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Bridgewater, NJ

23 Small Aftershocks Reported By USGS In 23 Hours After New Jersey Earthquake 23 Small Aftershocks Reported By USGS In 23 Hours After New Jersey Earthquake
23 Small Aftershocks Reported By USGS In 23 Hours After New Jersey Earthquake The USGS is reporting 23 aftershocks in the 23 hours since the New Jersey earthquake that rattled the Northeast. The initial earthquake had a magnitude of 4.8 and was reported in Whitehouse Station at 10:23 a.m. Friday, April 5. Tremors were felt by more than four million people from Maryland to New Hampshire. The first aftershock was reported just under an hour later at 11:20 a.m. 6 km NNE of Whitehouse Station with a magnitude of 2.0. The largest aftershock had a 4.0 magnitude and happened just before 6 p.m. Friday, April 5. Most of the aftershocks were not notable, with magnitudes …
Philly Trio Admits $1.6M Worth Of Thefts From 55 UPS Locations Across NJ, NY, PA, Beyond Philly Trio Admits $1.6M Worth Of Thefts From 55 UPS Locations Across NJ, NY, PA, Beyond
Philly Trio Admits $1.6M Worth Of Thefts From 55 UPS Locations Across NJ, NY, PA, Beyond UPDATE: Three young Philadelphia men admitted burglarizing 55 UPS warehouses across New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and beyond, netting more than $1.6 million worth of electronics. Sekou Fofanah, 20, Shamaire Brown, 19, and Quamaire Brown, 19, each pleaded guilty in federal court in Camden to conspiracy to commit cargo theft, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced. All three and a fourth man, Aboudramane Karamoko, had been arrested and released at one time or other since the burglaries began nearly four years ago, records show. The most recent was last past April, when po…
Popular NJ Bar Sets Opening Date For New Location, Announces Another Coming Too Popular NJ Bar Sets Opening Date For New Location, Announces Another Coming Too
Popular NJ Bar Sets Opening Date For New Location, Announces Another Coming Too Tommy's Tavern + Tap has an opening date for its newest location, and announced one more. The fast-growing restaurant chain is opening in Cherry Hill later this month and will soon bring another location to Sea Girt, the business said. Tommy's will open its 9th store in New Jersey, replacing Houlihan’s at 2050 Route 70 at the Market Place at Garden State Park shopping complex on Wednesday, March 27 at 4 p.m. A brand-new Sea Girt location will open at Brook 35, Tommy's Tavern + Tap said on Instagram, noting "We are really, really excited about this one." View this …
69-Year-Old Repeat Child Porn Collector From NJ Gets Ten Years, No Parole 69-Year-Old Repeat Child Porn Collector From NJ Gets Ten Years, No Parole
69-Year-Old Repeat Child Porn Collector From NJ Gets Ten Years, No Parole A 69-year-old ex-con from New Jersey who'd previously avoided prison time for collecting child porn must spend the next decade behind bars for doing it again. Because there's no parole in the federal prison system, John Schulenburg of Basking Ridge will have to reach his 79th birthday in decent health before he'll taste freedom again. Schulenburg was sentenced on Wednesday, Jan. 10, to the mandatory 10-year minimum that U.S. law requires for a repeat offender as part of a plea bargain, U.S. Attorney for New Jersey Philip R. Sellinger said. Had he gone to trial and been convicted, Schulenbu…
Victim Confronts NJ Teacher 12 Years After Sexual, Romantic Relationship: Affidavit Victim Confronts NJ Teacher 12 Years After Sexual, Romantic Relationship: Affidavit
Victim Confronts NJ Teacher 12 Years After Sexual, Romantic Relationship: Affidavit At 26 years old, a woman is confronting her former New Jersey teacher who is accused of sexually abusing her 12 years ago, court documents show.  Now, the same age as her abuser when they began a relationship, the victim told now-38-year-old Lydia Pinto this month she could never fathom doing what she did: Engage in a relationship with someone 14 or 15 years old, according to the affidavit obtained by Daily Voice. Pinto, of Newton, PA, was charged earlier this month with sexually abusing a former student. The victim, identified only as Jane Doe, was a freshman at Bridgewater-Raritan …
