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Ocean County, NJ

Jersey Shore Drug Dealer Captured After Attempted Scooter Escape, Prosecutors Say Jersey Shore Drug Dealer Captured After Attempted Scooter Escape, Prosecutors Say
Jersey Shore Drug Dealer Captured After Attempted Scooter Escape, Prosecutors Say A Berkeley Township man was arrested after trying to flee on a motor scooter during a month-long drug investigation, authorities said. William Manser, 44, was taken into custody, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release on Friday, Nov. 22. Berkeley police and detectives with the county prosecutor's office identified Manser as someone using a home in the township to store and sell drugs. Officers set up surveillance around the residence on Wednesday, Nov. 20. Detectives saw Manser leaving the home and approached him but he tried to escape on the scooter.&nbs…
Jersey Shore Man Confesses To Illegally Having Loaded Gun During Traffic Stop, Prosecutors Say Jersey Shore Man Confesses To Illegally Having Loaded Gun During Traffic Stop, Prosecutors Say
Jersey Shore Man Confesses To Illegally Having Loaded Gun During Traffic Stop, Prosecutors Say A Berkeley Township man admitted to illegally having a gun during a traffic stop in Manchester Township, authorities said. Charles Coley, 39, pleaded guilty to certain person not to possess a firearm, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release on Wednesday, Nov. 20. He entered his guilty plea on Monday, Nov. 18. Manchester police said they pulled over Coley after he didn't stop for a traffic light on Route 70 near County Route 571 on Sunday, June 11, 2023. Officers saw the barrel of a loaded 9mm gun on the backseat floor of the Honda. Col…
Wildfire Near NJ Golf Course Fully Contained, Smoke Lingers After Days Of Tense Battles Wildfire Near NJ Golf Course Fully Contained, Smoke Lingers After Days Of Tense Battles
Wildfire Near NJ Golf Course Fully Contained, Smoke Lingers After Days Of Tense Battles A wildfire that sent heavy smoke into the sky over a Lakewood golf club has been tamed, officials said. The Lakewood Country Club wildfire was 100 percent contained by 9 a.m., the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said on Wednesday, Nov. 20. The roughly 35-acre fire burned dangerously close to the golf course and Pine Park. What began as a fast-moving threat on Monday, Nov. 18 initially put six buildings on Seminole Drive at risk. Crews rushed to the blaze, preventing any building from being damaged and no evacuations were ordered. The wildfire forced Clearstream Road to close betwe…
NJ Performing Arts HS Teacher Confesses To Molesting Female Student, Prosecutors Say NJ Performing Arts HS Teacher Confesses To Molesting Female Student, Prosecutors Say
NJ Performing Arts HS Teacher Confesses To Molesting Female Student, Prosecutors Say A former teacher at an Ocean County performing arts academy admitted to molesting a female student, authorities said. Douglas Bollinger of Neptune City, pleaded guilty on Monday, Nov. 18, to endangering the welfare of a child, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release. Investigators said Bollinger, 57, engaged in "inappropriate sexual contact" with a student. The incidents happened in Point Pleasant Beach and Asbury Park between February and August 2019. Bollinger was a teacher at the Grunin Performing Arts Academy, part of Ocean County Vocational Tech…
South Jersey Woman Admits To Using Child For Psychedelic Mushroom Sales, Prosecutors Say South Jersey Woman Admits To Using Child For Psychedelic Mushroom Sales, Prosecutors Say
South Jersey Woman Admits To Using Child For Psychedelic Mushroom Sales, Prosecutors Say A Lacey Township woman admitted to using a child living in her home to sell psychedelic mushrooms, authorities said. Margaret Whalen, 60, entered a guilty plea on Monday, Nov. 18, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release. She pleaded guilty to possession of psilocin mushrooms with intent to distribute, employing a juvenile in a drug distribution scheme, and endangering the welfare of a child. The charges came from an investigation when Lacey Township police received a tip from the state Division of Child Protection and Permanency. Investigators said Wh…
