Tag:

Ocean County Prosecutor

Realtor Convicted Of Killing Her Father, Girlfriend In Surf City Waterfront Home Realtor Convicted Of Killing Her Father, Girlfriend In Surf City Waterfront Home
Realtor Convicted Of Killing Her Father, Girlfriend In Surf City Waterfront Home A Pennsylvania realtor was convicted of killing her father and his girlfriend on the Jersey Shore, authorities said. After a four-week trial, a jury found Sherry Lee Heffernan, 57, of Landenberg, PA, guilty of two murder counts on Friday, Mar. 1, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer announced in a news release. She faces life in prison for the late September 2021 killings of 87-year-old John Enders of Surf City and 75-year-old Francoise Pitoy of Manchester. Surf City police conducted a wellness check at a home on North Seventh Street at around 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 3, 2…
Dealer Charged After Fentanyl, Heroin Mix Killed Berkeley Township Man: Prosecutors Dealer Charged After Fentanyl, Heroin Mix Killed Berkeley Township Man: Prosecutors
Dealer Charged After Fentanyl, Heroin Mix Killed Berkeley Township Man: Prosecutors A Monmouth County man is accused of giving a mix of heroin and fentanyl that killed a man in Ocean County on the day after Christmas, authorities said. James Liu, 30, of Ocean Township, was charged with strict liability drug-induced death, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer announced in a news release on Wednesday, Feb. 21. The charges come after a 33-year-old Berkeley Township man died of an overdose on Tuesday, Dec. 26. Berkeley Township police responded to a report of an unresponsive man. When officers arrived, they found he was already dead and investigators said Liu sold him the…
Toms River Heroin Dealer Pleads Guilty Toms River Heroin Dealer Pleads Guilty
Toms River Heroin Dealer Pleads Guilty A Toms River man admitted to selling heroin throughout Ocean County, authorities said. Zachary Lockwood, 25, pleaded guilty on Monday, Feb. 12, to possession of one-half ounce or more of heroin with intent to distribute, being a certain person not to possess a weapon, and resisting arrest, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer announced. He also pleaded guilty to an unrelated eluding charge from a second incident. Toms River police started investigating Lockwood in July 2023 as someone distributing heroin in Ocean County. Police were granted search warrants for his home a…
Toms River Man Convicted Of Threatening To Kill Man, Possessing Fentanyl Toms River Man Convicted Of Threatening To Kill Man, Possessing Fentanyl
Toms River Man Convicted Of Threatening To Kill Man, Possessing Fentanyl A Toms River man has been convicted about a year and a half after he punched another man and pulled a gun on him, authorities said. A jury found 37-year-old Raphael Powell guilty of seven charges on Wednesday, Jan. 10, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer announced. Powell was accused in an incident in Toms River on Saturday, July 2, 2022. Toms River township police responded to a man who was assaulted while entering a home on Rory Road at around 11 p.m. The victim told officers that another man approached him and asked what he was doing in the area. Investigators said Powell punched …
Barnegat Parents Tried To Get Son Psychiatric Help Right Before He Killed Them, Police Say Barnegat Parents Tried To Get Son Psychiatric Help Right Before He Killed Them, Police Say
Barnegat Parents Tried To Get Son Psychiatric Help Right Before He Killed Them, Police Say On Wednesday, Nov. 1, Cheryl Mulgrew called police seeking a psychiatric evaluation for her 34-year-old son, Michael Mulgrew, who had been experiencing a mental health problem, police documents say. But Michael Mulgrew came home later that night seeming calm, and so Cheryl, 69, told police not to bother, and she'd take him to the doctors in the morning, the affidavit says. Around 11 a.m. the following day, one of Mulgrew's parents called police again seeking a psychiatric evaluation, according to police papers. There, they found Cheryl and her husband, Michael's 71-year-old dad, Eugene…
