Tag:

Raymond S. Santiago

3-Year-Old Dies, Others Hospitalized In 3-Car Route 34 Crash In Howell: Prosecutor 3-Year-Old Dies, Others Hospitalized In 3-Car Route 34 Crash In Howell: Prosecutor
Route 34 Fatal Crash Howell A 3-year-old girl died in a three-car crash on Route 34 in Monmouth County over the weekend, authorities said. The crash involved a 2014 Dodge Ram pickup truck, a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and a 2021 Ford Bronco, and happened around 4:45 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 13 north of the State Route 33 interchange, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago said. The 3-year-old girl, who was riding in the Jeep Cherokee, was pronounced dead at the scene while a 2-year-old boy in the car was hospitalized with minor injuries, and the driver was seriously injured, Santiago said. The drivers of the p…
Woman Stole $15K From GoFundMe Campaign For Motorist Who Lost An Arm In Crash: Prosecutor Woman Stole $15K From GoFundMe Campaign For Motorist Who Lost An Arm In Crash: Prosecutor
Woman Stole $15K From GoFundMe Campaign For Motorist Who Lost An Arm In Crash: Prosecutor A Tinton Falls woman has been charged with stealing $15,000 from a GoFundMe fundraiser that she set up for a severely injured motorist, authorities said. Nicole C. Weidelman, 46, is charged with theft by deception, according to Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago. GoFundMe said it delivered funds directly to the intended beneficiary An investigation led by Tinton Falls Police Department Detective William Rodriguez revealed that in November 2022, the intended fundraiser recipient was involved in a serious motor vehicle collision on I-95 in Florida. The recover…
Ex-Sea Bright Police Officer Gets Prison Time For Terrorizing Ex-Girlfriend Ex-Sea Bright Police Officer Gets Prison Time For Terrorizing Ex-Girlfriend
Ex-Sea Bright Police Officer Gets Prison Time For Terrorizing Ex-Girlfriend A former Sea Bright police officer has been sentenced to five years in New Jersey State Prison for a series of crimes he committed against an ex-girlfriend, authorities said. Erich A. Bennett, 47, is also permanently barred from ever again holding public employment in the state, according to Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago. During a plea hearing that took place in September, Bennett acknowledged that between October 2022 and January 2023, he engaged in a course of conduct that put the victim in fear, to include at one point disabling security cameras …
Howell Man Admits Killing His Cat: Prosecutor Howell Man Admits Killing His Cat: Prosecutor
Howell Man Admits Killing His Cat: Prosecutor A 29-year-old Howell Township man has admitted he intentionally killed his cat with a sharp instrument, authorities said. Christopher Sanchez pleaded guilty to charges of animal cruelty and simple assault on Monday, Dec. 4, according to Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago. The assault charge stems from Sanchez attacking his roommate after killing the cat named Lilith, Santiago said. An investigation began on March 31, when Howell police found the body of the cat outside his home. Sanchez killed the cat two days earlier, Santiago said. Sanchez is scheduled to be sentenced o…
Tennis Pro Gets 56 Years For Sex Crimes Against Student On Jersey Shore: Prosecutor Tennis Pro Gets 56 Years For Sex Crimes Against Student On Jersey Shore: Prosecutor
Tennis Pro Gets 56 Years For Sex Crimes Against Student On Jersey Shore: Prosecutor A former youth tennis instructor convicted at trial of numerous sexual crimes committed against a student has been sentenced to 56 ½ years in New Jersey State Prison, authorities said. Terry Y. Kuo, 32, of Colts Neck must serve a minimum of 85 percent of that term before the possibility of parole, according to Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago. Kuo will be 72 by the time he becomes eligible for parole, after which he will be subject to parole supervision for life, Santiago said. The case stemmed from an investigation initiated after one of Kuo’s students al…
Man Sexually Assaulted Child 20 Years Ago: Monmouth Prosecutor Man Sexually Assaulted Child 20 Years Ago: Monmouth Prosecutor
Man Sexually Assaulted Child 20 Years Ago: Monmouth Prosecutor A former resident of Keansburg is facing charges for the sexual assault of a child that took place over 20 years ago, authorities said. Robert L. Wisiak, 44, of South River, was arrested by Keansburg police on Oct. 20, on charges of first-degree aggravated sexual assault of a minor and child endangerment, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago said on Thursday, Nov. 30. An investigation found that the sexual assaults between Wisiak and the victim, who was a minor under the age of 13 at the time, took place on multiple occasions between the years of 1999-2001…
