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Thursday, October 31, 2013

NJ Turnpike Toll Supervisor Convicted of Theft for Stealing a Wallet

MAYS LANDING – A New Jersey Turnpike Toll Supervisor was convicted of stealing the wallet of a victim of a car crash that occurred at a toll plaza, acting Atlantic County Prosecutor Jim McClain announced.
On Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2013, an Atlantic County jury found Thomas Giberson, 35, of Cedar Run, Ocean County, guilty of stealing a Massachusetts man’s wallet, which he removed from the scene of a car accident.
In August of 2012, Giberson—who is a 16-year employee of the New Jersey Turnpike Authority—was on duty as a Supervisor for the at the Great Egg Toll Plaza, located in Somers Point, when a motor vehicle accident occurred.

New York City Man Indicted for Aggravated Sexual Assault of a 12-year-old Girl in Egg Harbor Township

MAYS LANDING – A New York City man, who is a registered sex offender in the state of California, has been indicted for the aggravated sexual assault of a 12-year-old girl, acting Atlantic County Prosecutor Jim McClain announced today.
On Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2013, an Atlantic County Grand Jury indicted Joseph Anthony Caracciolo, 47, most recently of New York City, on charges of aggravated sexual assault and endangering the welfare of a child.
In April of 2013, the Egg Harbor Township Police Department was alerted of the sexual assault of a 12-year-old girl that occurred at her father’s Egg Harbor Township home in July of 2012. The sexual assault resulted in a pregnancy. At the time of the report, the victim was nine months pregnant.

Monday, October 28, 2013

Atlantic City Police Officer in Stable Condition after Motorcycle and Car Collide on White Horse Pike in Galloway

Galloway Township Police responded to a Motor Vehicle Accident on October 28, 2013 at 6:37 p.m. The accident according to Police occurred on the White Horse Pike (US Rt-30) and S. Donna Drive, Pomona section of the Township.
Police described the accident as a Car vs. Motorcycle. Two vehicles that were headed eastbound on the White Horse Pike collided, resulting in injury to the motorcycle driver. The collision is still under investigation. A 2000 Mercury Mountaineer and 2009 Suzuki Hayabusa 1300 were the vehicles involved in the accident.

Sunday, October 27, 2013

Robbery Investigation Leads to Juvenile Charged with Obstruction, Assault on Police and Assault on Police K9 Titan


On October 26,2013 at 4:00 p.m. Galloway Township Police responded to the area of St. Josephs Street in the Pomona Oaks section of the Township for the report of motor vehicles burglary and a theft in progress.  

The notifying witness followed the suspects to a particular residence on St. Joseph St.  Patrol units arrived and while investigating the call, a juvenile male exited the residence and attempted to obstruct the investigation of the burglary.  The juvenile in question then physically resisted the Officer as she attempted to take him into custody.  

Friday, October 25, 2013

Folsom Man Indicted for the Murder of a Woman Stabbed to Death in Her Home


MAYS LANDING - A Folsom man has been indicted for the murder of a woman who was stabbed to death in her home six months ago, Acting Atlantic County Prosecutor Jim McClain announced today.
On Thursday, Oct. 24, 2013, an Atlantic County Grand Jury indicted Darrin K. Plumlee, 43, for the murder of Merry Abernathy, 30.
On Friday, April 12, 2013, the New Jersey State Police responded to the couples’ residence located on the 100 block of Lenape Terrace and discovered Abernathy, who had sustained multiple stab wounds, dead inside the home.

Absecon Police Investigating a Smash and Grab Burglary at Mino's Bakery


On Friday, October 25, 2013 around 2:15 am Mino's Bakery, located at 792 White Horse Pike in Absecon, was burglarized. The actor, described as a white male standing about 5'10" with a large build, attempted to pry open the rear door to the business. 

When the rear door would not open the accused male walked around to the front of the building along Rt. 30 and smashed the front, glass door with a large rock. The male is then seen on surveillance video entering the store and immediately walking to a back room where he attempts to remove a safe. The safe was secured to the floor preventing the accused from taking it. 

