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NARCAN AVAILABLE FOR THOSE FIGHTING ADDICTION


Narcan now in hands of Fish & Wildlife Officers

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Colonel Mark Chicketano, Chief of the Division of Fish & Wildlife Law Enforcement Bureau today accepted their first supply of Naloxone from Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato.    These first round of kits were paid for from OCPO drug forfeiture funds and now add the Fish & Wildlife Officers to the Ocean County Law Enforcement community carrying the life saving antidote.

 Fish & Wildlife Narcan

Pictured left to right: Officer Shannon Martiak, Lt. Lisa LaCroix, Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph Coronato, Colonel Mark Chicketano, Ocean County Chief of Detectives Glenn Miller

Fish & Wildlife Narcan 2

Pictured left to right: Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph Coronato, Officer Shannon Martiak, Lt. Lisa LaCroix, Colonel Mark Chicketano, Ocean County Chief of Detectives Glenn Mill

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DRIVER IGNORES STOPPED SCHOOL BUS WARNING SIGNALS STRIKES BOY

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schoolBusOn Tuesday (1-6-15) at approximately 5:18 pm, Lakewood Police were dispatched to the intersection of Clifton Avenue and Carey Street for a report of a pedestrian struck. Upon their arrival they found a nine (9) year old Lakewood boy had been struck. Hatzolah EMS transported the unconscious child to Jersey Shore University Medical Center where he was treated for various injuries including head injuries.

The subsequent preliminary investigation by the Lakewood Police Department and the Ocean County Prosecutors Office indicates that a School Bus was turning from Carey St, southbound onto Clifton Ave. The bus stopped with its’ warning stop lights activated as students disembarked. As the 9 year old boy left the bus and began to cross the street, he was struck by a 2004 Nissan Sentra traveling northbound on Clifton Ave and dragged through the intersection approximately 80 feet.

The driver of the Nissan Sentra is identified as Michael Adler, 26, of Lakewood. At this time, Adler is charged with Reckless Driving and Failure to Stop for a School Bus. Adler consented to a blood draw which was conducted at Kimball Medical Center. The investigation continues to ascertain if additional charges are warranted – Al Della Fave.

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OCPO SHOCKED BY NUMBER OF MOTORISTS CHOOSING TO IGNORE STOPPED SCHOOL BUS STATUTE

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schoolBusThis past week the Ocean County Prosecutor Office Facebook Page posted information on an incident in Lakewood where a 9 year old Lakewood boy was struck by a motorist passing a stopped school bus. Almost immediately after making the post, I noticed a good number of comments by local folks citing that they have seen many OC drivers doing this on a regular basis. One post went so far as to identify a specific corner in Brick where they see it happen most every morning, which I immediately passed on to Brick PD.

My message: Those drivers choosing to blatantly pass stopped school buses present a tremendous danger to the children leaving or boarding these buses – as evident by the most recent struck Lakewood youth.

The penalty for Failing to Yield to a School Bus is a motor vehicles summons in which the offender pays a fine and receives Five (5) points. Folks – Reckless Driving is another violation that will get you Five (5) points. Careless Driving is Two (2) points. That shows you the potential danger law enforcement attributes to the violation. In other words: It’s dangerous, very dangerous – in the same category as Reckless Driving and DUI. If lucky you’ll only get the summons and not seriously injure or kill a child.

So please don’t do it. If you see a driver do it and can safely record the cars plate number, please report it to local police. Do not chase down or approach the offender. The safety of children is the responsibility of all adults. Please drive responsibly – Al Della Fave.

The post OCPO SHOCKED BY NUMBER OF MOTORISTS CHOOSING TO IGNORE STOPPED SCHOOL BUS STATUTE appeared first on Ocean County Prosecutor Office.

TOMS RIVER MAN ARRESTED POSSESSING GRAPHIC CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

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Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato today announced the arrest of Michael J. Peluso, 44, of Toms River, NJ, for the Possession and Distribution of images of children under the age of 18 engaged in prohibited sexual acts.