67-Year-Old Lakewood Man Killed By Natural Gas Explosion: Prosecutor 67-Year-Old Lakewood Man Killed By Natural Gas Explosion: Prosecutor
67-Year-Old Lakewood Man Killed By Natural Gas Explosion: Prosecutor A 67-year-old Lakewood man was killed by an explosion caused by natural gas hitting an open flame, authorities said. On Wednesday, Noc. 1,  at approximately 4:15 p.m., Lakewood Township police were summoned to the Lakewood Housing Authority on Sampson Avenue for a report of an explosion that developed into a structure fire.  Police found a male victim, later identified as Ronald Prichard, the sole occupant of the housing unit, to be suffering from serious injuries. Prichard was transported to Monmouth Medical Center, Southern Campus, in Lakewood, where he later…
Suspect Arrested In Double-Homicide In Barnegat: Prosecutor Suspect Arrested In Double-Homicide In Barnegat: Prosecutor
Suspect Arrested In Double-Homicide In Barnegat: Prosecutor A suspect has been arrested in a double homicide that placed Barnegat Township schools on lockdown Thursday, Nov. 2, authorities said. UPDATE: Michael Mulgrew, 34, has been charged with two counts of murder in the fatal stabbings of both of his parents. The incident placed nearby schools on lockdown. Schools were placed on a precautionary shelter in place due to a subject search being conducted in the area, local police said.  The subject was eventually located following police activity at Lincoln Avenue and Bengal Boulevard, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer and …
Jersey Shore Man Charged With Bias Intimidation After Puncturing Tires At 7-Eleven: Prosecutor Jersey Shore Man Charged With Bias Intimidation After Puncturing Tires At 7-Eleven: Prosecutor
Jersey Shore Man Charged With Bias Intimidation After Puncturing Tires At 7-Eleven: Prosecutor A 33-year-old Brick Township man has been charged with bias intimidation after an incident at a 7-Eeven store, authorities said. Ryan McDonald also was charged with criminal mischief and weapons offenses on Tuesday, Oct. 24, according to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer. At approximately 2 p.m. Tuesday, Officers from the Brick Township Police Department were summoned to the 7-Eleven store on Mantoloking Road for a report of criminal mischief.  An investigation by responding Officers determined that a male suspect became agitated with other customers in …
DRUG BUST: 1,500 Pounds Of THC, 607K Seized From Jersey Shore Man, Mom Helped, Prosecutor Says DRUG BUST: 1,500 Pounds Of THC, 607K Seized From Jersey Shore Man, Mom Helped, Prosecutor Says
Drug Bust: 1,500 Pounds Of THC, 607K Seized From Jersey Shore Man, Mom Helped, Prosecutor Says A man was arrested in connection with illegally selling marijuana and THC-related products in Ocean County — and he had help from his mom, authorities said. Approximately 70 pounds of marijuana, 1,500 pounds of THC-related products, a 9 mm handgun, and approximately $390,000 in cash, were seized from Scott Carlino, 52, of Toms River, according to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer. Ellen Carlino, his 74-year-old mother, was charged with Conspiracy to Commit Financial Facilitation, Billhimer said. The pair had been using a Toms River business, “EarthE CBD,” as …
Bomb Threats Prompt Evacuation Of Seaside Heights Boardwalk: Prosecutor Bomb Threats Prompt Evacuation Of Seaside Heights Boardwalk: Prosecutor
Bomb Threats Prompt Evacuation Of Seaside Heights Boardwalk: Prosecutor Bogus bomb threats aimed at Seaside Heights businesses were swatting incidents, authorities said. At approximately 8:50 a.m., on Monday, Sept. 11, the Seaside Heights Police Department received four phone calls indicating that two bombs were hidden at businesses on the Seaside Heights boardwalk, according to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer. Additionally, the callers indicated that they had operatives armed with guns on the Seaside Heights boardwalk, he said. The Seaside Heights boardwalk was temporarily evacuated as law enforcement assessed the credibility …
Arsonist Left Trail Of Blood After Breaking Into Dad's Toms River Home: Prosecutor Arsonist Left Trail Of Blood After Breaking Into Dad's Toms River Home: Prosecutor
