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Monmouth County Correctional Institution

Matawan Man Who Killed Father, Hid His Body Sentenced: Prosecutors Matawan Man Who Killed Father, Hid His Body Sentenced: Prosecutors
Kenneth Knapp Jr. Sentenced 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…
Convicted Felon Burglarized Oakhurst Diner, Other Businesses: Police Convicted Felon Burglarized Oakhurst Diner, Other Businesses: Police
Leamon Washington Charged A convicted felon was accused of stealing from several businesses in Monmouth County, authorities said. Leamon Washington, 51, was arrested on Tuesday, Apr. 16, the Township of Ocean Police Department said in a Facebook post. Officers responded at around 2:30 a.m. to a report of broken glass at the Blue Swan Diner on Route 35 in Oakhurst. Police entered the restaurant and Washington was found in the crawl space. He was brought to the Ocean Township police headquarters, and investigators learned he was involved in other business burglaries in the township and surrounding communities.  …
Teacher Accused Of Sexually Assaulting Student Near Assunpink Lake Free From Jail Until Trial Teacher Accused Of Sexually Assaulting Student Near Assunpink Lake Free From Jail Until Trial
Teacher Accused Of Sexually Assaulting Student Near Assunpink Lake Free 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…
Teacher Had Unprotected Sex With Teen Student Multiple Times In Monmouth County: Affidavit Teacher Had Unprotected Sex With Teen Student Multiple Times In Monmouth County: Affidavit
Jessica Sawicki Arrest 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
Bani Mezquititla Guilty Plea 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…
Marlboro Man Indicted For Killing Late Mom's Boyfriend In Home They Shared: Prosecutors Marlboro Man Indicted For Killing Late Mom's Boyfriend In Home They Shared: Prosecutors
Carl Richards Indicted A Monmouth County man was indicted after police accused him of killing his late mother's former boyfriend early on New Year's Day, authorities said. A grand jury indicted 39-year-old Carl Richards of Marlboro, the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office said in a news release on Thursday, Mar. 21. Richards was charged with first-degree murder and three counts of second-degree endangering the welfare of a child. Richards was charged with endangering because three children were in the home during the attack. George Mott III, 64, died from his injuries in the attack on Monday, Jan. 1. Mott III wa…
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 Collingwood Auction Witnesses Stop Machete-Wielding Man At Collingwood Auction
Witnesses Stop Machete-Wielding Man At Collingwood Auction 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…
Howell Man Who Recorded Himself Killing Cat Sentenced Howell Man Who Recorded Himself Killing Cat Sentenced
Howell 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…
Matawan Acupuncturist Sexually Assaults Patient: Prosecutor Matawan Acupuncturist Sexually Assaults Patient: Prosecutor
Matawan Acupuncturist Sexually Assaults Patient: Prosecutor A 57-year-old Jersey Shore doctor has been charged with sexually assaulting a patient during an acupuncture appointment, police said. Dr. Jeng K. Kuan, of Matawan, assaulted the woman during her appointment on Thursday, Jan. 25, at the Prosperity Health Center on Route 34, where he is the clinical director, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago said. Kuan, who is listed online as a chiropractor, was charged with one count of second-degree Sexual Assault and one count of fourth-degree Criminal Sexual Contact. He was arrested on Thursday, Feb. 1, and lodged at the Mon…
Victim Ditched On Roadside After Being Carjacked By Passengers On I-195 In Wall: Police Victim Ditched On Roadside After Being Carjacked By Passengers On I-195 In Wall: Police
Victim Ditched On Roadside After Being Carjacked By Passengers On I-195 In Wall: 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,” …
Matawan Man Pleads Guilty To Killing Father, Hiding His Body: Prosecutors Matawan Man Pleads Guilty To Killing Father, Hiding His Body: Prosecutors
Matawan 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…
Tinton Falls Teacher From Howell Tried Paying Teen For Sex, Sent Graphic Video: Prosecutor Tinton Falls Teacher From Howell Tried Paying Teen For Sex, Sent Graphic Video: Prosecutor
Thomas Carraher Arrest 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' Neptune Township Killers Sentenced 'Execution-Style' Neptune Township Killers Sentenced
2022 Neptune Township Double Murder Sentencing 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…
Manslaughter For Marlboro Man Who Killed Roommate On New Year's: Prosecutor Manslaughter For Marlboro Man Who Killed Roommate On New Year's: Prosecutor
