AtlantiCare Agrees to 10-Years of Voluntary Financial Contributions to Galloway Township

Photo Credit: Atlanticare.org

In just a little over eight months, the Township of Galloway approved a voluntary financial agreement with AtlantiCare that will guarantee revenue for the Township until 2026.

In a Community Service Contribution Agreement, AtlantiCare has agreed to make voluntary contributions to the Township in excess of $200,000 per year for 10-years.

AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center located on Jimmie Leeds Road is currently exempt from paying property taxes. Residents previously voiced their concerns of the public resources utilized by the hospital, yet property taxes could not be collected.

Galloway Police Seize Heroin & Money After Search Warrant Executed

On Friday, May 26, 2017, members of the Galloway Township Police Department, assisted by an Absecon Police Detective and an Egg Harbor Township Police K9 Officer, executed a search warrant at a residence on Hayes Avenue in Galloway Township. 

The search warrant was the result of an investigation into the distribution of narcotics from the residence.

As a result of the search warrant, heroin and money was seized.

Abdul AAbid  (23 y/o of Atlantic City) was charged with  the following offenses and lodged in Atlantic County Jail:

Possession of Heroin, Distribution of Heroin, Resisting Arrest, Obstruction, and Tampering with Evidence.

Galloway Police Blotter May 14-20, 2017

Galloway Township Police responded to 1032 calls for service during May 14, 2017 through May 20, 2017.

Additional statistics include: 1 Burglaries, 0 Car Burglaries, 27 Motor Vehicle Accidents, 123 Tickets issued, 2 Driving While Intoxicated, 27 Arrests, 12 Domestic Violence, 4 Fire Calls, 24 EMS Calls and 0 Juvenile calls.

Burglaries:   

300 Block of E. Jimmie Leeds Rd.

Hammonton School District Employee Loses Appeal on Conviction of Lewdness

MAYS LANDING – The conviction in municipal court of a Hammonton school district employee for an act of lewdness in 2015 was upheld last week by the Atlantic County Superior Court, Atlantic County Prosecutor Damon G. Tyner announced.

On or about September 11, 2015, an off-duty police officer of another municipality was in the parking lot of the South Jersey Laundry in Hammonton, NJ, when he observed a man sitting inside a parked car masturbating. The officer attempted to detain the man, but the man drove his vehicle from the parking lot. The officer alerted others inside the business to call police, and he unsuccessfully attempted to locate the car.

Police Execute Search Warrant on Galloway Home; Drugs Seized, Two Arrested

Michael Dow and Patricia Eberle

On Friday, May 19, 2017, members of the Galloway Township Police Department, assisted by Absecon Police Detectives and Little Egg Harbor Police Detectives, executed a search warrant at 253 Aschwind Court in Galloway Township. 

The search warrant was a result of an investigation into the use and distribution of narcotics at the residence.

As a result of the investigation, heroin, cocaine, numerous items of drug paraphernalia and small amounts of marijuana and THC was seized.

Galloway Police Blotter May 7 - 13, 2017

Galloway Township Police responded to 1030 calls for service during May 7, 2017 through May 13, 2017.

Additional statistics include: 3 Burglaries, 2 Car Burglaries, 14 Motor Vehicle Accidents, 94 Tickets issued, 0 Driving While Intoxicated, 35 Arrests, 16 Domestic Violence, 7 Fire Calls, 21 EMS Calls and 2 Juvenile calls.

Burglaries:

300 Block of E. Waveland Ave.

400 Block of S. Xanthus Ave.

300 Block of E. Jimmie Leeds Rd.                                                                                                                                                          

Vehicle Burglaries:  

2 incidents on the 200 Block of E. Magnolia Ave. 

Galloway Police Lieutenant Graduates from West Point Command & Leadership Academy

Galloway Police Chief Donna Higbee
and Lt. Richard Barber

Galloway Township Police are proud to announce the graduation of Lt. Richard Barber from the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police West Point Command and Leadership Academy. 

