringing death to those fighting addiction”.

Baines and Robson arrests stem from the death investigation of Lisa Guadagno, which initiated on August 1, 2017. On that date, the Jackson Police Department received a 911 call that Guadagno was unresponsive at her residence. Upon arrival, Jackson Township Police immediately attempted life saving measures, which were met with negative results.

Det. John Carroll of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Major Crimes Unit and the Jackson Police Department immediately began an investigation into who was responsible for allegedly supplying the fatal narcotic to Guadagno. The subsequent investigation would result in identifying Baines and Robson as the alleged supplying dealers. After receiving a toxicology and final autopsy report for the decedent confirming the death to be drug induced, arrest warrants were authorized for both Baines and Robson.

Robson was taken into custody in mid-December, however, Baines had fled. Det. Carroll forwarded the arrest warrant for Baines to the U. S. Marshal’s Service Fugitive Task Force in Mercer County, N.J. OCPO was notified this past week that Baines was taken into custody by members of the U.S. Marshal’s Fugitive Task Force at a residence in Hamilton Township, N.J.

Baines and Robson are charged with Strict Liability Drug Induced Death, Possession of Heroin, Possession with the Intent to Distribute Heroin and Distribution of Heroin. The following law enforcement agencies participated in the investigation: Jackson Twp. Police Department, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit and Special Operations Group, Ocean County Sheriff’s Department CSI, U.S. Marshal’s Service Fugitive Task Force (Mercer County), and the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office. Ocean County Assistant Prosecutor Francis Hodgson III is the case prosecutor.

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

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On January 20th 2018, at approximately 2:32 pm, the Berkeley Township Police Department responded to Forest Hills Parkway, just east of the Veterans Park entrance for a cyclist struck in the roadway.

The preliminarily investigation by the Berkeley Township Police Department and the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Fatal Accident Investigation Unit found that a 2015 Chrysler Town and Country van, driven by Harold Bennett, 85, of Lanoka Harbor was traveling westbound on Forest Hills Parkway when a bicyclist allegedly turned from the shoulder into the passenger side door of the van.

The bicyclist, a male 76 years of age from Bayville, was transported to Community Medical Center where he succumbed to his injuries and was subsequently pronounced deceased at 3:17 pm.

Mr. Bennett remained on scene and exhibited no signs of impairment. He did not have a cell phone at the time of the crash. Additionally, a witness traveling behind Bennett’s vehicle remained on scene and corroborated how the accident took place.

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Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato and Stafford Township Police Chief Thomas Dellane today announced the arrest of Joseph Barden, 19, of Bayville for the Aggravated Sexual Assault of a 12-year-old Stafford Township girl.

On January 20, 2018, Stafford Township Police Det. Levi McVey and Ocean County Prosecutor’s Special Victims Unit Det. Stephanie Bayha arrested and charged Barden with Aggravated Sexual Assault, Sexual Assault, and Endangering the Welfare of a Child.

The arrest stems from an invest begun on January 19, 2018, when it was reported to Stafford Township PD that the juvenile victim was sexually assaulted after corresponding with Barden on Facebook, which would lead to the him visiting her residence and the alleged sexual assault. The investigation alleges that over the course of several weeks, the defendant communicated with the victim via cellphone, exchanging photographs, then visiting the victim’s residence and climbing through her window into her bedroom where the alleged assault took place on January 19, 2018.

OCPO High Tech Crime Unit Det. Raymond Coles and Ocean County Sheriff’s CSI Det. Stephen Capoano also assisted with the investigation. Senior Assistant Prosecutor Christine Lento approved the complaints after reviewing the case. The defendant was detained and transported to Ocean County Jail pending his detention hearing.

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

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Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato and Chief Karin DiMichele today announced the arrest of Jason Andrew Scala, 47, of the 14 Bedeviere Court, Berkeley Township. Scala is charged with Possession of Control Dangerous Substance, Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine, Possession with the Intent to Use Drug Paraphernalia, Possession with the Intent to Use a Hypodermic Needle.

