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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…
Elizabeth Driver Charged In Central Jersey Crash That Killed Passenger Elizabeth Driver Charged In Central Jersey Crash That Killed Passenger
Elizabeth Driver Charged In Central Jersey Crash That Killed Passenger A 26-year-old driver from Union County has been charged with vehicular homicide in a Sayreville crash that killed one of his passengers, authorities said. Brandon Witkowski, of Elizabeth, was charged Thursday, April 18, in the Route 35 crash that killed Zion Jackson, 24, of Keansburg, last fall, according to Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone. On Oct. 28, 2023, at 5 a.m., authorities responded to Route 35 South in the vicinity of Fred’s Bait and Tackle Shop, following the report of a fatal crash. Police found a 2009 Acura TL that had rolled over onto two parked vehic…
Camden County Man Convicted In Decade-Old Central Jersey Rape Case Camden County Man Convicted In Decade-Old Central Jersey Rape Case
Camden County Man Convicted In Decade-Old Central Jersey Rape Case A 40-year-old man from Camden County has been convicted for rape during a home invasion break-in nearly 10 years ago, authorities said. Danny McEaddy, of Sicklerville, was found guilty by a jury on Thursday, April 18, according to Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone. On Sept. 21, 2014, a female reported being sexually assaulted by an unknown male who had unlawfully forced his way into her apartment in the Keasbey section of Woodbridge Township.  Based on the DNA analysis of biological samples found at the crime scene, McEaddy was identified as the man who s…
Sayreville Dad Accused Of Killing 9-Year-Old Son Dies: Prosecutor Sayreville Dad Accused Of Killing 9-Year-Old Son Dies: Prosecutor
Sayreville Dad Accused Of Killing 9-Year-Old Son Dies: Prosecutor The 43-year-old Sayreville man accused of killing his 9-year-old has died, authorities announced. Manuel Rivera had been charged with arson and murder for killing his 9-year-old son, Christian, near Sayreville High School on March 28. ALSO SEE: Body Of 'Superstar' NJ 9-Year-Old Believed Killed By Dad Not Yet Released Rivera died on Wednesday, April 17 at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, according to the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office. He had suffered from self-inflicted stab wounds and burns and remained in critical condition until his death, the prosecutor said. R…
3 'Young Adults' Killed In Fiery Route 1 Crash In South Brunswick 3 'Young Adults' Killed In Fiery Route 1 Crash In South Brunswick
3 'Young Adults' Killed In Fiery Route 1 Crash In South Brunswick Three people were killed in a fiery crash on Route 1 in South Brunswick on Friday, April 12, authorities said. The crash occurred at about 9:40 a.m. near Ridge Road, according to Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and South Brunswick Police Chief Raymond Hayducka. "This is a tragic day, as three young adults have lost their lives in this horrific crash," Hayducka said. "To the parents, family, and friends our hearts go out to you. Please keep everyone involved in your thoughts and prayers tonight."  Police found a tractor-trailer had struck a van in the intersection.&nbs…
South Amboy Woman Charged In Fatal Stabbing Of Ex-Boyfriend: Prosecutor South Amboy Woman Charged In Fatal Stabbing Of Ex-Boyfriend: Prosecutor
South Amboy Woman Charged In Fatal Stabbing Of Ex-Boyfriend: Prosecutor A 41-year-old woman from South Amboy has been charged with first-degree murder in the fatal stabbing of an ex-boyfriend, authorities said. Anneris Deleon also has been charged with weapons offenses in connection with the death of Anthony Patterson, 32, of Edison on Thursday, April 11, according to Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone. At approximately 1:10 a.m. Thursday, South Amboy Police received a 911 call from a resident on George Street. Police found Patterson with a stab wound and Deleon with blood on her, Ciccone said. Patterson succumbed to his injuries a…
Central Jersey Man Sentenced In Hit-Run Crash That Killed 14-Year-Old Bicyclist Central Jersey Man Sentenced In Hit-Run Crash That Killed 14-Year-Old Bicyclist
