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2 Injured, 1 Critically, In Somerset County Fire: Prosecutor 2 Injured, 1 Critically, In Somerset County Fire: Prosecutor
2 Injured, 1 Critically, In Somerset County Fire: Prosecutor Authorities are investigating the cause of a Somerset County fire that hurt two residents, one critically. The blaze broke out at a home on Mountain Avenue in North Plainfield around 3:10 a.m. Sunday, June 4, Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald said alongside local Police Chief William Parenti. Two men were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment, where one of them remained in critical condition, McDonald said. The cause of the fire was being investigated but did not seem suspicious, the prosecutor added. Assisting agencies include fire crews in Bridgewater/Finderne, Bound Brook,…
NJ Man Pulls Down Pants, Shows Genitals To Girl At Learning Center: Prosecutor NJ Man Pulls Down Pants, Shows Genitals To Girl At Learning Center: Prosecutor
NJ Man Pulls Down Pants, Shows Genitals To Girl At Learning Center: Prosecutor A 54-year-old Princeton man was arrested for exposing his genitals to a girl at a learning center in Somerset County, authorities said. The girl told police she was walking by a man later identified as Shuai Shen, of Princeton, when he pulled his pants down and exposed himself to her on Saturday, Oct. 1 at an undisclosed educational facility in Montgomery Township,  Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald said. Shen was identified as a possible suspect after detectives interviewed the victim, McDonald's office said. Exactly a week later, while conducting a surveillance detail…
Murder Suspect Found At New Brunswick Train Station With Knife: Prosecutor Murder Suspect Found At New Brunswick Train Station With Knife: Prosecutor
Murder Suspect Found At New Brunswick Train Station With Knife: Prosecutor A 24-year-old New York man has been charged in the stabbing death of a 20-year-old man this week in Somerset County, authorities said. Jahkoy Monsanto is facing a first-degree murder charge, and various weapons offenses, in the killing of J’Corey Breedy on Thursday, Sept. 29 in Franklin Township, Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald said. Breedy was found around 12:30 p.m. with a stab wound to his abdomen at a Eugene Avenue home, McDonald said. He was rushed to the hospital where he was pronounced dead. Detectives were able to obtain a description and identity of an allege…
Bulging Crack Pipe In Man's Sock Leads To Cocaine Seizure In Somerset County: Prosecutor Bulging Crack Pipe In Man's Sock Leads To Cocaine Seizure In Somerset County: Prosecutor
Bulging Crack Pipe In Man's Sock Leads To Cocaine Seizure In Somerset County: Prosecutor An odd-shaped bulge in a business patron's sock spotted by a police officer turned out to be a crack pipe, said authorities in Somerset County who also seized several vials of cocaine from him. A Branchburg officer was outside of a local business speaking to Diego Mena-Quesada, when he noticed the protrusion in his sock around 11 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 23, Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald said. The officer identified the bulge as being consistent with the shape of a crack pipe, at which point 28-year-old Mena-Quesada, of Whitehouse Station, removed a crack pipe from his soc…
Motorcyclist Robs Somerset County Bank Motorcyclist Robs Somerset County Bank
Motorcyclist Robs Somerset County Bank Authorities in Somerset County are looking for a bank robber who demanded money from multiple tellers then fled on a motorcycle. The incident happened around 2:05 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 22 at the Chase Bank on Route 27 in Franklin Park, Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald said. The bank tellers ultimately turned over an undisclosed amount of cash to the male based on his demands and he subsequently fled the store on a motorcycle. The male suspect was described as approximately 5’6” wearing black shoes, black pants, black shirt, black mask and a black motorcycle helmet and goggle…
