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Toms River, NJ

Toms River Man Who Had 1K+ Child Porn Pictures Facing More Charges: Prosecutors Toms River Man Who Had 1K+ Child Porn Pictures Facing More Charges: Prosecutors
Toms River Man Who Had 1K+ Child Porn Pictures Facing More Charges: Prosecutors A Toms River man is facing more charges after investigators claimed he used several apps to distribute child pornography, authorities said. Edward Lynch, 52, was charged on Sunday, Apr. 21 with distribution of child pornography and an additional count of possession of child pornography, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release. Lynch was previously charged with possession of child pornography about eight months earlier. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received tips about someone downloading pictures of child pornography on the in…
NJ Ex-Con Featured On 'America's Most Wanted' Sentenced For Deadly Stabbing NJ Ex-Con Featured On 'America's Most Wanted' Sentenced For Deadly Stabbing
NJ Ex-Con Featured On 'America's Most Wanted' Sentenced For Deadly Stabbing An Ocean County ex-convict and parolee once featured on the TV show "America's Most Wanted" will spend more than a decade in prison after admitting to his role in the stabbing death of another man, authorities said. Angelo Grenci, 47, of Berkeley Township, was sentenced on Friday, Apr. 19 to 20 years in state prison, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release. He pleaded guilty on Monday, Jan. 29 to aggravated manslaughter in the killing of 50-year-old Carlton Williams of Seaside Heights. Toms River and Berkeley Township police responded to RWJBarnabas C…
Motorcyclist Killed In NJ Crash With State Trooper Was 'Sublimely Talented' Guitarist Motorcyclist Killed In NJ Crash With State Trooper Was 'Sublimely Talented' Guitarist
Motorcyclist Killed In NJ Crash With State Trooper Was 'Sublimely Talented' Guitarist They called him Frankie Fender. Frank Lando, that is: The 65-year-old Toms River motorcyclist, guitarist, and father killed in an April 9 crash in Southampton with a New Jersey state trooper. On Friday, April 19, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin released Lando's identity, as well as that of the trooper involved: Anthony Fernandes. Fernandes was conducting routine patrol duties along Route 70 around 11:35 a.m. in Southampton that day, when his marked patrol car collided with Lando's motorcycle near Burrs Mill Road, Platkin said. Lando was taken to Virtua Mount Holly …
Where Is Central Jersey? Monmouth U. Poll Finds Answers To NJ's Tricky Regional Debate Where Is Central Jersey? Monmouth U. Poll Finds Answers To NJ's Tricky Regional Debate
Where Is Central Jersey? Monmouth U. Poll Finds Answers To NJ's Tricky Regional Debate Monmouth University pollsters have tried to answer a question that has been hard to solve for many in the Garden State: Where is Central Jersey exactly? The Monmouth University Polling Institute released a survey on Tuesday, Apr. 16 that asked New Jerseyans what region they live in and if they believe their region gets a fair share of state resources. The pollsters also asked people to pick their favorite convenience store. According to the poll, 41 percent of New Jerseyans said they live in North Jersey, 34 percent said they're in Central Jersey, and 23 percent said they're from South…
Toms River Toddler Injured By SUV After Running Into Road: Police Toms River Toddler Injured By SUV After Running Into Road: Police
Toms River Toddler Injured By SUV After Running Into Road: Police A Toms River toddler was injured when she ran into a road and was hit by an SUV, authorities said. Toms River police responded to a report of a pedestrian crash involving a toddler on Clayton Avenue at around 1:24 p.m. on Sunday, Apr. 14, a police department spokesperson said. The 15-month-old girl was in a home's front yard when her mother went inside for a moment and left the child with other family members. While the toddler was briefly unsupervised, she ran into Clayton Avenue. She was hit by a 2021 silver Chevrolet Equinox driven by an 86-year-old Toms River man who was traveling west.…