UPDATE: Wildfire Near NJ Golf Course Half-Contained After Scorching 35 Acres UPDATE: Wildfire Near NJ Golf Course Half-Contained After Scorching 35 Acres
Update: Wildfire Near NJ Golf Course Half-Contained After Scorching 35 Acres Firefighters have contained about half of a wildfire in Lakewood, where flames have scorched dozens of acres, officials said. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service said the 35-acre wildfire was about 50 percent contained as of around 7:40 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 19. The fire was burning near Pine Park and the Lakewood Country Club. Clearstream Road remained closed between Brewers Bridge and Hope Chapel Road as crews continued their work. To combat the flames, crews have deployed fire engines, bulldozers, a helicopter, and ground teams to the site. Six buildings on Seminole Drive were …
Photos Show Firefighters Battling 40-Acre Burlington County Forest Fire (UPDATE) Photos Show Firefighters Battling 40-Acre Burlington County Forest Fire (UPDATE)
Photos Show Firefighters Battling 40-Acre Burlington County Forest Fire (Update) A 40-acre wildfire that threatened 20 homes in Burlington County has been fully contained, according to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service. WILDFIRE UPDATE: Big Rusty Wildfire - Hainesport, Burlington County At 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 20, the New Jersey... Posted by New Jersey Forest Fire Service on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 Crews achieved 100% containment of the Big Rusty Wildfire near Bancroft Lane and Cove Court at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 20, two days after flames erupted.  While no evacuations were required, residents are advised that smoke may linger in the…
Million-Dollar Powerball Ticket Sold At Jersey Shore Convenience Store Million-Dollar Powerball Ticket Sold At Jersey Shore Convenience Store
Million-Dollar Powerball Ticket Sold At Jersey Shore Convenience Store A Powerball ticket worth $1 million was purchased at an Ocean County convenience store, lottery officials said. The winner was sold at Quick Stop inside the 7-Eleven on West Bay Avenue in Barnegat, the New Jersey Lottery said in a news release. The ticket was in the Powerball drawing on Saturday, Nov. 9. The winning numbers were 11, 24, 50, 56, 66. The Powerball was 16. Two other tickets worth $50,000 were bought at a Stop & Shop in Franklin Park and a 7-Eleven in New Milford. No one took home either jackpot on November 9 or Monday, Nov. 11. The next Powerball drawing is on …
Illegal Shotgun Round Sparked 350-Acre Jackson Wildfire, Brick Man Charged: Officials Illegal Shotgun Round Sparked 350-Acre Jackson Wildfire, Brick Man Charged: Officials
Illegal Shotgun Round Sparked 350-Acre Jackson Wildfire, Brick Man Charged: Officials A massive wildfire that scorched 350 acres in Jackson Township was ignited by an illegal shotgun round that authorities said was fired by a 37-year-old Brick Township man. Authorities charged Richard Shashaty, 37, with arson after an investigation revealed that magnesium shards from a prohibited Dragon’s Breath 12-gauge shotgun round sparked the blaze on Nov. 6, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said. The fire, known as the Shotgun Wildfire, erupted shortly after noon on November 6 near the Central Jersey Rifle Range on Stump Tavern Road. Investigators determined that the incendi…
Weapon-Dealing Duo Found With Illegal Guns At Jersey Shore Motel, Police Say Weapon-Dealing Duo Found With Illegal Guns At Jersey Shore Motel, Police Say
Weapon-Dealing Duo Found With Illegal Guns At Jersey Shore Motel, Police Say A man and woman from Ocean County were accused of illegally selling guns, authorities said. George Garulle of Beachwood and Dana Restiano of Whiting were arrested on Monday, Nov. 4, the Stafford Township Police Department said in a news release. Investigators executed two search warrants at the Howard Johnson motel in Toms River and a home on Neptune Avenue in Beachwood. Garulle and Restaino were found with several illegal guns, including defaced guns, ghost guns, rifles, and shotguns. Police also discovered the two had high-capacity magazines, an undisclosed amount of …