Central Jersey Man Sentenced In Hit-Run Crash That Killed 14-Year-Old Bicyclist A 64-year-old man from South River has been sentenced to 15 years in New Jersey State Prison for a hit-and-run crash that killed a teenage bicyclist, authorities said. Michael Arena was sentenced on Wednesday, April 10 for knowingly leaving the scene of a motor vehicle crash resulting in death and vehicular homicide, according to the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office. The victim was identified as Bryan Barbosa, 14, of South River.  Arena must serve 12 years and nine months of the sentence before becoming eligible for parole, the prosecutor said. On July 7, 2023, at 4:21 p.m., Sout…
'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.…
Central Jersey Man Arrested In Fatal Shooting: Prosecutor Central Jersey Man Arrested In Fatal Shooting: Prosecutor
Central Jersey Man Arrested In Fatal Shooting: Prosecutor A 22-year-old man from Carteret has been arrested in connection with a fatal shooting earlier this month, authorities said. Javon Robinson was charged on Thursday, April 4 with first-degree murder and weapons offenses, according to Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone. On March 12, at approximately 10 p.m., authorities responded to Roosevelt Avenue for a report of a shooting. Police found one male victim, who sustained gunshot wounds and was transported to Raritan Bay Medical Center for treatment.  Evan Blozen, 23, of Carteret, succumbed to his injuries and …
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…
Grand Jury Finds Police Shooting In Woodbridge Was Justified Grand Jury Finds Police Shooting In Woodbridge Was Justified
Grand Jury Finds Police Shooting In Woodbridge Was Justified A Middlesex County grand jury has voted not to file any criminal charges against two Woodbridge police officers in a non-fatal police-involved shooting last summer. Juan Martinez, 40, of Newark, suffered non-life-threatening wounds in the shooting in June 2023. Here is a synopsis of the confrontation provided by the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office: On June 27, 2023, Woodbridge police received a report that a Dodge Ram parked at the Sansone Auto Mall had “suffered an impact.”  In response, Woodbridge Police Officer Jean Rastegarpanah and Officer Vincent Pa…
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…
Carteret Man Killed In Targeted Shooting: Prosecutor Carteret Man Killed In Targeted Shooting: Prosecutor
Carteret Man Killed In Targeted Shooting: Prosecutor A 23-year-old man from Carteret was killed in a targeted shooting, authorities said. Evan Blozen died as a result of the shooting, according to Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Carteret Police Chief Dennis McFadden. On Tuesday, March 12, at approximately 10 p.m., police responded to Roosevelt Avenue. They found a man suffering from gunshot wounds. Blozen was taken to Raritan Bay Medical Center for treatment where he was pronounced dead after succumbing to his injuries, they said. Initial investigation has revealed that this does not appear to be a r…
Man Killed, Another Critical After New Brunswick Shooting Man Killed, Another Critical After New Brunswick Shooting
Man Killed, Another Critical After New Brunswick Shooting A 23-year-old New Brunswick man was killed and a second man is in critical condition after a targeted shooting, authorities said. Numi Simmons died in the attack, according to Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and New Brunswick Police Chief Vincent Sabo. On Tuesday, March 12, at approximately 9 p.m., police responded to Throop Avenue and Delavan Street for the shooting. Police found two victims, both sustaining gunshot wounds, who were taken to Robert Wood Johnson Hospital for treatment, they said. Simmons succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead. Th…
Pit Bull That Mauled 3-Month-Old Boy Euthanized: Prosecutor Pit Bull That Mauled 3-Month-Old Boy Euthanized: Prosecutor
Pit Bull That Mauled 3-Month-Old Boy Euthanized: Prosecutor A pit bull that mauled a 3-month-old boy on Saturday, March 9 in Woodbridge has been euthanized by a veterinarian, authorities said.  The parents of the infant who was attacked and killed, meanwhile, were released from an area hospital later Saturday, the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office said on Monday, March 11. The attack took place at about 6:15 a.m. at a home on Mereline Avenue in the Avenel section of town.  The investigation remains ongoing. There have been no charges filed, a spokeswoman for the prosecutor said on Monday.