Random License Plate Check Nabs Fugitive With Cocaine, Heroin On Route 22: Authorities Random License Plate Check Nabs Fugitive With Cocaine, Heroin On Route 22: Authorities
Random License Plate Check Nabs Fugitive With Cocaine, Heroin On Route 22: Authorities A 48-year-old driver subject to a random license plate check by Branchburg police turned out to be wanted to failing to show up in court and had cocaine, heroin and Xanax on him and in his car, authorities said. A township officer patrolling Route 22 scanned John W. Hartrum's plates, which showed an active National Crime Information Center (NCIC) warrant around 11:50 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 15, Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald said. The officer stopped 58-year-old Hartrum, of Bridgewater, for a traffic violation on Route 22 West approaching France Drive, where the officer …
NY Woman Ran Prostitution Ring At NJ Massage Parlor: Prosecutor NY Woman Ran Prostitution Ring At NJ Massage Parlor: Prosecutor
NY Woman Ran Prostitution Ring At NJ Massage Parlor: Prosecutor A 42-year-old woman from Flushing, NY was arrested on accusations she ran a prostitution ring out of a Central Jersey massage parlor, authorities said. An undercover investigation into "numerous anonymous complaints" at a Watchung parlor earlier this month led to the arrest of Zhuhua Luo, 42, Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald said. Authorities did not disclose the name of the massage parlor. A search warrant was executed by members of the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Northern Street Crimes Task Force and local police, who seized cash as alleged proceeds of prostit…
Gas Station Fight Leads To Attempted Murder Charge For Somerset Man: Prosecutor Gas Station Fight Leads To Attempted Murder Charge For Somerset Man: Prosecutor
Gas Station Fight Leads To Attempted Murder Charge For Somerset Man: Prosecutor A 32-year-old Somerset man has been charged with attempted murder when a gas station fight turned into a stabbing last month, authorities said. After Matthew B. Hall and the victim shoved each other, Hall went to his car at some point during the 12:30 a.m. argument in Franklin Township to get a weapon on July 23, Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald said. Hall tried hitting the victim with the weapon, and the victim tried to drive away, but was followed by Hall, McDonald said. Hall apparently stabbed the victim while sitting at a traffic light at Demott Lane and Easton…
US Marshals Nab NYC Woman Who Threatened Ex-Colleague, Central Jersey Employer: Prosecutor US Marshals Nab NYC Woman Who Threatened Ex-Colleague, Central Jersey Employer: Prosecutor
US Marshals Nab NYC Woman Who Threatened Ex-Colleague, Central Jersey Employer: Prosecutor A New York City woman was tracked down by US Marshals after she threatened to kill a former colleague and also made threats against the victim's new employer in Central Jersey, authorities said. Quanajah Pinnock, 27, had been calling her former colleague and sending threatening text messages directed at her and her new Branchburg employer, Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald said. Officers began investigating at the victim's place of work on June 21, 12:15 p.m., when the incident was reported, McDonald said. Pinnock was subsequently charged with terroristic threats and false p…
Central Jersey Man Sexually Assaulted Girl, 12, He Met Online: Prosecutor Central Jersey Man Sexually Assaulted Girl, 12, He Met Online: Prosecutor
Central Jersey Man Sexually Assaulted Girl, 12, He Met Online: Prosecutor A 20-year-old Somerset County man was arrested for sexually assaulted a 12-year-old girl he met online, authorities said. The victim on July 26 told police she met an unknown male, later identified as Lenic S. Galvin, of Bound Brook, on social media before he arranged for the victim to be brought to his home, where he sexually assaulted her, Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald said. Galvin was arrested the following day on charges of aggravated sexual assault and more. He was lodged in the Somerset County Jail pending a detention hearing. Anyone with information relating …
