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Monmouth County Correctional Institution

Central Jersey Man Who Killed Father, Hid His Body Sentenced: Prosecutors Central Jersey Man Who Killed Father, Hid His Body Sentenced: Prosecutors
Central Jersey Man Who Killed Father, Hid His Body Sentenced: Prosecutors A Monmouth County man will spend more than 20 years in prison after admitting to killing his father and hiding his body in their home almost two years ago, authorities said. Kenneth Knapp Jr., 32, of Matawan, was sentenced on Thursday, Apr. 18 to 30 years in state prison, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond Santiago said in a news release. He pleaded guilty on Tuesday, Jan. 23 to first-degree aggravated manslaughter and second-degree desecration of human remains. Matawan police were called to the family's home on Matawan Avenue on Sunday, May 1, 2022, for a welfare check on 58…
NJ HS Teacher Accused Of Sexually Assaulting Student Freed From Jail Until Trial NJ HS Teacher Accused Of Sexually Assaulting Student Freed From Jail Until Trial
NJ HS Teacher Accused Of Sexually Assaulting Student Freed From Jail Until Trial A Mercer County high school teacher accused of sexually assaulting a student several times at a Monmouth County wildlife preserve was released from jail to await her trial, authorities said. A judge denied a request on Wednesday, Apr. 17 to keep 37-year-old Jessica Sawicki of Point Pleasant Beach in jail through her trial, a Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office spokesperson said. She was charged with five counts of second-degree sexual assault and five counts of second-degree endangering the welfare of a child. Sawicki was arrested on Monday, Apr. 8, according to an affidavit obtai…
NJ Teacher Admits Having Unprotected Sex With Student 5X Or More: Affidavit NJ Teacher Admits Having Unprotected Sex With Student 5X Or More: Affidavit
NJ Teacher Admits Having Unprotected Sex With Student 5X Or More: Affidavit A Mercer County high school teacher admitted to sexually assaulting a student multiple times times in a vehicle at a Monmouth County wildlife preserve, according to police paperwork obtained by Daily Voice. Jessica Sawicki, 37, of Point Pleasant, was arrested on Monday, Apr. 8, and charged with five counts of second-degree sexual assault and five counts of second-degree endangering the welfare of a child. New Jersey Fish and Wildlife officers found Sawicki and the victim "in states of undress" in the back of the victim's car at Assunpink Wildlife Management Area in Upper…
Asbury Park Teen Admits To Raping, Torturing, Killing His Pet Cat: Prosecutors Asbury Park Teen Admits To Raping, Torturing, Killing His Pet Cat: Prosecutors
Asbury Park Teen Admits To Raping, Torturing, Killing His Pet Cat: Prosecutors An Asbury Park teen admitted to raping, torturing, and killing his pet cat, authorities said. Bani Mezquititla, 19, pleaded guilty to third-degree animal cruelty by tormenting, torturing, or unnecessarily or cruelly abusing a living animal resulting in its death, and third-degree animal cruelty by using or causing or procuring the use of an animal or creature in any kind of sexual manner. Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond Santiago announced the guilty plea in a news release on Wednesday, Apr. 10. Asbury Park police began investigating after someone brought a d…
Asbury Park Man Convicted Of Nearly Stabbing Ex-Girlfriend To Death Asbury Park Man Convicted Of Nearly Stabbing Ex-Girlfriend To Death
Asbury Park Man Convicted Of Nearly Stabbing Ex-Girlfriend To Death An Asbury Park man was convicted of nearly stabbing the mother of his child to death, authorities said. A jury found Amando Miguel-Ortiz, 37, guilty on Friday, Mar. 8 of first-degree attempted murder, along with a third- and fourth-degree weapons offense. Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond Santiago announced the conviction in a news release on Tuesday, Mar. 12. Asbury Park police responded to a report of an assault at a home on Second Avenue at around 5:15 p.m. on Monday, Mar. 6, 2023. Officers found Miguel-Ortiz's ex-girlfriend with a head injury and she was rushed to a hospital for t…