This morning the Ocean County High Tech Crime Unit, with assistance from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations, Toms River Police Department and the New Jersey State Police, executed a search warrant at 2149 South Street, Toms River, NJ.  In December of 2014, a referral was received from the Glendale Heights Police Dept. in Illinois.  A detective at that agency was conducting a proactive investigation for child pornography distribution on the Internet when he discovered a client who was using software to mask their IP address to appear as though they were in Illinois.  Upon further investigation, it was revealed that the subject was operating in Toms River.  The case was then referred to the Ocean County Prosecutors’ Office HTCU as part of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.  HTCU detectives continued the investigation which culminated in the search this morning.

A search of the computer evidence at the residence by the partnering agencies found Peluso to be possessing and sharing several hundred images of Child Pornography.  As a result of the search, Michael J. Peluso was arrested.  Charges for Possession and Distribution of Child Pornography were approved by Assistant Prosecutor Hillary Bryce.  Bail was set at $75000 no 10% by Judge Francis R. Hodgson Jr.,J.S.C.

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

Peluso REV

Follow the Office of the Ocean County Prosecutor online at Twitter and Facebook.  The social media links provided are for reference only.    The OCPO does not endorse any non-governmental websites, companies or applications.  For additional information visit our website at www.oceancountyprosecutor.org.

The post TOMS RIVER MAN ARRESTED POSSESSING GRAPHIC CHILD PORNOGRAPHY appeared first on Ocean County Prosecutor Office.

Tuckerton Officer Indicted in Aggravated Assault Case

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Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato announced the return of the indictment yesterday (1/13/15) against Justin M. Cherry, a Tuckerton Borough Police Officer who is currently suspended without pay, in connection with the arrest of Wendy Tucker, a 58 year-old Barnegat resident, on January 29, 2014 in Barnegat Township.

The indictment alleges that Cherry committed aggravated assault when he released his K-9 partner “Gunner” and allowed it to attack Ms. Tucker after she had already been apprehended and was under the control of two Barnegat police officers.  The indictment also charges Cherry with two separate counts of official misconduct.  One official misconduct charge alleges that Cherry falsified his police reports and swore out an affidavit for Ms. Tucker’s arrest which contained false information.  The other official misconduct charge alleges that Cherry utilized his position as a police officer to commit an aggravated assault upon Ms. Tucker.  Cherry is also charged with False Swearing, Tampering With Public Records and Hindering His Own Apprehension.  The Official Misconduct charges and the Hindering Apprehension charge are second degree crimes.  The Aggravated Assault and Tampering With Public Records charges are third degree.  The False Swearing charge is a fourth degree crime.  Second degree crimes can result in incarceration from between five and ten years.  Third degree crimes can result in imprisonment from between three and five years.  Fourth degree crimes can result in incarceration for up to eighteen months.

The indictment stems from Cherry’s interactions with Ms. Tucker on January 29, 2014.  Cherry and another Tuckerton officer were called to a private residence in Tuckerton where Tucker was alleged to be an unwelcomed guest.  Ms. Tucker agreed to leave the residence.  It was discovered that Ms. Tucker had driven her motor vehicle to the residence in Tuckerton.  Tuckerton police discovered that Ms. Tucker’s driving privileges were suspended at that time.  Tuckerton police asked Ms. Tucker to take the bus home to Barnegat.  She agreed to, but was seen by Cherry several minutes later driving her vehicle from the area.  Cherry attempted to stop Ms. Tucker’s vehicle, but she refused to do so.  Police from neighboring communities were alerted.  Ms. Tucker drove to Barnegat Township where she was stopped by officers from the Barnegat Police Department.  The indictment alleges that Cherry followed Ms. Tucker’s vehicle to where it was stopped in Barnegat Township and allowed his K-9 to attack Ms. Tucker during her arrest when the use of the K-9 was unnecessary, unwarranted and improper.  The indictment further alleges that Cherry falsified his police reports and the affidavit to try to conceal his wrongdoing.

Ms. Tucker was initially charged with driving with a suspended license and third degree Eluding.  The Eluding charge has been dismissed.