Four Nabbed In Thefts Of $1.6M In Electronics From 55 UPS Locations Across NJ, NY, PA, Beyond Four Nabbed In Thefts Of $1.6M In Electronics From 55 UPS Locations Across NJ, NY, PA, Beyond
Four Nabbed In Thefts Of $1.6M In Electronics From 55 UPS Locations Across NJ, NY, PA, Beyond Four Philadelphia men wanted for a burglary spree through 55 UPS warehouses across New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and beyond were captured by federal agents this week, authorities announced. The quartet and at least three accomplices who are still at large stole an estimated $1.6 million in electronics over a two-year span beginning in January 2021, they said. The four currently in federal custody are charged with conspiracy to commit cargo theft, US Attorney for New Jersey Philip R. Sellinger said on Friday, Nov. 17. All four had been arrested and released at one time or other since …
Newly-Widowed NJ Mom Falls Victim To Gravestone Scammer: 'I Want Him Stopped' Newly-Widowed NJ Mom Falls Victim To Gravestone Scammer: 'I Want Him Stopped'
Newly-Widowed NJ Mom Falls Victim To Gravestone Scammer: 'I Want Him Stopped' Another New Jersey resident who was scammed out of thousands of dollars by Gregory Stefan, Jr. is sharing her story. It wasn't a week after Irene Pollard lost her husband before Gregory Stefan, Jr. had found her number. The North Brunswick mom was just beginning to wrap her head around the death of her husband, Myron Pollard, on Dec. 29, 2022, when Stefan began calling, asking her about creating a headstone for the gravesite. "It was way too soon," Pollard said.  Not one to make others feel pushed aside, Pollard saved Stefan's number as a contact in her phone so she could at least answer…
Grieving Bridgewater Woman Victimized By NJ Gravestone Scammer: 'People Can't Find Closure' Grieving Bridgewater Woman Victimized By NJ Gravestone Scammer: 'People Can't Find Closure'
Grieving Bridgewater Woman Victimized By NJ Gravestone Scammer: 'People Can't Find Closure' Barbara Kalmus was still reeling from the death of her sister last May when she was preyed upon by Gregory Stefan, Jr. The Bridgewater resident was one of several people authorities say was grifted by Stefan, who was recently arrested on a warrant by police in Vineland for scamming customers out of thousands of dollars through his company Colonial Memorials, not long after it was revealed he had been doing the same with his father and brother with their Pennsylvania company, 1843 LLC. Following her sister's death due to cancer, Stefan reached out to Kalmus about getting a headstone for he…
Gravestone Scammer Targets Murder Victim's Vineland Mom: 'Sick To My Stomach' Gravestone Scammer Targets Murder Victim's Vineland Mom: 'Sick To My Stomach'
Gravestone Scammer Targets Murder Victim's Vineland Mom: 'Sick To My Stomach' A mom who fell victim to a New Jersey headstone scammer just after she buried her 31-year-old son last year is sharing her story in hopes of putting a stop to a man she says should've been stopped long ago. Nearly a month after Luz Vasquez's son, Chad Stuart, was killed outside of a Vineland bar in September 2022, she was contacted by Gregory Stefan, Jr., who explained he was the owner of Colonial Memorials, a headstone company.  And he wanted Vasquez as a client. Vasquez set up a meeting with Stefan in her Vineland home on Oct. 21, 2022. "He was a professional man, and seemed sympatheti…
Taylor Swift: Eras Tour Movie Comes To NJ Theaters (And Tickets Are Just $19.89) Taylor Swift: Eras Tour Movie Comes To NJ Theaters (And Tickets Are Just $19.89)
Taylor Swift: Eras Tour Movie Comes To NJ Theaters (And Tickets Are Just $19.89) Couldn't get tickets to see Taylor Swift's The Era Tour in person? You're very much not alone. But don't worry, Swifties, there's a way to experience the pop culture juggernaut. "Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour" will be premiering at AMC Theatres throughout the Garden State starting on Friday, Oct. 13 (obviously) with tickets going on sale Thursday, Aug. 31. Showtimes will run Thursdays to Sundays.  Standard showings are priced at $19.89 (cute!) for adults and $13.13 for seniors and children (of course).  The concert film, which will run 2 hours and 45 minutes long (or short),&…
