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Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office

Former NJ Middle School Teacher Sexually Assaulted Student: Prosecutor Former NJ Middle School Teacher Sexually Assaulted Student: Prosecutor
Former NJ Middle School Teacher Sexually Assaulted Student: Prosecutor A 32-year-old former teacher from North Bergen has been charged with sexually assaulting a student at Carteret Middle School, authorities said. Jeffrey Munguia was also charged on Wednesday, April 24 with endangering the welfare of a child, according to Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Carterest Police Chief Dennis McFadden.  The investigation revealed that Munguia was the victim’s teacher at Carteret Middle School when the incident occurred in 2022, they said. He was arrested without incident on Wednesday. The investigation is active and continuing. An…
GOTCHA! Federal, State Team Seize Local Man, 24, In Rutgers Islamic Center Vandalism GOTCHA! Federal, State Team Seize Local Man, 24, In Rutgers Islamic Center Vandalism
Gotcha! Federal, State Team Seize Local Man, 24, In Rutgers Islamic Center Vandalism UPDATE: An elite law enforcement team captured a 24-year-old local man on Monday who authorities said broke in and trashed the Center for Islamic Life at Rutgers University in New Brunswick earlier this month. Jacob Beacher was due for an initial afternoon appearance on federal hate crime charges in U.S. District Court in Newark on April 22. Beacher broke into the CILRU shortly after 2:30 a.m. April 10 and did an estimated $40,000 worth of damage, state and federal authorities said. It was during the Eid-al-Fitr -- the Islamic holiday commemorating the end of sunrise-to-dusk fasting during…
'Reprehensible': Crimefighters Unite To Pursue Rutgers' Islamic Center Attackers (UPDATE) 'Reprehensible': Crimefighters Unite To Pursue Rutgers' Islamic Center Attackers (UPDATE)
'Reprehensible': Crimefighters Unite To Pursue Rutgers' Islamic Center Attackers (Update) The overnight trashing Wednesday of the Center for Islamic Life at Rutgers University in New Brunswick -- which coincides with the end of the holy month of Ramadan -- is being treated as a bias crime, authorities said. Someone forced their way in sometimes before 4:30 a.m. April 10, broke glass and destroyed artwork and various other possessions, Rutgers Police Chief Kenneth Cop said. The attack came on Eid al-Fitr, the Islamic holiday commemorating the end of sunrise-to-dusk fasting during the holy month of Ramadan. "Today we witnessed art pieces with Quranic verses, shattered window…
82-Year-Old Man Heard Wife Scream After Accidental Deadly Shooting In Edison Home: Cops 82-Year-Old Man Heard Wife Scream After Accidental Deadly Shooting In Edison Home: Cops
82-Year-Old Man Heard Wife Scream After Accidental Deadly Shooting In Edison Home: Cops An 82-year-old man is believed to have accidentally shot and killed his wife in Edison. Robert Novak was in a room on the first floor of the Glencourt Avenue home he shared with his 76-year-old wife, Patricia Novak, when he tried to clear one of his registered guns around 2:10 p.m. Friday, April 5, Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone said. The weapon discharged into the basement of the home, striking Patricia, whom Robert heard scream, Ciccone said. Novak went to check on his wife and learned he'd accidentally shot her, and called 9-1-1, according to the prosecutor. Patricia w…
Body Of 'Superstar' NJ 9-Year-Old Believed Killed By Dad Not Yet Released, Campaign Says Body Of 'Superstar' NJ 9-Year-Old Believed Killed By Dad Not Yet Released, Campaign Says
Body Of 'Superstar' NJ 9-Year-Old Believed Killed By Dad Not Yet Released, Campaign Says Support is on the rise for the family of a 9-year-old boy believed killed by his father last month in Sayreville. More than $70,000 had been raised on a GoFundMe as of press time in memory of Christian Rivera. "On March 29, 2024 our family's life was shattered into pieces," Kristyne Felicies said on the campaign. "A tragic event left us without our bright and shining super star, 9 year old Christian Naszier Rivera. "Christian, would light up the room whenever he entered. A charismatic, smart, loving son and brother, who will be greatly missed by his family, friends and community.…