The arrest took place on January 23rd 2018, at approximately 8:50 pm, when members of the Berkeley Township Detective Bureau along with members of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, executed a court authorized search warrant on the Bedeviere Court address in the Holiday City section of Berkeley Township. The warrant was the result of an ongoing narcotics distribution investigation, as well as, other quality of life matters that were reported by concerned area citizens.

It was suspected that the home was being used as what is commonly referred to as a “crack house” a location used by multiple nonresidents and transients for the purpose of using narcotics as well as distributing them. Prostitution was also alleged to have occurred at this home. Further, this home was used as unlicensed tattoo parlor. The home quickly drew the attention of the otherwise quiet neighborhood residents because of the high vehicle and foot traffic.

The execution of the warrant located a quantity of cocaine accompanied by material used to manufacture, package and distribute cocaine within the residence. In addition, prescription pills, marijuana and suspected heroin were also located within the residence. The partnering agencies subsequently arrested Jason Scala on the above charges. Scala is remanded to the Ocean County Jail.

Berkeley Detective Michael O’Connor and Ocean County Prosecutors Detective Alex Bromley were the lead investigators. Berkeley PD Detective Sergeant Peter La Rocca, Detective Joseph Santoro, Detective Michael Riccardelli, Detective William Somers, OCPO Dets. Denis Mitchell and Anthony Carrington III also assisted with the investigation. Assisting in the execution of the search warrant was the Berkeley Township Patrol Division, the Ocean Gate Detective Bureau, the Ocean County Regional SWAT Team and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department.

Residents are reminded that they can report suspicious activity to the Berkeley Township Detective Bureau TIP Line by calling 732-341-1132 Ext 611. Tips can be anonymous.

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

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Prosecutor Joseph Coronato announced that on Friday, January 29, 2018, Robert Vernon Perrini, 38, of Manahawkin, N.J. was sentenced before Judge Michael Collins to 180 days in the Ocean County Jail as a condition of five years of probation for his guilty plea to Theft. He is ordered to pay approximately $11,000 in restitution over the term of his probation.

The charge is the result of an investigation conducted by Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Economic Crimes Unit Det. Stephen Shadiack, Jr. and prosecuted by OCPO Senior Assistant Prosecutor William Scharfenberg. The investigation found Robert Perrini, of Perrini and Sons Fences, contracted with multiple individuals for the purchase and installation of a fence on their property. For each victim, Perrini would draw up a contract, provide an estimated completion time, and take a deposit. After receiving the initial deposit, Perrini did not complete the contracts, nor did he refund any of the customer’s money. Five (5) victims filed complaints against Perrini for incomplete work. Through the investigation, it was learned that Robert Perrini was working without a valid contractor’s registration.

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Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato and Lakehurst Police Chief Eric Higgins today announced the arrest of Christopher Dupont, 22, of Lakehurst. Dupont is charged with First Degree Robbery, Theft, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon. Charges were approved by Ocean County Assistant Prosecutor Christopher Heisler.

The arrest stems from an investigation by Lakehurst Police Ptl. Jason Guide and Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crimes Unit (HTCU) Det. Ray Coles into the January 20, 2018, report of an armed robbery that occurred near the Pinehurst Estates Apartments in Lakehurst Township. The victim, a 45 year old male from Ocean Township, reported that he believed he would be meeting up with a man named “Ron Shafto” to purchase an Apple iPhone that was listed for sale via the mobile app “Letgo”. The app is a classifieds application, which allows local users to chat, buy, sell, and trade used goods. However, instead of selling a phone, the suspect, later identified as Dupont, allegedly entered the victim’s vehicle, pulled a grey switchblade on him, and demanded the victim’s money, wallet, and car keys before fleeing on foot.

Lakehurst Police immediately conducted an area search for the suspect to include police K-9s, however, Dupont whose identity was unknown at the time, was not located. OCPO HTCU’s investigation would determine that Dupont took covert measures to hide his identity by utilizing a fake name and email address to register his Letgo account. Det. Coles was able to obtain Internet Protocol (IP) addresses that were utilized to access Letgo and subsequently tracked them back to Dupont.