Charges Upgraded For Driver 2X Legal Limit After Death Of Jersey Shore Restaurateur: Prosecutor Charges Upgraded For Driver 2X Legal Limit After Death Of Jersey Shore Restaurateur: Prosecutor
Charges Upgraded For Driver 2X Legal Limit After Death Of Jersey Shore Restaurateur: Prosecutor A Seaside Park woman's charges were upgraded when a restaurant owner and well-known fly fisherman died more than a month after a hit-and-run crash. Genell Mcinaw, 50, surrendered to Seaside Heights police on Tuesday, Nov. 5, Ocean County First Assistant Prosecutor Michael Nolan Jr. said in a news release. She was previously charged in the crash that killed Robert Popovics of Seaside Park. Seaside Heights police responded to a report of a man lying in the road near the intersection of Dupont Avenue and the Boulevard at around 9:30 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 23. Officers found Popovics u…
Last Look At New Jersey's 12 Congressional Races: Your Guide To The 2024 Election Last Look At New Jersey's 12 Congressional Races: Your Guide To The 2024 Election
Last Look At New Jersey's 12 Congressional Races: Your Guide To The 2024 Election More than 1.9 million people have already cast their vote in New Jersey ahead of the 2024 election. Here's one last look at who's on the ballot in the Garden State's 12 Congressional races, and what you need to know. District 1: All of Camden County, as well as parts of Burlington County and Gloucester County. Teddy Liddell and Donald Norcross. Teddy Liddell for Congress/Donald Norcross Facebook photos Democratic candidate Incumbent Rep. Donald Norcross: A father of three and electrician, Norcross was elected in 2014 having previously served in both the State Senate and Assembly. …
Mays Landing Woman Stole $175K+ From Senior Community, Forged Doctor's Letter: Prosecutors Mays Landing Woman Stole $175K+ From Senior Community, Forged Doctor's Letter: Prosecutors
Mays Landing Woman Stole $175K+ From Senior Community, Forged Doctor's Letter: Prosecutors A Mays Landing woman was accused of stealing more than $175,000 from an Ocean County senior community and lying about her child's cancer treatment to delay court proceedings, authorities said. Alicia Campbell, 37, was given five additional charges on Tuesday, Oct. 29, Ocean County First Assistant Prosecutor Michael Nolan Jr. said in a news release. She was originally charged with theft, financial facilitation, and forgery. Campbell was the former lifestyle director at Greenbriar Oceanaire Community & Golf Course in Waretown. She was responsible for booking enter…
Jersey Shore Man Admits To Selling Borrowed Vehicle To Someone In Georgia, Prosecutors Say Jersey Shore Man Admits To Selling Borrowed Vehicle To Someone In Georgia, Prosecutors Say
Jersey Shore Man Admits To Selling Borrowed Vehicle To Someone In Georgia, Prosecutors Say A Wall Township man admitted to stealing a vehicle he borrowed and selling it in Georgia, authorities said. Jaquel Accoo, 29, pleaded guilty on Monday, Oct. 28 to motor vehicle theft and witness tampering, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release. A man reported to Toms River police on Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, that his vehicle had been stolen. Investigators said Accoo borrowed the vehicle from the owner but instead of returning it, he sold it to someone in Georgia. Accoo was charged on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2023, a warrant was issued for his arrest, and his na…
Jersey Shore Ex-Con Who Sold Cocaine Sentenced, Prosecutors Say Jersey Shore Ex-Con Who Sold Cocaine Sentenced, Prosecutors Say
Jersey Shore Ex-Con Who Sold Cocaine Sentenced, Prosecutors Say A Barnegat man will spend up to a decade in prison for selling cocaine and having a gun, authorities said. Clifford Holland, 48, was sentenced on Friday, Oct. 25 to 10 years in prison, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release. He entered a guilty plea for two charges on Monday, Sept. 9. Police executed a search warrant at a home on Gunning River Road in Barnegat on Friday, Feb. 23. Detectives seized an undisclosed amount of cocaine and a .22-caliber revolver. Holland was taken into custody at the scene. He's been held in the Ocean County Jai…
Gruesome Indictment Details Killing, Dismemberment Of NJ Victim Gruesome Indictment Details Killing, Dismemberment Of NJ Victim