Cherry is free on $15,000 bail which he posted when he was charged with Official Misconduct and Aggravated Assault on April 9, 2014.  Executive Assistant Prosecutor Michel Paulhus is prosecuting the case.

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.

The post Tuckerton Officer Indicted in Aggravated Assault Case appeared first on Ocean County Prosecutor Office.

NJ Press Association Commends OCPO Aggressive Response to Photographer’s Arrest

OCPO INVESTIGATES DISCHARGE OF FIREARM

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Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato announces that the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office is conducting an investigation into an accidental discharge of a police officer’s weapon which took place shortly before 6 a.m. this morning in Lacey Township.

Lacey Police were called to the parking area of a 7/11 located at 403 Main Street for the report of an accidental shooting.  Upon their arrival they found a 23 year old male from Forked River had suffered a gunshot wound to the leg.  The victim was immediately transported to Jersey Shore Hospital in Neptune.

The initial investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Major Crimes Unit found Jesse Urban, 23 years of age, a police officer with the Pine Beach Police Department, who is a resident of Lacey Township, made a 911 telephone call to report that a friend of his was injured as a result of an accidental discharge of Urban’s firearm.  The exact circumstances surrounding the discharge of the firearm are presently under investigation.  The victim suffered non-life threatening injuries and is reportedly undergoing surgery at Jersey Shore.  Presently, evidence of alcohol involvement and the alleged operation of a motor vehicle have brought a charge of Driving Under the Influence against Urban.

Pine Beach Police Chief Reese Fisher has suspended Urban without pay pending the results of the investigation.  The investigation is being conducted by the Ocean County Prosecutors Office, in conjunction with the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department, Pine Beach and Lacey Township Police Departments.

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

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

The post OCPO INVESTIGATES DISCHARGE OF FIREARM appeared first on Ocean County Prosecutor Office.


LACEY DEATH INVESTIGATION UPDATE – DEATH RULED ACCIDENTAL

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On Monday (1/19), OCPO Major Crimes Unit Detective Brian Haggerty Today attended the post mortem examination of decedent, Ruth Jacobs at Community Medical Center.  The examination was performed by Dr. Ian Hood of the Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office.  Dr. Hood noted a single linear laceration to the right side of the decedent’s head, just above the ear canal, consistent with a fall victim.  Dr. Hood ruled the cause of death to be Part I: Head Injury, Part II: Fractured Hip, and the manner of death to be an Accident.

This information when combined with the investigative procedures implemented by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, Ocean County Sheriff’s Department and Lacey Police Department confirmed the Accidental Death finding.

Mr. Arnold Jacobs remains hospitalized in stable condition.

PRIOR REPORT 1/18 – VICTIM IDENTIFIED

On Saturday (1/17), at approximately 4:44 pm, the Lacey Twp. Police Department responded to an Abbey Court address in Forked River, NJ, reference to a 911 call reporting the discovery of an unresponsive female within the residence. Family members had entered the residence after being unable to get in contact with the husband and wife who reside there. 


The occupants of the Abbey Ct. address are a married couple identidied as Arnold, 96, and Ruth, 91, Jacobs. Upon entry into the residence Arnold Jacobs was found on the garage floor semi conscious. Ruth Jacobs was found on the kitchen floor totally unresponsive.


Lacey PD immediately contacted local EMS and the Ocean County Prosecutors Major Crime Unit. The Ocean County Sheriff’s Department CIU and OC Medical Examiners Office responded to the scene as well. 


Ruth was subsequently prononced dead at 7:10 pm by the OC Medical Examiners Office. Arnold was transported to Jersey Shore Medical Center for treatment. 


The Preliminary investigation found Arnold Jacobs unable to provide details of the incident due to his physical condition. The residence was sealed pending processing by OCPO and OC Sheriff’s CIU as part of the continuing investigation. A post mortem examination will be conducted by the OC Medical Examiner to determine cause and manner of death. Arnold Jacobs remains hospitalized in critical, but stable condition. 