Due to Dupont’s previous violent criminal history, as well as, the fact that Dupont was out on bail for previous Attempted Kidnapping/Robbery charges, a NO KNOCK Warrant was obtained to enter his residence on February 1, 2018. The warrant was executed by the partnering agencies, with the assistance of the Ocean County Regional SWAT Team. Christopher Dupont was located within the residence and taken into custody without incident. An examination of Dupont’s cellphone conducted by the OCPO HTCU yielded additional evidence which linked him to the Letgo account. Dupont was placed in the Ocean County Jail pending mandatory detention hearing tentatively scheduled for Wednesday (2/7).

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

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Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato and Lakewood Police Chief Gregory Meyer announced the arrest of Gershon Biegeleisen, 28, of Lakewood on the charge of Second Degree Distribution of Child Pornography and Third 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 Lakewood 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 and was sharing images of prepubescent children engaged in sexual acts. OCPO HTCU detectives initiated an investigation, which led to a search warrant being executed this morning by the partnering agencies at 186A Columbus Ave in Lakewood, NJ.

As a result of the evidence located, OCPO Assistant Prosecutor Kristin Pressman approved the above Child Pornography Distribution and Possession charges. Biegeleisen was taken into custody and 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.

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Mark Camlin, 61, of Toms River pled guilty yesterday (2/7) before Judge James M. Blaney, J.S.C. to Second Degree Distribution of Child Pornography. The plea calls for a 5-year term in New Jersey State Prison with registration under Megan’s Law and Parole Supervision for Life. He will be sentenced on March 23rd. Senior Assistant Prosecutor Kristin Pressman prosecuted the case.

Camlin guilty plea stems from his July 6, 2017 arrest by 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. On that date, the partnering agencies executed a search warrant at Camlin’s Citta Street residence after an investigation initiated by members of the OCPO High Tech Crime Unit found he had received and distributed images of child pornography at his residence.

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Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato and Pine Beach Police Chief Matthew Petrecca today announced the arrest of Michael Arellano, 25, of Beachwood, NJ. Pine Beach Det. Anthony Pruchnick and OCPO Special Victims Unit Det. Alex Dasti arrested Arellano on Tuesday (2/6). He is charged with three (3) counts of Harassment (Offensive Touching) and one (1) count of Criminal Sexual Contact.

The arrest stems from an investigation by the partnering detectives into the report that Arellano allegedly touched inappropriately during the course of their wok day at the Pine Beach Roy Rogers Restaurant four (4) female co-workers (ranging in age from 16 – 18). The subsequent investigation alleges Arellano inappropriately touched the girl’s bodies numerous times over their clothing out of the view of others. The victims physically and verbally objected, however the inappropriate touching continued. All the victims stated that the acts occurred soon after they were hired. They have each since ended their employment at the restaurant.

Assistant Prosecutor Mara Brater approved the complaints after reviewing the case. The defendant was processed on a summons and released. The media and public are reminded that criminal charges are merely accusations and that the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

NOTE: There is the potential for additional victims in this case. The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office is encouraging any other victims to contact Det. Alex Dasti of the Prosecutor’s Special Victims Unit at 732-929-2027.

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Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato today announced the arrest of Richard Michael Gato, 70, of Margaret Court in Toms River on charges of Attempted Murder and Possession of a Weapon for Unlawful Purpose. He is being held in the Ocean County Jail pending his first appearance.

His arrest stems from an incident reported to the Toms River Police Department on February 8th at 10 pm when they responded to 400 Kettle Creek Road (Unit 10). Arriving police found Robert Oleynick, 34, of Toms River with a gunshot wound to the chest. Oleynick was airlifted to Jersey Shore Medical Center for medical treatment where he remains in stable condition.

Ocean County Prosecutor’s Major Crime Unit responded to assist Toms River PD with the investigation. The partnering agencies found that the shooting event took place earlier in the evening at Richard Gato’s Margaret Drive residence. It was determined the Oleynick was at that address looking for a friend when he encountered Gato, a retired Fort Lee Police Officer, outside Gato’s residence. The encounter resulted in a physical altercation between the two men that led to Oleynick being shot in his left chest by Gato.

As part of the investigation, a search warrant was approved for video from 46 Margaret Court that had captured the entire event. The video review would subsequently lead to the above charges.