Man Accused Of Trying To Abduct Girl In South Jersey Crime Spree To Remain In Jail Man Accused Of Trying To Abduct Girl In South Jersey Crime Spree To Remain In Jail
Man Accused Of Trying To Abduct Girl In South Jersey Crime Spree To Remain In Jail A Monmouth County man will remain in jail after he was accused of trying to kidnap a teen girl and groping a woman in a Target parking lot during a two-county crime spree, authorities said. Quamel Benton, 35, of Farmingdale, was ordered by a judge on Wednesday, Apr. 10 to remain in Burlington County Jail through his trial, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release. He was charged in Ocean County with attempted kidnapping, luring, endangering the welfare of a child, criminal sexual contact, two counts of eluding, resisting arrest, and obstruction. L…
Teen Threatened Toms River Man With Gun, Fired Shot Into Home: Police Teen Threatened Toms River Man With Gun, Fired Shot Into Home: Police
Teen Threatened Toms River Man With Gun, Fired Shot Into Home: Police A Toms River teen was accused of threatening a man with a gun and firing a shot into his home, authorities said. Asheer Johnson, 18, was charged with attempted murder, unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for unlawful purposes, aggravated assault, and possession of hollow point bullets. The Toms River Police Department announced the charges in a news release. Officers responded to a report of a fight involving a gun at a home on Oxford Street at around 10:47 a.m. on Tuesday, Apr. 2. A man said that another man came to his home and pulled out a gun after banging …
Teen Who Drove Drunk In Deadly South Jersey Crash, Gave Police Fake ID Sentenced: Prosecutors Teen Who Drove Drunk In Deadly South Jersey Crash, Gave Police Fake ID Sentenced: Prosecutors
Teen Who Drove Drunk In Deadly South Jersey Crash, Gave Police Fake ID Sentenced: Prosecutors A Toms River teen was sentenced to nearly two years in juvenile custody after he drove drunk during a deadly crash and gave police a fake ID, authorities said. Yasmin Sanchez-Centeno, 18, was sentenced on Monday, Mar. 25 to 20 months of Juvenile Justice Commission custody because the crash happened when he was a minor. Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer announced the sentence in a news release on Wednesday, Mar. 27. Sanchez-Centeno previously pleaded guilty to knowingly leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death and strict liability vehicular homicide. He also received …
NJ Supermarket Celebrates Selling $1.13B Mega Millions Ticket: 'Thrilled For This Community' NJ Supermarket Celebrates Selling $1.13B Mega Millions Ticket: 'Thrilled For This Community'
NJ Supermarket Celebrates Selling $1.13B Mega Millions Ticket: 'Thrilled For This Community' A Jersey Shore supermarket celebrated selling the ticket that earned someone the largest lottery jackpot in the Garden State's history. The New Jersey Lottery said the winning Mega Millions ticket was purchased at ShopRite Wine & Spirits on Route 66 in Neptune. The jackpot reached $1.13 billion in the drawing on Tuesday, Mar. 26. The NJ Lottery held a news conference at the grocery store to formally announce the lucky ticket on Wednesday, Mar. 27. "I used to live in Neptune," said NJ Lottery executive director James Carey. "I live right down the street right now in Monmouth County…
Man Tried To Abduct Teen Girl, Groped Woman In South Jersey Crime Spree: Prosecutors Man Tried To Abduct Teen Girl, Groped Woman In South Jersey Crime Spree: Prosecutors
Man Tried To Abduct Teen Girl, Groped Woman In South Jersey Crime Spree: Prosecutors A Monmouth County man was accused of trying to kidnap a teen girl and groping a woman in a Target parking lot as part of a two-county crime spree, authorities said. Quamel Benton, 35, of Farmingdale, was arrested on Friday, Mar. 22, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release. He was charged with attempted kidnapping, luring, endangering the welfare of a child, criminal sexual contact, two counts of eluding, resisting arrest, and obstruction. Lakewood police responded to a report of an attempted kidnapping near Forest Park Circle at around 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Ma…