Asbury Park PD Monitored By Prosecutor After Slew Of Internal Complaints Asbury Park PD Monitored By Prosecutor After Slew Of Internal Complaints
Asbury Park PD Monitored By Prosecutor After Slew Of Internal Complaints A monitor from the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office has been installed at the Asbury Park Police Department after police filed many complaints against each other, authorities said. “Given the sheer volume of internal complaints, this Office felt that it would be prudent to assist the Department during this critical time — both to make certain that the officers in Asbury Park have the necessary time to devote to their primary function, ensuring the safety of the Asbury Park community, and also to investigate these complaints in a fair and consistent manner in order to d…
Authorities Seek Tips In Fatal 2016 Shooting On Jersey Shore Authorities Seek Tips In Fatal 2016 Shooting On Jersey Shore
Authorities Seek Tips In Fatal 2016 Shooting On Jersey Shore Authorities are looking for anyone with information regarding who may have been responsible for the fatal shooting of a Bradley Beach man seven years ago. On Feb. 8, 2016, at 8:18 p.m., Neptune Township Police Department responded to 1306 7th Avenue, Neptune Township for a report of a shooting.  Officers found Andre Thorne, 19, of Bradley Beach, in the driver’s seat of a 2002 red Dodge Neon suffering from a single gunshot wound to the chest. Thorne was rushed to Jersey Shore University Medical Center where he would later be pronounced dead. Thorne wa…
Teenagers Indicted In Fatal Asbury Park Shooting: Prosecutor Teenagers Indicted In Fatal Asbury Park Shooting: Prosecutor
Teenagers Indicted In Fatal Asbury Park Shooting: Prosecutor Two teenagers allegedly involved in a fatal shooting in Asbury Park last summer have been indicted by a Monmouth County grand jury, authorities said. Lydell Brown, 19, and Joseph Argilagos, 17, both from Asbury Park, were charged with first-degree murder and two related weapons offenses, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago said on Friday, Sept. 22..  Argilagos' name previously was not released to the public but under a motion by prosecutors granted by the court this week he will be tried as an adult, Santiago said. Shortly after 5:45 p.m. on July 8, 2022, Asb…
Jogger Training For NYC Marathon Sexually Assaulted By Unknown Attacker In Jersey Shore Park Jogger Training For NYC Marathon Sexually Assaulted By Unknown Attacker In Jersey Shore Park
Jogger Training For NYC Marathon Sexually Assaulted By Unknown Attacker In Jersey Shore Park Authorities seek the public's help in identifying a suspect who attacked a woman training for the New York City Marathon at a Jersey Shore park. The sexual assault occurred at Big Brook Park in Marlboro, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago said (scroll for video). The joint investigation by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office’s Special Victims Bureau and the Marlboro Township Police Department into the sexual assault of a female jogger is still active and ongoing. The incident took place shortly after 11:30 a.m. on Nov. 4, 2021, approximately 100 feet off the Henry Hudson T…
Man, 27, Killed In Asbury Park Shooting: Prosecutor Man, 27, Killed In Asbury Park Shooting: Prosecutor
Man, 27, Killed In Asbury Park Shooting: Prosecutor A 27-year-old man from Asbury Park was killed in a shooting last week, authorities said. The victim has been identified as Derek L. Bussey, according to  Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago. Shortly after 11:45 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 9, members of the Asbury Park Police Department responded to Atkins Avenue between Adams Street and Boston Way on a report of a shooting, Santiago said. There they found Bussey, who had sustained multiple gunshot wounds. Bussey was taken  to Jersey Shore University Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead shortly a…
Authorities Seek Tips In Red Bank Apartment Complex Shooting: Prosecutor Authorities Seek Tips In Red Bank Apartment Complex Shooting: Prosecutor
Authorities Seek Tips In Red Bank Apartment Complex Shooting: Prosecutor Authorities seek the public's help with any information that would help solve a shooting in Red Bank in July. On Tuesday July 25, at approximately 1:15 a.m., members of the Red Bank Police Department reported a shooting incident that occurred on the 100 block of the Montgomery Terrace apartment complex, according to Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago. Upon arrival, officers from the Red Bank Police Department discovered one victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment and has since been relea…
Two Motorcyclists Dead In Route 18 Crash With 3 Cars Two Motorcyclists Dead In Route 18 Crash With 3 Cars