Somerset County Financial Officer Stole $75K+ From Nonprofit: Prosecutor Somerset County Financial Officer Stole $75K+ From Nonprofit: Prosecutor
Somerset County Financial Officer Stole $75K+ From Nonprofit: Prosecutor A 55-year-old woman from Somerset County stole more than $75,000 from a nonprofit organization she was the financial officer of over a two-year period, authorities said. Jolee Roberts, of Bridgewater, cashed numerous checks and used credit cards issued to the non-profit for unauthorized purchases totaling thousands of dollars, Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald said. The discovery was made after Roberts had been fired from the organization, McDonald said. Roberts' LinkedIn profile says she was the financial officer for Middle Earth, whose mission is to "provide youth with…
Driver Wanted On Warrants Leads Route 202 Pursuit-Crash: Prosecutor Driver Wanted On Warrants Leads Route 202 Pursuit-Crash: Prosecutor
Driver Wanted On Warrants Leads Route 202 Pursuit-Crash: Prosecutor A 25-year-old woman wanted on warrants out of multiple Central Jersey towns arrested for leading a Route 202 police pursuit before crashing, authorities said. Police tried stopping Jerrie Lee Williams, of Bound Brook, around 11:05 p.m. in Branchburg when they noticed she had an expired registration, Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald said. Williams failed to stop when signaled by the officer activating his emergency police lights and siren, McDonald said. Instead, she fled on Holland Brook Road at a high rate of speed.  The officer deactivated his police emergency l…
Man Shot At NJ House Party Man Shot At NJ House Party
Man Shot At NJ House Party A 20-year-old New Jersey man was shot during a house party Friday, July 8, authorities said. The victim was one of the dozens of guests at a party somewhere near Arnold Avenue when authorities found him at Vermeule Park in North Plainfield suffering a gunshot wound to his upper body around 10:45 p.m., Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald said. Officers and responding Emergency Medical Personnel tended to the shooting victim who was treated at an undisclosed area hospital for a non-life threatening gunshot wound. Authorities are attempting to determine the motive for the shootin…
Somerset County Man Busted On Child Porn Charges Somerset County Man Busted On Child Porn Charges
Somerset County Man Busted On Child Porn Charges A 33-year-old Somerset County man was arrested on child porn charges, authorities said. A search of devices at Jason O'Hare's Lake Road home in Far Hills the morning of May 25 turned up  numerous sexually explicit images of children under the age of 18, Somerset County Acting Prosecutor Annmarie Taggart said. Detectives were tipped off to an apparent upload of images of sexual exploitation or abuse of a child by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).  O’Hare was arrested without incident at his house and charged with 2nd degree Distribution…
Central Jersey Man Sent Out Child Porn: Authorities Central Jersey Man Sent Out Child Porn: Authorities
Central Jersey Man Sent Out Child Porn: Authorities A 60-year-old Somerset County man was arrested on child porn charges, authorities said. Gary J. Babey, of Hillsborough, sent numerous images of child sexual abuse material to another individual, Acting Somerset County Prosecutor Annmarie Taggart said. The investigation stemmed from a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). Babey was arrested on Monday, May 2 and charged with multiple child porn offenses. He was lodged in the Somerset County Jail where he will remain pending a detention hearing in this matter Acting Prosecutor Taggart, Chief …
Woman Gave False Report In Deadly NJ Hit-Run Crash: Prosecutor Woman Gave False Report In Deadly NJ Hit-Run Crash: Prosecutor
Woman Gave False Report In Deadly NJ Hit-Run Crash: Prosecutor The driver who struck and killed a pedestrian earlier this year was arrested, as was a woman who lied about the incident to police, authorities in Central Jersey said. Raulito Peralta, 22, of Highland Park, struck and killed New Brunswick's Treasa M. Daye-Fennie while she was crossing a street in Franklin Township last February, Acting Somerset County Prosecutor Annmarie Taggart said. Estrella Caballero-Cruz, 21, of Highland Park, was charged with providing a false report to police. Daye-Fennie was crossing Somerset Street near High Street around 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 22, wh…
