Galloway Police Blotter January 17 - 23, 2016

Galloway Township Police responded to 932 calls for service during January 17, 2016 through January 23, 2016.

Additional statistics include: 2 Burglaries, 30 Motor Vehicle Accidents, 123 Tickets issued, 1 Driving While Intoxicated, 27 Arrests,  10 Domestic Violence, 21 Fire Calls, 19 EMS Calls and 0 Juvenile calls.

Burglaries:

100 Block of Misty Lane

600 Block of S. New York Rd.

Former Buena Special Officer to Serve 5-Years in Prison; Guilty of Official Misconduct and Sexual Contact

MAYS LANDING — A former special law enforcement officer of the Buena Borough Police Department was sentenced this morning for official misconduct and child sexual contact, in connection with acts committed in 2014 while the defendant was employed in law enforcement, Atlantic County Prosecutor Jim McClain announced.

An investigation of the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit resulted in the arrest Friday, June 27, 2014, of Buena Borough Special Officer Sean R. Griffith, 24, of the 300 block of South Franklin Street, Landisville, NJ.

Egg Harbor City Man Guilty of Murdering Woman and Child

MAYS LANDING – An Egg Harbor City man pled guilty today to murder and aggravated manslaughter in connection with the 2014 killings in Egg Harbor City of the mother and child with whom he cohabited, Atlantic County Prosecutor Jim McClain announced today.

Today, January 27, 2016, Joseph F. Palmer 3rd, 39, of Egg Harbor City, pled guilty before Atlantic County Superior Court Judge Bernard E. DeLury to aggravated manslaughter, in connection with the killing in November 2014 of the woman with whom he lived, and to murder, for the death of her 7-year-old child.

Purdy Calls on the Greater Egg Harbor Regional School Board to Cut Bonuses for Administrators and Hold the Line on Tax Increases

On Monday, Galloway Township Mayor and Vice-President of the Atlantic County Mayors Association, Don Purdy, attended the Greater Egg Harbor Regional School Board meeting to ask the board to reconsider nearly $35K in administrative bonuses and a proposed tax increase that would be the maximum allowed under the state-imposed 2% cap. 

Purdy’s remarks were cut short by School Board President Carol Houck citing a ridiculous 3 minute rule and he was not allowed to continue his remarks later in the meeting.

 “At a time when some many Atlantic County residents are unemployed or struggling to make ends meet, I went to the school board meeting to discuss their budget and the tax increases being proposed on our communities to pay, at least in part, for huge bonuses for administrators that are more than many of our residents and even some educators annual income,” said Purdy “Unfortunately, last night quickly became one of the most embarrassing evenings I have had as the Mayor of Galloway Township when the board interrupted my remarks and refused to even listen to our request they reconsider these lavish bonuses and eliminate the proposed tax increase. In Galloway Council meetings we ask residents to keep their comments concise, but have never told a resident that their time was up and we always listened to their comments or concerns whether we agreed with them or not.”

Greater Egg Regional School Board Shuts Down Galloway Mayor at Public Meeting

You may sit back and say I guess I heard it all; but after you finish reading this article the only thing you may wonder is, "What are they hiding"?

Galloway Township Mayor Don Purdy attended what was supposed to be a routine Regional School Board Meeting at the Cedar Creek High School on Monday, January 25, 2016 when he was shut down by the Board during public participation.

Purdy, who represents a town with a significant amount of 55 and older communities, single family homes and a high foreclosure rate due to the decline of Atlantic City, requested the Board evaluate their budget for 2016 and propose a flat budget with a zero increase. The Boards response however, was that this years budget was already slated to utilize the full 2 percent cap increase they could possibly use leaving the tax rate to increase for not only Galloway Township but also for Hamilton Township, Mullica Township, Egg Harbor City and Port Republic.

Purdy spoke at the meeting with the support of the other Greater Egg Harbor Regional Mayors excluding Egg Harbor City. Mullica Township Mayor James Brown was also in attendance at the meeting. Brown and Purdy also represent the Atlantic County Mayor's Association as President and Vice-President respectively. 