Atlantic City School Teacher Convicted of Defrauding Hamilton Township School District of Nearly $24,000


MAYS LANDING – An Atlantic City school teacher was convicted of defrauding the Hamilton Township School District of thousands of dollars, Acting Atlantic County Prosecutor Jim McClain announced.
On Wednesday Oct. 23, an Atlantic County jury convicted Kimberly Jurkowski, 52, of Hamilton Township, of theft by deception and falsifying or tampering with records for her involvement in a tutoring scam, which defrauded the Hamilton Township School District of nearly $24,000.

Publisher to Appear on King Arthur Show on Saturday @ 7:45 a.m.


Publisher of Galloway Township News, Lisa Tilton will appear on the King Arthur Show on Saturday, October 26, 2013 at 7:45 a.m.

Tune in on the AM dial to 1020 Station or listen online here

Galloway Township News will be discussing the latest news occurring in Galloway Township including our Investigation into the Video Surveillance footage that appears to contradict a complaint filed by Press Reporter Donna Weaver against Councilman Jim McElwee.

Absecon Police Arrest Woman Wanted in Egg Harbor Township Stabbing


On Oct 24, 2013 @ 01:30 am Absecon Police and Egg Harbor Township Police received a Crime Stoppers tip that Aquia Perez was staying at the Comfort Inn Hotel-539 Absecon Blvd in Absecon. 

Perez is accused of stabbing her girlfriend, Yvette Bridgett, 48, in the head on Sun, Oct. 20th during a domestic dispute in Egg Harbor Township. Officer's responded to the Hotel and she was arrested for Aggravated Assault and later turned over to Egg Harbor Township.

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Galloway Township Police Blotter October 13-19, 2013


CFS 621     MVA 22 
FIRE 7       DWI 0
EMS 33     ARRESTS 29 
DV 6         TICKETS 55

BURGLARIES: 
October 14 at S. New York Road 
October 15 at S. New York Road 

ARRESTS:

Olivia Tarver, 61, of Galloway Township was arrested by Det. Ryan Goehringer for Fictitious Police Reports on Oct. 13.

Philadelphia Woman Sentenced to 80 Years in Prison for the Murder of a Canadian Mother and Daughter


MAYS LANDING – A Philadelphia woman was sentenced to 80 years in prison for the murders of a Canadian mother and daughter, who were fatally stabbed in Atlantic City last spring, Acting Atlantic County Prosecutor Jim McClain announced today.
On Thursday, Oct. 24, Antoinette Pelzer, 46, of West Huntington Park, Philadelphia, was sentenced to 80 years in New Jersey state prison for the murders of Po Lin Wan, 80, and Wan’s daughter, Alice Mei See Leung, 47, both of Scarborough, Ontario.

Galloway Police Arrest and Charge Male Suspect in Multiple Motor Vehicle Burglaries and Theft


Galloway Township Police have announced they arrested and charged a Male Suspect from Absecon with five counts of Burglary and Theft.

On October 23, 2013, Eric M Ireland, 24 of Absecon, NJ was arrested by Galloway Township Police and charged with 5 counts of Burglary and Theft closing 5 cases of motor vehicle burglaries that occurred in the Township between October 12 through the 15th in a 2 week investigation led by Det. Ro Latoracca. 

Galloway Police Arrest Suspect in Armed Robbery of Dunkin Donuts


Galloway Township Police have announced they arrested an Egg Harbor City man for the Armed Robbery of Dunkin Donuts on Route 30 and Sixth Avenue after a two week investigation. 

On October 23, 2013, Jonathan F Ortiz, 26 of Egg Harbor City, NJ was arrested by Galloway Township Police and charged with Armed Robbery, Possession of a Weapon for Unlawful Purpose and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon following a 2 week investigation led by Detective Jason Kiamos.

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Galloway Township Police Blotter October 6 – 12, 2013



CFS 789      DV 10 
FIRE 15      MVA 19 
EMS 84      ARRESTS 17

BURGLARIES: 
October 7 at W. White Horse Pike 
October 7 at E. Regency Drive 
October 9 at Aloe Street 
October 11 at Mattix Run 
October 12 at S. Spruce Ave. 

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Male Victim Suffers Gunshot Wound after Robbery Attempt in Absecon

On Tuesday, October 22, 2013 the Absecon Police Department was advised of a 19 year old male who checked himself into Atlanticare Regional Medical Center, City Division with a gunshot wound to his lower leg. 