Lt. Barber attended the spring 2017 class which consisted of 15 weeks of training in Leadership technique and style. 

Lt. Barber is a 17-year veteran of the Galloway Township Police Department and currently oversees the administrative and community policing divisions respectively. 

Congratulations on a job well done.

Press Release by Chief Donna A Higbee

NY Man Sentenced 20-years for Sexual Assault of 12-year-old Girl

MAYS LANDING – A New York City man—who was registered in the State of California as a sex offender at the time he committed the crime—was sentenced to 20 years in prison for the 2012 sexual assault of a 12-year-old Atlantic County girl, Atlantic County Prosecutor Damon G. Tyner announced.

In April of 2013, the Egg Harbor Township Police Department was alerted to the sexual assault of a 12-year-old girl that occurred in July of 2012.

A man by the name of Joe Crillo was identified as the perpetrator of the assault. Police determined the name to be an alias.

Following a joint investigation conducted by the Egg Harbor Township Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force, and members of the “Innocence Lost” Task Force from the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office and the Atlantic County Sheriff’s Office, the suspect was identified as Joseph Anthony Caracciolo, then 48-years-old, of the 200 block of West 119th Street, New York City.

Atlantic City Employee Sentenced to 3-years Probation for Official Misconduct

MAYS LANDING – An Atlantic City government employee arrested last year by the Prosecutor’s Office for the theft of money paid by members of the public to rent meeting rooms at the All Wars Memorial Building in Atlantic City was sentenced to 3 years of probation today, Atlantic County Prosecutor Damon G. Tyner announced.

Concluding a several-month investigation, on Thursday, August 11, 2016, members of the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office Official Corruption Unit arrested William P. Hadley, 56, of Shires Way, Egg Harbor Township, NJ, charged with Official Misconduct—a crime of the 2nd degree, and 5 counts of Theft by Failure to Make Required Disposition of Property Received.

The State alleged that Hadley, acting in his capacity as Building Coordinator of Atlantic City’s All Wars Memorial Building at 1510 Adriatic Avenue, Atlantic City—also known locally as the Old Soldier’s Home—accepted money orders given by citizens to rent meeting rooms of the All Wars Memorial Building, and deposited those money orders into his personal bank account.

Greater Egg Harbor School Board Issues Response to Accusations of Releasing Paraprofessionals

On May 18, 2017, the Greater Egg Harbor Regional School Board issued the below press release in response to the Greater Egg Harbor Education Association's accusations of releasing paraprofessionals in the Regional School District. On behalf of the Board of Education, our administration notified our Association on March 8th that we would be considering contracted services for our aides (paraprofessionals) which we estimated would result in a savings of $350,000. This savings from contracted services would largely come from employee benefits.

As an example, the Board of Education's costs for a paraprofessionals family health benefit plan is approximately $30,417. The Board and administration was challenged with 4.7 million dollars in cuts in preparing the 2017-2018 budget. The Board of Education continues to seek ways to save the $350,000 in other ways in order to re-employee our paraprofessinoals and asked for the assistance of the Association in exploring other cost savings measures to make up this amount.

Motor Vehicle Stop in Galloway Leads to Drug Arrest; Beef Jerky Seized

On May 10, 2017 at 4:30 p.m., Galloway Police K-9 Ofc. Brent Lopez observed a traffic violation and initiated a motor vehicle stop at Route 30 and Taylor Avenue.

According to Police, the driver was identified as McGregor Bernadin, 23, of Smyrna, DE.  

Further investigation by Ofc. Lopez revealed that Bernadin was in possession of over a pound of marijuana in addition to THC dabs, THC infused beef jerky, THC inhalers, and hemp oil syringes.  Bernadin was also in possession of a large amount of U.S. currency.

Bernadin was charged with Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute, and Possession of CDS Paraphernalia.  He was released on a summons.