Arsonist Left Trail Of Blood After Breaking Into Dad's Toms River Home: Prosecutor A 45-year-old Ocean County man has been charged with breaking into his father's house, stealing a laptop and setting a fire inside the home, authorities said. John Voltolino, Jr., of Toms River, was charged with aggravated arson, burglary, theft, and criminal mischief, in connection with the incidents that occurred on Monday, Sept. 4, according to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer. Officers from the Toms River Township Police Department responded to a residence on Sun Valley Road for a report of a burglary. The homeowner reported that his son broke into the re…
Jersey Shore Man Charged In Fatal 86 MPH DWI Crash: Prosecutor Jersey Shore Man Charged In Fatal 86 MPH DWI Crash: Prosecutor
Jersey Shore Man Charged In Fatal 86 MPH DWI Crash: Prosecutor A 41-year-old man from the Jersey Shore has been charged with vehicular manslaughter in connection with a fatal high-speed crash in May, authorities said. John Zinkoski, 41, of Beachwood, surrendered himself to the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday, Aug. 22, according to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer. The charges are in connection with the alcohol-related crash that occurred in Plumsted Township which resulted in the death of Judi Smith, 59, of Browns Mills, the prosecutor said. On May 12 at approximately 5:50 p.m., Plumsted Township police re…
Pair Found Guilty In Toms River Shooting Death: Prosecutor Pair Found Guilty In Toms River Shooting Death: Prosecutor
Pair Found Guilty In Toms River Shooting Death: Prosecutor Two men from Toms River have been found guilty in connection with the shooting death of another man, authorities said. Daivon Sullivan, 21, and Leyron Jones, 26, were found guilty of murder after a jury trial on Thursday, Aug. 17, in connection with the death of Javon Cutler, according to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer. A third defendant, Shadrach Correa, 21, previously pleaded guilty in the case. An investigation revealed that on Oct. 11, 2020, at approximately 8:15 p.m., Cutler, 19, of Bayville, and two friends were attempting to leave Toms Riv…
Jersey Shore Man Was Driving 86 MPH In Fatal DUI Crash: Prosecutor Jersey Shore Man Was Driving 86 MPH In Fatal DUI Crash: Prosecutor
Jersey Shore Man Was Driving 86 MPH In Fatal DUI Crash: Prosecutor A 41-year-old man from Beachwood has been charged with vehicular homicide in a fatal crash, authorities said. John Zinkoski, 41, of Beachwood, was charged  in connection with a motor vehicle crash that occurred in Plumsted Township in May resulting in the death of Judi Smith, 59, of Browns Mills, according to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer. On May 12, at approximately 5:50 p.m., Officers from the Plumsted Township Police Department responded to the area of Pinehurst Road and Long Swamp Road for a report of a serious motor vehicle crash. An investigati…
Motorist Charged As An Adult In Fatal Crash On Jersey Shore Is Actually A Juvenile: Prosecutor Motorist Charged As An Adult In Fatal Crash On Jersey Shore Is Actually A Juvenile: Prosecutor
Motorist Charged As An Adult In Fatal Crash On Jersey Shore Is Actually A Juvenile: Prosecutor The Toms River man previously charged in connection with a fatal crash that occurred in Manchester Township last week — and believed to be 22 years old — is actually a juvenile, authorities said. He gave false ID to police and has been additionally charged, according to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer. He is actually 17 years old, the prosecutor said. The juvenile has been charged with Vehicular Homicide, Strict Liability Vehicular Homicide, Knowingly Leaving the Scene of a Motor Vehicle Crash Resulting in Death, being an Unlicensed Driver Involved in a Moto…
Lakewood Man Charged With Dealing Cocaine, Heroin: Prosecutor Lakewood Man Charged With Dealing Cocaine, Heroin: Prosecutor