Detectives responded and interviewed the victim who stated he went to the Oyster Bay apartment complex on California Avenue in Absecon around 4:00 pm to purchase drugs. Instead of buying drugs the victim was robbed by two black males, one of which brandished a revolver. According to the victim, a struggle for the gun ensued and several shots were fired. 

Atlantic City Resident Arrested After Assault of Female in the Area of Pitney Park


On Sunday, October 20, 2013 at 4:03 p.m. patrol units were dispatched to Pitney Rd. in the area of Pitney Park for report of a male assaulting a female in a vehicle. 

The female driver had attempted to pull over and ask for help from bystanders at the baseball fields when the male attempted to flee with the vehicle. 

The female reentered the vehicle and the assault continued while they traveled into Galloway Township. Patrol units stopped the vehicle in Galloway and the male, twenty-two year old Joshua Santiago of Atlantic City, was taken into custody for the assault. 

Monday, October 21, 2013

Publisher Confirms Unauthorized Individual has Blocked Public Access to GallowayTwpNews.com Website


The publisher of this Galloway Township News has confirmed that an unauthorized individual has blocked the public's access to the former GallowayTwpNews.com website and apparently mounted an unsuccessful effort to redirect readers to another unrelated site. 

An individual has come forward claiming responsibility for blocking the site and in doing so, alerted Law Enforcement of the situation. 

Galloway Resident Charged with Possession and Distribution of Controlled Dangerous Substances


On Sunday, October 20, 2013 at 12:11pm while on patrol in the Home Depot parking lot Absecon Police located a male and female smoking marijuana in a vehicle. Contact was made with the subjects and the male, thirty-two year old Erix D. Vincente of Galloway, was found to be in possession of prescription drugs. 

Vincente was also found to be in possession of several wax baggies containing a powdery substance. Vincente was charged with possession of imitation controlled dangerous substances and distribution of imitation controlled dangerous substances. 

Sunday, October 20, 2013

Three Juveniles Missing from Atlantic County Shelter Located in Absecon


On Sunday, October 20, 2013 at 7:02 a.m. the Absecon Police Department responded to the area of S. Shore Rd. and the White Horse Pike for a report of three missing juveniles walking in the roadway. 

The juveniles were reported missing from the Atlantic County Juvenile shelter in Northfield on Saturday night October 19, 2013.

Upon arrival the two female juveniles were taken into custody. A third juvenile, a male, led police on a foot chase east along Rt. 30 and into the neighborhood along E. Illinois Ave. 

UPDATED: Alleged Hacking of Previous Website Confirmed; New Website in Operation

See Statement by Galloway Township News Publisher - Click Here

ALERT: UPDATED: Galloway Township News has confirmed that our previous website was accessed by an unauthorized third party last night (Oct 19) at approximately 10:00pm. That third party has purposely taken our website down after trying to allegedly hijack our traffic and re-direct the website to another (unnamed page) and we were provided with that documentation to prove same. 

That documentation and the name of the individuals is being turned over to Law Enforcement for alleged website hacking.  Beware of any re-directs from our previous page to another website. That is not the intent of GallowayTwpNews.com owner.  We urge those individuals responsible to turn the website back on. 

Galloway Township News will continue to use this new page to provide all the latest news. We are not going anywhere. 

Our Email, Facebook Page and Twitter account are not affected by this. 

Please update your favorites in your web browser to this new website address. 

Police Arrest Two Suspects in Armed Robbery after Brief Pursuit

Galloway Township Police have reported several suspects involved in a Armed Robbery on October 19, 2013 at 12:14 a.m., have been apprehended. 

The victim, Jawad Abro, 36 of Egg Harbor Township reported being robbed at gun point in the area of the Galloway Pizza Hut. He followed the suspect vehicle, a 2005 black Acura westbound on Rt 30., providing information to dispatchers.  

Officers Costa, Kline, and SLEO Kuhar located the vehicle and attempted a high risk car stop. Detective Brian Casey also assisted in the investigation. 

Hamilton Township Judge Finds Probable Cause in Complaint Against Galloway Councilman


Hamilton Township Judge H. Robert Switzer has reviewed a complaint filed by Press Reporter Donna Weaver against Councilman Jim McElwee and determined probable cause was found on October 16, 2013. The complaint against McElwee was issued. 