Investment Trading CEO Had Heroin In Crash Near Neshanic Valley Golf Course Course: Prosecutor Investment Trading CEO Had Heroin In Crash Near Neshanic Valley Golf Course Course: Prosecutor
Investment Trading CEO Had Heroin In Crash Near Neshanic Valley Golf Course Course: Prosecutor A DUI driver who struck a tree near a Somerset county golf course last month was busted with heroin, authorities said. Christian Graverson, 44, was behind the wheel of an SUV when he struck a tree South Branch Road near the Neshanic Valley Golf Course. in Branchburg around 5:50 p.m. March 31,  Acting Somerset County Prosecutor Annmarie Taggart said. The 44-year-old Hillsborough man was not injured, Taggart said. Further investigation found that Graverson was under the influence of drugs, and was subsequently placed under arrest, police said. He was in possession of heroi…
NJ Man Sexually Assaulted Girl From Ages 6 To 9: Prosecutor NJ Man Sexually Assaulted Girl From Ages 6 To 9: Prosecutor
NJ Man Sexually Assaulted Girl From Ages 6 To 9: Prosecutor A 68-year-old Somerset County man was arrested on accusations he sexually assaulted a girl for three years beginning when she was six years old, authorities said. Teodoro R. Velazquez, of Bernardsville, was arrested following an investigation beginning in June 2021,  Acting Somerset County Prosecutor Thomas Chirichella said. The girl told detectives she was abused by Velazquez from 2013 to 2017 in Bernardsville, Chirichella said alongside local police. Velazquez was arrested Wednesday, March 23, on various degrees of aggravated sexual assault and child endangerment. He was lodged in …
Central Jersey Man Led 2 Police Pursuits In Stolen Cars — Both Of Which He Crashed: Police Central Jersey Man Led 2 Police Pursuits In Stolen Cars — Both Of Which He Crashed: Police
Central Jersey Man Led 2 Police Pursuits In Stolen Cars — Both Of Which He Crashed: Police A 26-year-old Somerset County man who led two separate police pursuits in stolen cars — both of which he crashed — has been arrested on theft and drug charges, authorities announced. Nicholas G. Aiello first started trouble on Feb. 24, when police responding to reports of a stolen vehicle spotted it speeding eastbound on Route 28 around 9:20 p.m. in Branchburg, Acting Somerset County Prosecutor Thomas Chirichella said. The officer activated his vehicle’s emergency lights and siren, but discontinued the pursuit for safety reasons as the vehicle sped out of sight. A short time later, off…
NJ Woman Helping Homebound Victim With Groceries Wanted For Racking Up $22K Bill: Police NJ Woman Helping Homebound Victim With Groceries Wanted For Racking Up $22K Bill: Police
NJ Woman Helping Homebound Victim With Groceries Wanted For Racking Up $22K Bill: Police A New Jersey woman entrusted with the credit card of a medically incapacitated victim she had been grocery shopping for was arrested for racking up a $22,000 bill on the victim's card for her own personal gain, authorities said. Lisa Pryor, 55, of Monroe, was arrested at her job in Plainsboro on a warrant for theft and fraud-related offenses on Tuesday, March 22, Acting Somerset County Prosecutor Thomas Chirichella said. The victim, a Branchburg resident, in September 2021 told police that someone had used their card and other identifying information, resulting in the loss of thou…
Man Who Gave Bogus Papers In Car Trade Nabbed After NJ Police Pursuit, Authorities Say Man Who Gave Bogus Papers In Car Trade Nabbed After NJ Police Pursuit, Authorities Say
Man Who Gave Bogus Papers In Car Trade Nabbed After NJ Police Pursuit, Authorities Say A Bayonne man who provided bogus papers in a car trade was apprehended after a police pursuit, authorities said. Raymond Piel Jr., 23, was charged with eluding and theft by deception, according to Somerset County Prosecutor Michael H. Robertson and Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Chief of County Detectives John W. Fodor. On Sept. 14, a Branchburg police officer attempted to stop Piel, who was speeding northbound on Lamington Avenue in a gray Nissan Altima, authorities said. Piel reportedly ignored commands to stop and continued driving away, sparking a chase. However, the officer…