DRUG FRAUD: Crimebusters Smash Statewide NJ Ring That Stole, Forged Prescriptions For Codeine DRUG FRAUD: Crimebusters Smash Statewide NJ Ring That Stole, Forged Prescriptions For Codeine
Drug Fraud: Crimebusters Smash Statewide NJ Ring That Stole, Forged Prescriptions For Codeine An elaborate drug fraud ring operating in more than half the counties in New Jersey stole doctors’ prescription pads as part of a scheme to stock up on opioid-boosted cough syrup, authorities charged. Medical offices in various parts of the state – including Wayne, Morristown and Bridgewater – were broken into by Divinete Jeffries, 30, of East Orange, Attorney General Matthew Platkin said. Jefferies snatched prescription pads that were then forged and given to accomplices who submitted them to various pharmacies using stolen IDs and bogus driver’s licenses, according to an indictment return…
Suspended NJ Police Chief Indicted As Sexual Predator, New Charges Added: State AG Suspended NJ Police Chief Indicted As Sexual Predator, New Charges Added: State AG
Suspended NJ Police Chief Indicted As Sexual Predator, New Charges Added: State AG A local New Jersey police chief who’d already been charged with sexually preying on women is facing new allegations, the state’s top cop announced on Tuesday. Following his suspension amid sexual assault allegations, Manville Police Chief Thomas Herbst wrongfully held onto his badge, then displayed it as if was still on active duty to a police officer who’d pulled him over late this past January, Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin said. The charge was contained in an eight-count indictment returned by a state grand jury that focused mostly on what the attorney general called “sexually pred…
Tommy's Tavern + Tap Opening New Restaurant In Mount Laurel Tommy's Tavern + Tap Opening New Restaurant In Mount Laurel
Tommy's Tavern + Tap Opening New Restaurant In Mount Laurel Tommy's Tavern + Tap is expanding in South Jersey. The restaurant chain is taking over the former TGI Friday's building in the Centerton Square shopping center in Mount Laurel. The restaurant is expected to open later this month. Tim Selcov, CEO of Triple T Hospitality Group that operates Tommy's restaurants across the state, said, "Tommy's is the crowd pleaser. We do a lot; but we do a lot great. That's what really separates us." The restaurant mixes a modern upscale vibe with sports bar features.  "We serve high quality, fresh food from our three separate kitchens within our …
Ground Level Beach Club Among Highlights Of Luxury Athletic Club Coming To Jersey Shore Ground Level Beach Club Among Highlights Of Luxury Athletic Club Coming To Jersey Shore
Ground Level Beach Club Among Highlights Of Luxury Athletic Club Coming To Jersey Shore A massive athletic club complete with a ground-level, resort-like beach club is under construction in Monmouth County. The Life Time facility in Middletown, its eighth in New Jersey, is expected to be complete in 2024. Click here to get on the wait list. Once finished, Life Time Middletown – Red Bank will provide a highly personalized, luxury approach to health and wellness with modern architecture, beautiful spaces and an abundance of amenities.  Highlights include: Three-floor building with an additional 50,000-square-foot, ground level outdoor beach club and bistro with leis…
DUAL BOMBSHELLS: Local NJ Police Chiefs Charged In Sex Cases DUAL BOMBSHELLS: Local NJ Police Chiefs Charged In Sex Cases
Dual Bombshells: Local NJ Police Chiefs Charged In Sex Cases Two New Jersey police chiefs – one retired, the other suspended – are separately charged as sexual predators within their departments. Suspended Manville Police Chief Thomas Herbst continued a pattern of “sexually predatory behavior targeting multiple women over many years,” New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin said in announcing the charges on Wednesday, April 12. One victim who worked for the department was sexually assaulted by Herbst both at headquarters and at her home, the attorney general said. Former Howell Township Police Chief Andrew Kudrick, meanwhile, “had an extramarit…