Police Detail Suicide Note Penned By NJ Dad Before Killing 9-Year-Old Son: Affidavit Police Detail Suicide Note Penned By NJ Dad Before Killing 9-Year-Old Son: Affidavit
Police Detail Suicide Note Penned By NJ Dad Before Killing 9-Year-Old Son: Affidavit The death of a 9-year-old boy at the hands of his father in Sayreville was intended to be a murder-suicide, according to police paperwork obtained by Daily Voice. Manuel Rivera, 43, recorded an apology video following a marital dispute he’d been having with a “witness” just before leaving an Eisenhower Drive home with the 9-year-old boy Thursday, March 28, according to an affidavit for probable cause obtained by Daily Voice. “We spoke to a witness who indicated that her and Mr. Rivera were having marital issues and that he sent her a video to her phone,” Sayreville Police Det…
Dad Charged With Murder In 9-Year-Old Son's Death Is Employed By Sayreville Schools: Officials Dad Charged With Murder In 9-Year-Old Son's Death Is Employed By Sayreville Schools: Officials
Dad Charged With Murder In 9-Year-Old Son's Death Is Employed By Sayreville Schools: Officials Charges have been upgraded for a New Jersey dad whose deceased 9-year-old son was found in a burning vehicle, authorities said. Manuel Rivera has been charged with second-degree aggravated arson, first-degree murder, second-degree endangering the welfare of a child, and second-degree desecration of human remains, Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone said. According to Sayreville Schools Superintendent Richard Labbe, 43-year-old Rivera was employed by the district, and his son was a student at the Wilson School. The charges were filed in connection with an incident Thursday…
NJ Baby Killed By Dog ID'd In Campaign NJ Baby Killed By Dog ID'd In Campaign
NJ Baby Killed By Dog ID'd In Campaign Support is surging for a New Jersey family whose 3-month-old baby was killed by the family dog. Daymon Jair Balbuena was mauled by the dog at his home on Mereline Avenue in Avenel around 6:15 a.m. Saturday, March 9, according to a GoFundMe campaign, along with Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Woodbridge Police Department Director Robert Hubner. Daymon's mother, Sierra, suffered serious injuries in the attack, the campaign says. "The love he brought to his family during his short life will never be forgotten," the boy's obituary says. More than $16,000 had been rai…
NJ Infant Killed By Family Dog: Prosecutor NJ Infant Killed By Family Dog: Prosecutor
NJ Infant Killed By Family Dog: Prosecutor An infant is dead after being mauled by the family dog in Central Jersey, authorities said. Police were called to a Mereline Avenue home in Avenel around 6:15 a.m. Saturday, March 9, Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Woodbridge Police Department Director Robert Hubner said. Officers found the mother and baby, who sustained serious injuries from the dog. The baby was pronounced dead on scene while the mother and father were transported to the hospital for treatment. No further information was provided. This investigation is active and continuing. Anyone with information …
Video Shows Moment SWAT Team Arrests NJ Gun Trafficker Denied Permit Just Last Year: Police Video Shows Moment SWAT Team Arrests NJ Gun Trafficker Denied Permit Just Last Year: Police
Video Shows Moment SWAT Team Arrests NJ Gun Trafficker Denied Permit Just Last Year: Police Police have released the video that shows a SWAT team arresting a New Jersey man accused of trafficking guns across multiple state lines, despite being denied a permit to purchase firearms, they said. Following a five-month investigation, Wayne Bagley, 68, of South Brunswick, was arrested during a motor vehicle stop on Thursday, Feb. 29, South Brunswick Police Chief Raymond Hayducka said. Video shows officers approaching Bagley in a dark blue work van before pulling up and surrounding him. "Hands up," officers can be heard yelling with their guns drawn. "Put your hands up." Once…
Accused NJ Killer Walks Free After Decade In Prison For College Student's Murder Accused NJ Killer Walks Free After Decade In Prison For College Student's Murder