Two Single Mothers Lose Homes In Toms River Fire: Campaigns Two Single Mothers Lose Homes In Toms River Fire: Campaigns
Two Single Mothers Lose Homes In Toms River Fire: Campaigns Two single mothers in Toms River are looking for help after a multi-family home was destroyed by a fire, according to fundraising campaigns. A firefighter was taken to the hospital for evaluation after falling at the scene of a two-story house fire on Bergen Avenue at around 2:04 p.m. on Saturday, Mar. 9. The Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention said no one else was injured and two cats were found safe. Firefighters were able to quickly put out the flames and remained on the scene for about 90 minutes. The home was ruled as an unsafe structure by the township's building department…
Firefighter Injured, House Destroyed By Fire In Toms River Firefighter Injured, House Destroyed By Fire In Toms River
Firefighter Injured, House Destroyed By Fire In Toms River A firefighter was injured while battling a fire that destroyed a house in Toms River, emergency officials said. Crews responded to the fire at a home on Bergen Avenue at around 2:04 p.m. on Saturday, Mar. 9, the Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention said in a news release. The fire was on the second floor of the house. A firefighter suffered a minor injury when falling at the fire scene. The firefighter was brought to the hospital to be evaluated. Everyone inside the home got out of the building uninjured. The Red Cross said it was helping a family of three with housing and other immediate …
Toms River Dad Robert Catalfamo Dies Suddenly, 43 Toms River Dad Robert Catalfamo Dies Suddenly, 43
Toms River Dad Robert Catalfamo Dies Suddenly, 43 Robert Michael Catalfamo, of Toms River, died suddenly on Sunday, Feb. 25 at Community Medical Center, according to an obituary published by McCriskin-Gustafson Family of Funeral Homes and a GoFundMe campaign. He was 43 years old. Nearly $20,000 was raised for medical and funeral expenses by the GoFundMe page as of Thursday, March 7. Rob was a 1999 graduate of South Plainfield High School, his obituary said. Rob lived in Jersey City and later began a career in hospitality, and eventually to Albany, NY, where he worked for the New York Board of Health, according to his obit. Rob …
Fentanyl, Heroin, Ecstasy Seized In South Jersey Drug Bust, Four Arrested Fentanyl, Heroin, Ecstasy Seized In South Jersey Drug Bust, Four Arrested
Fentanyl, Heroin, Ecstasy Seized In South Jersey Drug Bust, Four Arrested Four people were accused of selling several drugs throughout Ocean County, including heroin and fentanyl, authorities said. The people arrested were 33-year-old Orthis Allen of Bayville, 33-year-old Ashley Banks of Brick, and two 23-year-olds from Toms River, Lauren Torres and Anthony Martinez. Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer announced the four arrests in a news release on Tuesday, Mar. 5. U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agents helped Ocean County investigators and local police in a two-month-long investigation into illegal drugs sold throughout Ocean County. The investi…
Harley Davidson Operator, 46, Killed In Parkway Crash Harley Davidson Operator, 46, Killed In Parkway Crash
Harley Davidson Operator, 46, Killed In Parkway Crash A Monmouth County man was killed after crashing his motorcycle on the Garden State Parkway, authorities said. State police said 46-year-old Tyrone Sapp of Neptune died in Toms River on Sunday, Mar. 3. Troopers responded to the crash on the northbound side of the parkway near milepost 83.6 at around 6:50 p.m. Investigators said Sapp went off the left side of the road, hit a guardrail, and flipped over his Harley-Davidson. He was killed when he was thrown off the motorcycle. Police also said the crash remained under investigation.