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

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Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato today announced the arrest of the two Holbrook Little Executive Board Members. League President Anthony M. Del Vecchio, 63, and League Treasurer John M. Lehmann, 55, both of Jackson Township were charged with 2nd degree Theft and Conspiracy to Commit Theft for the misappropriation of league finances.

The two men were arrested today (2/16). Del Vecchio, accompanied by his attorney Richard LoMurro of Freehold, surrendered to OCPO investigators this morning. Lehmann, was arrested at his place of employment just after 2 pm today with the assistance of the Rahway Police Department. Their arrests stem from an investigation begun in December of 2017 by the Ocean County Economic Crimes Unit after receiving an anonymous letter detailing the alleged theft of funds from the Holbrook Little League.

An extensive review of Holbrook Little League finances from 2014 to present was conducted by OCPO, with the full cooperation of the League Executive Board members. The board raised concerns about League funds after observing discrepancies in their accounts. The subsequent investigation revealed that Del Vecchio and Lehmann, the sole signatories on the league bank accounts, had converted over $118,000 of Holbrook Little League funds to their benefit. The Economic Crimes Unit also verified that Lehmann was the sole debit cardholder on the league account and had misused the card in excess of $500.

The lead investigator on the case was OCPO Economic Crime Unit Detective Denis Mitchell. Senior Assistant Prosecutor Jill O’Malley reviewed the investigative findings and approved the above charges.

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

Follow the Office of the Ocean County Prosecutor online at Twitter and Facebook. The social media links provided are for reference only. The OCPO does not endorse any non-governmental websites, companies or applications.

For additional information visit our website at www.oceancountyprosecutor.org.

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Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato today announced the first of many G.R.E.A.T. (Gang Resistance Education and Training) graduations within Ocean County Schools for the 2017/2018 school year. The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office collaborated with South Toms River PD and South Toms River Elementary School staff yesterday (2/20) by certifying over 70 students in the G.R.E.A.T. Program.

To date the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office in cooperation with the Ocean County Sheriff’s Dept., Toms River Police Department, South Toms River Police Department and Lakewood Police Department have trained just under 2600 fifth and sixth grade students in the Ocean County area in the G.R.E.A.T. program. This training is conducted each school year throughout Ocean County.

The program focuses on teaching children life skills that include decision-making, communication skills, anger management, anti-bullying and respect. The program is taught by Officer’s trained and certified by OCPO, allowing local Law Enforcement to work collaboratively with the School District and the community. To date the program has imparted life skills/lessons to over 1400 students throughout Ocean County who have completed the school-based, law enforcement officer-instructed classroom curriculum.

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

OCPO brought the program to Ocean County Schools in 2011 and have been continuously working cooperatively with other Ocean County law enforcement agencies to expand the program locally in an effort to reach as many children as possible. Those wishing more Information about the G.R.E.A.T. program can go to: www.great-online.org.

Prosecutor Coronato commends the dedicated G.R.E.A.T. Instructors from South Toms River PD: Sgt. Michael Schneidt and Ptl. Anthony Giacinti.

The G.R.E.A.T. staff thanks the Ocean County School Administrators and Teachers for allowing them the opportunity to work with their students and for helping to make this program a continued success. G.R.E.A.T. partners and student graduates at yesterday’s graduation. Certificates were presented to the students by STRE Principal Dennis Holzapfel, STRE Fifth Grade Teachers, OCPO Agent Al Della Fave, STR PD Sgt. Michael Kosh and STR PD Sgt. Michael Schneidt.

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Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato and Long Beach Township Police Chief today announce the arrest yesterday (2/20) of Colin D. Kerlin, 28, of Ship Bottom for the intentional setting of a fire at 8 West Scott Drive in Long Beach Township. Kerlin is charged with 2nd degree Aggravated Arson and 3rd degree Burglary. He is lodged in the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.