Galloway Township News has obtained a copy of the video footage of the Galloway Township Council Lobby where the alleged incident occurred from October 8, 2013. We are working on uploading the footage for public viewing. 


On October 9, 2013, Press of Atlantic City Staff Writer Donna Weaver, 32, signed a complaint against Galloway Councilman James McElwee, 62, of Galloway Township alleging that on Oct. 8, 2013, Mr. McElwee subjected the her to an act of harassment by offensive touching in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:33-4b. 

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Egg Harbor Township Man Indicted for Murder of Pleasantville Man in 2010


MAYS LANDING – An Egg Harbor Township man has been indicted for the murder of a Pleasantville man, who was fatally shot in 2010, Acting Atlantic County Prosecutor Jim McClain announced.
On Wednesday, Oct. 16, Jerome Byrd, 29, was indicted for murder and weapons offenses in connection with the fatal shooting of Scott Godfrey, 21. On May 10, 2010, Godfrey was fatally shot multiple times outside of a convenience store located on West Park Avenue in Pleasantville.

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Galloway Police Continue to Search for Robbery Suspects as Third Robbery Occurs on Eighth Avenue

Galloway Police continue to search for robbery suspects as another robbery occurs on Eighth (8th) Avenue in Galloway Township, making this the third Robbery in a week. 

On October 14, 2013 at 7:43pm, two unknown males assaulted a 52-year old male victim as he exited his vehicle in his driveway at the 400 block of eighth avenue. The two suspects searched the victims pockets and stole his iPhone before fleeing on foot. 

According to Police, no weapons were used or observed and no arrests have been made.  Galloway Township Detective Bureau is investigating. 

Sunday, October 13, 2013

Male Suspect Sought in Robbery and Assault Incident at Galloway ShopRite


On October 12, 2013 at 10:12 pm., Galloway Township Police responded to a Robbery and Assault incident at ShopRite located on Pitney Road in Galloway Township.

The victim, who Galloway Police described as a 20 year old male reported that he was struck in the face without warning by a thin male wearing a dark colored hooded sweat shirt.  While he was on the ground the male took his phone and cash then fled west towards 8th Ave.  

According to Police the male fits the general description of a robbery suspect reported earlier in the day at the Dunkin Donuts on RT 30.  No weapons were shown in this case. Officer Rita Abatemarco and Detective Jason Kiamos are the investigating Officers.

Anyone with additional information is asked to please contact the Galloway Township Police Department at (609) 652-3705

Stockton Students Tried to Hide from Police After Neighbors Called for Noise Complaint on Leeds Point Road

Galloway Township Police responded to another Noise complaint on Friday, October 4, 2013 at 12:47 a.m. Police responded after a 9-1-1 call was made regarding another party in progress at a property located on Leeds Point Road. 
Galloway Police previously responded to the same property on Leeds Point Road on September 7, 2013 when Police broke up a party with over 200 people in attendance. 
This time, according to the Police Summary report, Dispatch received a telephone call from a resident at 135 Leeds Point Road. The resident reported a loud party coming from 137 Leeds Point Road. Officer Paul Smith arrived at the residence and saw a few subjects standing out on the front porch. Upon exiting his patrol car, those subjects quickly ran into the house. 

Saturday, October 12, 2013

Galloway Police Searching for Male Armed Robbery Suspect of Dunkin Donuts on White Horse Pike

Galloway Township Police have reported at approximately 10:12 AM on October 12, 2013, Galloway Township Police responded to The Dunkin Donuts at 300 E. White Horse Pike in reference to the report of an armed robbery that had just occurred.  

Store employees stated a male subject entered the store and handed them a note indicating that he had a gun and wanted money.  He then brandished a large black knife before fleeing the store towards Waveland Avenue with an undisclosed amount of cash.

The suspect is described as a white or light skinned Hispanic male between 5’5” and 5’10” tall with a slim build.  He is approximately 20 years old, clean shaven, and was wearing dark pants and a navy blue hooded sweatshirt.  Anyone with any information is asked to contact Detective Jason Kiamos. Officer Matthew Worth also assisted in the investigation.