Galloway Police to Enforce Click It or Ticket (May 22nd - June 4th)

Seat Belt Enforcement and Education Campaign to be Conducted Locally as Part of Nationwide 

Click It or Ticket Mobilization May 22 – June 4, 2017

(Galloway Township) -- Law enforcement officers from the Galloway Township Police Department will join with police from around the country in cracking down on unbuckled motorists and passengers as part of the national “Click it or Ticket” campaign.

Beginning May 22 and running through June 4, the annual “Click It or Ticket” national mobilization utilizes high visibility seat belt checkpoints and saturation patrols, in combination with local and national publicity efforts, to reiterate the life-saving value of seat belts.  

Police Arrest 4th Man in Connection with 2015 Felony Murder

MAYS LANDING – A 4th man was arrested today for felony murder in connection with the shooting deaths of two men at an Absecon Boulevard motel/hotel in March 2015, Atlantic County Prosecutor Damon G. Tyner announced.

On March 1, 2015 at 4:58 a.m., in response to a 9-1-1 call, Absecon Police officers responded to the Red Roof Inn on East Absecon Boulevard.

Upon arrival, police found two men dead inside the hotel of gunshot wounds. The victims were identified as Diante Owens, 22, of Pleasantville, and Gerald Alvarez, 22, of Mays Landing. The Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit responded to the scene, and the New Jersey State Police Crime Scene South Unit assisted with crime-scene processing.

Two other men—Donnell Nicholas, 22, of Atlantic City and Zackery M. Geckeler, 22, of Galloway Township—arrived at the AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center—City Division Trauma Unit later the same morning, both with gunshot injuries. 

Atlantic City Man Sentenced 12-years for Pornography and Child Endangerment

MAYS LANDING – An Atlantic City man was sentenced to 12 years in prison for Endangering the Welfare of a Child, in connection to internet pornography investigation conducted last year, Atlantic County Prosecutor Damon G. Tyner announced.

A joint investigation begun in January 2016 by law enforcement in Texas and the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office Computer Crimes Unit resulted in the arrest on February 4, 2016 of Sherman W. Miller, now 50-years-old, of Oceanic Terrace, Atlantic City.

Miller, a Tier 2 registered sex offender, was charged with Endangering the Welfare of a Child under the age of 18, Obscenity, Failing to Register as a Sex Offender, and Failure to Notify as a Sex Offender a Change of Address. The State alleged that Miller sent sexually explicit images electronically from New Jersey to the juvenile victim in Texas.

Absecon Police Seize Gun, Cash and Drugs After Traffic Stop

On Tuesday, May 16, 2017 at 12:50 AM, Absecon Police Department Class II Officer Andrew Morgan conducted a motor vehicle stop in front of the Hi Point Pub at the intersection of the White Horse Pike and Shore Road. 

The vehicle was occupied by the following four males: Yvon A. Desus Jr. of Galloway, Zayd Scott and Abdul Brown of Mays Landing, and Raymond Harris of Northfield. 

Absecon Police Officer’s J. Mazer, A. Southrey, D. Markman and K. Epstein arrived on scene. 

Subsequent to a motor vehicle search, the officers seized a large quantity of Marijuana, several packages of liquid Codeine, a large amount of cash, and a loaded 9mm handgun. 

Atlantic City Man Arrested in Connection with Fatal Shooting on Sunday

ATLANTIC CITY – An Atlantic City man was arrested early this morning, in connection to yesterday afternoon’s fatal shooting on North Maryland Avenue, Atlantic County Prosecutor Damon G. Tyner announced.

Atlantic City Police responded on Sunday, May 14, 2017 at 2:49 p.m.to the 800 block of N. Maryland Avenue, Atlantic City, for a 9-1-1 report of a shooting.

Atlantic City EMS personnel and AtlantiCare paramedics also responded to the scene.

Upon arrival, emergency responders found Keith Cundiff Jr., male, 32, of North Virginia Avenue, Atlantic City, lying on the ground, the victim of multiple gunshots. Cundiff was pronounced dead. An autopsy is pending.