Accused NJ Killer Walks Free After Decade In Prison For College Student's Murder Timothy Puskas is a free man. The one-time convicted killer was released on Wednesday, Feb. 21, from MIddlesex County Jail, after winning a second trial on a murder charge, according to his attorney, Joseph Mazraani. Puskas was convicted seven years ago in the slaying of 22-year-old college student William “Billy” McCaw in New Brunswick. He'd been incarcerated for 10 years. A Middlesex County jury deliberated five hours before returning the not guilty verdict in the six-week trial, which began on Jan. 9, Mazraani said. Puskas’ 2017 murder conviction was reversed by an appellate court …
Edison Middle School Teacher Had Sexual Relationship With Student: Prosecutor Edison Middle School Teacher Had Sexual Relationship With Student: Prosecutor
Edison Middle School Teacher Had Sexual Relationship With Student: Prosecutor A 55-year-old Edison Township Middle School teacher who was found with child porn over the summer has been arrested again, after it was learned he had a sexual relationship with a student, authorities said. Julius Coaccioli is facing new charges of kidnapping and child endangerment, Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Woodbridge Police Director Robert Hubner announced on Thursday, Dec. 7. On Aug. 30, the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children Unit (ICAC) executed a search warrant at Coaccioli's home, seizing electronic devi…
TRIPLE MURDER: Shooting Leaves 3 Dead In Central Jersey TRIPLE MURDER: Shooting Leaves 3 Dead In Central Jersey
Triple Murder: Shooting Leaves 3 Dead In Central Jersey Three people were found dead in a New Jersey condominium on Monday, Nov. 27, authorities said. UPDATE: Cops ID South Plainfield Triple Murder Victims, Accused Shooter Police responding to reports of shots fired around 9 a.m. found two males and a woman in the Traditions condo complex on Coppola Drive in South Plainfield, according to Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Police Chief Peter Papa. All victims had suffered gunshot wounds and were pronounced dead. Their names had not been released pending notification of next of kin. A suspect was being questione…
Body Of Missing Teacher Lara Emanuele Found Off Route 80: Prosecutor Body Of Missing Teacher Lara Emanuele Found Off Route 80: Prosecutor
Body Of Missing Teacher Lara Emanuele Found Off Route 80: Prosecutor The months-long search for Lara Emanuele has come to a tragic end. The 46-year-old woman's body was found in a wooded area off Howard Boulevard and Route 80 in Roxbury Township, with help from K9 Denali from the Ramapo Search and Rescue Organization, Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll said. "While the outcome of the search is disappointing, the officers and volunteers who worked tirelessly to find Emanuele have earned our gratitude," Carroll said. "Your efforts will help bring closure to this family and this community.” Emanuele, a teacher at Alexander Hamilton Elementary School i…
Family Ran Multimillion-Dollar Cathouse At Sayreville Strip Club, New Indictment Alleges Family Ran Multimillion-Dollar Cathouse At Sayreville Strip Club, New Indictment Alleges
Family Ran Multimillion-Dollar Cathouse At Sayreville Strip Club, New Indictment Alleges UPDATE: A fierce battle between a Middlesex County family and authorities who've charged them with operating a wildly lucrative whorehouse masquerading as a strip club intensified with a new round of charges. The owners of Club XXXV on Route 35 in Sayreville used “various illegal means to turn their club into a multimillion-dollar racket (that) doubled as a house of prostitution,” New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin said a superseding indictment returned by a grand jury in Trenton alleges. More than $10 million in proceeds from the business “moved through numerous bank accounts c…
Fatal Parkway Pedestrian Crash Lands Hit-Run Texas Driver In State Slammer For Years Fatal Parkway Pedestrian Crash Lands Hit-Run Texas Driver In State Slammer For Years
Fatal Parkway Pedestrian Crash Lands Hit-Run Texas Driver In State Slammer For Years A Texas man has been sentenced to nine years in New Jersey State Prison for fleeing the scene of a fatal hit-and-run crash along the Garden State Parkway, authorities said. Fornice Cary Boatner III, 33, of Cleveland, Texas, was sentenced on Monday, Nov. 13, for knowingly leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident resulting in the May 2022 death of 31-year-old Felipe Dos Santos last year in Woodbridge, according to Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone. Dos Santos, of Elizabeth was walking along the Parkway when he was struck by Boatner in a Dodge Ram on May 25, 2022, Ciccone s…