With permission Purdy spoke on behalf of Port Republic Mayor Gary Giberson and Hamilton Township Mayor Roger Silva. All according to Purdy, are requesting the Board to realize the significant impact a tax increase would have on their respective communities.

An additional topic of discussion was the merit bonuses Superintendent John Keenan has received as part of a condition in his employment contract. Bonuses that were above and beyond his entitled salary of $167,500. Purdy questioned the fiscal responsibility of the Board in awarding such merits and utilizing taxpayer money for bonuses. Keenan received a merit bonus of $24,750 in 2015. According to Keenan's contract, he will continue to receive merit bonuses at a substantial increase until the expiration of his contract in 2019. Additionally, if Keenan's contract is renewed, the merit bonuses will continue until at least 2024. 

The Board voted in the affirmative in 2015 on Keenan's merit bonuses with two abstentions. One from Garrison and the other from Sartorio with no reasoning listed in the minutes.  

At the height of the conversation Purdy was shut down by the Board and not permitted to continue his comments due to a 3-minute rule stated by the Board.  As part of the Board agenda, the Board states it welcomes public participation and values the opinions from the residents. That was not the case here. Although the agenda states "each speaker is asked to limit their comments to three minutes", there is no law that the Board can limit or prohibit the freedom of speech of those in attendance. But they did that of Galloway Township Mayor Don Purdy as well as other members of the public that spoke.

After other members of the public spoke at the meeting, the Board requested if anyone else would like to comment.  Purdy approached the Board again and requested to continue as all other public concerns were heard. At that time according to Purdy, Superintendent John Keenen stifled Purdy by waiving his hands to the Board President Carol Houck and stating Purdy's time was up. The Board President at that time did not permit Purdy to continue to speak and address the Board.

Keenan has already been placed in the middle of controversy this past year with the Teachers Union by forcing them to vote against him.


The members of the Greater Egg Harbor Regional School District are voted in by the residents of the respective sending districts which includes Galloway, Hamilton, Mullica Township, Egg Harbor City and Port Republic. Galloway Township makes up the majority of the Board Member seats. According to Purdy, he was trying to address the concerns that most affect the majority of the Board, however, the Board's answer was that Purdy should have called ahead in order for his concerns to be heard.

Each Mayor of the respective municipalities have an open unlimited forum in which they can speak to the public on these issues at their Town meetings, yet they were not permitted to speak to the Board directly without limiting their speech in public to 3-minutes.

Purdy stated he was disappointed in the conduct of the Board and although each municipality may limit their public portion, he has never stifled a member of the public that has come forward to address concerns within his town that may go over the limit. 

Why? Only the Greater Egg Harbor Regional School Board Members can answer the question of, "What are you trying to hide that Mayor's can not openly speak at your meetings"?

EHT Man Charged with Murder of Pleasantville Man

PLEASANTVILLE – An Egg Harbor Township man was charged today with murder in connection with the death of a Pleasantville man who died on January 3rd of blunt force head injuries received two weeks before, Atlantic County Prosecutor Jim McClain announced.

Nicholas A. Abbati, 26, of the 400 block of Franks Drive, Egg Harbor Township, was charged with Murder—a crime of the 1st degree, and Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose—a 3rd degree crime, for the death of Jahlil Hunter, 30, who died on January 3, 2016 from injuries inflicted by Abbati within Hunter’s Pleasantville home on December 23, 2015.

Galloway Police Blotter January 10 - 16, 2016

Galloway Township Police responded to 927 calls for service during January 10, 2016 through January 16, 2016.

Additional statistics include: 2 Burglaries, 11 Motor Vehicle Accidents, 74 Tickets issued, 0 Driving While Intoxicated, 34 Arrests,  16 Domestic Violence, 5 Fire Calls, 17 EMS Calls and 0 Juvenile calls.