Gruesome Indictment Details Killing, Dismemberment Of NJ Victim Four people from Ocean County were indicted for dismembering the body of a Toms River killed in his home, authorities said. A grand jury indicted 29-year-old Elizabeth Mascarelli of Seaside Heights on Thursday, Oct. 24 for murder, conspiracy to commit murder, hindering apprehension, desecration of human remains, and eight weapons charges, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release. Danielle Bolstad, 42, of Barnegat; Jared Krysiak, 34, of Brick Township; and Jarred Palumbo, 36, of Manchester, were also indicted for hindering apprehension an…
Jersey Shore Man Caught Sending, Receiving Child Porn: Prosecutors Jersey Shore Man Caught Sending, Receiving Child Porn: Prosecutors
Jersey Shore Man Caught Sending, Receiving Child Porn: Prosecutors A Brick Township man was accused of downloading and sharing child pornography, authorities said. Dennis Hubert, 42, was charged with possession of child pornography, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release on Thursday, Oct. 24. The investigation started when the state police Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Investigators with the county prosecutor's office discovered an IP address associated with a Brick Township home was accessing child porn pictur…
Man Admits To Driving High On Meth, Injuring Four People In Toms River Crash: Prosecutors Man Admits To Driving High On Meth, Injuring Four People In Toms River Crash: Prosecutors
Man Admits To Driving High On Meth, Injuring Four People In Toms River Crash: Prosecutors A Jackson Township man admitted to driving a stolen pickup while high on methamphetamine in a crash that injured another man and three children, authorities said. Charles Sharkey Jr., 35, pleaded guilty on Monday, Oct. 21 to aggravated assault, driving while intoxicated, and certain person not to possess a firearm, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release.  Sharkey was charged in a crash on Thursday, Mar. 23, 2023. Toms River police responded to the wreck near the intersection of Route 70 and Massachusetts Avenue at around 4 p.m. Invest…
South Jersey Man Who Tried To Abduct Girl, Groped Woman Pleads Guilty: Prosecutors South Jersey Man Who Tried To Abduct Girl, Groped Woman Pleads Guilty: Prosecutors
South Jersey Man Who Tried To Abduct Girl, Groped Woman Pleads Guilty: Prosecutors A Farmingdale man admitted to 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, 36, pleaded guilty on Monday, Oct. 21 to attempted kidnapping, two counts of eluding, and criminal sexual contact, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release. Lakewood police responded to a report of an attempted kidnapping near Forest Park Circle at around 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Mar. 21. Officers learned that a man tried to force the girl into a "smaller model" white SUV. The …
CNAs Attack Patient At Jersey Shore Rehab Center: Prosecutor CNAs Attack Patient At Jersey Shore Rehab Center: Prosecutor
CNAs Attack Patient At Jersey Shore Rehab Center: Prosecutor A pair of certified nursing assistants are accused of beating a patient now listed in critical condition at the rehabilitation center they worked at, authorities in Ocean County said. Dhenmark Francisco, 28, of Toms River, and Jovi Esperanza, 31, of Beachwood, were each charged with aggravated assault in connection with the Sunday, Oct. 14 attack at Crystal Lake Rehabilitation Facility in Berkeley Township, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said. The Berkeley PD was contacted by officials at the Crystal Lake Rehabilitation Facility regarding a patient that had been assa…
Knife-Wielding Woman Steals Money, Cigarettes In Jersey Shore Crime Spree: Prosecutors Knife-Wielding Woman Steals Money, Cigarettes In Jersey Shore Crime Spree: Prosecutors
Knife-Wielding Woman Steals Money, Cigarettes In Jersey Shore Crime Spree: Prosecutors A Brick Township woman was accused of pulling a knife on a Berkeley Township store clerk and trying to break into another business, authorities said. Jessica Napolitano, 37, was arrested in Lakewood, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release on Wednesday, Oct. 16. Berkeley police responded to a robbery report at The Corner Store on Ocean Gate Drive at around 4:20 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 15.  Officers learned that a woman who pulled out a knife at the register demanded money and cigarettes. Store employees gave them to her before she le…