24-Year-Old Passenger Killed In Car That Rolled Onto Parked Vehicles On Route 35 In Sayreville 24-Year-Old Passenger Killed In Car That Rolled Onto Parked Vehicles On Route 35 In Sayreville
24-Year-Old Passenger Killed In Car That Rolled Onto Parked Vehicles On Route 35 In Sayreville Authorities have identified the 24-year-old man killed in a single-car crash over the weekend on Route 35 in Sayreville. Zion Jackson, of Keansburg, was a passenger in the vehicle that crashed near Fred’s Bait and Tackle Shop around 5 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone said. A 2009 Acura TL was heading south on Route 35 when it veered off the roadway striking a safety bollard for a fire hydrant and then rolled over onto the two parked vehicles, the prosecutor said. Jackson was pronounced dead at the scene while the driver and a second passenger were hospit…
DOUBLE MURDER-SUICIDE: Three Dead In New Brunswick Stabbing DOUBLE MURDER-SUICIDE: Three Dead In New Brunswick Stabbing
Double Murder-suicide: Three Dead In New Brunswick Stabbing Three people died in what police are calling a double murder-suicide in New Brunswick. Eduardo Mateo Lorenzo, 26, allegedly stabbed Gabriela De La Cruz Camero, 22, and Jesus Antonio-Salazar, 25, before taking his own life on Saturday, Oct. 21, around 11 p.m., Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone said. De La Cruz Camero was found with multiple stab wounds at Feaster Park, near Handy Street and Throop Avenue, Ciccone said alongside local police. She was taken to the hospital where she died. Antonio-Salazar was found in the same area with multiple stab wounds, and pronounced …
Police Release IDs Of Parents, 2 Children Found Dead In NJ Quadruple Murder Police Release IDs Of Parents, 2 Children Found Dead In NJ Quadruple Murder
Police Release IDs Of Parents, 2 Children Found Dead In NJ Quadruple Murder Authorities have released the names of the four people found dead in a New Jersey home Wednesday, Oct. 4. Tej Pratap Singh, 43, Sonal Parihar, 42, and their two children, a 10-year-old boy and a 6-year-old girl, were found lifeless in a Titus Lane home in Plainsboro during a welfare check Wednesday afternoon, Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Plainsboro Police Chief Eamon Blanchard said. A spokesperson for the prosecutor's office said only that the incident was "not a shooting," and the cause of deaths have yet to be determined by the medical examiner. It is, however, be…
'Not A Shooting': Four Bodies Found In NJ Home Probed As Homicide: Prosecutor 'Not A Shooting': Four Bodies Found In NJ Home Probed As Homicide: Prosecutor
'Not A Shooting': Four Bodies Found In NJ Home Probed As Homicide: Prosecutor Four people were found dead in a New Jersey home Wednesday, Oct. 4, authorities said. The discovery of four bodies in a Titus Lane home in Plainsboro is being investigated as a homicide case, Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Plainsboro Police Chief Eamon Blanchard said. A spokesperson for the prosecutor's office said that this was "not a shooting incident" and the cause of deaths have yet to be determined by the medical examiner. Police were called to the home around 4:40 p.m. for a welfare check when they found the four bodies, Blanchard and Ciccone said. An initial i…
Member Of 'Hit List' Burglary Crew That Targeted Asian Homeowners In NJ, NY, PA, DE Cops Plea Member Of 'Hit List' Burglary Crew That Targeted Asian Homeowners In NJ, NY, PA, DE Cops Plea
Member Of 'Hit List' Burglary Crew That Targeted Asian Homeowners In NJ, NY, PA, DE Cops Plea UPDATE: A burglar from a crew that targeted Asian and Asian-American small business owners in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Delaware took a deal from the government rather than risk the outcome of a trial, federal authorities said. James Hurt, 47, of New York, was part of a second-story outfit that the FBI said worked from a hit list of dozens of homes in four states based on “stereotype and opportunity." One of Hurt's associates told detectives that Asians were targeted “because it was believed that the victims kept large sums of currency and jewelry in their residences,” an FBI c…