Motive In PSE&G Killing Revealed Motive In PSE&G Killing Revealed
Motive In PSE&G Killing Revealed Authorities in Somerset County have announced a motive for this week's fatal shooting of a PSE&G employee. Gary T. Curtis is believed to have shot Russell D. Heller outside of the company's Weston Canal Road facility in Somerset due to "prior employment disciplinary actions between subordinate and supervisor," Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald said. Curtis, 58, a former PSE&G employee, shot Heller, 51, an active PSE&G employee, outside of his vehicle around 7 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 8, McDonald said. Curtis was later found dead in Bridgewater with a self-inflicted gunsh…
PSE&G Worker Killed, Suspect Dead In Somerset County: Prosecutor PSE&G Worker Killed, Suspect Dead In Somerset County: Prosecutor
PSE&G Worker Killed, Suspect Dead In Somerset County: Prosecutor An employee at PSE&G was fatally shot before the suspect — a former worker — apparently died by suicide in Somerset County, authorities said. Gary T. Curtis, 58, of Washington, is believed to have shot Russell D. Heller, 51, of Milford, around 7 a.m. at the company's headquarters on Weston Canal Road, Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald said. Emergency Medical Personnel from an area Trauma Center responded to the scene where Heller was pronounced dead. Curtis was found by detectives having suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound around 10:20 a.m., in a parking lot in Bridgewate…
Houlihan's Suddenly Closes Cherry Hill Location Houlihan's Suddenly Closes Cherry Hill Location
Houlihan's Suddenly Closes Cherry Hill Location A Cherry Hill Houlihan's restaurant purportedly closed suddenly over the weekend. According to NJ Advance Media, a sign on the front door of the restaurant said it had closed for good. Additionally, signage at the restaurant open since 2008 had already been removed, according to WPST, and was marked as permanently closed on Google as of Monday, Jan. 30. Houlihan's Restaurant Cherry Hill NJ Permanently closed as of this mornings. Trucks already clearing out restaurant #Houlihans #CherryHill https://t.co/GqLIZy0yhK — Mark 42Freeway (@42freeway) January 28, 2023 The Market Place at Garde…
$1.4M Paid To Suspended NJ Officers Awaiting Trial For No-Show Extra Duty Jobs: Report $1.4M Paid To Suspended NJ Officers Awaiting Trial For No-Show Extra Duty Jobs: Report
$1.4M Paid To Suspended NJ Officers Awaiting Trial For No-Show Extra Duty Jobs: Report Four suspended police officers from Edison were paid $1.4 million during the two years they awaited trial for billing the town for no-show "extra duty" assignments, NJ Advance Media reports. The officers have been on paid suspension ever since, but were put on unpaid leave earlier this month when new indictments were announced against Sgt. Ioannis (John) Mpletsakis, 43, of Edison Township, Patrolman James Panagoulakos, 36, of Jackson Township, Patrolman Gregory Makras, 38, of Cranford and Sgt. Brian Rossmeyer, 45, of Bridgewater, according to the outlet and Middlesex County Pr…
4 NJ Police Officers Indicted For Bilking Town For No-Show 'Extra Duty' Assignments: Prosecutor 4 NJ Police Officers Indicted For Bilking Town For No-Show 'Extra Duty' Assignments: Prosecutor
4 NJ Police Officers Indicted For Bilking Town For No-Show 'Extra Duty' Assignments: Prosecutor Four suspended police officers from Central Jersey bilked their town for no-show "extra duty" assignments, authorities said. The Edison Police officers were charged with racketeering, bribery, theft, money laundering and witness tampering, Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Chief Thomas Bryan of the Edison Police Department said on Friday, Oct. 14. They did not say how much taxpayer money was stolen by the former officers. Sergeant Ioannis (John) Mpletsakis, 43, of Edison Township, Patrolman James Panagoulakos, 36, of Jackson Township, Patrolman Gregory&nbs…