Manslaughter For Marlboro Man Who Killed Roommate On New Year's: Prosecutor A Jersey Shore man is arrested in connection with the death of another man who died early New Year's Day morning, authorities said. Carl Richards, 38, charged with first-degree aggravated manslaughter after he assaulted his 64-year-old roommate George Mott III, who died from his injuries in Marlboro, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond Santiago said on Friday, Jan. 5. Marlboro Township police arrived at a home on Texas Road in the Morganville section of Marlboro just before 1 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 1. Officers found Mott III unresponsive, with trauma to his head, face, and neck, Santiago …
Asbury Park Teen Charged With Attempted Murder After Foot Chase By Police: Prosecutor Asbury Park Teen Charged With Attempted Murder After Foot Chase By Police: Prosecutor
Asbury Park Teen Charged With Attempted Murder After Foot Chase By Police: Prosecutor An Asbury Park teenager has been arrested in connection with a shooting, authorities said. Nazzir Wallace, 18, was charged with first-degree attempted murder, eluding, resisting arrest, obstruction of justice and multiple weapons and drug offenses, according to Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago At approximately 11 p.m. on Aug. 30, Asbury Park police responded to the 100 block of Memorial Drive for shots fired. Minutes later, authorities were told that a man with a gunshot wound had been admitted to a nearby hospital, Santiago said. An investigation inv…
Former Sea Bright Police Officer Admits Stalking Ex-Girlfriend, Slashing Her Tires: Prosecutor Former Sea Bright Police Officer Admits Stalking Ex-Girlfriend, Slashing Her Tires: Prosecutor
Former Sea Bright Police Officer Admits Stalking Ex-Girlfriend, Slashing Her Tires: Prosecutor A former Sea Bright police officer has admitted to committing a series of crimes against an ex-girlfriend, authorities said. Erich A. Bennett, 47, pleaded guilty to computer theft, criminal mischief, hindering apprehension, and stalking, according to Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago. During his plea hearing, Bennett acknowledged that between October 2022 and January 2023, he engaged in conduct that would put the victim in fear. This included disabling security cameras on the exterior of her home and causing damage to her property by slashing her tires …
Manalapan Officer Stalked Teen Girl, Sent Sexual Photos, Handcuffed Her: Prosecutor Manalapan Officer Stalked Teen Girl, Sent Sexual Photos, Handcuffed Her: Prosecutor
Manalapan Officer Stalked Teen Girl, Sent Sexual Photos, Handcuffed Her: 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…
Middletown Man Arrested After Assaulting Domino's Pizza Worker In Road Rage Incident: Police Middletown Man Arrested After Assaulting Domino's Pizza Worker In Road Rage Incident: Police
Middletown Man Arrested After Assaulting Domino's Pizza Worker In Road Rage Incident: Police A 33-year-old man from Middletown has been arrested in connection with an alleged road rage incident, authorities said. On Monday, Aug. 14, at approximately 7:50 p.m., Middletown Township Police responded to a report of a fight in the parking lot of the Domino’s Pizza, located at 1670 Route 35 in Middletown. Upon arrival, the parties had already been separated and the victim, who is not being identified at this time, was observed to have injuries to his head and face.  A suspect, Kydeem J. McLeod, was arrested and charged with aggravated assault. Investigation showed that t…
Man, 31, Arrested For Weapons Offenses In Middletown: Police Man, 31, Arrested For Weapons Offenses In Middletown: Police
Man, 31, Arrested For Weapons Offenses In Middletown: Police A 31-year-old man from California was arrested on weapons charges in Middletown, authorities said. On Thursday, Aug. 3, at 12:33 a.m., Middletown Twp. Police Officers Shane Hall and Aidan Cary, arrested Rajiv U. Bryant, of Emeryville, California, for unlawful possession of a handgun, possession of high capacity magazines, and possession of hollow point ammunition, police said. The arrest came after officers observed Bryant commit a motor vehicle violation in the area of State Highway 36 and Main Street, in the Belford section of the township.  During the course of&…
Wall Twp. Pulmonologist Sexually Assaulted Child For 10 Years: Prosecutor Wall Twp. Pulmonologist Sexually Assaulted Child For 10 Years: Prosecutor
Wall Twp. Pulmonologist Sexually Assaulted Child For 10 Years: Prosecutor A New Jersey pulmonologist has been arrested for sexually assaulting a child over the course of a decade, authorities said. Cornelius Gallagher, 62, of Wall Township, was charged with two counts of first-degree aggravated sexual assault and two counts of second-degree sexual assault, according to Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago. An investigation by members of the Wall Township Police Department revealed that the alleged sexual abuse began nearly 20 years ago and continued for more than a decade. Gallagher was arrested without incident late last week, then lodged in the Monmo…
Jersey Shore Man Charged In DWI Crash That Injured Woman, Son: Prosecutor Jersey Shore Man Charged In DWI Crash That Injured Woman, Son: Prosecutor