Witnesses Stop Machete-Wielding Man At Flea Market In Monmouth County Witnesses Stop Machete-Wielding Man At Flea Market In Monmouth County
Witnesses Stop Machete-Wielding Man At Flea Market In Monmouth County A Berkeley Township man was accused of using a machete to threaten someone at a Monmouth County flea market, authorities said. The 39-year-old Bayville man went into the Collingwood Auction and Flea Market with the large blade at around 9 a.m. on Saturday, Feb, 24, Howell Township police said in a news release. Investigators said the man was confronting a 40-year-old Neptune man over money owed for car repairs. Several witnesses stopped the argument from turning into a physical fight and the machete was never used. The man drove away without getting any money. The man was arrested at aroun…
Jersey Shore Man Who Recorded Himself Killing Cat Sentenced Jersey Shore Man Who Recorded Himself Killing Cat Sentenced
Jersey Shore Man Who Recorded Himself Killing Cat Sentenced A Monmouth County man will spend several years in prison after intentionally killing his cat and assaulting his roommate, authorities said. Christopher Sanchez, 29, of Howell Township, was sentenced on Thursday, Feb. 1 to four-and-a-half years in state prison, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond Santiago announced. Sanchez pleaded guilty to animal cruelty and simple assault charges on Monday, Dec. 4. Howell Township police were called to Sanchez's home for an "unrelated matter" on Friday, Mar. 31. Officers found the cat's body outside of the home and began an investigation. Investigators fr…
Victim Ditched On Roadside After Being Carjacked By Passengers On I-195: Police Victim Ditched On Roadside After Being Carjacked By Passengers On I-195: Police
Victim Ditched On Roadside After Being Carjacked By Passengers On I-195: Police Two men are accused of stealing another man's vehicle while they were all driving together in Monmouth County, authorities said. Wall Township police said officers responded to a reported carjacking on Interstate 195 near the interchange with Route 34 at around 12:30 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 28. Three men were heading to Asbury Park when two of the men stole the vehicle. The victim was left on the side of the road and he wasn't injured. “While this incident is very alarming, it is important that the public knows the three men involved knew each other and this wasn’t a random act of violence,” …
Jersey Shore Man Pleads Guilty To Killing Father, Hiding His Body: Prosecutors Jersey Shore Man Pleads Guilty To Killing Father, Hiding His Body: Prosecutors
Jersey Shore Man Pleads Guilty To Killing Father, Hiding His Body: Prosecutors A Monmouth County man admitted to killing his father and hiding his body in their home almost two years ago, authorities said. Kenneth Knapp Jr., 32, of Matawan, pleaded guilty on Tuesday, Jan. 23 to first-degree aggravated manslaughter and second-degree desecration of human remains. Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond Santiago announced the guilty plea on Thursday, Jan. 25. Matawan police were called to the family's home on Matawan Avenue on Sunday, May 1, 2022, for a welfare check on 58-year-old Kenneth Knapp Sr. Friends and family members said they weren't able to contact him over th…
NJ Teacher Tried Paying Teen For Sex, Sent Graphic Video: Prosecutor NJ Teacher Tried Paying Teen For Sex, Sent Graphic Video: Prosecutor
NJ Teacher Tried Paying Teen For Sex, Sent Graphic Video: Prosecutor A Monmouth County elementary school teacher is accused of trying to pay cash for a sex act from someone who he thought was a teen girl, authorities said. Thomas Carraher, 26, of Howell, was arrested on Thursday, Jan. 18, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond Santiago announced on Friday, Jan. 19.  Carraher's LinkedIn bio says: "I am passionate about health, fitness, sports, and educating the youth." Prosecutors said Carraher used a social media app to ask for a sex act from someone he believed was a 14-year-old girl. Investigators also found Carraher sent a graphic picture and …
'Execution-Style' Jersey Shore Killers Sentenced 'Execution-Style' Jersey Shore Killers Sentenced