18 Nabbed In Massive Hunterdon County Meth, Heroin, Cocaine, Suboxone Bust: Prosecutor 18 Nabbed In Massive Hunterdon County Meth, Heroin, Cocaine, Suboxone Bust: Prosecutor
18 Nabbed In Massive Hunterdon County Meth, Heroin, Cocaine, Suboxone Bust: Prosecutor Eighteen people were arrested and charged as part of a several-month investigation into the distribution of meth, heroin, cocaine, and suboxone in Hunterdon County, authorities announced on Monday, Sept. 19. The investigation was launched by the Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office with assistance from the Clinton Township Police Department Investigative Division after numerous complaints were received regarding narcotic activity along Route 22 in Clinton Township, Prosecutor Renée Robeson said. The following suspects were arrested and charged as part of the investigation, Robeson said: L…
Ithaca College Student From NJ, 20, Dies In Weekend Crash Ithaca College Student From NJ, 20, Dies In Weekend Crash
Ithaca College Student From NJ, 20, Dies In Weekend Crash A 20-year-old Ithaca College student from New Jersey died in a crash over the weekend, authorities said. Shea T. Colbert, of Bridgewater, was heading southeast on Coddington Road in Ithaca, when he veered off the road, striking multiple trees Saturday, Sept. 10, New York State Police said. He was found around 8 a.m. and pronounced dead at the scene. The B-R Baseball Program is incredibly saddened at the loss of former player Shea Colbert. We offer our deepest... Posted by Bridgewater-Raritan High School Baseball on Monday, September 12, 2022 Colbert was a sophomore in the School of Bus…
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…
Bridgewater Motorcyclist, 43, Killed In Crash With Pickup Truck Bridgewater Motorcyclist, 43, Killed In Crash With Pickup Truck
Bridgewater Motorcyclist, 43, Killed In Crash With Pickup Truck A 43-year-old motorcyclist from Bridgewater was killed in a crash with a pickup truck, authorities confirmed. Luis Ruiz was riding a 2014 Harley Davidson northbound on Canal Road near Elm Street in Franklin when he collided with a 2019 Ford F250 pickup truck heading southbound around 8:25 p.m. on Monday, June 6, township police said. Ruiz was treated at the scene before being taken to a local trauma center, where he was pronounced dead around 9:40 p.m. Princeton resident Octaviano Chavez, 56, was behind the wheel of the truck, which was towing an enclosed trailer, authorities said. Canal …
Hopatcong Woman, 28, Killed By Car In Bridgewater Hopatcong Woman, 28, Killed By Car In Bridgewater
Hopatcong Woman, 28, Killed By Car In Bridgewater A 28-year-old Hopatcong woman was struck and killed by a car in Bridgewater overnight, authorities said. Kelsey Benson was walking on State Highway 28 when she was struck by a Lexus driven by a 59-year-old Bridgewater man around 12:45 a.m. Sunday, June 5, local police said. Members of Robert Wood Johnson Hospital Paramedic unit responded to the scene to render aid to Benson, but she ultimately died of her injuries at the scene. The cause of the crash is still under investigation and no charges have been filed at this time.   Anyone with information regarding the crash is asked t…
Three NJ Auto Dealers Pony Up $400,000 To Resolve Ripoff Claims, Promise Not To Do It Again Three NJ Auto Dealers Pony Up $400,000 To Resolve Ripoff Claims, Promise Not To Do It Again
Three NJ Auto Dealers Pony Up $400,000 To Resolve Ripoff Claims, Promise Not To Do It Again Three New Jersey auto dealers accused of ripping off customers agreed to pay nearly $400,000 combined to end a state investigation while promising not to do it again, authorities announced. Buyers of both new and used vehicles have already been frustrated by supply chain issues, Acting Attorney Matthew J. Platkin said in a joint release with the state Division of Consumer Affairs on Friday, May 20. Now this. “Dodging illegal practices should be the last thing New Jerseyans have to worry about as they search for a vehicle in this challenging market,” the attorney general said. Platkin iden…
Family Of Girl Killed While Riding Bike In Bridgewater Sees Support Family Of Girl Killed While Riding Bike In Bridgewater Sees Support