Lakewood Man Charged With Dealing Cocaine, Heroin: Prosecutor A 30-year-old man from Lakewood has been charged in connection with storing and selling cocaine and heroin/fentanyl in the Ocean County area, authorities said. Raheem Montgomery was charged with multiple drug and weapons offenses, according to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer. In a multi-jurisdiction investigation, Montgomery was placed under surveillance, the prosecutor said. On Aug. 3, detectives allegedly observed Montgomery exit a residence and travel to Point Pleasant; he stopped at a local gas station, where detectives approached and detained him without inciden…
Unlicensed Driver, 22, Charged In Fatal Hit-Run Crash With Motorcycle In Manchester: Prosecutor Unlicensed Driver, 22, Charged In Fatal Hit-Run Crash With Motorcycle In Manchester: Prosecutor
Unlicensed Driver, 22, Charged In Fatal Hit-Run Crash With Motorcycle In Manchester: Prosecutor A 22-year-old unlicensed driver has been charged in a hit-and-run crash that killed a motorcyclist, authorities said. Yasmin Sanchez-Centeno, of Toms River, was charged on Friday, Aug. 4 with vehicular homicide, strict liability vehicular homicide, and more, in the crash that killed 23-year-old Jeffrey Schlinger the day prior, according to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer. At 10 p.m., Manchester Township Police Department were called to the area of 1881 Route 37 for a report of a serious motor vehicle crash, where they found a 2007 Yamaha motorcycle and a 2005 Nis…
Fatal Ocean County Fire Was Sparked By 'Improperly Discarded Smoking Materials' Fatal Ocean County Fire Was Sparked By 'Improperly Discarded Smoking Materials'
Fatal Ocean County Fire Was Sparked By 'Improperly Discarded Smoking Materials' A deadly fire in Ocean County could've been avoided, authorities are saying. The 8:30 p.m. blaze on Monday, July 24 on Laketree Court was caused by "improperly discarded smoking materials," Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said. When firefighters arrived, parts of the first and second floors of the home had collapsed into the basement, and it was deemed unsafe to continue the fire investigation until daylight hours. The cause of the fire has been ruled accidental. During the investigation, the body of a male victim was found within the collapsed area of the structure.…
Lakewood Man Sentenced In Fatal Shooting: Prosecutor Lakewood Man Sentenced In Fatal Shooting: Prosecutor
Lakewood Man Sentenced In Fatal Shooting: Prosecutor A 26-year-old man from Lakewood has been sentenced to seven years in New Jersey State Prison in connection with a fatal shooting,  authorities said. Jahvontae Debose pleaded guilty to manslaughter in March, according to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer. Debose was convicted in the death of Dajour Randolph in Lakewood, Billhimer said. Debose also admitted to drug dealing and weapons offenses, he said. On February 21, 2021, at approximately 7:40 p.m., Lakewood police were summoned to Tudor Court in response to a 911 call regarding a man who had collapsed in th…
Lakewood Man Extradited To NJ In GF's Killing: Prosecutor Lakewood Man Extradited To NJ In GF's Killing: Prosecutor
Lakewood Man Extradited To NJ In GF's Killing: Prosecutor A Lakewood man has been extradited to New Jersey in the slaying of his girlfriend, authorities said. John Filistovich, 59, was transferred from Salisbury, Maryland, to Ocean County Jail in connection with the murder of Betty Perry, according to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer. On May 30, at approximately 12:15 p.m., Lakewood Township Police responded to a residence on Thornbury Court to conduct a welfare check on Perry, 60. Police found the deceased body of a female, later identified as Perry, on the floor of the bedroom. A 2015 Hyundai Elantra belonging to Per…
Woman Sentenced For Stealing $108K From Jersey Shore Marina: Prosecutor Woman Sentenced For Stealing $108K From Jersey Shore Marina: Prosecutor
Woman Sentenced For Stealing $108K From Jersey Shore Marina: Prosecutor A 52-year-old woman from Ocean County has been sentenced to three years in New Jersey State Prison in connection with more than $108,000 stolen from her employer — a marina, authorities said. Lisa Dowd of Barnegat was sentenced on Friday, June 2 as a result of her previously entered guilty plea to theft, according to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer. Dowd made restitution to the victim in the amount of $108,415, Billhimer said. An investigation by the Barnegat Township Police Department revealed that Dowd was an employee in the office of a marina in Barnegat Town…