Authorities ID Teen, Man Dead In North Plainfield Triple Shooting Authorities ID Teen, Man Dead In North Plainfield Triple Shooting
Authorities ID Teen, Man Dead In North Plainfield Triple Shooting Authorities have identified the teen boy and man killed in a triple North Plainfield shooting last week. Christian Orellana, 31, and Steven Jimenez, 14 -- who live together in Plainfield -- were sitting on a front porch of the Malcolm Gardens Apartment Complex on Little Place with an unidentified 28-year-old man when all three were shot around 8:05 p.m. last Friday, Somerset County Prosecutor Michael H. Robertson said. The Medical Examiner has classified both deaths as a homicide, while third shooting victim remains in critical condition at an undisclosed trauma center.  Jim…
NJ Home Health Aid, 69, Sexually Assaulted Nonverbal Patient, Authorities Say NJ Home Health Aid, 69, Sexually Assaulted Nonverbal Patient, Authorities Say
NJ Home Health Aid, 69, Sexually Assaulted Nonverbal Patient, Authorities Say A 69-year-old home health aid sexually assaulted a nonverbal adult male patient, authorities said. Franklin Township police on Aug. 10 got a tip regarding possible sexual contact regarding Rose Stanley, of Somerset, and her patient, Somerset County Prosecutor Michael H. Robertson said. Stanley was working as a home health care aide for a Franklin Township company at the time of the incident, Robertson said. Stanley was arrested and charged with third degree aggravated criminal sexual contact in connection with the incident following an investigation, authorities said. She was lo…
NJ Man Attacks Victim With Axe When Argument Turns Violent, Authorities Say NJ Man Attacks Victim With Axe When Argument Turns Violent, Authorities Say
NJ Man Attacks Victim With Axe When Argument Turns Violent, Authorities Say A 53-year-old Somerset County man was arrested for attacking a victim with an axe, sending him to the hospital, authorities said. Jonathan W. Beatty, of Raritan, was at his West Somerset Street house when he got into an argument with someone he knew around 12:50 a.m. July 3, Somerset County Prosecutor Michael H. Robertson said. Things escalated and Beatty sliced the victim's back and forearm with the axe, causing him to bleed profusely, Robertson said alongside Chief of County Detectives John W. Fodor and Raritan Borough Chief of Police Raymond Nolte. Beatty was transported from …
Pair Captured On Attempted Murder Charges Weeks After Somerset County Shooting Pair Captured On Attempted Murder Charges Weeks After Somerset County Shooting
Pair Captured On Attempted Murder Charges Weeks After Somerset County Shooting Two men have been arrested in connection with a Somerset County shooting last month, authorities announced Monday. Somerville police responded to Third and Center streets on reports of shots fired around 2:45 a.m. May 23, where they found bullet holes in an occupied home, Somerset County Prosecutor Michael H. Robertson said. Ronnie Lyles, 51, of Phillipsburg, and Miguel A. Hernandez, 37, of Somerville, were identified as the two suspects involved in the shooting, Robertson said alongside Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Chief of County Detectives John W. Fodor and Somervil…
New Brunswick Man Indicted For Causing Bedminster Woman's Fentanyl, Cocaine OD Death New Brunswick Man Indicted For Causing Bedminster Woman's Fentanyl, Cocaine OD Death
New Brunswick Man Indicted For Causing Bedminster Woman's Fentanyl, Cocaine OD Death A New Jersey man was indicted on charges that he caused the drug overdose death of a 37-year-old woman. Lashawn D. Boyd, 25, of New Brunswick, had been accused of selling the woman cocaine, fentanyl, 4-ANPP and tramadol in the days leading up to her death in January 2020 Somerset County Prosecutor Michael H. Robertson said. Boyd was indicted on charges of first-degree strict liability for drug induced death, and four counts of third-degree distribution of a controlled dangerous substance. The woman had made arrangements to meet Boyd for a suspected drug deal between Jan. 16, 2020 and …