Thursday, October 10, 2013

UPDATEDx2: Press of Atlantic City Staff Writer Donna Weaver Files Complaint Against Galloway Councilman; No Probable Cause yet Determined

Donna Weaver, Twitter 
UPDATEDx2 (Oct 11th): Galloway Township Court has confirmed the case has been transferred to Hamilton Township Municipal Court due to a possible conflict of interest. Honorable Judge H. Robert Switzer will review the complaint for probable cause determination. According to Galloway Court Administrator Roseanne Lugg, "if the complaint is issued" a hearing date from Hamilton Township Municipal Court will be scheduled. 

On October 9, 2013, Press of Atlantic City Staff Writer Donna Weaver, 32, signed a complaint against Galloway Councilman James McElwee, 62, of Galloway Township alleging that on Oct. 8, 2013, Mr. McElwee subjected the her to an act of harassment by offensive touching in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:33-4b. 

According to a release issued by the Atlantic County Prosecutors Office, this allegation alleges a Petty Disorderly Persons offense under the New Jersey Criminal Code. Petty Disorderly Persons offenses carry a maximum penalty of 30 days in prison and up to $500 in fines.

Galloway Township Police Blotter September 29 thru October 5, 2013

BURGLARIES : 
September 30 at Tilton Road, Galloway 

Accidents 24       CFS 890 
Arrests 30            DV 10 
Tickets 55            EMS 111 
DWI 1                  FIRE 9

ARRESTS:
Maryanne L. Sutley, 43, of Atlantic City was arrested by Ofc. Vincent Ceci for DWI, driving while suspended for DWI and hindering her own apprehension on September 29. 

Ivy Kennedy, 41, of Galloway was arrested by Ofc. Ray Casanova for hindering apprehension on October 1. 

William J. Ireland, 46, of Galloway was arrested by Det. Jason Kiamos for burglary, theft and criminal mischief on October 2. 

Matthew E. Bartling, 24, of Galloway was arrested by Ofc. Kevin Welsh for possession of heroin and possession of CDS in a motor vehicle on October 3. 

Kenneth R. Epperson, 28, of Galloway was arrested by Ofc. Ray Glick for driving while suspended for DWI on October 3. 

Jerard T. Defazio, 22, of Barnegat NJ, Thomas J Leahy ,21, of Landing NJ, Kevin J. Scotti, 21, of Hillsborough NJ, Rayjosef S. Aguilar, 21, of Ocean Twp. and Cody M. Young, 22, of Mt. Ephraim were charged by Ofc. Paul Smith and Ofc. Justin Butler for continued unnecessary noise on Oct. 4. 

Jamie E. Lewis, 24, of Bay Head NJ was arrested by Ofc. Ronald Gorneau for obstructing justice on October 5. 

Charles J. Waldron, 27, of Point Pleasant NJ was arrested by Ofc. Ronald Gorneau for assault on October 5. 

Zandra K. Kiesel, 39, of Galloway was arrested by Ofc. Ronald Gorneau for possession of heroin on October 5. 

Per Galloway Township Police Department, persons listed here as arrestees are considered innocent until or unless otherwise adjudicated otherwise in court. 

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Detectives Seek Information on Infant Cold Case Known as "Baby Blue"

Credit: Press of Atlantic City

MAYS LANDING – Cold Case detectives continue the search for the parents of an unidentified infant locally known as “Baby Blue”, whose body was found washed up on the Ventnor beach nearly a decade ago, Acting Atlantic County Prosecutor Jim McClain announced.
On Jan. 17, 2004, a yellow laundry bag washed up on the beach at Suffolk Avenue in Ventnor. A man walking on the beach found the bag and dragged it to the boardwalk area where he opened it. 
Inside the laundry bag was a sealed black plastic bag. When opened, it contained another bag with the body of a dead newborn female with the placenta and umbilical cord still attached. Two other bags were also found in close proximity, which may have been used to weigh the laundry bag down in a failed attempt to sink the body.