Greater Egg Superintendent & School Board Cut 33 Jobs; Consider Privatizing Paraprofessionals in Absegami, Oakcrest and Cedar Creek

In a letter sent to the 33 paraprofessionals employed in the Greater Egg Harbor Regional School District dated May 11, 2017, Superintendent John Keenan informed the paraprofessionals that due to declining enrollment and program changes, they would not be offered employment contracts for the 2017-18 school year. 

Mr. Keenan further stated that the Board of Education was considering contracted services for district paraprofessionals and should the Board contract with a particular vendor, they would be offered an opportunity to apply for a position with the vendor. 

Keenan also said in the letter that the district was pursuing various ways to effectuate cost savings and reallocate funding to staffing priorities which might allow the district to offer a new contract to the paraprofessionals.

In order to contract the services with a private outside company, the Board must advertise a Request for Proposals from interested vendors and then review the proposals and award the contract.  The Board has not yet advertised for any proposals.

Galloway Police Blotter April 30 - May 6, 2017

Galloway Township Police responded to 978 calls for service during April 30, 2017 through May 6, 2017.

Additional statistics include: 2 Burglaries, 0 Car Burglaries, 20 Motor Vehicle Accidents, 79 Tickets issued, 4 Driving While Intoxicated, 37 Arrests, 13 Domestic Violence, 6 Fire Calls, 17 EMS Calls and 0 Juvenile calls.

Burglaries:

200 Block of Patriots Ct.

100 Block of S. Concord Ter.

Newark Man Sentenced 18-years in Prison for Sexual Assault on Galloway Woman

MAYS LANDING – A 28-year-old Newark man was sentenced to 18 years in prison this morning for the 2015 sexual assault of a Galloway Township woman, Atlantic County Prosecutor Damon G. Tyner announced.

On July 10, 2015 at 9:54 p.m., police officers of the Galloway Township Police Department responded to a home on South New York Road, Galloway Township, for a reported disturbance. Upon arrival, police heard a female screaming from inside the home. Police located the female victim and her attacker, Patric D. Reed-Price, then 27, of 12th Street, Newark, NJ, inside the residence.

Reed-Price was taken into custody at the scene by Galloway Township police on outstanding warrants from another jurisdiction.

Atlantic County Corrections Officer Pleads Guilty to Criminal Sexual Contact

MAYS LANDING – An Atlantic County corrections officer pled guilty today to criminal sexual contact, the victim being a woman serving a sentence at the county jail when the crime was committed, Atlantic County Prosecutor Damon G. Tyner announced.

Today, May 8, 2017, 21-year veteran Atlantic County Corrections Officer Castulo Matos, 48, of the 5300 block of Reading Avenue, Egg Harbor City, waived indictment and pled guilty to the accusation of Criminal Sexual Contact—a crime of the 4th degree. 

The State alleges that Matos committed the act on or about December 5, 2016 against a female Atlantic County resident who was detained in the Atlantic County Justice Facility while Matos had supervisory power over her.

Police In Atlantic County Seize Over 10,000 Bags of Heroin in One Week

ATLANTIC COUNTY – “Last week, four families experienced the tragedy of losing a family member to suspected heroin and/or fentanyl overdoses in our county,” Atlantic County Prosecutor Damon G. Tyner said. “During that same period, local and county law enforcement worked to stem supply and deter distribution, and to identify those responsible for supplying the controlled dangerous substances that take lives.”

Several arrests, disrupted drug transactions, and significant seizures of heroin last week were the results of work done by single police agencies within their municipalities, and by work done by multiple local and county agencies working in concert.

On April 27, 2017, an investigation conducted by the Linwood Police Department, the Brigantine Police Department, and the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office Gangs, Guns and Narcotics Unit, assisted by the Egg Harbor Township and Margate City Police Departments, resulted in the execution of a search warrant of one man’s Linwood home, the search of a vehicle in which he and another man were located in front of the house, the arrests of both men, and the seizure of over 2000 bags of heroin, prescription drugs, drug paraphernalia and over $1,700.00 in cash.