The arrest stems from the investigation begun on Sunday (1/21) at 6:53 pm, when the Long Beach Township Police and surrounding Fire Departments were dispatched to 8 West Scott Drive in the Holgate section of Long Beach Township for a report of a structure fire. Upon the arrival of emergency personnel, heavy smoke and fire was observed coming from the Southeast side of the structure. After the fire was extinguished, it was determined that the house was unoccupied for the winter. Witnesses reported seeing a white male running from the area shortly after the fire was reported. The scene was secured by the Long Beach Township Police Department and notification was made to Deputy Fire Marshall Brian Mount and the Ocean County Prosecutors Office Arson Unit.

The subsequent investigation by Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutors Office Arson Unit, Long Beach Township Police Department, Ocean County Sherriff’s Department Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and the Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office found evidence of forced entry to a window on the West side of the home. The origin of the fire was on top of a mattress in the master bedroom located in the Southeast corner of the residence. The cause of the fire was incendiary due to an open flame to available combustibles, specifically the mattress. As investigators were determining the cause of the fire, information was also being developed identifying Kerlin as the alleged person responsible.

On February 20^th 2018 at approximately 3:30 pm, the completed investigation found that Kerlin allegedly gained access to the home by breaking a second story window. He then allegedly removed a mattress from another room, placed it on top of the master bedroom bed and ignited the mattress using a butane lighter.

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

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Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato and Seaside Heights Police Chief Thomas Boyd announce the arrest of Matthew Demartin, 37, of Seaside Heights in connection with the death of a woman, believed to be the roommate of Demartin, who was found at their shared residence in the Glendale Motel located at 26 Lincoln Ave in Seaside Heights. The victim has been identified as Sharon Falcetano, age 59.

Demartin is charged with Murder and is being held in the Ocean County Jail pending his first appearance.

On Thursday, February 22, 2018 at approximately 11:19 pm, the Seaside Height Police and local EMS responded to a 911 call at the Glendale Motel. Upon their arrival, they found an unresponsive female who was subsequently pronounced dead at 11:43 pm at the scene. The officers immediately secured the scene and contacted the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Major Crimes Unit and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department CSI to begin the investigation.

An autopsy conducted by the Ocean County Medical Examiner today determined that the victim suffered multiple blunt force trauma injuries to her head and body. The manner of death was determined to be homicide.

The investigation was conducted by Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit, the Seaside Heights Police Department and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department Crime Scene Investigations Unit.

Prosecutor Coronato and Chief Boyd commend the investigative efforts that resulted in the swift apprehension and charging of this suspect.

The media and the public are reminded that criminal charges are only accusations. Each person charged with a crime is presumed innocent until their guilt is proven beyond a reasonable doubt in court.

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Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato announced seventy-five (75) area children completed the annual M.O.V.E. six (6) week Ocean County community basketball clinic offered by OCPO and its’ community partners. The youth oriented clinic named M.O.V.E. (Motivate, Overcome, Visualize, Empower) was presented at Abundant Grace Church in Toms River. OCPO Juvenile Unit and OCPO PBA 171 sponsored the event and owe a special thanks to Pastor Anthony Storino of the Abundant Grace Church for providing the program venue.

In its second year, Ocean County students between the ages of 10-14 attended the clinic. To date 150 children have enjoyed and benefited from the program’s curriculum. The youth program while recreational, also integrates Life skills lessons within the Basketball drills and is designed to promote self-esteem, respect, and setting goals. A significant emphasis was placed on Education, Family and Drug Awareness throughout the program. The program was offered every Thursday evening from 6 – 8 pm concluding this past Friday (2/23). Several children received awards for Academic Achievement, Sportsmanship, Most Improved and M.O.V.E. (overall performance). Every participant got a shirt and a medal. The six (6) week program cost each participant $10.

The program was sponsored by Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato and PBA Local 171. Sgt. Renee Nauyoks of the OCPO Juvenile Unit coordinated the program, which was developed by Det. Anthony Carrington of the Ocean County Prosecutors Office while he was a student at Wagner University. Coaches Rob Taylor, Al Nardini, Elliana Nardini, Agnes Whitfield and OCPO Agent Nicole Testa also gave their time to run the program. Among the concepts promoted while learning basketball’s basics were:

Creating a strong sense of social responsibility.
Emphasized a strong sense of community for kids from all parts of the county by highlighting togetherness and acceptance of others.
Instilled a sense of commitment/motivation to strive to do your best every day and never give up.
Promoted setting goals and doing the right thing.
Educated participants why important to stay away from drugs, gangs and negative influences.
Being a leader and not following blindly.