An autopsy determined the cause of death to be asphyxia due to strangulation. A DNA profile was completed, which resulted in the determination that the baby was 61-percent European Caucasian and 39-percent Asian.
The infant became known as “Baby Blue” following the creation of the Baby Blue Foundation—a local charity created to give the baby a proper burial, which was founded by the woman whose husband discovered her.
To date, the birth mother and witnesses to this crime have never been located. Detectives from the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office Cold Case Unit and the Ventnor City Police Department continue to search for anyone with information.
Anyone with information pertaining to this homicide is urged to call the Cold Case Unit at (609)-909-7800 or the Ventnor City Police Department at (609)-822-2101.
In New Jersey, the Safe Haven Infant Protection Act allows for unwanted newborns to be dropped off safely, legally and anonymously at any hospital or police station and later adopted. For more information visit: www.njsafehaven.org.
Anyone with information involving serious crimes is asked to call the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office at 609-909-7800 or go to the Prosecutor’s Office Web site at http://www.acpo.org/tips.html and provide information by filling out the form anonymously on the Submit a Tip page. People can also call Crime Stoppers at 609-652- 1234 or 1-800-658-8477 (TIPS) or visit the Crime Stoppers Website at http://www.crimestoppersatlantic.com/. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards for information leading to the arrest and indictment of those who commit crimes in Atlantic County.

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Egg Harbor Township Man Charged with Murder of Pleasantville Man who Died by Gunshot Wound


MAYS LANDING – An Egg Harbor Township man has been charged with the murder of a Pleasantville man found shot dead inside of a motel room early this morning, Acting Atlantic County Prosecutor Jim McClain announced.
On Tuesday, Oct. 8, at approximately 12:30 a.m., Egg Harbor Township Police responded to a 911 call reporting shots fired at the Courtesy Inn motel located at 2580 Tilton Road.

Upon arrival on scene, police determined shots had been fired at the motel and the Atlantic County Emergency Response Team (ACERT) was dispatched to assist in locking down the shooting scene.
Once inside one of the motel rooms, ACERT members discovered a deceased male, who had sustained a gunshot wound.
The man was positively identified as 20-year-old Curtis Watson.
The Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit responded to the scene. The scene was secured and the Medical Examiner’s Office took custody of the body.
Randall Scott, 21, was taken into custody at the scene. He has been charged with murder and weapons offenses.
Scott has been lodged at the Atlantic County Justice Facility in lieu of $1 million cash bail.
Anyone with information pertaining to this homicide is asked to call the Major Crimes Unit at (609)-909-7800 or the Egg Harbor Township Police Department at (609)-927- 5200.
Anyone with information involving serious crimes is asked to call the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office at 609-909-7800 or go to the Prosecutor’s Office Web site at http://www.acpo.org/tips.html and provide information by filling out the form anonymously on the Submit a Tip page. People can also call Crime Stoppers at 609-652-1234 or 1-800-658-8477 (TIPS) or visit the Crime Stoppers Website at http://www.crimestoppersatlantic.com/. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards for information leading to the arrest and indictment of those who commit crimes in Atlantic County.

Galloway Man Charged with Third Degree Crime of "False Public Alarm" for Bomb Threats on YouTube


Cape May Court House, New Jersey - Cape May County Prosecutor Robert L. Taylor and Lower Township Police Chief William Mastriana announce the arrest of 23 year old Richard Merkel of Galloway, New Jersey for the third degree crime of “False Public Alarm”. 
The arrest stems from an investigation involving the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crimes Unit, the Lower Township Police Department, the United States Secret Service and the Galloway Township Police Department.
On Monday, October 7th, the Lower Township Police Department received a phone call from a concerned citizen who alerted the detectives to review comments that had been posted on the YouTube website. Upon review of the postings it was learned that a “poster” made threats about placing a bomb at the Lower Township Regional High School. The video connected to the postings had no connection to the school or Cape May County.


The investigation led Detectives to the residence of Richard Merkel located in the 700 block of South Second Street in Galloway, New Jersey. As a result, Merkel was charged with making false public alarms, a crime of the third degree, and released on a summons. A search of his residence was conducted and no evidence of bomb making material or weapons was located. It was determined that Merkel has no ties to the Lower Township Regional High School and had randomly chose its location for his post.
Prosecutor Taylor urges the public to remain vigilant and report all threats to their local police department. The interruptions in education caused by bomb threats as well as the additional cost associated with emergency response activities and the deployment of first responders to fabricated events, making them unavailable for other emergencies, significantly affects the community as a whole.
Prosecutor Taylor commended all agencies involved in this investigation and would like to highlight the fact that the initial caller, who is not a New Jersey resident, alerted law enforcement, which quickly led to the arrest of Merkel. Prosecutor Taylor urges the citizens of Cape May County to report any information regarding criminal activity within their community and that this information can be reported anonymously through the Cape May County Sheriffs Tip Line at cmcsheriff.net and click on anonymous tip, or through the Cape May County Crime Stoppers at 609-465-2800 or 877-465-2801, Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office Tip Line at 609-463-5323.