'Execution-Style' Jersey Shore Killers Sentenced Two men were sentenced to prison time for their roles in what prosecutors called an "execution-style" double murder of a young man and woman in Neptune Township nearly two years ago. Gabriel Braithwaite, 21, of Keansburg was sentenced to 40 years in state prison on Friday, Jan. 5, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond Santiago announced. Braithewaite pleaded guilty in July 2023 to three charges, including two counts of first-degree murder. Jeron Dearin, 24, of Aberdeen was sentenced to five years in state prison. He also pleaded guilty in July 2023 to one count of conspiracy to commit aggravat…
Cop Stalked Teen Girl, Sent Sexual Photos, Handcuffed Her On Jersey Shore: Prosecutor Cop Stalked Teen Girl, Sent Sexual Photos, Handcuffed Her On Jersey Shore: Prosecutor
Cop Stalked Teen Girl, Sent Sexual Photos, Handcuffed Her On Jersey Shore: Prosecutor A patrolman at the Jersey Shore has been arrested and charged with engaging in a pattern of illegal behavior with a teenage girl, authorities said. Kevin Ruditsky, 46, who works in Manalapan Township, is believed to have sent the 16-year-old girl sexually explicit photos and handcuffed her during a traffic stop, according to Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago. An investigation by the MCPO Professional Responsibility Unit was initiated earlier this month upon learning that Ruditsky had been sending inappropriate messages and photos to a 16-year-old girl, …
UPDATE: New Details Emerge In 'White Lives Matter' Attack On Asbury Church Concert Crowd UPDATE: New Details Emerge In 'White Lives Matter' Attack On Asbury Church Concert Crowd
Update: New Details Emerge In 'White Lives Matter' Attack On Asbury Church Concert Crowd A Toms River man made several social media posts recounting how he threw smoke bombs and shot bear spray at the attendees of an Asbury Park church's anti-racism concert while shouting "White lives matter, too," according to an indictment returned by a state grand jury. The allegations are among new details that emerged with the release of the indictment against Nicholas G. Mucci, 28, who was arrested five weeks after the Jan. 27 attack at the Trinity Episcopal Parish on Asbury Avenue.Search warrants executed at Mucci’s home turned up an AR-style assault rifle, several large-capacit…
Jersey Shore Woman Admits Causing Toddler's Heroin-Fentanyl Overdose: Prosecutor Jersey Shore Woman Admits Causing Toddler's Heroin-Fentanyl Overdose: Prosecutor
Jersey Shore Woman Admits Causing Toddler's Heroin-Fentanyl Overdose: Prosecutor A 26-year-old Asbury Park woman has admitted to being responsible for the death of her 2-year-old son due to a drug overdose, authorities said. Quanique Smith pleaded guilty on Wednesday, May 24 to second-degree aggravated manslaughter, according to Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago Shortly after 1 a.m. on Jan. 5,  Asbury Park police responded to an apartment on the 100 block of Langford Street for an unresponsive child.  Police found the child, who was rushed to a local hospital, where despite lifesaving efforts he was pronounced dead s…
Pet Cat Was Killed By Sharp Instrument, Monmouth County Prosecutor Says Pet Cat Was Killed By Sharp Instrument, Monmouth County Prosecutor Says
Pet Cat Was Killed By Sharp Instrument, Monmouth County Prosecutor Says A Howell Township man has been criminally charged with intentionally killing his pet cat named Lilith, authorities said. Christopher Sanchez, 29, is charged with animal cruelty by unnecessarily or cruelly abusing a living animal, resulting in death, according to  Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago. An investigation into Sanchez’s activities was initiated on Friday, March 31, Santiago said. Howell Township police were called to a residence for an unrelated matter and found the body of the cat outside the home, the prosecutor said. Members of the Howell Townsh…
Jersey Shore Woman Left Heroin/Fentanyl Within Toddler's Reach: Prosecutor Jersey Shore Woman Left Heroin/Fentanyl Within Toddler's Reach: Prosecutor