NJ Mom Accused Of Killing 'Extremely Affectionate' Son, 4, Indicted On Murder Charge NJ Mom Accused Of Killing 'Extremely Affectionate' Son, 4, Indicted On Murder Charge
NJ Mom Accused Of Killing 'Extremely Affectionate' Son, 4, Indicted On Murder Charge A New Jersey mother who called 911 for a minor wrist injury she suffered apparently in the process of killing her 4-year-old son was indicted on a first-degree murder charge in the homicide, authorities announced.  Elina Gutti -- also known as Olga Singhania and Olga Gutiy -- is accused of using two kitchen knives to cut the throat of Aiden Singhania, who was found in a first-floor bedroom of her South Bound Brook home on Feb. 6, and pronounced dead at the scene, Somerset County Prosecutor Michael H. Robertson announced. The indictment charges Gutti with first-degree murder and&nb…
NJ Pair Accused Of Kicking Victim Found Lying On Ground, Bleeding From Nose, Mouth NJ Pair Accused Of Kicking Victim Found Lying On Ground, Bleeding From Nose, Mouth
NJ Pair Accused Of Kicking Victim Found Lying On Ground, Bleeding From Nose, Mouth A pair of Central Jersey men were in custody on accusations they brutally beat a man found lying on the ground bleeding from his nose and mouth last month, authorities in Somerset County said. Police responding to reports of an assault in progress found the 38-year-old victim bleeding from his nose and mouth with swollen eyes around 5 p.m. on April 26 in Bound Brook, Somerset County Prosecutor Michael H. Robertson. The man was taken to the hospital and authorities launched an investigation. Heiner Rivera-Ramirez, 38 and Selvin Ixtabalan-Garcia, 21, were identified as the suspects and …
Shooter Fires Several Rounds At Vehicle In Somerset County Shooter Fires Several Rounds At Vehicle In Somerset County
Shooter Fires Several Rounds At Vehicle In Somerset County Authorities were investigating after two men were shot at while riding in a vehicle in Somerset County Wednesday night. The driver told police he heard multiple "pops," which he initially thought were gunshots, while driving northbound on Phillips Roads toward Baier Avenue in Franklin around 11 p.m., Somerset County Prosecutor Michael H. Robertson said. After hearing something strike his vehicle, the Somerset man and his passenger realized the noises were gunshots, Robertson said alongside county and township officials. The vehicle was damaged by several bullet holes and 27 shell casi…
NJ Martial Arts Studio Owner Placed Hidden Camera In Bathroom, Prosecutor Says NJ Martial Arts Studio Owner Placed Hidden Camera In Bathroom, Prosecutor Says
NJ Martial Arts Studio Owner Placed Hidden Camera In Bathroom, Prosecutor Says The 31-year-old owner of a martial arts studio was arrested on accusations he placed a camera inside of a bathroom and filmed members of the public and students who used it, authorities said Wednesday. Leonardo Sanchez of Somerville -- who owns Impact Martial Arts in Warren -- was arrested March 19 and charged with third-degree Invasion of privacy, Somerset County Prosecutor Michael H. Robertson said. Police were called to the Mountain Boulevard studio around 11:30 p.m., when an employee found a hidden camera inside of the business, along with videos of individuals using the bathroom, Rober…
Prosecutor: NJ Driver Charged With Attempted Murder For Hitting Men With Dodge Durango Prosecutor: NJ Driver Charged With Attempted Murder For Hitting Men With Dodge Durango
Prosecutor: NJ Driver Charged With Attempted Murder For Hitting Men With Dodge Durango A Somerset County man was charged with attempted murder after intentionally hitting two men with his car after patronizing the same local bar in 2019, authorities said. Surveillance tapes captured a 2020 Dodge Durango registered to William D. Hoke Jr., 47, driving up and down East Main Street in Bound Brook before entering Lot 3 around 1:40 a.m. on Dec. 20, 2019, Somerset County Prosecutor Michael H. Robertson said. Once inside the lot, he hit a 31-year-old Bloomfield man and 36-year-old Bound Brook with his car, propelling them more than ten feet into a parked car, Robertson said…