Sunday, October 6, 2013

Ocean City Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing Child Pornography Over Internet


TRENTON – Acting Attorney General John J. Hoffman announced that an Ocean City man pleaded guilty today to distributing child pornography over the Internet. He was among 27 defendants arrested last year as a result of “Operation Watchdog,” a multi-agency investigation led by the New Jersey State Police and the Division of Criminal Justice that targeted offenders who distributed known images and videos of child pornography online.

John B. “Jay” Mulligan III, 42, of Ocean City, pleaded guilty today to second-degree distribution of child pornography and fourth-degree possession of child pornography before Superior Court Judge John C. Porto in Cape May County. Under the plea agreement, the state will recommend that Mulligan be sentenced to three years in state prison. He will be required to register as a Megan’s Law offender. Judge Porto scheduled Mulligan to be sentenced on Nov. 22.

In pleading guilty, Mulligan admitted that between Jan. 12, 2012 and April 13, 2012, he knowingly used Internet file sharing software to make multiple files containing child pornography readily available for any other user to download from a designated “shared folder” on his computer. A search warrant executed by the State Police on April 13, 2012 allegedly revealed more than a dozen files containing child pornography, including several video clips, on Mulligan’s computer in his home in Ocean City.

“Each time we send another offender to prison for viewing and sharing child pornography online, we hammer home the critical point that this is a very serious crime,” said Acting Attorney General Hoffman. “We’re working hard to banish the misguided and offensive notion that what these offenders do in the privacy of their homes is a victimless crime. In reality, what they do creates the demand that directly drives the sexual abuse of children.”

“Users of child pornography may think they can hide in the shadows, but we have the technology to detect their criminal activities online and follow their digital tracks right to their computers,” said Director Elie Honig of the Division of Criminal Justice. “We want them to know that we will use that technology to prosecute them and put them behind bars.”

Mulligan was charged in Operation Watchdog, a three-month, multi-agency investigation in which one woman and 26 men were arrested in early 2012 on charges of distribution and possession of child pornography. Detectives linked all of the defendants to alleged use of the Internet to download and distribute images of child pornography. Peer-to-peer, or P2P, file sharing networks play a major role in the distribution of child pornography. 

There is a large library of images and videos known to law enforcement, and these electronic files can be traced in various ways on the Internet. Detectives involved in Operation Watchdog tracked transferred files to their origin and destination locations.

Deputy Attorney General Anand R. Shah prosecuted the case and took the guilty plea for the Division of Criminal Justice Computer Analysis & Technology Unit. The Digital Technology Investigation Unit of the New Jersey State Police coordinated the investigation, which also involved the Division of Criminal Justice and 19 other law enforcement agencies.

All of the New Jersey agencies that partnered in Operation Watchdog are members of the New Jersey Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC). Additionally, the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office assisted in the investigation, and agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the FBI assisted in the investigation and execution of warrants.

The ICAC Task Force in New Jersey works with out-of-state partners to share information on distributors and users of child pornography. A major partner is the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in Washington, D.C. They maintain a national, toll-free tip line for the public to report crimes against children: 1-800-THE-LOST, or 1-800-843-5678. The tip line brings hundreds of leads to the New Jersey ICAC Task Force on sexual crimes against children.

Pleasantville Man Sentenced to 5-Years in State Prison for Leaving the Scene of a Fatal Accident in 2011


MAYS LANDING – A Pleasantville man was sentenced to five years in state prison for leaving the scene of a fatal accident that claimed the life of an 88-year-old woman in 2011, Acting Atlantic County Prosecutor Jim McClain stated.
On Friday, Oct. 4, Jean A. Sene, 54, received at 5-year prison sentence for second- degree leaving the scene of a fatal accident which, resulted in the death of Bu Do Jo, of Atlantic City.