Jersey Shore Woman Left Heroin/Fentanyl Within Toddler's Reach: Prosecutor A 26-year-old Asbury Park woman has been indicted in the drug overdose death of her 2-year-old son, authorities said. Quanique Smith was charged with first-degree aggravated manslaughter and other offenses, according to Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago. Shortly after 1 a.m. on Jan. 5, Asbury Park police responded to an apartment unit on the 100 block of Langford Street for an unresponsive child.  Police found the child, who was rushed to a local hospital, where despite lifesaving efforts he was pronounced dead shortly before 2 a.m. An investigation f…
South Jersey Man Thought He Was Chatting With Teenage Girl: Prosecutor South Jersey Man Thought He Was Chatting With Teenage Girl: Prosecutor
South Jersey Man Thought He Was Chatting With Teenage Girl: Prosecutor A Burlington County man has been arrested and charged with seeking a sexual encounter with an underage girl, authorities said. Hazleton Newman, 31, of Chatsworth, was charged with luring, child endangerment and attempted sexual assault on a minor, according to Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago. An investigation revealed that Newman was attempting to set up a sexual encounter with who he believed to be a 14-year-old girl via electronic platforms and other forms of communication, Santiago said. Newman remains detained in the Monmouth County Correctional …
Jersey Shore HS Teacher Had Sexual Relationship With Student For 4 Years: Prosecutor Jersey Shore HS Teacher Had Sexual Relationship With Student For 4 Years: Prosecutor
Jersey Shore HS Teacher Had Sexual Relationship With Student For 4 Years: Prosecutor A Jersey Shore high school English teacher has been arrested and criminally charged with having a longterm sexual relationship with a former student, starting when she was enrolled at the school, authorities said. Michael F. Canning, 41, a Long Branch resident and English teacher at Red Bank Regional High School, was charged with sexual assault, endangering and criminal sexual contact, according to Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago  The alleged criminal conduct by Canning began in 2015, when the victim was a junior, and extended into 20…
Jersey Shore Man Strangled Dad, Choked Aunt: Prosecutor Jersey Shore Man Strangled Dad, Choked Aunt: Prosecutor
Jersey Shore Man Strangled Dad, Choked Aunt: Prosecutor A Jersey Shore man has been arrested and criminally charged with breaking into his father’s home and attacking two relatives, killing one of them, authorities said. Ernest K. Kotey, 43, of Hazlet, is charged with first-degree murder, second-degree burglary, and second-degree domestic violence strangulation in connection with the death of Nikoi Kotey, 77, and neck injuries sustained by his 67-year-old aunt, according to Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Lori Linskey. Shortly after midnight on Wednesday, Aug. 17, Hazlet police responded to a home on the 300 block of Middle…
Occupant In Fleeing Vehicle Dies, Two Others Seized In Jersey Shore Crash, Authorities Say Occupant In Fleeing Vehicle Dies, Two Others Seized In Jersey Shore Crash, Authorities Say
Occupant In Fleeing Vehicle Dies, Two Others Seized In Jersey Shore Crash, Authorities Say An Asbury Park police pursuit ended with the death of one occupant, the arrests of two others and the hospitalization of a fourth, authorities confirmed Tuesday. Officers responding to gunfire from near Mt. Olive Holy Temple Church on Atkins Avenue in Neptune City around 7:15 p.m. Sunday tried stopping a car that fled the scene, Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Lori Linskey said. "The vehicle subsequently crashed less than a mile away in the area of Washington Avenue and Myrtle Avenue in neighboring Neptune Township," Linskey said. The vehicle hit a tree, Acting New Jersey Attorney Gene…
Disturbing Details Released In Trio's Sexual Attack On Woman Picked Up At NJ Bar: Prosecutor Disturbing Details Released In Trio's Sexual Attack On Woman Picked Up At NJ Bar: Prosecutor
Disturbing Details Released In Trio's Sexual Attack On Woman Picked Up At NJ Bar: Prosecutor Three men have been charged in a "disturbingly coordinated and predatory" sexual attack on a woman they allegedly picked up at a Jersey Shore bar, authorities said. Andrew J. Gallucci, of Marlboro, Richard S. Gathy, of Manalapan, and Ronald W. Hondo, of Monroe Township, all 34 years old, have been charged with aggravated sexual assault, sexual assault and criminal restraint, according to Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Lori Linskey. An investigation by members of the Prosecutor’s Office’s Special Victims Bureau and the Marlboro Township Police Department revealed that on Ap…