Young Bicyclist Embedded In Windshield In Seaside Heights DUI Crash Faces Long Road To Recovery Young Bicyclist Embedded In Windshield In Seaside Heights DUI Crash Faces Long Road To Recovery
Young Bicyclist Embedded In Windshield In Seaside Heights DUI Crash Faces Long Road To Recovery The 10-year-old boy struck on his bike by a DUI driver Memorial Day Weekend at the Jersey Shore is seeing an overwhelming amount of community support. Jackson became embedded in the windshield as the driver, Giancarlos Fernandez, of Hasbrouck Heights, allegedly sped off and then tried to flee police by foot, authorities said. "Jack has a long road to recovery and I’d like everyone to share this story to help support this beautiful family on their healing journey," Jack's aunt, Erin Albertson of Ocean Gate, said on a GoFundMe page. Jack underwent reconstructive surgery to repair the missin…
Lakewood Man Who Killed GF Found On Maryland Roadside: Prosecutor Lakewood Man Who Killed GF Found On Maryland Roadside: Prosecutor
Lakewood Man Who Killed GF Found On Maryland Roadside: Prosecutor A 59-year-old Lakewood man has been charged with killing his live-in girlfriend before fleeing to Maryland, authorities said. John Filistovich was charged on Thursday, June 1 with murder in connection with the beating and suffocation of Betty Perry, 60, of Lakewood, they said. On Tuesday, May 30, at approximately 12:15 p.m., Lakewood Township Police responded to a residence on Thornbury Court to conduct a welfare check on Perry, according to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer. Police found the dead body of a woman, later identified as Perry, on the floor of the bed…
2.25 Kilos Cocaine, $545K Seized From Drug-Dealing Network On Jersey Shore: Prosecutor 2.25 Kilos Cocaine, $545K Seized From Drug-Dealing Network On Jersey Shore: Prosecutor
2.25 Kilos Cocaine, $545K Seized From Drug-Dealing Network On Jersey Shore: Prosecutor Five people have been arrested in connection with a major drug-dealing network on the Jersey Shore, authorities said. A multi-agency investigation identified a residence in South Toms River and a residence in Brick Township, as allegedly being utilized by Octavaeous Jenkins, 49, to store and distribute cocaine, according to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer. Additionally, the investigation allegedly identified a residence in Long Branch, as being utilized by Ralph Durand, 56, Krystal Villano, 36, Emily Durand, 53 and Jaiden Durand, 18, to store and distribute cocai…
Man Stole $211K From Friend In Investment Fraud Scheme: Prosecutor Man Stole $211K From Friend In Investment Fraud Scheme: Prosecutor
Man Stole $211K From Friend In Investment Fraud Scheme: Prosecutor A 70-year-old man from Ortley Beach has been sentenced to five years in New Jersey State Prison for an investment fraud scheme, authorities said. John Hammond reportedly stole more than $211,000 from a friend when he purported to invest the money, according to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer. Hammond previously pleaded guilty to theft by deception, the prosecutor said. Hammond will also be required to make restitution to the victim in the amount of $211,415.98. An investigation by the Toms River Township Police Department Detective Bureau revealed that between May 2…
SWAT Raid Finds Cocaine At NJ Man's Towing Business; Buddy Had Heroin: Prosecutor SWAT Raid Finds Cocaine At NJ Man's Towing Business; Buddy Had Heroin: Prosecutor
SWAT Raid Finds Cocaine At NJ Man's Towing Business; Buddy Had Heroin: Prosecutor A SWAT team's raid of a New Jersey tow truck business found its owner had been using his shop to sell cocaine, and his buddy was found with nearly 100 wax folds of heroin/fentanyl, authorities said. Leroy Hairston had been using his Toms River business “Leroy’s Tow Service" and his Manchester Township home to store and distribute cocaine, according to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer. Toms River Township Police Department Emergency Services Unit executed a court-authorized search warrant on the business in Toms River. As a result, Detectives seized approximately 1…