Sadness Spreads Following Death Of NJ Realtor Blake Pierce, 36 Sadness Spreads Following Death Of NJ Realtor Blake Pierce, 36
Sadness Spreads Following Death Of NJ Realtor Blake Pierce, 36 The death of Blake Pierce, a 36-year-old realtor, is breaking hearts across New Jersey. The Shrewsbury resident, formerly of Toms River, died on Feb. 18, 2024, his obituary on the Silverton Memorial Website says.  Blake had been working as the director of coaching for Re-Max First in East Brunswick, his obituary says. His profile shows he was a realtor at KW City Life Hoboken. His coworkers are deeply impacted by his loss. "I always thought I could learn from you a different day," one wrote on Instagram. "You would be there next week sharing your knowledge, insight and laughing …
Seen Him? Attempted Gas Station Robbery Suspect Wanted In Toms River Seen Him? Attempted Gas Station Robbery Suspect Wanted In Toms River
Seen Him? Attempted Gas Station Robbery Suspect Wanted In Toms River Toms River police are looking for a man who attacked a convenience store employee in an attempted robbery, authorities said. Officers were called to the Speedway gas station on Route 37 East at around 3:28 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 28, the Toms River Police Department said in a news release. The suspect wearing a ski mask went into the store, walked behind the counter, and tried to open a safe. Google Maps The man then fought with the employee and grabbed at his waist "as if he had a weapon." The employee tried to call 911 but was assaulted by the suspect. During the fight, the employee pa…
Woman Knocked Unconscious, Kidnapped Outside Toms River Grocery Store: Police Woman Knocked Unconscious, Kidnapped Outside Toms River Grocery Store: Police
Woman Knocked Unconscious, Kidnapped Outside Toms River Grocery Store: Police A man was accused of kidnapping a woman in the parking lot of a Toms River grocery store, authorities said. Luis Morenogutierrez was arrested on Sunday, Feb. 25, the Toms River Police Department said in a news release. No age or hometown was given for Morenogutierrez. Police responded to customers arguing in the parking lot of the Aldi on Route 70 at around 6:55 p.m. When officers arrived, they learned a woman had been kidnapped at knifepoint by a man. The man assaulted her and knocked her unconscious at a different location. She was brought to the hospital for her injuries. Englewood pol…
Jersey Shore Boardwalks Get $100M For 'Vital' Upgrades Jersey Shore Boardwalks Get $100M For 'Vital' Upgrades
Jersey Shore Boardwalks Get $100M For 'Vital' Upgrades Jersey Shore communities are getting $100 million in state grants to make crucial repairs to their boardwalk, officials said. The Boardwalk Preservation Fund money will go to 18 municipalities in Atlantic, Cape May, Middlesex, Monmouth, and Ocean counties, Gov. Phil Murphy announced on Friday, Feb. 23. The state Department of Community Affairs (NJDCA) will give out the funds to invest in "state-of-the-art materials that increase storm resiliency and ensure longer lasting infrastructure." In a news release, Gov. Murphy said the money will help coastal tourist destinations stay vibrant. …
Suspected Toms River Hookah Lounge Killer Will Stay In Jail For Trial: Prosecutors Suspected Toms River Hookah Lounge Killer Will Stay In Jail For Trial: Prosecutors
Suspected Toms River Hookah Lounge Killer Will Stay In Jail For Trial: Prosecutors The man accused of murder in a triple shooting at a Toms River hookah lounge will have to stay in jail through his trial. A judge ordered on Thursday, Feb. 22 that Eric Manzanares, 24, of Asbury Park, will remain detained in the Ocean County Jail pending his trial, county prosecutor Bradley Billhimer announced. He was charged with murder, attempted murder, aggravated assault, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and unlawful possession of a weapon. Manzanares has been held in the county jail since Wednesday, Jan. 24, when he was extradited to New Jersey from Virginia. H…
Jacket With Name, Phone Number Led Feds Right To Capitol Rioter From New Jersey: DOJ Jacket With Name, Phone Number Led Feds Right To Capitol Rioter From New Jersey: DOJ