Two Motorcyclists Dead In Route 18 Crash With 3 Cars Two motorcyclists died in a multi-vehicle crash Monday night, July 24 in Monmouth County, authorities said. A 2019 Hyundai Tucson, 2017 Subaru Impreza, 2008 Mercedes-Benz 550, along with a 2005 Suzuki GSX and a 2001 Yamaha YZF motorcycle collided on Route 18 north near County Road 520 in Marlboro, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago said. Both motorcycle riders were pronounced deceased at the scene. Their identities were not released. The driver of the Tucson and their passenger were taken to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. An investi…
Man Gets 30 Years For Strangling Woman During Argument Over Cocaine In Long Branch Man Gets 30 Years For Strangling Woman During Argument Over Cocaine In Long Branch
Man Gets 30 Years For Strangling Woman During Argument Over Cocaine In Long Branch A Monmouth County man who admitted to killing a woman in his Long Branch home has been sentenced to 30 years in New Jersey State Prison, authorities said. Christopher "Chato" Aparicio-Reyes, 28, must serve at least 25 years of his sentence prior to the possibility of parole under the provisions of New Jersey’s No Early Release Act, according to Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago. The 40-year-old victim reportedly stole cocaine and a $50 bill from Aparicio-Reyes as he snorted, sparking an argument and fatal beating, according to earlier news accounts…
Trio Sentenced For Dealing Cocaine On Jersey Shore: Prosecutor Trio Sentenced For Dealing Cocaine On Jersey Shore: Prosecutor
Trio Sentenced For Dealing Cocaine On Jersey Shore: Prosecutor Three men including two brothers were sentenced in connection with a drug investigation, authorities said. Paul Anderson, 31, of Long Branch, was sentenced to six years in New Jersey State Prison for the sale and possession of cocaine and a weapons offense, according to Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago. Simon Anderson, 33, of Sayreville, was sentenced to 10 years in state prison for intent to sell cocaine in excess of five ounces, Santiago said. And Keshon Fenter, 36, of Brick, was sentenced to probation for conspiracy to distribute cocaine, the prosecutor said. In the …
Pair Admit To Roles In Double-Fatal Shooting On Jersey Shore: Prosecutor Pair Admit To Roles In Double-Fatal Shooting On Jersey Shore: Prosecutor
Pair Admit To Roles In Double-Fatal Shooting On Jersey Shore: Prosecutor Two men charged in a double-shooting that left a man and a woman dead in Neptune Township have both admitted to their roles in the killings, authorities said. Gabriel J. Brathwaite, 20, of Keansburg pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree murder and a related weapons offense, they said. Brathwaite admitted that he fatally shot 18-year-old Samore Edwards of Plainfield and 19-year-old Isaiah Williams of New Brunswick, according to Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago. Braithwaite’s codefendant, 24-year-old Jeron D. Dearin of the Cliffwood section of&nb…
Uncle, Nephew Get Lengthy Sentences For Robbery-Turned-Fatal Shooting On Jersey Shore Uncle, Nephew Get Lengthy Sentences For Robbery-Turned-Fatal Shooting On Jersey Shore
Uncle, Nephew Get Lengthy Sentences For Robbery-Turned-Fatal Shooting On Jersey Shore A pair of relatives have each been sentenced to lengthy prison terms for their roles in a botched robbery that ended with a fatal shooting, authorities said. Marcus Morrisey, 52, of Eatontown, received a sentence of life in state prison – defined by state law as 75 years – and his 30-year-old nephew, Danron Morrisey, of Neptune Township, received a sentence of 55 years, according to Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago. The sentences were set down Wednesday, July 12. by Monmouth County Superior Court Judge Marc C. Lemieux.  Lemieux explained that Mar…
Man Who Sexually Assaulted Child For Years Gets 40 Years: Monmouth Prosecutor Man Who Sexually Assaulted Child For Years Gets 40 Years: Monmouth Prosecutor
Man Who Sexually Assaulted Child For Years Gets 40 Years: Monmouth Prosecutor A 39-year-old man from Asbury Park man, who sexually abused a juvenile over multiple years, was sentenced to 40 years in New Jersey State Prison, authorities said. Julian B. Hart will be required to serve at least 85 percent of the first 40 years of the sentence before becoming eligible for parole under the provisions of New Jersey’s No Early Release Act, according to Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago. The charges stem from an investigation that was launched  following a report made by the victim in the summer of 2021. The investigation revealed that Hart repeatedly sexua…
Monmouth County Inmate Admits Providing Drugs That Caused Fatal Overdose: Prosecutor Monmouth County Inmate Admits Providing Drugs That Caused Fatal Overdose: Prosecutor