Burglaries:

800 Block of W. White Horse Pike 

200 Block of W. White Horse Pike

Police Release Limited Details on Death of Man Found on Side of Road in Galloway

GALLOWAY TWP – Police continue the investigation of the death of a man found on the side of the highway in Galloway Township last January 3rd, Atlantic County Prosecutor Jim McClain announced.

In response to 9-1-1 calls, Galloway Township Police responded on Sunday, January 3, 2016 at 7:20 a.m. to Great Creek Road, where the body of a 33-year-old male Atlantic City resident was found dead at the scene. The Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit also responded. Next-of-kin were notified.

Galloway Police Blotter January 2 - 9, 2016

Galloway Township Police responded to 849 calls for service during January 3, 2016 through January 9, 2016.

Additional statistics include: 4 Burglaries, 19 Motor Vehicle Accidents, 95 Tickets issued, 1 Driving While Intoxicated, 37 Arrests,  17 Domestic Violence, 2 Fire Calls, 14 EMS Calls and 0 Juvenile calls.

Burglaries:

400 Block of S. Ash Ave.

10 Block of Pembrooke Way

60 Block of Snow Mass Ct.

500 Block of Newbury Ct.

Galloway Man Arrested for the Armed Robbery of Smithville Gas Station

On Wednesday, September 29th, 2015 at approximately 2140 hours, officers responded to Spirit Gas Station located at 14 S. New York Road in Smithville, for the report of an armed robbery.  

The suspect reportedly brandished a “long gun” and demanded the gas attendant give him cash. After receiving approx $100 in cash, the suspect fled from the scene.

A three month investigation led to today’s arrest of Brian S. Gill Jr., 25 of Galloway and the recovery of a Stevens model 320  12 gauge shotgun, which was used in the commission of the crime.

Three Injured in Motor Vehicle Collision on White Horse Pike in Galloway

On January 14, 2016 at 5:16 p.m., Galloway Township Police responded to a motor vehicle collision on the White Horse Pike and S. Breman Avenue.

According to Police the collision occurred when Kaci Gummoe 31, of Williamstown driving a 2011 Nissan Juke attempted to make a left turn onto Breman Avenue. Gummoe allegedly failed to yield to oncoming traffic and collided with Ella Simpspon 83, of Elwood driving a 2013 Dodge Caravan. 

Breman Avenue was temporarily closed due to the traffic signal being out. Three were injured including both drivers of the vehicles. Kaci Gummoe was issued a summons for failure to yield at an intersection.

Labor Strife Continues at Greater Egg Harbor; Union Wins Fourth Legal Battle

The labor strife existing between school employees and the administration and Board of the Greater Egg Harbor School District continue while morale goes down for the over 400 members of the Greater Egg Harbor Regional Education Association who have been working without a contract since June 30. The Association represents the teachers and support staffs in Absegami High School, Oakcrest High School and Cedar Creek High School. 

Last week, the Association learned that its most recent grievance arbitration case had been ruled on and the Association’s charge that the Board and administration had violated numerous provisions of their contract when they lengthened periods during the PARCC testing was sustained.  This was the third arbitration the Association has had with the Board in the past year and one half.

Ventnor Mother Charged After Death of Infant Girl

VENTNOR – A 7-month-old infant girl from Ventnor, who had been hospitalized since last Sunday after being discovered unconscious and unresponsive in her home, died in the hospital this past Friday, Atlantic County Prosecutor Jim McClain announced.

In response to a 9-1-1 call, officers of the Ventnor City Police Department and emergency medical personnel responded in the early morning of Friday, January 3, 2016 to a residence on the 5700 block of Monmouth Avenue, Ventnor, NJ, for a report of an unresponsive infant. Upon arrival, CPR was performed and the baby was transported to the AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center—City Division, then transferred to St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children in Philadelphia.

Mays Landing Man Arrested for Christmas Eve Murder in Hamilton Township

HAMILTON TWP – A Mays Landing man was arrested today for the murder of a Trenton man in Hamilton Township on Christmas Eve, Atlantic County Prosecutor Jim McClain announced.