On December 3, 2011, while crossing the1300 block of Pacific Avenue, Jo was allegedly struck by a taxicab driven by Sene and then fatally struck by a jitney. After the accident, Sene left the scene and continued to operate his cab until he was stopped by police two and half hours later and charged Title 39 (motor vehicle violations).
Following an investigation conducted by the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office and the Atlantic City Police Department, Sene was later criminally charged with leaving the scene of a fatal accident.
Whether or not the defendant’s taxicab made physical contact with the victim was heavily disputed at trial.
Throughout the three-day long trial, the defense alleged that Sene had not struck the victim, but rather that she had fallen while crossing the street and was subsequently struck by the jitney; therefore the defendant felt he was not required to stop.
The State, represented by Assistant Prosecutor Seth Levy, submitted that Sene had in fact struck the victim with his taxicab causing her to fall into the path of a jitney and then knowingly fled the scene failing to speak with police or render aid.
The Court determined that while contact between the defendant’s cab and the victim can be disputed, it was not applicable to the charge he was being tried for. The Court instructed the jury only to determine whether or not the defendant was involved in the accident and knowingly left the scene.
After less than 30 minutes of deliberation the jury returned a guilty verdict.
Prior to sentencing, the defense filed a motion for a new trial, which the Court denied.
While the defense asked the court to sentence Sene in the third-degree range, the State argued that he must be sentenced in the second-degree range of five-10 years, in order to serve as a deterrent to the public.
“Leaving the scene of a fatal accident was made a second-degree offense in order to deter people from fleeing and failing to aid injured victims and responding police when serious accidents occur,” stated Levy.
Anyone with information involving serious crimes is asked to call the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office at 609-909-7800 or go to the Prosecutor’s Office Web site at http://www.acpo.org/tips.html and provide information by filling out the form anonymously on the Submit a Tip page. People can also call Crime Stoppers at 609-652- 1234 or 1-800-658-8477 (TIPS) or visit the Crime Stoppers Website at http://www.crimestoppersatlantic.com/. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards for information leading to the arrest and indictment of those who commit crimes in Atlantic County.

Saturday, October 5, 2013

Pennsylvania Woman Sentenced to 364 Days in Jail for DUI and Striking an On-Duty Hamilton Township Officer


MAYS LANDING – A Pennsylvania woman was sentenced to 364 days in county jail for striking an on-duty Hamilton Township Police Officer while driving under the influence last year, acting Atlantic County Prosecutor Jim McClain announced today.
On Friday, Oct. 4, Krystal Cruz, 29, of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, received a 364-day county jail sentence for driving under the influence of alcohol and assault by auto.

On Dec. 24, 2012, Cruz left a Christmas Eve party after consuming several alcoholic beverages and ran a red light at the intersection of Route 40 and CR 575 in Hamilton Township. After running the light, Cruz’s vehicle collided with an on-duty police officer forcing his vehicle to collide with a pole on the side of the road.
Cruz was charged with assault by auto and driving under the influence. She later pleaded guilty to both on Aug. 28.
The officer, a 24-year veteran of the Hamilton Township Police Department, sustained serious bodily injuries in the crash. Since the accident, the officer has been unable to return work. The officer testified at sentencing that he has lost the past 10 months of his life while recovering from the accident and that it is unclear as to whether his injuries will leave him permanently impaired.
At sentencing, the defense asked for the Court to sentence the defendant to a term of probation, due to her lack of any prior criminal record.
The State, represented by Assistant Prosecutor Erika Halayko, argued for a county jail sentence in addition to probation. “Probation would only be a slap on the wrist for a crime that requires punishment for the defendant’s decision to drink and drive, which resulted in life altering consequences for the victim,” argued Halayko.
Superior Court Judge Mark Sandson agreed with the State’s recommendation, and sentenced Cruz to 364 days in county jail, an additional two years of probation, fines, a 3-month suspension of driver’s license, and restitution in an amount yet to be determined. The Court ruled that the defendant would be allowed to serve the sentence via a Home Electronic Detention System (HEDS) or day reporting due to her lack of a prior criminal record.
Anyone with information involving serious crimes is asked to call the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office at 609-909-7800 or go to the Prosecutor’s Office Web site at http://www.acpo.org/tips.html and provide information by filling out the form anonymously on the Submit a Tip page. Members of the public can also call Crime Stoppers at 609-652-1234 or 1-800-658-8477 (TIPS) or visit the Crime Stoppers Website at http://www.crimestoppersatlantic.com/. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards for information leading to the arrest and indictment of those who commit crimes in Atlantic County.
 
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