Arrested after fleeing from police in the motor vehicle—the pursuit ending on Zion Road, Northfield—were Richard C. Roycroft, male, 30, of the 500 block of Central Avenue, Linwood, and Frank D. Gulli, male, 37, of South Essex Avenue, Margate.

Police Investigating Fatal Shooting in Atlantic City

ATLANTIC CITY – Law enforcement is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred in Atlantic City last night, Atlantic County Prosecutor Damon G. Tyner announced.

Atlantic City Police responded on Friday, May 5, 2017 at approximately 10:15 p.m. to the 800 block of N. Virginia Avenue, Atlantic City, for a 9-1-1 report of a man down.

Atlantic City EMS personnel and AtlanticCare paramedics also responded to the scene.

Upon arrival, emergency responders found a male, 31-years-old of Atlantic County, unresponsive and unconscious, the victim of a shooting. The victim succumbed to his injury, and was pronounced dead at the scene at 11:45 p.m.

Galloway Police Blotter April 23 - 29, 2017

Galloway Township Police responded to 972 calls for service during April 23, 2017 through April 29, 2017.

Additional statistics include: 3 Burglaries, 1 Car Burglaries, 21 Motor Vehicle Accidents, 104 Tickets issued, 2 Driving While Intoxicated, 39 Arrests, 11 Domestic Violence, 2 Fire Calls, 36 EMS Calls and 3 Juvenile calls.

Burglaries:

100 Block of Patriots Ct.

400 Block of S. Willow Ave.

300 Block of Pitney Rd.                                                              

EHT Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Attempted Murder

MAYS LANDING – A 29-year-old Egg Harbor Township man was sentenced to twenty (20) years in prison today for the 2013 attempted murder, in connection with home invasion robbery, against a 92-year old Egg Harbor Township man, Atlantic County Prosecutor Damon G. Tyner announced.

On Dec. 17, 2013, at approximately 8:52 a.m., Egg Harbor Township police responded to a residence in Tower East Mobile Home Park, in the Cardiff section of the township, and found Charles Sweetman suffering from stab wounds. Sweetman was treated at the scene by members of the EHT Ambulance Squad and AtlantiCare Paramedics, and transported to the AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center—City Campus Trauma Center for treatment.

Sweetman’s vehicle was stolen from the scene by the perpetrator.

Galloway Man Arrested for Armed Robbery, Assault and Weapon Charges

On April 30, 2017, at approx 6:28 pm, the Galloway Township Police Department responded to a residence in the 600 block of 6^th Avenue for the report of an Armed Robbery and Aggravated Assault.  

Upon arrival, the victim indicated that while at the residence, an individual pointed a handgun at him and demand his personal property and money.  When the victim refused to turn anything over, he was struck in the back of the head with a glass beer bottle. 

The victim was later transported to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center – Mainland Campus for non life threatening injuries.

Galloway Police Blotter April 16 - 22, 2017

Galloway Township Police responded to 1028 calls for service during April 16, 2017 through April 22, 2017.

Additional statistics include: 0 Burglaries, 0 Car Burglaries, 32 Motor Vehicle Accidents, 102 Tickets issued, 2 Driving While Intoxicated, 35 Arrests, 10 Domestic Violence, 8 Fire Calls, 25 EMS Calls and 0 Juvenile calls.

Burglaries: None

ARRESTS:

Barbara R. Gonzalez, 38 of Galloway was arrested by Ofc. Jacqueline Magazzu and charged with Causing or Risking Widespread Injury or Damage on April 22.

Evan L. Mercado, 22 of Egg Harbor City, NJ was arrested by Ofc. Richard Boyle and charged with Possession of CDS on April 21.

Stephanie L. Lewicki, 33 of Tuckerton, NJ was arrested by Ofc. James Mulholland and charged with Possession of CDS & Endangering Welfare of Children on April 21.