Monmouth County Inmate Admits Providing Drugs That Caused Fatal Overdose: Prosecutor An inmate at the Monmouth County Jail has admitted to providing a lethal dose of drugs to a fellow inmate, authorities said. Alvino Hinton, 48, of Long Branch pleaded guilty to strict liability for a drug-induced death on Friday, June 2, according to Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago. At 9:05 a.m. on April 17, 2022, corrections officers found 31-year-old David Egner of Toms River non-responsive on the floor of his cell.  Egner was rushed to a local hospital for treatment, where he was diagnosed as suffering from heroin/fentanyl poisoning, Santiago said. He was pronou…
Machete-Wielding Relatives Sentenced, Victim Suffered 'Multiple Chop Wounds': Prosecutor Machete-Wielding Relatives Sentenced, Victim Suffered 'Multiple Chop Wounds': Prosecutor
Machete-Wielding Relatives Sentenced, Victim Suffered 'Multiple Chop Wounds': Prosecutor Two relatives responsible for the machete killing of an Ocean County man in Howell have been sentenced, authorities said. Omar Rivera-Rojas, 33, and his nephew, Alberto Rojas-Hernandez, 21, both of Lakewood, were sentenced to 22 and 20 years in New Jersey State Prison, respectively on Tuesday, May 16, according to Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago. Each must serve at least 85 percent of their prison terms before the possibility of parole Members of the Howell Township Police Department responded to a 911 call shortly after 3:45 a.m. on Oct. 18, 20…
Ex-CFO Avoids Jail Time For $833K Theft From Matawan Tech Firm: Prosecutor Ex-CFO Avoids Jail Time For $833K Theft From Matawan Tech Firm: Prosecutor
Ex-cfo Avoids Jail Time For $833K Theft From Matawan Tech Firm: Prosecutor An ex-chief financial officer and CPA has avoided jail time in the Monmouth County lockup while paying more than $800,000 in restitution to his former employer, authorities said. Scott Lifshitz, 60, of Brick Township, had previously been CFO of a Matawan-based financial services technology company, they said. Lifshitz was sentenced to two years’ probation on Friday, May 12 after he pleaded guilty to stealing from his employer, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago said. Lifshitz was sentenced by Monmouth County Superior Court Judge Jill Grace O’Malley. &nb…
'Skin And Bones': Multiple Agencies Probe Dumping Of Starved Puppy 'Skin And Bones': Multiple Agencies Probe Dumping Of Starved Puppy
'Skin And Bones': Multiple Agencies Probe Dumping Of Starved Puppy Multiple investigatory agencies are probing the recent dumping of an emaciated Pitbull by a roadside, authorities said. Investigators seek help from the public in determining who may be responsible for the neglect of the severely emaciated puppy left on the side of the road in Neptune Township this past weekend, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago said. At approximately noon on Sunday, May 7, members of the Monmouth County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) were called to the 1300 block of Monroe Avenue in Neptune Township on a report…
Fugitive Captured In Fatal Shooting In Asbury Park Fugitive Captured In Fatal Shooting In Asbury Park
Fugitive Captured In Fatal Shooting In Asbury Park A fugitive in a fatal shooting in Monmouth County was arrested in Toms River, authorities said. Lydell Brown, 19, of Asbury Park was charged with first-degree murder, first-degree conspiracy to commit murder and weapons offenses, said Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago. At about 5:45 p.m. on July 8, 2022, members of the Asbury Park Police Department responded to a report of gunfire originating from the 100 block of Prospect Avenue, near the intersection with Atlantic Avenue. Police found 19-year-old Dariel Vernet of Asbury Park, who had sustained multiple gu…
Bayshore Man Arrested For Attempted Murder: Prosecutor Bayshore Man Arrested For Attempted Murder: Prosecutor
Bayshore Man Arrested For Attempted Murder: Prosecutor A Keansburg man has been arrested and charged in connection with the shooting of a man from Keyport, authorities said. Yacir James, 26, was charged with first-degree attempted murder and weapons offenses, according to Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago. At approximately 9:07 a.m. on Tuesday, May 2, Keansburg Police were dispatched for a report of shots fired and a possible shooting victim at the corner of Maplewood Avenue and Highland Boulevard. Keansburg Police discovered a male victim in the street, suffering from a single gunshot wound. The vic…
Central Jersey Man Admits To Killing Stranger Because Of His Race: Prosecutor Central Jersey Man Admits To Killing Stranger Because Of His Race: Prosecutor