Toms River Woman Admits Fatally Stabbing Ex-Boyfriend: Prosecutor Toms River Woman Admits Fatally Stabbing Ex-Boyfriend: Prosecutor
Toms River Woman Admits Fatally Stabbing Ex-Boyfriend: Prosecutor A 36-year-old woman from Toms River has admitted to stabbing an ex-boyfriend to death authorities said. Samantha Massimino pleaded guilty to manslaughter on Monday, May 1, according to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer. On Oct. 24, 2020, at approximately 4 a.m., Toms River Township Police Officers responded to a local residence following a 911 call requesting assistance in reference to a male victim having been stabbed. Responding Officers found Reinaldo Feliciano, Jr., 35, with a stab wound to his leg. An investigation found that Massimino and Feliciano, who had …
Toms River Woman Indicted In Fatal Crash: Prosecutor Toms River Woman Indicted In Fatal Crash: Prosecutor
Toms River Woman Indicted In Fatal Crash: Prosecutor A 32-year-old woman from Toms River has been indicted in connection with a fatal crash that killed a 62-year-old man, authorities said. On April 6, 2023, Ashley Beams was indicted by a Grand Jury on vehicular homicide charges, they said. The Feb. 8, 2022, crash resulted in the death of James Cruz of the Parlin section of Old Bridge Township, according to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer. At approximately 10:30 p.m., Toms River police responded to Bay Avenue for a report of a motor vehicle crash. An investigation found that Beams failed to maintain …
Newark Man Admits Assaulting Ex-GF In Toms River Hotel: Prosecutor Newark Man Admits Assaulting Ex-GF In Toms River Hotel: Prosecutor
Newark Man Admits Assaulting Ex-GF In Toms River Hotel: Prosecutor A 29-year-old Newark man has admitted to assaulting an ex-girlfriend on the Jersey Shore, authorities said. Deshaun Porter, 29, of Newark, pleaded guilty to aggravated assault and weapons offenses on Tuesday, April 4, according to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer, On Nov. 6, 2020, at 9 a.m., Toms River police were called to an apartment on James Street for a report of a woman being held against her will by Porter, with whom she had been in a relationship, Billhimer said. Porter fled, he said. Police determined that Porter arrived at the apartment at app…
Jersey Shore Man Convicted Of Threatening Woman, Burying Gun Under Deck: Prosecutor Jersey Shore Man Convicted Of Threatening Woman, Burying Gun Under Deck: Prosecutor
Jersey Shore Man Convicted Of Threatening Woman, Burying Gun Under Deck: Prosecutor A 32-year-old man from Manchester has been convicted on a weapons offense in connection with threatening a woman with a gun, authorities said. Mark Britt was found guilty of possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose after a week-long trial, according to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer. The jury concluded beyond a reasonable doubt that Britt used a handgun to threaten a woman at a residence they shared in Manchester Township, the prosecutor said. The jury also found Britt guilty of harassment. Britt is scheduled to be sentenced on May 19. On July 23, 2019, at app…
Fatal Manchester House Fire Ruled Accidental Fatal Manchester House Fire Ruled Accidental
Fatal Manchester House Fire Ruled Accidental A fire that killed one person and critically injured another in Manchester has been ruled accidental, authorities said. A "smoking material" had been thrown into the trash on a patio and set the dwelling on fire, according to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer. The fire destroyed part of a multi-family home on Sunday, March 19.  The names of the victims have not been released. One remained in critical condition on Tuesday, March 21. The decedent’s body was taken to Community Medical Center for a post-mortem examination and identification. The fire broke out at 6:51 p.…