Jacket With Name, Phone Number Led Feds Right To Capitol Rioter From New Jersey: DOJ A Toms River man wearing a jacket with his business's name and phone number on the front of it to the Jan. 6, 2021 U.S. Capitol insurrection has been arrested more than three years later. Robert Coppotelli was charged with four misdemeanor counts of illegally entering the Capitol and disrupting the joint session of Congress to count the electoral college votes in the 2020 Presidential election. The accusations against Coppotelli were outlined in a court document filed on Friday, Feb. 16. Prosecutors with the U.S. Department of Justice said an anonymous tip in July 2021 identified …
Former Toms River Track Star Diego Rodriguez Garibaldi Dies Following Crash, 19 Former Toms River Track Star Diego Rodriguez Garibaldi Dies Following Crash, 19
Former Toms River Track Star Diego Rodriguez Garibaldi Dies Following Crash, 19 Family and loved ones are mourning the death of a teen from Toms River. A GoFundMe page was created in the memory of Diego Rodriguez Garibaldi, who died on Friday, Jan. 26 at 19 years old, according to his obituary.  The memorial fundraiser was created after a car crash sent Rodriguez Garibaldi to the hospital. Details in the crash were not immediately available. The GoFundMe page raised more than $28,500 from at least 500 donations as of Thursday, Feb. 8. "Your overwhelming support has meant the world to his family during this challenging time," the fundraiser page said. "We are gra…
NJ Ex-Con Featured On 'America's Most Wanted' Pleads Guilty In Deadly Stabbing NJ Ex-Con Featured On 'America's Most Wanted' Pleads Guilty In Deadly Stabbing
NJ Ex-Con Featured On 'America's Most Wanted' Pleads Guilty In Deadly Stabbing An Ocean County ex-convict and parolee once featured on the TV show "America's Most Wanted" admitted to his role in the stabbing death of a Seaside Heights man, authorities said. Angelo Grenci, 47, of Berkeley Township, pleaded guilty on Monday, Jan. 29 to aggravated manslaughter, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer announced on Tuesday, Jan. 30. Grenci was charged in the killing of 50-year-old Carlton Williams. Prosecutors will pursue a prison sentence of 25 years for Grenci. He'd have to serve 85 percent of his term before being eligible for parole under the state's No Early Release…
Suspected Toms River Hookah Lounge Killer Extradited Months After Virginia Capture Suspected Toms River Hookah Lounge Killer Extradited Months After Virginia Capture
Suspected Toms River Hookah Lounge Killer Extradited Months After Virginia Capture Nearly nine months after his Virginia capture, a Monmouth County man will face charges in New Jersey, authorities announced. Asbury Park's Eric Manzanares, 24 — the accused gunman in a triple shooting that left one man dead and two others injured at a Toms River hookah lounge in 2022 — has been extradited from Prince William County, VA, to Ocean County, NJ, Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer announced on Thursday, Jan. 25.  Toms River police responded to a shooting at Top Tier Hookah Lounge on Hooper Avenue at around 1:20 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 27, 2022. Officers found three victim…
Bernardsville Biz Barred From Government Contracts Over Labor Violations: DOL Bernardsville Biz Barred From Government Contracts Over Labor Violations: DOL
Bernardsville Biz Barred From Government Contracts Over Labor Violations: DOL Nineteen businesses who owe a total of $1.1 million have been barred from public contracting until they pay back their dues, the New Jersey Department of Labor said. R.A. Florio Building Contractors Inc., of Toms River, for example, has been ordered to pay $39,555.57 to the state, according to the department of labor and workforce development. The final judgment was given on Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2020.  The contractor is one of 101 total businesses on New Jersey's Workplace Accountability in Labor List, also known as the WALL. According to the state, Florio Building Contractors violated …
'Always The Underdog:' Toms River Fighter Frankie Edgar Will Be Inducted Into UFC Hall Of Fame 'Always The Underdog:' Toms River Fighter Frankie Edgar Will Be Inducted Into UFC Hall Of Fame