Former Jersey Shore Fire Dept. Treasurer Who Stole $100K+ Sentenced, Prosecutors Say Former Jersey Shore Fire Dept. Treasurer Who Stole $100K+ Sentenced, Prosecutors Say
Former Jersey Shore Fire Dept. Treasurer Who Stole $100K+ Sentenced, Prosecutors Say A Point Pleasant Beach man will spend several years in prison after stealing more than $100,000 from a volunteer fire department, authorities said. Salvatore Umek, 46, was sentenced on Friday, Oct. 11 to five years in state prison, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release. The former treasurer of Point Pleasant Beach Fire Company No. 2 pleaded guilty to theft on Monday, June 10. Investigators said Umek stole about $100,000 from the fire company's bank account to pay off personal credit card debt between February 2019 and November 2021. He als…
'A Significant Milestone': State-Of-The-Art Veterans Medical Clinic Opening In Toms River 'A Significant Milestone': State-Of-The-Art Veterans Medical Clinic Opening In Toms River
'A Significant Milestone': State-Of-The-Art Veterans Medical Clinic Opening In Toms River A new medical clinic is about to open for Ocean County veterans, officials said. The new Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Toms River will open on Tuesday, Oct. 22, the VA said in a news release on Thursday, Oct. 9. The center is located at 1051 Hooper Avenue. The state-of-the-art facility will replace the James J. Howard Veterans' Outpatient Clinic in Brick Township, which will close on Monday, Oct. 21. All appointments after that day will be transferred to the Toms River clinic and vets will get new appointment cards with updated information. Ocean …
12 Years After Sandy, Residents Returning To Rebuilt Jersey Shore Oceanfront Community 12 Years After Sandy, Residents Returning To Rebuilt Jersey Shore Oceanfront Community
12 Years After Sandy, Residents Returning To Rebuilt Jersey Shore Oceanfront Community Dale Parisi's third-generation cottage near the Mantoloking beachfront was destroyed by Hurricane Sandy in 2012. "It was a very sad day," he said. "We had no idea what the future held for any of us. While some people cashed in their chips, I believed that someday we were going to return and rebuild." Nearly a dozen years later, Parisi moved into his new three-bedroom duplex in the Osborn Dunes at South Mantoloking community. The neighborhood off Route 35 has reopened for some new and returning residents after suffering catastrophic damage from Sandy, developer Walte…
NJ Volunteer Fire Chief Sexually Assaulted Woman Sitting In Vehicle, Prosecutors Say NJ Volunteer Fire Chief Sexually Assaulted Woman Sitting In Vehicle, Prosecutors Say
NJ Volunteer Fire Chief Sexually Assaulted Woman Sitting In Vehicle, Prosecutors Say A volunteer fire chief in Manchester Township was accused of sexually assaulting a woman more than two years ago, authorities said. Michael Trimarchi, 55, of Manchester, was charged with sexual assault and criminal sexual contact, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release on Tuesday, Oct. 8. Trimarchi is the chief of the Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Company, according to a Facebook post on Saturday, Sept. 21. A woman told Manchester police on Friday, Sept. 6 that Trimarchi sexually assaulted her on Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2022. Investigators with …
Jersey Shore Man Admits To Recording Children's Sex Acts During Video Chats, Prosecutors Say Jersey Shore Man Admits To Recording Children's Sex Acts During Video Chats, Prosecutors Say
Jersey Shore Man Admits To Recording Children's Sex Acts During Video Chats, Prosecutors Say A Brick Township man admitted to recording children performing sexual acts for him in video chats, authorities said. Christopher Budelman, 37, pleaded guilty on Friday, Oct. 4 to two counts of sexual assault, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release on Tuesday, Oct. 8. Prosecutors said they're seeking seven years in state prison for Budelman, along with registering as a sex offender, a ban from contacting the victims, and lifetime parole supervision. The state police's Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force found a person was using the …