'Covered In Blood': Charges Upgraded For Man Who Killed His Mom In Gruesome NJ Attack 'Covered In Blood': Charges Upgraded For Man Who Killed His Mom In Gruesome NJ Attack
'Covered In Blood': Charges Upgraded For Man Who Killed His Mom In Gruesome NJ Attack Charges have been upgraded for a 44-year-old Central Jersey man whose mother died a week after a gruesome attack, police said. Herbert Roberts, of Plainsboro, is believed to have attacked his 73-year-old mom, Beverly Roberts, of Princeton Junction, the afternoon of Friday, Aug. 18, Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone said. Beverly was flown to Newark University Hospital after she was found covered in blood with severe injuries to her head and eyes, Ciccone said alongside Chief Eamon Blanchard of the Plainsboro Police Department. Herbert was arrested at the scene and …
Burglar With Hit List Of Asian Homeowners In NJ, NY, PA, DE Gets 50 Months In Federal Prison Burglar With Hit List Of Asian Homeowners In NJ, NY, PA, DE Gets 50 Months In Federal Prison
Burglar With Hit List Of Asian Homeowners In NJ, NY, PA, DE Gets 50 Months In Federal Prison UPDATE: A member of a second-story crew who targeted Asian and Asian-American homeowners in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Delaware for burglaries was sentenced to a plea-bargained four years and two months in federal prison, authorities said. Randi Barr, 42, of Union County, NJ, was part of a group that worked from a hit list of dozens of homes based on “stereotype and opportunity,” federal authorities said. Local, state and federal law enforcement authorities who teamed up to smash the ring found notes in the defendants’ cars that had the home addresses of individuals of Asian des…
NJ Dealer Charged Federally With Selling Mix Of Fentanyl, Heroin That Killed User: Authorities NJ Dealer Charged Federally With Selling Mix Of Fentanyl, Heroin That Killed User: Authorities
NJ Dealer Charged Federally With Selling Mix Of Fentanyl, Heroin That Killed User: Authorities A Somerset County man was seized by federal agents who charged him with selling a mix of fentanyl and heroin that killed a user in Plainfield. Officers responding to the victim’s home found two wax folds containing both drugs and bearing a unique stamp, which they linked to Thomas Kane Miller, 38, of Somerset, U.S. Attorney Philip Sellinger said. Investigators learned that the victim and Miller had arranged to meet shortly before the October 2022 overdose, the U.S. attorney added. Miller had also been found 10 days earlier with several wax folds of the same drugs with the same stamp, Selli…
Search For Lara Emanuele: Authorities Give Update On Roxbury Woman Missing For Weeks (PHOTOS) Search For Lara Emanuele: Authorities Give Update On Roxbury Woman Missing For Weeks (PHOTOS)
Search For Lara Emanuele: Authorities Give Update On Roxbury Woman Missing For Weeks (Photos) A beloved Morris County woman has been missing for three weeks, prompting an outpour of support from community members and a coordinated search effort by police departments across the state. Lara Emanuele, 46, was reported missing after failing to return home from work on Wednesday, June 7. Her vehicle containing her abandoned cell phone was found the following day in the nearby parking lot of a hotel on Howard Boulevard. Emaneuele, of Roxbury, was seen “[exiting] her vehicle in the parking lot alone and [departing] of her own free will,” Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll said. Her…
Rutgers University Student Committed Suicide: Prosecutor Rutgers University Student Committed Suicide: Prosecutor
Rutgers University Student Committed Suicide: Prosecutor Authorities are investigating after the body of a male student was found on the Rutgers University Campus in Piscataway. The death was ruled a suicide, they said. There was no threat to the public and no foul play was suspected, according to Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Chief Kenneth Cop of the Rutgers Police Department. The discovery was made around 6 a.m. Tuesday, June 27 on Busch Campus, police said. Anyone with information is asked to contact Sergeant Calvert of the Rutgers Police Department at 732-932-7211 or Detective Michelle Coppola …