There is nothiong further to report at this time. The investigation by the OCPO Major Crimes Unit continues, with assistance from the OC Sheriff’s Department, OC Medical Examiners Office and Lacey Township Police Department – Al Della Fave.

The post LACEY DEATH INVESTIGATION UPDATE – DEATH RULED ACCIDENTAL appeared first on Ocean County Prosecutor Office.

OCEAN COUNTY PROSECUTOR’S DETECTIVE SUCCUMBS TO CRASH INJURIES

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Toms River, NJ – Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato today stated, “It is with the feeling of deep regret and sorrow that we announce the tragic death of Special Operation Group Detective John Scott Stevens.  We extend our heartfelt sympathies to his family and loved ones, and pledge our continued support to his family during this most difficult time.”

His death is the result of a motor vehicle crash on Thursday, January 8, 2015, at approximately 10:53 am.  On that day, Lacey Police Department received a report of a serious one vehicle crash on Dover Road.  The subsequent investigation revealed that Detective Stevens, 44, of Forked River was on duty driving eastbound on Dover Road in a 2004 Honda Civic under-cover vehicle when for some unknown reason he veered abruptly across the westbound lane, off the road striking a tree.

Det. Stevens was flown to Jersey Shore University Medical Center where he had remained in critical condition until today.  With family and loved ones at his side he was pronounced at 3:32 this morning.

Det. Stevens would have served fifteen years this April with the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office.  Funeral arrangements will be provided when they are available.

 

John Scott Stevens

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TOMS RIVER TEEN SENTENCED IN FATAL CRASH CASE RESULTING IN PASSENGERS DEATH

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Toms River, NJ – Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato today announced the sentencing of Connor P. Hanifin, 19, of Toms River.  The sentencing stems from the Toms River, Yellow Bank Road fatal accident investigation in February of 2014.

On 10/30/14, Hanifin entered a guilty plea to Vehicular Homicide and Driving Under the Influence (DWI), in connection with the motor vehicle crash which resulted in the death of Francis Duddy, a passenger in Hanifin’s vehicle.  Today, the Honorable Wendel E. Daniels, P.J.Cr.P sentenced Hanifin to a 42 month sentence in New Jersey State Prison, with the defendant required to serve 85% of that sentence before becoming eligible for parole.

The events of the case unfolded on February 8, 2014, at approximately 1:36 am, when the Toms River Police Department responded to a report of a possible motor vehicle collision near 972 Yellow Bank Road at the end of the cul-de-sac.  Arriving Officers found a vehicle in the woods pinned vertically against several trees.  The front end of the vehicle was resting on the ground with the roof of the vehicle against the trees and the trunk of the vehicle pointing towards the sky.  Officers observed two (2) individuals still in the vehicle.

Additional emergency personnel arrived on scene (Fire, EMS and Medics) to assist with extricating, removal and treatment of the occupants. The vehicle sustained extensive damage that extended into the drivers compartment area requiring the driver, Connor Hanifin, to be extricated from the vehicle by the Fire Department.   After Hanifin was extricated from the vehicle he was treated and later air lifted to Jersey Shore University Medical Center for treatment of his injuries.  The front passenger, later identified as Francis Duddy, 19, of Toms River was also entrapped in the vehicle and was pronounced at the scene by Ocean County Medical Examiner Dr. Brodsky, ME at 3:15am.

The evidence at the scene indicated the Honda Civic, operated by Connor Hanifin was traveling west on Yellow Bank Road at an unsafe speed when it approached the intersection of Vaughn Avenue where Hanifin lost control of the vehicle on the curve prior to impacting the stand of trees on Yellow Bank Road.

During the investigation of the scene Toms River Police Officers observed alcoholic beverage containers in the vehicle.  The blood sample obtained from Connor Hanifin was taken to an independent laboratory to determine whether Hanifin had any substances in his system at the time of the collision.  The results of that testing revealed that Hanifin had a blood alcohol content that exceeded the legal limit.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant Prosecutor Michael Weatherstone.  Officer David Bartoshek of the Toms River Police Department and Det. Craig Ally of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office were the lead investigators.  Connor P. Hanifin’s defense attorney is Steven Seacare.  Mr. Seacare’s firm is located in Toms River, NJ.