Family Of Girl Killed While Riding Bike In Bridgewater Sees Support Support is surging for the family of an 11-year-old girl who was struck and killed by a 22-year-old woman in a pickup truck while biking with a friend in Bridgewater. Victoria Bastos was struck near 3rd Street on Fulton Street around 6:10 p.m. Saturday, April 2, according to local police and a GoFundMe launched for the girl's family. Police said she was rushed to Robert Wood Johnson Hospital Somerset where she was pronounced dead following the crash. More than $12,300 had been raised on the GoFundMe as of Monday morning. Victoria is survived by her father, Vitor Bastos, her mother Cyn…
Ski-Masked Students With Water Guns Playing Game Of Assassins Across This NJ Town, Police Warn Ski-Masked Students With Water Guns Playing Game Of Assassins Across This NJ Town, Police Warn
Ski-Masked Students With Water Guns Playing Game Of Assassins Across This NJ Town, Police Warn Police in one New Jersey town are urging parents to talk to their teenagers participating in a town-wide game of assassins.  Seniors at Bridgewater Raritan High School have been participating in the elimination game, in which others are eliminated by ski-masked students in surprise water-gun attacks after school and on weekends, police said. The game is banned from school grounds. "We are asking parents to please speak to your child about this activity so we can help keep the Bridgewater-Raritan Students and Community safe," authorities said.  "If your child does, in fact, parti…
Meth & Cocaine, Guns, Thousands In Cash Seized In Major Takedown Of NJ Drug Ring Meth & Cocaine, Guns, Thousands In Cash Seized In Major Takedown Of NJ Drug Ring
Meth & Cocaine, Guns, Thousands In Cash Seized In Major Takedown Of NJ Drug Ring A seven-month-long investigation led to nearly two dozen arrests and the seizure of several pounds of drugs, firearms, ammunition, drug money and more, authorities in Central Jersey announced. "Operation Fire and Ice" — launched under the direction of Acting Somerset County Prosecutor Thomas J. Chirichella Jr., and multiple federal law enforcement agencies — targeted a crystal meth, cocaine and firearms distribution ring, Chirichella's office said on Monday, March 7. Twenty search warrants were executed at the homes of Jeffrey Cope, Shayne Murdock, Jermaine Lloyd, Jason Fort, David Nin…
Black NJ Teen Pinned In Viral Video Hires Lawyer Who Repped George Floyd, Breonna Taylor Black NJ Teen Pinned In Viral Video Hires Lawyer Who Repped George Floyd, Breonna Taylor
Black NJ Teen Pinned In Viral Video Hires Lawyer Who Repped George Floyd, Breonna Taylor The nationally renowned civil rights attorney who represented the families of George Floyd, Michael Brown, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery has been retained by the New Jersey teen pinned to the ground and handcuffed by police during a mall fight. Benjamin Crump announced he has been retained to help 14-year-old Z’Kye Husain, who he said was standing up for a middle schooler being bullied by an 11th grader at the Bridgewater Commons last Saturday. The video shows officers forcefully pinning Z’Kye to the ground with their arms and legs handcuffing him, while the white teen involved in the fi…
Black Teen In Cuffs, White Teen On Couch: Viral NJ Mall Fight Ends In Controversy (VIDEO) Black Teen In Cuffs, White Teen On Couch: Viral NJ Mall Fight Ends In Controversy (VIDEO)
Black Teen In Cuffs, White Teen On Couch: Viral NJ Mall Fight Ends In Controversy (Video) Authorities in Bridgewater are investigating a fight that apparently ended with a Black teen on the floor in handcuffs, and his white opponent watching comfortably from a nearby sofa. The black teen can be heard saying "You got to stop right now," as the two argue in front of a group of friends at the Bridgewater Commons. The white teen can be seen pointing his finger in the black teen's face. The black teen appears to swat the kid's hand out of his face, then the white teen pushes him.  The two begin to fist fight. Oh you're going to love this one. This was at Bridgewater Commons in B…