Jersey Shore Man Charged In DWI Crash That Injured Woman, Son: Prosecutor An Ocean County man has been arrested in connection with an alcohol-related crash that injured a woman and her 9-year-old son, authorities said. Kevin Christian, 41, of Seaside Heights was charged with second- and third-degree aggravated assault in the DWI crash, according to Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago. At approximately 8 p.m. on Friday, March 17, Wall Township police responded to a two-vehicle collision on State Highway 138. Police found a van driven by Christian and an SUV driven by a 44-year-old female resident of Toms River. Both drivers and the woman’s son, w…
Jersey Shore Massage Therapist Sexually Assaulted Client: Police Jersey Shore Massage Therapist Sexually Assaulted Client: Police
Jersey Shore Massage Therapist Sexually Assaulted Client: Police A 31-year-old massage therapist has been arrested for sexually assaulting a client, authorities said. Stefan J. Barnes Jr., of Manchester, was charged with criminal sexual contact and sexual assault onTuesday, June 6, according to Captain Chad Clark, a spokesman for Wall Township police. The 23-year-old client reported Barnes to police after he allegedly touched her inappropriately twice during a massage session on May 23 at Massage Heights on Route 35 in Wall, Clark said.  Barnes was being held in the Monmouth County Correctional Institution. The Wall Township Police Department…
Asbury Park Man Lured Girl Into Car, Told Her To Undress: Prosecutor Asbury Park Man Lured Girl Into Car, Told Her To Undress: Prosecutor
Asbury Park Man Lured Girl Into Car, Told Her To Undress: Prosecutor An Asbury Park man has been arrested and charged with luring and kidnapping an 11-year-old girl off the street, authorities said. Raquan M. Folk, 29, is charged with first-degree kidnapping, second-degree luring a child, and third-degree child endangerment via sexual conduct, according to Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago. At approximately 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 30, the victim was walking on Ridge Avenue in Asbury Park when a man later identified as Folk pulled up to her in a white Kia and convinced her to get inside, Santiago said. Folk then drove to neighboring Neptu…
Asbury Park Woman Admits Causing Toddler's Heroin-Fentanyl Overdose: Prosecutor Asbury Park Woman Admits Causing Toddler's Heroin-Fentanyl Overdose: Prosecutor
Asbury Park 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…
Man Sentenced For Sex Crimes Against 2 Young Siblings In Asbury Park Man Sentenced For Sex Crimes Against 2 Young Siblings In Asbury Park
Man Sentenced For Sex Crimes Against 2 Young Siblings In Asbury Park An Asbury Park man who sexually abused two juvenile siblings has been sentenced to 17 years and six months in New Jersey State Prison, authorities said. Walter Orlando Perez-Ramos, 35, will be required to serve at least 85 percent of the first 16 years of the sentence before becoming eligible for parole, according to Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago. On Monday, May 3, members of the Asbury Park Police Department first received information regarding the abuse of the two victims, then ages 16 and 17. An investigation by members of the Asbury Park P…
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…
Asbury Park Woman Left Heroin/Fentanyl Within Toddler's Reach: Prosecutor Asbury Park Woman Left Heroin/Fentanyl Within Toddler's Reach: Prosecutor
Asbury Park 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…
Asbury Park Teen Charged With Torturing, Sexually Abusing, Killing His Pet Cat: Prosecutor Asbury Park Teen Charged With Torturing, Sexually Abusing, Killing His Pet Cat: Prosecutor
Asbury Park Teen Charged With Torturing, Sexually Abusing, Killing His Pet Cat: Prosecutor An 18-year-old from Asbury Park is accused of torturing and killing his pet cat, authorities said. Bani J. Mezquititla, 18, is charged with animal cruelty by tormenting, torturing or unnecessarily or cruelly abusing a living animal resulting in its death and animal cruelty by using or causing or procuring the use of an animal or creature in any kind of sexual manner, according to Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago. An investigation into Mezquititla’s activities was initiated on Thursday, March 2, when a concerned citizen brought the body of a dead cat to Asbury Park Police …
Police Officer Stalked Ex-Girlfriend, Vandalized Her Home: Monmouth Prosecutor Police Officer Stalked Ex-Girlfriend, Vandalized Her Home: Monmouth Prosecutor
Police Officer Stalked Ex-Girlfriend, Vandalized Her Home: Monmouth Prosecutor A police officer from the Jersey Shore is accused of stalking and harassing an ex-girlfriend, among other crimes, authorities said. Erich A. Bennett, 46, a Sea Bright police officer, is charged with official misconduct, computer theft, criminal mischief, making terroristic threats, cyber harassment, stalking and hindering apprehension, according to Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago Bennett and the victim were in a brief dating relationship that the victim ended in late November 2022. On Dec. 5, 2022, Bennett showed up unannounced to the woman’s residence and thre…