The post TOMS RIVER TEEN SENTENCED IN FATAL CRASH CASE RESULTING IN PASSENGERS DEATH appeared first on Ocean County Prosecutor Office.

* * * MEDIA ADVISORY: Monday, January 26 * * *

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10943651_339784559552991_5008028597311532342_nNew Jersey Attorney General, Ocean County Prosecutor Join Little Egg Harbor Township Mayor, Police Chief to Launch “Project Medicine Drop” Box

LITTLE EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP – Acting Attorney General John J. Hoffman and Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato will join Little Egg Harbor Township Mayor Arthur L. Midgley and Police Chief Richard J. Buzby Jr. to announce the installation of New Jersey’s newest “Project Medicine Drop” box at the Little Egg Harbor Township Police Department.

Project Medicine Drop is an important component of New Jersey’s fight against the ongoing crisis of opiate abuse.  It enables residents to safely and securely dispose of used prescription drugs 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

WHEN:    10 a.m. Monday, January 26

WHERE:    Little Egg Harbor Township Municipal Complex, 665 Radio Road, Little Egg Harbor             Township, NJ 08087

WHO:        New Jersey Acting Attorney General John J. Hoffman
Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato
Little Egg Harbor Township Mayor Arthur L. Midgley
Little Egg Harbor Township Police Chief Richard J. Buzby Jr.

VISUAL:    Officials will unveil Little Egg Harbor Township’s “Project Medicine Drop” box.

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

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

The post * * * MEDIA ADVISORY: Monday, January 26 * * * appeared first on Ocean County Prosecutor Office.

OCPO Det. Scott Stevens Funeral

LAKEWOOD MAN SENTENCED IN SEXUAL ASSAULT

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Defendant David Jusino, 23, of Lakewood was sentenced today (1/30) before Judge Rochelle Gizinski, J.S.C. to a total of 5 years in New Jersey State Prison, concurrent to 5 years with a No Early Release stipulation, Megan’s Law Registration, Nicole’s Law (No Contact) and Parole Supervision for Life.

The sentence stems from a guilty plea by Jusino to two (2) counts of 2nd Degree Sexual Assault under 2C:14-2b.  He was found not to be a repetitive and compulsive offender after an AVENEL evaluation.  The underlying conduct occurred in Toms River in the summer of 2013 and involved inappropriate sexual conduct with two (2) juvenile victims (both 11 at the time).

The victims and their families were present in court for the sentencing with support from OCPO Victim Witness Advocate Debra Giordano.  The Case was investigated by OCPO Special Victims Unit Det. Lindsay Woodfield.  Senior Assistant Prosecutor Terry Ann Linardakis prosecuted the case.

David Eulus Jusino copy

Follow the Office of the Ocean County Prosecutor online at Twitter and Facebook.  The social media links provided are for reference only.

The OCPO does not endorse any non-governmental websites, companies or applications.  For additional information visit our website at www.oceancountyprosecutor.org.

The post LAKEWOOD MAN SENTENCED IN SEXUAL ASSAULT appeared first on Ocean County Prosecutor Office.

LEHPD Prescription Drop Box


SON INDICTED IN MURDER OF HIS MOTHER

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Lakewood, N.J. – Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato today announced the indictment of Brian Cassidy, 43, of Lakewood for Murder, Theft, and various weapons offenses in the death of his mother Gail Conway, 61, also of Lakewood.

The indictment stems from the events of June 25, 2013.  On that date just after 8:00am, Lakewood Police Dispatch Center received a call requesting a wellbeing check at 3C Sumac Court, Lakewood for Gail Conway.  The caller was Conway’s work supervisor at a CVS Pharmacy in Toms River, New Jersey.  The supervisor was concerned that Conway had not reported for work and was not answering her phone.