Prosecutor Coronato stated, “The program goes far beyond teaching the basics of the game of hoops. Coaches inspired the best out of each of the children both on and off the Court. The motivational leadership of the dedicated coaches wove together several critical life skill themes that are so important in a youth’s character development.”

From left to right: Coaches Anthony Carrington, Rob Taylor, Prosecutor Joseph Coronato, Ellianna Nardini, Al Nardinia pose with program participants.

Left to right: Coaches Agnes Whitfield , Rob Taylor, Al Nardini, Ellianna Nardini

Coach Anthony Carrington and with program participant Emma Brogan proudly wearing her medal

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Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato today announced the “Blue HART” (Heroin Addiction Recovery Treatment) program continues to grow in Ocean County by adding its’ seventh participating police departments. Little Egg Harbor Township Police Chief Richard Buzby has successfully prepared his department to join Brick Township, Lacey Township, Manchester Township, Ocean Gate, Point Pleasant Borough and Stafford Township Police in providing critical addiction recovery help.

The “Blue HART” program, which initially began on January 9, 2017 under the name HARP (Heroin Addiction Response Program), was the first of its kind law enforcement addiction help program in New Jersey. The program allows substance abusers to turn themselves and their product in at any of the seven (7) participating police headquarters in order to go to addiction services providers for treatment evaluation without any threat of charges or jail.

Today, Little Egg Harbor Township PD, which quietly began their program in mid-February to fine-tune their operation, will officially join this innovative initiative by collaborating with Ocean Mental Health in Manahawkin and Bayville. Presently, Lacey, Ocean Gate and Stafford PD is already aligned with Ocean Mental Health, Brick PD is partnered with Preferred Behavioral Health in Lakewood and Manchester PD works with Integrity House in Toms River. The expansion of the program now makes help available at Ocean Gate and Lacey PDs on Monday, Little Egg Harbor, Point Pleasant Borough and Stafford PDs on Tuesday, Manchester PD on Wednesday or Brick PD on Thursday for those seeking immediate critical help in fighting drug addiction.

Blue HART is designed to go beyond OCPO’s initial proactive Narcan and Recovery Coach Program measures to offer substantial diversion help in order to reduce the impact of heroin and opiate abuse in our community. The premise of the program is simple – any person who voluntarily enters the three participating agencies and requests help with addiction to heroin or opiates, or any substance, shall be immediately screened for potential participation in the program. Though the program is primarily designed to apply to persons who present themselves at the station, an officer who encounters a person outside the police station believing they would benefit from Blue HART has the discretion, based upon their training and experience, to the bring an individual to the police station if the person consents to the voluntary screening process. The officer/shift supervisor, upon completion of the Blue HART screening process shall provide transportation for the participant to the designated provider as soon as reasonably possible.

Prosecutor Coronato stated, “I applaud the participating police department’s proactive efforts and eagerness to help those in their communities fight this tragic epidemic. Since January, “Blue HART” has helped over 300 individuals to successfully fight the curse of addiction. I cannot thank enough Behavioral Health, Integrity House and Ocean Mental Health for their generous commitment to the people of Ocean County in making our vision a reality. Our county leads the state in providing lifesaving options to those fighting and seeking addiction help.”

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Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato and Lakewood Police Chief Gregory Meyer announced the arrest of John Jandola, 39, of Lakewood. Jandola is charged with 1 count of 2nd Degree Distribution of Child Pornography and 1 count of 3rd 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 Lakewood 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 and a referral from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) into Jandola allegedly sharing and downloading images of prepubescent children engaged in sexual acts.

On Thursday (2/22), the OCPO HTCU investigation led to the execution of an approved search warrant and confiscation of Jandola’s personal computer by the above partnering agencies at 345B Canterbury Court in Lakewood. After departing the residence the confiscated items were taken back for a forensic examination. Today (3/1), the partnering agencies returned to Jandola’s residence and placed Jandola under arrest and charged him with the above referenced offenses.