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 …
Police ID Pickup Driver Killed In Route 1 New Brunswick Crash (UPDATE) Police ID Pickup Driver Killed In Route 1 New Brunswick Crash (UPDATE)
Police ID Pickup Driver Killed In Route 1 New Brunswick Crash (Update) Police have identified the driver killed in a Route 1 in New Brunswick early Wednesday, March .6 Dennis Frick, 65, of Freehold, was in a Ford pickup truck when he was struck by an Infiniti around 7:45 a.m. near the Morris Goodkind Bridge, according to Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and New Brunswick Police Chief Vincent Frick was pronounced at the scene. The investigation is active and continuing. Anyone with information is asked to call Officer Henry Gliottone of the New Brunswick Police Department at 732-745-5005 or Detective Jim Alleva of the Middle…
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…
Central Jersey Man Sentenced For Multiple Sexual Assaults On Daycare Children: Prosecutor Central Jersey Man Sentenced For Multiple Sexual Assaults On Daycare Children: Prosecutor
Central Jersey Man Sentenced For Multiple Sexual Assaults On Daycare Children: Prosecutor A 23-year-old man from Central Jersey, a former daycare aide, has been sentenced to 40 years in New Jersey State Prison for sexually assaulting multiple children, authorities said. Kyle Finn, 23, of Sayreville, was sentenced on Friday, March 1 for aggravated sexual assault and sexual assault at Superhero Schoolhouse, according to Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone alongside Sayreville Police Chief Daniel Plumacker. On Oct. 13, 2020, Sayreville police received a report of a sexual assault that occurred at Superhero Schoolhouse, a daycare in the Parlin section&nbs…
Man Stabbed Woman With Scissors, Shot By Police In Central Jersey: Prosecutor Man Stabbed Woman With Scissors, Shot By Police In Central Jersey: Prosecutor
Man Stabbed Woman With Scissors, Shot By Police In Central Jersey: Prosecutor A 42-year-old Central Jersey man has been arrested for stabbing a woman with scissors at a hotel, authorities said. Old Bridge police shot the suspect after the stabbing incident at the Hampton Inn at about 3 a.m. on Sunday, March 3, authorities said. Christopher Serrano, 42, of Manalapan, is accused of stabbing a 55-year-old woman at the hotel at 300 Spring Valley Road, according to Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone. Serrano is currently at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital being treated for his injuries, Ciccone said on Monday, March 4. The female victim was taken t…
Police Shoot Stabbing Suspect At Hampton Inn In Central Jersey: Prosecutor Police Shoot Stabbing Suspect At Hampton Inn In Central Jersey: Prosecutor
Police Shoot Stabbing Suspect At Hampton Inn In Central Jersey: Prosecutor Police shot a stabbing suspect at the Hampton Inn in Old Bridge, authorities said. ALSO SEE: Man charged in stabbing with scissors. The shooting took place at about 3 a.m. on Sunday, March, 3 at 300 Spring Valley Road, according to Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone. Initial investigation revealed that members of the Old Bridge Police Department were called on a report of a disturbance, Ciccone said. Police found a man stabbing a woman, Ciccone said. "In response, officers shot at and struck the individual," she said. He name had not been released.  He…
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 …
Police ID 3 People Killed In Collision With School Bus In Central Jersey Police ID 3 People Killed In Collision With School Bus In Central Jersey
Police ID 3 People Killed In Collision With School Bus In Central Jersey Authorities have identified the three people killed when their Toyota Camry collided with a school bus in South Brunswick, authorities said. Ellen Brotman, 86, Alba Olivencia, 87, and Wilson Olivencia, 90, all of Monroe Township. were pronounced dead at the scene of the crash on Route 130 at 5:25 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 31, they said. The bus driver suffered minor injuries in the crash, police said. The two students on the bus, ages 17 and 15, were not injured, police said. An investigation led by Patrolman First Class Jesse Blake of the South Brunswick Police Department and Det…
Teen Charged With Murder In Hit-Run Crash That Killed Wawa Worker In Central Jersey: Prosecutor Teen Charged With Murder In Hit-Run Crash That Killed Wawa Worker In Central Jersey: Prosecutor
Teen Charged With Murder In Hit-Run Crash That Killed Wawa Worker In Central Jersey: Prosecutor A 17-year-old boy from Old Bridge has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with a hit-and-run crash that followed a fight with a Wawa worker, authorities said. The crash occurred on Dec. 4, 2023, and the victim died of his injuries on Jan. 23, according to Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Old Bridge Acting Police Chief, Donald F. Fritz, Jr. The teenager's name has not been released. On Dec. 4, 2023, at approximately 7:40 a.m., Old Bridge Police responded to the Wawa on Route 34 in Old Bridge for a report of a pedestrian struck. Police found And…
Edison Bus Driver Left Disabled Woman Overnight In Van: Prosecutor Edison Bus Driver Left Disabled Woman Overnight In Van: Prosecutor
Edison Bus Driver Left Disabled Woman Overnight In Van: Prosecutor A 53-year-old bus driver from Edison has been charged with neglect after authorities said she left a disabled woman in a van overnight. Winnie Raini has been suspended from her job with Inspiring NJ Transportation LLC following the incident on Jan. 2, Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Edison Poilce Chief Thomas Bryan said. An investigation by detective Daniela Castro of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office and Edison police detective Christian Paone found Raini, a private transportation driver, left the woman with a developmental disability in the van, Ciccone and Bry…
Man Shot, Killed In Central Jersey: Prosecutor Man Shot, Killed In Central Jersey: Prosecutor
Man Shot, Killed In Central Jersey: Prosecutor A 25-year-old man from Piscataway was fatally shot, authorities said. Isaiah Benbow was killed in Piscataway on Tuesday, Dec. 19, according to Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Deputy Chief Michelle Pilch of the Piscataway Police Department. At approximately 11:30 p.m. Tuesday, police responded to Rock Avenue and West 4th Street for a shooting. Police found Benbow, who was taken to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital where he was later pronounced dead. Anyone with information or surveillance footage of the area is asked to call…
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…