Officers from Lakewood Police Department arrived at the Sumac Court address and received no answer at the front door.  They proceeded to enter the residence and found a deceased female lying in bed, later identified as Gail Conway.  Blood evidence and the condition of the body made it clear that Conway was the victim of a homicide.  The officers secured the scene and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department Crime Scene Investigation Unit, Ocean County Prosecutors Office, and the Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office were summoned to assist in the investigation.

Detective’s processing the scene observed a burgundy Nissan Sentra with a New Jersey registration YVG-82D parked unoccupied in the driveway of the residence.  A check of the registration showed that it belonged to Conway’s son Brian Cassidy, then age 41, who they later learned also lived at the residence.  Further investigation found that the victim’s vehicle, a Grey 2013 Honda Civic was missing.

At approximately 5:29pm that same date, Lakewood Police Detective Jason Pederson observed the victims vehicle travelling on Lakewood-Allenwood Road in Howell Township.  The vehicle then turned into Deerwood Park and pulled into a parking space near the park hockey rink.  A white male, who Detective Pederson identified as Brian K. Cassidy, the victim’s son, exited the vehicle and began to walk a dog near the wood line of the park.  Detective Pederson kept a visual on Cassidy until additional units arrived.  Cassidy was taken into custody without incident and transported back to the Lakewood Police Department.

With Cassidy in custody, Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office and the Lakewood Police Department were able to piece together events that led to Gail Conway’s death and confirm Cassidy’s role in the murder.   Brian Cassidy was charged with First Degree Murder; 3 counts of Third Degree Possession of a Weapon for Unlawful Purpose, and Third Degree Theft of a Vehicle.  His bail was set at one million dollars cash by Superior Court Judge Wendel Daniels.  He has remained incarcerated in the Ocean County Jail since his arrest on June 25, 2013.  Pre-arraignment has been scheduled for February 24.

Det. Leroy Marshall of the Lakewood Police Department and Thomas Tiernan of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office are the lead detectives on the case.  The Lakewood Police Department, the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department CSI all contributed to the investigation culminating in the arrest of Cassidy.  This case is being prosecuted by Ocean County Assistant Prosecutor Michelle Armstrong.

Despite these charges, every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, following a trial at which the defendant has all of the trial rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and State law.

Brian Keith Cassidy Mug

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PROSECUTOR’S SPECIAL OPERATIONS GROUP AND BERKELEY POLICE TEAM UP IN LATEST DRUG INVESTIGATION

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Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato announced today the culmination of an investigation into drug activity by Detectives from the Prosecutor’s Special Operations Group, Northern Enforcement Unit.  The OCPO SOG Unit conducted a cooperative multi agency drug investigation with the Berkeley Township Police Department that resulted in the arrest of 2 Ocean County residents on various drug charges.

During the early morning hours of Wednesday February 11, 2015, Detectives from the Prosecutor’s Northern Enforcement Unit, along with members of the Berkeley Township Police Department, the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department K-9 Unit and the Ocean County Regional SWAT Team executed a no knock search warrant at 55 Second Avenue in Berkeley Township.  As a result, police seized a quantity of cocaine over one half ounce, a quantity of marijuana, a loaded .45 caliber handgun and assorted drug paraphernalia commonly utilized in the packaging and distribution of CDS.  Police also seized approximately $700 in cash.

Robert Sanders, 37, of 55 Second Avenue, Berkeley Township, NJ, was arrested and charged with Possession of Cocaine, Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute, Possession of a Firearm during a CDS offense, Certain Persons not to Possess a Firearm, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.  The Honorable Superior Court Judge Patricia B. Roe, JSC set bail at $200,000 no ten percent for Sanders who was subsequently housed in the Ocean County Jail.

Yolanda Richardson, 34, of 55 Second Avenue, Berkeley Township, NJ, was arrested and charged with Possession of Cocaine, Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute, Possession of a Firearm during a CDS offense, Certain Persons not to Possess a Firearm, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.  The Honorable Superior Court Judge Patricia B. Roe, JSC set bail at $200,000 no ten percent for Richardson who was subsequently housed in the Ocean County Jail.