Erratic Driver Who Struck Jersey Shore Police Officer Charged With Attempted Murder: Prosecutor Erratic Driver Who Struck Jersey Shore Police Officer Charged With Attempted Murder: Prosecutor
Erratic Driver Who Struck Jersey Shore Police Officer Charged With Attempted Murder: Prosecutor A 49-year-old man from Middlesex County has been arrested in connection with a hit-and-run crash that left an off-duty Aberdeen police official hospitalized, authorities said. Christopher Uszenski, of Old Bridge, was charged with first-degree attempted murder and third-degree knowingly leaving the scene of a motor vehicle collision with serious bodily injury, according to Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Lori Linskey Shortly before 12:15 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 21, Aberdeen police responded to a call for service originating from the area of North Concourse and Wayside Drive in the Cliff…
NJ Woman Charged With Murder In Husband's 'Accidental' Shooting Death: Prosecutor NJ Woman Charged With Murder In Husband's 'Accidental' Shooting Death: Prosecutor
NJ Woman Charged With Murder In Husband's 'Accidental' Shooting Death: Prosecutor A 73-year-old woman from Monmouth County has been charged with murder in the shooting death of her husband, authorities said. Michele Linzalone was charged with first-degree murder and second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, according to Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Lori Linskey. Middletown police were called to 29 Borden Road for a shooting just before 10:15 a.m. Monday. Linzalone had called 9-1-1 and reported the accidental shooting of her husband, later identified as 74 year old Rocky V. Linzalone, the prosecutor said.  …
Grandparent Bail Scam Is Foiled By Middletown Police Grandparent Bail Scam Is Foiled By Middletown Police
Grandparent Bail Scam Is Foiled By Middletown Police A 36-year-old man from the Bronx was arrested after trying to steal money from a Central Jersey woman through a "bail scam," authorities said. Oscal Novas Bastista was arrested by Middletown police at 3:55 p.m. Wednesday when he arrived at the victim's Middletown home to pick up "bail money" for her grandson, police said. The woman had gotten a call from someone claiming her grandson had been arrested and needed money to get out of jail, police said inj a press statement. The victim contacted police, who were able to quickly respond and apprehend the suspect at the scene, they said. …
Police Officer Sexually Assaulted Incapacitated Woman, Monmouth County Prosecutor Says Police Officer Sexually Assaulted Incapacitated Woman, Monmouth County Prosecutor Says
Police Officer Sexually Assaulted Incapacitated Woman, Monmouth County Prosecutor Says A Keansburg police officer has been arrested and criminally charged with sexually assaulting an incapacitated woman earlier this year, authorities said. Nicholas Thompson, 24, is charged with first-degree aggravated sexual assault, second- degree sexual assault, and third-degree aggravated criminal sexual contact, according to Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Lori Linskey. An investigation by members of the Prosecutor’s Office found that in January 2021, the alleged sexual assault took place at a private residence, when the victim was unconscious and incapable of&n…
Pair Charged With Supplying Drugs That Killed Jersey Shore Woman, Prosecutor Says Pair Charged With Supplying Drugs That Killed Jersey Shore Woman, Prosecutor Says
Pair Charged With Supplying Drugs That Killed Jersey Shore Woman, Prosecutor Says Two men from Monmouth County have been arrested for allegedly supplying a 35-year-old woman with a fatal dose of illegal drugs, authorities said. Terrance R. Rose, 38, of Freehold Borough and Reginald A. Simeus, 42, of Howell both were charged with first-degree strict liability for a drug-induced death, Monmouth County Prosecutor Lori Linskey said Thursday. On Nov. 17, 2020, Howell Township police responded to a residence on a report of a possible drug overdose, Linskey said. Police found Katherine Hughes, 35, of Howell who was pronounced dead at the scene, the prosecutor said. A joint in…