'Always The Underdog:' Toms River Fighter Frankie Edgar Will Be Inducted Into UFC Hall Of Fame A Toms River mixed martial artist known for taking down more physically imposing fighters has reached the summit of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Frankie "The Answer" Edgar was named as the first UFC Hall of Fame inductee for 2024. The UFC announced his acceptance into MMA's most exclusive club during UFC 297 in Toronto on Saturday, Jan. 20. The UFC released a video tribute to Edgar's career when making the announcement. "Undersized, always the underdog, everyone could see themselves in Frankie," UFC commentator Din Thomas said in the video. "Frankie was really the first fighter to p…
New Forecast: Increased Snowfall Totals Expected, Arctic Temps To Follow Northeast Storm New Forecast: Increased Snowfall Totals Expected, Arctic Temps To Follow Northeast Storm
New Forecast: Increased Snowfall Totals Expected, Arctic Temps To Follow Northeast Storm Newly-released forecast maps show parts of the region could see up to six inches of snow in the end-of-week storm. Intermittent snow is expected to begin between 4 and 7 a.m. Friday, Jan. 19, with the heaviest amounts falling in the afternoon, the National Weather Service said. Snow will fall at about 0.5 inches per hour and will taper by the evening, with temps in the upper 20s and low 30s, the NWS said. SNOWFALL PREDICTIONS The areas expected to get 4 to 6 inches are Trenton, Long Branch, Allentown, and Philadelphia. Reading, Vineland, Parsippany and Toms River are expected to get 3 to …
'RIP To The Queen:' Condolences Pour In For Toms River Icon Sondra Fortunato, 'Miss Liberty' 'RIP To The Queen:' Condolences Pour In For Toms River Icon Sondra Fortunato, 'Miss Liberty'
'RIP To The Queen:' Condolences Pour In For Toms River Icon Sondra Fortunato, 'Miss Liberty' Sondra Fortunato, an iconic New Jersey entertainer and model known to many as "Miss Liberty USA," has died. Condolences were widely posted online on Thursday, Jan. 11 for the well-known local celebrity from Toms River, including the town's Republican party organization. "Dear sweet Sondra, I first met you when I was about 12 years old. I'm now 66. We girls would see you in Seaside buying the latest fashion's," one mourner wrote. "We were all fascinated by your stunning appearance. You truly were the first Barbie doll!  "As the years went by it was a delight to see you in Toms River wh…
CEO In Bergen Sold $35M Worth Of Banned Chinese Surveillance Cams To Police, Others In NJ: Feds CEO In Bergen Sold $35M Worth Of Banned Chinese Surveillance Cams To Police, Others In NJ: Feds
CEO In Bergen Sold $35M Worth Of Banned Chinese Surveillance Cams To Police, Others In NJ: Feds A Jersey Shore businessman conned state and local law enforcement agencies and others into buying nearly $35 million worth of surveillance cameras that were made in China and then illegally rebranded for sale by his Bergen County company, federal authorities charged. Tamer Zakhary, 49, of Toms River, modified license-plate readers and other cameras, then removed the original company’s logo, an FBI complaint says. He then told the police departments, prosecutor's offices and other buyers throughout the state that they were compliant with the National Defense Authorization Act, U.S. Atto…
Alex Moy Of Toms River Dies Suddenly, 55 Alex Moy Of Toms River Dies Suddenly, 55
Alex Moy Of Toms River Dies Suddenly, 55 A family is rallying for support after the sudden death of Toms River resident Alexander Moy. According to a GoFundMe page, 55-year-old Alexander "Alex" Moy died suddenly on Saturday, Dec. 30. As of Wednesday, Jan. 3, Moy's GoFundMe had raised at least $3,800 from 18 donations. The memorial fundraiser called Moy a great partner, brother, son, friend, and uncle. "He was always happy and lit the room with his contagious laugh," the GoFundMe page said. "He leaves a huge loss in our family and because of this sudden loss, we ask if you can find it in your heart to donate, so we can r…
Crews Hoist Vehicle That Veered Off Garden State Parkway Crews Hoist Vehicle That Veered Off Garden State Parkway
Crews Hoist Vehicle That Veered Off Garden State Parkway A vehicle that veered off of the Garden State Parkway in Toms River was hoisted back on the roadway on Wednesday, Jan. 3. The NJDOT says it happened north of the Toms River toll plaza just after 8:30 a.m.  A traffic camera showed a car lifted onto a tow truck bed near mile marker 85 about 90 minutes after the incident was first reported. All lanes remain open.