Arrest Made In Sayreville Councilwoman's Murder Arrest Made In Sayreville Councilwoman's Murder
Arrest Made In Sayreville Councilwoman's Murder A 28-year-old Virginia man has been arrested in connection with the Feb. 1 fatal shooting of Sayreville Councilwoman Eunice Dwumfour outside her townhouse, authorities said. Rashid Ali Bynum, 28, of Portsmouth, VA, was arrested on Tuesday, May 30 at 10:45 a.m., according to the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office. Bynum was taken into custody outside a residence in Chesapeake City, VA, without incident, Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone said at a news conference. Bynum was charged with first-degree murder and weapons offenses, she said. Prosecutors did not say what the motive was in the killing…
East Brunswick Motorcycle Officers Injured When Car Turns Directly Into Their Paths: Police East Brunswick Motorcycle Officers Injured When Car Turns Directly Into Their Paths: Police
East Brunswick Motorcycle Officers Injured When Car Turns Directly Into Their Paths: Police Two East Brunswick police officers were injured when their motorcycles collided with a third vehicle Wednesday, May 17, authorities said. Sgts. John Bird and James Angermeier were traveling east on Milltown Road on their bikes when a Honda HR-V making a left turn out of the Wawa parking lot directly into their paths around 4:30 p.m., police said. The Honda HR-V made a left turn from the exit of the Wawa parking lot onto Milltown Road in front of the path of the two motorcycles, police said. The three vehicles collided in the eastbound lane of Milltown Road. Bird an…
3 Teens Charged In Deadly Shooting Of Taxi Driver In Somerset County: Prosecutor 3 Teens Charged In Deadly Shooting Of Taxi Driver In Somerset County: Prosecutor
3 Teens Charged In Deadly Shooting Of Taxi Driver In Somerset County: Prosecutor Three teen boys have been charged, two of them with murder, in last week’s shooting of a taxi driver investigators say was motivated by robbery. The first two suspects, ages 14 and 13, of Somerset and New Brunswick, were each charged with first-degree murder, first-degree felony murder, first-degree conspiracy, robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery, and various weapons charges, Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald said Monday, May 15. The third suspect, age 13, of New Brunswick, was charged with robbery and conspiracy. The charges come after officers responding to a shooting report …
Blood-Covered Man Spotted In Public Had Killed His NJ Grandmother, Prosecutor Says Blood-Covered Man Spotted In Public Had Killed His NJ Grandmother, Prosecutor Says
Blood-Covered Man Spotted In Public Had Killed His NJ Grandmother, Prosecutor Says A Carteret man has been charged in connection with the death of his 77-year-old grandmother after someone spotted him out in public, covered in blood, authorities said. On Monday, May 1, at 5:29 p.m., authorities received a 911 call reporting that an individual was seen near Taylor Avenue, who appeared to be covered in blood, according to Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone. Carteret Police Department responded and found Cyril Lloyd, 26, of Carteret. Lloyd was transported back to his home, Ciccone said. When authorities entered the residence, they…
Major NJ-Based Fentanyl Ring Smashed: 20+ Pounds, 9,000 Doses Seized, Eight Men Out Major NJ-Based Fentanyl Ring Smashed: 20+ Pounds, 9,000 Doses Seized, Eight Men Out
Major Nj-based Fentanyl Ring Smashed: 20+ Pounds, 9,000 Doses Seized, Eight Men Out More than 20 pounds of fentanyl and an additional 9,000 doses of the deadly drug were seized with the arrests of eight members of a major trafficking ring that operated on both sides of the Hudson River, authorities said. Those charged in the federally-led offensive range in age from 37 to 60. They come from New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania but operated primarily in and around Union County, U.S. Attorney for New Jersey Philip R. Sellinger said. The multi-pronged, eight-month operation relied on all levels of law enforcement, from federal agents to local police who watched and document…