NJ Corrections Officer Admits Stealing 'Measly $600' In Home Goods NJ Corrections Officer Admits Stealing 'Measly $600' In Home Goods
NJ Corrections Officer Admits Stealing 'Measly $600' In Home Goods A 22-year New Jersey law enforcement veteran on Monday admit to skipping scanner payments at local home improvement stores, stealing nearly $600 in home goods. Monmouth County corrections officer Suzanne Simone, 53, pleaded guilty before Judge Ellen Torregossa-O’Connor to fourth degree Shoplifting in connection with multiple instances where she failed to pay for items at Target and Home Depot stores in Ocean Township and West Long Branch, authorities announced. Simone’s plea says she must pay restitution to both stores in a total amount of $1,320.90, and will forfeit her public office in N…
Central Jersey Parolee, 35, Found Guilty Of Strangling His Fiancee, Prosecutor Says Central Jersey Parolee, 35, Found Guilty Of Strangling His Fiancee, Prosecutor Says
Central Jersey Parolee, 35, Found Guilty Of Strangling His Fiancee, Prosecutor Says A 35-year-old parolee from Central Jersey has been found guilty of strangling his fiancee during a domestic violence dispute in 2019, authorities said. The Tuesday verdict also happened to be the first criminal jury trial in Monmouth County since the coronavirus pandemic began, according to Acting County Prosecutor Lori Linskey. Jaself Brown, 35, of Keansburg, was found guilty of aggravated assault by strangulation of a victim of domestic violence, according to Linskey. A jury found Brown guilty after a five-day trial, she said,  On Oct. 18, 2019, the victim, who was Brown’s fia…
NJ Corrections Officer Shoplifted 'A Measly $600' In Home Improvement Goods, Prosecutor Says NJ Corrections Officer Shoplifted 'A Measly $600' In Home Improvement Goods, Prosecutor Says
NJ Corrections Officer Shoplifted 'A Measly $600' In Home Improvement Goods, Prosecutor Says A suspended Monmouth County Corrections officer faces criminal charges after shoplifting in West Long Branch, authorities said. Suzanne Simone, 53, of Ocean Township, a 22-year-veteran of the Monmouth County Correctional Institution in Freehold, has been charged with shoplifting, according to Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni.  Simone is accused of skipping scanner  payments at a local home improvement store, Gramiccioni said.  In one instance, Simone was wearing her jail uniform while committing the theft, the prosecutor said. She sc…
Prosecutor: Jersey Shore Teacher Accused Of Assaulting Even More Elementary School Students Prosecutor: Jersey Shore Teacher Accused Of Assaulting Even More Elementary School Students
Prosecutor: Jersey Shore Teacher Accused Of Assaulting Even More Elementary School Students A 53-year-old Jersey Shore teacher accused earlier this month of sexually assaulting a 10-year-old student is facing accusations from more elementary school students, authorities said. Gustavo Barrientos -- formerly an elementary school teacher in the Long Branch School District and the Red Bank Charter School -- on Feb. 14 was charged on accusations he showed pornography to a 10-year-old student then sexually assaulted her, Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office said. A continued investigation found Barrientos, of Tinton Falls, sexually assaulted multiple other school children, …
Armed Robbery Suspect, 25, Arrested In Atlantic City Armed Robbery Suspect, 25, Arrested In Atlantic City
Armed Robbery Suspect, 25, Arrested In Atlantic City A 25-year-old man from Central Jersey was arrested in Atlantic City in connection with an armed robbery, authorities said. Julian Lee of Freehold was charged with first-degree attempted murder, first-degree armed robbery and several weapons charges, Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni said on Friday. The unidentified victim, 28, from Holmdel was shot and stabbed on Monday night, Gramiccioni said. Holmdel Township police were called to Holmdel Road at 10:40 p.m. in response to multiple 9-1-1 calls on a report of an injured man, the prosecutor said. A G…