Senior Assistant Prosecutor Kristin Pressman reviewed the investigative evidence alleging Jandola distributed and possessed images of children engaged in sexual acts and approved the above charge. Jandola is being held in the Ocean County Jail pending his first appearance.

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

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Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato and Toms River Police Chief Mitch Little announce an active investigation into the death of a male, 30 years of age, of Brick, NJ, at the Hampton Garden Apartments in Toms River.

On Monday (3/5) at approximately 9:20 pm, the Toms River Police Department and local EMS responded to a 911 call at the Hampton Garden Apartments, 26 James Street, Building “D. Upon their arrival, they found the above unresponsive victim of a gunshot wound. The victim was subsequently pronounced deceased at 10:34 pm at the scene. The officers immediately secured the scene and contacted the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Major Crimes Unit and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department CIU to respond.

An autopsy is being conducted this morning to determine the cause and manner of death. There will be no more information released until it is complete. Media and the public can be assured addition details will be provided once confirmed.

Anyone with information regarding the investigation can contact OCPO Major Crime Detective John Carroll Jr. at 732-929-2027 Ext. 3964 or TRPD Criminal Investigation Bureau Detective Louis Santora 732-349-0150 Ext. 1276. All information will be kept completely confidential and can be reported anonymously.

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After notification of next of kin, the victim in the Hampton Garden Apartments shooting is identified as Steven E. Stallworth, 30, of Brick, NJ. The Ocean County Medical Examiner completed an autopsy yesterday and determined the victim died as a result of a single gunshot wound and ruled the manner of death a homicide. Again, investigators encourage anyone who may have witnessed the event or have information regarding the shooting to please come forward.

On Monday (3/5) at approximately 9:20 pm, the Toms River Police Department and local EMS responded to a 911 call at the Hampton Garden Apartments, 26 James Street, Building “D. Upon their arrival, they found the above unresponsive victim of a gunshot wound. Victim was subsequently pronounced deceased at 10:34 pm at the scene. The officers immediately secured the scene and contacted the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Major Crimes Unit and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department CIU to respond.

Anyone with information regarding the investigation can contact OCPO Major Crime Detective John Carroll Jr. at 732-929-2027 Ext. 3964 or TRPD Criminal Investigation Bureau Detective Louis Santora 732-349-0150 Ext. 1276. All information will be kept completely confidential and can be reported anonymously.

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Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato today announced that Ocean County law enforcement will conduct a Route 35/37 roving Driving Under the Influence (DUI) enforcement detail for this coming March 9 weekend.

The detail perimeters are identified as State Highway 35 from Seaside Park Borough to Point Pleasant Beach and State Highway 37 Seaside Heights to Manchester Township. The detail encompasses ten (11) municipal jurisdictions traversing the Route 35 and Route 37 Highways in Ocean County. This initiative is a pro-active effort to prevent accidents and address traffic violations throughout the above areas. This is a multi-jurisdictional effort supported by the Chiefs of Police and supervisors from the following jurisdictions:

Seaside Heights Police Department
Seaside Park Police Department
Toms River Police Department
Lavallette Police Department
Brick Police Department
Berkeley Township Police Department
Mantoloking Police Department
Bay Head Police Department
Point Pleasant Beach Police Department
Manchester Police Department
Lakehurst Police Department
Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office
Ocean County Sheriff’s Department
NJ State Police Troop “C” Tactical Patrol Unit & D.U.I. Enforcement Patrol

Detail patrols are instructed to strictly and aggressively enforce the DUI statute, as well as, NJ motor vehicle statutes that are common contributory causes of crashes. These causes include, but are not limited to, driving while under the influence, aggressive driving, improper/unsafe turning, failing to yield, failing to keep right, improper passing, inattentive driving, disregard of traffic signals, excessive speed, following too closely and various commercial carrier violations such as overweight, equipment maintenance and inadequate brake pressure. Equipped participating agencies will utilize Automated License Plate Readers. Approximately six (6) Variable Message Signs will be strategically placed beginning March 9 reading “Traffic Enforcement Detail in Effect” – “Obey All Traffic Laws”.

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