Central Jersey Man Admits To Killing Stranger Because Of His Race: Prosecutor A Middlesex County man who attacked and killed a stranger solely motivated by the victim’s race, has been sentenced to life in prison plus an additional 35 years, authorities said. Jamil Hubbard, 30, of Sayreville was sentenced Tuesday April 25 in the death of 56-year-old Jerry Wolkowitz, according to Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago. At approximately 7:15 a.m. on Tuesday, May 1, 2018, members of the Freehold Township Police Department and other first responders rushed to the Chesterfield Apartments on Harding Road on a report of a physical altercation…
Keyport Man, Girlfriend Tried To Bribe Motel Sex Assault Victim: Prosecutor Keyport Man, Girlfriend Tried To Bribe Motel Sex Assault Victim: Prosecutor
Keyport Man, Girlfriend Tried To Bribe Motel Sex Assault Victim: Prosecutor Monmouth County Grand Jury has indicted a man and his girlfriend for jointly attempting to bribe the victim of a violent sexual assault at a motel, authorities said. The victim was attacked at gunpoint by the Keyport man and the couple is accused of trying to prevent her from cooperating in his prosecution, according to Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago. Kareem Lee, 32, and Erin Logan, 31, also of Keyport, are each charged with conspiracy and bribery of a witness, Santiago said. Lee also was charged with armed robbery, aggravated sexual assault and weapons offens…
Jersey Shore Man Sentenced For Online Sex Chat With Teenager: Prosecutor Jersey Shore Man Sentenced For Online Sex Chat With Teenager: Prosecutor
Jersey Shore Man Sentenced For Online Sex Chat With Teenager: Prosecutor A Wall Township man was sentenced to three years in New Jersey State Prison in connection with an online chat that was sexually explicit, authorities said. Kenneth Megill, 43, was sentenced for endangering the welfare of a child on Friday, March 10, according to Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago. Upon release, Megill faces mandatory Megan’s Law registration and Parole Supervision for Life. Megill utilized an online dating platform in an attempt to endanger what he believed to be a 14-year-old male high-school student by sending him sexually explicit message…
Jersey Shore Man Sentenced For Selling Cocaine: Prosecutor Jersey Shore Man Sentenced For Selling Cocaine: Prosecutor
Jersey Shore Man Sentenced For Selling Cocaine: Prosecutor A Long Branch man was sentenced to 10 years in New Jersey State Prison for selling cocaine, authorities said. Johnny Rodriquez, 51, was sentenced on the charge of possession with intent to distribute on Friday, March 10, according to Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago. A three-month-long 2021 investigation by the Monmouth County Narcotics and Criminal Enterprise Unit and Long Branch Police Department culminated in search warrants being executed at Rodriquez’s residence on North 5th Avenue in Long Branch,, Platinum Touch mechanic shop on Broadway in Long …
Two Charged With Murder In Asbury Shooting Death Two Charged With Murder In Asbury Shooting Death
Two Charged With Murder In Asbury Shooting Death Two men from Monmouth County have been arrested in connection with a fatal shooting two weeks ago, authorities said. Eddy Vilus, 30, and Quamere M. Smith, 31, both of Asbury Park, were charged with the shooting death of God Allah, 21, also of Asbury Park, according to Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago. Both Vilus and Smith were charged with murder, conspiracy to commit murder, theft, hindering apprehension and weapons offenses, the prosecutor said. At approximately 2:15 p.m. on Feb. 2, members of the Asbury Park Police Department responded to Ridge and Spri…
Pair Charged In Long Branch Shootings: Prosecutor Pair Charged In Long Branch Shootings: Prosecutor
Pair Charged In Long Branch Shootings: Prosecutor Two fugitives from Monmouth County have been charged in connection with a pair of shootings in the fall, authorities said. Steven L. Worsley Jr., 30, of Eatontown and Ronald T. Gilliard, 30, of Long Branch are both charged with two counts of first-degree conspiracy to commit murder, two counts of first-degree attempted murder, and six second-degree weapons offenses. The shootings took place in Long Branch in October 2022, according to Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago, and resulted in non-life-threatening injuries. Anyone with information about these incide…
Jersey Shore Man Indicted In Wife's Killing: Prosecutor Jersey Shore Man Indicted In Wife's Killing: Prosecutor
Jersey Shore Man Indicted In Wife's Killing: Prosecutor A Monmouth County Grand Jury has indicted an Ocean County man in connection with the killing of his wife and leaving her body on the side of the road, authorities said. Jeremy B. Cruz, 51, of Forked River, is charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of 51-year-old Dawn C. Cruz, according to Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago At approximately 1:30 a.m. on Oct. 30, 2022, a woman who appeared to have sustained severe injuries was observed by a concerned motorist at the intersection of Asbury and Colonial Avenues in the Townshi…