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

YALONDA SHANEE RICHARDSON REV ROBERT DONDAE SANDERS REV

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GUILTY VERDICT IN AGGRAVATED SEXUAL ASSAULT TRIAL

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Defendant Richard Yhlen, 37, of Seaside Heights, NJ, was found guilty on Wednesday (2/11) by a jury before Judge Wendel E. Daniels of 2 counts of 1st Degree Aggravated Sexual Assault and 2 counts of 2nd Degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child.  He was found not guilty of 3rd degree Resisting Arrest.

The trial began with pre-trial motions on January 15th, with testimony starting on Feb 3rd.  The case involved sexual conduct on the part of Yhlen with 2 minor victims who were 5 and 7 years old at the time (now 7 and 10).  The conduct occurred in Seaside Heights between April and August 31, 2012.   Testimony at trial for the State included the two minor victims, the mother of the victims, Seaside Heights Police Department Officer Edward Pasieka and Detective Elijah Bryant, Forensic Nurse Examiner Pamela Litman and OCPO Detective Lindsay Woodfield.  Victim witness advocate Debra Giordano assisted the family throughout the trial.  Senior Assistant Prosecutor Terry Ann Linardakis prosecuted the case.

The jury deliberated for approximately one (1) hour before returning their verdict.   Yhlen will now be sent for an evaluation through AVENEL prior to sentencing.  He has been continuously incarcerated since his arrest on August 31, 2012.

Richard James Yhlen REV

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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Lakehurst man sentenced in Child Pornography Distribution case

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     On Friday (2/13/15), Michael R. Allen, 28, of Lakehurst was sentenced to 5 years in New Jersey State Prison.  The sentencing was the result of his guilty plea before Judge Francis R. Hodgson Jr., J.S.C., to 2nd degree Distribution Child Pornography in September of 2014.  Upon release from incarceration Allen will be subject to Megan’s Law Registration.
     The case stems from an investigation which spanned two months during the spring of 2013.  It began as a referral from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children to New Jersey’s Crimes Against Children Task Force.  The High Tech Crime Unit of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office accepted the case and quickly gained the cooperation of the Lakehurst Police Department.
     On May 7, 2013, just after sunrise, the investigating agencies, with assistance from the Ocean County Regional SWAT Team, executed a search warrant at Allen’s Maple Street residence in Lakehurst.  The search for evidence pertaining to Distribution of Child Pornography on the internet resulted in the recovery of 26 items of digital evidence, Allen’s computer, multiple electronic storage devices and over 5000 graphic images depicting sexual assault on children.  The forensic preview of the computer evidence at the residence by the Ocean County High Tech Crime Unit found Allen to be actively trading images of Child Pornography with other persons on the internet.
     He was charged at the time with 2 counts of second degree Distribution of Child Pornography.  Charges were signed by the OCPO High Tech Crime Unit.  Assistant Prosecutor Hillary Bryce approved the charges and prosecuted the case.
Allen, Michael

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Attempted Sexual Assault Arrest

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This morning OCPO High Tech Crime Unit, with assistance from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Toms River PD, Long Beach PD and Surf City PD, executed a search warrant at 234 North 6th Street in Surf City. The search stemmed from a joint HTCU/HSI operation in which an individual identified as Kenneth J. Walker, 66, of Surf City was allegedly attempting to speak with and meet juveniles on the Internet. The multi jurisdictional operation began as a referral from the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

The search warrant was executed this am after learning that Walker allegedly arranged to meet with a juvenile. Walker, a Tier II Megan’s Law Offender, was arrested by the partnering agencies and charged by OCPO HTCU Detectives with 1 count of 2nd degree Attempted Sexual Assault, 1 count of 3rd degree Possession of Child Pornography. Bail was set at $200,000 cash only by the Honorable Judge Francis Hodgson. Charges were approved by Assistant Prosecutor Hillary Bryce. Walker was lodged in Ocean County Jail in default of bail.

 

Kenneth J. Walker

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