NJ Water Company Pauses Billing After Cyberattack NJ Water Company Pauses Billing After Cyberattack
NJ Water Company Pauses Billing After Cyberattack A water utility company based in Camden said it is pausing billing in the wake of a cyberattack on Thursday, Oct. 3. American Water serves 2.8 million people in the Garden State, providing water to municipalities in Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Gloucester, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth Ocean, Salem, Somerset, Union and Warren counties. "American Water learned of unauthorized activity in our computer networks and systems," the company said in a release. "This activity has since been determined to be the result of a cybersecurity incident. In an effort to protect our …
Toms River Arsonist Started Blaze That Injured Three Firefighters, Prosecutors Say Toms River Arsonist Started Blaze That Injured Three Firefighters, Prosecutors Say
Toms River Arsonist Started Blaze That Injured Three Firefighters, Prosecutors Say A Toms River man was accused of intentionally starting a fire in Brick Township, injuring three firefighters, authorities said. Charles Maulbeck, 51, was charged with aggravated arson, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release on Tuesday, Oct. 8. Brick Township police saw smoke and heavy fire at a home on Falkenberg Road on Friday, Sept. 13. Two firefighters were treated and released from a nearby hospital, while a third declined medical attention. Investigators said the fire started in the north side of the home's split basement by someone who used "a…
NJ Apartment Association Bookkeeper Who Stole $357K Learns Prison Sentence NJ Apartment Association Bookkeeper Who Stole $357K Learns Prison Sentence
NJ Apartment Association Bookkeeper Who Stole $357K Learns Prison Sentence A former bookkeeper for the New Jersey Apartment Association has been sentenced to prison and ordered to pay restitution for stealing $357,250 from the organization, authorities said. Karly Simon-Sapp, 50, of Plumsted Township, was sentenced by Superior Court Judge Kenneth T. Palmer to five years New Jersey State Prison and ordered to pay $357,520 in restitution, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said. She previously had pleaded guilty to theft. Between January 2016 and January 2022, Simon-Sapp, in her capacity as a bookkeeper for the New Jersey Apartment Association, forged the …
CAPTURED: Fugitive In 2010 Attempted Murder On Jersey Shore Arrested, Prosecutors Say CAPTURED: Fugitive In 2010 Attempted Murder On Jersey Shore Arrested, Prosecutors Say
Captured: Fugitive In 2010 Attempted Murder On Jersey Shore Arrested, Prosecutors Say A fugitive wanted for shooting a man in the face nearly 14 years ago in Brick Township has been captured, authorities said. Marciano Sanchez, 40, was arrested in New York City on Wednesday, Oct. 2, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release. Sanchez's last known address was in Queens. Sanchez was on New Jersey’s Most Wanted list after a shooting in Brick on Monday, Nov. 29, 2010. Police responded to a gunshot victim at the Community First Aid building on Mantoloking Road. Officers found a man who had been shot in the face. He was rushed to Jersey Shore Unive…
New Rankings Released: Two Jersey Shore High Schools Make U.S. Top 50 New Rankings Released: Two Jersey Shore High Schools Make U.S. Top 50
New Rankings Released: Two Jersey Shore High Schools Make U.S. Top 50 Three Jersey Shore public high schools were recognized among the 100 best in the U.S., according to an education data website. Niche has released its 2025 Best Public High Schools in America list. The website said its rankings are based on "rigorous analysis of key statistics," U.S. Department of Education data, and millions of reviews from students and parents. Five of the top 50 high schools in the U.S. were from New Jersey, including two on the Jersey Shore. Bergen County Academies in Hackensack was the top school in the Garden State and 20th nationally…