Tyrone V. Hilley, 23, of the 4600 block of Ocean Heights Avenue, Mays Landing, was arrested today by detectives of the Hamilton Township Police Department and the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit, charged with:

Margate Firefighter Ordered to Forfeit Current Public Employment

EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP – A municipal court judge ordered today that the Margate firefighter who was convicted of shoplifting last month must forfeit his current public employment, Atlantic County Prosecutor Jim McClain announced.

Today, January 8, 2016, Egg Harbor Township Municipal Court Judge H. Robert Switzer ordered that Ashton G. Funk, 34, of Rick Lane in Northfield, NJ, must forfeit his current employment as a firefighter and lifeguard for the City of Margate, as a result of his conviction for an offense of dishonesty.

Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office Assistant Prosecutor Cameshia Caldwell represented the State in the case.

Galloway Police Blotter December 27, 2015 to January 2, 2016

Galloway Township Police responded to 913 calls for service during December 27, 2015 through January 2, 2016.

Additional statistics include: 3 Burglaries, 21 Motor Vehicle Accidents, 141 Tickets issued, 2 Driving While Intoxicated, 24 Arrests,  12 Domestic Violence, 7 Fire Calls, 24 EMS Calls and 0 Juvenile calls.

Burglaries:

1/1/16        100 Block of New York Ave

1/1/16        100 Block of Brampton Ave

12/31/15    100 Block of Mockingbird Pl

Pleasantville Man Dies From Injuries Received in Assault

PLEASANTVILLE – A Pleasantville man died yesterday of injuries received in an assault that occurred in his home 11 days ago, Atlantic County Prosecutor Jim McClain announced.

In response to a 9-1-1 call, Pleasantville Police officers and emergency medical personnel responded on Wednesday, December 23, 2015 at 9:23 p.m. to a home on the 100 block of Greenfield Avenue, Pleasantville, for a report that two residents of the home had been discovered inside incapacitated—both bleeding and suffering from significant physical trauma.

Atlantic City Man Found Dead in Home; Police Deem Homicide

ATLANTIC CITY – A man was found dead last night inside his home in Atlantic City, Atlantic County Prosecutor Jim McClain announced.

In response to a 9-1-1 call, Atlantic City Police responded on Sunday, January 3, 2016 at 9:47 p.m. to a residence on the 200 block of South Metropolitan Avenue, Atlantic City, where the resident, Steven Loughney, 28, had been discovered dead inside his home, the victim of an apparent homicide. The Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit also responded to the scene.

NJ Transit Bus Involved in Early Morning Accident on White Horse Pike

On January 4, 2016, at 12:05 a.m., a NJ Transit bus struck a street sweeper that was stopped at the intersection of the White Horse Pike and Damson Ave for a red light.  

The NJ Transit bus left the roadway striking a traffic light post and coming to rest in the woods.  Two passengers were on the bus at the time of the collision.  

One passenger sustained non-life threatening injuries and was transported to ARMC Mainland.  The driver of the bus was trapped and was extricated by the Pomona Volunteer Fire Company and Bayview Volunteer Fire Company.  

Man Found Dead on Side of Road in Galloway Township; Identity Not Released

GALLOWAY TWP – Police are investigating the death of a man found on the side of the highway this morning, Atlantic County Prosecutor Jim McClain announced.

In response to 9-1-1 calls, Galloway Township Police responded on Sunday, January 3, 2016 at 7:20 a.m. to Great Creek Road, where a man’s body was found dead at the scene. The Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit also responded.

Next of kin has been notified. The identity of the victim is not being released.

Galloway Police Blotter December 20 - 26, 2015

Galloway Township Police responded to 722 calls for service during December 20, 2015 through December 26, 2015.

Additional statistics include: 3 Burglaries, 24 Motor Vehicle Accidents, 80 Tickets issued, 1 Driving While Intoxicated, 16 Arrests, 14 Domestic Violence, 3 Fire Calls, 14 EMS Calls and 0 Juvenile calls.

Burglaries: 

12/23/15    400 Block Fairway Lane

12/23/15   100 Block of Leeds Point Rd

12/22/15   100 Block of Thoreau Terrace